SEMI reports weak PV equipment demand
In another sign of trying times for photovoltaics, manufacturing industry association SEMI has reported that the book-to-bill ratio for equipment manufacturers has fallen below parity. This indicates that supply is exceeding demand.
Walmart goes solar in California
Major U.S. discount retailer Walmart has announced plans to expand the number of its stores featuring photovoltaic installations by 60. This means 75 percent of Walmart stores in California will have solar arrays.
10.8 MW plant activated in New Mexico
The third plant of a five-plant 53.5 megawatt (MW) project has been activated in the U.S. state of New Mexico. The plant is worth 10.8 MW.
40 percent efficiency goal of NASA-sponsored research
An American research team has received funding to fabricate and test photovoltaic cells with an efficiency of 40 percent or more.
Hanwha SolarOne secures loan for expansion
Chinese-based cell and module manufacturer Hanwha SolarOne has secured a USD$100 million loan from the Standard Chartered Bank and Korea Development Bank.
Isofoton receives financial boost for Ohio module manufacturing facility
Isofoton North America will build its first U.S. photovoltaic module manufacturing plant, having secured financial support worth USD$30.8 million.
UK: Isolux completes 15 MW PV project
Isolux Corsán has installed three photovoltaic systems in the U.K. worth 15 megawatts (MW). Around 40 million was invested into the project.
Solyndra bankruptcy a potential headache for First Solar; loan selection process called into question
The Solyndra meltdown appears to be affecting more than just its employees. According to industry analysts, a number of First Solars photovoltaic projects awaiting loan guarantees could also be negatively affected. Meanwhile, a letter sent to U.S. Secretary Chu has questioned the DOE loan selection process.
JinkoSolar provides Haining update
JinkoSolar has provided an update on its Haining manufacturing facility in China. In a conference call, it also released background details of the events leading up to its closure.
US solar outpaces global market and remains "bullish"
Lower prices and a rapidly changing global landscape have pushed the solar market in the U.S. to post record second quarter growth and keep the market growing at a “bullish” rate. New Jersey has overtaken California as the leading non-residential market.
