Emiliano Bellini
Scientists claim 10% saving for black silicon cell production with dry etching
Researchers from Michigan Technological University and Finland’s Aalto University say they have demonstrated that the cost per unit of power of black silicon PERC cells could fall 10.8%, despite an increase in cell processing cost.
Silfab plans 150 MW back contact module line in the United States
The Italo-Canadian PV maker is the latest company to announce U.S. manufacturing plans, and will also add 150 MW of back contact module capacity at its Canadian facilities
Valmont acquires 75% stake in Italian tracker provider Convert
Valmont’s global manufacturing capabilities and utility customer base is expected to help the Italian company expand activity and market share.
Amount of silver needed in solar cells to be more than halved by 2028
The Silver Institute finds the amount of silver loading may fall from 130 mg per cell in 2016 to roughly 65 mg by 2028. Alternative and cheaper raw materials, such as copper and aluminum, are not expected to replace silver in commercial cell production, at least in the next decade.
Panasonic, Tesla reveal plan to produce lithium batteries in China
Tesla’s batteries may soon be Made in China. The announcement was made by Panasonic CEO Kazuhiro Tsuga during a conference accompanying the company’s 2018 fiscal-year results.
Mexico to get its first pure-play solar exhibition
Deutsche Messe, Solar Power Events and SNEIA will launch the first Solar Power Mexico show next March in Mexico City.
U.S. scientists use hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites to increase solar cell efficiency
Research funded by the US Department of Energy and conducted by the University of Virginia has demonstrated how the rotation of organic molecules in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites may expand the lifetime of photo-excited charge carriers.
Quebec-based pension fund CDPQ provides Sunrun with $40 million
After providing Canadian rooftop solar specialist Potentia Renewables with $83 million in May, Canada’s second-largest public pension fund has now agreed to finance U.S. solar installer Sunrun with $40 million.
Dutch pension fund invests $384 million in three U.S. projects
The three projects are located in California and Nevada, and are owned by Capital Dynamics.
Falck enters the U.S. solar market
The Italian renewable energy company has acquired a 92 MW PV project in North Carolina from Canadian Solar for $43 million.
