NexWafe secures $9.4 million for kerfless wafer project, targets 50% cost reductions
NexWafe GmbH has completed €8 million (around US$9.4 million) in financing for the next stage of its kerfless wafer manufacturing plans. The company sees big market potential for the product, which projects cost reductions of 50%.
Meyer Burger announces at least 100 jobs will go at Thun
Following a consultation process with employees, Meyer Burger has announced 100 jobs will definitely go as part of the closure of its Swiss manufacturing site. Another 60 positions are dependent on strategic alternatives being found.
The weekend read: Empowerment and energy in India
Gender issues: Energy access can be transformed from an obstacle to an opportunity for women’s empowerment through the integration of women into the energy supply chain, as well as supportive policies. Organizations in India are working to expand energy access and empower women by boosting incomes, expanding skills and strengthening self-confidence. Over time, these efforts will enable a woman to have greater influence over herself, her family, and her community.
Fitch: Despite policy concerns, outlook stable for US renewables
The credit ratings agency says that despite moves by the Trump Administration, the increasing competitiveness and predictable output of renewable energy still makes it a good bet.
Phoenix Solar to file for insolvency in Germany
The construction contractor will start insolvency proceedings at the district court in Munich next week.
No stabilization without flexibilization
A new report from DNV GL stresses the value of flexibility regarding the design of future energy markets. The paper also indicates how to avoid imbalances that could cause the instability of power systems.
$265 million earmarked for 800 MW Moroccan solar project
The African Development Bank has committed US$265 million to the development of two solar power plants in Morocco with a total capacity of 800 MW.
Tunisia’s power utility STEG plans another 10 MW solar park
The recently tendered project will be financed by German development bank, KFW and will be located in Tozeur, where STEG is now building its first PV plant.
Belgium: Wallonia could close incentive scheme for residential PV
As the government of Belgium’s French-speaking region has announced the possible closing of the incentive scheme Qualiwatt, claiming that self-consumption is now becoming more profitable, the region’s regulator CWaPE warns that the abrupt cancellation of the incentives may have a negative psychological effect.
Longi claims 82.15% bifaciality record for its PERC solar cell
After announcing a record 22.71% conversion efficiency with its monocrystalline passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) solar cells in October, the Chinese solar manufacturer now claims it has achieved an 82.15% record bifaciality for the bifacial version of the same cell.
