Global PV markets

An explanatory statement for the proposed law has now been presented. In it, the German Federal Ministry of Economics explains the planned steps to a new regulation of solar promotion. It remains unclear what the actual construction target of the Federal Government is, i.e. whether its 33.3 or 52 gigawatts (GW) of installed photovoltaic capacity.

U.S.-based Satcon Technology Corporation and Chinese company, Great Wall Computer Company Limited (GWPC) have formed a partnership under which Satcon says it will be able to capitalize on an estimated 14 gigawatts (GW) of utility scale photovoltaic projects in China.

The North American photovoltaics market experienced a boom in new installations in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2011, due to decreasing market prices and policy program changes. In 2012, the market boasts a 25 gigawatt (GW) non-residential and utility project pipeline.

Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics has presented its own proposal for alterations to the Renewable Energy Law (EEG). An additional installed capacity of 33.3 gigawatts (GW) could see an end to the solar subsidy.

Touted as the world’s most expensive publicly funded solar energy program, India’s much hyped Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) has hit its first roadblock. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) alleges that the Lanco Group has flouted the program’s guidelines to corner a big share of the photovoltaic projects under first batch of Phase 1.

Gehrlicher has released further details of its new joint venture (JV) with Turkish energy company, Merk Solar Enerji Çözümleri San. ve Tic. Ltd. ?ti. Specifically, the German solar company says it will focus on large-scale photovoltaic projects.

Spain-based Isofotón and Chinese oil company CNOOC’s subsidiary, Tianjin Lishen Joint-Stock Battery Co., have formed a joint venture (JV) in China. They have also made public their photovoltaic pipeline plans.

According to media reports, the Chinese government in Beijing has scaled back its Golden Sun Program subsidies and its feed-in tariff rates following an increased demand for photovoltaics in the country.

Donauer Solartechnik opened an office in Oman yesterday, February 1. Speaking to pv magazine, the company expands on its activities in the Gulf region.

Commenting on Spain’s recent announcement that it has suspended all feed-in tariffs for new renewable energy projects, the EU Commission says it fears disturbing impacts on the investment climate in the renewable sector, as a whole, could occur.