UL (Underwriters Laboratories) has launched a new global service, offering a PV Power Plant Certificate to verify the performance of PV systems at several key stages, such as commissioning or during operation. The delivered certificate is also made publicly available in UL’s online database, providing greater transparency for all stake holders.
NOS Microsystems has developed an electronic software delivery (ESD) ecosystem called 'getPlus' that bridges the gap between automation provider and end user by seamlessly integrating into the industrial automation providers’ licensing structures and databases—SAP, Oracle etc…to monitor the status of machines so exact updates, and incompatibility issues are identified. The user-friendly tool helps factories make the transition to industry 4.0.
China-based integrated monocrystalline PV manufacturer Solargiga Energy Holdings has reported a small increase in external shipments in the first half of 2018, while revenue declined by less than 10%.
‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member JA Solar has said that its previously planned acquisition by an investor consortium via an all-cash transaction led by its founder, chairman and CEO, Baofang Jin had been completed, resulting in de-listing from the NASDAQ stock exchange.
Since Chinese investments into major cell and module facilities started - more than 10 years ago - success ultimately has been driven by overseas market-share gains, above other technical or financial benchmarks that otherwise would be expected.
China-based PV module materials and N-type mono and IBC (Interdigitated Back Contact) bifacial module manufacturer, Jolywood has solidified its business relationship with Qinghai province State Power Investment Corporation’s Huanghe Hydropower Development Co., (SPIC) by establishing a joint laboratory to advance new materials, cells and module technology.
Hanwha Q CELLS has recorded a manufacturing carbon footprint of 250 kg-eq/C0²/kWc for its Q.PEAK DUO modules, opening up access to more of France’s robust solar market.
Leading ‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member JinkoSolar has secured a JPY5.3 billion (US$47.8 million) syndicated loan agreement for up to two years with a bank consortium led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) to expand its business in Japan.
PV manufacturing capacity expansion announcements in the first quarter of 2018 continued to follow the strong trend set in the fourth quarter of 2017. The quarter also represented a revival in thin-film expansion plans as well as the return of PV module assembly outpacing solar cell announcements. Also notable was the return of India and the US as major destinations for new capacity plans.
