German solar research institute Fraunhofer ISE has reclaimed the multicrystalline PV cell efficiency record, achieving 21.9%. Fraunhofer researchers deployed n-type high-performance multicrystalline technology to produce the record-setting PV cell.

U.S. solar producer SunPower will acquire Taiwan’s AU Optronic’s stake in a cell production facility joint venture the companies entered into in 2010. Under the deal, SunPower will pay $170 million over four years and take complete control of what is describes as “our highest performing solar cell fab.”

The time is now for solar to take a seat at the “adults’ table” and achieve scale within the U.S. energy marketplace. This was one of the key messages at the opening session of the Solar Power International trade show that kicked off in Las Vegas today.

SolarWorld has increased its Q2 2016 shipments 39% YoY, to 342 MW, in 2016. Revenues increased almost 30% for the quarter, to €222 million ($246 million), while achieving an EBIT profit of €20.5 ($22.7 million) million.

Industry analysts IHS Markit expect the grid-tied energy storage market to double in 2016, from 1.4 GWh to 2.9 GWh. IHS expects on-grid storage capacity to reach 21 GWh by 2025.

SolarWorld could face bankruptcy as a result of its polysilicon supply dispute with Hemlock. The U.S. polysilicon supplier is claiming up to $793.5 million in damages, in court documents acquired by Reuters today.

New research has indicated a pathway for perovskites to achieve a conversion efficiency of 31%. The findings were published by researchers from Berkeley Lab this week. Nanoscale images of perovskite solar cells revealed a characteristic of perovskites that points to the potential for dramatically higher efficiencies.

European markets: In a continent seeking ever closer union but ever stronger opposition, solar’s ability to stand on its own two feet – free from subsidy – will prove crucial in the coming years, as seen in the disparate approaches many European nations are taking towards PV.

Meyer Burger’s DW288 Series 3 diamond wire saw, and Eternal Sun’s Climate Chamber and Solar Simulator have been named as the winners of the 2016 Technology Highlights award. The award recognizes excellence in innovation and execution from PV production equipment and materials suppliers with the winners selected by an eight-person international jury of solar industry […]