From the Editor

Hamburg-based Conergy AG is negotiating with Chinese manufacturers about a possible partnership. According to the company’s CEO, it will go beyond a pure supply relationship.

In what is a microcosm of the environment facing photovoltaics in many parts of the world, in the UK innovative installations have been going up, while a new report has been produced critical of the country’s renewable energy goals.

In a week where mixed signals have been emerging from the photovoltaic equipment market, NPD Solarbuzz figures indicate growing revenues during 2011. Looking to the future is another story however, with the analysts predicting a sharp downturn.

Uncertainty in the UK’s solar industry may be reduced today as the Government’s appeal against a High Court ruling that its feed-in tariff (FIT) cut was illegal is heard. The High Court’s initial ruling was made in response to a case brought before it by the environmental NGO Friends of the Earth and a coalition of solar companies.

Earlier this week, Ontario’s Premier Dalton McGuinty ordered a review of the province’s feed-in tariff (FIT) program. Canada’s Solar Industry Association (CanSIA) said that it wants clear rules as to what to expect from the program in the future.

In one of the largest non-recourse credit facilities issued for photovoltaic projects, Deutsche Bank and Rabobank will provide a USD300 million facility to SunEdison for projects in the U.S. and Canada.

On the final closing of a Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee for the project, SunPower will sell to NRG Energy the California Solar Ranch. Construction on the project began last month and is expected to be completed in two years.

Accelerated consolidation and increased competition among photovoltaic producers are two key themes set to characterize 2012’s solar industry. Meanwhile, the “easy phase” of making money is said to be over.