In what is expected to bring “substantial” cost savings to the industry, Natcore technology Inc. says it has successfully swapped silver for aluminum in its solar cells. A provisional patent application will now be filed.

Suniva will increase its U.S. solar manufacturing capacity to 400 MW following an injection of US$57.7 million by China’s Shunfeng International Clean Energy, which yesterday announced a 63% stake in the U.S. company. A ramp up to 1 GW is on the cards, according to reports, however.

Ascent Solar Technologies Inc. has terminated an agreement in Suqian, China to build a 100 MW solar PV module manufacturing facility, due to, among other issues, a lack of available technical skills.

SunEdison Inc. and energy producer and transporter, Dominion have formed a joint venture on the 320 MW(ac) Four Brothers solar PV project in Utah. Under the terms, Dominion will invest around US$500 million, and SunEdison, $150 million.

Marking its third acquisition in two years, Solar3D has signed an agreement to acquire California-based solar systems provider, Elite Solar, which is set to see revenues soar 140% YoY. The transaction is expected to close by latest, November 1.

Centrotherm photovoltaics has recorded increases across the board in its latest earnings release. Despite this, new orders fell short of management expectations, affected by competition and cost pressures. The German company confirms its full year guidance.

Meyer Burger Technology Ltd has seen a “substantial” increase in H1 2015 orders, particularly in its PV segment. Despite this, overall YoY net loss, including sales, widened. Further workforce reductions were also announced. For the full year, the company confirms its guidance.

Energy storage is on course to see a boom similar to that in the solar market; Australia aims to tap this potential to facilitate the further roll out of renewables. A new study has identified key investment areas, and barriers, to storage implementation. An overview of the global storage market sees Hawaii and Scotland presenting viable approaches to implementation, although California and Germany are said to have the most “thorough” storage programs.

Via its acquisition of Solar Semiconductor Pvt Ltd, Indian encapsulant and backsheet manufacturer and supplier, RenewSys has entered the OEM solar cell and module manufacturing business.

Pattern Energy Group LP has begun construction on a 122 MW solar PV project in Chile, having secured $205 million in financing. It is expected to come online next summer.