PV storage market to reap $19 billion by 2017
From US$200 million in 2012, the photovoltaic storage market is projected to be worth $19 billion in 2017, mainly driven by the German energy storage subsidy, reports IMS Research. While Germany is set to lead the residential sector, Asia and the Americas will dominate the utility-scale market.
First Solar agrees to sell 139 MW Californian power plant
U.S. thin film producer and project developer First Solar has agreed to the sale of its 139 MW Campo Verde Solar Project to Southern Power and Turner Renewable Energy. The sale is expected to go through when the plant begins commercial operation this year.
Germany: Avancis in negotiations to stop production at second CIGS facility
Avancis GmBH is currently in negotiations with the workers council to temporarily stop production at its Fab 2 CIGS production facility in Torgau, Germany. Up to 220 workers will be affected by the decision, which is expected to come into effect this June.
Fox Energy to produce modules for SunEdison
MEMC Singapore has signed a manufacturing services agreement with Fox Energy, the PV production wing of Foxconn Technology, to manufacture up to 350 MW of solar modules for MEMC Electronic Materials subsidiary, SunEdison.
Canadian anti-dumping investigation launched against Chinese silicon metal
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has initiated investigations this week into silicon metal exported from China. The investigations follow a complaint filed by Québec Silicon Limited Partnership of Bécancour, Québec, operated by Globe Speciality Metals.
European module prices rise for first time in 4 years
Module prices have increased in the European market for the first time in four years, according to a report by IHS. The upward trend is expected to continue.
Analysis: ABB's Power-One acquisition
Monday’s announcement that ABB was to acquire inverter manufacturer Power-One certainly turned heads. But where will it leave the two companies and how will it impact the photovoltaic market? IHS Solar Research Manager Sam Wilkinson assesses the implications.
REC: Revenues down 24%, but overall losses significantly lowered
Despite a 24% decrease in revenues in Q1 2013, the Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (REC) managed to significantly lower its losses, compared to the last quarter of 2012. In addition to posting its Q1 financial figures, the Norway-based company comments on the EU trade case. Overall, REC aspires to fill the gap left by Boschs exit from the photovoltaic business.
SoloPower confirms reductions, searches for investor
U.S.-based flexible CIGS manufacturer SoloPower has confirmed that it is scaling back its operations, as it searches for a strategic investor.
Continued low booking levels for equipment manufacturers [Updated]
SEMI has released the “4Q12 Worldwide Photovoltaic Equipment Market Statistics Report” with global PV equipment billings and bookings data. The report shows that billings and bookings remain low. Asia dominated sales with China taking the lead.
