Manufacturing

The government in Kigali has signed a PPA for an 8.5 MW project in Rwamagana district. The park will be developed by the founders of Israeli solar company Arava Power.

The Japanese giant will showcase solar window and balcony railings at PV Japan 2013. The windows will cost around $2,000 per square meter.

The Chinese-European trade dispute and growing demand in Asia and North America has created a booming global market for Taiwanese PV cells, which saw international shipments jump 6.7% in the first half of the year.

The Russian Far East, where adverse climate conditions have resulted in high prices for fossil fuels, is increasingly embracing renewable energy. The offers opportunity, but also challenges for local developers.

The Taiwanese company has been forced to take HK$1.93bn hit in its 2013 figures, part of a HK$3.03 billion annual loss, after due diligence over the Sun Materials acquisition failed to spot a hydroflouric acid problem.

Chinese panels are increasing in price due to the EU’s anti-dumping tariffs. As a result, high-quality modules from South Korean and Western suppliers are becoming more competitive, says IHS.

The European Commission and China continue to wrangle for a compromise in the ongoing trade dispute over dumping prices on imported Chinese PV products. Insiders expect an agreement this week.

The Chinese manufacturer’s European unit has revealed a mountain of debt, including $454.3 million for its insolvent Wuxi Suntech unit.

Californian solar installer calls off deal after ‘continued delays and uncertainty.’ Westinghouse Solar also faces a name change after falling behind on brand licensing payments.

Three manufacturers have complained about dumping of cells and modules from the EU and Japan. Same three companies have an ongoing complaint about cells from the U.S., China, Taiwan and Malaysia.