Solarhybrid insolvency proceedings open
The insolvency process has begun for Germanys Solarhybrid AG.
Employees want to take First Solar over
Part of First Solar Inc.’s German workforce has said it wants to continue producing the manufacturers photovoltaic thin film modules, according to media reports. However, in the future they will only make modules for small rooftop systems.
Solar trade case will go to Europe
According to industry analysts at Jefferies, the anti-dumping and countervailing duty trade case will move to Europe this month.
CASE calls for US and Chinese governments to unite
The Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy (CASE) has today called on the U.S. and Chinese governments to work together to avoid a “destructive” global trade war. Meanwhile, an analyst reports that tariffs are too late to protect U.S. and European manufacturers from Chinese competition.
EC calls for more RE trading; looking to set 2030 targets
The European Commission (EC) has said that member states should increase the use of renewable energy (RE) trading. It has also called for a more coordinated approach to support schemes. For RE growth beyond 2020, it has further identified three framework options. In related news, it appears the EU has “rebranded” gas a green energy.
Panasonic ramps up Li-ion battery production
Panasonic Corporation will begin mass production of its lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system, which has been developed for European residential homes kitted out with solar.
Hanergy will acquire Solibro
Following media speculation over the past couple of days, Q.Cells SE has today announced that Hanergy Holding Group Limited will acquire the German manufacturers thin film subsidiary, Solibro. The financial details have not been disclosed.
JA Solar emerges relatively unscathed from Q1
Chinese photovoltaic module manufacturer, JA Solar has posted comparatively positive first quarter (Q1) 2012 financial results compared to many of its industry counterparts. In particular, its shipments were strong.
Hanwha SolarOne: "High-quality modules, with Korean-quality mindset"
While it reported an operating loss in Q1 2012 of US$35.1 million last week, Hanwha SolarOne believes it is heading in the right direction. The company reduced U.S. shipments to avoid the hefty tariffs imposed by the Department of Commerce in the quarter. pv magazine spoke to Andreas Liebheit General Manager Europe, Africa and Middle East to discuss the companys position and strategy.
Australian-German innovation in PV
Crystalline-silicon (c-Si) researcher Martin Green has participated in a forum today where the future for German-Australian photovoltaics was said to be in equipment supply and innovation respectively. Australian Ambassador to Germany and German photovoltaic researchers Klaus Kips and Markus Glatthaar joined Green.
