Natcore achieves 20.7% efficiency on silver-free back contact cell
The latest efficiency milestone for Natcore’s Foil Cell is verified by the NanoPower Research Lab at Rochester Institute for Technology. The result was achieved on the Natcore Foil Cell, which utilizes a lasering process and novel metallization strategy, eliminating the need for costly silver.
First Solar reports strong Q1 results as it readies for Series 6
First Solar brought in a net profit on the sale of a major solar project, as it orders tools and prepares for the switch to its large-format series 6.
SolarWorld reports shipment growth in first quarter
The German-American module maker shipped 382 MW in the first three months of this year. The company’s plan to focus on monocrystalline PERC products is being implemented according to schedule.
Wacker says market environment for polysilicon is difficult
The German chemical company has said in its preliminary results for the first quarter of this year that polysilicon prices dropped significantly over the past weeks. Overall, the company expects to see its profits grow in 2017.
Potential disaster: Jigar Shah on Suniva’s Section 201 petition
Yesterday Suniva filed for “relief” under a little-known legal provision that would allow the president to take action normally not permitted to protect a domestic industry from imports. pv magazine sought Jigar Shah’s perspective on this case and possible outcomes, and it frankly doesn’t look good.
Getting ready for terawatts of solar (with charts)
Researchers from NREL, Fraunhofer ISE and Japan’s AIST have released a new paper which looks at the barriers to deploying multiple terawatts of solar PV and what can be done to overcome them.
NEXTracker retains top spot among tracker makers
Figures released by GTM Research show that U.S.-based NEXTracker remained the global market leader for the second year running, although Indian and Chinese suppliers gained major headway as the market continues to globalize.
Suniva files for chapter 11 bankruptcy
Two weeks after laying off 131 employees without notice and closing its module plant in Michigan, one of the largest U.S. solar manufacturers has filed for bankruptcy.
The big stuff
Thin film: First Solar is moving to a much larger format for its Series 6 modules, which are due to begin production next year. Is this the signal that the thin film industry has been looking for to move to larger formats?
Bosch Solar voluntarily recalls 28,000 solar panels
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission partnered with the California company to recall PV modules that could overheat and catch fire, though no incidents or injuries have been reported.
