Ecosummit Berlin Round Up: software solutions for the solar industry
The 2018 Ecosummit Berlin, a EU cleantech startup platform, focussed on smart green energy and mobility. Of the 99 speakers, 69 were startups presenting innovative solutions to a changing energy economy, catering to the needs of end-customers, developers and utilities alike.
SMA confirms guidance for 2018
In the first quarter, SMA saw its sales increase slightly, while EBITDA improved compared to the same period of the previous year. Net profit, however, was significantly below the level of the first quarter of 2017.
Manz posts 81% revenue growth in first quarter
Sales were particularly strong in the solar segment. Despite the considerable improvement, the German PV equipment provider still remains in debt.
More care in EU PV purchasing required – Interview
Interview: In recent years, customs authorities have repeatedly conducted searches and arrests for companies circumventing the existing PV antidumping and anti-subsidy measures in Germany. In a conversation with pv magazine, legal expert Alexander Rumpf draws on personal experience to explain the current legal situation.
Blockchain could significantly shape management of renewables, but challenges remain – report
The evolving outlook for project finance, as well as the gradual maturation of technologies, such as blockchain, present new challenges and opportunities for renewables, EY says in its latest Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI) report. Uncertainty in the sector continues to drive a “relentless focus on cost” to soften the impact of protectionism, subsidy cuts and rising interest rates throughout the world, it adds.
Germany covered 12.1% of its power demand with solar in April
Eon announced that, for the first time, more than 10 billion kWh of solar power were generated in Germany between January and April. Bruno Burger of Energy Charts has also determined that the last week of April was the best week for renewable energies in the current year, with a share of 53.2% in electricity generation across the country’s grid.
Iconic Mercedes-Benz star to disappear from residential battery market
The German car maker entered the solar PV home storage business in mid-2016. In the future, its parent company, Daimler will align the stationary storage segment with its grid business.
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.
