China launches EU polysilicon anti-dumping investigation
According to reports, Chinas Ministry of Commerce has launched an investigation into European imports of solar grade polysilicon.
International agreement intended to kick off Desertec
According to media reports, five countries are looking to push ahead with the Desertec initiative. This month, a letter of intent is expected to be signed. Meanwhile, RWE is said to be planning to build a solar and wind farm in Morocco.
Siemens will significantly scale PV inverter business back
A spokesperson has told pv magazine Siemens will “significantly” scale its inverter business back in 2013, due to the weakening demand for photovoltaic components. Meanwhile, the company has provided two reasons for its solar scale back.
EDF completes first phase of 143 MWp PV project
EDF Renewable Energy has completed the first phase of its 143 MWp photovoltaic project, located in Kern County, California. Situated next to the 140 MW Pacific Wind project, also executed by EDF, the two plants will become one of the largest hybrid projects in the U.S. when complete.
China: Pushing for PV consolidation
Chinas central government is said to be pushing for photovoltaic consolidation in its domestic industry. This, photovoltaic storage solutions, and balancing cost and quality control were some of the key themes at Solarpraxis first PV Module and PV Power Plant Workshop China 2012.
UK set to introduce nuclear subsidies
With the U.K. government shortly set to present an Energy Bill before Parliament, which makes little mention of the contribution to be made by photovoltaics, a spokesman for coalition governing partners the Liberal Democrats denied the legislation contained subsidies for the nuclear industry.
Germany: PV FITs to fall 2.5% following nearly 1 GW of new installs
Newly installed photovoltaics in Germany amounted to nearly one GW in September, and 1.85 GW between July and September. Consequently, it is now clear that the feed-in tariffs (FITs) will be reduced by 2.5% a month for the next three months.
Kyocera sees solar decline on back of falling demand
Announcing its 1H 2012 financial results, Japanese electronics giant Kyocera said that sales in its solar energy business decreased, due to a fall in demand in Europe and a decline in product prices worldwide, combined with the appreciation of the yen.
Panasonic responds to solar expansion scale back rumors
This week, Reuters reported that Panasonic may revise its plans to ramp photovoltaic module production up to 1.5 GW, due to weak market demand, particularly in Europe. A spokesperson has provided pv magazine with an update.
GTAT next solar company to announce job cuts
GT Advanced Technologies Inc. (GTAT) has announced it will reduce its global workforce by around 25%. The streamlining is expected to save the company around US$13 million annually. Both economic and trade related challenges were cited as reasons.
