Bischof + Klein has introduced a new generation of PV module backsheets, designed to provide greater stability when exposed to UV radiation and increased protection against moisture ingress. The new B+K ‘BackFlex’ PP backsheet is based on polypropylene and is therefore naturally resistant to hydrolysis. It can withstand more than 5,000 hours of damp heat testing (85°C / 85% r.h.).
Major China-based PV module manufacturer Risen Energy, which entered PV Tech’s Top 10 module manufacturer’s rankings for the first time in 2017, has said that it expects to ship at least 800MW of PV modules outside China in 2017.
The International Solar Energy Research Center Konstanz e.V. (ISC Konstanz) has signed a technology transfer agreement with PV module assembly equipment supplier based in Finland for R&D centre’s advanced ‘BiSoN’ (Bifacial Solar cell On N-type) and ZEBRA (diffused n-type IBC) solar cell technology.
Kyocera Corporation a multinational electronics and related components manufacturer has made a significant US$459 million impairment charge on long-term polysilicon supply contracts, as well as downsizing its solar operations in the US, which were the primary reason for its Life & Environment Group (solar PV included) reporting a large operating loss in fiscal 2018.
Norway-Headquartered integrated PV module manufacturer REC Group is to install an N-type monocrystalline solar cell production line at its manufacturing facility in Singapore.
Leading PV manufacturing equipment supplier Meyer Burger is to outsource the manufacturing of its ‘SmartWire’ connection equipment to PV module assembly and automation specialist, Mondragon Assembly.
Sineng Electric has introduced a new central distributed inverter for bifacial solar modules. Bifacial modules are expected to become a leading force in the industry due to the significant improvement in energy yields and reduction in cost but their high-performance characteristics are not served well with current inverter technologies.
Enphase Energy and Solaria Corporation have announced the introduction of an AC solar module, the Solaria ‘PowerXT’-AC. The AC module features the Enphase IQ 7+ Microinverter and delivers high performance and aesthetics through Solaria’s proprietary module technology.
So technically, subject to approvals, California-headquartered SunPower Corp has acquired Hillsboro, Oregon-based PV manufacturer, SolarWorld Americas, yet typically there are many known unknowns regarding the acquisition.
US-headquartered High-efficiency solar module manufacturer SunPower Corp has officially announced that it has acquired Hillsboro, Oregon-based PV manufacturer, SolarWorld Americas. Financial details were not disclosed.
