First Solar posts 89% boost in first-quarter net profit, announced new projects
The Arizona-based thin film module maker reported 404 MW in new bookings in the first three months of 2014, including the 53 MW Shams Ma’an project in Jordan. It will next build 42.76 MW in California.
SkyPower FAS Energy signs deal for 3 GW PV project in Nigeria
The historic agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria Government will bring masses of utility-scale solar capacity to the West African nation.
ReneSola signs biggest sales order to date in Jordan
Jordan continues to attract major PV developers as the country seeks to increase its use of solar energy.
Arizona to impose new tax on solar lease customers
The State Department of Revenue has reinterpreted its tax policy, reassessing leased solar panels as “merchant power plants” that must be taxed.
Japan reaches for stars to develop orbital solar
“It would be difficult and expensive, but the payoff would be immense, and not just in economic terms,” says Susumu Sasaki, professor emeritus at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Gehrlicher sees strong prospects following management buyout
The new company took over all the invested capital and intangible assets, including patents, trademarks and brands, of the insolvent Gehrlicher Solar AG.
Power-One rebranded as ABB
The move is part of the power and technology group’s full integration of the U.S. inverter manufacturer ahead of this year’s major trade fairs.
Heraeus achieves 21.2% record efficiency with metallization pastes
It is the highest efficiency ever achieved on an industrial screen-printed PERC silicon solar cell, according to the German company.
TÜV Rheinland partners with TRaC Global on new desert climate tests
With an eye on the burgeoning PV market in the MENA region, the testing and certification organizations are bolstering test offerings for PV systems in desert conditions with simulated sandstorms.
Wacker sees first-quarter net profit soar
A one-off windfall from a restructured solar sector deal resulted in stratospheric profits for the polysilicon giant.
