Trina expands Australian presence
Trina Solar Limited has opened a sales and business development office in Sydney, Australia.
Italy approves draft solar regulation
According to a report in Reuters, Italys Government has finally approved its draft solar regulation at a cabinet meeting held today.
Australian Government tapers off solar subsidies
The Australian Federal Government will start the process of reigning in its generous subsidies for home solar electric panels in light of strong growth in the industry and rising electricity prices.
First Solar sees flat first quarter
First Solar executives didnt have much good news to discuss on Tuesday when the company announced flat first-quarter sales and lowered earnings. Cuts in government subsidies in key European countries have squeezed solar panel prices and caused no small amount of anxiety among manufacturers and project developers.
Italy FIT farce could spill into next week
Speaking to industry representatives at Italys Solar Expo in Verona, confidence seems to be battered. While analysts had reported that the fourth Conto Energia would be signed today, media reports state that it will only be presented to the cabinet tomorrow. It is now believed a final decision will be reached within the next week.
Weak demand and sales decline characterize Sunways first quarter
Looking at its preliminary figures, Sunways AG experienced a significant sales decline of 22.1 million in the first quarter of 2011, in comparison to the first quarter of 2010. The reason cited was weaker than expected demand, which resulted in high inventory levels.
Q-Cells lays off contract workers
Germany-based Q-Cells SE has reportedly let the majority of its contract workers go, due to declining photovoltaic demand. The companys permanent staff wont be affected, according to sources.
REC also experiences weak Q1
In what seems to be the overriding trend for photovoltaics companies in the first quarter of 2011, the Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) has reported decreased revenues due to weakened demand.
Daqo and JNE to build Canadian PV module factory
Daqo New Energy Holdings (Canada) Ltd and JNE Solar Inc. have announced they are to build and operate a photovoltaic module production facility in Hamilton, Ontario.
India: Suntech and Sunborne enter into 100 MW supply agreement
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd is to supply Indian company SunBorne Energy with 100 megawatts (MW) of solar modules over the next two years. They will be used for projects in India.
