Manufacturing

The Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) has officially announced the permanent closure of three of its photovoltaic production plants in Norway. The company has also reported negative third quarter (Q3) financial results.

The fallout from JinkoSolar’s admitted environmental contamination continues as a class-action lawsuit is filed. Lawyers Howard G. Smith have launched the legal action on behalf of investors who have purchased JinkoSolar stock on the New York Stock Exchange.

Russian oil giant, Lukoil is planning a 100 megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Uzbekistan, a former Soviet state located in Central Asia. Plans to establish a National Institute for Solar Energy in the country are also underway.

German module manufacturer and downstream developer Solar-Fabrik AG has announced today the closure of its Solar Energy Power (SEP) cell fab in Singapore. Solar-Fabrik had owned a 90 percent share in SEP since 2006.

In another surprise announcement from First Solar, the thin film manufacturer has released its third quarter (Q3) 2011 financial results today, as opposed to November 3. Going with the current trend, it has significantly reduced it Q4 and full year guidance.

Hanas New Energy Group has begun construction on a concentrated solar power (CSP) project in China’s Gaoshawo town, in Yanchi county, Ningxia. It is said to be the first project of its kind in Asia.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed what it says is a “game-changing” furnace for the solar cell industry.

Wirsol Solar AG has secured a Japanese investor for its 24.1 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic park, located near Berlin, Germany.

GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Limited has formally launched its solar system integration business. The company is also planning to build an 83 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic project in California.

Another victim of the “highly volatile” solar market conditions, Meyer Burger has said it will stop production of its wire saws at MB Wafertec due to declining demand.