The mainstreaming of mono
In the second half of 2018, monocrystalline silicon technology passed an important milestone: Quarterly production of monocrystalline ingots, wafers, cells, and modules overtook that of multicrystalline for the first time in the mainstream PV era. This milestone was tracked by PV technology and market forecasting firm exawatt. CEO Simon Price sets out how mono’s rapid growth could have been, and was, predicted.
Longi rejects Hanwha Q Cells allegations and provides details on patent issue
The Chinese monocrystalline module maker said it had not been notified of the legal action by its Korean rival. Longi claimed there is considerable uncertainty over the validity of the patents at the root of the lawsuits, which the Chinese defendant says relate to ALD technology. Longi says it uses PECVD technology for cell production.
Prices for monocrystalline solar modules are picking up
Analysts at Taiwan-based EnergyTrend and China’s PV Infolink have reported a further increase in demand for monocrystalline solar cells and modules in recent days. Their respective analyses on multi-crystalline products, however, do not match.
Scientists claim 10% saving for black-Si cell production with dry-etching
Researchers from Finland’s Aalto University and the Michigan Technological University, in the US, say they have demonstrated the cost per unit of power of black-Si PERC cells could fall 10.8%, despite an increase in cell processing cost.
Luxembourg scientists provide new insight on how sodium can be used in thin film solar cell manufacturing
The research team found that sodium, contrary to common belief, does not decrease per se indium and gallium interdiffusion, but instead hinders intergrain diffusion by segregating at grain boundaries.
Risen Energy to start production at new 5 GW solar factory in China
Risen Energy Co. Ltd is gearing up to begin production at a new, 5 GW solar PV cell and module manufacturing facility in China. A spokesperson for the company tells pv magazine manufacturing will begin this January 17.
EDF ramps up ingot and wafer capacity, teams up with Canadian Solar
The group’s unit specializing in solar module production, Photowatt will expand its ingot and wafer capacity from 50 MW to 500 MW, and will enter into a partnership with Canadian Solar and ECM Greentech. More details have also emerged on EDF’s 30 GW solar plan.
Longi to invest $300 million in 5 GW module plant in China
Longi Green Energy Technology has revealed plans to invest CNY 1.95 billion ($299.5 million) in the construction of a 5 GW solar module assembly plant in eastern China.
Canadian Solar next Chinese company to consider privatization
Canadian Solar Inc. has received a “going private” proposal from chairman, president and CEO, Dr. Shawn Qu, under which he offers US$18.47 per common share. The move follows that of Trina and JA Solar.
Bluecell halts solar cell production in Germany
Three years after acquiring the cell production business of insolvent Sunways, Bluecell has also given up. The 100 MW production equipment at the company’s facility in Arnstadt will be sold by the end of 2017.
