European solar demand fell 20% in 2016, says SolarPower Europe
While global solar power demand increased 50%, new European installations were down 20% compared to 2015, falling to 6.9 GW of new capacity on the continent.
Siva Power Expands Santa Clara Facility
The U.S. thin film manufacturer has expanded its development center in Santa Clara, California, and acquired production equipment from First Solar and Bloo Solar.
Sharp’s solar losses buck profitability trend in 2016
Japanese electronics giant lowers its full-year losses to just $329 million as share values rise across the board following buyout by Foxconn. Sharp’s solar segment, however, remains only unprofitable division.
Schmid develops new multi wafer texturing process
The German production manufacturer has announced the development of a new process for the texturing of diamond wire cut multi silicon wafers. Schmid says that it will ship the first systems featuring the new technology in the second quarter of 2017.
UK solar funds feeling warm glow of Brexit, finds BNEF
Data from Bloomberg reveals doubling in trading volume of leading U.K.-listed solar funds since last June’s EU referendum as the weaker pound and higher power prices makes solar investment more attractive.
EU project aims for improved solar-based hydrogen
The €2.5 million EU Horizon 2020 project coordinated by HZB tests materials to stabilize a membrane for photovoltaic-based hydrogen production.
BREAKING: SolarCity brand to disappear
Along with changing its name from Tesla Motors to Tesla Inc. the electric vehicle and battery maker will eliminate the SolarCity brand.
Wacker’s polysilicon divison reports strong Q4
The German chemical giant finished off 2016 with increased sales and profit in its polysilicon division, as it remains the only Western polysilicon maker to sell directly into China.
Solar and EVs to grab 10% of fossil fuel market share within decade, says study
Carbon Tracker and Imperial College London report calls solar power and electric vehicles ‘game changers’ whose potential impact is consistently underestimated by large utilities.
Saudi Arabia to invite solar, wind bids in April, says minister
Requests to qualify for bidding for 700 MW of clean energy capacity will be sent on February 20, confirms Saudi energy minister Khalid Al-Falih.
