Global PV markets

German photovoltaic project developer S.A.G. Solarstrom has posted EBIT earnings of €2.2 million for Q3 2012. Sales for the company in the quarter totaled €55.4 million, which was more than the previous two quarters combined.

In the wake of the hype surrounding Tuesday’s presidential election, an important boost to renewable-energy development in California has received little attention. Proposition 39 was passed by a 60% majority at the state’s poll, which is hoped to deliver US$500/a for renewable energy development in the state.

In the first nine months of 2012, inverter manufacturer SMA Solar Technology has managed to increase sales volumes and has posted a EBIT result of €116 million. The results were announced today by the company, which reports that the EBIT result translates to a €81 million consolidated net profit for the period.

With the global market in flux, the photovoltaic industry could benefit from innovative approaches to demand side management and consumer-focussed solutions. Next week’s Ecosummit in Düsseldorf, on November 14 and 15, will be showcasing such solutions. Host Jan-Michael Hess discusses.

Currently the government in Warsaw is still struggling with the reorganization of its solar subsidies. Nevertheless, project planners have already put their hopes in a market that promises attractive subsidies for both large and small photovoltaic systems.

The first Desertec Industry Initiative (DII) reference projects are currently being planned. However, an intergovernmental agreement is still to be signed. Despite this, new details have emerged over RWE’s planned Moroccan solar project.

The 6th Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo opened its doors today in Delhi, with fewer exhibitors than last year. Talk at the show has been of the challenges in finding finance to develop photovoltaic projects and of a market under-delivering on expectations.

Eighteen photovoltaic developers, who have finally signed contracts for 651.53 MW worth of projects in South Africa on Monday, are among 28 renewable energy companies that will allocate US$114 million of their investment to women engaged in energy enterprises.

At one GW, Serbia is planning to build the world’s largest photovoltaic project. Project developer, Securum Equity Partners & Associates shares more project and manufacturing details with pv magazine.

Italian renewables company Moncada Group has won the second tender issued by the South African Department of Energy to build a 189 MW, €240 million photovoltaic plant in De Aar, near Cape Town.