Suntech hits 20.3 percent cell efficiency
Using its proprietary Pluto technology, Suntech says it has achieved 20.3 percent efficiency on a photovoltaic cell. More advancements are expected in the next few months.
California on track to exceed 2020 RE goals, but issues still exist
The U.S. state of California is well on the way to overachieving its 2020 aim to generate 33 percent of its electricity from renewables, in fact by almost double. Of this, photovoltaics accounts for nearly half. There are issues, however, such as interconnection and grid infrastructure, which still need to be ironed out.
North Carolina PV systems achieve grid parity
According to a new study, many photovoltaic systems bigger than 10 kilowatts (kW) achieved grid parity with commercial retail electricity prices in 2011. This has resulted in a spike in projects and, thus, jobs. Both declining costs and the states favorable policies are said to be driving growth.
Solopower searches for staff for new US fab
As some companies layoff staff in an attempt to contain costs, U.S. flexible CIGS manufacturer, Solopower is searching for staff for its Oregon fabs expansion.
Germany: Resistance at first parliamentary FIT discussion
Germanys parliament today held the first round of meetings aimed at amending the photovoltaic incentives under the countrys Renewable Energy Act (EEG). As expected, the opposition rejected the new proposals. The CDU and FDP also agreed to rethink fast tracking tariff cuts.
First Solar responds to concerns over higher warranty rates for hot climates
Photovoltaic module manufacturer, First Solar has caused a stir in the thin film industry, after its CFO stated that its warranty rates for hot climates were higher. While concerns have been raised, the company has played the issue down to pv magazine.
FRV and Denham Capital to invest $190 million in solar projects
Spanish company Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) and private equity firm, Denham Capital, have formed a partnership under which they will invest US$190 million in solar projects across a number of different global regions.
Premier Power and Chaori plan 3 PV projects in New Jersey worth $27.6 million
Premier Power Renewable Energy and Chaori Solar USA have signed a US$27.6 million agreement, under which they plan to develop utility-scale power plants in the U.S.
Asia: PV costs to keep falling; Uzbekistan market to take off
In an interview, Seethapathy Chander, from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) talks to pv magazine about the photovoltaic investment situation in Asia, falling project costs and emerging markets. Overall, he believes costs will, on average, sink to just US$0.09 per kilowatt hour (/kWh) across Asia, and that Uzbekistan will become a major market.
Trade rout: CVD act passed by US Congress fuels rivalry with China
Capitalism prevailed over party politics this week, as the U.S. Congress moved swiftly to pass legislation that would enable the Department of Commerce to continue applying countervailing duty (CVD) law to non-market economies (NMEs), such as China and Vietnam.
