US: Design-your-own PV picks up startup prize
A New Orleans solar startup company has picked up a US$50,000 Big Idea pitch competition award. SOLarchitect is an online service that allows homeowners to assesses the relevant cost, incentives and energy production of a photovoltaic installation on their property.
China: Big PV project possibilities, but grid and policy issues exisit
The consensus at Solarpraxis’ first “Project implementation conference – China 2012” in Shanghai is clear: the potential of photovoltaic project development in China is huge, particularly in light of falling system costs. However, overcoming policy and grid connection issues is key.
SolarCity attracts $42.5 million for commercial rooftops
Solar lease provider SolarCity has announced a funding deal with Rabobank to fund 30 commercial photovoltaic installations in the U.S. The fund is worth US$42.5 million.
UK: Solar-power potential of 500,000 homes mapped
At the EcoBuild trade show, opening its doors tomorrow in London, one display will demonstrate a unique aerial mapping technology and method for calculating the energy potential of roofs. Bluesky, the company behind the technology, says that it has mapped 500,000 roofs in the country.
Growing anti-nuclear sentiments in east asia
Ahead of the Nuclear Security Summit which will take place in Seoul, South Korea, anti-nuclear activists from across Asia have gathered in the city center to express their opposition to nuclear.
PV project financing and construction hindrances
What does a photovoltaic project developer need to do to obtain financing? “Develop a good quality project”, vice president of the Deutsche Bank told the over 230 attendees who gathered at the first PV Project Implementation Conference – China 2012″ to discuss the Chinese solar industry today in Shanghai.
LDK Solar revises down Q411 guidance
Declining photovoltaic wafer and module prices have been blamed for LDK Solar revising down its revenue guidance for the fourth quarter of 2011, from US$440 to $520 million, to $440 to $450 million.
Germany: Q-Cells out of TecDax
Regulations require Q-Cells to exit the TecDAX today. This was announced by the German stock exchange.
Solar energy funding stalls in the US Senate
Proponents of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) loan program took a tumble on the Hill this week as Republicans ratcheted up election-year resistance to both solar grants and renewable energy subsidies.
Bharti Airtel to enhance solar installations in Africa
India-based telecommunications company, Bharti Airtel, has chosen to increase the use of solar, and other renewable energies, to replace its diesel-powered generators. The aim is to reduce its carbon footprint in Africa and cut operational costs.
