Hybrid tandem quantum dot solar cell with 12.8% efficiency
South Korean scientists have produced an organic, hybrid-series tandem PV device that combines quantum dots and organic bulk heterojunction photoactive materials. They claim that the cell has the highest efficiency among all reported colloidal quantum dot cells, including single-junction devices and tandem devices.
A new module factory in Bahrain
Italian company Ecoprogetti will supply the production equipment to Bahrain-based module producer Solartecc. Output is set to begin in the third quarter.
Change at the top for Meyer Burger after €37m loss
The Swiss PV equipment supplier posted the loss for 2019, citing increasingly fierce competition in China, and plans to continue a strategic realignment of its business with the options including the establishment of a European PV manufacturing operation.
Finnish solar manufacturer touts self-charging car deal as €3.5m fundraising ticks down
A convertible bond issuance by Valoe Corp is due to expire on Sunday and the board has already been forced to sign up for more than 40% of the investment. The module maker, which is still attempting to pay for a cell line acquired from Solitek last year, has been announced as a technology partner by Munich-based Sono Motors.
Kenyan utility launches tender for PV panel factory
The electricity company wants a solar module fab at its Tana Power Station in Murang’a county. The factory would have an initial annual production capacity of 10 MW.
Yingli finally opens up on debt restructuring
The Chinese manufacturer had not updated its English-speaking investors since October and now appears set to have its chief Chinese operations taken over by creditors.
Research institute claims 20.3% efficiency for mini perovskite module
France’s Liten organization said it raised efficiency more than 20% with improved thickness homogeneity of the perovskite and optimized composition of the n-type interfacial layer. The previous record of 16.9% was attained by the same research group early last year.
German module maker increases production capacity
Soluxtec is almost trebling output capacity at its 200 MW fab in the Eifel region. The Luxembourg-owned manufacturer says it wants production capacity of 550 MW for monocrystalline PERC modules and special formats this year.
Casting light on backsheet degradation
A U.S. research team has discovered that backsheets are most affected by cracking and degradation on inner layers, as such areas tend to become more rigid. The scientists have also discovered that degradation is accelerated by chemicals descending from the solar cells’ EVA encapsulant to the backsheets themselves.
Taiwan’s URE signs 120 MW glass-glass bifacial module order
United Renewable Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding to supply project developer Ye Heng Power with 120 MW of its solar panels. It plans to start shipping the PV modules in the second half.
