Turkey: small-scale solar rules released
By doubling the size of projects for which FITs are available, the Turkish government has finally fired the starting gun on solar. ‘We have been waiting five years for this.’ says Enerparc’s Ertug Babatas.
First Solar loses $60m on sale of Mesa facility
The Mesa plant, intended to produce PV modules, never went into production and is being sold off at a loss. The facility includes what First Solar claimed would be Arizona’s largest solar rooftop.
Light at the end of the tunnel
Stefan Rinck, President and CEO of Singulus Technologies, talks about the market for photovoltaic machine manufacturers and a new product which can increase the efficiency of cells.
SolarCity to acquire mounting system company
Californian installer SolarCity is set to acquire Zep Solar in exchange for shares worth $158 million. Zep Solar’s Zep Compatible technology has been used by solar giants including Canadian Solar and Trina Solar.
Suntech bid is confirmed
A consortium of cell and module manufacturer Jiangsu Shunfeng and the Wuxi local government’s investment arm has been confirmed as the bidder for Suntech’s insolvent Wuxi manufacturing unit. The consortium is proposing to restructure Suntech’s main Chinese unit.
Trina vows to fight lawsuit
Module giant Trina joins Yingli in dismissing the lawsuit lodged by the rump of failed U.S. thin film manufacturer Energy Conversion Devices. Allegations of collusion to bankrupt U.S. manufacturers are described as ‘baseless.’
All Energy 2013: Optimism as changes loom
The 5th All Energy trade show in Melbourne, Australia, is under way, with attendees and exhibitors remaining relatively upbeat regarding the market as policy changes in renewable energy loom.
All Energy 2013: Unique challenges in utility scale
While the Australian PV market continues to be dominated by the residential market segment, the unique challenges in developing large scale solar in the country have emerged at the All Energy trade show and conference currently underway in Melbourne, Australia.
Brazil: 695 MW of PV applications
National electricity agency ANEEL has revealed the details of 30 requests for authorization it has received to develop PV parks. More than 500 MW are planned for Bahia state.
Unbuilt PV projects in Japan could have FIT certification withdrawn
An investigation has been launched by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) into why only one-in-ten approved PV projects in Japan has been built. Possible sanctions for deliberate delays could include withdrawal of FIT certification.
