Australia: SilexSolar closes manufacturing operations
In a sign of continued consolidation, Australian photovoltaic module manufacturer SilexSolar announced today that it will permanently close its manufacturing operations. The move will cost around AUD10 million (US$9.77 million).
Germany installs 1.8 GW PV in Q1
Germanys Federal Network Agency has once again quietly released the new photovoltaic installation capacities. Overall 1.8 gigawatts (GW) were installed in the country in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012.
Odersun likely to permanently close
Hopes that Germany-based Odersun AG will be saved are fading fast. Unless an investor is found by the end of the month, the company will be forced to shut down and its employees let go.
Taiwan solar cell makers to see boost on back of China tariffs, but will effects be long-term?
Taiwan looks likely to see a substantial boost to its solar cell industry following the latest U.S.-China trade case announcement, but will it be enough to offset declining margins and the industrys core issue overcapacity in supply?
Worlds biggest CIS (CIGS) power plant completed
Bright spring sunshine has welcomed the completion of world’s largest copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS/CIS) power plant today in Brandenburg, near the German capital Berlin. The 28.8 megawatt (MW) power plant is largest, using CIGS/CIS technology, to be connected to the grid.
China Sunergy shifts strategic focus; announces Q1 results
China Sunergy has seen some financial improvement in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012. The company is still suffering losses, however. Looking ahead, it will shift its market focus and invest more in downstream segments.
Trinas Q1 financials affected by US-China trade case
Trina Solars first quarter (Q1) 2012 financials have been curtailed, due to provisions made for potential countervailing and anti-dumping duties. The company also missed its shipment and gross margin guidance. Despite this, it still forecasts growth for the full year (FY).
Identifying emerging PV technologies
Lux Research has developed a Disruptive PV Technology Grid, which allows quantitative evaluation of new photovoltaic technologies for their cost reduction potential and time to market.
Suntech sees big Q1 losses; also affected by trade case
Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd has seen significant first quarter (Q1) 2012 financial losses. As with Trina Solar, the companys gross profit and gross margin have been affected by a provision for preliminary U.S. countervailing and anti-dumping duties. Looking ahead, it expects to see gross margin and shipments pickup.
Malaysia considers adjusting FIT due to volume of solar
Malaysias Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) has told the Malaysian Reserve that it is considering adjusting the countrys renewable energy feed-in tariff (FIT), due to an “imbalance in the RE resource mix”.
