Industry & Suppliers

For a second time this year, the U.K. government has revealed a new photovoltaic feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme, aimed at establishing a more “predictable, certain and sustainable” industry. Under the changes, a new 16 pence (p) FIT will be introduced from August 1. According to STA, there are now provisions to install 800 MW to one GW annually.

CEOs from China’s four largest photovoltaic manufacturers were gathered today, May 24, at a press conference in Shanghai, China, to launch the Solar Energy Promotion Alliance and comment on the latest U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) ruling regarding the dumping of crystalline silicon cells in the U.S. market.

In a sign of continued consolidation, Australian photovoltaic module manufacturer SilexSolar announced today that it will permanently close its manufacturing operations. The move will cost around AUD10 million (US$9.77 million).

Hopes that Germany-based Odersun AG will be saved are fading fast. Unless an investor is found by the end of the month, the company will be forced to shut down and its employees let go.

Taiwan looks likely to see a substantial boost to its solar cell industry following the latest U.S.-China trade case announcement, but will it be enough to offset declining margins and the industry’s core issue – overcapacity in supply?

China Sunergy has seen some financial improvement in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012. The company is still suffering losses, however. Looking ahead, it will shift its market focus and invest more in downstream segments.

Trina Solar’s first quarter (Q1) 2012 financials have been curtailed, due to provisions made for potential countervailing and anti-dumping duties. The company also missed its shipment and gross margin guidance. Despite this, it still forecasts growth for the full year (FY).

Lux Research has developed a Disruptive PV Technology Grid, which allows quantitative evaluation of new photovoltaic technologies for their cost reduction potential and time to market.

Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd has seen significant first quarter (Q1) 2012 financial losses. As with Trina Solar, the company’s gross profit and gross margin have been affected by a provision for preliminary U.S. countervailing and anti-dumping duties. Looking ahead, it expects to see gross margin and shipments pickup.

Malaysia’s Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) has told the Malaysian Reserve that it is considering adjusting the country’s renewable energy feed-in tariff (FIT), due to an “imbalance in the RE resource mix”.