A UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) and Energy Research Partnership (ERP) report that looks at the materials availability for a low-carbon future analysed much of published data on rare-earth metals such as indium and tellurium but didn’t panic over material supply issues, something quite rare in itself.
Hitachi Chemical will begin sales of wavelength conversion particles (WCP) for solar encapsulant sheets that help increase the conversion efficiency of solar cell power generation. WCP series contains specialized phosphor within acrylic resin and converts short wavelength light (ultraviolet light) into long wavelength light (visible light).
Fujitsu Laboratories has announced the development of a technology for automatically generating image-recognition programs that accurately detect the positions of components as captured by cameras in automated assembly processes by utilizing images of electronic components and IT equipment.
Advanced Energy Industries (AE) has developed a new mounting accessory for its 'AE 3TL' PV inverter that enables installers, site designers and project developers to conserve space and increase project yield on commercial rooftop systems by placing string inverters in a horizontal (0°) orientation. Advanced Energy will showcase its AE3TL string inverter technology, including the horizontal mount accessory, at the upcoming Solar Power International conference and exhibition, October 21 to 23, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
As the PV manufacturing industry emerges from a painful downturn, Mark Osborne assesses how leading companies have continued investing in R&D and how that will prepare them as the upturn gathers pace.
Lamers High Tech Systems (LHTS) storage and distribution systems for corrosive and toxic chemicals offer increased safety within PV manufacturing facilities. The IBC (Intermediate bulk container) handler is a system of LHTS in which reusable containers can be emptied automatically. The equipment is engineered and constructed in a modular manner to customer specifications.
Previously confined to the R&D labs and academic solar PV roadmaps, PERC based c-Si cell capacity upgrades are starting to have a tangible impact on the PV industry. Finlay Colville investigates the drivers, myths, opportunities and the impact of PERC on PV capex and module performance.
Last week, nv vogt, a joint venture between Germany’s ib vogt and India’s APCA Power, announced it is to build an unsubsidised 6.25MW solar power plant in the Philippines. Talking to PV Tech, its managing director, Deepak Verma, reveals why the Philippines is seeing the beginnings of a ‘solar wave’.
PanelClaw is introducing its ‘Polar Bear’ III, a new flat roof mounting system. The new Polar Bear product is said to take the best aspects of PanelClaw’s existing Polar Bear, ‘Grizzly Bear’ and ‘Kodiak Bear’ flat roof portfolio and combines them into a single platform with more competitive pricing.
