Manz Automation took a heavy hit from the fall in equipment sales in the solar and LCD industries in 2009. Revenue for 2009 was €85.9 million, down sharply from €236.5 million in 2008. Cost cutting measures limited losses to €15.9 million. Manz Automation saw fourth quarter sales jump sharply as a recovery in the PV industry netted sales of €39.2 million (previous year: €77.4 million), accounting for 45.6% of the total annual revenues. Order book stood at €40 million in mid-December 2009, but has increased to €70 million as of February 28, 2010, according to the company. Manz said that it expects a return to double digit growth in 2010.
A ceremony took place on March 25 to celebrate the launch of two solar photovoltaic parks totaling 18MW located in Norfolk County, Ontario. The two solar parks, SunE Sky Norfolk I and II, are being developed under a joint venture between SunEdison and SkyPower.
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film module manufacturer Abound Solar has received IEC certification from TÜV Rheinland Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory as well as certification by Underwriters Laboratory and the California Energy Commission, meeting UL, IEC, CEC, and CE requirements for its AB1 series of PV modules. As a result, the company can sell its products in the U.S. and across Europe.
Morocco has now reportedly secured agreements with the World Bank, the European Commission and Germany in connection with its large-scale US$9 billion solar project, which is expected to produce 38% of the country's power by the year 2020.
Solar Power Inc. has selected McClellan Business Park as the site for its U.S. manufacturing facility, subject to the finalization of building agreements. The company has received an initial commitment of US$24.7 million in Recovery Zone Facility Bonds (RZFB) from Sacramento County and plans to use the proceeds from the sale of these bonds to help finance renovation and outfitting of the solar panel manufacturing facility.
Intersolar North America has confirmed that more than 80% of exhibitor space has been sold for the July 13-15 exhibition held in San Francisco, CA. Located alongside Semicon West, Intersolar expects approximately 700 international solar exhibitors, taking up all three floors of Moscone Center West Hall.
Hit by the global recession and weak solar equipment market in 2009, Singulus Technologies posted total revenue of €116.6 million for the business year 2009, compared to €212.1 million in 2008, approximately a 45% decline, year-on-year. Its solar business segment posted revenue of €36 million, down slightly from €37.9 million in 2008. However, 2009 results included the consolidated revenue of Stangl Semiconductor Equipment, which it recently acquired.
Tenesol, owned by Total and EDF, has become the first French manufacturer of solar PV panels to be awarded the triple certification of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OSHAS 18001 certifications. Benoit Rolland, general manager of Tenesol said, "The increased demand for solar energy worldwide has reinforced our commitment to total quality, sustainable development and safety. We are delighted to achieve this triple certification - it is a testament to our continued efforts in these areas and it will no doubt foster further improvement in all aspects of our work."
Odersun has appointed Frank Prein as its chief operating officer and member of the board of management, effective from April 1. Prein brings to the position experience from various executive technology and operations posts.
Sharp Solar Energy Solutions has been chosen to provide the photovoltaic panels for a 3.2MW solar system at the Denver Federal Center (DFC), one of the largest Federal agency centers in the U.S. This project, funded through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, was awarded by the General Services Administration in December 2009. Construction will begin in April.
