Germany sets new PV installation record in 2012
Germanys Federal Network Agency has again at the last minute released the latest photovoltaic installation figures and feed-in tariff (FIT) reductions. While last December saw just 330 MW of new plants added, a new installation record was seen in 2012. Meanwhile, FITs will drop 2.2% over the next three months.
EVSI and Horizon Energy announce 35 MW solar forest project
Envision Solar International, Inc. (EVSI), Horizon Energy Group and an unnamed property owner have signed a memorandum of understanding to design and install a 35 MW solar forest in North Carolina.
First Solar acquires 50 MW PV project from Element Power
First Solar Inc. has acquired Element Powers 50 MW Macho Springs Solar project in New Mexico, the U.S. No financial details were disclosed.
Etrion plans 8.8 MW PV park in Chile
Etrion has announced the details of its first proposed Chilean photovoltaic park. The company has entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with Atacama Minerals Chile S.C.M. to install the 8.8 MW project in the north of Chile.
PV projects totaling over 120 MW planned for Chile
Chile-based Pacific Solar Inc., established in 2011 by Nexer Renovables, is planning to construct two photovoltaic plants in Chile worth 123.5 MW. Operations are expected to commence between 2014 and 2015.
Asola Solarpower applies for self-administration insolvency
Asola Solarpower GmbH has submitted an application to the local court in Erfurt, Germany to open insolvency proceedings under self-administration. A part of its restructuring plan is to find interested investors.
Solar Bankers plans 300 MW production of its new concentrated solar module
U.S.-based Solar Bankers LLC and Germanys Apollon GmbH & Co. KG have unveiled a new concentrated solar module using holographic foil, which they claim can be produced at costs lower than other manufacturers. They aim to establish 300 MW of production capacity in 2013.
PV polysilicon utilization rates drop to under 70%
Average quarterly polysilicon plant utilization rates have fallen below 70% in the past six months, according to NPD Solarbuzz. While this has put many “aggressive” capacity expansions on hold, supply rationalization is helping to stabilize prices.
AEG secures Eastern European solar contract worth 240 MW
AEG Power Solutions has secured an equipment contract with an unnamed Western European EPC contractor for nine solar projects totaling 240 MW in Eastern Europe.
EGP commissions 19 PV plants in Greece
Enel Green Power (EGP) has commissioned photovoltaic plants in Greece worth 42 MW. An additional 15 MW has been put into service by EGP and Sharps joint venture, ESSE.
