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On Monday, the 31st EU PVSEC in Hamburg, Germany opened its doors. Despite the current turbulence in the European solar industry, a high visitor turnout was seen at the opening conference. Future industry expectations are split: Either global installations will stagnate until 2020; or increase to 100 GW.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has achieved an efficiency of 25.1% on a both sides-contacted silicon solar cell. In addition to increasing efficiencies, the TOPCon technology is said to simplify manufacturing processes.

German solar PV equipment manufacturers are experiencing an uptick in demand, compared to the beginning of the year, with turnovers increasing 52%, says German Engineering Federation, VDMA. Asian competition is said to be intensifying, however.

Independent analysis of the impact of the Investment Tax Credit on the U.S. solar industry, commissioned by the SEIA, finds 22 GW of additional solar capacity will be added if 30% ITC extended to 2022.

Savings made under the government’s proposed budget cap should the FIT be cut by the proposed rate will be less than monies lost in tax and national insurance revenue as 15,000 jobs are lost, finds REA.

The largest solar trade show in the United States began with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, but also warnings of the pending crash if the ITC is not extended.

While stellar growth may have been a feature of the global solar market in years past, a mix of international and domestic factors are likely to deliver a modestly-growing solar market in the future, according to SPV Market Research’s product and market five-year forecast.

Trina Solar Limited is planning to spin-off its downstream solar PV project business as early as next year, said CFO, Teresa Tan. A “growthco” model is likely to be adopted, rather than a yieldco. Criticism has been aimed at the plan, due to Trina’s focus on China.

Australia has its fifth Prime Minister in as many years, with the ruling Liberal Party having voted for 54-44 for Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull to replace Tony Abbott as party leader. Turnbull has previously led the Liberal Party in opposition and is a supporter of strong action on climate change. The Liberals form government in coalition with the National Party.

Dubai has officially opened its third solar PV tender. The 800 MW will be added to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is aiming to reach 3 GW by 2030. Commissioning of the 800 MW is expected to begin in 2018.