Becky Beetz
GE and Xtreme Power form storage partnership
GE Energy Storage and turnkey energy storage and power management system solutions provider, Xtreme Power have formed a partnership under which they will develop energy storage solutions for the grid.
US SunShot program unveils $10 million rooftop PV competition
In its bid to significantly lower the costs of solar technology and make it competitive with other forms of energy by the end of the decade, the U.S. Department of Energys SunShot program has unveiled a competition inviting participants to demonstrate faster, cheaper and easier ways of installing rooftop photovoltaic systems.
Jobs to go as Trina streamlines operations
Trina Solar Limited has announced it will streamline its organizational structure. With the aim of becoming more competitive, the company plans to shed jobs and separate its business activities.
Switzerland: Meyer Burger closes Lyss PV production site
Meyer Burger will close its Lyss photovoltaic production site in Switzerland down and integrate the activities into its new Thun facilities.
Grid connected PV needs incentives to grow profitably
Without support, grid connected photovoltaics cannot grow profitably, states Navigant Research’s Paula Mints. Furthermore, while traditional energy sources are likely to continue to receive subsidies, it cannot be assumed photovoltaics will reach grid parity without them.
Yingli unveils 72 cell PV module for US market
Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited has unveiled a new 72 cell photovoltaic module, the YGE-U 72 Cell, at this year’s Solar Power International in Orlando, Florida. Designed specifically to supply the North American utility-scale solar market, it has been certified by Underwriters Laboratories for a maximum system voltage rating of 1,000V.
Hanwha SolarOne posts stable Q2 financials; lowers FY shipment guidance
Hanwha SolarOne has fared relatively well in Q2 2012, compared to many of its solar industry peers and its Q1 performance. Despite this, the company recognizes the still challenging industry conditions, and has lowered its FY photovoltaic module shipment guidance.
Czech Republic to install 120 MW of PV in 2012
Following 2 years of almost no solar activity, predictions are that between 100 and 120 MW of photovoltaics will be installed in 2012 in the Czech Republic. Rooftop systems are said to be leading this growth.
Sparx Group plans 8 MW Japanese PV plant
On the back of its recently established subsidiary, Sparx Green Energy & Technology Co. Ltd (SGET), Japan-based Spark Group Co. Ltd has announced it will install an 8 MW photovoltaic plant in Ashikitamachi Town, Kumamoto Prefecture.
Manz reaches 14.6% CIGS panel efficiency
Germany-based Manz AG has announced its CIGS thin film photovoltaic panels have reached an efficiency of 14.6% in production conditions. The company adds that it will able to supply power costing as little as 0.04/kWh in the future.
