Photovoltaics Report

from Semiconductor International

Solar Outlooks: Doom and Gloom, an Overreaction
In her latest blog, Navigant's Paula Mints reassures readers that, despite what will be a couple slow years ahead, the solar business will continue on its profitable path. more » » » 

Showa Shell to Convert Display Fab to Module Manufacturing
Japan-based oil company Showa Shell said it will convert a now-empty Hitachi plasma display factory to CIS module production, investing ~$1.1B to establish its third solar production facility. The converted plant is expected to begin operations in 2H 2011, with 900 MW worth of capacity, making it one of the largest PV fabs worldwide. more » » » 

First Solar Wins Major PV Order in China
In an announcement that is significant on several levels, U.S.-based First Solar Inc. announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for what is the world's biggest power plant project to date, to be built in China's Mongolian desert. more » » » 

Teenager Invents $38 Solar Panel Made With Human Hair
A new type of solar panel could provide the world with cheap, green electricity, believes its teenage inventor, Milan Karki, who comes from a village in rural Nepal. The young inventor says human hair is easy to use as a conductor in solar panels, and could revolutionize renewable energy, reports Britain's Daily Mail. more » » » 

PV Model Provides Local Clean Energy Blueprint
Applied Materials has developed a business model for solar deployment designed to bring cost-effective, utility-scale solar power generation capability to local areas while stimulating economic development. Baptized the fab2farm model, it represents a complete regional ecosystem. more » » » 

GT Solar Opens Asia Headquarters in China
U.S.-based solar equipment provider GT Solar has officially opened an Asia headquarters in Shanghai, China, to better serve a region where business has been growing for the past few years. more » » » 

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