Markets & Finance

A consortium of three companies — US PV developer SolarReserve, financial services company Kensani Group and South African renewables developer Intikon — has closed a financial deal worth R5.15 billion (US$586 million) to fund the development of two 75MW PV plants in South Africa.

European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht has announced that the European Union will commence negotiations on trade market access with China.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched a new programme under its inaugural General Funding Strategy which aims to drive renewable energy adoption in regional and remote areas in Australia.

A significant fall in orders and bookings within Manz's solar division were partially offset by increased business within its display division, the specialist equipment supplier has reported.

Silicon crystallisation equipment supplier PVA TePla generated revenue of €83.7 million in the first nine months of 2012, slightly higher than the same period a year ago when revenue reached €77.3 million.

Adept Technology, which makes robotics equipment for the solar and other markets, has appointed Michael Schradle as its new Chief Financial Officer.

Philip Comberg was approved by the supervisory board of Conergy to stay with the company as CEO for three years, effective 1 January 2013.

Ingot furnace supplier LDK Solar and integrated trading company Sumitomo Corporation have announced the termination of their long-term solar wafer supply agreement.

Big name investors contributed US$37.3 million in LightSail Energy’s, an energy storage technology company, Series D funding round.

A report conducted by Clean Power Research for the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association (MSEIA) and the Pennsylvania Solar Energy Industries Association (PASEIA) notes that New Jersey and Pennsylvania deliver cost friendly solar power to consumers.