Manufacturing

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.

U.S. President Donald Trump has asked trade officials to consider increasing import duties from 10% to 25% on a list of products from China including inverters, AC modules and non-lithium batteries.

The company has brought its operating margin to below -1%, as it fends off component shortages, short sellers and potential tariffs.

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.

A report issued by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association shows rapid PV growth in less than a decade in co-ops.

The inverter-optimizer manufacturer has expanded from its residential focus and now gets 40% of its revenue from commercial sales. The company is also supplying a soon-to-be commissioned 53 MW-AC solar power project.

The thin film PV maker reports difficulties in ramping its new Series 6 product, as well as pressure from module price collapses.

The Canadian PV maker is planning to reopen its factory in Northern Minnesota in August, and another factory in Oregon later this year.

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.’

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.