German PV inverter manufacturer KACO new energy said it expected shipment volumes in 2017 to reach almost 2.5GW after booking 600MW in the first quarter.
China-based PV energy provider (PVEP) United Photovoltaics Group said it would be changing its name in response to its direct involvement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) designed to promote both youth engagement and sustainable development and build PV power plant in the shape of a Panda.
Despite a significant drop in global renewable energy investment last year, a corresponding rise in renewables deployment spelled encouraging news for the sector, according to a new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report entitled ‘More Bang for the Buck’.
In this week's Movers & Shakers segment, PV Tech focuses in solar jobs in the US, with the UK's Lightsource embarking on its pilot expansion into North America, and Panasonic's Coronal Energy likewise strengthening its North American operations with new strategic leaders. An early-stage investor exits India's Azure Power and The Solar Foundation launches a new online career platform, in other news.
A joint investment of £240 million has been unveiled by the UK and Indian governments to encourage investment into India’s rapidly growing energy and renewables market and deepen trading ties between the two countries.
Prominent solar developers in the UK have started to tally up their recent work, totalling what was connected to the grid prior to last Friday’s Renewables Obligation deadline.
International PV developer and investor Sonnedix has acquired a 136MW solar portfolio from Centerbridge Partners, in what is claimed to be one of the largest PV transactions in Europe.
German PV systems integrator Phoenix Solar has reported a return to operating profit for the first time since 2010, with earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) at €0.6 million (US$0.64 million), up from losses of €1.6 million last year.
China-based PV manufacturer Yingli Green Energy and industrial technology partners, Dutch research centre ECN and equipment manufacturer Tempress, a subsidiary of Amtech Systems have fabricated their first IBC (Interdigitated Back Contact) n-type solar cells on 6-inch monocrystalline wafers at the manufacturer's pilot line in China.
