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.
Lightsource completes 4 UK PV projects
Solar project developer, Lightsource Renewable Energy Limited has completed work on four photovoltaic plants worth 6.4 megawatts (MW) in the U.K. with the help of Canadian Solar.
India: Siemens wins 50 MW CSP order
German electronics giant, Siemens has won an order from Shiram EPC Limited to supply 17,000 of its UVAC 2010 solar receivers to a 50 megawatt (MW) concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in India.
Solon Energy will not extend warranty for all customers
In a statement released today, the newly-formed Solon Energy GmbH has said that while “nearly all” warranties will be continued, those plants with special module types will be excluded.
Germany: Belectric considering constitutional challenge
As part of Germany’s new solar subsidy, feed-in tariffs (FIT) for photovoltaic systems larger than 10 megawatts (MW) are to be eliminated. According to a media report, several companies, including leading project planner Belectric, are considering submitting a complaint against the Renewable Energy Act [EEG] amendment before the German Federal Constitutional Court.
First Solar undertakes 20 MW Maryland Solar project
Thin film photovoltaics manufacturer, First Solar has announced a 100 percent stake in the 20 megawatt (MW) Maryland Solar project.
