US scientists claim clear-sky irradiance model provides better results for module testing
Researchers at the American Institute of Physics have used the clear-sky irradiance model developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to measure the degradation rates of solar panels at a testing field in Germany over five years. The scientists say the model, when combined with real-world data, offers an efficient tool to evaluate the aging of PV technology.
Hanergy: from thin-film solar savior to mass layoffs at MiaSolé, Alta, Solibro and Global Solar
Unannounced layoffs with no pay or benefits have left more than 600 American workers in the U.S., 180 employees in Germany, and thousands in China unemployed and in the dark. A number of employees reached out to tell their story.
Driving the global energy transition
In this interview, pv magazine’s Erica Johnson sits down with Former solar executive and California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild to discuss California’s long-term relationship with Germany and the state’s blended focus on energy policy, technology and the economy to achieve 100% renewable energy.
Schletter to restart its North Carolina presence, sans factory
The mounting systems maker is opening a new sales and distribution office in the Charlotte metro area, and has maintained manufacturing in Europe and Asia.
Akasol to build new battery factory near Detroit
The German battery maker will produce batteries for electric trucks and buses at the new facility, which is expected to employ 200 workers and produce 400 megawatt-hours of batteries annually.
Jinko and REC petition for review of Hanwha patent
The manufacturers are pushing back on the basis for the suit that their Korean/German rival has launched, arguing that there is evidence the innovations they refer to were either not new or were obvious steps forward.
LONGi, JinkoSolar, REC Group respond to Hanwha Q-Cells IP suit
All three companies say the patent infringement claim is without merit, and LONGi has provided technical details as to why its PERC isn’t based on Hanwha Q-Cells’ patent.
Hanwha Q-Cells sues to keep Jinko, Longi and REC Group out of the U.S. market
The Korean/German solar manufacturer has filed patent infringement lawsuits against the three companies in the United States, and is seeking to bar them from importing solar products for the U.S. market. Hanwha Q Cells claims its three rivals have used its patented solar cell passivation technology to increase the performance of their products.
Siemens wants to take over Kaco
After announcing its entry into residential storage a week ago, the Munich-based multinational has now unveiled a plan to acquire inverter manufacturer Kaco. Siemens has not provided details about the value of the transaction.
Shell moves to acquire Sonnen
In May, oil giant Shell invested in battery maker sonnen. Now the 112-year-old company wants to fully acquire the business.
