China's PV manufacturers launch new alliance in response to trade case ruling
CEOs from Chinas four largest photovoltaic manufacturers were gathered today, May 24, at a press conference in Shanghai, China, to launch the Solar Energy Promotion Alliance and comment on the latest U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) ruling regarding the dumping of crystalline silicon cells in the U.S. market.
Australia: SilexSolar closes manufacturing operations
In a sign of continued consolidation, Australian photovoltaic module manufacturer SilexSolar announced today that it will permanently close its manufacturing operations. The move will cost around AUD10 million (US$9.77 million).
Germany installs 1.8 GW PV in Q1
Germanys Federal Network Agency has once again quietly released the new photovoltaic installation capacities. Overall 1.8 gigawatts (GW) were installed in the country in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012.
Taiwan solar cell makers to see boost on back of China tariffs, but will effects be long-term?
Taiwan looks likely to see a substantial boost to its solar cell industry following the latest U.S.-China trade case announcement, but will it be enough to offset declining margins and the industrys core issue overcapacity in supply?
Worlds biggest CIS (CIGS) power plant completed
Bright spring sunshine has welcomed the completion of world’s largest copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS/CIS) power plant today in Brandenburg, near the German capital Berlin. The 28.8 megawatt (MW) power plant is largest, using CIGS/CIS technology, to be connected to the grid.
Identifying emerging PV technologies
Lux Research has developed a Disruptive PV Technology Grid, which allows quantitative evaluation of new photovoltaic technologies for their cost reduction potential and time to market.
Ukraine targeting 1 GW PV by 2013
Ukraine is said to be targeting a cumulative installed photovoltaic capacity of one gigawatt (GW) by 2013. Overall, investment in new facilities is expected to reach 2 billion.
WTO dispute strains the limits of friendship and fair trade
In what can only be described as a “Bizarro World” scenario, even as Canada continued to take the heat last week for the domestic content requirement in Ontarios feed-in tariff (FIT.2) scheme, legislators in Washington, DC, considered imposing a similar regulation, in order to freeze Chinas manufacturers out of the U.S. solar market.
South Africa announces PV projects under second bidding round
South Africas Department of Energy has approved nine new photovoltaic projects, which are expected to see an additional 417 megawatts (MW) added to the national grid by 2016.
SNEC: 30+ percent tariffs lead to unintended consequences
On the final day of the SNEC trade show in Shanghai, the unintended consequences of the 30-plus percent tariffs that are set to imposed on photovoltaic exports from China to the U.S. have begun to emerge. Taiwanese manufacturers look set to benefit most, while opportunities may also arise for equipment manufactures.
