Simple, powerful, demonstrable: Meyer Burger on why HJT is poised for the mainstream
Interview: Following the announcement earlier this month that Swiss production equipment supplier Meyer Burger has increased the power output of its HJT SmartWire module to 335W, pv magazine caught up with company CTO, Gunter Erfurt to understand more about the process, as well as the company’s longer-term tech roadmap.
Idea of solar powered trains gaining traction
In two separate studies, in the U.K. and Switzerland, respectively, the notion of combining solar power and trains has been explored. The results indicate it could offer a cost-competitive, energy saving alternative to the traditional power methods currently employed.
EPFL-led research group seeks to stabilize perovskite solar cells with guanidinium
The group of scientists is adopting organic cations, instead of inorganic cations like cesium or rubidium, to stabilize the crystal structures of perovskites with solar applications.
Meyer Burger announces at least 100 jobs will go at Thun
Following a consultation process with employees, Meyer Burger has announced 100 jobs will definitely go as part of the closure of its Swiss manufacturing site. Another 60 positions are dependent on strategic alternatives being found.
Switzerland to replace FITs with solar rebates in 2018
According to Swissolar, this change will allow more PV capacity to be deployed, as waiting times for the implementation of FIT contracts are considerably increasing. Self-consumption is also becoming more attractive for multi-family houses and commercial enterprises.
Switzerland’s solar power production could reach 19 TWh by 2050
A report from the Paul Scherrer Institute forecasts a bright future for PV technology in the Alpine country. Solar may even be able to grow by 18 TWh over the next 30 years from just 1 TWh currently.
Scientists grind out solvent free perovskite thin-film process
Researchers from the Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the renowned Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) have collaborated on a new technique for the creation of perovskite solar cell materials. The technique replaces traditional solvent based processes with steel ball mill grinding.
responsAbility and Cleantech Solar will develop rooftop solar in Asia
responsAbility and Cleantech Solar have signed an agreement for $20 million to finance rooftop solar energy for commercial and industrial customers in South-East Asia and India.
Switzerland pushes for more solar
The Swiss Federal Council has published the rules for the Energy Strategy 2050. Swissolar finds this will create the conditions for the PV market to surpass the threshold of 300 MW per year.
Meyer Burger to end manufacturing in Switzerland
Equipment manufacturer Meyer Burger plans to end production at its headquarters site in Thun, Switzerland, as part of an updated cost efficiency program. All production activities in Thun will be discontinued by the end of 2018, though the site will continue to serve as Meyer Burger’s headquarters.
