Petronas jumps into PV market with Amplus acquisition
The Malaysian oil and gas group has purchased solar developer Amplus Energy Solutions from infrastructure investor I Squared Capital. No financial terms of the deal have been disclosed.
Global surge to offset potential solar slowdown in China — IHS Markit
The global PV market will probably grow by as much as 25% in 2019, after sagging to a double-digit rate of expansion last year, with annual capacity additions likely to hit 129 GW, IHS Markit says in a new report.
Engie finishes minigrid, expands PV home system business in Zambia
French power group Engie has started up its first minigrid installation in Zambia, while also announcing plans to expand Fenix, its PV home system unit for the African market. It did not disclose the specifications or size of the minigrid system.
NEXTracker maintains dominance of global tracker market
The global market for solar trackers expanded by 20% in 2018, with total international shipments spiking 36% year-on-year to surpass the 20 GW mark, according to a new report by Wood Mackenzie. NEXTracker and Array Technologies maintained their industry dominance, but a number of smaller competitors claimed a greater share of the global market in the 12 months to the end of December than ever before.
Panda Green posts $66m loss for 2018 as debt-related woes mount
Panda Green Energy has posted a loss of CNY 454 million ($67.6 million) for 2018, mere weeks before it starts to face deadlines to pay off a hefty amount of outstanding debt. By the end of December, the group’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by about CNY 928 million.
Sharp launches three new mono-PERC modules with 19.1% efficiency
Sharp has released three new high-efficiency mono-PERC solar panels. Ranging from 300 W to 370 W, the five-busbar modules are designed for use in a range of applications, from residential PV projects to large commercial installations.
ING to lend $37m to Sunseap to build 50 MW in Asia
The Dutch banking group will serve as sole mandated lead arranger for the S$50 million ($36.98 million) loan. A unit of Singapore-based developer Sunseap will use the funds to build a 50 MW portfolio of rooftop PV projects.
OPG finishes 44 MW of solar in Ontario
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has completed the Nanticoke solar project on schedule and according to budget. The array has been built at the former Nanticoke Generating Station site, on the shores of Lake Erie near the town of Port Dover.
Solargiga posts sharp net loss in 2018
Solargiga Energy Holdings has posted a net loss of CNY 222.4 million ($33.08 million) for 2018, a sharp reversal from the CNY 107.5 million net profit it recorded in the preceding 12-month period.
NDB to provide $180m to Eskom for grid development
The New Development Bank has agreed to offer a $180 million loan with sovereign guarantee to Eskom. The utility, which is based just outside of Johannesburg, plans to build new infrastructure to integrate 670 MW of unspecified renewables into the South African grid.
