Europe added 8.61 GW of solar in 2017 with Turkey taking top spot
Annual growth of 28% on 2016’s performance points to promising future as Turkey’s 1.79 GW saw the nation overtake Germany as Europe’s most dynamic solar market. Former shining star, the U.K. slinks away from top table after shrinking 54%.
Longi to triple wafer capacity to 45 GW by 2020
The Chinese vertically integrated solar manufacturer has set out a three-year roadmap, aiming for 28 GW monocrystalline wafer capacity by end of this year, 36 GW by the end of 2019, and 45 GW by 2020.
Siemens Gamesa bags two Indian solar projects with combined 160 MW capacity
The renewable energy developer will build a 100 MW solar farm in India’s Tamil Nadu for a major utility, and an additional 60 MW solar plant in Karnataka for an independent power producer.
ABB to build Latin America’s first digital substation alongside new 156 MW solar farm, publishes 2017 financials
The Swiss-headquartered power electronics firm will install a 230 kV digitally enable substation and connection bay at Brazil’s Juazeiro II substation, which will eventually deliver power from a 156 MW solar plant. 2017 full year financials reveal transitional year for firm.
EU, China request consultation with US over solar tariffs, WTO filing shows
Following the introduction of 30% graduated tariffs on imported solar modules into the U.S., the European Union and China have joined South Korea and Taiwan in filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization.
Wind giant Vestas taps solar, storage markets for hybridization drive
The Danish wind turbine producer to explore further development of hybrid renewable energy plants that combine wind, solar and battery storage at single location as wind growth rates ease in face of market consolidation.
Daqo polysilicon order book reaches 90.2% on Chinese demand
The Chinese polysilicon supplier reveals that its order book is 90.2% filled as of the end of January, in response to surging demand among Chinese solar firms.
Panasonic to begin direct sales of solar cells
The Japanese electronics giant announces plans to sell solar cells individually this year, but confirms it is poised to halt module production at its fab in Shiga, Japan, in March.
Enphase share sale raises $20 million
The California-headquartered microinverter specialist announces private equity offering of 9,523,809 shares that have been sold to Chilean entrepreneur Isidoro Quiroga.
Swedish government backs Northvolt battery plant to tune of €15m
The Swedish Energy Agency has granted SEK 146 million to support Northvolt Labs’ large-scale battery manufacturing plant in Västerås, Sweden. Project already secured financial backing from ABB, Vestas and Scania.
