Taiwan

The first solar PV modules have come off of TSEC Corp.’s new 1 GW manufacturing facility – the biggest of its kind in Taiwan.

Taipower, Taiwan’s state-owned electricity supplier, has announced a plan to issue TW$2.4 billion (US$82 million) in green bonds next month, and to use the proceeds raised to develop renewable energy projects, including solar.

Manz AG today reported a fire at its Taiwan production site. A spokesperson confirmed that its solar PV operations were not affected. No one was injured in the incident, although the amount of damage is still to be determined.

The PV array is set to be the largest solar installation on the island, and is located at Changhua Coastal Industrial Park in central Taiwan.

Taiwan has filed a complaint with the WTO over the U.S.’s decision to impose safeguard tariffs of up to 30% on crystalline silicon solar cell and module imports.

The newly minted merger of Neo Solar Power, Gintech and Solartech is planning a module factory, the second such factory to be announced by a large Asian PV maker since solar tariffs were finalized.

The coming together of three of Taiwan’s largest solar cell manufacturers has been given the green light today by the respective boards of directors of the three companies. New company United Renewable Energy Co., is expected to become a recognized entity on March 28.

The Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) today announced a 9.09% increase to FIT rates originally proposed in September for rooftop solar installations up 20 kW, in a bid to encourage further public participation in its Green Energy Roofs project.

The Taiwanese Government is set to invest in the United Renewable Energy Company (UREC), which is expected to be officially formed in Q3 2018 by solar cell makers, Neo Solar Power (NSP), Gintech Energy and Solartech Energy. The new company will shift focus from cell manufacturing to downstream solar PV.

The Taiwanese cell producer said it will use the funds to repay existing loans and finance operations.