Global PV markets

“At least” half of the world’s existing photovoltaic manufacturers will either go bankrupt or be taken over, according to Ernst & Young and Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). Meanwhile, they have identified three key solar trends: financing innovations; residential grid parity; and the trading of large project portfolios.

Early summer weather has seen Germany’s photovoltaic power plants feed 22 gigawatts (GW) back into the grid in a 24-hour period. In fact, so high was production that on Saturday at midday, 40 percent of the country’s total energy demand was supplied by solar power.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has reached the final stage of its selection process for a scheme in which 210 megawatts (MW) of large-scale solar projects will be added to the territory. The smallest of Australia’s states and territories, the ACT hopes to become the country’s photovoltaic leader.

News agency Reuters has reported that Goldman Sachs Group Inc has set its sites on investing US$40 billion into renewable energy projects over the next decade.

In an attempt to persuade Iran to drop its atomic ambitions and instead develop its abundant renewable energy resources, two politicians from Germany’s Green Party have formulated a new strategy to be included in the ongoing nuclear battle between the oil-rich country and western governments.

At the annual general meeting of Switzerland’s solar trade association, Swissolar, the president called for more photovoltaic growth. The development of the technology, he said, could meet 20 percent of the country’s energy needs by 2025.

Speaking with industry leaders yesterday, May 24, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy in India called for “greater investment” in solar energy. The event represented the first meeting of India’s Solar Energy Industry Advisory Council (SEIAC).

According to Bloomberg, China’s Ministry of Commerce has identified five U.S. states which have violated free-trade rules. Meanwhile, Reuters reports that the trade case looks likely to move to Europe.

A new report into the CIS/CIGS photovoltaic manufacturing market, by market and technology analysts Yole Développement, has concluded that while a number of small copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) manufacturers are likely not to survive present market conditions, opportunities still remain.

For a second time this year, the U.K. government has revealed a new photovoltaic feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme, aimed at establishing a more “predictable, certain and sustainable” industry. Under the changes, a new 16 pence (p) FIT will be introduced from August 1. According to STA, there are now provisions to install 800 MW to one GW annually.