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PRESS RELEASE: Solar photovoltaics: Big market in 2012, big changes ahead

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:32:29 GMT

MILAN, 8 May 2013 – The world added more than 31 GW of new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2012 – roughly the same amount as in the record-setting year of 2011 – according to a new report from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA). This significant market growth came even during a period of economic crisis and industry consolidation.

EDITORIAL: An EPIA for all seasons

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:45:23 GMT

Winter is finally behind us, and the sun is shining in Brussels and also, I hope, wherever you are. But even in such nice weather allow me to revisit some important points from this past winter. As I mentioned in the April 2013 newsletter, EPIA Members agreed in our Annual General Meeting in March to focus on five strategic pillars that are important to the development of our sector: support policies; system integration and market design; market analysis; industrial policy and research; and sustainability. These pillars are all supported by dedicated actions and campaigns to further increase the visibility of the association.

HIGHLIGHT: New EPIA report: “Global Market Outlook for Photovoltaics 2013-2017”

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:45:26 GMT

The world added more than 31 GW of new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2012 – roughly the same amount as in the record-setting year of 2011. This significant market growth came even during a period of economic crisis and industry consolidation.

Connecting the Sun: EPIA and CORESO host joint event

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:46:49 GMT

Members of the European Parliament and officials of the European Commission on 25 April 2013 attended EPIA’s presentation of the “Connecting the Sun: Solar photovoltaics on the road to large-scale grid integration” report and visited the Brussels premises of CORESO, the joint control centre of TSOs from Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and the UK.

EPIA comments on the consultation paper related to the Environmental and Energy Aid Guidelines 2014-2020

Mon, 06 May 2013 17:05:41 GMT

The European Commission is currently reviewing its Environmental Aid Guidelines as part of the modernisation of the EU State Aid policy. EPIA responded to the related consultation paper, ahead of new proposals which are expected for mid-2013.

Meet EPIA at Solarexpo

Mon, 06 May 2013 15:04:21 GMT

EPIA is attending Solarexpo from 8 to 10 May 2013 in Milan, Italy. Solarexpo represents a not-to-be-missed chance for the solar industry community to develop new strategies and seize opportunities in the current transitional stage of the solar energy sector. Come and meet the EPIA team of experts at our booth: Hall 5, booth D15.

EPIA Workshop: “From PV Quality to Bankability”

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:56:21 GMT

On Wednesday 19 June 2013, in the framework of the international photovoltaic (PV) Trade Fair Intersolar Europe in Munich, EPIA is organising a workshop entitled “From PV Quality to Bankability”. Focusing on PV modules, this workshop will present the state-of-the-art and discuss the challenges of the industry’s ongoing commitment to improving quality and reliability.

New Overview of Support Schemes in Europe now available

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:29:19 GMT

This document synthesises the policy support frameworks in the EU 27, Switzerland and Turkey. It includes a summary of all major types of support in place (FiT, GC), their levels and main features.

A clear vision for PV

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:31:33 GMT

The solar photovoltaic industry has always been innovative and forward-looking, and this year is no exception. Our technology is becoming mature and mainstream, and that means we have to think differently about it – not as a niche product but as a serious player in the power system.

EPIA responds to European Commission on climate and energy framework

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:31:49 GMT

With the release of its Green Paper on Climate and Energy on 27 March 2013, the European Commission kicked off the debate on the next steps in the transformation of Europe’s energy sector. The initial reaction from the solar industry was clear and resounding: Europe must set meaningful targets for 2030 on renewable energy, energy-efficiency and emissions reduction to give a boost to industry and to investments in clean energy.

Special offer: Recruit a new EPIA Member, get a rebate on your membership fee

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:59:14 GMT

EPIA announces a new program for Members that offers a rebate on your 2014 membership fee if you recruit a new member.

Save the date and celebrate the success of the European Solar Days 2013!

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:54:34 GMT

Networking cocktail: Solar Energy in Europe – From grassroots to mainstream reality - Brussels, 15 May 2013

The European Solar Days successfully promote the use of a free unlimited renewable energy source available everywhere to everyone. Solar energy can be used to provide heating and cooling to houses, services or industry using Solar Thermal, as well as to generate electricity with Solar Photovoltaics.

Exclusive offer for EPIA Members: Benefit from a reduced rate to the Global Solar Summit

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:24:58 GMT

As a successor of the former Italian PV Summit, the Global Solar Summit will take place on 8 and 9 May 2013 in Milan, Italy.

PV GRID project: National Forums on large scale grid integration of PV

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:38:17 GMT

PV GRID, a European project aimed at facilitating the large scale integration of PV to the grid, has announced it will hold 15 National PV GRID Forums from end of April to June 2013. These National Forums will spotlight the status of administrative procedures for PV and the first findings of the PV GRID project.

MetaPV-IEA PVPS Workshop – Smart PV grid integration: Developments, demonstrations and future outlook

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:43:09 GMT

The MetaPV-IEA PVPS Task 14 Joint Workshop will take place on 6 May 2013. This workshop will be the occasion to exchange ideas and insight on worldwide plans under way for smart PV grid integration, including current demonstration project and concrete developments in Europe, in addition to future outlook, strategy and expectations.

Solar Europe Industry Initiative: Workshop on Innovating Photovoltaics

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:12:02 GMT

To mark the launch of the new Solar Europe Industry Initiative (SEII) Implementation Plan, the PV community will gather for a workshop dedicated to photovoltaic innovation on 7 May 2013 in Milan.

Belgium: Grid operator Elia starts providing forecasts for PV production

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:20:38 GMT

Belgian grid operator Elia has started providing forecasts and actual data on solar generation from PV units in Belgium. This new tool will enable market players to more accurately estimate power consumption.

EU funding opportunities for PV in NER300 call

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:54:17 GMT

The European Union’s NER300 programme, which funds innovative low-carbon energy demonstration projects, has issued a new call for proposals. EPIA monitoring has found that it includes several potential funding opportunities for PV projects.

PRESS RELEASE - EU Green Paper on Climate and Energy: A first step toward crucial 2030 targets

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:59:45 GMT

Brussels, 27 March 2013 - The European Commission’s Green Paper on Climate and Energy, released today, opens the debate on Europe’s next steps in the transformation of Europe’s energy sector. The development of meaningful targets for 2030 on renewable energy, energy-efficiency and emissions reduction is needed to give a boost to industry and to investments in clean energy, stated the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), which represents companies all along the solar electricity value chain.

Bulgaria: Supreme Court revokes controversial grid access fee

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:10:29 GMT

Bulgaria’s Supreme Administrative Court has revoked a controversial access fee to the country’s electricity grid for renewable power plants, including PV. The decision, announced on 13 March 2013, came after much outcry from the renewables sector over the decision in September 2012 to impose the retroactive fees.

New European funding opportunities for innovative PV projects

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:19:58 GMT

SOLAR-ERA.NET, a European network of more than 20 RTD and innovation programmes in the field of solar electricity technologies, has announced its first set of calls for proposals for funding of PV and CSP.

Presentations of the 8th Market Workshop and Annual General Meeting now available

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:48:32 GMT

Presentations of the 8th Market Workshop and Annual General Meeting are now available online for EPIA Members. Both events took place on 13-14 March 2013 in Brussels.

PRESS RELEASE - Solar future: Photovoltaic industry sets clear goals

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:48:59 GMT

Brussels, 14 March 2013 – Solar industry leaders gathered in Brussels for the Annual General Meeting of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) to identify challenges and set clear priorities for the coming years. They emphasised the need for more sustainable policy support for renewables, proper integration of solar PV into the electricity grid, and increased focus on industry innovation.

Only 50 days left until European Solar Days 2013!

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:02:13 GMT

More than half-million citizens in more than 20 European countries are expected to show their support for solar energy in the 2013 European Solar Days campaign. This year’s campaign features thousands of events in hundreds of locations across the continent, starting on Wednesday 1 May and running for almost three weeks until Sunday 19 May.

EU-China trade investigations: Registration of imported products started

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:49:50 GMT

On 5 March 2013, the European Commission published in the EU Official Journal a regulation making imports of crystalline silicon PV modules and key components (i.e. cells and wafers) originating in or consigned from the People’s Republic of China subject to registration.

PRESS RELEASE - PV and storage: powerful partners

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:50:10 GMT

Brussels, 28 February 2013 – The approaching competitiveness of solar photovoltaics (PV) with other electricity sources is creating new opportunities for investment in electricity storage, allowing for important synergies between PV and storage in Europe’s energy mix.

PRESS RELEASE - Solar photovoltaic industry to Energy Ministers on internal market: ‘Promote flexibility’

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:50:27 GMT

Brussels, 22 February 2013 – Europe’s regulatory framework for the completion of the internal energy market should take into account the rapid growth and new opportunities provided by renewable energy sources, says the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

Contribution to the Public Consultation on Generation Adequacy, Capacity Remuneration and the Internal Energy Market

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:50:51 GMT

The European Commission presented in November 2012 its communication on the internal energy market.

Spain: Solar scores well in new analysis of economic impact of renewables

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:51:08 GMT

The Spanish Renewable Energy Association (APPA) has released an analysis of the economic impact of renewables.

EPIA launches video contest challenging European students to tell “The Truth About PV”

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:02:39 GMT

EPIA has launched a Europe-wide video contest, “The Truth About PV”, challenging students to create videos that dispel common misconceptions about solar technology.

European Parliament committees accept key energy infrastructure measure

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:52:02 GMT

The European Parliament’s Industry, Research & Energy and Transport & Tourism committees have approved an important compromise amendment on energy infrastructure.

Photovoltaic Industry calls on EU to take action against Member States that backtrack on support for renewables

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:52:21 GMT

In a letter to EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger, more than 70 solar companies and associations say retroactive measures against support schemes are unfair and damage investment climate for renewables.

Joint response to ENTSO‐E’s ‘2030 Visions’

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:52:34 GMT

EPIA has co-authored a new paper outlining stakeholders’ concerns and suggesting improvements for the future work of ENTSO-E, the organisation responsible for the planning and future development of the pan-European electricity network. In the document, stakeholders encourage ENTSO-E to better reflect Europe’s long-term renewable energy and climate goals.

Interview of Frauke Thies, EPIA Policy Director, on PV grid integration for PV Insider

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:03:07 GMT

The article entitled "Distribution networks: how smart strategies can help grid and solar power plant operators reach optimal large scale PV integration", published in PV Insider, includes an extensive interview of Frauke Thies, EPIA Policy Director, on PV grid integration.

EU increases support for smart grids but more needs to be done

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:03:26 GMT

EPIA has issued a press release following the EU political agreement on the Regulation on Guidelines for trans-European Energy Infrastructure.

EPIA reply to Commission’s Emissions Trading System proposal

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:25:49 GMT

EPIA has submitted a reply to the European Commission's public consultation on the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS). EPIA's position underlines the importance of coupling short-term measures with a clear longer-term framework, exploiting the full potential of PV in energy sector decarbonisation.

PV GRID: New project to promote large-scale grid integration

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:03:50 GMT

More than 20 partners have launched a Europe-wide effort to identify solutions to the wider integration of solar PV in Europe, particularly at the distribution level.

EPIA joins important grid task force

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:53:48 GMT

EPIA has joined a special group of stakeholders involved in grid development created by ENTSO-E, the European Network of Transmission System Operators of Electricity. TSOs will play a key role in the debate over how to meet Europe’s energy challenges.

Greece: Parliament approves new taxes on PV

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:54:09 GMT

Greece’s Parliament has approved a new tax on revenue generated by renewable energy systems as part of new austerity measures aimed at helping the country reduce its deficit. The tax, approved on 7 November 2012, will be between 25% and 35% on existing solar power plants.

EU-China trade investigations

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:54:32 GMT

UPDATE: The European Commission has initiated on 8 November 2012 an anti-subsidy investigation on solar panel imports from China, in addition to the anti-dumping investigation it launched in early September 2012. China launched an investigation on 1 November 2012 into polysilicon imports from the EU; and on 5 November 2012 China lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organisation regarding local content requirements in some EU countries. EPIA is maintaining a neutral position in all of these disputes.

Policy and Communications Working Groups merged for the coming months

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:54:53 GMT

In order to enable as many Members as possible to be involved in our Working Group activities, the EPIA Policy and Communications Working Groups will be merged for the coming months. The Sustainable Development Working Group will remain independent and more synergies with the new merged Policy-Communications WG will be explored.

Minutes of the 27 September 2012 Board Meeting now available

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:55:13 GMT

Minutes of the Board Meeting that took place on 27 September in Frankfurt are now available online for EPIA Members.

EPIA response paper to the RES strategy communication

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:55:40 GMT

Read EPIA's response paper which describes the association's vision of what should be done to ensure a cost-optimal deployment of PV in Europe and provides input to the guidance on the reform of national support schemes.

PV Observatory: New update of EPIA’s overview on support schemes

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:04:39 GMT

EPIA has just released an important new update of its overview of all PV support schemes in the 27 EU Member States and in Switzerland.

New ‘Installers Corner’ on Your Sun Your Energy website

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:05:02 GMT

Your Sun Your Energy, the award-winning multimedia resource for information on solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity, now includes a new area devoted to PV installers. The YSYE Installers Corner includes tools to help electrical installers promote their PV-related business to potential customers. The main feature is a promotional leaflet highlighting the benefits of PV.

Quality and integration at the core of the PV R&D agenda

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:56:02 GMT

EPIA and the European Photovoltaic Technology Platform (EU PV TP) recently organised an important workshop, "The R&D priorities of the European PV Industry until 2015".

Germany: FiT moratorium proposal criticised

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:56:24 GMT

The leader of Germany’s Liberal Democrats, Rainer Brüderle, has proposed a moratorium on the country’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) to stop a boom in PV and wind energy installations that has led to more than 4.9 GW of PV capacity to be added so far this year. Earlier this summer the government announced it was considering closing the current FiT.

European Commission takes action to bolster emissions trading system

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:23:43 GMT

The European Commission has launched an effort to boost Europe’s depressed carbon market with a short-term “backloading” of carbon allowances, and plans new proposals for long-term structural change of the emission trading system (ETS) before the end of the year.