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.
IEA versus the reality of solar PV
In the recently released World Energy Outlook, the International Energy Agency (IEA) foresees a steady decline in the global expansion of PV to 2035. In response, Dutch researcher Auke Hoekstra has updated his graphic, IEA versus reality in solar PV.
China to file WTO complaint over Section 201 duties
China’s Ministry of Commerce is arguing that the 30% import duties on solar products from China and other nations do not comply with WTO rules. The Chinese government added that its solar industry could be seriously damaged.
Schletter acquisition could save North Carolina factory
The company’s U.S. subsidiary is part of the purchasing agreement, which appears to come just in time as the factory in Shelby was running out of funds to operate.
Recom’s acquisition of Jabil lines could lead to a U.S. solar factory
The PV module manufacturer started negotiations with Jabil after the United States introduced duties on solar imports. Recom plans to restart manufacturing activities with Jabil’s 700 MW production equipment in the first quarter of 2019. Where exactly this will take place has not been disclosed yet.
Monocrystalline solar prices fall
The latest figures from Taiwanese analytics firm PVInsights shows that prices for monocrystalline solar PV products have fallen sharply in a week-on-week comparison. The price drops for wafers were particularly strong.
Solar trade dispute: U.S. agrees to consultation w/ Korea, EU, China, Malaysia & Thailand
Through the consultation, the United States aims to settle the dispute over the 30% import tariffs introduced under Section 201.
Sonnen secures $70 million from Shell for US, Aus expansion
The battery integrator has already began to draw on the funds as it continues to expand its market presence in the United States and in Australia. Shell Ventures is now a major sonnen investor and and the companies have agreed to future cooperation.
Mercedes-Benz brand to leave the U.S. residential battery market
Parent company Daimler will continue to offer batteries for residential applications to selected partners, but no longer under Mercedes Benz Energy. The company plans to align the stationary storage segment with its grid business.
Wacker’s polysilicon business grows in 2017
The turnover of the Munich-based chemical company increased by 6%. The polysilicon business of Wacker Chemie also continued to increase last year; however, the production halt in the U.S. prevented even stronger growth.
