Your daily dose of Photovoltaic Technology Developments and Solar News

Amtech Systems has said that it has achieved record booking in its FY2008, topping $100 million, compared to 2007's recorded bookings of $56 million. Approximately 70 percent of total bookings in FY2008 came from the photovoltaics market, according to the company.  Read more >>

The U.S. Congress' passage of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and the subsequent signing into law of the bill by President Bush not only provides government bailout options for the country's troubled financial sector but includes a strong package of investment tax credits for solar and other renewable energy developers. But the legislation doesn't stop there. Because of the removal of a prohibition that prevented regulated utility companies from taking advantage of the credit, the Solar Electric Power Association predicts a major increase in large-scale solar photovoltaic and thermal projects by those firms. Read more >>

In its latest solar market research report, Lux Research paints a gloomy picture of a looming overcapacity in photovoltaic module production as the demand for solar is impacted by caps on installations in Spain and the continued uncertainties of the market in the U.S. When coupled to slower than expected adoption levels in new emerging markets of France and Italy, the industry is heading for module over supply in the fourth quarter of 2008 of approximately 400MW, which will significantly increase in 2009 to 3.9GW. Read more >>

A combination of climate change concern, return on investment and rising energy costs has led to increased interest in cleantech investment. The U.S. in particular has 301 venture-backed cleantech companies involved in the solar or biofuel industry that have received cumulative investments of US$7.29 billion. Read more >>

The Solar Power International Conference in San Diego, taking place from October 13th to 16th at the San Diego Convention center, is gearing up for action and adding some distinguished speakers to its panel. The event’s organizers announced that in addition to senior executives and CEOs, General Wesley K. Clark and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell will speak at the event. Read more >>

On a recent US Clean Energy and Environment Trade Mission to India and China, Patrick Peyton (pictured), Chairman and CEO of Despatch Industries, spoke with leading Indian government officials in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai on the subject of clean technology business opportunities. The mission, which was led by U.S. Commerce Assistant Secretary David Bohigian and Carmine D’Aloisio, Minister-Counselor for Commercial Affairs, saw the participation of 19 industry delegates. Read more >>

Six early-stage and established photovoltaic companies based in California and New England have been awarded up to $17.6 million to develop advanced solar PV manufacturing technologies as part of the Solar America Initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy announced. DOE says that, including the cost share from industry--which will be at least 20%-- the total research investment is expected to reach up to $35.4 million. Read more >>

The U.S. House of Representatives recessed Monday with no deal on a major tax relief package, which includes provisions to extend the solar investment tax credits and renew the R&D tax credit, according to Associated Press. But because the $700 billion bailout legislation was rejected, lawmakers might return later this week or in the weeks to come and may yet vote on the tax package and its renewable energy elements. SEMI and SEIA comment on the latest developments. Latest Developments as of 2/10/08. Read more >>

British Gas is to enter the photovoltaics market in the UK after its owner, Centrica PLC said it had acquired Solar Technologies Group Limited, an installer of PV and BIPV systems in the country, including the BIPV solar system for the London City Hall, designed by Fosters and using E-Ton Solar Tech’s crystalline PV modules. Read more >>

In its continued efforts to become a major force in the materials metrology markets for both semiconductor and photovoltaics industries, Semilab Co. Ltd., has acquired French metrology equipment specialist SOPRA SA. The all cash transaction was closed on the 17th September, 2008. Details of the deal were not announced. Read more >>