Recom’s acquisition of Jabil lines could lead to a U.S. solar factory
The PV module manufacturer started negotiations with Jabil after the United States introduced duties on solar imports. Recom plans to restart manufacturing activities with Jabil’s 700 MW production equipment in the first quarter of 2019. Where exactly this will take place has not been disclosed yet.
REC Silicon lays off 40% of US workforce, reduces production
The Norwegian polysilicon maker has announced that it will today lay off around 100 employees from its Washington plant and reduce production, as a “direct result” of the trade dispute between the United States and China.
Global PV module prices collapse
The predicted fall in global PV module prices appears to have already begun, with PV Insights and EnergyTrend reporting average prices in the $0.27-$0.37 cent per watt range.
Innogy to develop 440 MW solar pipeline in the US southeast
Innogy’s US subsidiary will gain exclusive rights for the acquisition of 13 solar PV projects currently owned by North Carolina’s Birdseye Renewable Energy. The projects have a cumulative capacity of 440MW and are at various stages of development.
Sunpower secures a $300 million bridge to pay off loan certificates
The financially troubled PV maker has secured a last-minute line of credit to repay Total and other lenders, as it burns through cash.
Sonnen secures $70 million from Shell for US, Aus expansion
The battery integrator has already began to draw on the funds as it continues to expand its market presence in the United States and in Australia. Shell Ventures is now a major sonnen investor and and the companies have agreed to future cooperation.
Mercedes-Benz brand to leave the U.S. residential battery market
Parent company Daimler will continue to offer batteries for residential applications to selected partners, but no longer under Mercedes Benz Energy. The company plans to align the stationary storage segment with its grid business.
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.
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.
U.S. large-scale batteries lead global energy storage deployment
And inaugural global energy storage report by GTM Research finds that while the United States remains the world’s leading market with newly installed capacity of 431 MWh, China is poised to rise to second place globally in 2019.
