Specialist PV manufacturing equipment supplier Singulus Technologies has recently reported that its order backlog stood at €125.5 million at the end of the first quarter, while guiding stronger than expected revenue for 2018.
Leading ‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member JinkoSolar has set further records by establishing new P-type and N-type PV module power ratings ahead of the largest annual industry exhibition, SNEC in Shanghai, China.
Major semiconductor manufacturer Intel Corp has highlighted that its electricity consumption across its manufacturing operations in the US and Europe have reached the milestone of obtaining all electricity needs from renewable resources such as solar PV, hydro-electric and wind.
United Renewable Energy Co., Ltd. (URE), the planned name for three of Taiwan’s merchant solar cell and module producers, Gintech Energy Corp, Neo Solar Power (NSP) and Solartech Energy are still evaluating the commercial rationale of establishing a US-based PV manufacturing plant, post the merger, which is being targeted for October 1, 2018.
‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Canadian Solar reported first quarter 2018 financial results that were better than expected as revenue and shipments were higher than guided with further PV power plant sales completed in the quarter.
Specialist PV manufacturing equipment supplier Amtech Systems is looking to expand its component outsourcing to include solar equipment production in China to remain competitive.
‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Hanwha Q CELLS has lowered full-year shipment guidance to 5,600MW to 5,800MW, compared to its initial guidance of 6,000MW to 6,200MW, which could be attributed to the impact of the US Section 201 trade case duties and the company’s refocus on the European market.
Bischof + Klein has introduced a new generation of PV module backsheets, designed to provide greater stability when exposed to UV radiation and increased protection against moisture ingress. The new B+K ‘BackFlex’ PP backsheet is based on polypropylene and is therefore naturally resistant to hydrolysis. It can withstand more than 5,000 hours of damp heat testing (85°C / 85% r.h.).
Leading ‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member JinkoSolar has reset the P-type monocrystalline cell conversion efficiency record at 23.95%, through a range of wafer to cell optimisation, notably its selective emitter (SE) formation.
PV Tech’s recent coverage of three publicly listed PV inverter manufacturers (SMA Solar Technology, SolarEdge Technologies and Enphase Energy) first quarter financial results has highlighted a looming battle between two of the companies over achieving the highest annual revenue figures (US$ adjusted) in 2018.
