Mark Hutchins
Meyer Burger to end manufacturing in Switzerland
Equipment manufacturer Meyer Burger plans to end production at its headquarters site in Thun, Switzerland, as part of an updated cost efficiency program. All production activities in Thun will be discontinued by the end of 2018, though the site will continue to serve as Meyer Burger’s headquarters.
REC Group places equipment order with Aurora Solar Tech
Aurora Solar Technologies today announced that it has received an order from Norway headquartered vertically integrated PV manufacturer REC Group for its inline cell measurement equipment. The order is expected to ship in January 2018.
Singapore announces 50 MW rooftop PV tender
Singapore’s Housing and Development Board has launched its latest tender for 50 MW of new PV capacity under the SolarNova program. This will be largest tender so far in the SolarNova series, involving several new government agencies.
Scatec Solar issues $92 million in green bonds
Norwegian based project developer Scatec Solar has announced the successful placement of NOK 750 million ($92 million) in unsecured green bonds.
Czech solar association calls for policies to support industry growth
As Czech politicians negotiate to form a coalition government after the recent elections, the country’s solar association Solarni Asociace calls for stability, and warns incoming policymakers against the politicization of supporting for solar.
Berkeley scientists boost battery capacities
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have made progress with cathodes made from ‘disordered’ materials, a technology which could greatly increase the storage capacity of lithium batteries.
REC Silicon sees 38% sales increase in Q3
Leading polysilicon producer REC Silicon posted revenue of $75.5 million in the third quarter – 23% above the previous quarter. REC saw a 38.2% increase in sales volume, despite polysilicon production for the quarter coming in slightly below guidance.
Enerray to develop 30 MW project in Cameroon
Italian solar company Enerray, through its local partnership EB Solaire, has announced plans to develop a 30 MW PV project at a site in Northern Cameroon.
UK: Industry bodies respond to Cost of Energy review
An independent review into the cost of energy across the UK supply was published earlier this week. The review has seen a mixed response from the renewables segment, and has been criticized by industry bodies for failing to recognize the opportunities presented by a decentralized energy system focused on renewables.
400 MW PV project in Egypt reaches financial close
Norwegian project developer Scatec Solar has announced financial close on six projects totaling 400 MW, to be built as part of the enormous 1.8 GW Benban Solar Park located in upper Egypt.
