Updated: In an attempt to nearly double capital expenditure by as much as US$1.1 billion over the next two years, First Solar hopes to achieve sales of between US$3.7 billion and US$3.9 billion in 2011 as new capacity comes on stream. The financial projection was given as part of its conference call to discuss 2011 operating performance for the thin-film PV leader. First Solar also expects net module sales of US$2.8 billion and US$2.9 billion with US$0.9 billion to US$1.0 billion of EPC/project development sales in 2011.
Rehm Thermal Systems has introduced an advanced new series of drying systems, the Solardryer RDS 2100 and RDS 3000 for solar cell metallization processes.
Polycrystalline Silicon Technology Corporation (P.S.T.) and its alliance partner, Dynamic Engineering have introduced an advanced silicon tetrachloride hydrochlorination technology
The world's largest exhibition for the solar industry is already set to be approximately 15% larger than this year, according to event organisers. Intersolar Europe 2011, located once again at the New Munich Trade Fair Center, beginning on June 8th will occupy a further two exhibition halls bringing the number of halls occupied to a staggering fourteen (14). The event will also include once again an outdoor exhibition area. The event is also marking its 20th year.
Siemens has introduced a new Gas Chromatograph (GC) that can be used in the very demanding polysilicon production process. The MAXUM II PGC will help to maximize the polysilicon output to ensure stable and high quality material, minimizing off-spec products. This results in significant cost reductions with a typical return of investment of less than one year for a typical plant, according to the company.
At its recently held ‘Supplier Conference,’ Yingli Green awarded Amtech Systems with its “Special Contribution Award” for excellence in optimizing the efficiency and productivity of Yingli’s cell manufacturing operations in Baoding, Hebei province, China. According to Amtech, this was the highest honour given to Yingli’s business partners during its First Supplier Conference.
Chinese state company Lu'an Group has secured a wafer and polysilicon supply deal with LDK Solar as it ramps its first 60MW solar cell turnkey factory supplied by centrotherm photovoltaics. Shanxi Lu'an Photovoltaic Technology Co, a subsidiary of Lu’an Group is also planning to expand capacity to 360MW in the future.
