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.
TVA proposes rate structures to hobble rooftop solar
The semi-public power authority is not even trying to hide its attempt to slow down deployment of customer-owned solar and other forms of distributed generation.
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.
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.
Wacker’s US polysilicon factory still on hold
Following an explosion at a U.S. production facility in 2017, the German polysilicon producer is under investigation by local authorities. Wacker Chemie must now pay a fine of $20,000 for failing to comply with certain regulations regarding the provision of personal protective equipment and employee safety during maintenance work prior to the accident.
The Carolinas lead as solar booms in the Southeast
The inaugural Solar in the Southeast report by Southern Alliance for Clean Energy finds a large disparity between progress in the Carolinas and Georgia versus the rest of the region.
GTM Research predicts 11% reduction in the U.S. solar market from tariffs
President Trump’s tariff decision was not the worst-case scenario for the U.S. market, but GTM Research says that it will still have effects, particularly in marginal and emerging regional markets.
Shell to acquire 44% stake in solar developer Silicon Ranch
The pioneering Southern solar developer will now be backed by Europe’s largest oil and gas company.
Hemlock calls on Trump to restore access to the Chinese polysilicon market
The last round of the trade war decimated U.S. polysilicon, and Hemlock Semiconductor is calling on Trump to address this in the Section 201 remedy.
TVA still electrifying cities like Nashville
A partnership between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Metro and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Nashville Electric Service will bring the Music City its first community solar project.
