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.
Wacker reveals details on explosion at its US facility
Tennessee safety authorities have submitted their report on the hydrogen explosion at the polysilicon plant of the German manufacturer in Charleston. They demand $25,400 in fines from Wacker Chemie for violations of various regulations, and the company continues its efforts to resume production.
Wacker’s US polysilicon factory still on hold
Following an explosion at a U.S. production facility in 2017, the German polysilicon producer is under investigation by local authorities. Wacker Chemie must now pay a fine of $20,000 for failing to comply with certain regulations regarding the provision of personal protective equipment and employee safety during maintenance work prior to the accident.
Phoenix Solar to file for insolvency in Germany
The construction contractor will start insolvency proceedings at the district court in Munich next week.
SMA’s results affected by price declines
The German inverter manufacturer reports that shipments remained stable in the first half of this year, while revenues were down year-over-year. The company has raised its outlook for 2017.
SolarWorld officially enters insolvency
Almost three months after announcing provisional insolvency proceedings, the German module maker has now entered the insolvency process. The company is currently negotiating with a potential investor for the takeover of its two German production sites.
Eicke Weber: Trump’s border wall could host 5 GW of PV capacity
The former head of Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE said in an interview with Spiegel that, although the proposed U.S. border wall should reach a length of only 2,000 miles, this would be enough to build a huge PV installation. With a solar LCOE ranging from $0.03 to $0.05/KWh the PV plant could be amortized in five to six years.
SolarWorld reports shipment growth in first quarter
The German-American module maker shipped 382 MW in the first three months of this year. The company’s plan to focus on monocrystalline PERC products is being implemented according to schedule.
Wacker says market environment for polysilicon is difficult
The German chemical company has said in its preliminary results for the first quarter of this year that polysilicon prices dropped significantly over the past weeks. Overall, the company expects to see its profits grow in 2017.
SolarWorld seeks to drastically reduce costs
The German PV module maker has confirmed its financial results for 2016. The company reiterated its outlook, which forecasts that it will become profitable again in 2019.
