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Calyxo has revealed that its CdTe cell technology has reached 16.2% efficiency, a figure that has been verified by Germany’s SGS testing body. The company uses its proprietary low-cost “hot and fast” atmospheric deposition process in the manufacture of its CdTe cells. Calyxo’s CTO Michael Bauer also expressed confidence in the technology’s potential to reach 17–18% cell efficiency and 14–15% top module efficiency by the end of the year.
Updated: Two of the largest US-based PV manufacturers, First Solar and SunPower, both reported first-quarter sales at the same time, both showing quarter-on-quarter sales declines. First Solar reported net sales of US$497 - a decrease of US$163 million from the fourth quarter of 2011. SunPower’s first quarter GAAP revenue was US$494 million, down from US$625.3 in the previous quarter.
Following reports on First Solar shutting down production in Germany, it has contracted German PV services provider Adler Solar to take over responsibility for European warranties.
German-based companies involved in the supply of manufacturing equipment for the global solar industry had a record sales year in 2011, according to the latest report from trade association, VDMA. German equipment suppliers benefited from a focus on advanced cell technology that supported a global market share of 46% in 2011. However, overcapacity is impacting sales to major markets in Asia, particularly China, in 2012.
Updated: A severe cost-cutting exercise and manufacturing realignment is underway at First Solar as it plans to axe around 30% of its workforce, permanently close its German manufacturing operations and idle four lines at its facilities in Malaysia. Management blamed the move on the market conditions in Europe and the rapidly changing market demand dynamics within the industry for the restructuring.
Expected to begin volume production of its flexible CIGS thin-film substrates later this year, SoloPower has installed Critical Manufacturing’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software at its production plant in Oregon. The MES provider also installed the cmNavigo MES Productivity Suite at the 400MW nameplate capacity plant.
Updated: James Hughes, a previous long-term executive within the corporate structures of the infamous Enron, has been chosen by First Solar’s chairman and interim CEO Mike Ahearn to lead its major business strategy change to focus on the unsubsidized emerging PV markets, such as Chile. Hughes has been appointed as chief commercial officer – a newly created role.
Although efforts to diversify away from dependence on supplying purified rare earth material to First Solar is a challenge, a handful of thin-film rivals have been successful. Specialty metals firm 5N Plus has had to renegotiate its supply agreements with its biggest customer in the sector: First Solar. In accepting lower prices for cadmium and tellurium, 5N Plus will supply substantially all of the CdTe material required by First Solar.
A new trade organization established by First Solar and rival CdTe thin-film module producers and suppliers has been formed to promote and educate on the technology’s attributes. Established as a non-profit organization under Belgian law, PVthin founding members include Abound Solar, Arendi, Calyxo, First Solar, GE Energy and 5N Plus. The first President of the PVThin is Andreas Wade, Director Sustainable Development at First Solar.
A new report by Merchant Research & Consulting has stated that as new technologies for copper production emerge, the availability of tellurium is decreasing and bringing about higher prices for the material. The company noted that as tellurium supply continues to fall, the price for it will significantly grow, a pattern which is expected to maintain through the next five years.
