Japan: Large-scale battery, project plans; auction update
Primearth EV Energy (PEVE) announces large-scale lithium-ion battery plans, Germany’s saferay receives financing for a 50 MW PV project, and RTS Corporation provides an update on Japan’s solar auctions.
Panasonic to begin direct sales of solar cells
The Japanese electronics giant announces plans to sell solar cells individually this year, but confirms it is poised to halt module production at its fab in Shiga, Japan, in March.
Eurus enters Chilean PV with 18 MW acquisition
Japan’s Eurus Energy has entered the Chilean solar market by purchasing 18 MW (AC) of operational PV capacity in the South American country from Spanish renewables developer Grenergy Renovables.
Audi, Hanergy unit to jointly develop PV for vehicles
German automaker Audi and California-based Alta Devices — a wholly owned subsidiary of troubled Chinese PV group Hanergy Thin Film Power (HTF) — have agreed to collaborate on thin-film solar research, with plans to exhibit a PV-integrated Audi prototype vehicle by the end of this year.
Panasonic’s Q1 profit widens to $445 million
Panasonic reported a net profit attributable to shareholders of ¥48.8 billion ($445.1 million) in the first quarter of the current fiscal year — up sharply from ¥29.2 billion a year earlier — despite a decline in sales of its solar panels.
Eurus finishes 10.5 MW (AC) in western Japan
The Tokyo-based renewables developer installed the 13.8 MW (DC) solar array on a 23-hectare plot of land west of the city of Osaka in Awaji, Hyogo prefecture.
Panasonic to supply PV panels, batteries for Toyota Prius
Toyota’s new 2017 Prius plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) will feature Panasonic’s newly designed 180 W solar panels.
Toyota debuts new Prius with rooftop PV option in Japan
The 2017 Prius plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) is the first commercially available, mass-produced passenger car to feature an optional solar charging system.
