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.
Industrial gases firms Linde and Praxair have announced plans to merge that would create a US$29 billion global business dominating many regional industrial sectors around the world. The major merger is not expected to be completed in the second half of 2018, subject to anti-trust agencies in Germany and the US.
Thin film perovskite solar cell developer Dyesol has had an application granted by the Australian government for a AUD$2.5 million (US$1.9 million) in funding for an 18 month project to develop a large-area on glass product prototype that would coincide with the company establishing pilot line production in Australia.
Hanergy Thin Film Power appears to be facing fresh troubles, with the company accused of leaving rent unpaid on a Hong Kong office, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Flexible CIGS thin-film consumer product producer Ascent Solar Technologies reported lower than expected third quarter sales, while reducing full-year revenue guidance on liquidity constraints in the quarter.
Loss-making flexible CIGS thin-film producer Ascent Solar Technologies has raised new financing from a private investor to support repayment of its outstanding senior secured notes.
