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.
JinkoSolar downsizes plans for Jacksonville, Florida factory
The Chinese PV giant is now planning to employ only 1/4 the number of workers previously planned in one PV module factory, which will be online by the end of next year.
1366 abandons plans for New York factory
The innovative wafer maker will be building its first commercial-scale factory overseas.
Trump’s steel, aluminum tariffs to increase solar costs
The president has announced a 25% tariff on imported steel and 10% on aluminum. While the details remain unclear, this will inevitably raise prices for PV installations.
Solaria suing partner over trade secret misappropriation
The company is suing Genesem, a South Korean equipment manufacturing partner, for using Solaria’s technology outside of agreements.
Tesla has begun installing world’s largest rooftop pv system
The battery, solar and EV maker’s Gigactory in Nevada is projected to be the world’s largest building by footprint when its completed, and its rooftop can fit roughly 100,000 solar panels.
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.
Enphase seeks Section 201 exclusion for AC modules
The company has registered as a lobbyist with K Street’s most experienced WTO law firm – Sidley Austin LLP.
Trump talks up Section 201 solar tariff
While attending a National Governors Association’s meeting President Trump claimed benefits of the Section 201 solar tariff, while disparaging Chinese product quality.
Roth: Steel, aluminum tariffs to add at least 1-3 cents per watt to solar projects
While President Trump has a range of options, all likely scenarios seem likely to result in a modest increase in the cost of solar installations.
