Germany: Power exporter even with fewer nuclear plants
Germany managed to export more power in 2012 than it has in the last five years. With a net surplus of 22.8 terawatt-hours (TWh), the exported amount of energy was four times as much as that in 2011. This data was released by the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden in Hesse.
China drops solar cell import taxes, sends "positive signal" to Europe
China dropped import duties and value-added tax (VAT) for a variety of equipment, including for solar cells and lithium-ion batteries on April 1, thus sending a “positive signal” to the China-Europe trade negotiations.
Solar stocks: China left for dead; FSLR, SPWR and WFR to rise
Chinas Suntech Power Holdings collapsed under the weight of its own inventory in March, leading to weeks of volatility in the solar equities market in New York. German companies have also seen stocks suffer a shaky month. Overall, it is forecast, focus will be placed on First Solar, SunPower and MEMC/SunEdison in the coming months.
Germany adds 211 MW of PV in February
Germany added 211 MW of new photovoltaic capacity in February across more than 8,300 systems. The largest solar park, with a capacity of 8.2 MW, is located in Brandenburg, near the capital, Berlin.
8minutenergy and Saferay sign 20 MW PPA in California
8minutenergy Renewables, LLC and Saferay, Inc. have signed a 20 year PPA with Southern California Edison (SCE) to sell the energy generated from their proposed Redcrest Solar Farm project.
PV demand in emerging Asian countries to reach 3 GW by 2017
Led by large-scale installations, photovoltaic demand in Emerging Asia Pacific and Central Asian (EAPCA) countries is forecast to grow 28% annually to reach at least 3 GW by 2017, according to NPD Solarbuzz.
Chile: IDB to finance 26.5 MW of PV projects
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a US41.4 million loan package to finance two of Solarpack Chile S.A.s photovoltaic plants, worth 26.5 MW.
Australia: 53 MW power plant recommended for approval
What will be one of Australias biggest photovoltaic power plants has moved one step further towards completion today, with the 53 MW plant receiving a recommendation that it should be approved. Construction is set to begin in 2014.
Investment rumors boost SolarWorld stocks
Speculation that SolarWorld may receive a three-digit million investment from Qatar saw the German photovoltaic companys stock temporarily jump. It has failed to respond to the rumors.
10% cut to Japanese FIT approved
The Japanese government has approved a 10% cut to photovoltaic FITs. As such, from April 1, tariffs have been reduced to JPY37.8/kWh (US$0.40) down from JPY42/kWh (US$0.45).
