By the end of May, pvXdatabase, the largest global cross-manufacturer online database, should be launched carrying over 5,000 photovoltaic products. The database will make it easier for software suppliers to access a user-friendly updated database without having to form their own, and for producers, who seek new methods of interactive presentation of their products.
centrotherm photovoltaics AG, a service provider for solar cell and solar silicon manufacturing, named Dr. Frank Faller (pictured) the new Managing Director at the company’s US subsidiary, centrotherm photovoltaics Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia.
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., and Soleos Solar GmbH, a PV systems manufacturer and installer, have announced the two companies have agreed that, for the first half of 2009, Suntech will supply Soleos with at least 6MW of modules.
In an expected move to strengthen its financial position, LDK Solar has announced a new line of credit worth approximately US$146 million from the Agricultural Development Bank of China and a US$29 million loan from China Development Bank. LDK Solar said it had unused credit facilities totalling US$785 million as of April 14, 2009.
China based thin film start-up, CHINT Solar has selected Air Products to supply both bulk and specialty gases at its new thin-film photovoltaic (PV) facility in Binjiang District, Hangzhou, China. The contract includes the supply of hydrogen, nitrogen and argon, as well as specialty gases such as silane, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and dopant mixtures. CHINT Solar is planning to reach 210MW in thin film production in 2010 and 380MW production capacity in 2010 that includes crystalline silicon solar cells.
Fraunhofer ISE has announced that Gerhard Stryi-Hipp will take over as Head of Energy Policy and Group Leader of Thermal Collectors and Applications, beginning in July, addressing the company’s need for help in these areas.
Applied Solar, Inc. announced the start-up of the Solar Communities program in San Diego. This program plans to increase the number of homes using clean solar energy by getting rid of cost by eliminating the most expensive Tier 3 and Tier 4 energy purchases, which usually is at least 60% of the typical San Diego Gas & Electric customer’s yearly bill.
Solar Thin Films, Inc. and its subsidiary, KRAFT Elektronikai Zrt., announced they have acquired BudaSolar Technologies Co. Ltd. of Budapest, Hungary in the hope of increasing the customer base.
According to its 2008 Annual Report, SOLON continues to be among the fastest growing solar companies in Germany, but due to an unstable market, is expecting moderate growth in 2009.
Manz Automation AG has announced it will be cutting employee hours up to 20% due to less demand at plants in Reutlingen and Tuebingen, Germany. The company has already cut workers this year in plants in Taiwan, China and Slovakia.
