Manufacturing

The seventh photovoltaic facility is set to come online next June under Arizona-based electricity utility, APS’ AZ Sun program. Black & Veatch has been selected to design and build the 34 MW.

LDK Solar is still awaiting governmental approval for the sale of LDK Anhui. The closing date for Shanghai Qianjiang Group to purchase the subsidiary was originally set for March 31.

Following Bosch’s announcement that it is exiting the crystalline photovoltaic business, the Germany-based electronics giant has confirmed it has received offers from interested parties. It is unclear, however, how long Bosch will take to review them.

Germany-based Photovolt Development Partners has unveiled a photovoltaic pipeline worth 925 MW (DC) in Japan. Completion is scheduled for between 2014 and 2015. The company is also planning to install 110 MWp in Israel and 35 MWp in Mexico.

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd has signed a module supply agreement with a South African developer to deliver 115 MW for two photovoltaic plants.

Germany managed to export more power in 2012 than it has in the last five years. With a net surplus of 22.8 terawatt-hours (TWh), the exported amount of energy was four times as much as that in 2011. This data was released by the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden in Hesse.

China’s Suntech Power Holdings collapsed under the weight of its own inventory in March, leading to weeks of volatility in the solar equities market in New York. German companies have also seen stocks suffer a shaky month. Overall, it is forecast, focus will be placed on First Solar, SunPower and MEMC/SunEdison in the coming months.

8minutenergy Renewables, LLC and Saferay, Inc. have signed a 20 year PPA with Southern California Edison (SCE) to sell the energy generated from their proposed Redcrest Solar Farm project.

Speculation that SolarWorld may receive a three-digit million investment from Qatar saw the German photovoltaic company’s stock temporarily jump. It has failed to respond to the rumors.

Overall, the Conergy Group managed to reduce its 2012 losses, albeit slightly. Sales are expected to considerably improve in 2013. Meanwhile, business in Asia and the U.S. is forecast to significantly grow, and Eastern Europe should open up as a promising new export market.