Markets & Policy

While photovoltaic manufacturers struggle through difficult market conditions, two new reports have shown that solar attracted twice as much investment as wind in 2011. The reports have also shown that total renewable-energy investments – excluding hydro-electric – accounted for 44 percent of all new generating capacity worldwide.

The second day of Intersolar Europe is at an end, and by all accounts the atmosphere was a positive one.While the exhibitor and visitor numbers may be down on previous years, there was nevertheless a lot of activity and many of the stands were well attended. pv magazine spoke to a number of players, which have interesting plans in the pipeline. Bifacial was a buzzword.

The second day of the Intersolar Conference closed yesterday with the CEO panel displaying remarkable optimism in the face of extremely challenging conditions for manufacturers. The CEOs of Canadian Solar and JA Solar were upbeat about predictions for installed capacity in 2012.

Following the news two days ago that potential investor talks had failed, Germany’s Solarwatt AG has officially filed for insolvency. The Dresden-based company is looking to reorganize itself through self-administration.

Bosch Solar Energy AG has announced it will open a new sales office in Turkey. The company said it will focus on planning and installing turnkey photovoltaic parks in the country.

According to the Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing (CASM), Chinese solar imports to the U.S. fell “sharply” in April, following the issuance of preliminary dumping tariffs from the Department of Commerce (DOC).

Trina Solar ranked first in the U.S.-based Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition’s (SVTC’s) latest solar scorecard. The Chinese photovoltaic module manufacturer ironically knocked SolarWorld off the top spot.

According to SEIA and GTM Research 506 MW of photovoltaics were installed in Q1 2012. This, they say, represents “more than any other first quarter on record.” Overall, it is predicted that 3.2 GW will be installed throughout the year. There are concerns for 2013, however.

Three photovoltaic industry executives have been chosen to lead a new U.S. CIGS PV Roadmap. The aim is to create a national plan for the CIGS industry in order to boost its competitiveness.

With mixed feelings and under darkened skies, Intersolar Europe started today in Munich. For the first time the number of exhibitors fell by 16 percent, compared to the previous year. In terms of visitor numbers, Solar Promotion’s Markus Elsässer said he also expects a slight decline.