PV inverter market becoming more diversified as price pressure intensifies – IHS Markit
PV inverter shipment volumes have gone up recently, but an increasingly competitive market has seen declining prices, forcing manufacturers to think out of the box to find new business applications for their products.
China’s GCL-Si mulls purchase of semiconductor manufacturer, may leave cell, module business
GCL System Integration Technology (GCL-Si) has revealed tentative plans to buy an unspecified state-linked semiconductor manufacturer, with Chinese media reports suggesting that the Shenzhen-listed PV module supplier may leave the solar cell and module business to exclusively focus on producing wafers for the semiconductor industry.
Panasonic to hire 80 workers at Tesla’s US gigafactory
The Tesla/Panasonic gigafactory is taking on more workers, as a sign of health. However many details remain unclear.
2018 Technology Highlights: Announcing the winners
After much lively debate, a jury of independent experts pv magazine has selected three top innovations for special recognition in the Technology Highlights feature.
Neo Solar Power increases turnover, reduces losses
On the last stretch to the merger between NSP, Gintech and Solartech, the company still posted losses due to “operational challenges” and solar trade disputes.
Jürgen Stein steps down as SolarWorld Americas CEO
As what may be the first sign of many changes, the President and CEO who led SolarWorld through the Section 201 case is being replaced by a restructuring veteran.
Singulus reports fall in sales and profit
German PV equipment supplier Singulus Technologies has reported a fall in both sales and profit year on year for the first quarter of 2018. The company, however, points out that its order books are full.
Seoul escalates dispute over US solar tariffs with WTO complaint
The South Korean government has announced plans to formally launch a dispute settlement process with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over U.S. tariffs on PV cells, modules and washing machines.
Hanwha Q Cells improves profitability, but revises down 2018 shipment guidance
The solar module manufacturer reports that Europe will likely replace the United States as its number one market, due to the recent introduction of the duties introduced by the Trump administration. Although quarterly revenue grew by around 2.5% year-on year, and net profit almost doubled from $17.6 million to $31 million, the outlook for 2018 shipments has been lowered by 400 MW to 5.6 GW to 5.8 GW.
Ingeteam secures 555 MW Mexican order
Spanish inverter maker Ingeteam has reported a massive order to supply Mexican projects, which it claims will increase its O&M services to cover 55% of the countries solar PV installations. Supply contracts are mostly related to central inverters, although string devices, as well as LV/MV transformers, MV cells, and LV switchgear are also included in the deals.
