US: 5 MW PV project announced for 18 school sites
PsomasFMG has teamed up with the Palmdale School District (PSD) in California to install 5.87 megawatts (MW) worth of photovoltaics at 18 schools. The systems will take the form of carports.
First Solar suspends Vietnam plant construction
Amongst a range of announcements, thin-film manufacturer First Solar has announced that it will “postpone commissioning” of its 250-megawatt (MW) Vietnam factory. The announcement was made only hours after the inauguration of its second factory (FF02) at its Frankfurt (Oder) site in Germany.
SunPower announces restructuring program, lowers Q4 guidance, sees CFO go
Another victim of this years turbulent solar market, solar cell manufacturer, SunPower has said it will be implementing a restructuring program in the fourth quarter (Q4)of this year. Having missed its 3Q 2011 revenue and margin expectations, it has significantly revised its Q4 guidance downwards.
Trina announces revised Q3 guidance
Trina Solar is also suffering from the shaky solar market conditions. As such, it has revised its full year photovoltaic module shipment downwards.
LG-Suntech acquisition rumors denied
Despite media reports to the contrary, both parties have denied that LG Electronics is looking to buy out Suntech.
MEMC also revises 2011 guidance down
MEMC Electronic Materials Inc. has revised both its full year 2011 and fourth quarter (Q4) guidance downwards after suffering from significantly lower wafer prices and solar energy system sales. While SunEdisons photovoltaic pipeline increased impressively, revenue saw a sharp decline.
Inquiry into UK PV FIT cut proposals launched
The U.K. Parliaments Environmental Audit Committee and Energy and Climate Change Committee has launched an inquiry into the Department of Energy and Climate Changes (DECCs) proposed photovoltaic feed-in tariff (FIT) cuts.
PV production capacity expansions to "dramatically" slow
According to new research, photovoltaic wafer, cell and module capacity expansions are predicted to “slow dramatically” from now until the first half of 2012. It was also found that while supply of these products has grown by 54 percent since the start of the year, demand has only increased by 19 percent.
BTU experiences weak Q3 due to "slim" solar orders; announces layoffs
BTU International Inc. which, among other products, produces thermal processing equipment for solar cells, has experienced a weak third quarter Q3 2011. The results were said to have been primarily affected by the weak solar market. It has also announced staff layoffs.
Ukraine: Activ Solar completes another 20 MW PV system
Activ Solar has been living up to its name recently. Having already announced the completion of an 80 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic park in the Ukraine, the company had today said it has finished a further 20 MW of another project, also located in the country.
