Cloaking technology refracts light around metallization fingers
German researchers have applied the approach used by invisibility cloak research to direct sunlight around busbars and metallization fingers to potentially increase PV cell and module efficiency. The research was carried out by a team of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and could potentially increase cell efficiency by 10%.
Neo Solar Power buys 30% stake in Phanes Group
The Taiwanese PV cell maker has expanded its downstream activities by buying a stake in Emirati/Swiss project developer Phanes Group.
The pv magazine weekly news digest
The PV heavyweights are back in the headlines this week with the news that China and the U.S. have agreed a climate deal, SolarCity has tightened its grip on residential solar, and Hanergy’s woes continue.
SolarCity to begin production of >22% efficient PV modules this month
Calling it the world’s most efficient rooftop solar panel, the company says it will produce PV modules with greater than 22% efficiency at a pilot facility.
Production massively scaled back at Solibro
Reports are coming in that German CIGS producer Solibro, a Hanergy acquisition, has massively decreased production. The 270 employees at Solibros manufacturing plant in eastern Germany are now working shortened hours and reports are that three quarters of its production tools stand idle.
SMA surpasses 1 GW inverter milestone in Japan
The German inverter manufacturer becomes the first non-Japanese supplier to reach this milestone. Local presence in market since 2011 has delivered constant growth drivers.
India: PM Modi calls on states for proactive solar push
Indian Prime Minister sends pro-solar tweet hours after urging the country’s state leaders to ensure solar power projects are implemented as soon as possible; foreign bidders at auction draw criticism.
Scotland looks to the sun as England, Wales turn their backs
Scottish government confirms small-scale solar farms smaller than 5 MW will continue to be eligible for the ROC; Edinburgh launches ambitious community solar scheme.
No German FIT degression in Q4 for first time
There will be no monthly decrease in the FIT paid to solar PV arrays in Germany this quarter, as new installed capacity for Q3 falls below the corridor that would trigger a degression. This is the first time no degression will take place since the current iteration of the FIT scheme was put in place in 2012.
UK: Solar spending cuts amount to 98% reduction in support, STA calculates
Analysis by the Solar Trade Association finds that the U.K. government’s proposed cuts will see the rate of solar support fall from 70 million pounds a year to just two million.
