Russian Far East bolsters RES capacity
The Russian Far East, where adverse climate conditions have resulted in high prices for fossil fuels, is increasingly embracing renewable energy. The offers opportunity, but also challenges for local developers.
Mascotte's $250 million due diligence bill
The Taiwanese company has been forced to take HK$1.93bn hit in its 2013 figures, part of a HK$3.03 billion annual loss, after due diligence over the Sun Materials acquisition failed to spot a hydroflouric acid problem.
Chinese module prices on the rise
Chinese panels are increasing in price due to the EU’s anti-dumping tariffs. As a result, high-quality modules from South Korean and Western suppliers are becoming more competitive, says IHS.
Agreement expected this week in EU-China trade dispute
The European Commission and China continue to wrangle for a compromise in the ongoing trade dispute over dumping prices on imported Chinese PV products. Insiders expect an agreement this week.
Initiative lights up off-grid villages in Pakistan
Working with local and international partners like Coca-Cola, China Mobile’s Zong, the Imran Khan Foundation and Engro Corporation, Pakistan’s Buksh Foundation has set a goal of illuminating 4,000 off-grid villages by 2017.
Indian manufacturers allege EU module dumping
Three manufacturers have complained about dumping of cells and modules from the EU and Japan. Same three companies have an ongoing complaint about cells from the U.S., China, Taiwan and Malaysia.
Solar Sculptures illuminate Portland
The U.S. city of Portland is using photovoltaic sculptures as part of an urban design project to increase pedestrian traffic in the city.
Solar self-consumption on the rise in Germany
Lower feed-in tariffs, high electricity rates and the growing availability of storage systems are making self-consumption a much more attractive option for German solar producers.
Hermes launches trial run for solar module production facility in Sofia
Hermes Solar on Friday officially launched the trial run of its new highly automated crystalline module production with an annual capacity of 60 MW in Bulgaria. The first modules, scheduled to ship in September, are mainly for the European market. Bulgaria’s domestic market has virtually collapsed due to ongoing political squabbling over solar feed-ins.
Thai FITs for further 1 GW of solar
Thai government announces FIT rates for 200 MW of rooftop solar and 800 MW of community-owned ground mounts. Systems will pay rates over 25, rather than previous ten, years and rooftops must be installed by December.
