Q-Cells unveils financial restructuring plan; releases updated 2012 guidance
Q-Cells SE continues to suffer from the fall out of 2011s weak solar market conditions. The company has still not determined its 2011 losses, and is experiencing ongoing problems with its convertible bonds. Despite this, it remains optimistic, and expects a return to form by 2014.
Solar shows strong 2011 US greentech transaction activity
The U.S. solar market may have experienced a challenging 2011, amid political wrangling and such debacles as the Solyndra insolvency. Despite this, the industry shone when it came to greentech transactions, ranking second after the storage and efficiency sector in terms of volume.
Germanys Economics Minister calls for PV cap and drastic cuts
It seems Germanys FDP Economics Minister has submitted his own solar incentive proposal. According to media reports, he wants to introduce a nine gigawatt (GW) cap for newly installed photovoltaic capacity until 2020, and a drastic one-time reduction in remuneration.
CIGS market to double by 2015
Lux Research has found that the copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar market is likely to double between now and 2015. However, it warns that only a few manufacturers will succeed.
Microsol to save Solon?
According to a list issued from the German antitrust authorities on January 18, Microsol Inc. registered the takeover of Solon. Appointed company liquidator, Rüdiger Wienberg, declined to comment on the news.
France: Ampere and Solairedirect secure 115 million in debt financing
Ampere Equity Fund and France-based Solairedirect have closed a senior debt project financing round worth 115 million for their 34 megawatt peak (MWp) photovoltaic portfolio in France.
US military develops solar strategy to 'cover its bases'
The U.S. military has found a way to go off-grid for weeks or months, and to produce revenues of as much as US$100 million annually, by opening land on western military bases to private solar development.
Italy: PV register for large systems will not open in 2H 2012
Italian regulatory authority, GSE, has officially announced that it will not open a register for large-scale photovoltaic systems in the second half (2H) of 2012.
Germany: Changes to FITs, still an open discussion
The discussion on the implementation of the FITs reductions on a staggered basis throughout the year carries on. BSW-Solar’s Carsten Körnig still sees predictability of returns on investment for rooftop PV installations, but it remains hard to predict what’s in store for large-scale PV development.
Lux Research reveals top ten cell manufacturers
Lux Research’s latest Solar Supply Tracker analysis names the top ten cell manufacturers. It also reveals that demand in Europe is on the rise, but European manufacturers are having problems remaining cost competitive.
