Australia: 30 MW installation approved
A council in the south-eastern Australian state of Victoria has given the go ahead for a photovoltaic power plant near the town of Kerang. The local company ECO for LIFE will construct it.
MidAmerican acquires 579 MW Antelope Valley power plants
SunPower has announced a deal that will see it sell the co-located Antelope Valley Solar Projects (AVSP) to MidAmerican Renewables for an undisclosed amount. The AVSP will be worth some 579 MW when completed.
LDK Solar announces arbitration ruling
LDK Solar has to pay JYT Corporation of Beijing (JYT) RMB294 million (approx. US$47 million) plus additional RMB3.4 million (approx. US$550,000) to cover arbitral fees.
Yingli Green Energy brings solar power into Tibet
Yingli Green Energy has partnered with Longyuan (Tibet) New Energy Company Limited to supply 22,209 off-grid PV systems to families in Tibet.
The 2012 solar year in review and what lies ahead in 2013
During 2012, many PV manufacturers endured a long, uphill battle, staggering under steep price cuts, excess inventory, shrinking margins and political headwinds; and all the while, jostling for position with other technologies. However, those that have demonstrated the stamina to survive, and that can hold their ground in 2013, have a chance at remaining in top demand for years to come.
SiC Processing in self-administration
SiC Processing GmbH’s request to file for self-administrative insolvency has been accepted by the district court in Germany’s Amberg. Management now has three months to design a restructuring plan.
Solar Gangnam Style
It seems no one is immune to South Korea’s newest pop star. To mark the end of 2012, SolarEdge has released its own version of Psy’s Gangnam Style – a modern ode to solar energy with encouraging words for the coming year.
SMA acquires majority stake in Chinese PV inverter company
SMA Solar Technology AG has acquired a 72.5% stake in Chinese photovoltaic inverter company, Jiangsu Zeversolar New Energy Co., Ltd. The move, if approved, will help SMA access China’s burgeoning solar market.
Spanish Congress approves new energy law
With the approval of the parliament, from 2013 onwards, PV power producers in Spain will have to pay a new tax of 7% on top of their FITs. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Soria intends to finalize Spains energy reform within the next six months.
Germany: Glimmer of hope for First Solar's Frankfurt operations
By the end of the year, First Solar Inc. will stop photovoltaic production in Germany’s Frankfurt Oder. However, plant management has announced that there is now investor interest and hopes for a solution in Q1 2013.
