Markets & Policy

According to reports, it is likely that Chinese photovoltaic modules imported into Europe will have to register with European customs from this March, meaning the option to backdate any duties would exist. The aim is to stop importers bulk buying modules before any duties are applied.

Germany’s support program for photovoltaic battery storage systems is currently on hold, due to lost revenues from emissions trading. The framework for the program had already largely been agreed upon by the Federal Environment Ministry and KfW state bank.

The Spanish government has officially published its new photovoltaic decree, which revises feed-in tariffs (FITs) for plants installed between 2009 and 2011 downwards. The new rates are effective from January 1, 2013.

Romania is set to lower the number of green certificates issued to photovoltaic systems in 2014. It is still not clear, however, by how much they will be reduced. Meanwhile, newly installed photovoltaic capacity predictions for 2013 range from 500 to 800 MW.

Reports are mounting that CIGS startup Nanosolar is laying off staff as it struggles in the current market.

Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer ReneSola announced today that it has hit the milestone of 100 MW of modules shipped to the Greek market. The company partially attributes the achievement to its partnership with Greek distributor Big Solar.

Centrosolar has indicated that it will employ a series of measures to clearly reduce its debt burden of some €90 million. To this end, jobs will be cut and the company’s financing reorganized.

A US$65 million fund created to make solar arrays more affordable for Honda customers in the U.S. has been launched today. The fund is the result of a partnership between the carmaker and solar lease provider SolarCity.

Japanese thin film manufacturer Solar Frontier is capitalizing on the country’s solar boom and is focusing on becoming a downstream business leader and provider of “full turnkey solutions” in the country. The company has also begun to reduce the losses of the business unit of which it is a part.

Vodacom and Fenix International have launched the ReadySet mobile phone charging system in Tanzania. The portable phone charger is powered either by a solar panel or a bicycle dynamo.