Spire posts Q1 loss of $2.6 million, 57% drop in sales
Reflecting the manufacturing slowdown in the global PV market, U.S. solar group Spire Corporation has posted a 57% drop in its first quarter revenue to $3.2 million.
Hyundai Heavy exits polysilicon business
The Korean conglomerate Hyundai Heavy Industries has withdrawn its shares from the joint venture Korean Advanced Materials, which manufactures polysilicon, according to a local media report. The sustained downturn in the photovoltaic industry has been blamed for the decision.
US$660 million available for CSP development in MENA region
The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) has recently given four countries from the MENA region the green light to develop 1.1 GW of concentrated solar power (CSP) via an updated solar plan. US$660 million will be provided by CIFs Clean Technology Fund (CTF).
Smart meter market is hotting up in China
The smart meter market is burgeoning in China, according to market research company IHS iSuppli, but manufacturers are being hit by a price erosion similar to that which devastated solar panel makers last year.
China calls for dialogue, consultation to address EU trade dispute
In response to the EU Commission’s plans to impose provisional anti-dumping duties of an average 47% on Chinese solar imports as of June 6, China has called for dialogue and consultations to solve EU trade disputes.
IG Metall calls on Bosch to reconsider exit
IG Metall, Germanys biggest industrial union, is calling on Bosch to reconsider its withdrawal from the crystalline solar photovoltaic business in view of the European Commissions plan to slap Chinese imports with anti-dumping duties.
China: Heraeus opens revamped PV lab
As a side event to the SNEC trade show that will begin tomorrow in Shanghai, metal paste supplier Heraeus has opened an expanded photovoltaics lab at its Chinese branch, the Heraeus Materials Technology Shanghai (HTMS). Despite a temporary downturn in volume, the company continues its expansion into photovoltaics.
Greece announces drastic FIT cuts
The Greek Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (YPEKA) announced on Friday the new feed-in tariffs (FITs) for photovoltaic systems. An over 40% tariff reduction has been signed off on, both for ground-mounted and rooftop installations. This will be valid from June 1.
MEMC positive on solar outlook
Although polysilicon manufacturer MEMC’s first quarter results paint a picture familiar for companies with solar as part of their offering, the drag of photovoltaics on the balance sheet was not a severe as has been seen elsewhere.
China aims to avoid a trade war; specific tariffs reported
As the EU Commission gears up to impose average anti-dumping duties of 47% on Chinese photovoltaic imports from June 6, China has called for dialogue to avoid a “trade war.” Meanwhile, reports have surfaced detailing the specific tariff levels of China’s biggest manufacturers.
