Modules

A senior executive at Chinese manufacturer and project developer ET Solar has said hopes remain high for a negotiated settlement to the ongoing trade dispute between the US and China despite the lack of progress on the issue during a recent meeting between the two countries’ presidents.

The European Commission has rejected a request by EU ProSun to replace the pricing benchmark used to determine the minimum import price applied to Chinese solar products sold in the EU.

Capital expenditure in the PV industry used to be a simple metric to track. A new manufacturing facility meant new capex, it was that easy.

A breakaway 'super league' of silicon module suppliers looks on course to take a 40% market share in 2015, writes Finlay Colville.

REC Solar’s ‘TwinPeak’ multicrystalline module series combines a number of enhancements to provide 280 watt peak (Wp) performance. The new module features 120 half-cut multicrystalline cells, four bus bars, passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) technology, and a split junction box. Together, these technologies enhance power output by around 10Wp per module.

Solvay Specialty Polymers has expanded its position in the PV market with the launch of two film grades of its ‘Halar’ ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) for photovoltaic (PV) modules. The two new high-performance products, Halar PV ECTFE and Halar ECTFE ultraviolet (UV) blocking technology have been specifically designed for frontsheet applications.

InnoLas Solutions is offering an automated laser cutting machine with an integrated soft wafer breaking process to produce half cells or quarter cells to reduce device-inherent resistivity, boosting overall module output by a claimed 10-15W.

Fujitsu Laboratories has announced the development of a technology for automatically generating image-recognition programs that accurately detect the positions of components as captured by cameras in automated assembly processes by utilizing images of electronic components and IT equipment.

Agfa’s ‘ARZONA BS+’ PV module backsheet provides humidity and UV protection

DSM’s ‘KhepriCoat’ is claimed to maximize light transmission by minimizing reflection for solar cover glass, while boosting the cost/ performance ratio of solar energy. By enabling more-light to enter a solar device, KhepriCoat is claimed to significantly increase the device’s efficiency, and can make a major contribution in the quest for clean energy generation.