MEMC: Solar segment growth driven by solar project sales
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. has announced its financial results for 2012’s fourth quarter (4Q2012). The solar energy segment revenue growth was fueled by higher solar project sales while the company’s semiconductor materials segment revenue decreased as a result of the industry downturn.
Phoenix Solar announces major restructuring
Phoenix Solar AG has unveiled a major restructuring plan, which will see it focusing the majority of its efforts on the U.S. and South East Asia. Significant capacity reductions in Germany, Spain and Italy will be implemented. From a workforce of 409, just 115 jobs will remain. Meanwhile, the CEO has resigned.
UK: Pay-as-you-go PV secures finance
A Cambridge-based developer of a pay-as-you-go photovoltaic system for sub-Saharan Africa has secured a £1 million (US$1.6 million) “working capital loan” to roll out its systems to 30,000 off-grid households.
Russia considers solar power for planes
Russias Ministry of Industry and Trade (Minpromtorg) has ordered several studies into fuel alternatives for its civilian aircraft industry, including solar energy. Around RUB628 million (US$ 21 million; 15.5 million) has reportedly been earmarked for the research.
Wacker sees increasing polysilicon demand
Wacker Chemie AG has reinstated full time working hours at its German polysilicon factory following increased demand.
Panasonic hits 24.7% cell efficiency
The Panasonic Corporation has claimed what it says is a world record for a crystalline silicon-based photovoltaic cell of a “practical size” with an efficiency of 24.7%. Japans Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology has evaluated the efficiency.
Mexico reaches 14 MW of PV installations
Mexico has reported a cumulative installed photovoltaic capacity of 14 MW almost double that of 2011. Growth is projected to continue on the same trajectory this year.
UK hits 2 GW of PV
Figures released today from NPD Solarbuzz have shown that cumulative photovoltaic demand from the U.K. market has now hit 2 GW. 2012 saw close to 1 GW of demand.
Norway: New chairman offers hope for REC
A typically horrendous set of fourth-quarter and full year figures from Norwegian solar manufacturer Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) was enough to see off chairman Jens Ulltveit-Moe. HIs replacement, Mimi K Berdal told pv magazine she is confident the market will turn she just doesnt know when.
World passes 100 GW installed PV capacity mark
Behind the headline news from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) that the world has passed the 100 GW mark in cumulative installed photovoltaic capacity, is the ongoing story of a shift away from Europe.
