Markets & Policy

Touted as the world’s most expensive publicly funded solar energy program, India’s much hyped Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) has hit its first roadblock. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) alleges that the Lanco Group has flouted the program’s guidelines to corner a big share of the photovoltaic projects under first batch of Phase 1.

Gehrlicher has released further details of its new joint venture (JV) with Turkish energy company, Merk Solar Enerji Çözümleri San. ve Tic. Ltd. ?ti. Specifically, the German solar company says it will focus on large-scale photovoltaic projects.

During talks aimed at agreeing on a path forward for Germany’s solar incentives, ministers have reportedly discussed a one-time reduction of the tariffs in April.

Spain-based Isofotón and Chinese oil company CNOOC’s subsidiary, Tianjin Lishen Joint-Stock Battery Co., have formed a joint venture (JV) in China. They have also made public their photovoltaic pipeline plans.

According to media reports, the Chinese government in Beijing has scaled back its Golden Sun Program subsidies and its feed-in tariff rates following an increased demand for photovoltaics in the country.

Donauer Solartechnik opened an office in Oman yesterday, February 1. Speaking to pv magazine, the company expands on its activities in the Gulf region.

Commenting on Spain’s recent announcement that it has suspended all feed-in tariffs for new renewable energy projects, the EU Commission says it fears disturbing impacts on the investment climate in the renewable sector, as a whole, could occur.

The Greek government has announced changes to its photovoltaic subsidies. It has also highlighted the important role the technology plays in Greece.

Switzerland’s Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) has announced that photovoltaic feed-in tariffs (FITs) will decrease by a total of 18 percent.

U.S.-based SunPower Corp. has completed its acquisition of French solar company, Tenesol SA. At the same time, Tenesol parent company, Total has bought new shares from SunPower, thus taking its ownership of the company to around 66 percent.