NREL, Swiss researchers break 35% cell efficiency
A collaborative project between the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratories and researchers from two Swiss centers has tested a range of multi junction cells in tandem configuration, and achieved efficiencies of up to 35.9%.
Appeals court upholds SolarWorld’s $800 million debt to Hemlock
The ruling comes as the German solar manufacturer is restarting following an insolvency process, and Hemlock may have a hard time collecting.
SMA’s results affected by price declines
The German inverter manufacturer reports that shipments remained stable in the first half of this year, while revenues were down year-over-year. The company has raised its outlook for 2017.
Imec hits 23.9% efficiency with tandem perovskite/silicon mini-module
Belgian research institute Imec has achieved a conversion efficiency of 23.9% on a perovskite/silicon tandem module measuring 4 square centimeters. This efficiency level, according to Imec, represents the first time such a stacked configuration has outperformed a standalone silicon solar cell.
SolarWorld officially enters insolvency
Almost three months after announcing provisional insolvency proceedings, the German module maker has now entered the insolvency process. The company is currently negotiating with a potential investor for the takeover of its two German production sites.
Storage prices are falling faster than solar and wind
A study from the University of California and TU Munich in Germany shows that long-term R&D spending played a critical role in achieving cost reductions.
Buzz Lightyear: first solar-powered family car hits the market
The Lightyear One, developed by Dutch startup Lightyear, is now available for general sale at a retail price of €119,000. Company hopes to secure 200 orders by end of year.
Destroy the industry to save it? Another report warns of Section 201 case’s potentially devastating effects
GTM Research’s latest report predicts a 50% to 60% overall reduction to solar installations if trade action is taken, with the utility-scale sector taking the most significant hit.
Trump stalls on Paris climate agreement
The U.S. president declined to sign on to consensus language composed by G7 leaders, and has said that a decision will come some time this week. However, implications for solar and renewables may be limited.
BREAKING: SolarWorld Americas joins Suniva’s trade petition
After originally being cool to Suniva’s petition to the U.S. International Trade Commission for protection from its Chinese competitors, SolarWorld has reversed its stance and joined the complaint as a co-petitioner.
