Solar Investments in Germany May Suffer With Power-Rate Cuts
BUSINESS WEEK - Q-Cells SE, Solarworld AG and competing solar-energy companies face a dimmer outlook for investment and jobs as the German government considers cutting subsidized power prices.
Lower rates may reduce profit for panel makers and strip Germany of its title as the largest market for photovoltaic panels, said Karl Kuhlmann, chief executive officer of S.A.G. Solarstrom AG, a builder and operator of solar power plants.
Government officials debated rate reductions in meetings yesterday without making a final decision. Any reduction will have to be debated in parliament and may happen as early as April, lawmakers said.
At stake are about 10 billion euros ($14.1 billion) of investments in new factories and research through 2013 and an industry employing about 50,000 people, according to the Germany solar industry lobby group.
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