Concentrated PV

Opel continues to shuffle top team. Companies mentioned: Opel Technologies, Opel Solar, Stikeman Keeley Spiegel Pasternack, Emcore, Energy Innovations, Energy Innovations, IdeaLab, Mohr Davidow, Soitec, Silex Solar and Solar Systems.

Opel continues to shuffle top team

The CPV panel and tracker companies Opel Technologies and Opel Solar have appointed John O’Donnell to fill a board vacancy left by the resignation of Dr Samuel Peralta, who left to “take on expanded responsibilities on the boards of other companies,” the company says.

A former adviser to Opel, O’Donnell is a corporate and securities law counsel with the legal firm Stikeman Keeley Spiegel Pasternack. His appointment will allow the Toronto-based companies to comply with a 25% Canadian residency requirement for boards of directors.

Emcore cell sales fall by $2 million in one quarter

CPV solar cell sales have fallen by USD$2 million in the first quarter of Emcore’s 2012 financial year, PV-Tech reports. Meanwhile the company’s cell order backlog has risen to $51.7 million, from $43.5 million in the last quarter.

Emcore gained 51% of its revenue, or $19.1 million, from cell sales during the quarter, but overall is continuing to lose cash with a consolidated operating loss of $11.7 million, $8.9 million more than last year. 

Energy Innovations puts up ‘for sale’ sign

Energy Innovations is looking to sell to a strategic investor in the next month or so, according to Greentech Media.

The company, which is currently backed by IdeaLab and Mohr Davidow, is reported to have been experiencing financial difficulties and is expected to require pre-sale debtor protection, although sources in the business claim to have a significant order backlog.

Soitec CPV poised to win French government tenders

The French CPV leader Soitec has said its technology is at the heart of 72 MW worth of renewable energy in bids submitted to the French Energy Regulatory Commission’s recent call for tenders.

The dossiers submitted amounted to 115 MW, of which 72 MW is to be produced solely through CPV.

Silex’s Solar Systems pursues offshore options

Silex Solar’s Solar Systems CPV subsidiary is looking outside the company’s Australian homeland to build demonstration plants, Recharge reveals.

The news comes as Silex Solar gears up to resume manufacturing at its New South Wales module plant following an A$1.8 million (US$1.92 million) restructuring programme.