Solar money is all flowing downstream – in the West at least
Mercom Capital’s latest report on financial activity in the solar sector illustrates an increasing flow of capital towards downstream companies and PV projects – as well as a split between China and the rest of the world.
Astronergy’s German facility reportedly facing hard times
It has been reported short-time work at the module manufacturer’s Frankfurt (Oder) facility was halted at the start of the year because of below-subsistence wage levels. The company has not commented on rumors of a possible closure.
Another NY legal firm files class action against JA Solar
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLP claims JA Solar intended to relist on the Shenzhen exchange after merging with its holding company in July, but did not outline that intent when it asked U.S. shareholders to vote on the planned merger.
Law firm says JA Solar’s Nasdaq stockholders were left out of pocket by ‘backdoor listing’ in Shenzhen
A New York-based legal practice is preparing a class action lawsuit against the Shanghai-based manufacturer after it delisted from the NY exchange in July and then reappeared on its Chinese counterpart.
Tesla begins construction of GW factory in China
The US electric car maker wants to start production of its Model 3 in the Chinese factory. Next year, according to high-profile CEO Elon Musk, mass production of electric cars will start there.
‘E-Magic’: Magnesium batteries for a post lithium age
The “E-Magic” research project is set to receive over €6.7 million from the EU Horizon project. The aim is to develop new batteries the are more powerful, cheaper and safer than lithium-ion ones; and it could pave the way for the establishment of a competitive battery cell production landscape in Europe.
Sipchen begins production of EVA films at 4,000 MT factory
The Saudi oil company has started manufacturing activities at its $40 million facility in the Hail Industrial City. The factory is being run by the group’s unit, Saudi Specialized Products Company (SSPC).
GCL-Poly plans to sell wafer unit, expects $77.6 million loss for first 10 months of 2018
After the failed attempt to sell a majoritry stake in its main polysilicon unit, Jiangsu Zhongneng, the Chinese solar manufacturer has now agreed to sell its wafer unit Suzhou Kezhun to Huajun Holding Group for US$123.6 million. The operation is part of the company’s plan to focus on wafer manufacturing based on the diamond-wire sawing technology and shift production to low-cost locations.
Midsummer picks up $7 million order for new CIGS factory in China
Sweden based CIGS equipment supplier Midsummer has received an order worth more than $7 million for its production equipment. The order was placed by U.S. based manufacturer Sunflare, for a new factory under construction in China.
New technologies move to the back
The tension between the cost cutting and performance boosting opportunities presented by new technologies and the tendency for risk aversion is never more evident than in PV module materials. This applies nowhere more than in backsheets, where new innovations are big on promise, but must convince manufacturers and the market of their long-term performance.
