North American PV market at crossroads
According to new research, the 2011 North American photovoltaic market is projected to grow 101 percent on 2010, with demand likely to reach 2.2 gigawatts (GW) by year end. However, due to factors such as declining incentives and module oversupply, the market is at a “crossroads”. Meanwhile, the coming year will present many challenges.
Q-Cells claims CIGS aperture efficiency world record
German module manufacturer and integrator Q-Cells has claimed to have achieved a world-record CIGS module aperture efficiency of 17.4 percent, for a test module 16 square-centimeters in size.
SolarÂ’s feathered foes
While the elements, clouds, storms or snow, can often be an impediment to generating electricity through photovoltaics or other solar technologies, nature also has other ways of getting in the way. In Australia, where the sunshine is more reliable than other places, native birds can also pose a menace to a solar array.
Germany: Millionth PV system grid connected
The one millionth photovoltaic system has been connected to GermanyÂ’s grid, according to the countryÂ’s solar industry association, BSW-Solar.
Evergreen Solar announces asset sale completion; management shakeout
Evergreen Solar Inc. has completed the sale of its core wafer business and intellectual property to Hong Kong-based Max Era Properties Limited. The management team has also been shaken out.
Construction on 550 MW Topaz Solar Farm underway
First Solar has begun construction on its 550 megawatt (MW) Topaz Solar Farm, in San Luis Obispo County, California.
Polysilicon latest trade war victim
The U.S. may be launching an investigation into the alleged illegal dumping and subsidies of photovoltaic cells and modules from China into the U.S., but now it seems that China is conducting its very own inquiry into illegal polysilicon dumping and subsidies into the country by the U.S.
Panasonic plans 300 MW Malaysian solar factory
Global electronics giant, Panasonic Corporation has unveiled plans to open a 300 megawatt (MW) vertically-integrated solar manufacturing facility in Malaysia.
China launches US renewable energy trade barrier investigation
The U.S.-China trade investigation launched by SolarWorld is fast turning into a mudslinging match between the two countries. Now, it has been reported that China will be investigating U.S. renewable energy policy support and subsidies.
PV price shifts and painful consolidation
2011 has, arguably, presented photovoltaic companies with the toughest solar market challenges to date. Subsidy cuts, freefalling prices, weak demand, overcapacities, financial uncertainty, insolvencies: these factors, and many more, have conspired to test companiesÂ’ mettle. However, what has led the industry to this situation, and what is in store for 2012? According to the analysts, intensified consolidation and falling component prices, and a situation where only the vertically integrated will survive.
