EcoSolifer aims for mass HJT solar production with $29.5 million cell line
EcoSolifer has signed contracts with Meyer Burger worth around CHF 29 million (approx. US$29.5 million) for a HJT solar cell line. The Hungarian technology manufacturer aims to begin production of the high efficiency cells in Q1 2016. A 500 MW capacity is aimed for.
Germany targeting 22.5% PERC efficiency
The SolarWorld coordinated “HELENE” research project, which set a new world record for PERC efficiency last month, is targeting an efficiency of 22.5% for industrially manufactured monocrystalline p-Type PERC solar cells by the end of 2017.
Tesla's storage solutions sell out
According to Tesla’s Q2 2015 earnings report, the company has reduced full-year delivery outlook for its vehicles, causing Tesla shares to fall yesterday. However, its storage solutions are seeing a surge in demand.
Lithuanian university develops new generation organic semi-conductors
Researchers at the Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Lithuania have announced the development of a cheaper semi-conductor for use in hybrid solar cells. The development has been registered at the European Patent Office.
Imec perovskite breakthrough yields 11.9% efficiency
Belgian nano-electronics researchers Imec achieve record active area efficiency on thin film perovskite PV cell, measured over an aperture area of 16cm2.
Germany: Energy storage opportunity for struggling PV installers
Germany’s solar PV installers are “struggling” to deal with a changing manufacturer landscape, says EuPD Research. Energy storage, however, may offer them new opportunities. The company also finds that homeowners without solar see it as a costly investment with little return expected. Official figures show a YoY small-scale installation decrease of around a third.
US: Solar to account for 24% of cumulative microgrid capacity by 2020
A new GTM Research report estimates that the U.S. microgrid market will reach a cumulative capacity of around 2.8 GW in 2020. Of this, renewables are set to account for 26%, led by solar.
US: 100% conversion to wind, water and solar power by 2050 feasible, PV to account for 38%
In a new study by Stanford University, a solid financial, technical and economical case for the U.S to convert its all-purpose energy systems to ones powered by wind, water and sunlight (WWS) has been made. Based on their calculations, the authors say solar PV could account for 38% of power generation in 2050, and create up to 2.3 million jobs.
Analysis: Innovation is mounting
Cormac Gilligan from IHS examines pv magazine’s 50 array-changing technologies selection and finds that while innovation in mounting technologies remains slow-paced, the signs are positive that change is coming. In the area of power electronics, the usual suspects are leading the way for change.
CEO interview: Innovations in solar technology; PERC the new PV benchmark
Goetz Fischbeck, CEO of Smart Solar Consulting, casts his eye across the solar PV cell and module technologies featured in pv magazine’s 50 Array Changing Technologies free download, available now. In addition to the importance of cell-level innovations, he discusses production equipment upgrade investments and how PERC is set to become the new benchmark solar technology.
