Asia & Oceania

Wacker Chemie has agreed a minimum pricing deal with China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) that will allow the chemical producer to continue exporting polysilicon made at its plants in Europe to China.

Japan has launched a subsidy programme to support the installation of lithium-ion battery-based stationary storage systems, offering to pay individuals and entities up to two-thirds of their purchase price.

A small fire broke out at REC Solar's manufacturing facilities in Tuas, Singapore this morning.

Japan’s feed-in tariff (FiT) from 1 April looks almost certain to be set at ¥32/kWh for commercial customers and at ¥37/kWh for residential PV system owners, falling by approximately 11% from 2013 levels.

GT Advanced Technologies (GTAT) has secured a major US$336 million polysilicon equipment and technology deal with Cosmos Chemicals Berhad as part of plans to build a 25,000MT integrated polysilicon plant in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Indian PV manufacturer Indosolar has asked to have its debt restructured because it says low equipment prices mean it is unable to make a profit.

Chinese PV manufacturer Chaori Solar has become China’s first firm to default on a domestic bond after missing an interest repayment.

The pipeline of approved PV projects in the Philippines reached over 1GW in January, according to the country’s Department of Energy (DoE).

Analysts have predicted slow growth for India’s solar market this year due to delays in implementing its waning national solar mission.

BenQ Solar, the solar power division of Taiwan-based technology company AU Optronics, is preparing to launch a new lightweight module specifically aimed at the Japanese residential market.