Global PV markets

The U.S. solar sector has just finished its second-best quarter in history, having installed 742 MW of photovoltaic power – and its best quarter on record for utility deployments – according to a report released today by Boston-based GTM Research and the Washington, DC-based Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Photovoltaic installations were up 45% over Q1 2012, and up 116% over Q2 2011.

Following 2 years of almost no solar activity, predictions are that between 100 and 120 MW of photovoltaics will be installed in 2012 in the Czech Republic. Rooftop systems are said to be leading this growth.

Cumulative Indian solar capacity now stands at around 1,040 MW, of which 830 MW were installed this year. Despite the crossing of this significant milestone, there are still many challenges facing the Indian solar industry, including missed deadlines and high inflation.

Following the launch of EU and U.S. trade investigations into photovoltaic exports from China, Avaaz is calling for half a million people to back its submission to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) and EU Trade Commissioner for “talks not tariffs”.

Having almost completed work on its first pilot photovoltaic plant, Energy Smart tells pv magazine that it has already begun planning a further two projects in Estonia.

The European Commission (EC) has initiated proceedings against Chinese photovoltaic manufacturers. The Competition Authority will now consider the allegation of dumping, according to an announcement by the European Commission this morning.

Legislation that would have provided customers of California’s three major utilities – Southern California Edison (SCE) San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) – with access to virtual, net-metered photovoltaic energy was blocked in the state’s Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce on August 31.

Taiwanese semiconductor giant, TSMC announced today that modules with efficiencies reaching 14.2% are rolling off its lines. TSMC produces CIGS thin film modules, utilizing technology licensed from Californian startup, Stion.

Solon Corporation’s new VP and GM of power plants, Jared Schoch discusses his plans for growing the company’s North American photovoltaic business, the financing landscape in the region, and the impact of Microsol’s recent takeover of Solon SE with pv magazine.

Chinese government officials have used economic cooperation talks between Germany and China, to raise the topic that a bilateral solution could be reached between the 2 countries to avoid a potential photovoltaic trade war.