The U.S. residential solar market fell 16% in 2017
GTM Research and SEIA’s final report on the solar market in 2017 shows both the struggle of the residential solar market, as well as a larger than anticipated fall in utility-scale volumes, leading to a 30% contraction overall.
US energy storage begins to take off
Despite a lackluster Q4, GTM Research predicts that the U.S. energy storage market is going to boom in 2018, driven by both policy support and falling prices.
Enphase shows turnaround in Q4 results
The struggling microinverter maker narrowed its losses considerably in Q4, as it unveils new products and expands in new markets.
US researchers get the lead out of perovskites
Scientists led by Brown University have developed perovskite solar cells, which replace the toxic lead common to many of these material structures with titanium. The researchers say that with further optimization, the material could eventually be ideal for use as a tandem cell layer.
US imports of Chinese solar climbed sharply in Q4
1,200%. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, that’s how high imports of Chinese modules rose in the fourth quarter last year, in a desperate attempt to stockpile sufficient numbers before tariffs choked off international supplies.
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.
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.
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.
Trump team argues strongly for tariffs
Reports say an unreleased memo circulating within the White House lays out arguments for the strongest of trade sanctions against Chinese solar module makers in what is likely a bad sign for U.S. solar markets.
US Senate approves tax bill with provision to hobble solar, wind tax credits
The bill will now be reconciled with the House version, which does not contain the BEAT provision. The Solar Energy Industry Association says that it has four Senators who support “fixes”, but was not able to get a modification to the Senate bill.
