EU Researchers achieve breakthrough in nano-scale c-Si
A team of scientists representing the photoNvoltaics project, funded by the European Union, has been able to develop a crystalline silicon cell with an effective thickness of just 830 nano-meters.
Midsummer picks up new thin-film equipment orders
The Swedish PV equipment supplier has received an order for two of its DUO thin-film cell manufacturing lines. Midsummer has not named the company which placed the order, but states that it is a repeat order from an existing customer.
VDMA: solar equipment orders increase 328% in Q1
A report published by German engineering federation VDMA reveals strong demand for solar production equipment, with order intake in the first quarter of 2017 tripling over the previous quarter. The book to bill ratio of orders to delivered systems hit the ‘very high’ level of 4.4 for the first quarter of 2017
centrotherm subsidiary picks up sputter tool contract for China CIGS plants
FHR Anlagenbau will supply the sputter production tooling for Manz’s Chinese CIGSline factories. The production equipment, which is likely for the landmark deal between Manz, Shanghai Electric, and major Chinese generator Shenhua, which was signed in January, will be delivered in 2018.
Sol Voltaics secures Europe’s largest solar funding round since 2015
The Sweden-headquartered PV technology pioneer has raised a record $21.3 million in financing to bring its new SolFilm thin-film technology to the market.
Trony Solar’s Hong Kong listing to be cancelled
The troubled Chinese thin-film PV manufacturer has revealed that the Hong Kong market regulator will soon launch procedures to cancel its listing on the city’s stock exchange.
Video: thin film’s rise in China
After several years of little activity, thin-film production is currently enjoying a resurgence. Several big equipment deals have been made in recent months, one of the most significant of these is the partnership between German suppliers Manz and Shenhua & Shanghai Electric.
Siva Power secures investment for thin film facility
U.S thin film producer Siva Power has announced the completion of a $25 million investment round, which focuses on its solar module business, and continuing to build out its pilot line.
Midsummer sees profit increase for FY 2016
Financial results for 2016 posted by the Swedish thin film equipment supplier show that revenues almost doubled to SEK 60 million ($6.8 million) for the full year. Midsummer also saw a significant profit increase to SEK 10 million ($1.1 million).
Manz sets up CIGS joint venture with Chinese partners
The German PV equipment provider will partner with Shanghai Electric Group and Shenhua Group to further develop the CIGS technology. NICE PV Research has already started R&D activities.
