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.
Saint Gobain unveils new Solar Gard factory in China
Saint Gobain has opened its new Solar Gard manufacturing facility in Qingdao, China.
KLA-Tencor exits solar inspection business
KLA-Tencor has announced it will be immediately halting its solar inspection operations, due to declining business opportunities and a weak market outlook. No impact on the companys financial or operational results are expected.
South Africa approves 631.5 MW of PV projects
South Africa will next week sign power purchase contracts with 18 project developers for photovoltaic plants worth 631.5 MW.
PV market pickup forecast for 2H 2013
New photovoltaic installations worth over 31 GW are predicted for 2012, despite continuing overcapacity and price declines. Forecasts are that the global industry will return to growth in Q2 2013, and will regain lost ground in Q4.
