Several of Europe’s leading solar institutions have placed follow-up orders with Meyer Burger subsidiary Pasan SA for its sun simulators. The simulators will be used to assist the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI), Fraunhofer ISE and TÜV Rheinland to test, calibrate and certify PV modules for use in Europe.
Hybrid TFPV cell manufacturer XsunX has entered into an agreement with Taiwanese company Telecomps Technology Corp., Ltd. (Telecomps) that will see the latter provide OEM module assembly services for XsunX’s CIGSolar technology. Telecomps will work with the thin-film manufacturer to develop back-end CIGSolar solar module assembly capabilities, which is likely to aid XsunX in its Chinese marketing efforts.
PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) has two new PV performance and reliability laboratories in Northern California located in Berkeley and Davis, California. Lab services at the Berkeley site and outdoor field testing at the Davis facility were initiated in February.
Solyndra has recently closed on its new US$75 million in secured credit facility, which was underwritten by current investors. The company stated that the financing will go towards furthering its pursuit of cost reductions and implementing its channel expansion, segment sales and marketing stratagems.
Hailed as a decisive move in terms of the company’s plans for the region, Phoenix Solar has formed its North American executive leadership team, working from its headquarters at the Bishop Ranch office park in San Ramon, California. Stepping into the role of president and CEO is Paul J. Caudill, who brings over 30 years’ power generation and industry experience to the company.
Q-Cells SE is set to increase its presence within the U.K. solar industry by opening a new office in London. The exact opening date for the office has not been revealed but it is likely to take place before the end of Q2.
Trina Solar has signed a licensing, sales and marketing agreement with module-integrated installation hardware manufacturer Zep Solar. Trina hopes to begin selling its Zep compatible modules along with Zep’s System II hardware in North America, Europe and Australia from Q3 onwards.
Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley is the new home for Helios USA’s new manufacturing facility, which officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today. Helios, who states that they are the state’s first manufacturer of high-performance solar modules that can be used in residential, commercial, industrial and utility-based solar projects, is already manufacturing panels and shipping them across the U.S. from its new Wisconsin facility.
Concurrent to its OHSAS 18001 and SA8000 certifications, Suntech Power Holdings has been given the Global Leader Award 2011 from Murphy&Spitz; an award that honors sustainable organizations for their environmental, health and safety (EH&S) practices. Suntech noted that it is the first global solar company to receive both the OHSAS 18001 and SA8000 certifications.
Hanwha SolarOne and CNBM International have collectively extended their business relationship with a new order by CNBM International, which calls for Hanwha SolarOne to supply 50MW of it PV modules throughout 2011. The two companies originally entered into their business relationship in September 2010, when Hanwha SolarOne agreed to supply CNBM International with 10MW of PV modules during 2010.
