Inline solar cell measurement equipment specialist Aurora Solar Technologies (AST) said it had received a volume order from a confidential customer located in China for its ‘Decima’ Gemini systems and ‘Veritas’ wafer and process mapping software to be integrated into new high-efficiency bifacial cell production lines.
According to Bernreuter Research, polysilicon consumption for the production of solar wafers is set to impact the supply-side as the PV industry adopts diamond wire technologies that significantly lower kerf loss.
China-based PV manufacturer GCL System Integration Technology (GCL-SI) has broken its own solar cell average efficiency for its self-developed PERC cells in mass production by utilizing Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) technology - reaching 20.6% from 20.1% in February.
Chinese merchant cell producer Aiko Solar will work with RENA Technologies to support its ongoing transition to passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology.
Struggling former ‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Yingli Green Energy and Amtech Group’s Tempress Systems BV jointly opened what is claimed to be Europe’s largest bifacial PV solar plant next to the Tempress headquarters in Vaassen, the Netherlands.
Enel Green Power (EGP) has partnered with the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM) of the National Research Council (NRC) to create a dedicated laboratory to explore renewable energy technologies, and in particular, develop bifacial PV modules.
Leading ‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member JinkoSolar reported record PV module shipments of 2,068MW in the first quarter of 2017, exceeding guidance.
With stricter quality standards due to be brought in for Indian solar tenders, including inspections for modules, cells and wafers, energy and mines minister Piyush Goyal has warned the industry about failure to keep equipment quality high.
Norway-headquartered integrated PV module manufacturer REC Group has made a significant shift in its regional sales strategy, which was previously dominated by shipments to the US.
