Following rumors, SunEdison Inc. has confirmed it will be cutting a significant portion of its global workforce. Around 15% of its 7,300 workers will go. Charges of up to US$40 million will be incurred in Q3 2015 and Q1 2016.

The generating cost comparison between renewable energies and fossil fuels is narrowing, with 2015 recording a “significant shift,” says BNEF. Overall, levelised costs of electricity (LCOEs) for renewable energies are decreasing, while those for fossil fuels are increasing.

Kyocera Corporation and Q Cells Japan Co. Ltd have resolved their patent infringement lawsuit, launched last year, having concluded a technology licensing agreement.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called for an end to the minimum import price (MIP), and anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on solar PV products coming into the EU from China, claiming the measures are slowing down the European solar sector. Unsurprisingly, EU ProSun does not agree.

Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has said it will convert all its solar cell production to PERL (passivated emitter, rear locally diffused) technology by 2016. It is targeting a capacity of 200 MW, and an efficiency of 21.4%.

Global renewable energy giant SunEdison has said it will streamline its business operations. A presentation has been scheduled for Wednesday, where the CEO is expected to discuss the new plans. Media reports have indicated the company is set to cut up to 10% of its workforce.

ConEdison Development (CED) has acquired a 50% stake in a 335 MW DC solar PV plant, located in San Benito County, California. Construction on the large-scale project is scheduled to commence by the end of the year.

SolarReserve LLC has received an award from the U.S. Department of Energy under the SunShot Initiative to advance its CSP technology. With the help of a US$2.4 million grant, the company aims to improve its molten salt energy storage capabilities.

Utility-scale grid connected battery storage is set to reach up to 12 GW by 2024, while annual revenues will grow to around US$8.44 billion. The U.S. will be a leader, followed by China, Japan and Germany. Despite an overall positive outlook, there are significant market challenges to overcome. These are the findings of a new report by Frost & Sullivan.

Representing the module manufacturer’s largest domestic deal to date, Yingli Green Energy Holding Company has signed a 170 MW solar PV module contract with CFC Group Construction Limited. The modules will be shipped in the third and fourth quarters of this year.