Tesla’s mad growth in energy storage
In the first two quarters of 2018 Tesla deployed 40% more energy storage than all of 2017, with 300-400% growth expected for 2019. Solar power deployments grew 11% to 84 MW over a low Q1 value.
SunPower to shift IBC solar production to new technology
The PV maker plans to shift its 800 MW of current E-Series production to its new NGT technology, as it records a massive loss on depreciation of its old equipment.
First Solar sees manufacturing hiccups, but bookings remain strong
The thin film PV maker reports difficulties in ramping its new Series 6 product, as well as pressure from module price collapses.
Heliene retools its Minnesota module factory
The Canadian PV maker is planning to reopen its factory in Northern Minnesota in August, and another factory in Oregon later this year.
Powerhouse breaks $60 million, passes UL fire tests
RGS Energy, manufacturer of the Powerhouse 3.0 solar shingle system, has passed UL tests for Class A Fire. Additionally, since June 28, 2018, Powerhouse has received an additional $24 million in ‘written reservations.’
REC Silicon hit by falling demand in Q2
The polysilicon maker has been a casualty of the trade war between the United States and China. Following layoffs, the company expects its plant in Washington to run at only 25% capacity until the trade war is resolved.
Solar modules on the floor at Intersolar North America 2018
Cruising the floor at a solar power conference is always full of ‘oohs and aahs’. New hardware – new software – and new techniques of getting solar into the world!
Amount of silver needed in solar cells to be more than halved by 2028
The Silver Institute finds the amount of silver loading may fall from 130 mg per cell in 2016 to roughly 65 mg by 2028. Alternative and cheaper raw materials, such as copper and aluminum, are not expected to replace silver in commercial cell production, at least in the next decade.
Powerhouse solar shingle seeks 17.1% panel efficiency
In an pre-UL Certification specification page of the Powerhouse 3.0 Solar Shingle, RGS Energy notes a 55W, 15.6% efficiency shingle and a 60W, 17.1% efficiency shingle.
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.
