The Digital Photonics Corporation (DPC) has launched the ‘SolarJet’ printer for selective emitter application of solar front contacts (c-Si). The SolarJet printer is claimed to simplify offline process feasibility by making it possible for labs to quickly, accurately and cost-effectively gauge real world performance benefits before making larger in-line investments. Once feasibility is confirmed, the system can be easily scaled up for larger print runs. The system features inkjet components from Trident Solar generating enhanced efficiency and reduced scrap rates.
Japan’s largest single utility-scale solar power plant, using 290,000 multicrystalline solar modules supplied by Kyocera is expected to cost in the region of US$345 million or approximately ¥27 billion when complet by autumn 2013. With project finance now in place, construction of the plant in Kagoshima City, on land owned by IHI Corporation, will start in September. The plant was initially announced in April 2012.
Patent infringement and claims of IP theft by DuPont, on rival materials supplier Heraeus and customer SolarWorld, were put in question by the accused as the legal spat continued to be played-out in public. Heraeus said in a strongly worded statement that DuPont was attempting to threaten customers over possible legal action, while Heraeus believes DuPont is attempting to discredit Heraeus' products with misleading information.
DuPont Microcircuit Materials has introduced its next-generation back side silver material for high-efficiency solar cells. DuPont Solamet PV51G photovoltaic metallization is claimed to decrease dependence on silver metals by reducing overall material consumption in solar cells up to 25%. Importantly, the material also provided improved adhesion and maintains desired efficiency performance of the cells.
Suntech Power Holdings said it had started multiple legal proceedings against a number of unidentified parties regarding investment guarantees it provided for a joint venture PV power plant project developer, Global Solar Fund, S.C.A., Sicar (GSF). However, Suntech has claimed that a pledge of €560 million of German government bonds by a third-party investor of GSF, GSF Capital Pte Ltd., may never have existed. Suntech said that it may have to delay second quarter financial reporting as a result.
With insolvency protection proceedings underway, not surprisingly, centrotherm photovoltaics have said it would delay its Annual General Meeting and the first-half year financial results.
2BG S.r.l. is introducing a new technology in order to completely remove the use of silver paste from crystalline silicon solar cells backside, with the result of improved cell efficiency and a significant reduction in production cost. The research project started in 2010 through the collaboration with Rise Technology Srl, Italian company founded by researchers of La Sapienza University, Rome.
The latest global PV inverter market report from IMS Research paints a mixed business environment for the sector that has more than 150 active suppliers. Although having defended reasonably well against price declines, compared to the rest of the supply chain, the market research firm is forecasting inverter sector revenues to only increase by 3% in 2012, while shipments increased nearly 25%.
After a rebound in polysilicon sales in the first quarter of 2012, Wacker’s polysilicon sales declined 22% in the second quarter due to customers delaying or reducing delivery quantities. Sales in the second quarter reached €286.8 million, down from €366.6 million in the prior quarter. However, the major reason for the sales decline was due to the substantial reduction in polysilicon prices, which will also result in lower sales being achieved this year than in 2011, according to the company.
PV module encapsulant materials supplier, STR Holdings has warned it will not meet previously guided second quarter 2012 revenue expectations. The company previously guided second quarter sales to be flat with the first quarter, being in the range of US$31-US$33 million, but revised this down approximately US$25 million. Management said that demand was weaker than expected.
