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Work undertaken on a conventional but advanced solar cell employing ‘Metal Wrap Through (MWT) and ‘Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) technology exceeded 20% efficiencies that were supported by a specially developed and formulated metallization paste from Heraeus metallization paste, according to the company. In 2011, Heraeus introduced a new series of pastes for low temperature processing.
Continuing with the impact of overcapacity and falling prices, REC has said that another long-term wafer sales contract signed in the 2006-2008 period had been terminated. REC said that it would receive a cash compensation of approximately US$34.2 million (NOK 220 million) in relation to the cancellation. REC did not disclose the customer involved.
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice gave Timminco, and its subsidiary Bécancour Silicon, an extension of the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act stay of proceedings. The stay proceeds will now be allowed to continue until April 30.
Major materials provider to the PV industry, DuPont reported Electronics & Communications segment sales of US$630 million in the fourth quarter, a decline 18% compared to the same period last year, with 33% lower volume which was offset by 15% higher prices. PV related revenue represent about 40% of DuPont’s electronics segment sales. Management noted that material destocking at PV manufacturers had continued in the fourth quarter due to inventory issues, impacting pre-tax earnings, which were down from US$56 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 to US$42 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Eastman Chemical has completed its bid for the acquisition of performance materials and specialty chemicals company Solutia for an approximate total of US$4.7 billion – including debt – in order to fuel its expansion into the specialty chemicals and plastics sector. Solutia’s shares are said to have fallen by 25% in 2011, although the company was active in its acquisitions process, having finalized the takeover of Southwall Technologies late last year.
Major polycilicon producer, Wacker Chemie saw an abrupt demand decline in the fourth quarter of 2011 as PV customers reduced inventory levels and cancelled contracts due to some customers exiting the industry. Polysilicon spot prices fell below Wacker’s long-term pricing levels for the first time in many years, sparking price renegotiations.
Targray Technology has added a high-quality silicon carbide (SiC) material to its range of products on offer to the Taiwan market following the establishment of a new distribution agreement with Washington Mills AS. Targray will exclusively offer the Carborex silicon carbide product as part of its portfolio for its Taiwan-based customers.
Researchers from the University at Buffalo, Army Research Laboratory and Air Force Office of Scientific Research have developed a new, nanomaterials-based technology that has the potential to increase the efficiency of PV cells up to 45%. The researchers have also teamed up to found OPtoElectronic Nanodevices to commercialize this technology and are now seeking funding from private investors and federal programs. Through UB’s office of science, technology transfer and economic outreach (STOR), the team has filed provisional patent applications to protect their technology.
An RD&E collaboration between DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions and Yingli Green Energy has been disclosed. Although the companies reiterated previous collaboration on Yingli Green’s first generation ‘Panda’ cell technology now entering volume production, the companies are also working together to customize metallization materials for the Panda series modules, made with an N-type cell design, which is claimed to achieve a conversion efficiency of over 19%, based on current lab testing.
Insolvent silicon metal producer, Timminco has successfully raised US$4.25 million to continue operating while it undertakes restructuring via the Ontario Superior Court.
The commitment for ‘debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing was raised from a company called QSI Partners Ltd, though searches on its identity have note yet proved successful. The deal means that Timminco can continue to purchase silicon metal from its joint venture operations with Dow Corning, Quebec Silicon and ship product as planned.
