PV modules: Branding and bankability do not always correlate to quality
Caveat emptor! While photovoltaic modules may have reached the commercial stage of “commoditization”, they are not all the same. According to SolarBuyer, manufacturers are sacrificing quality and reliability in their quest to take shortcuts; something non-transparent supply chains are failing to pick up on.
MiaSole hits 15.5 percent efficiency with flexible CIGS module
MiaSole has reached a new copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin film photovoltaic module efficiency. The results have been confirmed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
France: Total and SunPower commission 44 MWp module plant
Oil giant Total, and its affiliate, U.S.-based SunPower have commissioned a new photovoltaic module factory in eastern France.
Clean Power Research launches tool for analyzing solar irradiation
An accurate and cost-effective technology for analyzing solar irradiance could help utilities increase photovoltaic generation into the grid. A new technology launched by Clean Power Research aims to address this issue.
Shinsung achieves 20.03 percent solar cell efficiency
Korea-based Shinsung Solar Energy has achieved a new crystalline solar cell efficiency of 20.03 percent. The results have been confirmed by Germanys Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.
PV equipment suppliers emphasise cost reductions through new tools
Speakers at the International Photovoltaic Equipment Associations (IPVEA) organised press conference, which took place during the first day of SNEC 2012, used the opportunity to pitch various approaches aimed at reducing production costs.
Bifacial cell manufacturer targeting production capacity ramp ups
Israel-based BSolar has told pv magazine it is planning to ramp up production of its recently launched bifacial photovoltaic crystalline silicon cells to between 200 and 300 megawatts (MW).
Polysilicon prices drop 11 percent
According to IHS iSuppli, average selling prices (ASPs) for polysilicon dropped by 11 percent in April, to a new 2012 low of US$27.20. This follows a new purchasing trend, from contract deals to “bargain-basement” spot market buying, and signals the continuation of oversupply.
ASP increases module production capacity on back of utility-scale demand
U.S.-based Advanced Solar Photonics, LLC (ASP) has announced it is increasing production of its 400 Watt monocrystalline photovoltaic panels on the back of growing demand.
Masdar receives 12.9 million for new PV module line
The European Commission has approved 12.9 million worth of state aid for Masdar PV GmbH to install a second photovoltaic module production line in Germany.
