Europe

German research and development institute Fraunhofer Centre for Silicon Photovoltaics (Franuhofer CSP) has announced that it will develop an LED-based solar simulator with Wavelabs Solar Metrology Systems after the two companies signed a cooperation agreement.

German project developer SAG Solarstrom has insisted it is weathering continued difficulties in Europe's PV market despite posting a €6.9 million (US$9.3 million) loss for the first nine months of the year.

The European solar market is set to stabilise in the final quarter of 2013 as it recovers from 18 months of turmoil, according to the latest data from the consultancy NPD Solarbuzz.

Skytron Energy is to install a power control system in a 50MW Romanian photovoltaic plant, allowing the plant to provide frequency stabilisation without energy storage equipment.

The Turut Ozal Medical Center of ?nönü University, Malayta in Turkey has signed a contract for the construction of a 5MW solar power plant.

China’s Ministry of Commerce has said it will extend a probe into imports of solar-grade polysilicon from Europe by six months.

German state development bank KfW is to provide €654 million (US$900 million) for a Moroccan CSP project.

Haraeus and DuPont have announced the end of their trade dispute over metal pastes used in the manufacture of solar panels.

Module manufacturer Voltec Solar and project developer Ecosun Expert have finished work on a 2.5MW solar farm in Romania.

An area focusing on renewable heating as well as a three-day forum on the topic will be added to offerings at Intersolar Europe at next year’s show.