SMA announces “major hiring push” in California, U.S. Northeast
The inverter giant’s expansion plans are a response to what it says are favorable market conditions. In addition, the company is introducing new products to the U.S. market, including solutions for battery storage.
“Skinny Budget” nukes U.S. renewable energy research
President Trump’s Department of Energy hit list includes advanced energy research, loan guarantees and the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Tesla to issue US$1 billion stock & convertible bond offering
The EV, solar and battery company has filed to issue $750 million in convertible notes, and another one million shares of stock in advance of its Model 3 roll-out.
SunPower signs supply deal for 125 MW of P-Series modules
The supply deal with NextEra Energy Resources signals a radical shift in strategy for the struggling manufacturer and is the first major test of its novel module design.
EDF to deploy 23.7 MW of solar in France, creates storage unit in North America
The French energy giant keeps expanding into the renewable energy business. Its France-based unit EDF Energies Nouvelles will build PV plants totaling 23.7 MW, while its US division EDF EN has created a new subsidiary for distributed solar and storage projects up to 30 MW.
Blattner Energy takes top U.S. solar EPC spot in 2016 (with chart)
IHS Markit’s latest assessment of U.S. solar contractors finds that Blattner outpaced First Solar to take the top spot in 2016.
Net metering 2.0 slows down California’s residential solar market
Solar industry commentary is echoing state data, which shows that the implementation of net metering 2.0 and time-of-use rates is having a significant negative effect on California’s distributed solar market.
Trina Solar goes private
The Chinese PV maker has completed its merger transaction and will now become a private company. Trading of Trina’s shares on the NYSE have been suspended pending de-listing.
Sungevity files for bankruptcy amid rumors of IKEA buyout
Four days after laying off an estimated 400 employees, Sungevity has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Meanwhile former employees say that a potential acquisition of the company’s European business by IKEA is afoot.
Intevac reports massive ion implant tool order
The company’s ENERGi systems will be used to enable a more than 1 GW expansion of high-efficiency n-type mono cell capacity for an un-named customer in China, a big boost for the technology.
