Markets & Finance

Three of Cayman Islands-registered LDK Solar’s US-based subsidiaries are to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, supporting attempts to restructure rather than fold the company.

SolarWorld Americas has backed proposed bi-partisan legislation to reinforce the protection of trade secrets.

The need for resilient electricity supplies is driving demand for micro-grids in the Asia-Pacific region to the “threshold of exponential growth”, according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan.

Both PV microinverter and power optimiser demand are expected to continue to grow rapidly, according to the latest market research report from IHS Technology.

Having the two largest markets in the world, China and Japan helps, but according to market research firm NPD Solarbuzz the Asia-Pacific region that includes India, Australia and Thailand is expected to support PV market demand of around 17.2GW in the second half of 2014.

Chile’s government has released CLP780 million (US$1.3 million) to fund the early-stage development of 51 renewable energy projects totalling 740MW.

Taiwan-based solar cell producer, Solartech Energy is investing approximately US$16.2 million in Malaysia-based solar cell producer, TS Solartech Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Tek Seng Holdings Bhd.

Brazil has released its plans for energy developments for the next ten years, with 3.5GW of solar planned.

The largest US solar installer, SolarCity has revised certain terms related to the purchase of PV manufacturer, Silevo.

Former CEO, Mike Miskovsky of PV module mounting systems designer, Zep Solar has joined another innovative company in the PV sector, robot controlled tracking systems firm, QBotix. SolarCity acquired Zep Solar for US$158 million all stock transaction in October, 2013.