Romania installs 175.5 MW of new PV in six months
Romania reaches 203.5 MW of installed PV capacity of which 175.5 MW has been electrified in the first half of 2013. Country’s PV pipeline amounts to 2.7 GW in coming years.
Panasonic set to close solar cell factory in Hungary
Japanese company Panasonic Corp has decided to close its only European solar cell plant in Hungary. An estimated 500 jobs will be lost after plant closes in March.
EU trade case: Short-term compromise becomes evident
The tendency is mounting towards a possible short-term agreement in the ongoing trade dispute between the EU and China. According to the EU trade commissioner Karel de Gucht’s spokesperson, the EU is doing everything in its power to negotiate a solution in the short-term. Nevertheless the EU has not officially reacted to the compromise proposal from China for a minimum export price for modules amounting to 0.50/Watt (US$0.65) as well as an annual export volume cap of 10 GW.
Debate in Georgia: How much solar is enough?
Despite the fact that the U.S. is increasingly embracing solar power, some major electricity providers are resisting the trend. Atlanta-based Georgia Power is now facing a statewide revolt as calls for more solar grow louder. Georgia’s Public Service Commission will shape the future of solar in the state in a crucial vote on July 11.
India: 418 MW of PV offers for Andhra Pradesh
The Indian state of Andhra Pradesh has received offers to set up 418 MW of photovoltaic capacity at INR6.49 (US$0.11) per unit price. This was finalized under the state’s solar policy.
UK adds 261 MW in first quarter of 2013
The U.K. added 261 MW in the first quarter of 2013, bringing the total installed solar PV in the territory to 2 GW, while the share of electricity generation from renewables reached 12.3%.
Apple plans new solar array in Reno
Technology giant Apple will be developing a new solar array in Reno, Nevada in the U.S. The goal is to power the company’s data center in Reno completely with renewable energy. Apple will work together with the local utility NV Energy Inc.
Gehrlicher Solar erects 9 MWp projects in Romania
Gehrlicher Solar has finished construction on three ground-mounted systems in Romania with a total capacity of 9 MWp and is currently building additional projects of 5 MWp. It will soon have a total of 23 MWp of installed capacity in the country.
MGM Resorts, NRG Solar team up on 6.2 MW Las Vegas project
NRG Solar is designing and developing a 6.2 MW photovoltaic project for MGM Resorts International’s first commercial solar project in the U.S. — a rooftop installation on the Mandalay Bay Resort Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Low worldwide bookings for PV equipment in the first quarter
Global trade association Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) has released their 2013 first quarter statistics report on the worldwide photovoltaics equipment market. Billings and bookings numbers still look sombre.
