James Williams

The European Photovoltaic Industry Association has reported that, for the first time ever, solar PV power became the most installed energy source in Europe in 2011.The increased uptake of solar power, which rose 63% to reach 21.9GW last year, has been attributed to the implementation of incentive schemes and widespread subsidization by governments.

ET Solar has announced the completion of four rooftop projects, totalling 4MW generating capacity, in partnership with French developer Langa Solar. The projects are expected to begin power production by June, 2012.

Multi-Contact’s Westlake junction box (PV-JB/WL-H) has been certified by TÜV and UL following the product’s passing of the DIN EN 60068-2-52:1996 salt mist spray test.

JinkoSolar will continue to sponsor Valencia Football Club for two more years following the signing of a new contract. Valencia recently finished third in Spain’s La Liga and will play in the European Champions League next year. JinkoSolar will remain the club’s main sponsor and the company’s logo will be featured on Valencia’s home and away shirts throughout the season.

SPI Solar has announced that it will enter a engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreement with a subsidiary of KDC Solar. As part of the partnership SPI Solar will develop and build three PV projects for KDC Solar at the Grand Cascades Golf Resort and Mountain Creek Resort in New Jersey. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2012.

US President Barack Obama has said that the US plans to strengthen its cooperation on energy issues with Japan. Obama made the comments at the White House earlier this week after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.

ReneSola has announced that its chief strategy officer, Charles Bai, has left the company as his contract comes to an end. The departure is effective May 1, 2012.

Talesun Solar USA, a subsidiary of Chinese solar cell and module producer Zhongli-Talesun Solar will partner with US green-tech integrator VRDT Corp (Verdant) to develop and integrate PV management and energy storage systems. The two companies will also work together on other new projects that as yet remain unnamed.

K. Subramanya has resigned as CEO of India’s third largest panel manufacturer, Tata BP Solar, effective May 1. No explanation was given for the resignation and Subramanya has stated he has no plans for the immediate future.

The voluntary takeover offer for Sunways, submitted by LDK’s German subsidiary, has been accepted following the passing of the additional acceptance period on April 12.