Poor polysilicon performance affects Wacker’s Q3
Despite its chemical business performing strongly, Wacker Chemie AG’s Q3 2018 financials took a tumble, with polysilicon sales and EBITDA sharply declining. The blame has been laid on China’s PV policy change in May.
Moixa launches 35 MWh battery cluster in Japan
The smart battery storage supplier has launched a 35 MWh cluster in Japan. This could grow to over 100 MWh within a year, says Moixa.
Solar and storage show steady growth as Tesla finally turns a profit
Tesla energy storage deployments grew 18% and storage deployments grew 11%, as the EV + battery + solar company achieves its a long-awaited quarterly profit on the success of its Model 3.
V2G frequency control launched in Germany
A much talked about concept, but the final step into market operationality has not been done – yet. Nissan, The Mobility House, and Enervie have joined forces to allow Nissan Leaf’s to provide frequency control to a distribution grid in Germany. The concept has received permission to pursue its plans, and for corporate customers it will be ready for adoption as of 2019.
Asian market to see 355 GW of solar over five years, despite policy challenges
Despite political hurdles in key markets including China, India and Japan, Asia remains highly active. This year, 59 GW of solar is expected to be installed and due to further system price declines, a phase-out of subsidy schemes can be offset.
GCL sells off stake in 160 MW of Chinese PV projects
Poly manufacturer and developer raises another $44m to pay down its huge debt pile after selling an 80% stake in two solar projects in its homeland.
Enel begins construction on 127 MW of PV in Spain
Construction has begun on three solar plants in the Extremadura region, with a total capacity of 127 MW. The projects – expected to be in operation by the end of 2019 – were awarded to Enel in Spain’s third renewables auction, and involve a total investment of close to €100 million.
REC Silicon posts loss for second quarter running amid poly market slump
The Norwegian polysilicon producer posted an EBITDA loss of $6.1 million for the third quarter of 2018, as it continues to struggle with low demand and prices. Revenue for the company’s solar materials segment fell almost 70% on the previous quarter.
Yingli backs down in $9.5m unsettled notes case
The struggling Chinese manufacturer has withdrawn its appeal against a Chinese court decision it must repay medium term notes it failed to honor in 2015 and 2016. Yingli is struggling to stay afloat after a series of disastrous financial updates.
Australia unveils another big battery
The 30 MW/30 MWh Ballarat Battery Energy Storage System, the first big battery brought online in the state of Victoria, has been officially commissioned by the Victorian Labor government, as the first of the two grid-scale batteries that will provide support to the state’s grid by the start of this summer Down Under.
