Israel: Arava given go ahead for 40 MW PV project; Suntech unveils plans
Photovoltaic activity in Israel is heating up: Arava Power Company has unveiled its US$150 million project plans; and Suntech discusses upcoming policy changes, which may result in higher photovoltaic quotas, and provides updates on its Israeli activities, including project pipelines and the market pullout of one of its modules.
Solar thermal exempt from Indian import duty
Solar thermal plant equipment will be exempt from import duty in India. Indias finance minister made the announcement today. The belief is that project costs could be lowered as a result. Photovoltaics was not mentioned, however.
S.A.G. Solarstrom and Hanwha to install 20 MW on Italys rooftops
Germany-based S.A.G Solarstrom and the Hanwha Group have announced that they will work together to install 20 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaics on rooftops across Italy.
US DOC pushes antidumping duty deadline back to May
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has again pushed back the deadline by which it has to make a preliminary determination of the antidumping duty investigation.
Norways green battery vs. hydrogen storage
According to the industry experts present at the first “Energy Storage” conference, held this week in Düsseldorf, Germany, either technology could win the race to enable Germanys renewable energy future.
Hanwha experiences strong 2011 losses; 2012 to "remain challenging"
As with many of its peers, Hanwha SolarOne experienced a tough 2011, with significant losses recorded across the board. Chairman and CEO, Ki-Joon Hong attributes this to a period of “adjustment and consolidation”. Going ahead, he says that capacity expansions have been put on hold and that conditions will “remain challenging”.
US solar market to install 2.8 GW in 2012 on back of "historic" 2011
Having achieved a “historic” year in terms of photovoltaic installations in 2011, the U.S. solar market is estimated to be worth over US$8.4 billion. Declining system prices and improved financing options were said to be among the key growth drivers. Going forward, 2012 is predicted to be a another strong year, with 2.8 GW of installations expected.
Germany: Rösler considering longer FIT cut transition period
Germanys debate over its solar subsides is continuing with a focus on the short transition period for the reduction of the photovoltaic feed-in tariffs (FITs). However, in a positive move, the countrys Federal Minister for Economics seems ready to make concessions.
Solar Frontier and Belectric form PVCIStems JV
German EPC Belectric and Japanese thin film manufacturer Solar Frontier have formed a new joint venture (JV) company, to develop ground- and roof-mounted power plants. Making reference Solar Frontiers CIGS technology, which the company refers to as CIS, the joint venture will go by the name PV CIStems.
Bosch starts PV module production in France
Bosch Solar Energy has begun production on its new 150 megawatt (MW) crystalline photovoltaic module manufacturing line in Vénissieux, France.
