News

December 20, 2011
JA Solar Holdings revealed that its Maple solar cells had reached an 18.5% conversion efficiency level in large volume production, with the average conversion efficiency for the Maple cells in mass production being recorded at 18%. The new record for JA Solar is noted as being higher than the industry’s standard average conversion efficiency for multicrystalline solar cells of nearly 16.8%.
December 20, 2011
The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has given an exclusive patent licence to equipment specialist, Natcore Technology to use its diffused emitter technology ‘Black Silicon’ with Natcore’s liquid phase deposition (LPD) technology. The black silicon process has been claimed by Natcore scientists and NREL researchers to reduce average reflectivity to less than 1.5%, compared to current advanced antireflective coatings that are said to reduce the average reflectivity to approximately 6%. The aim is to commercialize the technology in 2012.
December 19, 2011
China Sunergy’ s Quasar modules were granted safety and reliability certificates by TÜV Rheinland Group after conducting independent tests to prove that the PV modules are safe and will deliver the guaranteed rated power in different environmental conditions. China Sunergy noted that the TÜV Rheinland certificates for its Quasar modules are valid for five years through November 16, 2016 and that the certification will allow it to scale up sales of its Quasar modules across Europe.
December 19, 2011
NPD Solarbuzz’s latest Solarbuzz Quarterly report states that global demand is projected to grow 6% in 2012, with market declines in Europe to be offset by 43% growth outside that region. Therefore, solar companies will face the challenge of re-building margins during a period of increasing diversity in end solar market mix. PV companies will need to shift focus from seeking market share to instead prioritizing a return to profitability after losses incurred throughout the industry following problems with over-production, excess inventories and collapsing market process.
December 19, 2011
In a brief market update, aleo solar said that it expected losses in 2011 to be in the range of €25-€30 million. The PV module manufacturer had reported an EBIT profit of €7.4 million, with an EBIT margin of 2.2% for the first 9-months of the year.
December 19, 2011
Following the Canadian government’s announcement to reduce FiT prices for new projects, The Green Energy Act Alliance and Shine Ontario Association have joined forces by releasing the Ontario Feed-in Tariff 2011 Review: More Jobs, Affordable, Clean Energy, and a Brighter Future for Ontario report. The groups represent Canada’s leading environmental and energy groups, as well as the key players in Canada’s solar industry.
December 19, 2011
Darryl Nakamoto has resigned from his position as Hoku's chief financial officer. Nakamoto, who also served as Hoku's treasurer and secretary, will remain at the company until March 31, 2012 to help the search for his successor and assist with the transition.
December 19, 2011
Dye-sensitized solar thin-film specialist, Dyesol has claimed a 15% increase in the efficiency performance of large DSC strip cells has been achieved, bringing industrial DSC efficiency up from 6.9% to 8% in 2011. The increase in efficiency results were said to come from improvements in materials and structural design elements.
December 19, 2011
Financially challenged silicon metal supplier, Timminco has tapped Bank of America for the remaining US$2.9 million of a revolving credit facility, resulting in the company having to pursue alternative sources of financing. The Canada-based materials producer recently reported third quarter sales of US$28.6 million and a net loss of US$2.4 million.
December 19, 2011
Avancis has said that its new state-of-the-art CIS thin-film module production plant has begun ramping. Construction of the 100MW capacity facility started in June 2010 and enables the company to offer new products, boost efficiencies and lower costs, compared to its previous 20MW facility. The number of employees at Avancis is set to double from the current 250 to almost 500.

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