US-based high-efficiency integrated PV manufacturer Mission Solar Energy is reportedly to close its N-type mono solar cell line with the loss of 87 jobs and focus on module assembly to remain competitive.
Leading PV manufacturing equipment supplier Meyer Burger Technology announced a major restructuring plan to become more flexible to market dynamics by lowering its operating cost base by CHF 50 million per annum and reducing its workforce by around 16% by the end of 2016.
US-based solar module technology firm Solaria Corporation has filed suit against GCL Solar Energy, Inc., a subsidiary of GCL-Poly Energy Holdings due to claims of IP theft and breaches of Non-Disclosure Agreements that resulted in the GCL producing PV modules using its proprietary technology that is protected by over 100 patents.
Wuxi Suntech, the PV module manufacturing arm of renewable energy group, Shunfeng International Clean Energy (SFCE) has secured insurance from Munich Re to support its 25-year module warranty scheme.
SCHMID Group is offering its ‘Inline System’ for alkaline texturing that provides a lower cost option for PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact) cell architectures that reduces the consumption of chemicals.
Cogenra Solar, a subsidiary of US-based high-efficiency module manufacturer SunPower, has filed a lawsuit against SolarCity over claims of IP (Intellectual Property) theft and infringement over its direct solar cell to cell contact technology that is often described as an overlapping shingle-like pattern.
3D-Micromac’s ‘microCELL’ TLS is a highly productive laser system for separation of standard silicon solar cells into half cells. The microCELL TLS meets cell manufacturers demands for retaining the mechanical strength of the cut cells.
A US-based start-up SunCulture Solar Inc. has come out of stealth mode and launched a potentially game-changing fully-integrated residential and off-grid solar system. ‘SolPad’ Home combines multiple patented technologies into a single device, including breakthrough solid-state battery technology, an innovative inverter system and intelligent software to enable real ‘plug and play.’ This is the only PV system in existence that provides complete integration of energy storage, management and high-efficiency solar cells.
