News > Americas

  • The 250KW First Solar PV system at Taliesin West is expected to generate more than 500MWh of electricity annually. Image: Business Wire

    First Solar donates 250kW PV system to Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s Taliesin West campus

    25 May 2012, 17:20

    First Solar has completed the installation of a 250kW solar PV system donated to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and installed at the Taliesin West campus. This marks the completion of the first phase of the Energizing Taliesin West initiative, which aims to transform the historic landmark into a “net zero” energy customer. The PV system is expected to produce over 500MWh of electricity per year.

  • MEMC releases statement on senior debt rating.

    MEMC comments on S&P downgrade

    25 May 2012, 16:07

    Following S&P’s downgrade of MEMC Electronic Materials senior debt to a B+ rating, the company issues a short statement regarding the decision. “We are disappointed with the rating change by S&P,” commented Brian Wuebbels, MEMC’s chief financial officer, “but we are comfortable that our cash and liquidity position is sufficient to meet our current cash needs. The credit downgrade by S&P today will not adversely affect our current access to our existing non-recourse construction revolver for SunEdison construction activities.”

  • CPUC clarifies rule regarding measurement of net metering. Image: SunPeak Energy

    CPUC passes new rule regarding net metering

    25 May 2012, 16:01

    The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted 5 to 0 on the passing of a new rule regarding net metering, chiefly to refine the calculation for California’s 5% net metering cap. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) worked with members and stakeholders as part of the Coalition for Solar Rights petitioning the CPUC to review the calculation of the cap, which is anticipated to be reached as early as next year by some utilities. The CPUC vote essentially clarified the net metering calculation while also calling for further studies into the process.

  • The preliminary determination of levying anti-dumping tax is adverse for both the US and China, claims CCCME.

    PV enterprises unite to prove US DoC ruling as “unwarranted”

    25 May 2012, 14:03

    China’s Chamber of Commerce Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) has released details on why the US Department of Commerce’s preliminary determination is false and unwarranted.

  • Suntech is one of the many Chinese manufacturers targeted by the US Department of Commerce.

    Chinese Ministry of Commerce releases retaliatory statement against US anti-dumping determination

    25 May 2012, 10:27

    The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has identified six renewable energy initiatives in the US that the Chinese government believes is flouting World Trade Organization (WTO) rules on subsidies and countervailing measures in addition to the 1994 GATT Agreement.

  • US solar financing is transforming, says a new Bloomberg New Energy report. Image: Geoscapesolar

    Bloomberg New Energy publishes report on “Re-imagining US solar financing”

    25 May 2012, 10:11

    Bloomberg New Energy has published a report, “Re-imagining US solar financing”, which argues that a transformation of US solar project financing is happening. According to the report commissioned by the Reznick Group, investors are turning towards options like third-party financing, as well as project bonds and securities.

  • The 1.65MW installation is the largest in Utah. Image: Bella Energy

    Bella Energy completes 1.65MW installation in Salt Lake City

    25 May 2012, 09:08

    Bella Energy has completed a 1.65MW PV installation, the company has announced. The rooftop installation is mounted onto the roof of the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City and currently the biggest PV installation in the state of Utah.

  • Bronez joins worked at SunPower, where he most recently served as Vice President and General Manager for the North America Commercial Business Unit.

    SunPower VP to head Hanwha SolarOne USA operations

    24 May 2012, 17:03

    Hanwha SolarOne has lured Mark A. Bronez from SunPower to head-up its US operations. Bronez has been appointed as President of Hanwha SolarOne USA and will oversee general management of the US, Canadian and Mexican businesses. Bronez joins worked at SunPower, where he most recently served as Vice President and General Manager for the North America Commercial Business Unit.

  • Indium is installing state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, processes and analytical capabilities to address the world's demand for high-performance materials. Image: romesentinel.com

    Indium acquires new manufacturing facility in Rome, US

    24 May 2012, 16:57

    Indium has acquired a new manufacturing facility, located in Rome, NY, USA. The plant is currently being outfitted to expand production capacities of the company’s range of compounds, including indium-, gallium-, germanium-, and tin-based materials.

  • The US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has confirmed a 15.5% aperture area efficiency on commercial size flexible PV module (total area 1.68m2) from thin-film manufacturer MiaSolé.

    MiaSolé sets flexible PV efficiency world record at 15.5%

    24 May 2012, 16:35

    The US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has confirmed a 15.5% aperture area efficiency on commercial size flexible PV module (total area 1.68m2) from thin-film manufacturer MiaSolé. MiaSolé’s record represents over 2 points of improvement compared to the previous world record for flexible PV of 13.4% set earlier this year by SoloPower.

Newsletter

Preview Latest Subscribe
We won't share your details - promise!

Publications

  • Photovoltaics International 16th Edition

    Photovoltaics International 16th Edition

    This sixteenth edition of Photovoltaics International marks four years of production of the quarterly journal. As always, our focus is on efficiency and quality improvement and cost reduction in manufacturing. As 2012 rolls along, companies are falling by the wayside due to supply and demand issues, ASP declines and drastic governmental subsidy cuts. A clear picture of 2012 is offered through papers from the likes of TÜV Rheinland, Fraunhofer ISE, SEMI PV Group and EPIA, amongst others.

  • Photovoltaics International Lite, Volume 05 - 2011

    Photovoltaics International Lite, Volume 05 - 2011

    This digital interactive Lite sees Tom Cheyney follow Agua Caliente’s progress on becoming one of first truly utility-scale PV power farms, where 40–50MW (AC) will be commissioned by the end of the year. We also feature one of the world’s largest silicon thin-film PV power plants, Avenal; a report on warnings of the collapse of module prices from Solarbuzz and PI-Berlin presents tips on PV module testing. A print version of this edition will be distributed at Solar Power International 2011 in Dallas, Texas.

  • Manufacturing The Solar Future: The 2012 Production Annual

    Manufacturing The Solar Future: The 2012 Production Annual

    Manufacturing the Solar Future 2012, the second in the Photovoltaics International PV Production Annual series, delivers the next installment of in-depth technical manufacturing information on PV production processes.

Partners

Acknowledgements

Solar Media