Manufacturing

Solar IPP Sonnedix has acquired two solar PV projects totaling 23.5 MW in Istres and Saint Martin de Crau in southeastern France from EDF Energies Nouvelles.

According to the latest NPD Solarbuzz report “Emerging PV markets report: Latin America & Caribbean”, the demand for PV is set for high growth through 2017.

China Sunergy Co. (CSUN) has opened a solar facility in Istanbul, Turkey with Turkish partner Seul Energy Investment Corp. The first 150MW solar module line will begin production this month.

LDK Solar has to pay JYT Corporation of Beijing (JYT) RMB294 million (approx. US$47 million) plus additional RMB3.4 million (approx. US$550,000) to cover arbitral fees.

During 2012, many PV manufacturers endured a long, uphill battle, staggering under steep price cuts, excess inventory, shrinking margins and political headwinds; and all the while, jostling for position with other technologies. However, those that have demonstrated the stamina to survive, and that can hold their ground in 2013, have a chance at remaining in top demand for years to come.

SiC Processing GmbH’s request to file for self-administrative insolvency has been accepted by the district court in Germany’s Amberg. Management now has three months to design a restructuring plan.

It seems no one is immune to South Korea’s newest pop star. To mark the end of 2012, SolarEdge has released its own version of Psy’s Gangnam Style – a modern ode to solar energy with encouraging words for the coming year.

SMA Solar Technology AG has acquired a 72.5% stake in Chinese photovoltaic inverter company, Jiangsu Zeversolar New Energy Co., Ltd. The move, if approved, will help SMA access China’s burgeoning solar market.

With the approval of the parliament, from 2013 onwards, PV power producers in Spain will have to pay a new tax of 7% on top of their FITs. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Soria intends to finalize Spain’s energy reform within the next six months.

By the end of the year, First Solar Inc. will stop photovoltaic production in Germany’s Frankfurt Oder. However, plant management has announced that there is now investor interest and hopes for a solution in Q1 2013.