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.
First Solar sold out well into 2020
The thin film PV maker expects its new Series 6 PV module to begin mass production in Ohio in Q2 – with 1 GW expected to be manufactured globally in 2018. The company also increased its 2018 guidance.
U.S. trade authorities provide details on exemptions to solar import tariffs
PV makers seeking exemptions to Section 201 duties must make them by March 16, but there is no guarantee that any will be granted.
Prognosis uncertain
American solar manufacturing: President Trump’s relatively measured 201 ruling surprised many. And while there are already reports of new hiring and expansions by U.S. module makers, the new tariffs will not be enough for a major revival of the sector.
Report: Chinese module imports climbed sharply in Q4
1,200%. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, that’s how high imports of Chinese modules rose in the fourth quarter last year in a desperate attempt to stockpile sufficient numbers before tariffs choked off international supplies.
SunPower continues to bleed red ink
Due largely to write-downs the high-efficiency PV maker lost a whopping $750 million during Q4 2017, as it sells off assets.
