Meyer Burger’s patented ‘SmartWire Connection Technology’ (SWCT) is designed to replace conventional silver-based busbars on solar cells using thin copper wires on both sides of the cell. Typically, 30 very fine copper wires are used for cell connection generating up to 2,000 contact points per cell that provide 5% higher power output compared to best-in-class 3BB (three busbar) technology, while reducing production costs.
An unidentified top tier solar company based in Asia has placed a US$5.3 million order with Tempress Systems, a subsidiary of Amtech for its solar cell diffusion processing tools.
Finland-based industrial automation specialists, Cencorp Corporation is expected to start its first deliveries of its conductive backsheet material to new PV module manufacturing customer based in China.
Less than six-months after Ferro put its conductive paste business up for grabs, major materials supplier, Heraeus has purchased the business for an undisclosed sum.
PV inverter specialist Power-One has formed a global strategic partnership with electronics giant, Panasonic focused on developing and marketing energy storage system solutions.
Two potentially emerging European markets, Serbia and Croatia are proving important enough for ‘fabless’ PV module supplier, Upsolar to team with a regional partner, Plan-net Solar to support the markets in 2013.
PV inverter sales at Advanced Energy (AE) remained strong in the fourth quarter of 2012 at US$59.6 million, down only 1.8% from US$60.7 million reported in the third quarter of 2012.
