An ongoing R&D collaboration between Imec and Jolywood (Taizhou) Solar Technology Co, the PV module manufacturing arm of major PV backsheet manufacturer Jolywood (Suzhou) Sunwatt Co, have reported an n-PERT (Passivated Emitter and Rear Totally diffused) bifacial solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 23.2%, a new record.
Speaking at the PV CellTech 2019 event, DuPont's Ted Zhi and Guangyao Jin discuss potential for future metalization gains and ensuring their R&D efforts cover future as well as current mainstream cell architectures.
According to Hanwha Q CELLS, the US International Trade Commission (US ITC) has voted to begin an investigation of alleged patent infringement by JinkoSolar, LONGi Solar, and REC Group, in relation to its US [215] patent on solar cell passivation layer structures.
Hongbin Fang, technical director of LONGi Solar says mono-PERC technology, including bifacial, will form the backbone of the solar sector in the immediate future.
Leading polysilicon and multicrystalline solar wafer producer, GCL-Poly Energy Holdings has reported a loss of RMB 1,011.4 million (US$150.7 million) for its ‘Solar Material Business’ unit in 2018, citing the demand impact from the China 531 New Deal that led to overcapacity and rapidly falling selling prices.
US-headquartered high-efficiency solar panel manufacturer SunPower Corp recently held its ‘Capital Markets Day’ event that indicated a slow turnaround in its business fortunes would be a key development in 2019.
A key challenge for a company that has undergone several major restructurings in recent years has been the lack of profitability.
Diversified renewables firm Shunfeng International Clean Energy (SFCE) is close to an agreement to sell its manufacturing operations, which include Wuxi Suntech, as well as other international operations, including power plant monitoring firm, meteocontrol to reduce debts of RMB12,295.3 million (US$1.83 billion).
