Copper nanowire to help drive solar cell production costs down
A new high-performance, flexible copper nanowire, first developed at Duke University in the U.S. last year and now being commercialized at a spin-off company called NanoForge Corporation, may drive down the cost of solar cell production.
Its all about the PV quality
A packed room, interactive sessions and presentations that gave food for thought. The Solarpraxis workshop ‘Quality for Photovoltaics: the key driver for sustainable growth’ came to a successful conclusion yesterday. Bankability, testing measures and installation errors were the key topics discussed.
Estonia: ABB opens 400 MW solar inverter line
ABB has established a 400 megawatt (MW) solar inverter production line in Jüri, Estonia. The company has also opened an engineering center there, and invested in a solar plant.
Innotech opens solar factory in Germany
Innotech Solar ASA has opened a new solar cell testing and optimization factory in Halle/Saale, Germany. An initial investment of 20 million has been made.
PV revenues and profits to keep on declining
Despite an increase in photovoltaic module shipments, revenues and gross profits are forecast to keep on shrinking into next year, according to new research, due to the “huge” oversupply, “fierce” competition and falling prices.
REC considering permanent PV plant closures
Due to the continuing weak solar market conditions and “significant” negative cash flow, REC is considering the permanent closure of three wafer facilities and one cell plant in Norway. Around 700 employees are expected to be affected.
Bosch to enter PV inverter business
It has been reported that Bosch, looking to enter the photovoltaic inverter business, has created a new subsidiary.
Isofoton receives financial boost for Ohio module manufacturing facility
Isofoton North America will build its first U.S. photovoltaic module manufacturing plant, having secured financial support worth USD$30.8 million.
Schletter ramps up US manufacturing capacity; 60 new jobs created
Photovoltaic mounting system manufacturer, Schletter Inc. has increased its engineering and production capacity at its Arizona production facility. Sixty new jobs have been created.
US: Stion opens thin film factory; hits new thin film efficiency
Stion has opened a 100 megawatt (MW) thin film manufacturing factory in Hattiesburg, the U.S. Meanwhile, the company has reached 14.1 percent efficiency on its thin film circuits.
