Eyelit advises of record high in Q4 revenue

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 22:55 (PV-Tech)

Eyelit has completed tallying its financial results for Q4 and the full year 2011. The company did not release specific numbers, but advised that it had completed a record high in Q4 revenue with new customer sales doubling in 2011, over numbers in 2010. Eyelit noted that 50% of its new customers are large multinational corporations with revenues topping US$1 billion. Read more

WTO begins hearings on Ontario's "domestic content" PV requirement

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 19:48 (Solarserver)

On March 27th, 2012 the World Trade Organization (WTO) began hearings on cases initiated by Japan and the EU challenging requirements in Ontario's feed-in tariff (FiT) law which require that participating solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind systems contain a minimum portion of locally produced content. A three-person WTO dispute panel heard arguments by Japan, the EU and Canada regarding the province's "domestic content" requirement, which requires 60% local content in qualifying solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Japan and the EU both argue that the requirement is equivalent to a subsidy and violates international trade agreements. Read more

Environmental, health and safety report gives PV manufacturers high marks

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 19:17 (Solarserver)

On March 28th, 2012 corporate accountability organization As You Sow (San Francisco, California, U.S.) released a report on best practices for worker health and environmental responsibility in the production of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. "Clean and Green: Best Practices in Photovoltaics" notes that while PV modules are often made from toxic materials, generation of electricity from solar energy is much safer to the environment and workers than production of electricity from fossil fuels. The report also finds that many manufacturers had already implemented strong voluntary measures. Read more

China Sunergy launches "made in France" modules

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 15:47 (Solarserver)

China Sunergy Company Ltd. (Nanjing, China) has begun assembling solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in France through a partnership with KDG Energy (Ste. Marguerite, France). KDG performs the stringing of cells, lamination and flash tests at its French facility, from components supplied by China Sunergy and under the CSUN brand. On March 30th, 2012 the company delivered its first order of these modules to the Akuo Energy Group (Paris, France). Read more

Rwanda Sets Feed-in Tariffs for Hydro

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

The central African country of Rwanda has joined neighboring Uganda, and Kenya in introducing feed-in tariffs. Read more

Bankruptcy concerns confirmed as Q-Cells cancels bondholder restructuring plans

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 13:32 (PV-Tech)

Update: Q-Cells has announced that it will file for insolvency tomorrow, Tuesday, April 3, 2011. Management efforts at Q-Cells to restructure bondholder payments to boost liquidity have been derailed due to a ruling of the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court of final appeal on a case not directly related to the struggling PV manufacturer. The ruling means all bondholders must accept changes to payments rather than a majority, which Q-Cells had received. A few Q-Cells bondholders had been reported to have opposed the PV manufacturer?s offer. Read more

Bankruptcy concerns mount as Q-Cells cancels bondholder restructuring plans

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 13:32 (PV-Tech)

Management efforts at Q-Cells to restructure bondholder payments to boost liquidity have been derailed due to a ruling of the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court of final appeal on a case not directly related to the struggling PV manufacturer. The ruling means all bondholders must accept changes to payments rather than a majority, which Q-Cells had received. A few Q-Cells bondholders had been reported to have opposed the PV manufacturer?s offer. Read more

PV inverter producer Enphase goes public

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 11:16 (Solarserver)

On March 29th, 2012 Enphase Energy Inc. (Petaluma, California, U.S.) announced an initial public offering of 8.97 million shares of common stock at a price of USD 6.00 per share. On March 30th, 2012 the NASDAQ stock exchange announced the trading of Enphase under the stock symbol ENPH, and Enphase CEO Paul Nahi rang the opening bell of the exchange. Read more

Natcore creates "black silicon" PV cell with record low reflectance

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 11:10 (Solarserver)

On March 29th, 2012 Natcore Technology Inc. (Red Bank, New Jersey, U.S.) announced that it has created a dark surface on a silicon wafer with an average reflectance of 0.3% in the visible and near-infrared spectra. The company states that this "black silicon" solar photovoltaic (PV) cell represents the least reflectance ever recorded for a PV cell surface, representing a 10x reduction over commercially available PV cells and thus reducing wasted energy in reflected light. Read more

Salamon Group to build PV plants on 23 schools, first three to total 600 kW

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 10:56 (Solarserver)

On March 29th, 2012, Salamon Group Inc. (Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.) announced that it has secured the rights to build solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems on the rooftops of 23 schools in Williamson County, Tennessee. The company will immediately start building 3 PV systems with an output of 200 kilowatt (kW) each and the first 3 school rooftops total 600 kW. Read more

German parliament approves significant FiT cuts, limitation of compensation eligibility

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 9:55 (Solarserver)

On March 29th, 2012 the German parliament approved a bill to make changes to the nations solar photovoltaic (PV) feed-in tariff (FiT) structure including reduced compensation. The Bundestag approved the modifications to the nation's Renewable Energy Act (EEG). Starting April 1st, 2012 new feed-in tariff payments for rooftop PV plants smaller than 10 kW will be EUR 0.195/kWh (USD 0.261/kWh), rates for rooftop PV up to 1 MW will be EUR 0.165/kWh (USD 0.221/kWh) and rates for ground-mounted and rooftop PV of 1-10 MW in size will be EUR 0.135/kWh (USD 0.180/kWh). Read more

Reliance Power commissions India's largest PV plant at 40 MW

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 9:41 (Solarserver)

Reliance Power has commissioned a 40 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the Indian state of Rajasthan, as the nation's largest operational PV plant. The plant near the village of Dhursar in Jaisalmer district covers 140 hectares and is comprised of 500,000 First Solar cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin film PV modules. First Solar states that the Dhursar plant was commissioned in five months. Read more

Developer of 1,000-MW Blythe Solar Project Files for Chapter 11

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 22:56 (Renewable Energy World)

Hours after solar cell manufacturer Q-Cells announced it was filing for bankruptcy, the solar industry received another helping of bad news. Read more

Exosun completes construction of 3.8MW French solar plant

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 22:43 (PV-Tech)

Exosun advised that it had completed construction of its 3.8MW Porette de Nérone power plant, which has now entered the commissioning phase and is expected to produce its first kWh in May. The plant is outfitted with Exotrack HZ solar trackers and is expected, upon grid connection, to generate nearly 6,235MWh of electricity per year. Read more

Solar Millennium?s US subsidiaries file for Chapter 11; former CEO sues for US$265 million

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 22:27 (PV-Tech)

Solar Millennium?s week has started with a low as the company revealed that its US subsidiaries and investment filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Furthermore, the company?s former CEO, Utz Claassen, is suing the company, and certain of its subsidiaries, for US$265 million, claiming harm by defamatory statements to the public and press after he retired in March 2010. Read more

Phoenix Solar amends restricting plan, postpones financial report releases

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 22:04 (PV-Tech)

Phoenix Solar advised that it had recently amended its restructuring plan, including its business development plan for the next few years, due to cuts in FiTs for solar power in several of its key markets. Due to the changes, the financial negotiations have been put on hold and the moratorium that was agreed to with the syndicate banks and other bilateral lenders and guarantors, including trade credit insurers, was extended at the end of last month to allow financing negotiations to continue. Read more

Solarbuzz report contends that European policy environment to spur shipment increase

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 21:30 (PV-Tech)

NPD Solarbuzz?s latest Solarbuzz Quarterly report has found that PV manufacturers are likely to increase their shipments this year due to strong early-year PV market demand and a changing policy environment in Europe. The report notes that Q4 2011 global industry and end-market revenues were US$354 billion, the highest level since Q4 2010, however, revenues are expected to drop to US$22 billion in Q4 2012 because of a drop in volume and prices. Read more

Solar Struggles Continue: Q-Cells Files for Bankruptcy

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 20:50 (Renewable Energy World)

Germany's Q-Cells, a solar industry giant that helped usher in a new era of solar energy, announced Monday that it will file for bankruptcy, but that it will continue to work to restructure. Read more

Solar Struggles Continue: Q-Cells to File for Bankruptcy

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 20:50 (Renewable Energy World)

Germany's Q-Cells, a solar industry giant that helped usher in a new era of solar energy, announced Monday that it will file for bankruptcy, but that it will continue to work to restructure. Read more

Topaz Solar Farm appoints BNY Mellon as its paying agent

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 18:50 (PV-Tech)

Topaz Solar Farms has appointed BNY Mellon as its paying agent, depositary agent, indenture trustee and registrar for a ?2.4 billion financing project. Topaz will use the funds to construct a 550MW solar power plant in San Luis Obispo County, California. Topaz will receive services from BNY Mellon, such as processing principal and interest payments. BNY Mellon has clients in 20 countries, including government agencies and financial institutions. Read more

Seriously put out: family left homeless after solar panel blaze

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 18:44 (Solarpowerportal)

Fire fighters are being taught how to deal with solar-related fires after what is thought to be the UK?s first PV blaze. Read more

U.K. Solar Trade Association names Alan Aldridge as chairman; REA appoints Tim Yeo new president and Martin Wright as chairman

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 18:43 (Solarserver)

The British Solar Trade Association (STA) announced that it has named Alan Aldridge as its new chairman. Aldridge joined the STA?s board two years ago and has taken an active role in several STA projects. He is an accountant by qualification and is currently managing director of Riomay Ltd., a renewable energy installer focused on both solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV). Read more

Solar Frontier supplies New Jersey?s largest gas and electricity utility with 3.8MW

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 18:43 (PV-Tech)

Solar Frontier supplied approximately 29,400 CIS thin-film modules to a 3.8MW Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) installation in Burlington County, New Jersey. Mill Creek Solar Farm is part of PSE&G?s Solar 4 All scheme, aimed at adding 80MW solar electric generation capacity to the company?s capabilities by the end of 2012. Mill Creek Solar Farm was designed, developed and built by juwi solar. Read more

KDI Solar will exclusively distribute Senersun?s 45MW solar panels in France

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 18:36 (PV-Tech)

French distributer KDI Solar has become the official distributer for Senersun solar panels, the company has announced. Both companies entered an agreement that Senersun will supply 45MW solar panels to KDI for the exclusive distribution through their 70 branches located throughout France between 2012 and 2014. Senersun has been developing products specifically for the French market. Read more

KDI Solar will exclusively distribute Semersun?s 45MW solar panels in France

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 18:36 (PV-Tech)

French distributer KDI Solar has become the official distributer for Senersun solar panels, the company has announced. Both companies entered an agreement that Senersun will supply 45MW solar panels to KDI for the exclusive distribution through their 70 branches located throughout France between 2012 and 2014. Senersun has been developing products specifically for the French market. Read more

PV producer JinkoSolar opens office in Singapore

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 18:33 (Solarserver)

On March 29th, 2012, JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd. (Shanghai, China) announced that it will open its new office in Singapore, further expanding its global operations in Asia. The regional headquarters will supervise sales, logistics, financing, project development and customer service across the country, which is a growing hub of solar energy research and development. Read more

UK?s first inner city solar project is switched on

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 17:17 (Solarpowerportal)

A 100 percent community-owned solar project went live on Friday on the roof of an inner city estate. Brixton Energy Solar 1, which is the UK?s first inner city solar power project, was funded by a community share issue. Read more

Some of Scheuten Solar assets sold

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 17:09 (PV-Tech)

Dutch law firm, Boels Zanders handling the legal administrative duties of Scheuten Solar after announcing its financial difficulties in late February, 2011 has said that Sunway Technology Investment Co. Ltd has acquired the commercial activities of Scheuten Solar, primarily the international sales offices and its PV projects business operations for an undisclosed sum. The law firm said that 32 job had been secured with the purchase. Read more

Solar and other renewable energies grow exceptionally during Obama administration

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 16:41 (PV-Tech)

The most recent issue of the US Energy Information Administration?s (EIA) ?Monthly Energy Review? has revealed that renewable energy sources have grown significantly in the first three years of the Obama administration during the first three years of the Obama administration. The report recoded data through to December 31, 2011. Read more

Walking the "Solar Walk" to Free Renewable Energy

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 16:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Solar professionals don't just “talk the talk.” For the most part, we walk the walk, too. It became apparent during our recent #SolarChat Twitter discussion about jobs in the solar industry that, unlike the proverbial shoemaker's children, solar pros are not going without solar. In some cases, we get our first solar PV installation, be Read more

NPD Solarbuzz: Global PV market grows 146% in 1Q 2012

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 15:54 (Solarserver)

On April 2nd, 2012 NPD Solarbuzz Inc. (San Francisco, California, U.S.) released a new report which estimates that global aggregate solar photovoltaic (PV) markets grew 146% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2012, driven by policy uncertainties in Europe. The company's latest "Solarbuzz Quarterly" report estimates that this will lead to an increase in PV shipments in 2012 over 2011 levels, despite projecting 38% year-over-year fall in fourth quarter 2012 revenues to USD 22.0 billion. Read more

Germans Revise Solar PV Tariffs for 2012 and Set New Degression Schedule

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 15:02 (Renewable Energy World)

The dust has nearly settled on new German solar photovoltaic (solar PV) tariffs. The new tariffs, new degression schedule, and new limits on generation are all being widely reported in the trade press. I won't go over ground covered more effectively by others. See the links below for more information. Read more

Five Solar Village Projects Transforming Communities Worldwide

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

The idea of a solar village is one that’s breathed imagination and innovation into countless communities around the world. Whether it’s state-of-the-art solar design or powering a tribal village in Africa, solar technology is demonstrating that we can replace unsustainable energy systems with viable solar alternatives and be more succes Read more

TFG Radiant increases shareholding in Ascent Solar

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 14:26 (PV-Tech)

Ascent Solar has announced that TFG Radiant Investment Group has brought all of the Ascent common stock from shareholder Norsk Hydro Produksjon AS. The acquisition takes TFG Radiant?s ownership of outstanding common shares from 19.4% to 39%, making it Ascent Solar?s largest shareholder. The shares were purchased for approximately US$0.50 per share. Read more

Reliance Power constructs 40MW solar plant in Rajasthan

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 12:17 (PV-Tech)

Reliance Power has inaugurated India?s largest solar power plant in Rajasthan. The plant has a total capacity of 40MW and will commence production on April 7, 2012. The project cost around Rs700 crore and the company is planning on investing Rs6,000 crore in total in solar projects in Rajasthan. Read more

Environmental organizations file suit to stop Calico Solar Project

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 11:25 (Solarserver)

On March 27th, 2012 three environmental organizations filed suit to stop the Calico Solar Project, objecting to the siting of the project and stating that it fails to meet basic environmental protection requirements. Defenders of Wildlife, National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and the Sierra Club claim that the proposed project is located on key desert tortoise habitat, as well as endangering other wildlife. Developer K Road Power (New York, New York, U.S.) is planning to build solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP) plants on the 16 square kilometer site, located on public land in the U.S. state of California. Read more

Sun Spirit set to treble in size

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 11:17 (Solarpowerportal)

Sunderland-based Sun Spirit has set its sights on continued growth despite the tumultuous backdrop of the UK solar industry in recent times. Read more

Solar Power Inc. nearly triples revenues in 2011, growth to continue in 2012

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 11:03 (Solarserver)

On March 28th, 2012 Solar Power Inc. (SPI, Roseville, California, U.S.) released fourth quarter and full year 2011 results, reporting a sequential near-tripling in revenues to USD 59.0 million, a 9.8% operating margin, and a net income of USD 4.80 million during the quarter. Over the full year 2012 the company also reported a near-tripling of net sales to USD 103 million, a 1.6% operating margin and a net loss of USD 461,000. SPI predicts that its rapid growth will continue in 2012, with sales expected to be roughly double 2011 levels. Read more

Asia Report: India Slashes Wind Incentive

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 18:19 (Renewable Energy World)

India has drastically scaled back tax incentives for wind generation in a move that many fear will halt new wind energy investment while derailing the manufacturing base that has grown up to support that growth. Read more

E.ON to sell nuclear JV Horizon Power, focus on renewables, efficiency, DG

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 19:39 (Solarserver)

On March 29th, 2012 E.ON UK plc (Coventry, U.K.) and RWE npower (Swindon, U.K.) announced that they will end development of joint venture (JV) Horizon Nuclear Power (Gloucester, U.K.), which had plans to build nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom. The companies plan to sell Horizon, and E.ON states that it will focus on other strategic projects in the nation which can be developed more rapidly, including renewable energy, distributed generation (DG) and energy efficiency. E.ON cites financial constraints as a factor in the decision, which came following a company review. Read more

Day4 Energy sees massive 84% q-on-q decrease in fourth-quarter 2011 revenue

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 19:31 (PV-Tech)

Day4 Energy has succumbed to the woes of the struggling PV industry as it posted greatly decreased revenues for fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2011. Revenue for Q4?12 declined to US$9.4million from US$57.7 million in Q4?11, while total revenue for fiscal 2011 was US$66.1 million, down US$100.6 million on full-year 2010 figures. This represents a 60% reduction in full-year revenue. Read more

Renewables Experience Explosive Growth in First Three Years of Obama Administration

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 16:45 (Renewable Energy World)

According to the most recent issue of the "Monthly Energy Review" by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), with data through December 31, 2011, renewable energy sources expanded rapidly during the first three years of the Obama Administration while substantially outpacing the growth rates of fossil fuels and nuclear power. Read more

UK?s greenest cities revealed

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 16:22 (Solarpowerportal)

Newcastle has been crowned the UK?s most sustainable city, beating off competition from the likes of Brighton, Bristol and London. The annual survey undertaken by Forum for the Future named Newcastle at the top of its Sustainable Cities Index for a second year running, widening the gap with its peers. Read more

Details of the controversial German Renewable Energy Act released

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 16:20 (PV-Tech)

As per the modifications to the German Renewable Energy Act last week, starting April 1st, 2012, new feed-in tariff payments for rooftop PV plants smaller than 10 kW will be EUR 0.195/kWh (USD 0.261/kWh). The rates for rooftop PV up to 1 MW will be EUR 0.165/kWh (USD 0.221/kWh) and rates for ground-mounted and rooftop PV of 1-10 MW in size will be EUR 0.135/kWh (USD 0.180/kWh). Read more

The controversial German Renewable Energy Act unfolded

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 16:20 (PV-Tech)

As per the modifications to the German Renewable Energy Act last week, starting April 1st, 2012, new feed-in tariff payments for rooftop PV plants smaller than 10 kW will be EUR 0.195/kWh (USD 0.261/kWh). The rates for rooftop PV up to 1 MW will be EUR 0.165/kWh (USD 0.221/kWh) and rates for ground-mounted and rooftop PV of 1-10 MW in size will be EUR 0.135/kWh (USD 0.180/kWh). Read more

Energy Storage: Q1 2012 Winners and Losers

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 15:01 (Renewable Energy World)

The first quarter of 2012 was the best of times for shareholders of companies that are developing and manufacturing cheap energy storage products like lead-acid batteries, but the worst of times for shareholders of pure-play lithium-ion battery developers. The following table tracks stock price performance in the energy storage and electric vehicle sectors for the first quarter of 2012 and for the twelve months ended March 31st. Read more

Yingli Green and FC Bayern kick off Youth Cup finals in China

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 13:36 (PV-Tech)

Yingli Green Energy and FC Bayern Munich are jointly hosting the FC Bayern Youth Cup finals. The tournament comes after Yingli Green became an official sponsor of the FC Bayern last year, amidst a flurry of Chinese sponsorship in German football clubs. Yingli?s 3 year sponsorship deal with the club will give them marketing rights to areas such as tickets, advertising and public relations. It is hoped the event will help provide underprivileged children with the opportunity to play football and showcase their talents. Read more

European survey reveals SMEs green potential

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 13:10 (Solarpowerportal)

The European Commission has published the results of a recent survey entitled, ?SMEs, resource efficiency & green markets.? The survey reveals that small businesses across the EU are set to become the backbone of a green economy.  Read more

Energy Saving Trust opens new advice line

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 12:29 (Solarpowerportal)

The UK?s Energy Saving Trust (EST) has today opened a new telephone advice line, which will give the general public information on how to save energy at home and at work. Read more

Clenergy moves its European headquarters to Cologne

Monday, 4.2.2012 - 11:41 (PV-Tech)

Clenergy, PV mounting system manufacturer, has moved its European headquarters to Cologne. The offices were formerly located in Frankfurt but the company decided on the strategic move to Cologne in order to optimize logistics and human resource planning. The company?s European warehouse will also be relocated from Southern Germany to the new location in Cologne. Read more