Manz partnership claims CIGS world record
High-tech engineering firm Manz believes it has achieved world-record aperture efficiency in one its Copper-Indium-Gallium-(di)Selenide (CIGS) thin-film modules, produced using commercial-scale production techniques. The 600x1200mm module achieved efficiency of 15.1 percent and has an output of 100 watts.
Global solar market to reach $75.2 billion by 2016
New solar technology like concentrated solar power (CSP) and the opening of new markets are tipped to become a strong growth engine for solar moving forward, according to a new report looking at how the industry will develop before 2016.
Solyndra third solar company to file for Chapter 11 relief
Solyndra LLC has announced its intention to file for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code following the immediate suspension of its manufacturing operations and lay off of around 1,100 employees.
Australia: Victoria FIT cut announced
Australias Victorian State Government today announced a new ‘transitional feed-in tariff’ (TFiT) for rooftop solar panels, joining most of the other Australian states in drastically reducing the amount paid to customers.
Top three Q2 PV module suppliers are Chinese
Although the photovoltaic module market has suffered setbacks this year, Asian manufacturers are keeping the competition on its toes. According to new research, the top three suppliers in the second quarter of the year (Q2) are Chinese.
Jobs axed as Colexon announces office closures
Another casualty of the weak market conditions seen in the first half of the year, Germany-based Colexon has announced it will “hone” its business model. Specifically, it will “considerably” downsize its operations and make “large-scale” workforce reductions.
Payom Solar completes Amsolar acquisition
Germany-based Payom Solar AG has completed its acquisition of U.S. Amsolar Corporation, thus marking its entry into the North American market.
US: Another no-cost solar scheme
MS Solar Solutions Corp. (MSSS) and Main Street Power Company Inc. today launched the Solar for All residential photovoltaic program, which will provide systems for low-income householders in California.
More than half worlds power to come from solar in 50 years
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has been reported by Bloomberg as saying that the majority of the worlds power will be produced by solar by 2060. Whats more, photovoltaic and solar-thermal plants may meet half of all energy needs by this date.
Huge Project Helios plant planned for Greece
The International Herald Tribune (IHT) in Greece has reported that a “mammoth” 10 gigawatt (GW) solar plant is being planned for Greece. The project would be driven by investment from Germany.
