Renewable training academy opens in the UK
Sharp Solar has opened a renewable energy academy in Wrexham, the UK. Having integrated training with its production facilities, the company says it will train between 25 to 50 people a month, including electricians and roofers.
9REN closes financing on 6 MW Italian PV project
9REN Group has closed the financing on a 6.5 megawatt (MW) Italian PV project.
PV cell production to keep moving to Asia
Eighty five percent of PV cells will be produced in Asia by the end of the year, according to IMS Research. Last year, it estimates that nearly 80 percent of PV modules were produced there.
Neoen awarded 58 MW of PV projects in Portuguese solar auction
Following Portugals recent solar auction, launched by the state at the beginning of the year, French renewable energy producer Neoen has been awarded 29 out of a total 52 projects.
Samsung and MEMC sign polysilicon JV
Samsung Fine Chemicals (SFC) and MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. are to establish a polysilicon facility in Korea under a new joint venture (JV).
High inventories expected as PV installation demand decreases
According to research, a decrease in demand for new PV installations in the first quarter of the year is expected to cause a “surge” in company inventories.
First Solar thin film plant expected to open ahead of schedule
First Solar has completed the roof of its new manufacturing plant in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany. Expected to be operational by June, the 173 million site will have a collective annual module capacity of over 238 megawatts (MW).
Ontario: OPA alters FIT application laws
Under a new amendment, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) will no longer issue microFIT or FIT capacity allocation exempt (CAE) contracts for smaller PV projects, until it has been confirmed that there is available grid space.
900 MW Japanese thin film plant begins production
Solar Frontier has started commercial production at its new USD$1 billion Japanese CIS thin film solar module production plant. Full capacity is expected to be approached this summer.
India revises benchmark PV costs
The Indian Government has revised its benchmark costs for PV systems, effective from April 1, 2011.
