‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member JA Solar may have met first quarter 2017 guidance on key financial metrics and guided a strong second quarter, due to an increase in demand from China but management commentary turned cautious for the second-half of the year on limited customer demand visibility.
Hanwha Q CELLS has launched its first PV modules using P-type monocrystalline PERC cell technology. The Q.PEAK module series is now available for European customers in two variations: Q.PEAK-G4.1 with black frame and white back sheet and as the all black Q.PEAK BLK-G4.1. The Q.PEAK-G4.1 comes in power classes ranging from 295Wp to 305Wp and efficiencies of up to 18.6 %. The Q.PEAK module series is being showcased at Intersolar Europe 2017.
Sweden-based solar cell nanowire materials start-up Sol Voltaics said it had achieved a key breakthrough in commercializing its gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanowire film for crystalline silicon solar cells.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is to provide AU$20 million (US$15 million) for its third competitive funding round for PV research and development (R&D).
Wickon Hightech has developed a new model of the ‘SPEEDFilm’ inspection platform specifically for PV manufacturers. The ‘SPEEDFilm Solar’ system ensures 100% inspection of screen printed paste structures with a very high throughput that is able to handle thinner and thinner printed structures on c-Si solar wafers.
Inline solar cell measurement equipment specialist Aurora Solar Technologies (AST) said it was collaborating with several leading PV manufacturers in Asia to develop and test an enhanced version of its Veritas visualization software and quality control systems.
Suniva’s petition to the US International Trade Commission (ITC) puts PV demand at risk by the uncertainty created among investors and the global supply chain, argues market research firm IHS Markit.
Heraeus Photovoltaics has launched a specifically designed frontside silver paste to provide improved contact ability diamond wire cut wafer with ‘Black Silicon’ texture
PV module manufacturer Astronergy said it was undertaking a transition away from 4BB (busbar) technology to 5BB to boost overall conversion efficiencies at its production plant in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany.
Norway-headquartered integrated PV module manufacturer REC Group has been officially approved to be able to bid on solar supply tenders in France, organised by the government after receiving the required low carbon footprint certification by French module testing and certification body, CERTISOLIS.
