US: 3 solar companies "best for the world"
Three solar companies have been declared to be leading the pack in terms of the environment, their communities and their employees. The B Lab, a nonprofit organization that assesses companies impact environmentally and socially, highlighted three solar installers yesterday as leaders across three areas of assessment.
Suntech predicts intense competition in 2012, following losses of $1 billion in 2011
Suntech expects to see “intense competition” in 2012, following a shaky 12 months for most solar companies. In the fourth quarter (Q4) and full year (FY) 2011, the Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer suffered significant losses. Meanwhile, this year, Q1 shipments are expected to decline.
JinkoSolar posts Q4 loss
Chinese photovoltaic module manufacturer, JinkoSolar, has posted a net loss of US$58.3 million for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2011. The company attributed the poor result to prices falling faster than anticipated. JinkoSolar did however manage to post full-year income of US$43.4 million, a decrease of 69 percent from 2010.
German solar companies detail impact of FIT changes
Solar hybrid AG has said it will suffer from loss of investments for its planned 150 megawatt peak (MWp) photovoltaic park, due to be online by the end of 2012. Meanwhile, Parabel AG has said it will push ahead with its 40 MW park, with the assumption that an appropriate transition period will be allowed.
Californias Palo Alto introduces solar FIT program
A new program, called Clean Local Energy Accessible Now (CLEAN), has been introduced in the city of Palo Alto, California, the U.S. Under it, locally-produced solar energy will receive a fixed rate of remuneration.
Centrotherm to transfer German thin film operations to Asia; 400 jobs to go
Having suffered significant losses in 2011, despite a successful start to the year, centrotherm photovoltaics AG has unveiled a new program designed to cut costs and refocus its business. The aim is to place more emphasis on crystalline silicon. 400 jobs will be cut.
Canadian Solar hits shipping guidance; records declining income
Canadian Solar may have weathered the 2011 solar storm better than many of its peers, but it still recorded significant fourth quarter (Q4) and full year (FY) losses.
Bulgaria: Premier Power starts work on 16.2 MW PV project
Premier Power Renewable Energy Inc. has announced work on its 16.2 megawatt peak (MWp) photovoltaic park in Bulgarias Dimitrovgrad has begun.
India and Iran to cooperate on renewable energy projects
Indian and Iranian energy ministers met in Tehran this week and have agreed to strengthen cooperation on renewable energy projects, with a special focus on solar power.
MiaSole secures $55 million in funding
CIGS thin film photovoltaic module developer, MiaSole has secured US$ 55 million in funding. The company says it will “aggressively” build the commercial part of its business.
