XJ Capital invests in SCHMID Technology: SCHMID Technology Guangdong (STG), part of SCHMID GmbH, as a PV equipment producer has attracted interest from Chinese alternative asset investment manager XJ Capital. The latter has made a 'significant' minority investment and both companies will partner to grow the business to 'next stage of growth'. With this investment, STG will further expand its sales and R&D capabilities in China to take advantage of the growth potential in the printed circuit board and PV markets, both of which it caters.
3S Solar starts new production line: Once a part of Meyer Burger group, now independent 3S Solar Plus has inaugurated its new production line in Thun, Switzerland whose capacity it has not disclosed in an official statement released. Management said this 'ultra-modern line' increases its capacity and flexibility many times over. It will be able to deliver various products for building integrated PV (BIPV) space to meet increasing demand in Switzerland and neighboring European nations for high-quality and aesthetic solar systems, it added. 3S Solar has been producing its BIPV MegaSlate solar modules for 20 years now.
2.5 GW annual PV addition for NRW: The State Association of Renewable Energies in North Rhine Westphalia (LEE-NRW) recommends for Germany's most populous state to aim for a 2.5 GW of annual PV capacity target, and 1.5 GW of wind energy if it wants to achieve a 50% renewables share in its electricity supply by 2030, as announced by the state government recently. Since the official announcement comes sans any concrete proposals or roadmap, LEE-NRW has put forward these recommendations since it believes the 2030 target cannot be achieved with current policies in place. It wants the state to reconsider its policy of not making solar mandatory for new buildings and renovations. NRW is headed by Conservatives (CDU) Minister President Armin Laschet, who is running to become Germany's next Chancellor.
Sonnedix expands Italian portfolio: Independent power producer (IPP) Sonnedix has completed the acquisition of a 11.4 MW solar PV portfolio, comprising 10 ground mounted operational facilities, in Italy from Switzerland's ZHC Holding AG. This expands its total capacity in Italy to around 318 MW in the form of 148 operational projects. Its global development pipeline stands at over 4.6 GW. Management said the company continues to actively look for acquisition and development opportunities in Italy and other nations.