US residential solar power grows 11% in Q1 2018
OhmHome estimates 72,996 residential solar power installations in the first quarter of 2018, with California and Massachusetts growing 14% and 9%, respectively.
Schletter Inc. files for chapter 11 bankruptcy
The solar mounting systems maker’s U.S. division has filed for bankruptcy, one month after the German parent company filed for insolvency.
Meyer Burger secures $16 million equipment order from Asia
Meyer Burger Technology Ltd has secured a CHF 16million (US$16.3 million) order from an unidentified Asian customer for its MAiA and FABiA cell coating equipment. It is the first industrial order for the latter platform, says the company.
US scientists claim new efficiency record for organic tandem solar cells
A team from the University of Michigan in the U.S. has developed an organic tandem solar cell with 15% efficiency, a new record for an organic solar cell. The scientists utilized a novel method for stacking the two layers on top of each other without damaging either layer.
Middle East to tender 8 GW of PV in 2018, says GTM Research
Most of the region’s future solar development will come from large-scale solar projects, as distributed generation still suffers from the high subsidies granted to residential and commercial electricity customers.
Sungrow plans 3 GW inverter fab in India
Sungrow, the world’s second largest inverter supplier, according to GTM research, has announced plans to establish production facilities in India. The Chinese inverter company is aiming to strengthen its global delivery capability by setting up central and string inverter facilities in the state of Karnataka. The fab would be its first outside of China.
Netherlands: Land prices are rising due to increasing development of solar parks
The country’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has urged regional governments and municipalities to grant licenses for solar PV parks on agricultural land only as a last resource. No restrictive measures, however, are being considered.
Order situation ‘weakening’ for German equipment suppliers, says VDMA
After a strong finish to 2017, Germany’s equipment suppliers are looking at weaker demand in 2018, although the industry still expects sales growth of 9.2% this year, according to the latest Business Climate Survey published by the German Engineering Federation’s Photovoltaic Equipment Group.
Bolivia hires ACI Systems for its first lithium factory
The German company was chosen among eight bidders through an expression of interest process. It will be responsible for the construction, assembly and commissioning of a lithium manufacturing facility. The Bolivian government expects an annual income of US$1 billion.
ReneSola records positive performance following restructuring
The Chinese solar PV project developer has posted positive earnings for both FY2017 and Q4, although it has not included its discontinued manufacturing operations in its latest financials. Overall, it has a project pipeline of 1.1 GW, big plans for Europe and a strategic investor interested in injecting US$31.6 million in its Chinese Holdco.
