Manufacturing

With a predicted 13 GW of capacity by 2017, the lure of South America for PV companies should ensure a positive turnout at the first Intersolar South America trade show. Brazilian and German exhibitors dominate at the Sao Paulo show.

Swiss specialty chemicals company Sika has tapped Thomas Hasler as its new chief technology officer and member of the group’s management, effective Jan. 1.

Dominated by grid installations, the coupled solar and energy storage segment will prove a boon to energy storage producers but have only a modest impact on the solar market, according to a new report by Lux Research.

Former head of investor relations told selected investors and analysts about loss of loan guarantee in 2011. The formal announcement of the news the next morning caused a 6% share price fall.

Minister of Energy for the oil-rich southeast Asian state announces plans to introduce a feed-in tariff (FIT) policy over the next 18 months.

The Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) is passing on increasing costs to solar power users in the state as it grapples with a major surge in residential PV power generation.

The U.S. thin film giant will supply the modules and Belectric the Balance of Systems for the proposed joint venture. PV Projects will aim to develop schemes in Europe and North America as well as smaller projects in the U.S.

The breakthrough will allow solar cell manufacturers to create stacked solar cells that can handle high-intensity solar energies without losing voltage at the connecting junctions, potentially improving conversion efficiency.

The state’s Libertarians have endorsed a proposal led by RENEW Wisconsin — a local clean energy group — to allow Wisconsin electricity customers to lease solar panels for their energy needs.

With a strong performance in Japan and South Africa, China’s Hanwha SolarOne increased shipments, improved its revenue and cut its losses from April to June. Company executives are upbeat about the rest of the year and beyond.