Germany: Bundestag and Bundesrat remain divided over FITS issue
The mediation committee between the German Bundestag and the Bundesrat for solar promotion – set up to find a compromise regarding the issue of feed-in tariffs (FITs) – failed to reach a consensus after meeting for the first time yesterday.
Spanish associations still struggling with government over FITs
Until now, the Spanish photovoltaics associations have not been able to come to a compromise in terms of the planned reductions of feed-in tariffs. Negotiations were held between the parties yesterday.
Availability of critical raw materials for PV under pressure
The availability of critical raw materials for products like thin layer photovoltaics (PV) is coming increasingly under pressure, according to a new report published by the European Commission, due to the growth of developing economies and new emerging technologies.
BP oil spill a "wake-up call" for solar industry
The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) has said that the BP oil spill has been a “wake-up call” for the industry to develop clean energy sources, like solar.
Spain plans to reduce payment rates for existing facilities by 30 percent
During a controversial closed meeting held today, Spains Industry Minister, Miguel Sebastian informed industry associations that from July 1 remuneration rates for existing photovoltaics plants could be drastically reduced.
Spain to cut PV premiums
A controversial proposal to cut renewable energy premiums in Spain has been reported by the countrys financial newspaper, Cinco Dias.
REC partners with ECN to measure carbon footprint
The Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) has told pv magazine it has joined forces with the Energy Research Center of Netherlands (ECN), in order to conduct a life cycle analysis of its operations and to evaluate its carbon footprint.
PV industry needs government support to stay competitive
The photovoltaics (PV) industry cannot survive without the support of governments if it wants to stay competitive, a leading industry figure has warned.
Multi-functional solar parks set to be next big trend
Multi-functional solar parks look set to be the next big industry trend, photovoltaics (PV) company Gehrlicher Solar AG has told pv magazine during a visit to its solar park in Salmdorf, Germany.
Signet Solar announces insolvancy; management optimistic
Signet Solar’s German division has announced it is insolvent. Dr. Christoph Junker, trustee in bankruptcy has told pv magazine the reason involves customers not paying up on time and a lack of new contracts. He is “convinced” however, that the company will find a new investor “within a matter of weeks”.
