PV equipment upgrades and differentiation key to manufacturers survival
A new report has identified a number of opportunities for photovoltaic equipment manufacturers to turn a profit. The key is product differentiation, according to the author, who states that photovoltaic manufacturers with idle capacities cannot afford to not upgrade their production equipment. Meanwhile, Germanys grip on the market is said to be slipping.
PV book-to-bill ratio in the red
Signs are emerging that photovoltaics is finally taking the right course to overcapacity recovery. For the first time since the mid-2000s, says NPD Solarbuzz, the industrys book-to-bill ratio is negative, thus indicating the cancellation of capacity expansion plans.
Saint Gobain plans CIGS facility for Saudi Arabia
Saint Gobain has signed a memorandum of understanding to set up and operate a CIGS thin film photovoltaic module facility in Saudi Arabia.
Record Q4 PV inverter shipments predicted; China to overtake Germany
Global photovoltaic inverter shipments are expected to reach 8.6 GW in Q4 2012, thus representing the “largest final quarter ever recorded”. Despite this, falling inverter prices are predicted to dampen revenues. Meanwhile, in 2013, China is set to become the largest market.
Chile launches online tool to study solar availability
A new online tool that permits solar energy developers to precisely explore the availability of solar resources for the entire territory of continental Chile has been launched by Chiles Ministry of Energy, and the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Chile.
SoloPower opens US CIGS manufacturing facility
SoloPower has officially opened its new CIGS thin film photovoltaics manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon. It is targeting 400 MW of annual capacity.
Bosch opens second PV module line in France
Bosch has opened a second photovoltaic module line at its manufacturing facility in France, thus taking capacity to 150 MW.
German PV equipment sales continue to decline; stronger cooperation urged
On the back of weakened demand from Asian customers, sales of German photovoltaic equipment have fallen by half in Q2 2012, compared to the same period last year. To maintain competitiveness, cooperation with local industry is urged.
Meyer Burger announces 303 Watt PV module
Using just 60 solar cells, Meyer Burger Technology Ltd has created a 303 W photovoltaic module in production conditions. “Significant” cost reductions are expected to follow.
Solar inverter plant opens in South Africa
Netherlands-based power equipment supplier, 3W Power/AEG Power Solutions, has officially inaugurated its new solar inverter manufacturing facility in South Africa.
