New PV system for facades, windows in Japan
Japan’s Kaneka and Taisei have designed their T-Green Multi Solar system to be integrated into walls and window surfaces. The system is available in two different versions – a solid type in which PV laminates are turned into vertical exterior panels or walls, and a variant that achieves transparency through striped solar cells that are integrated into window glass.
New process for kesterite solar cells with 10% efficiency
German scientists have developed a new process for the formation of a phase pure kesterite Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe), which they claim can improve the material homogeneity and suppress the well-known issue of tin losses. The new technique is based on stacked elemental and alloyed precursors with a Zn/Cu-Sn/Zn precursor structure.
Solar car tarp to recharge EV batteries
French solar thin-film specialist Armor has designed a retractable automotive solar cover. It has deployed an initial prototype on a Gazelle electric car, but it said that the cover can be used on any kind of electric vehicle.
Hanergy’s Solibro Hi-Tech unit in liquidation
With the opening of insolvency proceedings, the business operations of the company were halted days ago. No potential investor could be found to take over the business.
Singulus scores €50m CIGS production kit order from unit of China’s CNBM
The German PV equipment provider has agreed to supply manufacturing equipment for CIGS thin-film solar panels to the CNBM Bengbu Design and Research Institute for Glass Industry, a subsidiary of cement producer China National Building Material.
Why Europe and the US failed to capitalize on thin film solar
Is First Solar stalled in innovation and growth? Markus Beck, a thin-film solar expert and former chief technologist at First Solar, provides an industry perspective on the fate of thin-film PV in the United States.
First Solar is sold out through mid-2021
The thin film PV maker has reported solid third-quarter results after the opening of its massive, 1.3 GW factory in Ohio.
First Solar is sitting pretty
The thin film PV maker reported solid year-end 2018 results, with future bookings extending out four years and the fourth of five Series 6 factories already online.
First Solar sold out well into 2020
The thin film PV maker forecasts its new Series 6 PV module to begin mass production in Ohio in Q2 – with 1GW expected to be manufactured globally in 2018. The company also increased its 2018 guidance.
U.S. thin film PV maker Stion to discontinue operations
The Mississippi-based CIGS manufacturer cites “intense” competition from imports.
