First Solar and Belectric announce JV
The U.S. thin film giant will supply the modules and Belectric the Balance of Systems for the proposed joint venture. PV Projects will aim to develop schemes in Europe and North America as well as smaller projects in the U.S.
North Carolina researchers improve stacked solar cell connections
The breakthrough will allow solar cell manufacturers to create stacked solar cells that can handle high-intensity solar energies without losing voltage at the connecting junctions, potentially improving conversion efficiency.
Wisconsin Libertarian Party surprises observers with endorsement of solar proposal
The state’s Libertarians have endorsed a proposal led by RENEW Wisconsin — a local clean energy group — to allow Wisconsin electricity customers to lease solar panels for their energy needs.
Hanwha SolarOne narrows second-quarter loss, improves revenue
With a strong performance in Japan and South Africa, China’s Hanwha SolarOne increased shipments, improved its revenue and cut its losses from April to June. Company executives are upbeat about the rest of the year and beyond.
REC shareholders approve $110 million convertible bond
Shareholders in the Norwegian solar company approved plans to issue a new convertible bond worth up to $110 million. The company faces a crucial vote in two weeks’ time over its plans to split off the profitable solar division from the silicon business.
China Power looks at PV in three new provinces
The state-owned clean power development company China Power only has two PV projects in development to date but it’s planning further solar projects in Changjiang, Yuanjiang and Xishan.
EU protectionism report steers clear of indicting Chinese manufacturers
Any mention of Chinese state subsidies for solar manufacturers is conspicuous by its absence in the 190-page report. Move to foster ‘new energy’ industry from 2011 onwards is the closest report comes to criticism.
OPA release draft version of FIT 3 Program Rules
Ontario Power Authority (OPA) publishes FIT 3 draft of proposed update to FIT 2.1 Program Rules, intended to reflect the policy decisions of the Minister of Energy in time for the next FIT application period.
SolarWorld lodges two trade-case appeals to Court of International Trade in New York
SolarWorld Industries America Inc. submits two appeals against U.S. Department of Commerce findings they claim weakened their position in countering Chinese “illegal trade aggression.”
Plans for 12 Russian PV plants still at negotiation stage
An Avelar Energy representative told pv magazine, plans for PV plants in three Russian regions are still at the planning stage. An Interfax report says the plants will total 120 MW of solar.
