LDK still suffering in Q1; lowers FY revenue guidance
LDK Solar has seen some improvement on its fourth quarter 2011 (Q4) financial results, with Q1 achieving slight progress. However, with declining net sales and a stagnant gross margin, the Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer still has a long way to go before it is in the black. It has additionally adjusted its full year (FY) guidance.
Germany: Milder PV cuts to be announced soon
According to reports, an agreement on Germanys photovoltaic subsidies could be reached before the summer break. A decision was said to have been made at a meeting between new Environment Minister, Altmaier, and opposition and state politicians, yesterday, June 25.
Global Solar announces German subsidiary insolvency
U.S.-based Global Solar Energy, Incs German subsidiary, Global Solar Energy Deutschland GmbH (GSED) has applied for insolvency proceedings. “High” inventories, “collapsing” prices and “significant” European feed-in tariff reductions have been cited as the main reasons.
HCPV technology to see rapid growth
While recent price reductions in crystalline-silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics has seen pressure mount on alternative technologies, a new Lux Research report forecasts rapid growth in high-concentrating photovoltaics (HCPV). As such, the future of HCPV may be bright if companies in the field can survive the current tough market.
China: Probable duties on silicon
Chinese polysilicon producers are allegedly putting pressure on their government to impose duties on U.S. imports.
Canadian Solar to supply 40 MW to Real Goods Solar
Chinese/Canadian photovoltaic manufacturer Canadian Solar has announced today that it will supply 40 megawatts (MW) of modules to Real Goods Solar.
Increasing demand brings PV market into equilibrium
In its latest Solarbuzz Quarterly report, NPD Solarbuzz has predicted that global photovoltaic demand will grow by eight percent in 2012, year-on-year (Y/Y), to 30 gigawatts (GW). The analysts predict that in an environment of “prudent” capacity utilization by manufacturers, equilibrium between supply and demand will be realized.
First Solar installs 10 millionth PV power plant module
First Solar achieved its milestone of installing its 10 millionth photovoltaic module in a utility-scale project at the 550 MW Desert Sunlight Solar Farm project.
Australia: Queensland to slash FIT
The north-east Australian state of Queensland has slashed its feed in tariff (FIT) program, reducing tariffs from AUD0.44/kWh (US$0.43) down to AUD0.08/kWh (US$0.07). The conservative Newman Government, which came to power only months ago, said that the schemes original aim of stimulating a solar industry in the state had been achieved.
US: 360MW solar plant on tribal land approved
Federal authorities in the U.S. have approved the development of a 350 MW solar plant on an Indian reservation outside of Las Vegas. It will be the first commercial solar energy project on tribal land.
