German equipment supplier Innolas announced that it has received a further order for its ILS-TTnx platform, from an unnamed Asian customer. The tool is suitable for a range of applications in cell technology, but is particularly seen as a cost-effective method for laser contact opening in PERC cells.

A research team at Lomonosov Moscow State University has developed a new process to obtain organic/inorganic crystalline perovskite films for solar cells. The team says that the process allows for the development of compositions with optimal stability, and that it’s discovery could give fresh impetus to the research into perovskite solar cells.

Chinese module manufacturer JinkoSolar announced the completion of financial negotiations for the 1.17 GW solar project to be built in Abu Dhabi. The project will be financed with $870 million and is expected to begin commercial operation in April 2019.

U.S thin film producer Siva Power has announced the completion of a $25 million investment round, which focuses on its solar module business, and continuing to build out its pilot line.

A joint project conducted by the Carinthian Tech Research Center and the Austrian Institute of Technology, in conjunction with German equipment manufacturer teamtechnik has developed a lead-free PV system using glued ribbon technology.

A research team at Penn State University has developed solar cells of up to 17% efficiency using a simplified concept requiring only one semiconductor material. Thanks to their potential for low-cost production, the researchers theorize that the cells could be used to provide power to energy poor communities the world over.

Researchers at Australia National University have developed a nanostructure technique to finely control the direction of light. The technique, says ANU, could be applied to tandem perovskite/silicon solar cells.

Researchers at the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have developed a new designer quantum dot system, which allows for greater control over optoelectronic properties of the materials.

The UK trade body today launched its ‘Great British Solar Manifesto’, in a pre-election appeal to MPs outlining the contribution solar can make to the country over the next Parliament, if the right policy framework is put in place to fairly support market developments.

Financial results for 2016 posted by the Swedish thin film equipment supplier show that revenues almost doubled to SEK 60 million ($6.8 million) for the full year. Midsummer also saw a significant profit increase to SEK 10 million ($1.1 million).