Despite the major exhibition having a European tag, Intersolar Europe remains one of the most ‘international’ solar trade shows on the event calendar. As a result, new products launched at this show predominantly reflect trends and developments across multiple markets. On the first day of the exhibition, several new products stand-out for attention. More Day 1 updates are to follow.
Leading PV manufacturing equipment supplier Meyer Burger said that it had received follow-on orders from two customers based in Asia for its PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) upgrade technology totalling around CHF 80 million (US$82.4 million).
Austrian O&M provider ENcome has reached the gigawatt threshold for the amount of PV power plants it services worldwide. It also recently entered the Australian market for both O&M and engineering and advisory services.
PV and electronics equipment manufacturing and automation specialist Manz AG has received a further €64.3 million pre-payment on CIGS thin-film equipment from Chinese JV partners Shanghai Electric Group and Shenhua Group.
China-based PV manufacturer GCL System Integration Technology (GCL-SI) has signed a supply deal with German-based wholesaler, Europe Solar Concept (ESC) to offer its modules across Europe that are produced by Vietnam-based OEM producer, Vina Solar Technology.
‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Hanwha Q CELLS said its key strategic focus was to diversify its regional and market segment sales in 2017, while reiterating full-year PV module shipment guidance to be in the range of 5.5GW to 5.7GW in 2017.
This week's Movers & Shakers covers both expansions into new territories and new business ventures. A long-term member of the Nevada Public Utilities Commission resigns, while the SEIA gains two new board members. Also, GRID Alternatives and Washington DC launch a new solar training programme for low-income residents.
Octopus Energy Investments announced that it has refinanced a 17.4MW portfolio of solar assets in France. The total deal value is tabbed at US$67.3 million and is structured as a fully amortizing 14-year loan.
Spain will hold this year's second renewable energy auction of up to 3GW before the summer, but the parameters of the tender, which led to wind wiping the floor of the first auction, look to set to remain.
Conquest Asset Management announced Wednesday that it has reached a final agreement with Solairedirect, a subsidiary of Engie, to acquire a portfolio of six PV projects in France.
