Schott second company to produce silver-free solar cell; closes cell facility
Just over a week after Imec and Kaneka announced they had developed a silver-free heterojunction silicon solar cell, Germany-based Scott Solar says it has produced a cell using copper contacts, instead of the precious metal. The company has also closed a cell production facility.
Tunisia opens its first PV module factory
NR-Sol is gearing up to open Tunisias first photovoltaic module factory on December 15. Initial production capacity will be 25 megawatts (MW), but there are already plans in the pipeline to ramp this up, and to start manufacturing high efficiency solar cells.
Solar venture capital funding on the rise
According to preliminary figures, 2011 venture capital (VC) funding in the solar industry has already exceeded 2010 levels, having risen from $1.67 billion last year, to $1.71 billion as of November 30, 2011.
ArrayPower's CEO talks integrated AC modules and solar survival strategies
In an interview with pv magazine, ArrayPowers CEO, Wendy Arienzo discusses the companys three-phase sequenced inverter, and explains why she believes the technology has reached a deeper level of integration than its peers. She also talks survival strategies and how this years turbulent market has served to underpin ArrayPowers value proposition.
US sees largest industrial high rise solar system installed
Photovoltaic module manufacturer, JinkoSolar and engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Premier Power have installed what they say is the largest solar system on an industrial high rise. pv magazine finds out more.
70 MW Spanish PV park to be realized
Germanys BayWa Ag and Wirsol are to build Spains biggest photovoltaic park. The two parties have formed a joint venture to realize the 150 million, 70 megawatt (MW) project.
Africa: 400 million being raised for renewable energy; 6.5 MW PV project underway
ix:Africa, with the help of European merchant bank, NextEnergy Capital, is planning to establish a 400 million to 550 million private equity impact fund, which will help develop renewable energy and clean technology projects in Africa. The two are also working on a 6.5 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic project in South Africa.
First Intersolar China gets off to a slow start
Solar Promotion International’s first Chinese trade show got off to a slow start today in Beijing, China, with fewer than expected visitors and exhibitiors attending the event. It is clear that China’s photovoltaic industry is expanding agreeably, however.
BIPV prospects in Japan bright, despite declining margins
PV Japan kicked off yesterday in Tokyo, Japan, under sunny skies portending a bright future for Japan’s photovoltaic, and BIPV market. However, it is clear that overcapacity, and declining prices and margins have impacted both exhibitor numbers, and company strategies.
US: Parallel probes into whether punitive steps should be taken against China
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) voted unanimously (6-0) on Friday, December 2, to go forward with an investigation into whether “dumped and subsidized” imports from China have materially injured the U.S. domestic solar industry.
