UK 2016: A Q1 boom, an "unviable" ground-mount sector and solar sans subsidies
Following the official announcement by the U.K. Government of the new FIT for renewables from 2016 onwards, there has been a backlash about the lack of support for ground-mounted systems. IHS tells pv magazine the sector is unviable post March, while it will be hard for solar to play a larger role in the country based on the changes. BNEF expects to see a Q1 2016 boom bigger than this year’s, and Lightsource is already planning large-scale projects sans subsidies.
IHS: ITC extension will avoid a crash in the global solar market
The research firm’s initial forecast based on the potential extension of the ITC finds that the U.S. solar market will grow in 2017, and that this will prevent a 10% decline in the global solar market.
Yingli announces 1/10 reverse stock split
With a six-month deadline for bringing its stock above US$1/share pending, the company that was formerly the world’s largest module maker is taking action.
ITC extension may be stalled in the U.S. House
Despite the leadership of both parties supporting the spending bill that contains a three-plus year extension of the ITC, the bill may fall prey to politics.
Japan's SoftBank wins bid for 350 MW Indian solar farm
Andhra Pradesh state-backed utility NTPC awards tender to Softbank under Phase-II, Batch-II, Tranche-I of the National Solar Mission at a tariff of $0.07/kWh for 25 years.
ITC extension talk boosts US solar shares
Hopes that Congress can agree a deal to extend the Investment Tax Credit scheme beyond 2016 have prompted a jump in the shares of leading U.S. solar company such as SunPower and SunEdison.
German equipment orders surge in 2015, despite weak Q3
Germanys VDMA has reported that sales of manufacturing equipment for the PV industry are up 56% in the first nine months of 2015, compared to results from the previous year (Y/Y). The rebound represents a return to order volumes not seen since 2012.
Japan edges closer to solar auction introduction
Committee of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) concludes meeting discussing the introduction of an auction process for large-scale solar projects. System likely to begin in FY 2017.
Trina Solar sets efficiency record with c-Si cell
Trina Solar has announced a new efficiency record of 22.13% for its p-type mono-crystalline silicon solar cell.
SunPower raises $400 million in debenture offer
The California-based company plans to use net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including pursuing its HoldCo and YieldCo strategies, capital expenditures, lowering debt and potential acquisitions.
