Longi rejects Hanwha Q Cells allegations and provides details on patent issue
The Chinese monocrystalline module maker said it had not been notified of the legal action by its Korean rival. Longi claimed there is considerable uncertainty over the validity of the patents at the root of the lawsuits, which the Chinese defendant says relate to ALD technology. Longi says it uses PECVD technology for cell production.
Module prices have decreased by up to 25% so far this year, TrendForce says
According to the Gold Member Solar Report by EnergyTrend (Q3 2018), monocrystalline module prices have fallen almost 20% this year, while those for polycrystalline modules have dropped by more than 25%. Increased consolidation among manufacturers and developers is expected to occur in China and the global solar market, with more merger deals, plans for capacity reductions and even factory closures.
“Stealing is not competition”: SolarEdge founder comments on IP claim
Following Monday’s announcement, pv magazine spoke to Lior Handelsman, of SolarEdge. The company VP is adamant Huawei has infringed the Israeli firm’s intellectual property, and says defending IP will see the PV industry grow.
SECI launches tender for manufacturing capacity
The government’s Solar Energy Commission of India (SECI) has tendered 5 GW of solar manufacturing capacity to be set up across the country. The capacity will be linked to grid-connected PV projects with the plants developed on a build-own-operate basis.
Hanwha Q Cells improves profitability, but revises down 2018 shipment guidance
The solar module manufacturer reports that Europe will likely replace the United States as its number one market, due to the recent introduction of the duties introduced by the Trump administration. Although quarterly revenue grew by around 2.5% year-on year, and net profit almost doubled from $17.6 million to $31 million, the outlook for 2018 shipments has been lowered by 400 MW to 5.6 GW to 5.8 GW.
First Solar produces first S6 module, seals 800 MW of deals
The first modules have rolled off the line in Ohio as part of First Solar’s $1.4 billion dollar bet on its large-format Series 6. The company will also expand production in Vietnam.
SolarWorld resumes activities with 700 MW and 515 employees
The German manufacturer will focus on the production of PERC solar cells and bifacial glass-glass modules in the future.
Bluecell halts solar cell production in Germany
Three years after acquiring the cell production business of insolvent Sunways, Bluecell has also given up. The 100 MW production equipment at the company’s facility in Arnstadt will be sold by the end of 2017.
Recom acquires French module maker Sillia
The French manufacturer filed for insolvency in March. The Tribunal of Commerce of Lyon had received two bids for the acquisition of the company.
