Germany: Positive changes might come
Representatives of the different states in Germany are apparently pushing for changes to the solar subsidy decisions that have been announced thus far. The German Environment Ministry is said to probably present an amended EEG tomorrow.
Sino-US trade dispute: Low tariffs to be imposed
The U.S. government has announced that it will impose countervailing tariffs on Chinese solar products, but at rates lower than expected. That the tariffs are at the lower end may be seen as a small win for the Chinese PV companies.
Germany: Energy turnaround is only possible with solar
Provincial minister for environment, climate and energy Franz Untersteller sat down with the Baden-Württemberg photovoltaic industry to discuss the future of renewable energy and photovoltaics in the state at a special meeting.
First day of Asia Solar highlights solar survival strategies
The slowdown of the global solar industry is expected to continue well into this year. The need to understand this “crisis” is crucial, according to the experts, who spoke at the first day of the 7th Asia Solar 2012, in Shanghai, China. Overcapacity, meanwhile, is expected to again dominate discussions, while prices will continue to fall. China’s FIT was additionally criticized.
Solar purchasing group launches
The Solar Purchasing Group (SPG) has been launched to allow members to take advantage of group purchasing discounts when buying photovoltaic materials and components. Things like glass, cells, back sheets, junction boxes, EVA and stringing material will be covered under the program.
REC closes its facility permanently in Glomfjord, Norway
Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) has decided to permanently close down its 300 MW monocrystalline wafer plant in Glomfjord, Norway.
Solarhybrid files for bankruptcy
German project developer solarhybrid AG has announced that it will begin insolvency proceedings in Germany.
Germany: Political parties agree on two critical points
The public hearing on the solar subsidy cuts took place today at the German parliament. A collective consensus on two contentious issues in the German EEG for photovoltaics has been reached.
Manufacturers react to Sino-US trade case ruling
Reactions have been unsurprisingly mixed to the Department of Commerces (DOC) preliminary findings on the Sino-U.S. photovoltaic trade case. While the de-facto sponsor of the conflict SolarWorld believes it to be the first step in an ongoing movment, Yingli and Suntech contend that the case is harmful to the whole industry.
CASE calls on CASM to disclose subsidies
The Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy (CASE) is calling on the seven members of the Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing (CASM) to disclose a complete list of government subsidies they have received over the decade. CASE disclosed that it finds the situation disturbing that such highly-subsidized companies can start a global trade war.
