Trina Solar chief scientist Pierre Verlinden announces retirement from firm
The decorated PV pioneer will step aside from his role as Trina Solar’s VP and chief scientist on February 12 in order to devote more time to his family life.
China’s Top Runner Program spurring n-type solar cell development, report finds
The Technology Top Runner Program portion of China’s push for higher-efficiency solar products sets a June 2019 grid connection deadline for 1.5 GW of next-generation PV technology; this target is poised to drive mass production of n-type cells, says EnergyTrend.
The weekend read: Taking batteries from lab to market
The conversation around battery cell production may be heated, but it is largely confined to the advanced industrial economies of China, Japan, South Korea and the U.S. Although also a high-tech hub of innovation and manufacturing expertise, Europe has been on the outside looking in for some time. But that could all be about to change as two exciting storage production programs take flight.
SolarEdge taps Omron for roll-out of three-phase, HV inverter solution in Japan
SolarEdge’s new three-phase, DC-optimized and high-voltage inverter and monitoring solution to enter the Japanese market in March via distribution partnership with domestic inverter specialist Omron.
Gintech, Solartech, NSP merger approved by board members
The coming together of three of Taiwan’s largest solar cell manufacturers has been given the green light today by the respective boards of directors of the three companies. New company United Renewable Energy Co., is expected to become a recognized entity on March 28.
The weekend read: Five key questions facing rooftop solar in 2018
Distributed solar can arrive in many forms, from the typical small array installed on a family home, to vast, multi-megawatt installations atop large warehouses and factories. Each market sector faces its own challenges and opportunities, and pv magazine has identified five key questions that could well shape these various rooftop sectors throughout 2018 and beyond.
EU grants €578m for France-Spain renewable energy transmission link
In what is the largest ever energy grant to be issued by the EU, France and Spain’s interconnection capabilities are to be boosted to 5 GW once an undersea cable across the Bay of Biscay is finalized.
Malaysia’s PA Resources secures $154m First Solar supply contract
The Kuala Lumpur-based manufacturing subsidiary of PA Group has signed a deal worth 600 million Malaysian Ringgit to supply certain materials and goods to First Solar for the production of its thin film modules.
VW-owned Scania to invest €10m in Northvolt’s battery cell manufacturing fab
The truck maker is to partner with Northvolt on developing and commercializing battery cells for use in heavy commercial vehicles.
Canadian Solar fund acquires two Japanese solar projects, raises $8.2m loan
The Japanese infrastructure arm of Canadian Solar, Canadian Solar Asset Management, has acquired ownership of two large-scale Japanese solar farms, while also taking out a loan of JPY 900 million.
