NEXTracker maintains dominance of global tracker market
The global market for solar trackers expanded by 20% in 2018, with total international shipments spiking 36% year-on-year to surpass the 20 GW mark, according to a new report by Wood Mackenzie. NEXTracker and Array Technologies maintained their industry dominance, but a number of smaller competitors claimed a greater share of the global market in the 12 months to the end of December than ever before.
LCOE for li-ion batteries has fallen to $187/MWh — BNEF
Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly posing a competitive threat to coal- and gas-fired generating plants when paired with solar and wind projects in a number of markets throughout the world, without the need for subsidies, according to new research by BloombergNEF (BNEF).
Vietnam files WTO complaint over US solar tariffs
Vietnamese authorities have submitted a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to request formal consultations with Washington over its recently announced 30% tariff on crystalline silicon PV imports.
Solar to lead global renewables growth for next five years — KPMG
Solar is set to grow more in terms of capacity than any other clean-energy technology over the next half decade, according to a new report. Battery storage will play a crucial role in this as well.
JA Solar to go private
JA Solar has signed an agreement to cancel its listing on the NASDAQ stock exchange and go private in an all-cash transaction.
Toshiba claims record efficiency with film-based perovskite solar mini-modules
Japan’s Toshiba has fabricated a perovskite solar cell mini-module with an energy conversion rate of 10.5%, which it claims is now the highest rate that has been reached throughout the world with a multi-cell mini-module.
Solar Frontier sells 28 MW to Capital Dynamics
The U.S. subsidiary of Japanese thin-film PV manufacturer Solar Frontier has sold off 28 MW of solar capacity to a unit of Swiss asset manager and renewables investor Capital Dynamics.
Audi & Alta Devices to develop solar for cars
The gallium arsenide PV maker will collaborate with Audi on thin-film solar research, with plans to exhibit a PV-integrated Audi prototype vehicle by the end of this year.
Panasonic’s 2016 profit falls as solar sales sag
While declining sales of solar panels in Japan eroded the electronics giant’s earnings, Panasonic is holding on for growth driven by its collaboration with Tesla.
Solar Frontier sells 40 MW California solar plant to Dominion
The U.S. development unit of the Japanese CIS thin-film manufacturer has completed the sale of the 40 MW-DC Midway II project in California.
