Integrated PV manufacturer SolarWorld has started using two module assembly subcontractors to boost capacity to meet demand in the US and Europe, according to the company’s first half 2016 financial report.
PV and electronics equipment manufacturing and automation specialist Manz AG has reported continued demand for automation system in China for solar manufacturing applications that have generated €17.5 million in first half year revenue, up 66.7% from the prior year period.
During the period 2006 to 2011, equipment spending for solar manufacturing was a really big deal for capital equipment suppliers. Companies such as GT Advanced Technologies (then GT Solar) and Applied Materials (serving thin-film and c-Si expansions alike) were clocking up billion-dollar plus backlogs.
PV and polysilicon manufacturing equipment specialist centrotherm photovoltaics has reported first half 2016 consolidated revenue of €61.9 million and an order intake for the period of €89.5 million.
PV inverter manufacturer SMA Solar Technology said it would close production facilities in Denver, US, and Cape Town, South Africa on continued competition issues and consolidate global inverter production in Germany and China.
High-efficiency PV module producer and project developer SunPower said it was reducing its focus in PV power plant development outside the US and focusing more resources to the distributed generation market in the US.
Taiwan-based solar cell and wafer producers are being impacted by slowing demand from China and unfolding overcapacity that has resulted in ASP declines hitting monthly revenue figures since June.
China-based polysilicon and wafer producer Daqo New Energy has reported record production and financial metrics on strong demand in the second quarter of 2016.
Chinese solar cell and module manufacturer Hareon Solar Technology is bouncing back after its US$90 million lawsuit last year with new investment in its PV business and a new partnership.
