Asia

Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with ProLogium to integrate solid-state battery technology into a range of vehicles; Panasonic and Toyota launched an industrial-academic collaborative research program concerned with battery resources and recycling; and LG Energy Solution plans to spend $2.1 billion with GM to build another EV battery plant in the US.

The solar industry reacts to appeal after the ITC had reversed a Trump administration move to strengthen Section 201 safeguard duties on certain solar products.

Wood Mackenzie has predicted solar equipment cost increases will ease back after last year saw the average cost of solar electricity rise for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region.

Also on the rise: Department of Commerce to rescind its review of the countervailing duty order on solar cells from 48 companies Chinese companies. Florida utility turns pallets and cardboard into mulch, saving millions. Standard Solar acquires operational solar plant in Idaho. Four New York community solar projects receive financing.

48 of the initial 83 companies have been found to have not be manufacturing or exporting any subject merchandise.

GoodWe’s new logo and slogan are intended to reflect the company’s increased commitment to harnessing smart technology.

An international research group has created a closed-loop, transparent energy platform based on PV power generation and hydrogen production from photo-electrochemical cells. The system is claimed to supply power without interruption and to be transparent enough to be integrated into buildings.

Also on the rise: China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) criticized the adoption of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act by the United States Congress. Source Power Company selected by NJR Clean Energy Ventures to provide customer acquisition and management services to New York community solar project. Scout Clean Energy acquires another midwest solar project. A look at the role solar and energy storage can play in greening the world’s urban spaces.

The China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) has criticized the adoption of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act by the United States Congress, which bars all imports from China’s Xinjiang region, and urged the country to stop spreading harmful rumors.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would ban all imports from the Chinese region, unless the U.S. government determines the products were not made with forced labor. The region supplies 50% of the world’s polysilicon, an essential material in solar PV.