Asia & Oceania

Japan’s feed-in tariff (FiT) from 1 April looks almost certain to be set at ¥32/kWh for commercial customers and at ¥37/kWh for residential PV system owners, falling by approximately 11% from 2013 levels.

GT Advanced Technologies (GTAT) has secured a major US$336 million polysilicon equipment and technology deal with Cosmos Chemicals Berhad as part of plans to build a 25,000MT integrated polysilicon plant in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Indian PV manufacturer Indosolar has asked to have its debt restructured because it says low equipment prices mean it is unable to make a profit.

Chinese PV manufacturer Chaori Solar has become China’s first firm to default on a domestic bond after missing an interest repayment.

The pipeline of approved PV projects in the Philippines reached over 1GW in January, according to the country’s Department of Energy (DoE).

Analysts have predicted slow growth for India’s solar market this year due to delays in implementing its waning national solar mission.

BenQ Solar, the solar power division of Taiwan-based technology company AU Optronics, is preparing to launch a new lightweight module specifically aimed at the Japanese residential market.

The Indian government has revealed the financial bid results for its auction for 750MW of solar energy, with US firm First Solar looking likely to miss out, according to analysts.

On a three day visit to China, Pakistan president Manmoon Hussain and minister for Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif met with financial and development companies and banks in Beijing, and signed MoUs for continued investment in solar projects in Pakistan.

Companies responsible for 748 Japanese solar power projects that have gained approval to receive the feed-in tariff (FiT) but have not yet been built have been handed a temporary reprieve.