Having previously announced a major reorganization of its entire operations, centrotherm photovoltaics, the second largest equipment supplier to the PV industry, has employed an outside consultancy to prepare discussions with its banks to secure further funding. The move was sparked by short-term liquidity issues after merchandise credit insurance companies, used for products and merchandise being delivered to the company, declined further coverage and guarantees.
Satcon Technology has expanded its product portfolio to include certified inverter solutions for the light commercial solar market segment with the launch of ‘Equinox LC’ with a maximum efficiency of 98.2%. The new product line will include four UL certified power ratings of 12kW, 16kW, 20kW and 24kW, and five CE certified power ratings of 8kW, 10kW, 13kW, 17kW, and 20kW.
As the largest merchant solar cell producer, JA Solar continues to be impacted by rapidly declining prices as overcapacity continues thought the supply chain. Emphasis has therefore shifted to module production and shipments, though a return to profitability remains a distant goal. First quarter shipments which included cells and modules that exceeded guidance at 366MW, while revenue reached US$254.4 million, down 17.7% from the prior quarter and 56%, year-on-year. Net loss for the quarter was US$39.8 million.
A day after reports claimed Hanergy and Q-Cells were in discussion over the sale of the German PV manufacturers' CIGS thin-film subsidiary, Solibro, both companies said in a statement that a deal had been signed. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Continuing to support the development of one of the largest PV module portfolios, Suntech Power Holdings will also introduce a 255 watt polycrystalline module (STP255–20Wd) at Intersolar Europe 2012. The company claims that the polycrystalline module is around 5% more powerful than the industry average, while offering one of the best ‘price to performance’ ratios on the market.
Reports have emerged that Hanergy Solar Technology is considering the purchase of Solibro, the CIGS thin-film subsidiary of Q-Cells. Insolvency firm HWW Wienberg Wilhelm, which is administering the bankruptcy proceedings of Q-Cells had said in April that there had been both foreign and domestic interest in acquiring the bankrupt PV manufacturer.
Having scrapped import duties on solar systems, Pakistan could be become a highly viable emerging market for photovoltaics, due to its high insolation values and growing energy demands. Adding to a string of recent PV power plant projects, Conergy is partnering with developer Ensunt and DACC Power Generation Company (DPGCL) to build a 50MW solar park in Bahawalpur, Cholistan region.
Failure to secure further funding has forced flexible thin-film manufacturer, Konarka Technologies into bankruptcy. The Chapter 7 bankruptcy via a Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court means full liquidation and asset sale to pay creditors. Since its initial venture capital funding in 2001, the company had raised around US$190 million to develop and market its roll-to-roll OPV (organic photovoltaic) technology.
Having recently teamed with Suntech, state-owned firm Phono Solar has signed a new agreement with GCL-Poly to build PV power plants in China. GCL-Poly already has plans to move downstream, having partnered with Winsun New Energy and Shunfeng Photovoltaic for projects in both China and Europe.
In a move cited to provide a more comprehensive product and service offering, Japanese PV equipment supplier NPC has merged its Germany-based subsidiaries, NPC Europe and Meier Solar Solutions. The module assembly tool specialist expects the move to support customers in and outside Europe.
