Global PV markets

Media has reported that India is expected to launch an anti-dumping investigation into imports of photovoltaic modules into the country. According to the Indian Ministry of Commerce, the India’s solar manufactures have called for anti-dumping duties as high as 200%. Bridge to India reports on the situation.

Overall, clean energy investments are said to be slipping and it is predicted that 2012 will see an annual drop in funds. On a positive note, however, solar energy is reaping the lion’s share of investment, compared to wind, hydro, biomass and waste, and energy-smart technologies.

Poland’s Ministry of Economy has published a third draft of its Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Act, which is scheduled to come into play on January 1, 2013. Under the changes introduced, photovoltaics will see reduced remuneration for larger installations. Meanwhile, a cap has been placed on support for systems over 10 MW.

In a positive announcement, the French government has said a feed-in tariff (FIT) bonus of 10% will apply to photovoltaic rooftop systems, which have been manufactured in Europe. Furthermore, tariffs for eligible systems will be boosted by 5%.

On the back of increased trade tensions, including the AD and CVD debates currently raging in the U.S. and Europe, a number of leading industry players have joined forces to call for the establishment of free trade regulations for the cleantech industry.

The latest figures from IMS Research indicate that China will see newly installed photovoltaic capacity reach 5 GW by the end of 2012. While the market has seen a slow start, it predicts an enormous end of year surge.

By 2030, photovoltaics will be a mainstay of the European electricity market. Against a backdrop of falling prices, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) anticipates a photovoltaics market share of 15 to 25%. In its latest report, “Connecting the Sun”, EPIA has outlined several scenarios to demonstrate how the European power supply system can be adapted to the rapidly increasing supply of solar. pv magazine spoke with Secretary General, Reinhold Buttgereit about the new findings.

As a part of its plan to facilitate better demand-side management of electricity usage, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has launched its Green Button Connect system. The software aims at providing electricity usage data to customers and to solar installers, to allow for more integrated photovoltaic and demand-side electricity solutions.

While CIGS startup MiaSolé heads towards sale, to the Hanergy Holding Group, for what seems to be a very low price, details have emerged as to fellow U.S. flexible module producer SoloPower’s plans.

Photovoltaic energy could have a more robust role to play in Brazil’s energy sector if the cost of this technology continue to fall, according to the new Decennial Plan for Energy Expansion until 2021, published by Brazil’s state-run energy research company (EPE).