Having turned and continue to remain cautious about its business outlook for the second-half of 2017, JA Solar reported second quarter results that simply defied previous guidance, driven by greater than expected demand in China and a start of a rush to stockpile in the US.
According to independent solar industry advisory firm AECEA, China has already exceeded its 13th Five-Year-Plan (2016-2020) target of 105GW by installing around 10.52GW of solar in July, after record first half 2017 installations of 24.4GW.
Plans for the largest solar farm in Scotland have been approved, allowing Elgin Energy to construct what is expected to be a subsidy-free 20MW development on the north coast.
The solar industry is set to reach annual demand at the 100GW level much earlier than has been forecast by both third-party observers and the leading component suppliers. During 2018, the solar industry is shaping up to ship more than 100GW of solar modules during the calendar year, while 2017 alone will see the number exceed 90GW comfortably.
German gas and power company Gasag announced that it is investing around US$37.7 million over the next two to three years for a portfolio of PV projects totaling 40MW.
Major PV inverter manufacturer Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd has reported strong first half-year financial results due to strong demand in China and key markets such as South East Asia.
Leading CdTe thin-film module manufacturer First Solar has secured a 241MW module supply contract with Australian EPC firm, RCR Tomlinson. The latest contract is for two major PV power plant projects, bringing its contracted business in the country to over 500MW in the next 12 months.
International solar PV systems integrator Phoenix Solar said that it was forced to lower its full-year revenue guidance, due to delays in securing previously expected PV power plant projects for completion in 2017. However, its project pipeline hit a new record.
