Samsung and MEMC sign polysilicon JV
Samsung Fine Chemicals (SFC) and MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. are to establish a polysilicon facility in Korea under a new joint venture (JV).
Solar Junction CPV cell hits 41.4 percent efficiency
Solar Junction has achieved 41.4 percent cell efficiency on a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) multi-junction production cell. The results have been confirmed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
SolarWorld focuses on foreign markets
According to SolarWorld head, Frank Asbeck, the German company intends to place a greater focus on foreign markets. He adds that it will continue to be able to compete with Asian PV companies.
High inventories expected as PV installation demand decreases
According to research, a decrease in demand for new PV installations in the first quarter of the year is expected to cause a “surge” in company inventories.
First Solar thin film plant expected to open ahead of schedule
First Solar has completed the roof of its new manufacturing plant in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany. Expected to be operational by June, the 173 million site will have a collective annual module capacity of over 238 megawatts (MW).
Solarwatt enters UK market
Germany-based Solarwatt has announced its entry into the UK. Seemingly undeterred by the countrys recent feed-in tariff fallout, the company believes the market is set to grow “enormously”.
Ontario: OPA alters FIT application laws
Under a new amendment, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) will no longer issue microFIT or FIT capacity allocation exempt (CAE) contracts for smaller PV projects, until it has been confirmed that there is available grid space.
900 MW Japanese thin film plant begins production
Solar Frontier has started commercial production at its new USD$1 billion Japanese CIS thin film solar module production plant. Full capacity is expected to be approached this summer.
India revises benchmark PV costs
The Indian Government has revised its benchmark costs for PV systems, effective from April 1, 2011.
7.4 MW PV portfolio sold in Czech Republic
Despite the country’s recent troubles, Austrian company Green Source GmbH and Berlin-based Parabel GmbH have sold a 7.4 megawatt (MW) PV park portfolio in the Czech Republic. It is said to be the sixth largest.
