First Solar, Sharp defend turf against China's global PV domination
While First Solar remains the leading PV module supplier in the U.S. and India and Sharp in Japan, Chinese rivals, benefitting from the wave of insolvencies in the West, have dominated the rest of the globe over the past year.
PV demand in China and Japan to reach 9 GW in second half of 2013
A PV demand increase of 100% is expected from China and Japan in the second half of 2013. Japan remains the most active PV market this year with 150% growth, according to NPD Solarbuzz.
First floating solar power station in India
A floating solar power station is due to be tested in Kolkata, India. An expert team is currently working on the prototype which is funded by the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Toshiba breaks solar ground in Virgin Islands
Toshiba is overseeing construction of a 4 MW solar plant on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Croix following a 20-year PPA signed last year with the local Water and Power Authority.
Germany: SolarWorld drills further for lithium
The German state of Saxony has approved a request by SolarWorld to conduct six further test drillings into the lithium deposits in Zinnwald, a mountainous area near the Czech border.
JinkoSolar to supply 23 MW of modules to Swinerton project in California
Swinerton will employ 23 MW of JinkoSolar modules for a new utility-scale project in Fresno County. The San Francisco-based group will soon begin construction on the 350 MW Moapa Solar Plant in Nevada.
Commentary: A Lesson in Opacity
The manner in which the EU and China negotiated the compromise in the trade dispute and the way it continues to be communicated is a lesson in opacity. The companies and the public have been left in the dark about crucial details of the agreement and its implementation.
Mitsubishi goes PV shopping in France
The Japanese corporation is increasing its solar holdings in France with stakes in two utility-sized solar farms, again partnering with Paris-based renewable energy group EDF Energies Nouvelles.
Armstrong invests $30 million in Southeast Asian solar projects
Singapore asset management firm Armstrong is teaming up with Thai developer Annex Power on a number of solar and other renewable energy projects throughout Southeast Asia.
VC funding remains downstream
The latest report into venture capital (VC) investment in the photovoltaic industry has indicated investments slightly improving, however remaining at a low level.
