Photovoltaics Updates

Suntech Breaks Efficiency Record for Multicrystalline Solar Module
Suntech Power Holdings has achieved a 15.6% conversion efficiency for its commercial-grade multicrystalline silicon PV module -- a new record that is backed up by Fraunhofer and Progress in Photovoltaics.more » » » 

Solar Outlooks: Bottleneck or Roadblock: The Demand Question, Yet Again
In her debut blog with PV Society, Navigant Consulting's Paula Mints argues that the industry needs to keep the demand discussion going -- even when strong demand returns. more » » » 

ReneSola to Build 150 MW On-Grid Solar Plant in China
ReneSola Ltd. has been given exclusive rights to develop a 150 MW on-grid solar power project in Wuzhong, China -- a positive step toward China becoming a user of solar energy rather than just the leading producer of solar panels. more » » » 

'Nanospears' Point to Better Solar Cells
Researchers at the Missouri University of Science and Technology describe their research of nanoscale spear-shaped zinc oxide crystals, which could help to enable more efficient photovoltaic solar cells. more » » » 

SunSi Energies to Take Over Chinese TCS Facility
SunSi Energies Inc., which intends to develop a portfolio of TCS-producing facilities, said it is forming a joint venture in Zibo, China. SunSi will own 90% of Zibo Boayun Chemical Co. Ltd.more » » » 

Hoku Materials Granted Foreign Trade Zone Status
Hoku Materials Inc. has been granted foreign trade zone (FTZ) subzone status for its polysilicon plant under construction in Pocatello, Idaho. Hoku execs expect the new status to give the struggling company a needed boost. more » » » 

U.S. Government Invests in Ribbon Cell Startup
Federal funds of $3.6M are being devoted to solar ribbon cell research and production. In military applications, such cells can extend missions and improve logistics since soldiers won't have to carry batteries to re-power equipment. more » » » 

PV Crystalox Solar Reports Solid First Half
With H1 revenues down less than 4% from 2008 levels, PV Crystalox Solar is bucking industry trends in a down market. Despite pricing pressures, CEO Iain Dorrity expects "another robust performance in the second half." more » » » 

Solarfun Sees Better Times Ahead
China's Solarfun said revenues bounced back in the second quarter, increasing 25% from Q1 but down 36.8% from Q2 2008. The company said it has paid significant amounts to buy itself out of wafer supply agreements that were dragging down profits. more » » » 

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