A look into SunPowers US$2 billion payday
Yesterdays announcement that the solar subsidiary of Warren Buffets MidAmerican Solar has agreed to purchase SunPowers Antelope Valley Solar Projects (AVSP) for a sum between US$2 billion and US$2.5 billion has made headlines around the world. But what signal does it send both about the U.S. solar market and the way solar is seen as an asset? Solar industry analyst Goetz Fischbeck spoke with pv magazine about the implications.
China Sunergy opens factory in Istanbul
China Sunergy Co. (CSUN) has opened a solar facility in Istanbul, Turkey with Turkish partner Seul Energy Investment Corp. The first 150MW solar module line will begin production this month.
10 MW installation in Cyprus buffer zone
The University of Cyprus has secured United Nations (UN) permission to build a 10 MW PV park within the UN buffer zone.
Australia: 30 MW installation approved
A council in the south-eastern Australian state of Victoria has given the go ahead for a photovoltaic power plant near the town of Kerang. The local company ECO for LIFE will construct it.
MidAmerican acquires 579 MW Antelope Valley power plants
SunPower has announced a deal that will see it sell the co-located Antelope Valley Solar Projects (AVSP) to MidAmerican Renewables for an undisclosed amount. The AVSP will be worth some 579 MW when completed.
LDK Solar announces arbitration ruling
LDK Solar has to pay JYT Corporation of Beijing (JYT) RMB294 million (approx. US$47 million) plus additional RMB3.4 million (approx. US$550,000) to cover arbitral fees.
Yingli Green Energy brings solar power into Tibet
Yingli Green Energy has partnered with Longyuan (Tibet) New Energy Company Limited to supply 22,209 off-grid PV systems to families in Tibet.
The 2012 solar year in review and what lies ahead in 2013
During 2012, many PV manufacturers endured a long, uphill battle, staggering under steep price cuts, excess inventory, shrinking margins and political headwinds; and all the while, jostling for position with other technologies. However, those that have demonstrated the stamina to survive, and that can hold their ground in 2013, have a chance at remaining in top demand for years to come.
SiC Processing in self-administration
SiC Processing GmbH’s request to file for self-administrative insolvency has been accepted by the district court in Germany’s Amberg. Management now has three months to design a restructuring plan.
SMA acquires majority stake in Chinese PV inverter company
SMA Solar Technology AG has acquired a 72.5% stake in Chinese photovoltaic inverter company, Jiangsu Zeversolar New Energy Co., Ltd. The move, if approved, will help SMA access China’s burgeoning solar market.
