Thin-film manufacturer NovaSolar has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. That’s not unusual, a number of companies have gone bankrupt in the last months. NovaSolar, though, is the US arm of Chinese NovaStar, a company that was created with the remaining assets from bankrupt OptiSolar three years ago.
Under intense pressure to remain the low-cost leader, First Solar is taking a leaf from the semiconductor industry by teaming up with materials specialists Intermolecular to fast-track R&D research in materials and processes to shorten the time-to-market for higher efficiency CdTe-based, thin-film PV modules. Taking record cell and module efficiencies from the lab to the fab has proved to be a perennial problem for all types of PV technology.
Solon Corporation has agreed to build a 1.15MW PV system for the Tanque Verde Unified School District (TVUSD) in Tucson, Arizona, the company has announced. The system will be installed across the four campuses of Tanque Verde High School and Elementary School, the Emily Gray Junior High School and the Agua Caliente Elementary School. Solon Corporation will design and construct the system and maintain its operation once completed; the energy generated will we sold to TVUSD under a 25-year PPA. The project is expected to commence operation in early 2013.
With European subsidies being cut left, right and centre, it appears Japan could fill the void and become the world’s second-largest market for solar power generation. The country will be welcoming the international solar community with open arms with the introduction of its latest feed-in tariff, which has the potential to generate US$30 billion by 2016 for the local economy. Industry Minister Yukio Edano approved the new rates this week, effective July 1.
SunPower has completed a 1.8MW PV installation at the main building of Bloomberg’s New Jersey campus, the company has announced. The system is owned by Integrys Energy Services and Bloomberg will be buying the generated electricity at below-retail rates. The system is equipped with SunPower PV panels as well as the SunPower T0 tracker system.
The industry-renowned Intersolar Europe 2012 has presented Schott Solar and Schmid, Solon and Isra with the award for innovative photovoltaic technology.
Having previously announced a major reorganization of its entire operations, centrotherm photovoltaics, the second largest equipment supplier to the PV industry, has employed an outside consultancy to prepare discussions with its banks to secure further funding. The move was sparked by short-term liquidity issues after merchandise credit insurance companies, used for products and merchandise being delivered to the company, declined further coverage and guarantees.
bSolar, through its strategic partner and Japanese distributor TSBM, has won a contract to construct a 730kW ground-mounted solar project in Nasukarasuyama city, Tochigi, Japan. The project is expected to go online in December and will feature bSolar’s disruptive bifacial PV cells.
A report from BBC News has advised that German company Kronos Solar is considering developing a 25MW solar farm on Lower Wheatley Farm, north of Launceston in Cornwall. The project would be constructed across 120-acres and would be the largest solar farm in the county. The report points out that the local authority notes that Kronos is one of various firms currently pondering over constructing a solar farm in the area between 20-30MW.
Canadian Solar PV modules have scored top ranks in the PTC (PVUSA Test Condition) ratings. More than 9,000 modules have been rated as part of the California Energy Commission’s Solar Electric Incentive program. Canadian Solar modules are among the best modules in the efficiency ratings, with the CS6P-P module line scoring an average 91% in PTC efficiency ratings.
