Research at the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP), based at The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has reported a 12.1% efficiency rating for a 16 cm2 perovskite solar cell, partially funded by Suntech and Trina Solar and AUD$3.6 million in funding through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA).
Finland-based energy firm Fortum has invested €5.2 million in Exeger Sweden AB, dye-sensitized solar cell start-up to help support the launch of commercial products in 2017.
Leading PV manufacturing equipment supplier Meyer Burger Technology has made some major made changes to its senior management and plans for new Board directors, led by the stepping down of CEO for 14 years, Peter Pauli.
Specialist polysilicon market research firm, Bernreuter Research has warned of continued overcapacity that will force pricing down below many producers' cash cost levels and threatens the existence of high-cost producers in 2018.
PV Tech can reveal the preliminary Top 5 solar module manufacturers in 2016, based as usual on final shipment guidance from third quarter financial results.
‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Hanwha Q CELLS said that previously upwardly revised shipment guidance would be retained for the full-year after reporting a 10.9% increase in revenue for the third quarter of 2016.
Leading polysilicon and wafer producer GCL-Poly reported a 15% cut in production of polysilicon in the third quarter of 2016, compared to the prior year period, due to weak China end-market demand.
China-based polysilicon and wafer producer Daqo New Energy reported third quarter 2016 financial results that characterised the abrupt demand slowdown from PV manufacturers at the beginning of the quarter but cited a strong rebound in demand since October.