PPAs signed for 417 MW in South Africa
South Africa’s public utility Eskom has signed power purchase agreements (PPA) for nine photovoltaic projects worth 417.1 MW, under the countrys renewable energy expansion program. Meanwhile, the government has expressed concern about the grid’s capacity to absorb additional electricity from renewable energies systems.
Solar windows one step nearer commercial production
U.S. building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) developer New Energy Technologies Ltd has announced significant advances in its patented SolarWindow, spray-on solar power coating system.
US manufacturer expands module production
In further positive news for solar manufacturing, U.S. photovoltaic company Suniva has announced it will be expanding its module production capability.
Spire posts Q1 loss of $2.6 million, 57% drop in sales
Reflecting the manufacturing slowdown in the global PV market, U.S. solar group Spire Corporation has posted a 57% drop in its first quarter revenue to $3.2 million.
Hyundai Heavy exits polysilicon business
The Korean conglomerate Hyundai Heavy Industries has withdrawn its shares from the joint venture Korean Advanced Materials, which manufactures polysilicon, according to a local media report. The sustained downturn in the photovoltaic industry has been blamed for the decision.
US$660 million available for CSP development in MENA region
The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) has recently given four countries from the MENA region the green light to develop 1.1 GW of concentrated solar power (CSP) via an updated solar plan. US$660 million will be provided by CIFs Clean Technology Fund (CTF).
Smart meter market is hotting up in China
The smart meter market is burgeoning in China, according to market research company IHS iSuppli, but manufacturers are being hit by a price erosion similar to that which devastated solar panel makers last year.
Armstrong and Symbior Energy to cooperate on 30 MW of PV in Thailand
Armstrong Asset Management and Symbior Energy subsidiary Symbior Solar Siam have announced their intentions to develop 30 MW worth of photovoltaic projects in Thailand.
China calls for dialogue, consultation to address EU trade dispute
In response to the EU Commission’s plans to impose provisional anti-dumping duties of an average 47% on Chinese solar imports as of June 6, China has called for dialogue and consultations to solve EU trade disputes.
IG Metall calls on Bosch to reconsider exit
IG Metall, Germanys biggest industrial union, is calling on Bosch to reconsider its withdrawal from the crystalline solar photovoltaic business in view of the European Commissions plan to slap Chinese imports with anti-dumping duties.
