Panasonic to begin direct sales of solar cells
The Japanese electronics giant announces plans to sell solar cells individually this year, but confirms it is poised to halt module production at its fab in Shiga, Japan, in March.
Pacifico starts construction on 55 MW PV plant in Japan
Pacifico Energy has commenced construction on a 55 MW solar PV plant in Gifu Prefacture, Japan. It is expected to be operational in 2019.
BBOXX and Bamboo create finance platform BEAM for off-grid sector
Bamboo and BBOXX launch pioneering platform aimed at providing developmental infrastructure for off-grid energy services.
Trina Solar chief scientist Pierre Verlinden announces retirement from firm
The decorated PV pioneer will step aside from his role as Trina Solar’s VP and chief scientist on February 12 in order to devote more time to his family life.
China’s Top Runner Program spurring n-type solar cell development, report finds
The Technology Top Runner Program portion of China’s push for higher-efficiency solar products sets a June 2019 grid connection deadline for 1.5 GW of next-generation PV technology; this target is poised to drive mass production of n-type cells, says EnergyTrend.
Kyocera’s net income falls 17% to $261.7 million in Q3
Kyocera posted a net profit of JPY 28,880 million ($261.7 million) in the third quarter of the current Japanese fiscal year, down 16.8% year on year, as the group continued to consolidate its PV manufacturing operations in the face of falling sales in its home market.
Hanergy’s Solibro achieves 18.72% CIGS module efficiency record
TÜV Rheinland has confirmed the efficiency record, achieved by the German subsidiary of Chinese thin film manufacturer, Hanergy Thin Film Power Group Limited.
Solar Philippines bids $0.058/kWh in Meralco price challenge
Solar Philippines has offered to provide continuous PV-generated electricity to power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) at a rate of PHP 2.99 ($0.058)/kWh.
Trina Solar invited to set up PV manufacturing facilities in Pakistan
Trina Solar has confirmed it has been invited by the Pakistani Government to set up solar PV manufacturing facilities in Pakistan. The Government has reportedly said it will provide financial incentives.
JA Solar’s 2017 shipments outperform expectations
The Chinese solar PV manufacturer estimates that it shipped between 7.5 and 7.8 GW of modules and cells in 2017, up from an expected 7 to 7.2 GW, with between 2.1 and 2.4 GW shipped in Q4.
