Markets & Policy

Germany has once again reduced its solar feed-in tariffs by 13 percent. Further reductions are likely to come into play soon.

The U.S. solar market is heading into the New Year with a piggy bank that was just refilled by the federal government.

By a new royal decree (Royal Decreto), the Spanish government has introduced a new limit on the maximum number of hours photovoltaics (PV) installations have the right to receive the feed-in tariff (FIT), sparking criticism from the industry.

U.S. consulting firm, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has said it expects growth of photovoltaics (PV) systems in Germany to drop to 5,000 megawatts in 2011, due to continuing decreases in solar incentives.

German company Roth & Rau AG has announced it will have to post write-downs of around €12.5 million as of December 31, following the surprise announcement by U.S.-based SpectraWatt Inc. that it faces insolvency.

Following a successful, yet at times, unpredictable, year, pv magazine looks at the photovoltaics (PV) trends, markets and companies set to make an impact in 2011.

AU Optronics (AUO) is ready to expand into the British market after its EcoDuo PM 220 solar module received the UK Microgeneration Scheme (MCS) certificate.

Intel’s spinoff company SpectraWatt is apparently on the brink of shutting down according to reports. The crystalline-silicon cell manufacturer will be laying off more than 100 employees in March next year.

China is standing by its wind and solar power subsidies against a US complaint to the World Trade Organization that the support outlined by China is unfair and distorts the market.

SunEdison LLC has secured a three-year, USD$50 million construction revolver* with Rabobank International.