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.
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.
‘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.
Major Photovoltaics Energy Provider (PVEP) SunPower has achieved has set a new PV module conversion efficiency record of 24.1%, using laboratory made IBC-based solar cells that has been verified by the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
The prospect of the ‘commoditisation’ of lithium-ion batteries is not likely to be as clear-cut as has been seen in the PV industry, one manufacturer has said.
Leading PV manufacturing equipment supplier Meyer Burger has received an order valued at around CHF 21 million (US$22 million) from a China-based integrated PV manufacturer.
Heraeus Photovoltaics will be featuring its new range of metallization pastes for PERC-solar cells as well as for low-temperature heterojunction and organic solar cell applications at Intersolar Europe 2016.
Technically bankrupt integrated PV module manufacturer Yingli Green maybe finally undergoing some form of business and financial restructuring, according to some vague references made by management in its most recent earnings call that attracted only two financial analysts.
