Silevo teams move into former Solyndra facilities
In a sign of the ongoing renaissance of solar manufacturing in the U.S., it has been revealed that SolarCity is moving its expanding Silevo team into the former Solyndra manufacturing facilities in Fremont, California. It is understood the facility will form an expanded R&D center for Silevo to continue developing its technology.
Mainstream Renewable Power heads up $1.9bn African RE platform
The European independent renewable energy developer will partner with private equity firm Actis to develop the platform, which will target the construction of up to 900 MW of RE projects.
M+W Group to shutter German semiconductor, PV unit
The German engineering and construction giant is dissolving its semiconductor and photovoltaic plant construction division in Germany but will continue operations in other regions. Some 215 employees are affected by the move.
Shoals issued patent for PV wire harness with in-line fuses
Today, Shoals Technologies Group, the global PV Balance of Systems leader, announced being granted US Patent 8,937,249 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, covering solar energy wire harnesses with integrated in line fuses.
Solar Frontier builds megasolar plant on wooden mountings
Xyence, the leaseholder and a specialist in wood preservation technology, will use its knowhow for the plant’s unique wooden mountings.
Coronal Group acquires HelioSage Energy
The acquisition, which includes more than 300 MW of contracted solar projects, will result in the formation of Coronal Development Services.
Romania installs 363 MW of PV in 2014
Romania added 363 MW of solar PV in 2014. While the figure is considerably smaller than in 2013, it still proves that Romania has emerged as a one of Europe’s significant markets for photovoltaic investors.
State Bank of India to bankroll 15 GW of solar power by 2020
RE-Invest: Speaking at India’s first renewable energy conference, First Solar CEO Jim Hughes warned that India could have difficulty achieving its ambitious solar energy goals if it did not make more land available for plants and facilitate the purchase of clean energy for utilities.
REC to push into China under new ownership
Last week PV manufacturer REC appointed a new CEO in Steve O’Neil, which will become effective on 25 March. Only last month, shareholders voted for the company’s acquisition by Norway’s Elkem Group, which itself is owned in a majority stake by ChemChina. This will allow the company to make a bold push into China, Luc Graré, senior vice president, sales and marketing, tells pv magazine.
China: PV installed capacity grows to almost 30 GW in 2014
China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) has released 2014 solar figures. The report shows installed capacity approached 30 GW, while manufacturers are reporting greatly increased utilization rates.
