China concludes US solar subsidies violate WTO rules
Chinas Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has concluded that 6 renewable energy subsidies in the U.S. violate provisions made under the WTO Subsidy and Countervailing Measures Agreement and the Article 3 of 1994 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. It is now seeking to have them cancelled.
Centrotherm to close Austrian operations
Germany-based centrotherm photovoltaics AG has announced operations at its Vienna branch in Austria are to be discontinued.
AQT Solar seeks support
According to reports, thin film copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) manufacturer, AQT Solar is looking for support in the form of a new partner or buyer.
Draker and SPTI announce merger; raise $8 million in equity
Solar monitoring and asset management solution provider, Draker and Solar Power Technologies, Inc. (SPTI) have completed their merger. The new, combined company has also announced the closing of US$8 million worth of equity.
Automated demand response key to intermittent renewables
Automated demand response, or AutoDR could cost-effectively help combat intermittent renewable energy supply, particularly in light of the current high costs of grid-connected storage batteries.
Sovello abandons production
From the end of August, the insolvent Sovello will stop all production on its photovoltaic product assembly lines. Almost all of the employees will be terminated. Meanwhile, investor discussions are said to be difficult.
Trina sees significant Q2 net loss; revises FY shipment guidance
Industry overcapacity and demand constraints have been attributed to Trina Solars flailing Q2 2012 financials. In addition to recording a significant net loss, the companys revenues fell and operating expenses increased. Meanwhile, for the FY 2012, it has revised its shipment guidance downwards.
Switzerland cuts PV tariffs for a third time
Photovoltaic feed-in tariffs (FITs) in Switzerland will be reduced for a third time this year, from October 1.
NY signs legislation to boost solar development
New York Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo has signed a series of bills, which aim to boost the uptake of solar in the U.S. state. Overall, 3 measures have been introduced: tax credits; sales tax exemptions; and real property tax abatement extensions.
Chinas polysilicon producers urge EU dumping probe
Four Chinese polysilicon producers have urged the Chinese government to initiate an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into European imports of solar grade polysilicon, according to reports.
