SMA announces job cuts of over 1,000
On the back of “deep” subsidy cuts in Europe, SMA Solar Technology AG has announced it will reduce its workforce by 450 and terminate 600 temporary workers. Overall, it predicts a “significant” drop in sales due to a “steep” market downturn and growing price pressures.
Interview: PV bankability hurdles are increasing
Ed Heacox, principal and co-founder of Envect Inc. talks to pv magazine about the U.S. solar market the challenges, bankability, funding and how solar can play a role in developing smarter, more efficient grid.
Solarwatts insolvency proceedings revoked
Solarwatt AGs restructuring plan has been finalized, meaning insolvency proceedings for the German company have been revoked. However, in the next six months, shorter working hours on the production side will be a possibility.
First Solar awarded contract for 13 MW MENA installation
Photovoltaic activity in the MENA region continues to pick up, with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) awarding the 13 MW first stage of its 1 GW Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum project to First Solar.
Satcon files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Satcon Technology Corporation and its six subsidiaries have today, October 17, filed voluntary petitions in Delawares U.S. Bankruptcy Court under the U.S. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Code. The company aims to reorganize its structure, and improve both its balance sheet and capital structure.
EuPD: Independence in demand from consumers
As FITs and support mechanisms for photovoltaics change and hence uncertainty for consumers increases, so too does their willingness to invest in storage. This is one of the results of EuPDs latest research into consumer behavior, called “Endcustomers in Focus,” released this week.
Solar Frontier stops production at MP2 PV plant
Japan-based Solar Frontier has announced that production will be suspended at its 60 MW MP2 photovoltaic module manufacturing plant. Around 200 employees will be affected.
SunPower idles manufacturing lines; cuts 900 jobs
As part of its reorganization plan, SunPower Corporation has said it will idle six solar cell manufacturing lines in the Philippines and cut around 900 employees, most of which are based on the archipelago.
Ontario FIT program deemed discriminatory
According to the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD), which was citing a confidential interim WTO dispute settlement report, a panel has agreed that Ontarios FIT system violates WTO rules.
Dead manufacturers walking: Study predicts solar firms' survival
By 2015, seven out of nine of the worlds leading solar module manufacturers will be China-based; and two will be U.S. firms, following a round of flameouts and takeovers in the industry, according to a report just released by Boston-based GTM Research.
