German PV systems integrator Phoenix Solar has reported a return to operating profit for the first time since 2010, with earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) at €0.6 million (US$0.64 million), up from losses of €1.6 million last year.
China-based PV manufacturer Yingli Green Energy and industrial technology partners, Dutch research centre ECN and equipment manufacturer Tempress, a subsidiary of Amtech Systems have fabricated their first IBC (Interdigitated Back Contact) n-type solar cells on 6-inch monocrystalline wafers at the manufacturer's pilot line in China.
The Trump administration plans to make good on threats to cut ‘unnecessary’ regulation pertaining to energy and the environment, with plans to cut 25% of the budget for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
Specialist PV manufacturing equipment supplier Singulus Technologies expects to double sales in 2017 after its new order backlog in 2016 reached €109.9 million, a 310% increase over the previous year.
Spain has approved the first of four norms necessary to carry out a major renewable energy tender, but the size of capacity available remains in doubt.
China-based PV energy provider (PVEP) United Photovoltaics Group reported a 58% increase in revenue for 2016, driven primarily by the addition of 415.4MW of new PV power plants under ownership.
India’s Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Indian and US bodies to cooperate on integrating utility-scale renewable energy into the grid.
Major PV inverter manufacturer SMA Solar Technology came through another tough year with unit volume sold a record 8.23GW in 2016 but ASP pressure ensured sales were down. The bright spot was its commercial solar business unit, which bucked lower sales in the residential and utility-scale sectors with 27% growth, year-on-year.
