SEMI reports weak PV equipment demand
In another sign of trying times for photovoltaics, manufacturing industry association SEMI has reported that the book-to-bill ratio for equipment manufacturers has fallen below parity. This indicates that supply is exceeding demand.
Walmart goes solar in California
Major U.S. discount retailer Walmart has announced plans to expand the number of its stores featuring photovoltaic installations by 60. This means 75 percent of Walmart stores in California will have solar arrays.
40 percent efficiency goal of NASA-sponsored research
An American research team has received funding to fabricate and test photovoltaic cells with an efficiency of 40 percent or more.
Hanwha SolarOne secures loan for expansion
Chinese-based cell and module manufacturer Hanwha SolarOne has secured a USD$100 million loan from the Standard Chartered Bank and Korea Development Bank.
Solyndra bankruptcy a potential headache for First Solar; loan selection process called into question
The Solyndra meltdown appears to be affecting more than just its employees. According to industry analysts, a number of First Solars photovoltaic projects awaiting loan guarantees could also be negatively affected. Meanwhile, a letter sent to U.S. Secretary Chu has questioned the DOE loan selection process.
US solar outpaces global market and remains "bullish"
Lower prices and a rapidly changing global landscape have pushed the solar market in the U.S. to post record second quarter growth and keep the market growing at a “bullish” rate. New Jersey has overtaken California as the leading non-residential market.
Exclusive: First Solars FFO2 approaching full ramp up
Thin-film module producer First Solar has opened the doors of its new Frankfurt (Oder) facility exclusively to pv magazine as full ramp up approaches. So far the company does not plan to adapt its cost-roadmap, although price competition is growing.
Euro Solar Park signs agreement for 150 MW Serbian PV park
The southern Serbian city of Vranje has signed a preliminary agreement with the Euro Solar Park company for the potential development of a 150 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic park.
Sunlogics expands manufacturing capacity; announces strategic plans
New solar start-up Sunlogics has acquired two photovoltaic module manufacturing facilities. In an interview with pv magazine the company unveils its strategies going forward, including its Chinese ambitions.
Germany: 664 MW of PV installed in June; 15 percent incentive cut likely
According to recent figures from the German Federal Network Agency, new photovoltaic installations amounted to approximately 664 megawatts (MW) in June. As such, it seems likely that incentives will drop by 15 percent next year.
