Power Plants

SMA Solar Technology is continuing to tout the expectation that a dire PV market this year will lead to the company making further headcount reductions.

Chinese thin-film manufacturer Hanergy has acquired Engensa, a UK-based home energy systems provider, for an undisclosed purchase price.

Renewable energy developer Sempra U.S. Gas & Power has dedicated the first phase of Arizona's Mesquite solar project, expected to become one of the largest PV plants in North America.

PV projects in Thailand as well as strong demand in select European countries saw Conergy post its highest ever first quarter shipments.

South Africa has inked agreements with the preferred bidders for nine solar projects under the second round of its national renewable energy procurement programme.

China Merchants New Energy Group Limited has inked a joint venture agreement with state-owned Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Investment Co which seeks to invest and build a 300MW PV plant in China.

Construction of the 160MW Noor 1 CSP project has officially started following a ground breaking ceremony held on 10 May attended by King Mohammed VI.

The Heraeus Photovoltaics business unit, part of German technology firm Heraeus, has upgraded its PV laboratory in Shanghai, China, in order to increase its local support to Chinese cell manufacturers.

PV developer SolarCity has installed a total of 1.5MW of PV capacity at two water treatment plants in Sacramento, California.

Swedish furniture retailer IKEA is continuing to expand its solar footprint in the US and has announced the completion of its 38th solar project at its store in Stoughton, Massachusetts.