Global PV markets

India’s booming population and increasing demand for energy provides one of the most positive marketplace opportunities for renewable energy, and in particular solar, in the world, according to a new report. However, there are still many issues, like financing and policy, to be addressed, leading to doubts that the 20 gigawatt (GW) solar targets can be achieved.

Like an unrepentant child confined to a “time-out” corner, China is not only irate at accusations that it has over-subsidized its solar industry and underpriced its products, but it is plotting a market rally strong enough to scuttle its competition.

Clean Power Finance, Morgan Stanley subsidiary, MS Solar Solutions Corp., and Main Street Power Company have created a new U.S. solar lease facility, which will provide funding for up to US$300 million worth of projects.

The last of Japan’s 50 nuclear reactors was shutdown over the weekend, as the country heads into the electricity-hungry summer months. With proposed feed-in tariff (FIT) rates promising healthy returns to investors, the stage appears set for a photovoltaic boom.

U.S.-based vertically integrated thin film manufacturer First Solar has posted a non-GAAP loss for the first quarter (Q1) of 2012 of US$449 million or US$5.20 per share. The company also announced new management in the shape of James Hughes as CEO and Raffi Garabedian as CTO. In related news, major construction has begun at its 550 megawatt (MW) at Topaz Solar Farms project.

While criticism is often aimed at renewables for playing a major role in increasing consumers’ electricity bills, new data from Australia predicts that only three percent of forecast price rises in the country will be due to support for renewables. The newly-formed Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) Agents Association released the figures.

CEO’s from the international photovoltaics community have today announced the establishment of a Global Solar Council. The goal is to sustainably and cost-competitively expand the worldwide deployment of solar energy, by emphasizing the importance of “supportive” policies and trade environments.

Haste makes waste – unless, of course, it makes your company among the first to be audited and certified as a preferred vendor under the domestic content provision of the Ontario Power Authority’s updated Feed-in tariff (FIT.2) program.

Chinese photovoltaic players were out in force at the second Renewables Indonesia International Trade Fair on Energy Sustainability, Green Resources and Environmental Technology, which kicked off today in the densely packed capital city of Indonesia. A stark need for renewables in the country has been identified.

650 megawatts (MW) worth of photovoltaics were installed in Germany in January and February, according to preliminary figures from the country’s Federal Network Agency.