First Solar dedicates Arizona factory; appoints GM
First Solar has dedicated the site at which its approximately 250 megawatt (MW) thin film photovoltaic module plant will operate, when complete in 2012. Todd Spangler was unveiled as general manager and site director.
Poland: First 1 MW PV plant online soon
Construction work on Polands first megawatt photovoltaic power plant is drawing to a close.
US: 2 MW project for low-income families
In what is believed to be the countrys largest publicly funded photovoltaic installation for affordable housing, the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara (HACSB) has installed residential solar systems for 863 low-income housing units. The project cost USD$12.25 million.
Interview: Suntech founder outlines PV strategy going forward
Hitherto focused on Europe, which accounted for 66 percent of its revenue in 2010, Suntech Power is diversifying its strategy, betting big on the U.S., Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. In an exclusive interview, Zhengrong Shi, founder and CEO talks to pv magazine about the companys latest plans.
Evergreen seeks Chapter 11 protection; more manufacturers to follow
Evergreen Solar has filed for voluntary bankruptcy and has announced plant closures. Analysts warn more companies, like SolarWorld and Schott Solar, are at risk.
Deutsche Bank praises German PV policy
Deutsche Bank has labeled Germanys feed-in tariffs (FIT) as ‘Best-in-Class’ while offering comment on balancing policy longevity and supporting investor security.
Italy: GSE adjusts PV subsidy register again
The Italian network authority, GSE, has published an updated list of the photovoltaic systems that will receive subsidies this year. Currently more than 2,700 projects are on the waiting list.
Jobs to go as Solon shuts Tucson facility down
Germany-based Solon SE has announced the closure of its Tucson module and photovoltaic system manufacturing facility, as part of a new U.S. operations strategy. Sixty jobs will be lost.
The PV race to replace silver
Silver prices have been bad news for photovoltaics of late. Their continuing spike is causing ripples across the photovoltaic manufacturing industry as it forces companies to find cost-effective solutions to the super-conductive metal or face losses.
Shrinking solar revenues forecast, despite new markets and growing installed capacity
New research forecasts shrinking, and then flat solar revenues through to 2016, despite the fact installations are expected to grow 15.5 percent as new markets open up. Countries with attractive IRRs are also identified.
