France boosts FITs for rooftop PV 'Made in Europe'
In a positive announcement, the French government has said a feed-in tariff (FIT) bonus of 10% will apply to photovoltaic rooftop systems, which have been manufactured in Europe. Furthermore, tariffs for eligible systems will be boosted by 5%.
Solar industry calls for global green free trade
On the back of increased trade tensions, including the AD and CVD debates currently raging in the U.S. and Europe, a number of leading industry players have joined forces to call for the establishment of free trade regulations for the cleantech industry.
Centrotherm announces management changes
As part of its ongoing reorganization process, centrotherm photovoltaics AG has announced a number of management and supervisory board changes. Of particular note, Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO), Jan von Schuckmann will become the new CEO and CTO, Peter Fath will step down from the management board.
Aleo solar introduces reduced working hours
Aleo solar AG has announced it will not extend its temporary worker contracts in a bid to reduce inventory. It is expected that production will again be ramped up early next year.
30 MW PV plant planned for Japan
Yonden Engineering Co. Inc. is to design and build a 30 MW photovoltaic plant in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. While Kyocera Solar Corporation will supply the necessary modules, a subsidiary of Eurus Energy Group will operate the finished plant.
Applied Materials announces major workforce reduction
Applied Materials Inc. has announced it will cut between 900 and 1,300 jobs in a bid to realign its global workforce.
India: 50 MW of PV projects planned
First Solar will supply 50 MW of its thin film photovoltaic modules to two projects, worth 20 MW and 30 MW, respectively, located in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Solar VC funding plummets
According to the latest figures, venture capital (VC) funding in the solar industry has plummeted in Q3 2012, leading it to become the first sub-$100 million quarter since 2008 for the industry. On a positive note, solar leasing is said to be strong.
Gestamp Solar to develop 300 MW of solar projects in Japan
Spanish company Gestamp Solar has partnered with Kankyo-Keiei for the development of solar projects in Japan, with a focus on rooftop installations. The projects are to be undertaken over a three year period.
India: Only 67.25 MW of PV added in last quarter
Bridge to India has released its October edition of the India Solar Compass. The report finds that between July and September there has been a drastic drop in PV capacity addition compared to prior quarters. The key question is how viability gap funding (VGF) will impact the market under phase two of the National Solar Mission or NSM.
