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.
DuPont sues Heraeus over metallization paste
DuPont has filed a law suit against Heraeus Materials, and its client SolarWorld Industries America. DuPont alleges that Heraeus and SolarWorld have infringed on the DuPont patent relating to front-side sliver pastes.
Campbell Soup installs 9.8 MW plant
SunPower has supplied modules and a tracker system to a Campbell Soup Company site in Ohio. The ground-mounted system, called the SunPower Oasis, will supply 15 percent of the Campbell facilitys power.
MIT researchers develop all carbon cell
A new type of photovoltaic cell developed by MIT researchers holds the promise of being able to tap into the near-infrared region of the spectrum.
Canadian Solar purchases 200 MW of projects from SkyPower
One of Canadas largest solar project developers, SkyPower has sold approximately 200 megawatts (MW) of projects in Ontario to Chinese-Canadian manufacturer Canadian Solar. The companies have also launched a JV called CSI SkyPower.
First Solars AV Solar Ranch One moving forward
The vast 230-megawatt (MW) Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One project, supplied and installed by First Solar, is back on track, after an agreement was reached between the company and LA County, on the installation of its modules. The agreement will allow First Solar to continue construction on the plant, which is set to be completed in 2013.
REC issues shares, restructures debt and writes down inventory
Norway-based manufacturer REC carried out major financial restructuring today, issuing almost 870,000 million new shares, in an attempt to raise NOK1.3 billion (US$218 million). REC also refinanced its revolving debt facilities, into a NOK2 billion (US$335 million) facility.
