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.
Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology, ISC and IVV are working to develop a flexible weather-resistant PV encapsulation film aimed at building-integrated PV (BIPV) applications.
In reporting improving sales in the first-half of 2013, Chinese thin-film equipment supplier and module manufacturer, Hanergy expects a ‘wide window of opportunity’ in Europe to gain module sales and market share after the anti-dumping dispute between the EU and China has been resolved.
Hanergy Holding is transferring the intellectual property (IP) rights to Solibro’s copper-indium-gallium-selenium (CIGS) thin-film technology to subsidiary, Apollo Kunming.
To benefit from a new feed-in tariff (FiT) system to be introduced in Indonesia, Canadian Solar is planning to partner with local PV module manufacturer, PT Swadaya Prima Utama on a proposed 60MW plant.
Distressed capital management firms, Clearwater Capital Partners and Spinnaker Capital are working with Suntech Power Holdings to prepare a major restructuring plan for the ailing PV module manufacturing, including downsizing through asset sales and a recapitalisation that could mean majority share takeover by unidentified investors.
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.
