SENTECH Instruments has designed the SENperc PV for the measurement of Al2O3/SiNx layer stacks and single films for the passivation of PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) solar cells. The stability of the deposition process is monitored over the long-term thereby the maintenance intervals of the deposition tools can be optimized.
Asia-based EVA encapsulant material producer HIUV New Materials said it successfully developed an encapsulant for N-type cell based PV modules that limits PID (Potential Induced Degradation).
Solar PV manufacturing in 2016 has seen the highest capex (capital expenditure) levels for years, and a return to capacity expansion plans. Furthermore, many of the companies announcing the capacity expansions are doing so for the first time, especially at the cell and module stage.
Polysilicon producer REC Silicon’s strategy to win customers outside China via discounted pricing on its FBR granular polysilicon is set to continue after Chinese anti-dumping duties are dropped and when its joint venture FBR (B) facility in China starts production in the second-half of 2017.
India has sanctioned plans to implement 10 ‘Solar Zones’ each consisting of at least 10,000 hectares of land to encourage solar PV project developers, manufacturers and investors to help achieve the country’s massive 100GW by 2022 solar targets.
Leading PV manufacturing equipment supplier Meyer Burger has received a follow-on order from an existing customer based in China for its MAiA 2.1 PERC technology upgrade platform.
Indian solar PV manufacturing is beginning to make headway after a significant module capacity increase in the last year. PV Tech caught up with Ivan Saha, president and chief technical officer of India-based manufacturer Vikram Solar for an industry update.
Leading polysilicon and wafer producer GCL-Poly Energy Holdings has signed a new supply contract with sister PV module manufacturing company, GCL System Integration totalling 110,000,000 wafers through the second-half of 2016.
‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) leader Trina Solar said it had achieved an average efficiency of 21.1% for its industrially-produced P-type monocrystalline cells (156 x 156 mm2) with Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) technology at its ‘golden’ pilot production line.
