Indian Government unveils new guidelines for off-grid solar PV
The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has unveiled new guidelines for off-grid and decentralized solar applications, which are to be achieved as a part of the National Solar Mission. Rooftop and other small solar power plants are also included.
USD$1.85 billion boost for US solar industry
President Barack Obama has announced that USD$1.85 billion in conditional commitments will be made available in the form of loan guarantees to two U.S. solar companies. As a result, one of the worlds biggest solar plants is scheduled to be built in Arizona, while around 5,000 jobs are expected to be created.
China's Yingli to triple solar panel capacity
Chinese solar power system manufacturer Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. aims to triple solar panel production capacity in the next three years to three gigawatts a year at a total cost of roughly 200 billion yen (around USD$2.2 billion; 1.8 billion), says Japanese news source Nikkei.
First Solar forms group for large-scale PV projects; starts operation of its 1.3 MW solar power plant
First Solar, Inc. has formed a utility systems business group to address the large-scale photovoltaic (PV) system solutions market. Jens Meyerhoff, 45, has been named president of the group.
Wacker acquires silicon metal production site in Norway
Wacker Chemie AG has concluded its acquisition of a silicon metal production site in Holla, Norway from the Fesil Group. The deal is worth 65 million.
MEMC completes acquisition of Solaicx
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. has announced it has completed the acquisition of privately held Solaicx. The deal is said to be worth around USD$77 million.
New research suggests solar cell manufacture costs could be dramatically lowered
The Dichtel group has said it has developed a method to organize organic dyes into stacked sheets that are porous for incorporation into flexible solar cells. The process, it says, could revolutionize the way solar cells are made by lowering costs dramatically, while creating highly efficient and easy-to-manufacture solar cells.
Intersolar extends strategic partner program in U.S.
Intersolar North America and Solartech have announced an expanded partnership for the 2010 Intersolar North America conference. Under the agreement, Solartech will now provide an additional program offering at the conference. Other reciprocal elements between both organizations will extend into next year.
Chinese companies start construction on two MW solar project in Bulgaria
Two Chinese companies have started construction on a solar power plant in Ihtiman, a city located 50 km south of Sofia, Bulgaria according to local officials.
£15 million of free solar panels to be installed in Britain's schools
British Gas has invested £15 million in solar technology for British schools. Under its plans, the company will donate and install solar panels – worth between £20,000 and £40,000 per school – in up to 750 schools.
