Global PV markets

According to reports, an agreement on Germany’s photovoltaic subsidies could be reached before the summer break. A decision was said to have been made at a meeting between new Environment Minister, Altmaier, and opposition and state politicians, yesterday, June 25.

While recent price reductions in crystalline-silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics has seen pressure mount on alternative technologies, a new Lux Research report forecasts rapid growth in high-concentrating photovoltaics (HCPV). As such, the future of HCPV may be bright if companies in the field can survive the current tough market.

In its latest Solarbuzz Quarterly report, NPD Solarbuzz has predicted that global photovoltaic demand will grow by eight percent in 2012, year-on-year (Y/Y), to 30 gigawatts (GW). The analysts predict that in an environment of “prudent” capacity utilization by manufacturers, equilibrium between supply and demand will be realized.

The north-east Australian state of Queensland has slashed its feed in tariff (FIT) program, reducing tariffs from AUD0.44/kWh (US$0.43) down to AUD0.08/kWh (US$0.07). The conservative Newman Government, which came to power only months ago, said that the scheme’s original aim of stimulating a solar industry in the state had been achieved.

SunPower has supplied modules and a tracker system to a Campbell Soup Company site in Ohio. The ground-mounted system, called the SunPower Oasis, will supply 15 percent of the Campbell facility’s power.

One of Canada’s largest solar project developers, SkyPower has sold approximately 200 megawatts (MW) of projects in Ontario to Chinese-Canadian manufacturer Canadian Solar. The companies have also launched a JV called CSI SkyPower.

The vast 230-megawatt (MW) Antelope Valley Solar Ranch One project, supplied and installed by First Solar, is back on track, after an agreement was reached between the company and LA County, on the installation of its modules. The agreement will allow First Solar to continue construction on the plant, which is set to be completed in 2013.

U.S. Governor, Andrew Cuomo has announced the introduction of a new photovoltaic initiative in New York, which aims to significantly increase the amount of customer-sited solar power in the state over the next two years.

The U.S. Government’s development finance institution, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has approved US$185 million worth of financing for two 20 MW solar plants in Peru.

In an exclusive interview, pioneering photovoltaic researcher, Martin Green has called for more efforts to be made in advocating photovoltaics in the wider community and within the power industry.