Product recall: SMA calls in MLPE over rapid shutdown problem
The inverter maker conducted tests and found the branded SMA TS4-R-F-42 could not always supply the rapid shutdown function called for by a new U.S. safety standard when applied in commercial and industrial systems featuring its inverter tech.
Amtech nears final solar exit with SoLayTec sale
The Arizona-based equipment maker is sticking to its guns by withdrawing from the PV market after sales wobbled in China last year. With most of the big players having rediscovered their thirst for expansion, however, it appears a curious strategy.
Italy’s FuturaSun opens 500 MW module fab in China
The company has opened a 500 MW factory in Jiangsu province. The fab will produce monocrystalline multi-busbar modules and, according to FuturaSun, plans are already under way to double its capacity as it continues to take the fight to the big boys.
Ganfeng Lithium wagers $28m on Sonora lithium deposits in Mexico
The Chinese lithium-ion battery producer has taken significant stakes in two U.K. entities associated with a mine which could hold up to 8.8 million tons of the raw material in clay deposits.
Brazil A-4 auction signs 211 MW of solar for record-low price of $0.0175 kWh
Cracking the two-cent-mark as a global standard for PV appears within sight as projects in the U.S. and Brazil have been signed below that threshold. Just two years ago the industry celebrated sub-three-cent bids in the MENA region. Prices have come down so quickly, however, the new records are another third cheaper.
Los Angeles seeks record sub-two cent solar power price
The city’s municipal utility is readying a 25-year power purchase agreement for 400 MWac of solar at $0.01997/kWh along with up to 200 MW/800 MWh of energy storage at $0.013/kWh.
Study examines 7.8 TW solar potential of the Belt and Road route
China’s vast continent-spanning infrastructure project could fertilize solar growth along its perimeter at considerable scale as energy demand in the countries along the route is set to surge.
India wins WTO solar dispute against US
A World Trade Organization panel has found a U.S. move to incentivize the use of domestic solar products put imported goods from India and other countries at a disadvantage.
Jinko makes a convincing case as it upgrades mono capability
The Shanghai-based wafer, cell and module maker appears to be steering a steady course through a tumultuous period for the solar industry and its plans are another sign high-efficiency modules may soon have to do more to earn that label.
