Germany: New PV research lab opens in Berlin
The Free University of Berlin and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has opened a new laboratory for photovoltaic research in the German capital.
El Salvador to build 14 MW plant
The government of El Salvador is gearing up to build a 14 MW photovoltaic plant with financial help from German state bank KfW. It is expected to be the largest system of its kind, when complete.
Germany likely to see storage subsidies on May 1
German state bank KfW says it is ready to start support of storage systems for photovoltaic systems in early May. The green light is, however, still to come from Germanys Federal Environment Ministry in Berlin.
Manz receives 4.5 million Li-ion battery order
France-based battery manufacturer Saft has ordered 4.5 million worth of Li-ion battery cell equipment from Germanys Manz.
NADB and SunEdison close $35 million loan for 16 MW PV park
The North American Development Bank (NADB) has agreed to loan SunEdison US$35 million for the construction of the U.S. solar companys 16 MW (DC) photovoltaic park in Arizona.
Avancis closes 20 MW CIGS PV facility in Germany
CIGS manufacturer Avancis will turn one of its manufacturing facilities in Germanys Torgau into a technology center. As such, 67 temporary employment contracts will not be renewed, and employees at the companys Munich-based research department are to be relocated to Torgau.
Germany calls for coal exit
According to a new survey, 80% of German citizens have said they want to put a stop to coal power generation. In their opinion, the phase out of coal-fired electricity should be completed no later than 2040.
US: DOC asks customs to review Chinese PV imports
Chinese solar manufacturers are misreporting and underreporting their imports to evade new tariffs, according to the Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing (CASM). It adds that the U.S. DOC has asked Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to review the claim.
US: Insufficient funding for energy research
MIT Professor Dr. Ernest Moniz made his pledge at the full committee hearing held this Tuesday, which will eventually decide if he is the man to take over as U.S. Secretary of Energy. The fact the U.S. is not spending enough on energy research was highlighted during the Q&A session. Moniz added that more focus needs to be placed on solar.
Yingli top global PV module supplier in 2012
Yingli was the top module supplier in 2012, as previous leader Suntech slipped to fifth place in the rankings, according to an analysis published by research company IHS. Meanwhile, photovoltaic companies are said to be increasingly internationalizing their business models.
