Australian Government tapers off solar subsidies
The Australian Federal Government will start the process of reigning in its generous subsidies for home solar electric panels in light of strong growth in the industry and rising electricity prices.
First Solar sees flat first quarter
First Solar executives didnt have much good news to discuss on Tuesday when the company announced flat first-quarter sales and lowered earnings. Cuts in government subsidies in key European countries have squeezed solar panel prices and caused no small amount of anxiety among manufacturers and project developers.
Italy FIT farce could spill into next week
Speaking to industry representatives at Italys Solar Expo in Verona, confidence seems to be battered. While analysts had reported that the fourth Conto Energia would be signed today, media reports state that it will only be presented to the cabinet tomorrow. It is now believed a final decision will be reached within the next week.
Centrosolar establishes PV AR coating line in China
Centrosolar Group AG has commissioned its first Asian anti-reflective (AR) coating line in Huzhou, China.
EPIA: Bright future for PV, but global rebalancing of growth expected
A new report has forecast a bright future for photovoltaics, as long as government policy remains advantageous for the industry. Meanwhile, 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity could be reached by 2013, but Europes current foothold is expected to slip.
Italy: Signing of new Conto Energia delayed by bickering
Italys fourth Conto Energia should be done and dusted. However, testing the photovoltaic industrys already ragged nerves, it has emerged that bickering between Ministers has delayed the signing of the new decree. The final outcome is now expected on Wednesday.
Total looks to acquire majority stake in SunPower
French oil and gas group Total has announced it will launch a friendly tender offer for a majority share in California-based solar company, SunPower. The two parties have also entered into a research and collaboration agreement.
Dates for new Italian FIT pushed back
According to reports, the Italian Government will not introduce its new photovoltaic feed-in tariffs until September 1. The definition of uncapped “small systems” has also reportedly been revised to one megawatt (MW).
SEMI and CPIA release China PV Policy Roadmap
The SEMI PV Group has announced the availability of “China’s Solar Future – A Recommended China PV Policy Roadmap 2.0,” a report containing specific recommendations for a Chinese photovoltaic policy roadmap.
Malaysia: Sophisticated FIT system adopted
Joining several other Asian countries, Malaysia’s parliament has approved a sophisticated system of feed-in tariffs to develop its renewable energy resources.
