Daqo opens Xinjiang polysilicon factory to international observers
The polysilicon manufacturer has once again rejected allegations of forced labor by opening the doors of its factory in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to international investors and journalists. Video footage of the event was published by the company on its website.
Micro III-V solar cell with 33.8% efficiency
Developed by a French-Canadian research group, the triple-junction cell is based on indium gallium phosphide (InGaP), indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) and germanium (Ge) and has an active area of only 0.089 mm2. It can be used for applications in micro-concentrator photovoltaics (CPV).
Rooftop CPV-thermal tech to produce electricity and freshwater
It’s claimed the decentralized desalination system can deliver a levelized cost for desalinated water of US$0.7-4.3/m3, depending on PV costs and electricity prices. It was built with several concentrated photovoltaic/thermal (CPV-T) collectors, a hot water tank, a V-MEMD module, a seawater feed tank, and a distillate tank.
Indian incentives to support up to 13% of 240 GW of panel demand by fiscal 2030
India is targeting 280 GW of solar by 2030, of which 240 GW has yet to be built, but India Ratings says the country’s production-linked incentives will only cover up to 13% of future deployments.
US shingled module maker to move production out of Asia
GAF Energy has announced plans to set up a new manufacturing facility in California. It currently produces BIPV panels in South Korea.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Zhonghuan raises wafer prices as president calls for faster action on emissions
Henan province immediately responded with a plan to deploy another 20 GW of solar and wind by 2025.
Exeger ramps up dye-sensitized solar cell production in Sweden
The Swedish company secured $38 million to build a manufacturing facility it has planned with the support of Swiss conglomerate ABB. The factory will be located in Stockholm and produce the company’s Powerfoyle products.
Cadmium telluride solar cells for space applications, BIPV, unmanned aircraft
U.K. researchers have developed a flexible thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cell for use in ultra-thin glass for space applications.
New accountant to probe whether GCL project payment was between ‘related parties’
The near-$80 million handed over to a contractor in 2019, of which around $2.3 million was retained by the recipient, is now being investigated by an independent accountant. Meanwhile, GCL’s shares remain suspended because the payment issue is holding up its 2020 accounts.
Perovskites stick together for better performance
Scientists in the U.S. demonstrated an additive that acts as a “molecular glue” within a perovskite solar cell. Treating the cells with this self-assembled monolayer material was shown to greatly improve their long-term performance, whilst also providing a boost to conversion efficiency. And the scientists further point out that the treatment relies on simple processing and readily available materials – good signs for its applicability in manufacturing.
