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.
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.
Canadian Solar has introduced a new suite of 1500V system voltage monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar modules in 60-cell and 72-cell configurations as well as a T4 field-installable PV connector portfolio for commercial and utility-scale PV power plants. The products were launched at Intersolar North America 2016.
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.
After the 630 installation rush, enterprises, industry experts and investors began to think about the next trend for Chinese PV industry. It is predicted by senior staff from an investment company, that 2017’s plant development would be tripartite by the top runners (leading group) projects, distributed systems and poverty alleviating PV programmes.
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.
Leading CdTe thin-film manufacturer First Solar is discontinuing development and production of its hybrid heterojunction silicon cell and module technology, acquired via the acquisition of start-up TetraSun.
