Germany

The €2.5 million EU Horizon 2020 project coordinated by HZB tests materials to stabilize a membrane for photovoltaic-based hydrogen production.

The German chemical giant finished off 2016 with increased sales and profit in its polysilicon division, as it remains the only Western polysilicon maker to sell directly into China.

The firm is considering concentrating all of its German cell production capacity at Arnstadt, shifting volume from Freiberg where wafer production is poised to be scaled up.

End of year surge in installations pushes annual total towards 1.5 GW – a slightly higher figure than that recorded in 2015. Tumbling module costs in Europe have aided this upturn, with small-scale solar installations predominant.

A recent survey of energy experts from 42 countries conducted by the German member committee of the World Energy Council has found that the majority of the experts follow and admire the German policy, but do not consider it to be the blueprint for the rest of the world.

Last year was a goody for German solar inverter manufacturer, by posting recording breaking sales figures alongside a rise in EBIT, however, the increase in price pressure in 2016 saw revenues fall, while this trend is expected to continue in 2017.

A declaration of intent has been signed by both parties. Renusol is set to be passed on as a brand and product to Parigroup, which already has a good working relationship with the PV assembly company.

U.S. storage specialist Eos Energy this week announced a partnership with Siemens to integrate, install and service utility-scale energy storage solutions.

The German tool maker will supply €263 million worth of thin-film production equipment to two Chinese companies, as well as turning over its R&D company to a joint venture.

IBC Solar has decided to take the plunge in the exciting South African market, by setting up its own subsidiary in the country with its partner maxx | solar energy, after undertaking a number of projects alongside the company.