Becky Beetz
US solar loan company secures $300 million in capital
Sunlight Financial LLC has secured US$300 million in capital. It will use the funds to expand its business platform.
UK: Industry calls on government to reconsider FIT cuts
The U.K. Solar Trade Association, along with a number of large solar stakeholders have drafted a joint statement to the government, calling on it to reconsider its proposed drastic FIT cuts. The parties involved asked to meet with the government, for “appropriate consultation.”
Intersolar launches Middle East event
Intersolar has said it will hold its first Middle East event next year in conjunction with GulfSol. Like its international counterparts, Intersolar Middle East will feature a conference and exhibition.
Court throws out SunPower lawsuit against SunEdison
SunPower Corps lawsuit against SunEdsion Inc. has been dismissed, with the Northern District of California court stating that SunPower failed to adequately plead a claim.
Fraunhofer debuts world record 25.1% efficient TOPCon solar cell
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has achieved an efficiency of 25.1% on a both sides-contacted silicon solar cell. In addition to increasing efficiencies, the TOPCon technology is said to simplify manufacturing processes.
German PV equipment manufacturers see orders triple
German solar PV equipment manufacturers are experiencing an uptick in demand, compared to the beginning of the year, with turnovers increasing 52%, says German Engineering Federation, VDMA. Asian competition is said to be intensifying, however.
Trina to spin-off downstream business
Trina Solar Limited is planning to spin-off its downstream solar PV project business as early as next year, said CFO, Teresa Tan. A “growthco” model is likely to be adopted, rather than a yieldco. Criticism has been aimed at the plan, due to Trinas focus on China.
Dubai opens 800 MW PV tender, commissioning set for 2018
Dubai has officially opened its third solar PV tender. The 800 MW will be added to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is aiming to reach 3 GW by 2030. Commissioning of the 800 MW is expected to begin in 2018.
India: Andhra Pradesh 500 MW PV tender oversubscribed 10-fold
The National Solar Missions (NSMs) tender for 500 MW of solar PV to be installed in Andhra Pradesh has been oversubscribed tenfold, with 30 developers submitting bids totaling 5.5 GW. A second round of online bids is now set to take place.
US: Duke Energy to bring 162 MW online in Carolina
Duke Energy Renewables has completed four solar PV projects totaling 30 MW in Eastern North Carolina. It is targeting a further 132 MW across another four plants, which it expects to bring online by the end of the year.
