A solar cell with 50% efficiency is no longer a pipe dream after researchers at at Fraunhofer ISE, CEA-Leti, Helmholtz Center Berlin and commercial CPV firm, Soitec reached a world record 44.7% conversion efficiency for a novel III-V-based solar cell.
Sempra US Gas and Electric has partnered with renewable energy project developer and operator, ConEdison Development to run two of Sempra’s solar plants.
Following an agreement with Acciona Energy Oceania, solar PV structure manufacturer Mecasolar will supply the fixed structure to a 24MWp capacity solar farm in Australia.
Market research firm IHS has attempted to counter recent reports from rival firm, NPD Solarbuzz in the next direction PV manufacturers will take, which could have a significant impact on equipment and materials suppliers to the sector.
Phoenix Solar is to design and construct what is claimed will be the largest PV installation in Singapore for CMM marketing and management, the distribution arm of one of Singapore’s largest retailers, Sheng Siong.
An Italian court has ordered the seizure of further solar parks constructed by companies associated with Global Solar Fund, the PV power plant investment body in which Chinese manufacturer Suntech is majority shareholder.
Despite the continued constraints on capital expenditure and R&D investments, ROFIN-BAASEL Lasertech said it had seen an uptick in laser system orders, notably due to solar cell manufacturers focusing in on PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) and selective emitter processes for improvements in conversion efficiencies.
