Organic photovoltaics designed by AI at Osaka University
Cheap-to-produce OPV are the focus of research and although the struggle to get beyond 13% efficiency has hindered commercialization, organic PV can be made translucent, making it potentially ideal for applications such as PV-generating windows.
Record-breaking SNEC in Shanghai
The annual SNEC photovoltaic power expo 2018, in Shanghai, closed yesterday after the 12th edition of the world’s biggest PV exhibition. Reflecting the rapid development of China’s PV industry, the scale of SNEC increased from 15,000 sqm at the first exhibition to 180,000 sqm last year and 200,000 this year – a 10% year-on-year increase. Preliminary figures show more than 220,000 visits to this year’s edition, with more than 5,000 industry professionals attending the expo and series of high-level conferences.
Solarworld has ten offers for its cell production
At the end of the week the production line of the insolvent German PV manufacturer will be closed down. Its insolvency administrator wants to continue paying salaries until the end of September, as he sees good prospects for the acquisition of Solarworld’s cell production facilities.
Hanwha Q Cells opening 1.6 GW-plus module assembly facility in the US
The South Korean group will start construction of the factory, in Whitfield County, Georgia, this year, with completion slated for 2019
GCL-Si unveils new 300W+ module series
The Chinese manufacturer presented its new high-efficiency modules with MBB technology at SNEC 2018, where the company also announced a change to its marketing strategy
Suntech to supply 304 MW of modules to Voltalia
The news comes after Suntech recently announced a separate 116 MW module supply deal, with both orders related to Egypt’s mega Benban complex
Panasonic to use Meyer Burger’s SWCT in HIT module research
Panasonic has been improving the cost and durability of heterojunction cells for years. Meyer Burger’s smartwire connections could replace three-busbar technology and drive further advances
Open letter: German government must protect its solar industry
In an open letter, more than 30 German PV companies and research institutes demand an industrial strategy to retain a domestic solar industry. According to the signatories, that means increased co-operation with France and the consideration of sustainability criteria for PV tenders
CW Enerji to build 420 MW module factory in Turkey
The Turkish company, which has invested an initial $26.6 million in the manufacturing facility, hopes to raise its annual capacity to 1 GW
Daqo gets government approval and cheaper power for poly production expansion
The Chinese giant wants to increase polysilicon production by 70,000 MT in two phases after construction work began at the start of this month
