Europe: Solar market grows 15% in 2015
While demand for solar systems has declined or remained flat in most of European countries, the United Kingdom’s muscular solar growth led to a dramatic increase in demand for Europe as a whole.
Ikea halts sales of solar PV in UK
The Swedish furniture and home accessories giant has been an avid proponent of clean energy, but following drastic cuts in the U.K.s solar subsidies, it has decided to stop selling solar systems in the country.
Japan: Green transport ship sets sail with Solar Frontier CIS panels
“This is one example of the greater role that solar energy has to play in our future, supporting an ever broader range of technologies in a wider range of industries,” says Solar Frontier CEO Atsuhiko Hirano.
SMA: When storage systems pay off for commercial business
While private PV system operators work toward optimizing self-consumption, storage systems in industry are mainly used to provide control reserve and thus ensure grid stability. In commercial storage system applications, the main focus is on efficiency and a secure electricity supply. SMA experts, Volker Wachenfeld and Nick Morbach elaborate.
Singulus narrows 2015 loss, increases revenue
The German equipment supplier is strengthening its focus on the solar segment with production machinery for both thin-film and crystalline cells amidst waning sales in the optical disc segment.
Heliatek raises bar for OPV efficiency to 13.2%
The German organic PV developers reveal new record conversion efficiency for an OPV multi-junction cell; measurement independently verified by Fraunhofer CSP.
Dow Corning increases net income as sales drop
U.S. silicon technology giant Dow Corning Corp. on Friday reported a 10% increase in net income last year despite a 9% drop in sales.
Earthquake in Taiwan disrupts PV production
The magnitude 6.4 earthquake that hit Taiwan Saturday disrupted PV production in the southern city of Tainan, which took the brunt of the temblor.
SMA establishes Brazil subsidiary
The German inverter specialist creates Brazil-focused arm of business to focus on the growing market’s opportunities, particularly at utility-scale; SMA Brazil will work closely with SMA South America, located in Chile.
Ascent improves design of PV modules for space environment
The U.S. company says its super-light its superlight modules are ideal for satellites, space vehicles and space stations. Ascent is eager to tap the fast growing space and near space markets.
