Future of PV Solar SYstems, IKEA-tion

Ikea to Sell $9,200 Solar-Panel Kits in All U.K. Stores - Bloomberg: "The deal shows how photovoltaic power is moving into the mainstream in the U.K., where more than 400,000 small solar systems operate. Price drops and state subsidies have doubled installations since the end of 2011, government figures show.
Ikea will offer standard 3.36-kilowatt photovoltaic systems for 5,700 pounds ($9,200) upfront, as well as a leasing option.
“In our opinion it’s the first time a truly global retailer has provided dedicated retail space and dedicated staff solely to PV,” Toby Ferenczi, co-chief executive officer of Hanergy’s U.K. unit, said by e-mail.
Solar power is a part of Ikea’s plan to source all its energy from renewables by 2020. It has installed more than 500,000 panels on some of its 298 stores across the world."

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Poverty, from Hong Kong in the East to Hong Kong of the West

Hong Kong Poverty Line Shows Wealth Gap With One in Five Poor - Bloomberg: "Hong Kong, a city with a surging number of millionaires and home to some of Asia’s richest people, finds a fifth of its population living in poverty.

About 1.3 million people, or 19.6 percent of the population, were below the poverty line last year, according to a report commissioned by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and released on Sept. 28. The benchmark, determined for the first time, was set at half of the city’s median household income, excluding impact of tax and welfare transfer, the report said.

Growing inequality between the rich and the poor poses a major challenge to Leung, who came into office in July last year pledging to narrow the city’s record wealth gap. Tens of thousands of people protested on July 1, the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, demanding the government address inequality which has been exacerbated by the doubling of home prices since early 2009."

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China Inaugurates Shanghai Trade Zone in Financial Reform Drive - Bloomberg

China Inaugurates Shanghai Trade Zone in Financial Reform Drive - Bloomberg: "ree trade zone companies and financial institutions will be allowed to invest in Shanghai securities and futures markets, while qualified overseas individuals in the zone may open accounts to trade local securities, Dai said. Overseas parents of companies registered in the zone will be able to issue yuan-denominated bonds in China.
Li didn’t attend yesterday’s ceremony, and his absence may indicate that the government is trying to counter hype surrounding the zone, said Chan Yan Chong, an adjunct professor of management at City University of Hong Kong."

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China opens Shanghai free-trade zone | World news | theguardian.com

China opens Shanghai free-trade zone | World news | theguardian.com: "A free-trade zone in Shanghai that China's government has billed as a major step for financial reforms and economic experimentation has formally started.

State media reported that a first batch of 25 Chinese and foreign companies were granted licences to register in the zone.

The China (Shanghai) pilot free-trade zone is a nearly 11-sq mile district that covers four existing special trade zones in Pudong district, including one at the airport.

China's state council formally announced rules for the zone on Friday. They outline goals to upgrade financial services, promote trade and improve governance as well as measures to encourage foreign investment in 18 sectors in the country's tightly regulated service industry."

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