Seoul escalates dispute over US solar tariffs with WTO complaint
The South Korean government has announced plans to formally launch a dispute settlement process with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over U.S. tariffs on PV cells, modules and washing machines.
Hanwha Q Cells improves profitability, but revises down 2018 shipment guidance
The solar module manufacturer reports that Europe will likely replace the United States as its number one market, due to the recent introduction of the duties introduced by the Trump administration. Although quarterly revenue grew by around 2.5% year-on year, and net profit almost doubled from $17.6 million to $31 million, the outlook for 2018 shipments has been lowered by 400 MW to 5.6 GW to 5.8 GW.
Hanwha Q Cells sees net loss in 2017, despite increased shipments
Korean module manufacturing giant, Hanwha Q Cells reported a net loss of US$9.2 million for the full year 2017, falling from a net income of $127.5 million in the previous year. The company cited a one-time loss associated with the discontinuation of wafer manufacturing as the main reason for the decline.
Korea, Japan to retaliate over US solar tariffs
Korea is making good on an earlier promise, and now Japan has joined in. Both nations demand that the Trump Administration reverse the tariffs, or suffer an equivalent volume of retaliatory tariffs.
Scientists develop ‘air stable’ perovskite at more than 19% efficiency
A team led by Chonnam National University in South Korea has developed a new perovskite solar cell composition, which it says could lead the way to the production of “highly efficient and air stable perovskite solar cells”.
Shinsung secures 64 MW solar cell order from France
The monocrystalline cells from the Korean manufacturer will be shipped to the French subsidiary of Chinese solar company, Upsolar.
South Korean state energy firm plans 100 MW floating PV project
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signs memorandum of understanding with solar developer, Hwaseong Solar Energy to construct what would be nation’s largest floating solar farm on western coast.
US solar tariffs: Korea to file WTO petition, Mexico considers legal action, module costs to increase
As anticipated, the fallout from U.S. President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 30% on solar imports has been big. The latest reactions include the Korean Government’s announcement that it will file a petition with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Mexico’s promise of legal action. BNEF, meanwhile, expects module costs to increase by US$0.10/W.
Solaria raises $23 million, will triple manufacturing capacities
The high-efficiency PV maker plans to expand its annual production capacity to 300 MW by the end of 2018, with expansions in both the United States and South Korea.
Solar installations to soar under new South Korean energy plan
South Korea’s total installed renewables capacity will spike to 58.5 GW by 2030, from just 11.3 GW at present, under a new energy plan that prioritizes solar and wind development over nuclear generation.
