The weekend read: Cells of the future
For solar to survive in a world without feed-in tariffs, further innovation focused on cost reduction is necessary. In this white paper, scientists from Swiss equipment supplier Meyer Burger argue that high efficiency cell concepts, and in particular heterojunction, will be among the best technologies solar can bet on to achieve this.
Ferroglobe to open solar grade silicon factory in Spain by the end of 2018
The London-based metal alloy and metallic products provider has conducted a test on 500 kW of wafers in cooperation with the Silicon Module Super League (SMSL). In the next weeks, it will also test 500 kW of PERC cells relying on its own “black silicon”, in coordination with another Super League producer.
200 MW SWCT module line contract for Meyer Burger
The Switzerland-headquartered company has secured a contract for the delivery of its SmartWire solar module production line to an undisclosed customer in Southeast Asia.
US researchers achieve breakthrough for graphene-based solar cells
A team of scientists at the University of Kansas has developed a method to boost the lifetime of excited electrons in graphene, a development which the team alleges could lead to the development of highly efficient, ultrathin solar cells.
PVInsights reports strong price drop for monocrystalline products
The latest figures from the Taiwanese analysts show that prices for monocrystalline solar PV products have fallen sharply in a week-on-week comparison. The price drop for wafer was even stronger.
India issues EoI for establishment of PV module manufacturing units
India-based Central Electronics Limited (CEL) has invited an expression of interest (EoI) for the establishment of manufacturing facilities for the production of solar cells and crystalline silicon (c-si) modules (conventional/flexible) in India.
JA Solar sees profits decline despite strong growth of shipments, sales
The Chinese company said its gross margins were impacted by lower ASPs and rising material costs, while the decline in net and operating profits was due to higher operating expenses. Shipments and sales, however, grew by 52.4% and 25.5%, respectively.
India’s safeguard measure on imported solar cells, modules needs more evidence
At the World Trade Organization’s Safeguard Committee Meeting, the European Union and Japan found that India’s safeguard measures on imported solar PV cells and modules need further investigation, and must be more conclusive. India replied, saying it has nothing to add.
India: Ground breaks on 200 MW PV cell manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh
CETC (India) has broken ground on an around US$49 million 200 MW solar PV cell manufacturing facility in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It will produce both standard polysilicon and PERC monocrystalline cells pv magazine has learned.
Solitek to expand cell and module capacity
The Lithuania-based manufacturer aims to increase cell capacity at its factory in Vilnius from 80 MW to 180 MW, and to open a new 60 MW module assembly factory in the Ukraine.
