Sandra Enkhardt
Qcells cuts PV system prices in Germany by 15%
Qcells says it has started selling 4.4 kW PV systems with inverters for less than €9,000 ($9,892), including installation. The South Korean manufacturer says it is also offering its home storage systems at a 15% discount.
Third battery fire at the same site in Germany
It’s the third time in two months that a battery fire has broken out on the premises of Suncycle in Germany.
PV industry faces consolidation, says JinkoSolar
JinkoSolar has begun converting its production to n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) products to stay competitive, says Frank Niendorf, the company’s general manager for Europe. He predicts that several market players in the value chain will exit the market soon.
German PV and storage provider Bosswerk files for insolvency
The provisional insolvency administrator is focusing on restructuring and continuing business operations. Bosswerk has operated the Green Akku online shop since 2010, through which it sells photovoltaic systems and home storage systems.
Meyer Burger and Solestial aim to conquer space
The companies want to develop cost-effective and efficient photovoltaic products for space applications using next-generation, ultra-thin, radiation-resistant solar cells. Starting next year, hundreds of vehicles for space travel could be equipped with the flexible modules.
Germany: New PV records in July
Energy Charts and Agora Energiewende both report a production of 10.3 TWh of solar power last month. Almost 9.5 TWh of this was fed into the grid. In addition, there were more than 80 hours in July with negative electricity prices.
Enstall takes over Schletter
The Dutch company, which itself was taken over by Blackstone and Rivean Capital, will become the majority shareholder of the German photovoltaic company. Schletter’s previous shareholders will hold minority stakes in Enstall in the future.
Germany: Value of PV imports, exports plunges 66%
Between January and May 2024, the value of imported solar cells and modules fell to just under €605 million compared to the same period last year, and the value of exported PV products also fell to €216 million. For the first quarter, the Federal Statistical Office reports a drastic decline in modules manufactured in Germany to just under 495,600.
Sales at Wacker Chemie’s polysilicon division fall by 55%
In the second quarter of 2023, the group still generated sales of €513 million from the sale of polysilicon, while this year revenue dropped to €232 million. Earnings fell even more, dropping by 65%.
Germany’s Priogo files for insolvency
The photovoltaic installation company is struggling with the current difficult market situation. A solution for its continuation is now being sought.
