Survive the solar shakeout and reap substantial rewards
Reports of the imminent demise of the solar industry have been highly exaggerated, according to research released this week by New York City-based McKinsey & Company, Inc. While it states that the “rules of the game are changing” and that there will be “significant challenges”, it firmly believes there are still substantial rewards to be reaped.
Bosch acquires Conergy inverter subsidiary
Bosch has officially acquired Conergys photovoltaic inverter subsidiary, voltwerk electronics GmbH, following approval from the German anti-trust authorities. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Georgia PV project targets 1.5 GW of PV projects
A new joint venture, Georgia PV Project, is targeting over 1.5 gigawatts (GW) worth of photovoltaic installations across the world. It will also set up a module production facility in Georgia.
Brazil approves new solar legislation
Brazils board of the National Agency of Electrical Energy (ANEEL) has approved two new pieces of solar legislation aimed at improving the countrys domestic industry.
Preliminary insolvency proceedings open for Odersun
Having filed for insolvency and self-administration at the end of March, Odersun AG has been unable to find an investor. Consequently, a local court in Germany has ordered the opening of preliminary insolvency proceedings.
First Solar: Market, product or government policy behind restructure?
In the wake of First Solars dramatic announcement that it was shedding 2,000 jobs, ending production in Germany and idling two production lines in Malaysia, the focus has turned to whether market conditions, feed in tariff cuts (FIT), or the companys product is behind the drastic measures.
Polysilicon prices forecast to fall further
IHS iSuppli predicts that polysilicon prices will fall to US$22 per kilogram by the end of the year, due to the continuing production surplus. The company adds that prices vary, depending on both contract type and purity level. These changes, it says, will change the way polysilicon is bought and sold in the future.
Thin film fights for survival
Just a day after First Solar announced the closure of its Frankfurt (Oder) facility in Germany and the loss of 2,000 jobs, GTM Research has released a report which asks “Is the window closing for thin film PV?”
Q-Cells insolvency proceedings expected by July
Photovoltaic manufacturer, Q-Cells SE is currently looking for an investor. The company is weighed down with debt, however.
Korea: STX Solar sets ambitious manufacturing goals; to install 86 MW
Korea-based STX Group is renowned for its ship building and trading activities. However, since 2009, the company has been steadily ramping up its solar cell production, and launched its first module in 2011. In an interview with pv magazine the company talks about its photovoltaic factory plans and large-scale project ambitions.
