SunPower borrows $110 million to refinance
The PV manufacturer plans to pay off the high-interest ‘mezzanine loan’ with revenue from its residential lease portfolio.
Fluence to partner with PUC for peak-load shaving in Ontario
PUC Distribution contracted Fluence to install energy management and storage systems that would allow business in a city in Ontario to reduce high peak-load charges. It is hoped this will reduce costs and help Canada hit its strict carbon emissions mandate.
Silfab to launch 300 MW back-contact module production in Q1 2019
The Ontario-based solar manufacturer will deploy a 150 MW production line at its manufacturing facility in Toronto, and another 150 MW line at an unspecified location in the United States.
HPQ Silicon’s plan to launch integrated PV production moves forward
The Quebec-based mining company has received financial support to the tune of $1.4 million from the local government to start a pilot production of 50 MT. The production equipment will be installed at the company’s facility in Montreal at a cost of $6.8 million.
China to file WTO complaint against US duties
According to China’s Ministry of Commerce, the 30% import duties on Chinese PV products do not comply with the World Trade Organisation’s rules. The Chinese government added that its solar industry could be seriously damaged.
Saudis may take Tesla private
Elon Musk has revealed that a Saudi sovereign wealth fund has approached him with a definite offer, and has announced advisors as the company forms a special committee.
Increased shipments, falling revenues for Canadian Solar in Q2
Module manufacturing giant Canadian Solar shipped 1.7 GW of modules in the second quarter of 2018, a 23.7% increase on the previous quarter, according to the company’s latest update. Net revenue, however, fell more than 50% quarter-on-quarter with the company blaming fewer project sales and lower module prices.
5 GW of renewable plans hang in the balance following reenaction of Iranian sanctions
As U.S. President Trump re-imposed sanctions on Iran, many solar companies – predominantly from Europe – were in the process of developing massive project pipelines in the country. These are now in jeopardy, even with blocking statute imposed by the EU. Those seeking to pursue plans demand safe financial channels from the EU in order to continue developing PV projects, and to signal a clear commitment to the Iran Nuclear Deal.
US: EIA forecasts modest, uneven solar market growth in 2019
The organization’s short-term energy outlook forecasts that 10.3 GW-AC of solar will be installed in 2019, a 7% growth from 2018 – but for 60% of this solar to come online in December.
Study: 32% tandem cell solar still competitive at triple the price
Arizona State University researchers have determined that a 32% efficient perovskite-silicon tandem cell could produce electricity at the same price as cutting-edge 22% efficient panels in the most cost-competitive of situations
