China

With 11 GW, India is set to become the second largest solar PV market in 2018, usurping the U.S., as global demand reaches 113 GW, says IHS Markit. It adds that Q4 will be the biggest quarter in history for installations, with 34 GW expected.

Jinzhou Yangguang Energy (Jinzhou Yangguang), a subsidiary of China’s Solargiga Energy Holdings, has agreed to buy a 17.8% stake in Jinzhou Yangguang Motech Renewable Energy (Jinzhou Motech) from Motech Suzhou Renewable Energy for CNY 9.96 million (US$1.58 million), in a cash transaction.

In the past financial year, the Chinese solar manufacturer and project developer implemented a plan to expand activities in the downstream solar sector, while downsizing its wafer manufacturing. In the future, Comtec will focus on its 156mm x 156mm “Super Mono” wafer business, and will ship no more than 500 MW per year.

Longi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd has announced plans to build a 228 MW solar PV project in China. The Chinese vertically integrated solar PV manufacturer has also signed a 39,600 metric ton (MT) high purity polysilicon agreement with Daqo New Energy Corp.

The Chinese technology firm, which has become a leading player in China’s electric vehicle industry, has warned that subsidy cuts for new-energy vehicles could further drag down its profits. Solar and stationary battery business performing well, however.

Chinese module manufacturer, JA Solar has issued a statement refuting assertions made by SolarWorld in hearings conducted last year, which were reported last week in the findings of United States Trade Representative (USTR) report into Chinese practices related to intellectual property.

Herman Zhao resigned on March 27 from his role as chief financial officer for Chinese solar firm, JA Solar. The company affirmed that there had been “no issues involving its financial statements” that prompted the move.

SolarMax Technology CEO, David Hsu talks to pv magazine about the experiences of an American company operating in the Chinese solar market, including knowledge transfer from the U.S., in particular in the field of O&M, residential opportunities and storage.

Engie has become partner of the solar and hydrogen-propelled catamaran, Energy Observer, while Total has become the founding partner of the Cathay Smart Energy Fund in China.

Solargiga Energy has recorded a net profit of CNY 107.5 million (US$16.96 million) for the year to the end of December 2017, from a net loss of CNY 239.149 million in the preceding 12-month period.