Astronergy’s a-Si/μc-Si tandem-junction high-efficiency thin-film PV modules have been awarded both TÜV and UL certification for the IEC 61646 and IEC 61730 standards. The dual certification means that the company’s modules are guaranteed for these standards in both Germany and the U.S.
Confirming that things are indeed on the up for the company, First Solar has released word that it is planning to double production capacity at its Frankfurt (Oder) manufacturing plant. Strong demand from the company’s European customer base has necessitated the expansion from 223MW to around 446MW by the fourth quarter of 2011. The company is in advanced talks with the German regional and federal authorities in regard to the proposal. First Solar’s current (2010) anticipated annual production capacity is in more than 1.3GW in Germany, the U.S. and Malaysia. With three additional factories in different phases of construction in France and Malaysia...
SunPower has agreed to construct what will be its fifth solar power plant for the Naturener Group in Spain. The 9.1MW (AC) plant will be constructed in Alange, Badajoz, and is one of the largest to be commissioned in Spain so far this year. SunPower will install its T0 Tracker systems and Serengeti solar panels at the 38-hectare site, while also providing operations and maintenance services for the plant.
The German Institute for Standardization (DIN) has passed Suntech’s core product range as certified ammonia resistant by awarding the DIN 50916 standard. This standard assures that the panels can maintain a high performance level under exposure to ammonia, most relevant to installations in and around farms that can use ammonia-based products as fertilizer for land, or livestock that emit ammonia.
Total’s subsidiary Total Gas & Power USA (SAS) has completed their acquisition of 25.4% interest in AE Polysilicon through a reserved capital increase. In addition, Total signed a long-term agreement to buy AEP high purity granular polysilicon.
Avancis, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, will be constructing a 100MW capacity plant in Torgau, Germany. The new factory, which has an undisclosed cost at this point, will be built close to the first Avancis industrial site and feature the manufacturing of copper-indium-gallium-(di) selenide thin-film PV panels. Completion and commencement of operation is expected by the first quarter of 2012.
Marking the company’s largest module contribution in a single project to date, Evergreen Solar has revealed that it has supplied over 7MW of the total 8MW capacity of a new solar farm in Neustrelitz, Germany. Project developers IBC Solar Invest sited the plant on a 250,000 square metre former Soviet military training base, which required a munitions recovery service to rid the land of any mines.
Wacker Chemie has signed a purchase agreement with Norway’s Fesil Group for the handover of its silicon metal production plant in Holla, close to Trondheim. With a capacity of around 50,000 metric tons per annum, the transaction will ensure Wacker’s supply of silicon metal in the long term, providing approximately one third of its annual silicon metal needs for the production of silicones and hyperpure polysilicon.
International Medical Corps received a $216,000 gift from Google.org, a part of internet mogul Google. Three thousand solar chargers were donated for the IMC medical and community health teams, which find themselves working in countries with cell phone coverage, but little to no electricity to enable use or ample charging of the cellular devices.
Prime Sun Power and Bangkok Solar Power have signed a strategic investment agreement where Bangkok Solar Power will attain up to 6,639,063 shares of PSP common stock at €7.73 per share. All shares issued to BSP are subject to a lock-up period through December 31, 2013. The purchase price was valued off of PSP’s current business plan, projected growth and the company’s ability to help BSP access the European solar market.
