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.
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.
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.
China: REC Silicon reduces stake in 20,000 MT polysilicon JV
The Norwegian polysilicon producer saw its stake in the joint venture (JV) with Chinese silicon material manufacturer, NSF reduced, after the latter agreed to provide all of REC Silicon’s outstanding capital contribution for the project.
Hareon faces huge losses, possible delisting from stock market
The Chinese solar PV manufacturer gives warning of operational losses amounting up to $444 million in 2017. Ongoing financial losses could result in a delisting from the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
China: Hengtong launches 100 MW solar PV plant on top of fish farm
The Chinese power and fibre optic cable maker and EPC contractor has unveiled a 100 MW solar power plant installed atop a fishpond.
Annual solar installations to surpass 105 GW on Chinese deployment, European rebound — report
Global solar installations could reach about 106 GW this year, largely on the back of high deployment in China and an anticipated demand recovery in Europe, according to a recent report.
Trump’s trade disputes raise concerns about overseas expansion, Chinese government says
As reported by Reuters, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology voiced concerns that frequent trade disputes may hurt China’s overseas expansion and would increase costs throughout the global solar market.
US solar tariff announcement elicits mixed feelings
SolarPower Europe and SAFE see a resulting contraction in the market, while EU ProSun is calling for the preferential treatment of EU solar manufacturers in the U.S. BNEF says a general window for negotiation of individual country agreements may be possible in the next few weeks.
