Wacker Chemie delays US polysilicon plans; affected by solar consolidation
Wacker Chemie AG has announced production at its new Tennessee polysilicon facility will be delayed by 18 months. Overall, the company has reported “significantly” decreased sales in its polysilicon business on the back of consolidation, overcapacity and sustained price pressure in the solar industry.
Sovello lays off more workers amid dwindling hopes of a rescue
Despite the ongoing search for an investor, Sovello GmbH can no longer continue to operate. As such, the team has been reduced from 170 to just 50 employees.
Satcon granted court approval for warranties
Satcon Technology Corporation has been granted approval by the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to continue to provide post sale service and support to its customers.
Hanwha Q.Cells GmbH officially launched
The acquisition of one of the worlds pioneering photovoltaic companies, Q.Cells, was completed today, with the launch of Hanwha Q.Cells GmbH. The new companys leadership was unveiled at its headquarters, R&D center and German manufacturing operations, in Germanys Sachsen-Anhalt this morning.
Belectric plans organic PV production in Germany
Following Belectrics takeover of Konarka Technologies GmbH, the company plans to set up organic photovoltaic (OPV) production facilities in Germany in the coming months.
REC halts ingot production; announces management changes
Norway-based REC has released its Q3 financial results. While still not in the black, the company is making positive progress, although it has halted production of ingots and blocks in Singapore. Management changes have also been announced.
Asia Pacific energy storage market worth $12 billion in 10 years
A Pike Research report released today predicts that the Asia Pacific energy storage market will be worth $12 billion by 2022, with a capacity of 25 GW.
US IRS vows to appeal favorable ruling on Solyndra bankruptcy plan
In a decision that will once again elevate Solyndra to headline news this time, during the crucial days leading up to the U.S. presidential election on November 6 U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mary Walrath ruled on October 22 in favor of the thin film solar manufacturers bankruptcy exit plan.
Conergy loses half its share capital
Conergy AG has announced it will hold an extraordinary general meeting, having lost half of its share capital. The management board is not said to be planning new capital measures, however.
PV book-to-bill ratio in the red
Signs are emerging that photovoltaics is finally taking the right course to overcapacity recovery. For the first time since the mid-2000s, says NPD Solarbuzz, the industrys book-to-bill ratio is negative, thus indicating the cancellation of capacity expansion plans.
