Taiwan’s Motech scales back solar cell capacity
Taiwanese solar PV cell manufacturer, Motech has shut down production in Suzhou, China, and potentially shelved plans for an 800 MW fab in Kunshan. It will instead focus production on two other sites in the country. In Taiwan, it has reportedly stopped production of solar ingots and wafers, and has suffered massive Q2 2018 losses.
Engie, Greenyellow create joint solar venture
France-based energy giant and the unit of the French conglomerate, Casino have obtained approval from the European Commission for the creation of a new common unit specializing in the development of solar projects for self-consumption.
Kness Group to build 400 MW solar panel factory in Ukraine
The first 200 MW section of the manufacturing facility, to be located in Vinnytsia, in Central Ukraine, is set to be operational by the end of this year. The second 200 MW phase of the project will be implemented by the end of 2019.
Romania launches rebate scheme to support solar under net metering
The rebate mechanism may cover up to 90% of the costs for buying and installing a rooftop PV system, but grants may not exceed 20,000 RON (around US$4,800). The scheme is intended to support the development of net metered residential solar projects.
Researchers propose doubling today’s solar panel efficiency using two weird tricks
By double stacking a perovskite-silicon solar cell and using the cell in a glass-on-glass bifacial solar module, scientists model that a 30-36% efficient solar module can be attained.
Report shows Tesla’s US battery gigafactory booming
The report found over 3,200 employees working at the factory at the end of 2017, and US$3.7 billion in invested in the plant.
UK to deploy ‘first’ unsubsidized C&I solar park
A 15 MW solar PV system at Westcott business park is on track to becoming what has been described as the U.K.’s first unsubsidized C&I PV system.
UK: Green energy tariffs average £267 cheaper than big 6
Despite many still believing green energy tariffs are more expensive, U.K.-based uSwitch finds that half of the 10 cheapest tariffs on the market are termed eco-friendly, thus challenging the big six energy suppliers.
$1.2 billion clean energy fund closes, targets utility scale in the US
Capital Dynamics announced the final close on its most recent clean energy fund, totaling US$1.2 billion in commitments. The company is now managing 2.3 GW of solar installations.
Construction commences on 213 MW of solar in Japan
Pacifico Energy is set to commence construction on two utility-scale PV projects totaling 112 MW and 72 MW, respectively, while Trina Solar is working on a 29 MW plant.
