Manufacturing

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.

GT Advanced Technologies (GTAT) and Powertec Energy Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding under which Powertec will purchase polysilicon technology and equipment. The Taiwan-based company aims to reach a capacity of 27,500 MT of polysilicon production annually.

Phoenix Solar AG expects to see “slight” growth in 2013, on the back of marginally improved 2012 financials. The U.S. and Asia are key growth regions for the German photovoltaic company, which recorded sales decreases of more than 50% last year.

While some firms along the photovoltaic supply chain scale back production and even shutter fabs, Dow has announced this week the start up of a new line for its Enlight polyolefin encapsulant film in Germany. The line will supply the European market, complementing production facilities in Asia and North America.

German photovoltaic manufacturer aleo solar has announced a €77 million loss in its 2012 full-year financials, released today. The loss is more than double the €30.5 million the company lost in 2011.

At the end of February, Dyesol secured A$4 million in funding with potential for a further A$16 million draw-down. The executive chairman speaks to pv magazine about what the investment means for the dye-sensitized photovoltaics developer, and how it managed to secure finances in the current financial climate. He also discusses why Dyesol’s products are on their way to achieving grid competitiveness, speaks frankly about the silicon market and provides updates on the company’s various industry partnerships.

According to media reports, the Polish Government has implemented further solar subsidy changes to its renewable energy draft law. Under them, support will only be given to photovoltaic plants up to two MW in size.