Conflicting 2011 PV inverter figures released
According to one research company, the photovoltaic inverter industry experienced a “record” year in 2011, with shipments increasing by up to 15 percent year-on-year. Meanwhile, a second has reported that growth actually declined by one percent from 2010.
HCPV efficiency of 33.9 percent reached
Semprius has recorded an efficiency of 33.9 percent on one of its high concentrating photovoltaic (HCPV) modules. The results have been verified by the Instituto de Energia Solar (IES) at the University of Madrid, in Spain.
US DOC decision on Chinese PV imports delayed again
According to various reports, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has once again moved back the deadline for its decision regarding the SolarWorld-led U.S.-China trade dispute.
Solar modules now officially regarded as e-waste
The EU Parliament has officially changed the guidelines for its WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive. Under the amendments, used photovoltaic modules must now be collected and recycled.
Teaching materials for PV
The international teaching materials manufacturer for renewable energies IKS Photovoltaik will present its latest innovation at the Intersolar Europe: a micro energy school.
Stion secures US$130 million financing for thin film plans
U.S. thin film photovoltaic module manufacturer, Stion, has secured US$130 million in equity investment. Among other plans, it will establish a Korean subsidiary and manufacturing facility.
China: STSIC polysilicon and solar cell plans progressing
Shaanxi Tianhong Silicon Industrial Corporation (STSIC) is to begin producing polysilicon, after commissioning German equipment supplier, centrotherm SiTec GmbH. Two solar cell production lines are also being installed.
Oerlikon produces thin film silicon modules at 0.35/Wp
Oerlikon has released a new production line which, it says, allows thin film silicon photovoltaic modules to be produced at around US$0.50 or 0.35 per Watt peak (/Wp) and reduces capital expenditure by 20 percent.
Organic solar cell with inverted architecture achieves 8.3 percent efficiency
Imec, Polyera and Solvay announce that they have achieved a world record efficiency of 8.3 percent on their organic solar cells, which use inverted architecture.
Simulated 3D solar cell achieves over 25 percent efficiency
Solar3D, Inc., developer of a three-dimensional solar cell technology, has announced that simulated tests on its new cell design, have indicated that conversion efficiencies of over 25 percent are achievable.
