PERC cell efficiency records tumble
Last week, Chinese manufacturers Risen Energy and LONGi both announced conversion efficiency records for PERC cells as the twin quest to drive down costs and increase energy output shows no sign of abating.
Energytrend: Stockpiles down, utilization and prices recovering
The Taiwanese market research company has published its latest price trend data for PV modules, cells, wafers and silicon. Across the value chain, rising demand is causing stockpiles to dwindle and utilization rates to rise. Prices are rising in China as well as for high-efficiency products. Module prices have stabilized.
Tesla begins construction of Shanghai gigafactory
The EV and battery maker wants to start production of its Model 3 for the Chinese market by the end of the year. Next year, according to high-profile CEO Elon Musk, mass production of electric cars will start there, and this is expected to include their batteries as well.
Hanwha Q Cells posts $165m loss in Q3
The South Korean PV manufacturer saw sales increase slightly in the last quarter. Net losses, however, more than quadrupled compared to the previous period.
Philippines’ regulator opposes net metering expansion
The Philippines’ Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has said the removal of the 100 kW cap for solar installations under net metering would be difficult for the nation’s grid to accomodate. Meanwhile, a proposal to raise the treshhold is being discussed in the country’s Senate.
JinkoSolar posts significant shipment growth in Q3
The Chinese manufacturer saw its shipments increase 24.4% year-on-year, to around 3 GW of modules in the latest quarter, with overseas shipped products accounting for approximately 80% of sales. The outlook for full fiscal 2018 was maintained almost unchanged, while new positive changes from policy side in China are confirmed.
Long read: Staying afloat, whatever the weather
From a little known niche just a few years ago, floating solar has quickly grown to more than 1 GW of installed capacity worldwide, and a source of great hope for the industry’s future, particularly in countries where space for solar is at a premium. pv magazine spoke with experts from leading floating PV test centers in Singapore and the Netherlands to outline the challenges still faced by floating PV as the technology moves towards major growth.
IHS revises up outlook for Chinese solar to 40 GW after underestimating demand
Around 34.5 GW of PV was installed in China in the first three quarters – 1.5 GW more than expected by IHS analysts, who have raised their full-year guidance.
Singapore launches blockchain-based renewable energy marketplace
Companies keen to offset their carbon emissions will be able to purchase renewable energy certificates at Singapore’s first blockchain-powered marketplace, launched by electricity provider SP Group.
IEEFA Australia: Thermal coal export sunset looming closer
Coal miner Glencore is failing investors in its latest forecasts.
