BREAKING: Authorities could lower Taiwanese import duties to single digits
A preliminary finding by the U.S. Department of Commerce could lower import duties first imposed on Taiwan solar cell manufacturers in 2014 from high double-digits to single digits, while tariffs on Chinese module and cell manufacturers imposed at the same time remain in place.
Materion acquires Heraeus target materials business
German technology group Heraeus and U.S. company Materion Advanced Materials have announced the completion of the latter’s acquisition of the target materials business belonging to Heraeus.
Tesla to finally close the door on Silevo
It’s been a long time coming, but Tesla’s annual report confirms that the SolarCity-Silevo romance has come to an end.
Sun Action Trackers offers residential dual axis tracker
Sun Action announced that it has begun offering re-engineered models of its PST-2AL Dual Axis Solar Tracker that will sport reduced array fields of 20 to 25 modules, compared with 42 modules in the original design.
SolarWorld Americas appreciates Trump’s tough trade talk
The panel manufacturer, which operates a production facility in Oregon hopes the president’s call for strict enforcement of U.S. trade laws will give it, as well as other domestic panel companies, a better chance against Chinese competition.
Meyer Burger to shut down U.S. diamond wire production
The Swiss equipment provider has announced a plan to close production for its diamond wire platform in Colorado. The company blames global pressure on prices and margins. Meanwhile, its preliminary financial results for 2016 show a 40% increase in sales.
Enphase narrows losses in Q4 results
The company appears to be making progress with its restructuring, as it continues to launch increasingly sophisticated home energy solutions.
Tracker mergers on the march: Clavijo and MFV Solar to form NCLAVE
Grupo Clavijo and MFV Solar have reached a merger agreement to form NCLAVE, with the financial support of Q-Growth Fund, to become “the world leader in the design, manufacture and installation of structures and trackers for the solar photovoltaic market,” the companies say.
SunPower, Dongfang to establish 5 GW P-Series cell, module factory
The U.S. solar maker and two Chinese companies are planning to build out the massive factory in Eastern China, making good on the promise to transition to the lower-cost P-Series.
SolarCity drags down Tesla’s Q4 results
The EV, battery and now solar company fell into the red in Q4 concurrent with the acquisition of SolarCity, as it begins making batteries at its Gigafactory and prepares for Model 3 roll-out.
