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.
Major equipment supplier to the PV industry, Meyer Burger has reported a better than expected order intake in the last six-weeks, citing it as a “turning point in customer behaviour.”
The strategy to diversify its business away from dependence on sectors such as solar is proving to be a significant success for equipment supplier, Manz AG.
A potential shift by Chinese PV manufacturers to avoid anti-dumping duties in the US and EU as well as in India has started with plans by Hareon Solar to build a 300MW solar cell plant in Taiwan.
Taiwan-based research firm, EnergyTrend, has said that Taiwan-based solar cell producers shipped 3.2GW of cells in the first half of 2013 on the back of anti-dumping duties against China in the US and EU.
