How cold solder joints turn solar modules into warranty cases
In the run-up to pv magazine’s quality roundtable at Intersolar Europe, we look at a case where a production error resulted in cold solder joints in 5% of the solar modules across a 50 MW project portfolio. We consider how to come to an agreement with a manufacturer to replace modules in such a situation and how such a solution compares with a production audit before installation.
Modi government propelled India’s renewables growth: CEO survey
In a recent survey, an overwhelming 73% of respondents said they remain upbeat about India’s renewable growth prospects, despite recent policy reversals and various other operational challenges the industry faces.
SunPower could break into the black this quarter
The high efficiency PV maker may be hot on the tail of its golden goose, with demand outweighing supply for the company’s new A-Series and P-Series modules. And now that retooling is over, it’s time to sell.
SunPower could break into the black this quarter
The high efficiency PV maker may be hot on the tail of its golden goose, with demand outweighing supply for the company’s new A-Series and P-Series modules. And now that reetooling is over, it’s time to sell.
UK researchers seek to use perovskite solar cells for hydrogen production
A research team has applied a waterproof coating obtained from graphite to a perovskite cell intended to power the production of hydrogen underwater. The cell is said to have worked underwater longer than expected.
Grim news for REC Silicon as U.S. raises trade war tariffs to 25%
With the deadline set by the Trump administration for avoiding a rise in further penalties on Chinese imports having passed without resolution last night, the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing reportedly warned of countermeasures, a threat which will raise fears among members of the Norwegian firm’s U.S. workforce.
Panasonic transfers solar manufacturing unit to GS-Solar and creates new research JV
The Japanese multinational will transfer its Panasonic Energy Malaysia unit to Chinese heterojunction module provider GS-Solar as part of a broader cooperation agreement. Panasonic’s solar R&D business will form part of a JV in Japan to be 90% owned by GS-Solar.
REC Silicon moves nearer shutdown of US polysilicon facility
The company has reported declining revenues and increasing losses in its first-quarter update. A plan to reduce polysilicon production will begin in a week’s time and if access to the Chinese market is not restored, a complete shutdown could be in place by the end of June.
Flat out: PV glass maker pulls out the stops to expand production
Flat Glass wants shareholders to back a $213 million convertible bond issue to provide the cash to raise its PV glass production capacity to 1.65 million tons per year. The company has already ramped up output so fast it is running short of funds.
New factory-focused solar tender in the offing for India
With last year’s embarrassing manufacturing-linked capacity tender limping along, it has been reported the Indian government – whichever form it takes after the current elections – is considering another tender to incentivize the establishment of a domestic solar industry.
