The weekend read: On track for broader horizons
The global vertical integration of the PV tracker industry is accelerating, as players seek to build organizations that can provide manufacturing and support in multiple markets simultaneously. These partnerships tend to connect intellectual property assets with global manufacturing capability and construction and engineering teams that have the financial wherewithal to pursue international markets. The trend also is driving product line expansion, as in the case of Nextracker’s offering of energy storage as an integrated part of its tracker design.
Eguana Technologies recruits new executives
Mercedes Benz execs join Eguana Technologies to help drive Calgary-based business’ global expansion plans.
Dutch battery maker signs agreement for €1.6bn Chinese gigafactory
Lithium Werks has ambitious plans for a global chain of utility-scale production lines that has secured the backing of the Netherlands government and PM Mark Rutte, as EU leaders contemplate a post-US trade future.
Report eyes alternative battery technologies due to socio-ecological concerns
Lead, sulphuric-acid, nickel, cobalt and rare earth metals are highly toxic and have adverse impacts on the environment and the societies in which they are mined. As the EU is looking to become a world leader in battery production, a report considers new battery technologies – such as sodium-ion – which would have less negative impacts.
Indian state of Tamil Nadu targets 400% jump in solar capacity by 2022
The state government is proposing a range of incentives and mandates to drive PV and solar thermal installations to almost 9 GW within four years. Under the proposed policy, 10% of the public fleet would be replaced by electric vehicles.
Manufacturers and research institutes form alliance in Europe
The European Solar Manufacturing Council has been launched at EU PVSEC in Brussels. Participating research institutes, mechanical engineers, material and PV manufacturers stress the importance of having big solar manufacturers in Europe.
Array Changing Technologies 2018: The winners
After plenty of deliberations from the jury of independent PV industry experts assembled by pv magazine, we are pleased to announce the top innovations selected in the Array Changing Technologies 2018.
Indian PV installations fell by half in Q2
In the second quarter, India installed solar projects amounting to 52% less capacity quarter-over-quarter, due to uncertainties around trade cases, module price fluctuations and PPA renegotiations prompted by record low solar tender bids.
Deger Energie, Kavitsu announce new PV tracker manufacturing fab in India
Germany’s Deger Energie and India-based Kavitsu Robotronix will open a new solar PV tracker manufacturing facility in India. The first products are set to come off the production line in January 2019.
Report shows Tesla’s US battery gigafactory booming
The report found over 3,200 employees working at the factory at the end of 2017, and US$3.7 billion in invested in the plant.
