Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

Canadian Solar Inc. is to supply 81 megawatts worth of its photovoltaic modules to Germany-based Saferay GmbH.

Under an expanded agreement, Flextronics will produce photovoltaic panels for MEMC’s SunEdison subsidiary at its Malaysian manufacturing site.

According to research, photovoltaic module shipments have declined for the first time since the start of 2009. Prices are also “rapidly” decreasing. While this situation is expected to continue into the second quarter, predictions are 24 gigawatts (GW) will be shipped throughout 2011.

GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd. has ordered wire saws representing over 2.5 gigawatts of wafering capacity from Applied Materials. The order value was not disclosed.

Algatec Solar AG’s Canadian subsidiary will establish a 50,000 square foot photovoltaic module manufacturing facility in Ontario.

Continuing on its globalization path, Conergy has announced it will this month be launching its solar modules in Canada after its Canadian subsidiary signed a two-year framework agreement.

Daqo New Energy Holdings (Canada) Ltd and JNE Solar Inc. have announced they are to build and operate a photovoltaic module production facility in Hamilton, Ontario.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd is to supply Indian company SunBorne Energy with 100 megawatts (MW) of solar modules over the next two years. They will be used for projects in India.

Silfab Ontario Inc. and Agris Solar Co-operative Inc. have signed an agreement, under which Silfab will supply Agris with 9.3 megawatts of solar modules over the next year.

Centrosolar Group AG has commissioned its first Asian anti-reflective (AR) coating line in Huzhou, China.