With European subsidies being cut left, right and centre, it appears Japan could fill the void and become the world’s second-largest market for solar power generation. The country will be welcoming the international solar community with open arms with the introduction of its latest feed-in tariff, which has the potential to generate US$30 billion by 2016 for the local economy. Industry Minister Yukio Edano approved the new rates this week, effective July 1.
SunPower has completed a 1.8MW PV installation at the main building of Bloomberg’s New Jersey campus, the company has announced. The system is owned by Integrys Energy Services and Bloomberg will be buying the generated electricity at below-retail rates. The system is equipped with SunPower PV panels as well as the SunPower T0 tracker system.
The industry-renowned Intersolar Europe 2012 has presented Schott Solar and Schmid, Solon and Isra with the award for innovative photovoltaic technology.
Having previously announced a major reorganization of its entire operations, centrotherm photovoltaics, the second largest equipment supplier to the PV industry, has employed an outside consultancy to prepare discussions with its banks to secure further funding. The move was sparked by short-term liquidity issues after merchandise credit insurance companies, used for products and merchandise being delivered to the company, declined further coverage and guarantees.
bSolar, through its strategic partner and Japanese distributor TSBM, has won a contract to construct a 730kW ground-mounted solar project in Nasukarasuyama city, Tochigi, Japan. The project is expected to go online in December and will feature bSolar’s disruptive bifacial PV cells.
A report from BBC News has advised that German company Kronos Solar is considering developing a 25MW solar farm on Lower Wheatley Farm, north of Launceston in Cornwall. The project would be constructed across 120-acres and would be the largest solar farm in the county. The report points out that the local authority notes that Kronos is one of various firms currently pondering over constructing a solar farm in the area between 20-30MW.
Canadian Solar PV modules have scored top ranks in the PTC (PVUSA Test Condition) ratings. More than 9,000 modules have been rated as part of the California Energy Commission’s Solar Electric Incentive program. Canadian Solar modules are among the best modules in the efficiency ratings, with the CS6P-P module line scoring an average 91% in PTC efficiency ratings.
Scheuten Solar has been sold to Chinese investor Aikosolar and the company is celebrating its “comeback” at Intersolar Europe. Aikosolar, a solar cell manufacturer and also owner of Powerway Renewable Energy, has taken over Scheuten’s essential components. The combination of Scheuten Solar’s product portfolio, 10 years of experience and Aikosolar’s financial strength as well as Powerway Renewable Energy’s EPC experience propose a positive outlook for the future, company representatives stated. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Conergy is collaborating with Ensunt for the construction of a 50MW PV project in Pakistan, the company has announced. The PV plant for the DACC Power Generation Company (DPGCL) will be the largest solar power plant in Pakistan. The project is located in Bahawalpur and is co-owned by DPGCL and the Pakistani government. Conergy will plan, design and engineer the project as well as providing the components while Ensunt is responsible for the construction of the plant.
Power One is showcasing the second generation of Aurora microinverters at Intersolar Europe, the company has announced. The Aurora Micro-0.3-I, with an output of 300W and the Aurora Micro-0.25-I, with an output of 250W have undergone 12 months of designing and testing. The two models have undergone some improvements compared to the former models and are now able to offer broader DC input with a maximum of 65Vdc.
