US-based First Solar announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with Germany-based BELECTRIC Holding. The JV was formed to further advanced solar installations in North Africa, Europe and US. BELECTRIC is a solar development and construction company for ground- mounted units and roof systems. Under the JV-terms, pending authorities’ approval, First Solar will supply its advanced thin film modules, and BELECTRIC will be a service provider and provide its Balance of Systems. The collaboration has specific emphasis on the sub-20 MW market in the US. The two companies have a long-standing history of collaboration and supply; about 80% of BELECTRIC’s current projects utilize First Solar modules. “With its industry-leading capabilities, this joint venture will ensure that our individual project obligations are delivered to the highest standards,” said Jim Hughes, First Solar CEO. “First Solar and BELECTRIC share a long history of excellence, and we are confident about the future of this initiative, which is based on a firm foundation of mutual trust, expertise and a track record that is unrivaled in the solar energy industry.”

ReneSola announced that it will supply its modules to power over 3.4 MW of Panasonic Eco Solutions North America projects in Colorado and California, beginning as early as October. The company noted that Panasonic has purchased 12,176 panels in sizes 255 W, 300 W and 305 W. The modules will be installed in Bellvue, Loveland, Denver, Broomfield, Boulder and Rifle, all in Colorado, and Fresno, California.

“We are pleased to be working on a variety of upcoming, large-scale solar PV projects with Panasonic for the first time,” said Kevin Chen, President of ReneSola America. “We are confident that our high-efficiency modules will allow the Colorado and California project sites to achieve peak performance, and that the PV arrays installed will flourish with our panels over the long term. We hope to work together with Panasonic going forward on future projects of this scale.”

In addition, ReneSola’s main China office announced that it has undertaken a $70-million registered direct offering in American Depository Shares, each representing two shares of the company at $4.67 per ADS. According to ReneSola, “Investors will also receive 35% warrant coverage in the offering with an initial exercise price of $6.04 per ADS or $3.02 per share. The warrants will expire four years from the date of issuance.”