Germany reports slower solar growth for March
New solar PV installations for March totaled around 156.5 MW, which is slightly less than in the previous two months. FITs will remain at current levels for the three-month period between May and July.
Centrotherm reports increasing order intake
The solar PV equipment provider saw its sales decrease in the past financial year. It has improved its results and an order intake, however, which is expected to have a positive impact on sales this year.
Schletter Inc. files for chapter 11 bankruptcy
The solar mounting systems maker’s U.S. division has filed for bankruptcy, one month after the German parent company filed for insolvency.
Order situation ‘weakening’ for German equipment suppliers, says VDMA
After a strong finish to 2017, Germany’s equipment suppliers are looking at weaker demand in 2018, although the industry still expects sales growth of 9.2% this year, according to the latest Business Climate Survey published by the German Engineering Federation’s Photovoltaic Equipment Group.
Strong sales for Germany’s equipment makers in Q4 2017 – VDMA
According to the latest report published by the German Engineering Association (Verbandes Deutsches Maschinenbau Anlagen, or VDMA), solar equipment sales for German tool makers increased by 117% in Q4 2017, compared with the previous quarter.
European researchers discover new effect of light on perovskites
Scientists led by Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research have demonstrated for the first time that, as well as electrons, light also releases charged particles in a perovskite solar cell material. The researchers state that this groundbreaking discovery could make possible new solar power applications, such as batteries directly charged by light.
ABB launches what it says is world’s fastest EV charger
The Terra High Power charger can charge an electric vehicle (EV) in just eight minutes, thus adding up to 200 km of range, says ABB, which launched the new model at this year’s Hannover Messe.
Fraunhofer ISE, Schmid develop production line concept for custom design modules
German research institute, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) and equipment supplier, Schmid have jointly developed a production line for customizable modules for building-integrated projects. According to Fraunhofer ISE, the concepts developed by joint study could reduce the production cost for BIPV modules as much as 35%.
Wind has no chance against PV in Germany’s mixed wind-solar auction
32 to 0 for solar PV – that’s the result of the first technology-neutral tender. The average final price of €0.0467 per kWh was slightly above the solar-only-tender held in February.
SolarWorld keeps shipping modules
Production is ongoing, despite the solar PV manufacturer’s recently announced insolvency proceedings. Starting this week, solar modules will be delivered to customers in France, Kuwait, Japan, Sri Lanka and Germany. SolarWorld is also seeking new investors.
