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.
Longi achieves record conversion rate of 20.41% for PERC module
Longi Green Energy Technology has announced a new record conversion rate of 20.41% for its P-type PERC monocrystalline modules (type 60).
Risen Energy to start production at new 5 GW solar factory in China
Risen Energy Co. Ltd is gearing up to begin production at a new, 5 GW solar PV cell and module manufacturing facility in China. A spokesperson for the company tells pv magazine manufacturing will begin this January 17.
Tesla begins production of Solar Roof tiles at New York gigafactory
The company also says that it has begun installation of the Solar Roof on the homes of non-employee homeowners.
JinkoSolar eyes tech progress as firm cements module leadership position for Q3
Tier-1 Chinese solar company trains sights on greater cost optimization and higher efficiencies with half-cell and bifacial technologies as it assesses capacity expansions for 2018 following a strong Q3 that saw the firm retain its shipment leadership position.
First Solar produces first S6 module, seals 800 MW of deals
The first modules have rolled off the line in Ohio as part of First Solar’s $1.4 billion dollar bet on its large-format Series 6. The company will also expand production in Vietnam.
Winaico to launch HJT modules in Australian market
Taiwanese module maker Winaico is set to launch its heterojunction (HJT) PV modules in Q2 2018. The high powered PV panels feature a favourable temperature co-efficient, offering a high powered module for high temperature rooftop applications.
LONGi claims 22.71% PERC efficiency world record
Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE CalLab has confirmed that China’s Longi Green Energy Technology has achieved a record 22.71% conversion efficiency with its monocrystalline passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) solar cells.
U.S. thin film PV maker Stion to discontinue operations
The Mississippi-based CIGS manufacturer cites “intense” competition from imports.
