China

Longi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd has announced plans to build a 228 MW solar PV project in China. The Chinese vertically integrated solar PV manufacturer has also signed a 39,600 metric ton (MT) high purity polysilicon agreement with Daqo New Energy Corp.

The Chinese technology firm, which has become a leading player in China’s electric vehicle industry, has warned that subsidy cuts for new-energy vehicles could further drag down its profits. Solar and stationary battery business performing well, however.

Chinese module manufacturer, JA Solar has issued a statement refuting assertions made by SolarWorld in hearings conducted last year, which were reported last week in the findings of United States Trade Representative (USTR) report into Chinese practices related to intellectual property.

Herman Zhao resigned on March 27 from his role as chief financial officer for Chinese solar firm, JA Solar. The company affirmed that there had been “no issues involving its financial statements” that prompted the move.

SolarMax Technology CEO, David Hsu talks to pv magazine about the experiences of an American company operating in the Chinese solar market, including knowledge transfer from the U.S., in particular in the field of O&M, residential opportunities and storage.

Engie has become partner of the solar and hydrogen-propelled catamaran, Energy Observer, while Total has become the founding partner of the Cathay Smart Energy Fund in China.

Solargiga Energy has recorded a net profit of CNY 107.5 million (US$16.96 million) for the year to the end of December 2017, from a net loss of CNY 239.149 million in the preceding 12-month period.

Last year, the Chinese solar PV module maker shipped 9.8 GW, and achieved a revenue of US$4 billion. Both gross and net profit, however, declined due to lower ASPs, higher polysilicon prices and increased output from OEM partners.

To mark its 20th anniversary this year, Trina Solar launched its TrinaPro integrated PV solution at a ceremony attended by Chinese and foreign participants. Trina Solar’s founder and CEO, Jifan Gao noted this important move from not only supplying top-notch PV components, such as high-efficiency cells and modules, but also supplying integrated solutions capable of further reducing PV’s already low levelized cost of energy (LCOE).

Canadian asset management firm, Brookfield and Chinese industrial logistics provider, GLP will install C&I rooftop solar arrays across China under a new joint venture, eventually building out a 1 GW portfolio.