Highlights

There is no denying that 2017 proved to be the most remarkable year yet for China’s PV industry. From whichever way one looks at it – be it installation figures, exports, manufacturing capacity growth, or innovation – the 12 months that shaped China’s solar industry were equally impressive and somewhat surprising, with even the national government perhaps shocked by the progress made.

Deutsche Messe, Solar Power Events and SNEIA will launch the first Solar Power Mexico show next March in Mexico City.

The thin film solar maker is also reviving its EPC division with a goal to build 1 GW of solar projects each year, as well as increasing its presence in O&M services.

In an interview with pv magazine, Jules Kortenhorst, CEO of the U.S. based Rocky Mountain Institute speaks about the impact of stranded investments, the institute’s partnership with a blockchain start-up, and how the Energy Web Foundation can remain neutral.

The 103 MW Quweira solar PV project – currently the country’s largest – is owned by the Jordanian Government and was funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).

The 1.2 GW factory will employ 500 workers. The new facility is expected to bring First Solar’s total capacity to 7.6 GW by the end of 2020.

The joint venture between Enel Green Power (EGP) and F2i SGR currently owns and operates around 400 MW of solar PV assets across Italy.

In reporting its FY 2017 financials, Yingli has again revealed that “substantial doubt exists as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.” It is seeking to agree on a debt restructuring plan with creditors, and is asking them to refrain from initiating bankruptcy proceedings. Overall, it recorded a 2017 net loss of US$510 million and total liabilities of $3.2 billion. It has not issued guidance for this year.

Wacker Chemie AG has said it is gradually ramping up production at its beleaguered U.S. polysilicon production site, with product expected to be again available in Q2. The shutdown has affected its Q1 earnings, with sales down 18% compared to a year ago.

OhmHome estimates 72,996 residential solar power installations in the first quarter of 2018, with California and Massachusetts growing 14% and 9%, respectively.