Major PV inverter manufacturer Sungrow Power Supply Co, recently reported a relatively strong rebound in revenue (up 10%) in the first half of 2018 but on a quarterly basis the second quarter sales increased 29% from the previous quarter, indicating that greater dependence on China and the utility-scale market with central inverters, creates a ‘solarcoaster’ ride.
PV and electronics equipment manufacturing and automation specialist Manz AG has secured another advanced payment for CIGS (Copper, Indium, Gallium, DiSelenide) thin-film manufacturing equipment, which is part of a major production order with Chinese partners, the Shanghai Electric Group and the Shenhua Group.
Major US solar farm buyer Capital Dynamics has closed on a US$1.2 billion fund to continue investing in utility-scale renewable energy projects in the US.
Arcadia Power has closed on a US$25 million investment round that the company will now use to expand its outreach to consumers and offer its services. In addition, the company announced that it is developing 120MW of new community solar projects across the US.
Fund manager African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) has acquired majority stakes in nine new solar and wind power plants in South Africa, totaling 800MW.
Thai firm B.Grimm Power Plc, through subsidiary B.Grimm Renewable Power 2 Limited, has purchased an 80% stake in a 257MW solar project in Vietnam from Truong Thanh Viet Nam Group (TTVN).
Trina Solar (Vietnam) Science & Technology, part of China-based Silicon Module Super League (SMSL) member Trina Solar, has secured a US$30 million credit facility with one of Vietnam's four largest commercial banks, VietinBank.
BIM Group and AC Energy, the energy arm of Ayala Corporation, have signed EPC and financing documents that will increase a 30MW solar farm in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam, to 280MW in capacity.
Leading PV manufacturing equipment supplier Meyer Burger reported first half year financial results, highlighting strong sales and a return to profitability but weak order intake, due to Chinese government solar policy changes and market uncertainties influenced by USA-China trade conflict.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €31 million loan for a 30MW solar project in the Kyzylorda region of Southern Kazakhstan, sponsored by Total EREN and Access Infra Central Asia.
