AUO announces full operations at Japan solar site will resume soon
In announcing its third quarter (Q3) financial results, AUO Optronics has said affiliate company M.Setek is expected to resume full operations at its solar factory in Soma, in Mid-November.
Slow solar equipment business bites Manz
Manufacturing equipment supplier Manz has today revised down its earnings for 2011 on the back of weak demand for solar equipment. The company has a turnkey CIGS line and is a single machine supplier to select customers.
Centrotherm ups full year guidance, despite falling EBIT
Going against the grain, centrotherm photovoltaics AG has adjusted both its revenue and EBIT margin guidance for the full year 2011. Certain areas of the business are suffering from the “strained” market conditions though, and its EBIT has taken a massive tumble.
Jefferies: Grid parity a reality in Germany
Industry analysts Jefferies have taken the reductions in Germany’s feed-in tariffs as an indication of approaching retail grid parity.
Parabel completes 5.3 MW Horka solar park
Parabel AG has completed and grid connected a 5.3 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic park in Saxony, Germany.
Solutia grows Q3 sales
U.S.-based chemical products company Solutia has reported its third quarter (Q3) financial results including a two percent increase in sales, from the same period in 2010, and a seven percent increase in earnings per share.
First CIS/CIGS power plant installed in France
Integrator Belectric and Solar Frontier have announced today the completion of their 4.2 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic power plant in Bessan, France. It is the first such installation in France using copper, indium, gallium, (di)selenide (CIGS) thin-film modules. The project also represents the Japanese manufacturer’s entry into the French photovoltaic market.
German FITs cut in 2012
The German Federal Network Agency (“Bundesnetzagentur” “BNA”) has announced the new photovoltaic feed-in tariffs (FIT) for 2012. They will be cut by 15 percent from 2011 rates.
MiaSolé increases efficiency and reduces cost
Californian copper, indium, gallium, (di)selenide (CIGS) start-up manufacturer MiaSolé announced earlier this week that it has simultaneously increased its module efficiency and reduced production cost per watt by 25 percent this year. The company also announced that its 13 percent efficiency modules are now in “volume production.”
Italy: 6 billion FIT limit almost reached; accusations of PV fraud arise
There are fears that the 6 billion set aside for Italys solar market until 2016 could run out next year. Data has also emerged, which indicates that over 200 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic installations have been removed from the Conto Energia II in just one week. GIFI president, Valerio Natalizia talks to pv magazine.
