Italy: Conto Energia V to be approved soon
Italys next renewable energy law, the Conto Energia V could soon be approved. It is believed that most of the regional state rejections should be taken into account, and that a gradual transition will be adopted.
California: Cupertino completes 20 MW PV project
Cupertino Electric, Incs Energy Alternatives Division has completed a 20 MW photovoltaic project under the Pacific Gas and Electric Companys (PG&E) 500 MW Solar PV Program.
PV gross margins fall 75 percent
According to IMS Research, photovoltaic suppliers are suffering from “huge” pressure, following a 75 percent drop in gross profits in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012. It predicts that they will continue to fall, as a result of the persistent price pressures and competitive market conditions.
UK: Sunsolar Energy System to build 30 MW fab
Photovoltaic installer Sunsolar Energy Systems has announced that it will build a 30 megawatt (MW) fab in the West-Midlands region of England. The company has been awarded a GPB5 million (US$7.8 million) grant from the government to build the facility and will invest a further GBP5 million themselves.
Work underway on MPX and E.ONs Brazilian PV plant
MPX and E.ON have begun working on the expansion of their one MW Brazilian photovoltaic plant. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of the year.
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.
