First Solar sees flat first quarter
First Solar executives didnt have much good news to discuss on Tuesday when the company announced flat first-quarter sales and lowered earnings. Cuts in government subsidies in key European countries have squeezed solar panel prices and caused no small amount of anxiety among manufacturers and project developers.
Weak demand and sales decline characterize Sunways first quarter
Looking at its preliminary figures, Sunways AG experienced a significant sales decline of 22.1 million in the first quarter of 2011, in comparison to the first quarter of 2010. The reason cited was weaker than expected demand, which resulted in high inventory levels.
Q-Cells lays off contract workers
Germany-based Q-Cells SE has reportedly let the majority of its contract workers go, due to declining photovoltaic demand. The companys permanent staff wont be affected, according to sources.
Daqo and JNE to build Canadian PV module factory
Daqo New Energy Holdings (Canada) Ltd and JNE Solar Inc. have announced they are to build and operate a photovoltaic module production facility in Hamilton, Ontario.
Constellation Energy acquires 30 MW Sacramento solar project
Constellation Energy has acquired a 30 megawatt (MW) DC (25 MW AC) solar project from Belectric, Inc. Currently under construction, it is scheduled to be commercially operational by the end of the year.
Enecsys secures £25 million funding
Enecsys Limited has secured £25 million ($41 million) in equity financing. The company says it will use the money to further develop its photovoltaic micro inverter business and expand its global presence.
Germany: Gehrlicher completes 4 rooftop PV systems
Gehrlicher Solar AG has completed a 3.1 megawatt photovoltaic rooftop project in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
EPIA: Bright future for PV, but global rebalancing of growth expected
A new report has forecast a bright future for photovoltaics, as long as government policy remains advantageous for the industry. Meanwhile, 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity could be reached by 2013, but Europes current foothold is expected to slip.
Italy: Signing of new Conto Energia delayed by bickering
Italys fourth Conto Energia should be done and dusted. However, testing the photovoltaic industrys already ragged nerves, it has emerged that bickering between Ministers has delayed the signing of the new decree. The final outcome is now expected on Wednesday.
Total looks to acquire majority stake in SunPower
French oil and gas group Total has announced it will launch a friendly tender offer for a majority share in California-based solar company, SunPower. The two parties have also entered into a research and collaboration agreement.
