US to invest up to $25 million in plug-and-play PV systems
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has said US$5 million will be made available for the development of plug-and-play photovoltaic systems in 2012, under the SunShot initiative. Over the next four years, it hopes to invest an additional $20 million.
HHI achieves 19.7 percent copper-contact cell efficiency
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has achieved a conversion efficiency of 19.7 percent on its copper-contact selective-emitter solar cell. This, it says, is a new world record.
Thin film: Potential remains for those who survive
In a week when major restructuring at the worlds largest thin film producer, First Solar, has been the focus, the industry has gathered to discuss prospects for the technology and market in the future.
Georgia PV project targets 1.5 GW of PV projects
A new joint venture, Georgia PV Project, is targeting over 1.5 gigawatts (GW) worth of photovoltaic installations across the world. It will also set up a module production facility in Georgia.
Ethiopia to get its first PV assembly plant
Ethiopia is to have its first ever photovoltaic module assembly plant after two global solar firms struck a deal with a local company to set the facility up.
Polysilicon prices forecast to fall further
IHS iSuppli predicts that polysilicon prices will fall to US$22 per kilogram by the end of the year, due to the continuing production surplus. The company adds that prices vary, depending on both contract type and purity level. These changes, it says, will change the way polysilicon is bought and sold in the future.
Thin film fights for survival
Just a day after First Solar announced the closure of its Frankfurt (Oder) facility in Germany and the loss of 2,000 jobs, GTM Research has released a report which asks “Is the window closing for thin film PV?”
SunPower reduces manufacturing capacity in Philippines
SunPower has said it will consolidate its photovoltaic cell manufacturing at its Fab 1 in the Philippines, thus reducing capacity by 125 megawatts (MW). The company adds that it is on track to reduce manufacturing costs further.
PV suppliers stopping in house wafer production as prices plummet
Many photovoltaic module suppliers are putting a halt to their in-house wafer production in light of drastically decreasing prices. According to IMS Research, wafer prices fell by over 70 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012.
Solar thermal exempt from Indian import duty
Solar thermal plant equipment will be exempt from import duty in India. Indias finance minister made the announcement today. The belief is that project costs could be lowered as a result. Photovoltaics was not mentioned, however.
