German PV module maker CS Wismar plans to raise production in 2018
In addition to the manufacturing of its own modules, the German solar PV producer focuses primarily on OEM production. Negotiations are currently underway with two customers, which would lead to a significant increase in production volume this year.
1366 abandons plans for US factory
The innovative wafer maker will be building its first commercial-scale factory overseas.
SolarWorld Americas gets $5 million loan from creditors
Creditors will allow SolarWorld Americas to borrow more than US$5 million. This should bring operations up to full capacity in the coming months.
Vietnam files complaint with WTO over US solar tariffs
The Vietnamese authorities have submitted a complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to request formal consultations with Washington over its recently announced 30% tariff on crystalline silicon PV imports.
Solargiga invests in 1 GW of module output — correction
A unit of Solargiga Energy Holdings has revealed plans to invest CNY 160 million ($25.2 million) in 1 GW per year of PV module production capacity.
Wacker’s US polysilicon factory still on hold
Following an explosion at a U.S. production facility in 2017, the German polysilicon producer is under investigation by local authorities. Wacker Chemie must now pay a fine of US$20,000 for failing to comply with certain regulations regarding the provision of personal protective equipment and employee safety during maintenance work prior to the accident.
Longi claims 23.6% efficiency for its PERC monocrystalline cells
Just one month after announcing a PERC module efficiency of 20.41%, the Chinese solar manufacturer announced it has now achieved a 23.6% efficiency for its PERC monocrystalline cells, thus beating its own previous records.
Interview: The time has come for a European solar industry policy
In an interview with pv magazine, SolarPower Europe CEO, James Watson explains how the Clean Energy Industrial Forum (CEIF) set up by the EU is paving the way for a resurgence of the European solar industry. Representatives from politics and industry met last Friday in Brussels to discuss how to further proceed.
The Weekend Read: Polysilicon and wafer manufacturer ranking
Polysilicon and wafer manufacturer ranking: PV demand reached record levels in 2017, with global installations surpassing 100 GW for the first time ever. Few in the industry expected deployments to hit this level, piling the pressure on to the supply chain. Armed with polysilicon and wafer manufacturer ranking data supplied by IHS Markit, pv magazine delves into the past year’s upstream landscape.
SunPower to lay off 150-250 workers, blames Section 201
The company’s latest restructuring will involve losing roughly 3% of its global workforce, all in “non-manufacuring” positions.
