Markets & Policy

U.S. Governor, Andrew Cuomo has announced the introduction of a new photovoltaic initiative in New York, which aims to significantly increase the amount of customer-sited solar power in the state over the next two years.

Amid the still challenging solar market conditions, Chinese photovoltaic module manufacturer, JinkoSolar saw some first quarter (Q1) 2012 financial improvement. However, it is still suffering massive losses, compared to Q1 2011. Meanwhile, the company missed its module shipment guidance.

The U.S. Government’s development finance institution, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has approved US$185 million worth of financing for two 20 MW solar plants in Peru.

In an exclusive interview, pioneering photovoltaic researcher, Martin Green has called for more efforts to be made in advocating photovoltaics in the wider community and within the power industry.

German utility giant RWE is now considering investments in solar energy and wants to completely move away from nuclear power. The new chief executive seeks to restructure the energy giant.

Germany’s centrotherm photovoltaics AG has appointed a new chief restructuring officer (CRO) to help implement its ct focus restructuring program. Meanwhile, the company founder has stepped down.

3.2 GW, or US$9.6 billion worth of new photovoltaic installations are expected to be added in Japan, following the country’s solar electricity price announcement on June 18.

Thin film manufacturer, NovaSolar has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to news reports.

Tier-two Chinese manufacturer Phono Solar said that the key to making an impact in the current challenging photovoltaic market is continue to develop diverse offerings targeting a number of market segments. Phono Solar’s Global Marketing Manager Eric Yuan spoke to pv magazine at the Intersolar Europe trade show.

According to Applied Materials’ fourth annual solar energy survey, while many consumers are said to be “optimistic” about the renewable energy, there is a lack of understanding regarding costs and adoption rates.