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.
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.
RENA has said that its inline passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) processing equipment ‘InPERC’ has achieved solar cell efficiencies at a customer site in China of 18%, without the use of selective emitter cell design.
China-based Zhejiang Fortune Photovoltaic Co (M-Cells) has placed an order with Singulus Technologies for delivery of up to 16 vacuum coating machines with conversion efficiencies of over 18% for multicrystalline solar cells. Delivery of the first machine is scheduled for the first quarter of 2014.
A joint development program is to mesh atomic layer deposition (ALD) with large-area substrates to provide production tool technology for improved buffer and barrier layer deposition for thin-film PV modules, including CIGS.
Leading machine vision systems specialist, ISRA Vision has hinted at further PV equipment acquisitions and a whiff of recovery in equipment enquiries within the PV sector in reporting third quarter financial year results.
SunEdison's share price surged today on news that the company would spin off its semiconductor business from its PV development business. Shares peaked on the New York Stock Exchange at US$8.34 each.
