Swiss giant ABB expands inverter production in South Africa
ABB is expanding operations in South Africas booming photovoltaic market with plans for a new inverter production line with a capacity of 500 MW a year.
China Sunergy opens PV module factory in Turkey
China Sunergy Co. (CSUN) has opened a photovoltaic module manufacturing plant in the Trade Free Zone of Tuzla, in the outskirts of Istanbul, Turkey.
[UPDATE] SEIA calls for multilateral efforts to solve dispute with China
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is calling for multilateral trade negotiations between the U.S., the European Union and China in an effort to stave off an all-out trade war.
Japan to offer loans for rooftop PV generation
In its efforts to boost solar power in the country, the Japanese government is set to offer low-interest loans to companies that install rooftop solar power systems.
Minnesota bill aims for 450 MW of solar by 2020
The U.S. state of Minnesota has passed a bill that could significantly expand the region’s solar sector and lead to more than 450 MW of solar power by the end of the decade.
Lux Research sees doubling of PV market up to 2018
Boston based analysts Lux Research has announced that the solar sector is on the recovery path, set to reach a worth of US$155 billion in 2018. The industry is expected to ramp up rapidly to 61.7 GW market size in 2018 after modest growth to 35 GW in 2013. This is according to the “most-likely scenario” put forth by the analysts. China is set to leapfrog to become the largest market.
Centrosolar bond holders approve conversion deal
Centrosolar Group AGs creditors have overwhelmingly agreed to swap outstanding debt from a 50 million bond for 5.5 million newly issued shares in the German PV company.
Applied Materials reports losses in energy and environmental solutions segment
PV equipment manufacturer Applied Materials has posted its second quarter results for the fiscal year 2013. The Energy and Environmental Solutions (EES) segment recorded a GAAP operating loss of US$322 million, inclusive of impairment charges of $278 million.
JA Solar repays bonds
Chinese PV manufacturer JA Solar has repaid the US$119 million for convertible bonds that was due May 15. The company has stated that it remains commited to meeting all debt obligations to protect the interests of stakeholders.
Siemens study shows Europe can save billions in renewables pursuit
Power generation solutions provider Siemens has released a study analyzing electrical power producing systems, especially renewable power plants, in Europe, and has identified the potential for optimization. Project siting has been cited as the key factor to reap savings; savings to the tune of 45 billion.
