Solar Junction CPV cell hits 41.4 percent efficiency
Solar Junction has achieved 41.4 percent cell efficiency on a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) multi-junction production cell. The results have been confirmed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
High inventories expected as PV installation demand decreases
According to research, a decrease in demand for new PV installations in the first quarter of the year is expected to cause a “surge” in company inventories.
First Solar thin film plant expected to open ahead of schedule
First Solar has completed the roof of its new manufacturing plant in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany. Expected to be operational by June, the 173 million site will have a collective annual module capacity of over 238 megawatts (MW).
China Sunergy and GCL-Poly sign 4,400 MW wafer agreement
China Sunergy Co., Ltd. has entered into a 4,400 megawatt (MW) long-term wafer supply agreement with GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Limited.
Ontario: Siliken sets up PV module plant
Siliken is on track to open a 50 megawatt (MW) PV module production plant in Ontario, Canada. The company is expecting delivery of the first production line at the end of this month.
Taiwan: AUO subsidiary to install 300 MW solar wafer plant
AUO Crystal Corp. (ACC) is to establish a solar wafer plant in Taiwan. Initial capacity is expected to hit 300 megawatts (MW). Up to 1,000 jobs could also be created over the next three years.
2011 PV prices continue to fall
New research reveals polysilicon, wafer, cell and module prices will continue to decline, with smaller companies expected to suffer the biggest price drop. However, the PV polysilicon market is forecast to grow nearly 20 percent to reach around $8 billion.
India: d.light and Christian Aid launch solar lighting project
Ashden award winner d.light and UK-based Christian Aid have joined forces to deliver a micro finance program designed to bring solar lighting to 4,400 rural households in India this year.
Suniva achieves 19 percent screen printed cell efficiency
Suniva, Inc. has claimed its ARTisun Select series solar cells, which are now in full-scale production, are achieving over 19 percent conversion efficiencies. This, says the company, is a record.
NREL to invest in early-stage solar technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has said up to USD$7 million will be invested in the development and commercialization of emerging solar energy technologies.
