Markets & Policy

Yet another German company has been forced to file for insolvency protection. Centrotherm photovoltaics AG announced that it has submitted an application to file for self-administrative insolvency. Despite this, business is said to be continuing as usual.

Solar M&A activity in the U.S. has tailed off this year compared to 2011, according to the latest figures. Despite this, photovoltaic project installers have reportedly emerged as a favorable investment area. Furthermore, energy storage M&A activity is said to have enjoyed strong growth.

Investment in the solar industry continues to grow, despite continued economic pressure. Publishing its latest findings, BNEF said that of the US$59.6 billion invested in the global clean energy sector in the second quarter (Q2) of 2012, solar accounted for $33.6 billion. Meanwhile, the importance of small-scale projects is said to be increasing.

Satcon Technology Corporation, A123 Systems, Renewable Energy Services, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) have been awarded US$2 million by the California Energy Commission to work on the development of storage technologies that will help reduce renewable energy power intermittency.

According to the latest figures, German manufacturers sales’ of photovoltaic components, machinery and equipment fell 54 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012. The sales’ share of Asian customers is also said to be on the decline.

After several years of hustling and hyperbole in the photovoltaics industry, the first half of 2012 has been a time of oversupply and underachievement globally. pv magazine takes a look at the biggest developments of the year to date. Overhang, crystalline, storage and fracking are just some of the watchwords.

Korea-based photovoltaic module manufacturer, Hanwha SolarOne Co. Ltd has announced a new partnership with U.S. storage system company, Silent Power.

The Intersolar North America tradeshow and conference ended today with a mixed outlook for photovoltaics, and talk of an industry shakeout prominent in discussions.

Uncharacteristically clear blue skies greeted attendees at the fifth Intersolar North America tradeshow, which began yesterday in San Francisco, California. Despite a number of political and regulatory clouds hanging over the event, which includes the Intersolar North America conference, a number of firms remained upbeat about the prospects for photovoltaics in the country.

Solar Millennium AG’s insolvency administrator has sold the company’s 74.9 percent stake in Flagsol GmbH to Ferrostaal GmbH.