PG&E launches Green Button Connect
As a part of its plan to facilitate better demand-side management of electricity usage, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has launched its Green Button Connect system. The software aims at providing electricity usage data to customers and to solar installers, to allow for more integrated photovoltaic and demand-side electricity solutions.
3M will buy Ceradyne Inc.
3M will go ahead with the acquisition of Ceradyne Inc. for US$860 million and thereby expand into the ceramics business. Ceradyne produces fused silica crucibles for casting multicrystalline silicon cells for PV, among other things.
Centrotherm: Application granted for self-administration
The District Court of Ulm has granted centrotherm’s application to open reorganization proceedings under its own administration. This marks a decisive phase in the proceedings.
Details emerge on SoloPowers plans
While CIGS startup MiaSolé heads towards sale, to the Hanergy Holding Group, for what seems to be a very low price, details have emerged as to fellow U.S. flexible module producer SoloPowers plans.
Brazil: PV must become more affordable
Photovoltaic energy could have a more robust role to play in Brazils energy sector if the cost of this technology continue to fall, according to the new Decennial Plan for Energy Expansion until 2021, published by Brazils state-run energy research company (EPE).
MiaSolé sold for US$30 million
Consolidation of the photovoltaic industry is continuing at pace, with Californian-CIGS manufacturer MiaSolé the latest to be sold at bargain-basement prices. The San Francisco Chronicle published the news over the weekend that the company is set to be sold to the Hanergy Holding Group, with the deal to close on October 31.
SunEdison sells 30 MW Nevada project
A deal that will see the 30 MW Spectrum Solar project, in Clark County, Nevada, sold to the Southern Company and Turner Renewable Energy has been announced by SunEdison. Construction will begin on the project in October and is scheduled to be completed by Q2 2013.
Ex-Im Bank provides loan for 1.4 MW Caribbean solar project
Ex-Im Bank has provided a US$6.4 million loan guarantee to finance the export of solar modules from SolarWorld Americas in the U.S. to St. Thomas, Barbados.
Bosch responds to solar exit rumours
Bosch has sent mixed signals today about coverage that it may be about to withdraw from the solar industry. The company has distanced itself from the headlines, but equally has not denied them.
Schott Solar announces further job cuts
Following its exit from the crystalline silicon photovoltaic module and wafer business, Schott Solar AG has announced further job cuts.
