A database of projects involving integration of renewable energy into the grid has been launched by Energy Networks Australia (ENA) and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to help collaboration between the renewables industry and grid operators in Australia.
Driven by steep cost declines in PV equipment, solar is now almost on a par with wind energy and will soon become the cheapest form of energy in developing nations, according to the Climatescope 2016 report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).
Laser micromachining equipment supplier 3D-Micromac has secured an order from REC Group to supply three ‘microCELL’ OTF laser systems for PERC (Passivate Emitter Rear Contact) solar cells from integrated PV module manufacturer REC Group.
Taiwan-based solar cell and wafer producers had been impacted by a major slowdown in PV project development in China in the third quarter of 2016. However, signs of a recovery emerged at the beginning of the fourth quarter and escalated further in November.
Integrated PV module manufacturer Zhongli Talesun Solar, part of Zhongli Science and Technology said it was supplying 96MW modules from its production plant in Thailand to ColGreen North Shore for a single PV power plant in California, US.
Taiwan-based merchant cell and module producer Neo Solar Power (NSP) reported an unexpected slump in November sales after several months of recovery, which was said to be due to deferred customer orders.
High-efficiency PV module producer and project developer SunPower has announced further restructuring plans that include the closure of its 700MW, IBC solar cell plant in the Philippines and a 25% reduction in its global workforce.
Major power firm EnergyAustralia has confirmed it will soon sign power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 500MW of wind and solar projects across eastern Australia, in contracts worth AU$1.5 billion (US$1.12 billion).
