The scope of the deal will start modestly, with the two companies offering equipment packages for large-scale PV projects and conducting joint marketing efforts.

Over time, however, the alliance could hold huge potential for both Power-One and Phono, as it expands into joint research and product development.

Phono Solar has struggled to crack into the top league of global PV manufacturers, despite being owned by a subsidiary of the state-owned China National Machinery Industry Corporation (known as Sinomach).

Phono