Trina Solar has produced n-type and p-type monocrystalline and p-type multicrystalline solar cells with new record conversion efficiencies. Trina Solar expects the technologies used to become part of its future production roadmap.
Major China-based PV manufacturer, JA Solar, has had TUV Rheinland verify its PERC cell technology modules have a record-high >17.2% conversion efficiency, producing a standard 60-cell module with a performance figure above 280W.
PV module assembly equipment specialist, Spire Corporation reported third quarter 2014 revenue of US$3.7 million and nine months revenue of US$11.7 million, a 6% increase over the prior year period.
Ahead of its financial analyst day event, major PV energy provider SunPower has pre-released financial guidance for 2015, while announcing its highly anticipated next wave of manufacturing capacity expansions.
High-tech manufacturing equipment firm, Manz AG reported record revenue for the first nine months of 2014, driven by its Flat Panel Display segment, which generated €179.9 million from the total revenue of €250.9 million.
The US subsidiary of China-based tier-one PV module manufacturer, JinkoSolar, has secured a two-year line of credit of US$20 million to support US working capital and business operational needs from Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.
The largest polysilicon producer, GCL-Poly Energy Holdings and a group of other investors are to take a majority shareholding in bankrupt PV module manufacturer, Shanghai Chaori Solar. The company also announced plans to dispose of its wafer production business, which has recently been expanded to a nameplate capacity of 13GW.
First Solar reported third quarter net sales of US$889 million, an increase of US$345 million from the second quarter of 2014. However, project delays would result in full-year revenue guidance lowered by US$100 million to a range of US$3.6 billion to US$3.9 billion.
Both PV Tech and market research firm IHS have repeatedly highlighted for several years that SMA Solar’s view on its market share position in the PV inverter market differs considerably from our own analysis.