Enphase sees CFO leave, presents stable numbers for Q1 2018
The American microinverter maker is reporting only modest losses in its Q1 results, a significant improvement from a year ago.
Taiwan’s biggest PV module manufacturing fab inaugurated
The first solar PV modules have come off of TSEC Corp.’s new 1 GW manufacturing facility – the biggest of its kind in Taiwan.
JA Solar sees profits decline despite strong growth of shipments, sales
The Chinese company said its gross margins were impacted by lower ASPs and rising material costs, while the decline in net and operating profits was due to higher operating expenses. Shipments and sales, however, grew by 52.4% and 25.5%, respectively.
Mersen acquires Idealec, reports 50% growth for solar business
Through the transaction, the French industrial equipment manufacturer aims to strengthen its R&D capabilities, as well as its position in the power electronics market. In the first quarter, its solar-related business grew by around 50%.
Meyer Burger outsources SWCT production to Mondragon
The Swiss solar PV equipment manufacturer has signed a cooperation agreement with Spanish competitor, Mondragon Assembly. Following the closure of the Meyer Burger production site in Thun at the end of the year, the latter will manufacture Smartwire Connection technology going forward. However, patents and sales of the technology will remain the property of Meyer Burger.
First Solar to build the biggest solar factory in the Western Hemisphere – in Ohio
The 1.2 GW factory will employ 500 workers. The new facility is expected to bring First Solar’s total capacity to 7.6 GW by the end of 2020.
Yingli’s financials go from bad to worse
In reporting its FY 2017 financials, Yingli has again revealed that “substantial doubt exists as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.” It is seeking to agree on a debt restructuring plan with creditors, and is asking them to refrain from initiating bankruptcy proceedings. Overall, it recorded a 2017 net loss of US$510 million and total liabilities of $3.2 billion. It has not issued guidance for this year.
Wacker to restart US polysilicon production
Wacker Chemie AG has said it is gradually ramping up production at its beleaguered U.S. polysilicon production site, with product expected to be again available in Q2. The shutdown has affected its Q1 earnings, with sales down 18% compared to a year ago.
Meyer Burger secures $16 million equipment order from Asia
Meyer Burger Technology Ltd has secured a CHF 16million (US$16.3 million) order from an unidentified Asian customer for its MAiA and FABiA cell coating equipment. It is the first industrial order for the latter platform, says the company.
Order situation ‘weakening’ for German equipment suppliers, says VDMA
After a strong finish to 2017, Germany’s equipment suppliers are looking at weaker demand in 2018, although the industry still expects sales growth of 9.2% this year, according to the latest Business Climate Survey published by the German Engineering Federation’s Photovoltaic Equipment Group.
