Markets & Policy

New research has found that China’s photovoltaics (PV) market is set for “rapid” expansion, having reportedly posted one of the fastest growth rates in annual and cumulative installations.

A group of scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and other institutes have come together to initiate a new series of conferences focused on silicon photovoltaics.

North Star Solar has signed a 60 megawatt (MW) solar power purchase agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Company. North Star Solar is a wholly owned affiliate of NorthLight Power, a joint-venture between REC and U.S.-based Summit Power Group.

The photovoltaics (PV) industry looks toward the coming year with some uncertainty.

The German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar), together with the consultancy firms Roland Berger and Prognos, have completed Germany’s “Guide to the Solar Industry – Photovoltaics Roadmap 2020.”

The lower house of the Czech Parliament has approved a new amendment, which, if supported by the upper house and the President, will see a tax introduced on electricity generated by solar plants.

The UK’s Renewable Energy Association (REA) has said it will be seeking clarity on the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s policy for ground-mounted photovoltaics (PV) systems, following warnings that larger installations could “distort” the market.

Future photovoltaics (PV) markets were discussed at one of the final 11th Forum Solarpraxis sessions, currently being held in Berlin, Germany.

Tijuana, Baja California, has been in the spotlight for being an important leader in the green energy sector. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore also commended Tijuana on its efforts and forwardness in promoting clean energy.

Germany-based S.A.G. Solarstrom has announced significant sales and earnings growth for the first nine months of this year. EBIT is reported to have tripled in comparison with the same time period the previous year.