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According to the latest statistics, photovoltaic contribution to Germany’s electricity needs has grown 47 percent in the first half of the year. Meanwhile, to date, 2012 has been a record year for renewable energy in the country.

Shanghai-based Sky Solar has announced it will develop several large-scale solar power plants via its subsidiary Sky Solar Japan, in order to take advantage of the new feed-in tariffs in the country.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed legislation into law on July 23 that will foster the continuing, rampant growth of the state’s solar energy market, the second largest in the United States, after California. Under the law, plans to both stimulate solar demand and regulate its growth, have been laid out.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with the Departments of Interior and Energy, has identified 17 Solar Energy Zones (SEZs) on public lands, covering 285,000 acres across six southwestern states, as priority areas for utility-scale solar development, the Obama Administration announced on July 24.

Following months of speculation, a coalition of solar companies, again led by SolarWorld, has reportedly filed an anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) complaint in the EU. The European Commission now has 45 days to decide if it will pursue the case.

As with photovoltaic module manufacturers and project developers, inverter manufacturers must look to emerging markets in order to secure future growth, according to new research. Latest industry figures further indicate that while the market will continue to increase, European demand is on the wane. Meanwhile, inverter prices will experience another “double digit” drop this year.

Brazil’s solar market will register a new milestone with the first unregulated commercial auction of solar power, planned for August 9 by Bioenergy, a Sao Paulo-based renewable energy developer and marketer.

NRG Energy, Inc. and GenOn Energy, Inc. have unveiled their plans to merge. The two companies signed a definitive agreement, under which they intend to combine their activities in a stock?for?stock tax?free transaction. The transaction is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2013.

Continuing falling photovoltaic prices, a shift in its core markets and cancelled supply contracts have all contributed to Sunways AG’s falling 2011 financials. However, it remains confident that new investor, LDK Solar, can help “open up new growth prospects”. International sales also helped stabilize the company.

Major Australian financial services company, Investec has indicated that it will create a fund, which could accelerate utility-scale photovoltaics in the country.