The US Department of Commerce has released its preliminary determination on countervailing imports of silicon PV modules from China. The DoC states Chinese producers and exporters received a subsidy ranging between 2.9-4.73%. Many analysts had expected subsidies in the range of 20-30%. Suntech and Trina Solar appear to have been singled out with Suntech having received 2.9% and Trina 4.73%; all other Chinese companies will receive 3.61%.
Thin-film module manufacturer Stion has announced that it will begin shipping from its Mississippi factory after receiving certifications from Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and International Electrotechnical Commissions (IEC). The move follows the development of modules with a nominal power of up to 140MW. Commercial shipments will commence from the Hattiesburg plant later this month.
Aide Solar has multiplied its module portfolio with the release of its Quasi-mono module line, which is comprised of 21 additional modules. The new line is available in 60 and 72 cell designs, with power ratings from 230 to 320W. The company noted that the new modules, which it states have up to a 4% higher conversion efficiency at the module level than traditional polycrystalline, have completed UL certification and are available for release in the US market.
A class action lawsuit was filed against First Solar by Pomerantz Haudek Grossman & Gross in the US District Court for the District of Arizona. The complaint states that between April 30, 2008 and February 28, 2012, First Solar violated the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by not disclosing the full extent of certain manufacturing flaws on its earnings, that it improperly recognized revenue for certain products in its systems business, that it lacked sufficient internal and financial controls and, finally, that as a result, First Solar’s statement were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
The US Department of Commerce has once again postponed the deadline for issuing a preliminary ruling on SolarWorld’s anti-dumping arraignments against Chinese solar manufacturers. May 16 has been earmarked for the hearing, with March 19 set for a preliminary ruling.
Solar Power Technologies (SPT) has announced that its Clarity solar monitoring system is ETL-certified and will be listed in the Intertek database of certified products, for use in the USA and Canada.
Another day, another record, as new measurements made by NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) have confirmed that flexible CIGS thin-film solar modules from SoloPower have produced an aperture area efficiency of 13.4%, a record for the flexible substrate-based technology. The modules were produced at SoloPower's 20MW pilot production plant in San Jose, California.
A new research program to bring ‘Black Silicon’ antireflective layer process and materials to commercialization has been signed between Natcore Technology and material inventor, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) with funding of US$150,000.
As energy prices continue to climb and solar rebates continue to attract a steady stream of customers, Antaris Solar has hired Robert McNamara as its new general manager for the United States in order to manage the regions increasing customer base. McNamara brings solar sales and management experience to his new role, coming from Solar Wholesale Products, which he led as president.
Nautilus Solar Energy commenced the construction of a new 1.9MW, roof-mounted PV project located on Antonio Avenue in Chino, California. The project is scheduled to begin commercial operation in May 2012 and the power generated will be sold to Southern California Edison under a 20-year purchase agreement.
