Mars discovery heralds new era for PV industry
A new material has been discovered in space which, if it can be replicated, could hold the key to previously unimagined PV cell efficiencies.
New Energy and NREL enter into R&D agreement
New Energy Technologies, Inc. and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA).
Q-Cells achieves "world record" thin film efficiency
In another “efficiency record” for today, Q-Cells SE says it has reached an efficiency of 14.7 percent for a mass-produced CIGS thin film solar module, which has been manufactured via monolithic integration. This figure has been verified by Fraunhofer ISE.
Renewable energy investment high, but industry issues remain
Ernst & Young has published its updated renewable energy country attractiveness indices. While it says the “toxic legacy” of the financial crisis is ongoing, new investment in clean energy reached “unprecedented levels” last year, having hit USD$243 billion.
Is CIGS ready for a comeback?
The CIGS PV market is poised for a comeback according to a new report, which identifies three markets ripe for development, and discusses Chinas potential to take the production lead. However, if it wants to make an impact, it must first overcome its manufacturing hurdles.
HyperSolar aims to reduce solar panel cell numbers by 75 percent?
HyperSolar, Inc. has completed a prototype design of its thin solar concentrator. The companys aim is to reduce the number of solar cells in a panel by 75 percent.
Solar Junction CPV cell hits 41.4 percent efficiency
Solar Junction has achieved 41.4 percent cell efficiency on a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) multi-junction production cell. The results have been confirmed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
High inventories expected as PV installation demand decreases
According to research, a decrease in demand for new PV installations in the first quarter of the year is expected to cause a “surge” in company inventories.
Suniva achieves 19 percent screen printed cell efficiency
Suniva, Inc. has claimed its ARTisun Select series solar cells, which are now in full-scale production, are achieving over 19 percent conversion efficiencies. This, says the company, is a record.
NREL to invest in early-stage solar technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has said up to USD$7 million will be invested in the development and commercialization of emerging solar energy technologies.
