Germany-based LPKF Laser & Electronics AG has told PV Tech that its manufacturing plants in Germany are able to operate at normal capacity levels, despite the continued impact of COVID-19.
Major semiconductor and specialist solar equipment manufacturer withdraws its business outlook for its FYQ2 as pandemic hits supply chain and manufacturing operations.
Leading monocrystalline wafer producer and ‘Solar Module Super League’ (SMSL) member approves around US$985 million in capex on three separate capacity expansion projects totaling 25GW for 2020.
Government approves previously floated plans to allow renewable developers to invoke ‘force majeure’ clauses to win more time as virus continues to disrupt PV supply chains.
Major polysilicon and merchant solar cell producer, Tongwei Group is adding 40,000MT of high-purity polysilicon at a cost of around RMB 4 billion (US$563 million), which is to result in its total polysilicon capacity reaching 155,000MT in 2021.
‘Solar Module Super League’ (SMSL) member LONGi Solar has started volume production at its latest 5GW highly automated module assembly plant to produce its HI-MO 1 modules using large area 166mm x 166mm (M6) wafers.
As expected, extension of Chinese New Year due to COVID-19 and restrictions to travelling and manufacturing re-starts had a sizeable impact on PV module exports from China in February, according to the latest official figures.
Facility’s location at out-of-the-way Si Racha zone, preliminary stocking of raw materials and the still-healthy state of global freight have helped minimise impacts, manufacturer tells PV Tech.
China-based PV manufacturer Jiangsu Akcome Science & Technology Co is issuing non-public ‘A’ shares to raise capital to invest in a second phase capacity expansion of heterojunction (HJ) solar cell and module production.
Reports indicate the state-owned utility intends to invest CNY23 billion (US$3 billion) in the hybrid plant, set to come online in 2021 and produce 400,000-500,000 tonnes of hydrogen per year.
