Trump budget guts solar research at NREL and Berkeley (14 essential documents embedded)
The president’s federal budget for Fiscal Year 2018 includes the expected cuts to renewable energy within the DOE’s walls, but the cuts to prominent national labs – including the elimination of energy-storage research funding at both – could have unforeseen long-term effects on the industry.
TEP to buy solar power at under 3 cents per kWh
The Arizona utility has signed a 20-year contract to buy electricity from a 100 MW plant at this new record low price.
BREAKING: U.S. ITC moves ahead with Suniva investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission decided late tonight to move forward under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 to investigate whether the bankrupt module maker deserves protection from its Chinese competitors.
Siva Power secures investment for thin film facility
U.S thin film producer Siva Power has announced the completion of a $25 million investment round, which focuses on its solar module business, and continuing to build out its pilot line.
BREAKING: SolarWorld may close Oregon factory
The company has given WARN Act notices to all of its employees, and says that it is trying to determine the right size going forward.
U.S.: Vistra to build Texas’ largest solar plant
The power company has bought the 180 MW Upton County Solar 2 project in West Texas, and signed a contract to have the project built.
GCL unveils 165 MW of EPC deals with Xi’an Datang Electric
Subsidiaries of GCL New Energy Holdings have selected Xi’an Datang Electric Power Design and Research Institute to provide EPC services for 165 MW of solar capacity at three sites in China.
Penn State researchers develop low-cost solar cell
A research team at Penn State University has developed solar cells of up to 17% efficiency using a simplified concept requiring only one semiconductor material. Thanks to their potential for low-cost production, the researchers theorize that the cells could be used to provide power to energy poor communities the world over.
Report: Suniva case could destabilize global supply chain (with chart)
IHS Markit says the complaint could also cause the U.S. market to crater 60% by 2021, causing global module oversupply and driving module prices ever lower.
Mercedez Benz enters U.S. battery market with Vivint partnership
The German manufacturer, in partnership with the No. 2 residential solar installer in the United States, will bring customizable home energy storage systems to the United States.
