Saudi Arabia taps German knowhow
Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE will work with Saudi Arabia’s renewable and nuclear energy agency K.A.CARE on research and development in areas such as PV technology, energy storage and grid integration.
SolarWorld unveils record-setting test module
TÜV Rheinland has confirmed a world record of 306 W for a 60-cell format module produced as part of a second-generation Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) technology research project.
German government, Merck launch organic PV R&D program
The EUR 16 million project is seeking to develop more efficient and more stable materials for low-cost, industrially applicable printing and coating methods for various types of solar modules.
Solar Frontier breaks CZTS cell efficiency record
Partnering with IBM and TOK, the Japanese CIS thin-film module maker has achieved a world-record of 12.6% cell efficiency in laboratory tests.
Fraunhofer ISE joins US SunShot Initiative
The Germany-based research institute becomes one of only three non-American research partners on the SunShot program, which aims to lower the electricity generation costs of solar energy in the U.S.
Solexant rebrands as Siva Power, transitions to new manufacturing platform
The Californian solar company’s new identity will focus on CIGS technology and a platform developed to deliver profitable, GW-level production capabilities.
German government launches 16 million organic PV R&D project
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) will sponsor the Merck-led project into achieving further breakthroughs in the development of organic photovoltaics (OPV).
Solar cells picking up good vibrations
Playing pop and rock music improves the performance of solar cells, according to new research from scientists at Queen Mary University of London and Imperial College London.
SunPower acquires panel-cleaning technology company Greenbotics
The acquisition of the robotic solar panel cleaning technology — which reduces water usage and improves LCOE — enhances SunPower’s energy services portfolio.
French government pledges EUR 18.5 million for solar research institute
The cutting-edge establishment — Institut Photovoltaique d’Ile-de-France (IPVF) — will be part-funded by the country’s state-backed French National Research Agency (ANR) to promote solar R&D.
