SunPower continues to bleed red ink
Due largely to write downs, the high-efficiency PV maker lost a whopping $750 million during Q4 2017, as it sells off assets.
Global storage growth of 4.6% in 2017 reflects patchy state of sector, finds BNEF
Despite hitting a record 1.17 GW of new grid-scale storage capacity in 2017, growth was a mere 4.6% on 2016 having surged 61% the year prior. Industry’s reliance on policy support means foundations for growth remain uneven, report finds. Average costs, however, fell by 24% last year.
Japan to install up to 7 GW in 2018 despite cancellation of 14.6 GW of approved capacity — report
Japan will likely install 6 GW to 7.5 GW (DC) of solar in 2018, from about 7 GW in 2017, despite government efforts to cancel approvals for projects that were registered under the country’s old feed-in tariff (FIT) program, according to a new report.
AECEA: Solar to overtake wind in China
A new report from the Asia Europe Clean Energy Associates (AECEA) expects solar to overtake wind energy in 2018 as China’s third largest source of power generation. AECEA is calling 2018 a ‘transition year’ for PV in China, as new regulations reshape the market, which is still expected to reach 250 GW installed capacity by the end of 2020.
All metrics point upwards as SolarEdge posts strong 2017 financials
The Israel-headquartered producer of power optimizers and inverters enjoyed a record year in 2017, increasing revenue by 24% to US$607 million and shipping more than 2.5 GW of inverters worldwide.
US government funds $253 million in international solar during 2017
The U.S. government’s Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) increased clean energy financing in 2017, despite the arrival of the Trump Administration and an ongoing investigation.
Trina Solar hits new efficiency record for IBC cell
Trina Solar has set a new record of 25.04% total area efficiency for an n-type interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cell. The record has been independently verified by Japan Electric Safety and Environmental Technology Laboratory.
Germany’s Allgäu region connects first large-scale battery storage system
ADS-TEC, a southern German battery solutions provider, has this week connected a 1 MW+ lithium-ion storage facility in the Allgäu region of the country.
US researchers develop new redox flow compound
A team of scientists from the U.S. University of Rochester has developed a compound, which it says could double the effectiveness of redox flow batteries, and “transform the energy storage landscape”.
Northvolt battery project approved for EIB loan that could reach €52.5m
The Swedish storage developer will receive the loan funds via the European Commission’s InnovFin fund, which is part of the Energy Demo Projects facility.
