The French government is making some changes to its solar subsidy program, which some may view as positive, some may not. These changes came amidst a host of damaging reports on other countries, such as Spain, Korea and more recently the USA. Yet it seems that France may not be making these changes based on the downfall of others, but as a chance to shine in its own right.
With a demonstrated and verified conversion efficiency of 18%, Innovalight has found a commercial partner in the form of JA Solar, which intends to use the ink technology and equipment required to enter volume production by the end of 2010. JA Solar said that is was already developing silicon ink-based high efficiency solar cells (on silicon) at its R&D pilot line in Yangzhou, China.
Dow Corning has started construction of a high-purity monosilane gas manufacturing plant in Thomas Township, MI. The factory, located adjacent to Hemlock Semiconductor's polysilicon production facility, is expected to be completed in 2011.
The fall-out from rapid price declines for polysilicon and wafers due to weak demand and increasing overcapacity in materials and production has taken a new twist with legal action being touted by both REC and China Sunergy over a long-term (2009-2015) take-or-pay mono-wafer supply contract. Many poly and wafer suppliers have been forced to lower contract prices and adjust shipment quantities as spot prices fall below contract prices, disadvantaging cell producers that are tied to take-or-pay contracts compared to those without such contracts.
Abrisa, industrial glass fabrication products and precision thin-film optical coatings company, has named industry veteran Jim Veler as President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment became effective June 1, 2009, although the company only announced this news September 10.
Premier Power Renewable Energy has made progress on the first phase of its 20MW solar pipeline in located in the Puglia region of southern Italy. This is the first in a series of projects valued in excess of US$100 million that are being developed as a result of Premier Power's acquisition of Arco Energy in July this year.
Enfinity has been selected by the Chinese government to build China's first photovoltaic power station. The 10MW project will be located in Dunhuang City, capable of producing 16.37 million kWh annually.
SunPower Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering, inspiring and motivating a new generation of solar leaders in communities around the world has now been launched. This is the first organization of its kind to be solely funded by a major solar company.
