Max Hall
Saudi Tesla backers could be about to invest in EV rival
With PIF having distanced themselves from rumors they will help Elon Musk take Tesla back into private ownership – although that claim is disputed – the Saudi wealth fund may be about to write a big cheque to California-based Lucid Motors.
ET Solar joins forces with cash-rich rival to drive exports
With a wave of consolidation predicted, the module manufacturer has announced a strategic partnership which will see it open up its overseas sales network and scale to smaller peer Tunghsu Kangtu.
Renewables body hails introduction of solar to UK capacity market
Solar – and wind – will finally bring an element of environmental consciousness, and value for money, to the system charged with keeping the lights on in Britain. Is PV finally shaking off long-held fears about its intermittent nature?
Group buying could make up for UK loss of export payments
With a group purchasing program securing hefty discounts for British households – and attracting thousands of potential customers as a result – solar has a viable business case no matter what further cuts the government throws at the industry.
Macquarie puts faith in Asia-Pac solar
The Conergy brand has changed hands again with the Australian infrastructure giant acquiring the company’s Asia-focused business from its previous US-based fund management owners. Macquarie may be positioning itself to take advantage of a flood of cheap Chinese-made panels.
EU opens largest PV scheme in the Gaza Strip
The solar system may be only 0.5 MW in scale but will help the supply of freshwater to 250,000 people within 18 months and further desalination-linked schemes are in the pipeline.
Beijing about-turn influenced collapse of polysilicon deal
Shanghai Electric says the Chinese government’s abrupt decision to rein in solar was a significant factor in the collapse of its planned $3.64 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in the world’s biggest poly maker.
Facebook likes clean energy as corporate purchasing sets record
The social media titan is the world’s biggest corporate buyer of renewable energy so far this year. BNEF figures show the company has already secured 1.1 GW of green power this year, helping the corporate world break last year’s landmark.
Sale of controlling stake in China’s largest poly maker falls through
Shanghai Electric’s move to take over GCL-Poly’s Jiangsu Zhongneng has fallen through because conditions are not ‘mature enough’. The development, announced this afternoon to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, will be closely watched by the global solar industry.
Proposal to take Hanwha Q Cells back into private ownership
With Hanwha Solar Holdings already owning 94% of the company, the module manufacturer could soon be a private company again. The Korean solar company says the transaction would cost the holding company around $45 million.
