Manufacturing

Solar production line equipment maker Singulus has reported an $8 million fall in sales compared to the same, first-quarter, period of last year. The German manufacturer says a first order from China offers reasons to be cheerful.

There was no comment from India’s Ministry of Commerce today as a reported deadline for responses to its anti dumping finding passed. The Ministry has until Thursday to decide whether to call for anti dumping subsidies.

The former Bosch subsidiary says 180 jobs have been saved and more may follow from its Prenzlau operation. Aleo has handed over the first $9.6 million of a $13.7 million sweetener to new owners SCP Solar.

CEO Shawn Qu says the company has hoarded cash and inventory during a seasonally slow period to reap the benefits when demand rises again. The high-profile CEO will continue to focus on downstream projects.

The project will be the largest single-site solar project in Texas, says Recurrent. Utility Austin Energy said solar is now cost effective across 85% of the state’s electricity supply.

The country has announced plans to triple solar capacity within three years. Renewables ambitions also include a 150 GW target for wind power by 2017.

While First Solar is focusing primarily on North America, the Chinese group is thriving in its domestic market, which is expected to grow 31% this year.

Financed by ThomasLloyd and built by Conergy, the $45 million San Carlos I and II PV project is seen as a major achievement and a key part of the country’s efforts to expand solar power generation.

A new energy plan approved by the Japanese cabinet last month makes the case for the accelerated rollout of photovoltaic power generation in communities and municipalities throughout the nation.

The German inverter manufacturer maintained its share of international sales at 68% while first-quarter figures were in line with forecasts.