Manufacturing

As what may be the first sign of many changes, the President and CEO who led SolarWorld through the Section 201 case is being replaced by a restructuring veteran.

German PV equipment supplier Singulus Technologies has reported a fall in both sales and profit year on year for the first quarter of 2018. The company, however, points out that its order books are full.

The South Korean government has announced plans to formally launch a dispute settlement process with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over U.S. tariffs on PV cells, modules and washing machines.

The solar module manufacturer reports that Europe will likely replace the United States as its number one market, due to the recent introduction of the duties introduced by the Trump administration. Although quarterly revenue grew by around 2.5% year-on year, and net profit almost doubled from $17.6 million to $31 million, the outlook for 2018 shipments has been lowered by 400 MW to 5.6 GW to 5.8 GW.

Spanish inverter maker Ingeteam has reported a massive order to supply Mexican projects, which it claims will increase its O&M services to cover 55% of the countries solar PV installations. Supply contracts are mostly related to central inverters, although string devices, as well as LV/MV transformers, MV cells, and LV switchgear are also included in the deals.

The Swiss PV equipment manufacturer will sell the division to Patrik Hofer-Noser. Both sides agreed to keep the purchase price confidential. Nevertheless, Meyer Burger assumes that the sale will result in a loss in the low single-digit million range.

A recently published report on commodity markets published by the World Bank indicates that the recent decline in commodity prices for silver is likely to continue over the next 10-20 years. The looming trade dispute between the U.S. and China is impeding investor trust, as future outlook remains murky.

GAAP gross margin improved 4% year-on-year, while shipments grew by 345 MW in the most recent quarter. Through the acquisition of the U.S.-based UPS provider, the Israeli inverter supplier makes its first move outside of the pure-play solar sector.

The Dutch company said its project became unviable due to rapidly declining module prices. For its planned solar parks in the Netherlands, however, the company will rely on modules provided by the Dutch panel maker Energyra.

Tesla’s batteries may soon be Made in China. The announcement was made by Panasonic CEO Kazuhiro Tsuga during a conference accompanying the company’s 2018 fiscal-year results.