Meyer Burger outsources SWCT production to Mondragon
The Swiss solar PV equipment manufacturer has signed a cooperation agreement with Spanish competitor, Mondragon Assembly. Following the closure of the Meyer Burger production site in Thun at the end of the year, the latter will manufacture Smartwire Connection technology going forward. However, patents and sales of the technology will remain the property of Meyer Burger.
SolarWorld Americas comments on duties exemptions for competitors, SunPower
Shortly before the announcement of its acquisition by SunPower, SolarWorld’s former U.S. subsidiary commented on the request by its competitors to be exempt from the new U.S. solar PV import tariffs.
F&S Solar energizes 15 MW solar facility at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport
The 15 MW project was developed under the Netherlands’ SDE+ program for large-scale renewables.
Hanwha Q Cells shuts down wafer production in China
The company’s wafer factory in China was closed in the fourth quarter of 2017. Hanwha Q Cells, however, intends to further produce wafers at its new factory in Turkey.
IEA PVPS: Slow growth without China
In recent years, the International Energy Agency has consistently been far too conservative in its renewables forecasts. For the last year, it reported solar growth of almost 100 GW. It said, however, that if China were excluded from this balance sheet, growth would be relatively low.
Fraunhofer ISE announces 33% efficiency for multi-junction solar cell
Together with Austrian equipment manufacturer EVG, Fraunhofer ISE has achieved an efficiency of 33.3% on a multi-junction solar cell. The highlight of the cell is the ultra-thin II-V semiconductor layer. However, it will be a few years before mass production is possible.
SMA reports record shipments, lower revenue
The German inverter maker sold 8.5 GW of solar PV inverters last year. Revenue, however, dropped by €50 million, while net profit remained flat at €30 million.
Manz dismisses CFO
A few days after announcing a record turnover and positive EBIT, the German PV equipment provider has now dismissed its CFO, Gunnar Voss von Dahlen, effective immediately. The company said his departure was due to divergent opinions about its strategic direction.
Austrian utility Wien Energie begins solar offensive
Austria’s largest power provider announced a plan to invest around €100 million in solar and €15 million in recharge stations for electric vehicles over the next five years. The company aims at investing mainly in residential and C&I projects.
Meyer Burger reports €67.8 million loss for fiscal 2017
The Swiss PV equipment manufacturer recorded a loss of around €68 million last year. Although Meyer Burger was able to slightly increase sales, the EBITDA margin was below 3%. This year, the company is aiming for an EBITDA margin of 10%, in order to return to profitability.
