The 9th ITRPV: module price pressure to continue as production capacity tops 130 GWp and price learning curve rises to 22.8%
Annual International Roadmap for Photovoltaics, compiled by the German production equipment industrial association (VDMA), reveals slowdown in module price reduction for 2017 in contrast to significant market increase that saw module production capacity rise above 130 GW.
More than 20 PV makers request exemptions from US solar import duties
The list includes many of the big names in the industry as well as a request to exempt the entire EU panel industry.
Longi claims 23.6% efficiency for its PERC monocrystalline cells
Only one month after announcing a PERC module efficiency of 20.41%, the Chinese solar manufacturer announced it has now achieved a 23.6% efficiency for its PERC monocrystalline cells, thus beating its own previous records.
REC Group selects Meyer Burger’s SmartWire technology for Singapore fab
Switzerland’s Meyer Burger to deliver and install its SmartWire Connection Technology at REC Group’s production facility in Singapore at the start of Q2, company confirms.
Trina Solar chief scientist Pierre Verlinden announces retirement from firm
The decorated PV pioneer will step aside from his role as Trina Solar’s VP and chief scientist on February 12 in order to devote more time to his family life.
JinkoSolar confirms plans to invest $410 million in the US
The Chinese manufacturer confirms that it has authorized its U.S. subsidiary to finalize plans for the investment.
China’s Longi Solar confirms 1 GW Indian manufacturing facility
Longi Solar will set up a 1 GW solar PV manufacturing facility in India’s Andhra Pradesh. It will manufacture 500 MW of cells and 500 MW of modules, a spokesperson tells pv magazine. The facility is expected to be commissioned by Q1 2019 at the latest, and will seek to take advantage of India’s exemption from the recent U.S. solar tariffs, imposed by President Trump last week.
Jinergy steps forward as 6 MW Whyalla Solar Farm supplier
Chinese PV manufacturer Jinergy announced last week that it was the supplier of South Australia’s first utility scale PV array, the 6 MW Whyalla Solar Power Plant. The manufacturer shipped monocrystalline PERC modules for the project.
US solar tariffs to have little impact on Australian module prices
Australian PV project developers and rooftop installers are unlikely to benefit from module price declines as a result of U.S. solar tariffs. GTM Research analysis reveals that while the tariffs will likely cause an American solar market decline of 11% in 2018, it will not leave Chinese suppliers scrambling to find buyers.
Trump levies graduated tariffs starting at 30%, exempts 2.5 GW in cells
The decision, released on U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer’s website, could keep current U.S. module manufacturers in business by keeping their cell lifelines open.
