Solar panel imports down 50% in the first two months of 2018
The EIA’s monthly solar module import report shows that after a ramp up in in mid-2017, volumes of imported PV modules crashed in January and February.
Rudolph Libbe to lead construction of new First Solar factory
The firm is building the $400 million factory, its for First Solar – and creating 500 construction jobs in the process
First Solar still sold out into 2020
The thin film solar maker is also reviving its EPC division with a goal to build 1 GW of solar projects each year, as well as increasing its presence in O&M services.
First Solar to build the biggest solar factory in the Western Hemisphere – in Ohio
The 1.2 GW factory will employ 500 workers. The new facility is expected to First Solar’s total capacity to 7.6 GW by the end of 2020.
Wacker to restart U.S. polysilicon production
Wacker Chemie has said it is gradually ramping up production at its beleaguered U.S. polysilicon production site, with product expected to be again available in Q2. The shutdown has affected its Q1 earnings, with sales down 18% compared to a year ago.
DOE lashes out at 1366 Technologies
1366 Technologies, “recipient” of an undisbursed $150 million manufacturing loan guarantee, has received an aggressively-worded letter from the U.S. Department of Energy as it seeks a Section 201 exemption.
Schletter Inc. files for chapter 11 bankruptcy
The solar mounting systems maker’s U.S. division has filed for bankruptcy, one month after the German parent company filed for insolvency.
Congress fights Trump’s solar tariffs
Representative Jacky Rosen (D) of Nevada introduced the ‘Protecting American Solar Jobs Act’ on April 19th. The bill would repeal the tariffs imposed under the Section 201 ruling.
SolarWorld Americas comments on duties exemptions for competitors, SunPower
Shortly before the announcement of its acquisition by SunPower, SolarWorld’s former U.S. subsidiary commented on the request by its competitors to be exempt from the new U.S. solar PV import tariffs.
Solar power electronics get $20 million from DOE
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced up to $20 million in funding for nine projects to advance early-stage solar power electronics technologies.
