Operations & Maintenance

Solar Data Systems, a subsidiary of Solare Datensysteme GmbH has launched its ‘Solar-Log 370’ that has been specifically designed for the US market to provide advanced residential solar PV monitoring with power management. The Solar-Log 370 combines the ‘Solar-Log’ monitoring technology into GE's 1-210+ residential revenue grade meter.

Leading CdTe thin-film producer First Solar is undertaking a further round of restructuring that targets its EPC and O&M operations after its decision to shutdown its TetraSun crystalline silicon operations in Malaysia in early July.

GoodWe has extended the three-phase inverter with dual MPP tracker ‘Smart DT’ series range to accommodate a wider number of residential and small-scale commercial applications with three additional models: 8kW, 9kW and 10kW versions to be added to the 4-6kW original range.

US-based Applied Energy Technologies (AET) has expanded and modified its ECO line of products to accommodate east/west orientation of PV modules to maximize PV production and increase array density on the rooftop.

After the 630 installation rush, enterprises, industry experts and investors began to think about the next trend for Chinese PV industry. It is predicted by senior staff from an investment company, that 2017’s plant development would be tripartite by the top runners (leading group) projects, distributed systems and poverty alleviating PV programmes.

Preceding Intersolar North America, US-based EPC firm Gehrlicher Solar America, a subsidiary of global high-tech engineering company, M+W changed its name to M+W Energy as part of plans to expand its business in the PV utility and commercial markets.

Huawei Technologies decided to enter the PV inverter market, bringing its ICT know-how and hardware to a market already burdened by overcapacity and declining margins. In a few short years, instead of floundering, Huawei soon became the market leader in China.

Energy consultancy DNV GL has acquired Barcelona-headquartered solar control and asset management systems provider GreenPowerMonitor.

Power electronics and O&M firm Ingeteam is taking over the solar business of Italy-based PV inverter company Bonfiglioli Riduttori.

Austria-headquartered PV O&M company ENcome has acquired abakus solar, a German PV wholesale business that specialises in project development, EPC and O&M, for an undisclosed amount.