Amtech acquires SoLayTec from RENA
U.S.-based Amtech Systems has acquired p-type PERC and n-type technology supplier SoLayTec from RENA. SoLayTec will be brought into the Amtech group through its Dutch subsidiary Tempress Group Holding.
MegaCell, RCT sign bi-facial poly-crystalline technology transfer deal
The Italian company plans to use the technology for its expansion capacity project in Europe as well as for PV manufacturers interested in poly-cristalline bi-facial cells and modules.
SEMI: Equipment sales fall as book-to-bill remains negative
Worldwide PV equipment billings have fallen in Q3 2014, decreasing to $264 million, a fall over 17% quarter-on-quarter. Bookings also fell to $157 million, 33% below Q2, with the book-to-bill ratio remaining below parity.
NREL partners with GE on microgrid development project
Collaboration includes involvement from the Electric Power Research Institute and focuses on $8 million program to leverage capabilities of energy systems integration facilities.
Niche solar products enjoying their moment in sun
From spray-on and peel and stick to solar cloth and solar-powered cycle paths, PV’s potential is being examined across a number of innovative applications.
Cleantech disruption to reduce annual utility revenues by up to $123 billion
The growth of distributed generation and energy efficiency is set to reduce utility revenues by up to $123 billion a year by 2025. This is the finding of a new report by consultants Accenture, in its Digitally Enabled Grid report, which advises that utilities will have to fundamentally transform their business models.
UNSW researchers achieve 40.4% CPV cell result with outdoor testing
Researchers from Australian Center for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW))have achieved a conversion efficiency world record, for a cell testing in outdoor facilities. The 40.4% efficiency result was achieved using a triplejunction cell, onto which sunlight was concentrated using spectrum splitting CPV power tower.
Peel-and-stick solar cells
Stanford professor says peel-away solar cells could revolutionize BIPV. Chinese academic is working on scaling up the technology.
TU Delft student sets new tandem thin film silicon efficiency record
A PhD student at TU Delft has recorded a conversion efficiency of 14.8% with a tandem thin film silicon cell. Hairen Tan achieved the result through applying a number of innovative techniques, for which he picked up the Young Research Award at the recent international PV conference in Kyoto.
Report finds more info on solar, mini-grids needed to address energy gap
Practical Action has released a report that outlines gaps in the evidence that the UK-based NGO claims is tainting the energy debate in favor of the world’s richer population. More information and policy support for solar and mini-grids is in demand to help close the energy gap.
