Organic polymer tandem cell reaches record 11.5% efficiency
UCLA researchers have improved upon the performance ratio of a polymer organic cell, employing a triple-junction approach to create a new efficiency record.
Solexel raises $31 million in D-round financing
Thin-crystalline cell and module startup Solexel has closed a D-round of financing, bringing in a further $31 million. The funds will be used to begin commercial production of its advanced thin-silicon PV modules.
Giant PV duck energizes Copenhagen design competition
The Land Art Generator Initiative seeks to promote collective action in support of reneawble energy. The Energy Duck would generate electricity 24 hours a day and serve as an educational visitor center.
Photon Energy employs German tech for pilot project Down Under
The group has secured funding from the German government to design, install and operate a PV battery power supply for a broadcast antenna in Australia operated by communications infrastructure provider BAI.
Dubai offers $1 million solar solution prize to tackle water shortage
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will award $1 million to any research institute that devises a solar-powered way to solve the region’s water scarcity.
N-type mono is coming, but when?
A drive for higher efficiency solar PV technologies is expected to spur increased production of n-type mono wafers. However, analysts remain cautious about the exact timing of market adoption.
NREL Research, Crystal Solar win R&D 100 Award
The research facility and the California PV company were honored for their breakthrough in silicon solar cells. NREL has won a total of 57 “Oscars of Innovation” since 1982.
Fraunhofer ISE sets new world record with 36.7% efficient CPV module
The German research institute set the new record using a Soitec quadruple-junction solar PV cell and Fresnel lens concentrators. Commercialization of this technology is expected in one to two years.
Kyocera sues Hanwha Q CELLS Japan over patent infringement
The Japanese company files lawsuit at the Tokyo District Court against Hanwha Q CELLS Japan for alleged patent infringement of its three-busbar solar cell technology.
GT to begin offering Merlin metallization technology in 2015
GT Advanced Technologies has revealed further details of its Merlin metallization and interconnection technology at the Intersolar North America trade show, including a timeframe to offer the solution to customers in early 2015.
