JinkoSolar has signed a two-year, 1 GW module supply deal with China Minsheng New Energy (CMNE), a subsidiary of China Minsheng Investment Corp. The modules will be used to develop PV power plant projects in China in 2015 and 2016.

The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) has launched an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) taskforce to develop best practice guidelines for the fast-growing sector. EPIA brought together stakeholders, service providers and asset managers, with the group meeting for the first time on April 23.

A subsidiary of United Photovoltaics (United PV) has acquired five PV power plants in Inner Mongolia and the Zhejian Province in China from a group of development companies. United PV has paid RMB105 million (US$16.91 million) in cash for the projects from a five project development companies.

German production equipment supplier Manz AG has recorded a significant loss in Q1 2015. However, the company remains positive for its 2015 outlook with a EUR 92 million ($103.7 million) order backlog and expects revenues between EUR 320 million (US$360.5 million) and EUR 340 million ($383.1 million) for the full year.

PV module production is set to continue along its historic 20% annual learning curve, with a number of cell and module technologies combining to deliver higher power output and manufacturing profitability. These were some of the key findings delivered in the 6th annual International Technology Roadmap for PV (ITPRV), published last week by SEMI and VDMA.

New research has revealed microscopic flaws in perovskite crystals used in PV applications. The discovery indicates that there is a very large potential for conversion efficiency gains, if these faults can be removed.

The Australian government looks likely to acquiesce to a compromise on a reduced RET with opposition parties. However, ongoing reviews look likely, destabilizing the large scale renewable sector.

U.S.-based production equipment supplier Amtech Systems has reported growing revenues and steady bookings, on a quarter-on-quarter basis, adding that its experience at last week’s SNEC provided a number of reasons for optimism. The company reports its order backlog is at the highest level in three years.

With a market growing to 460 MW this year, Honduras is set to surpass Mexico as Latin America’s number two solar market this year. GTM Research has published the finding in its latest Latin America PV Playbook.

German polysilicon supplier Wacker Chemie has cancelled a “contractual and delivery” relationship with a solar customer. After retaining prepayments and receiving financial compensation for the contract’s termination, Wacker expects to book an increase of EUR 78 million (US$88.8 million) in Q2 2015 earnings.