Glass

China will not ease restrictions on new investments in additional PV glass production capacity, according to a newly published draft document from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Seven PV module manufacturers – including JinkoSolar, Longi and JA Solar – won supply contracts this week in a 3 GW procurement round held by China National Nuclear Corp. Flat Glass revealed plans to raise $282.6 million to expand production, while the National Energy Administration reported growth in the residential PV segment.

A team of scientists from the University of Pittsburgh have created a glass surface with an etched nano structure that allows for up to 95% light transmittance, and can also scatter the light entering the glass, so that more light reaches a solar cell beneath.

The company has secured €15 million in financing for the new factory from the European Investment Bank.

The Dutch materials specialists have conducted new field tests in China that show how its new anti-soiling coating can keep solar panels cleaner for longer, resulting in additional yield on solar modules.

The Dutch specialty group believes its sand-resistant coating for solar panels will be particularly suitable for desert areas. The new technology is currently being tested at a solar plant in China’s Gobi Desert.

Ducatt had to start insolvency proceedings due to the insolvency of German solar module manufacturer SolarWorld. Around 50% of Ducatt’s revenue came from orders placed by SolarWorld, as reported by local media.