DOE and NREL seek consortium leaders in thin-film solar module advancement
The Department of Energy has released $20 million in funding to solicit participation in NREL-organized consortium of leaders in thin-film cadmium telluride module advancement.
Hanergy: from thin-film solar savior to mass layoffs at MiaSolé, Alta, Solibro and Global Solar
Unannounced layoffs with no pay or benefits have left more than 600 American workers in the U.S., 180 employees in Germany, and thousands in China unemployed and in the dark. A number of employees reached out to tell their story.
Do these solar cells make me look fat?
NREL researchers explore power-to-weight ratios in thin film solar pv products, looking at premium price ($1.25-$100/W) gigawatt scale niches not directly competing with crystalline silicon solar modules.
Stion R&D tools go to auction
Heritage Global Partners will auction off the thin film PV maker’s tools from its research & development facility in Silicon Valley on May 30-31.
First Solar still sold out into 2020
The thin film solar maker is also reviving its EPC division with a goal to build 1 GW of solar projects each year, as well as increasing its presence in O&M services.
First Solar to build the biggest solar factory in the Western Hemisphere – in Ohio
The 1.2 GW factory will employ 500 workers. The new facility is expected to First Solar’s total capacity to 7.6 GW by the end of 2020.
Microlink Devices hits 37.75% efficiency for triple junction cell
Microlink Devices has achieved a record efficiency of 37.75% on its triple junction thin film cells, as confirmed by NREL. The lightweight cell achieves a power density of more than 3000 W/kg, and is designed for use in satellites and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs).
First Solar sold out well into 2020
The thin film PV maker expects its new Series 6 PV module to begin mass production in Ohio in Q2 – with 1 GW expected to be manufactured globally in 2018. The company also increased its 2018 guidance.
Crystalline silicon outpaces thin-film in the U.S. large-scale solar market
U.S. Department of Energy data from 2016 shows crystalline silicon deployment surging last year, while thin-film grows at a more modest pace. Are manufacturing constraints to blame?
First Solar produces first S6 module, seals 800 MW of deals
The first modules have rolled off the line in Ohio as part of First Solar’s $1.4 billion dollar bet on its large-format Series 6. The company will also expand production in Vietnam.
