Natcore develops new processes for foil cell
Rochester, New York based technology company Natcore has announced two new processes, which it says could dramatically reduce production costs of its foil cell, which it has been working to commercialize for the past couple of years.
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.
UPDATED: World’s largest batteries hiding in Colorado bids
Xcel Energy’s December 2017 solicitation results contain bids for energy storage projects at least as large as the current world’s largest under construction, and far larger than the world’s biggest running batteries.
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.
Trump exempts Canada, Mexico from steel and aluminum tariffs
President Trump has exempted the two nations from 25% import duties on steel and 10% duties on aluminum, and has further left the door open to any nations with which the United States has a “security relationship”.
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.
Tariffs on steel, aluminum to hit racking, tracking & mounting systems makers
IHS Markit is already predicting a 1-3 cent per watt increase in PV system prices, with the greatest impact again on utility-scale solar.
Tesla to sell 25 MW battery as part of Salt River Project settlement
Judge ruled SRP acted illegally against solar power customers as a monopoly power by changing rates in 2015. Settlement does not end customer charge.
1366 abandons plans for New York factory
The innovative wafer maker will be building its first commercial-scale factory overseas.
U.S. energy storage begins to take off
Despite a lackluster Q4, GTM Research predicts that the U.S. energy storage market is going to boom in 2018, driven by both policy support and falling prices.
