Sputtering Materials has released new analytical results showing improvements in high density (99 %+) CIG planar targets for thin film solar manufacturers. In particular the results are aimed at improving the deposition of CIG based films and assisting companies into volume production.
Two existing customers based in Asia have placed follow-on orders worth $9 million with Amtech Systems, Inc. The orders are for its subsidiary, Tempress Systems, diffusion processing tools.
Trina Solar has secured the sale of 70 percent of its targeted 450MW production levels for 2009, with approximately 40 percent of the target secured at predetermined prices. The 70 percent figure was reached with the signing of a new contract with Invictus NV, which will see the company purchase 20MW in 2009 and 30MW in 2010. The deal includes an option for an extra 10MW per annum.
Photovoltech is to build a new crystalline solar cell manufacturing plant in Tienen, Belgium, where its current production facility is located. Dutch engineering company DHV is to design and build the 26,500 m² facility, which will be divided into 3 floors and will have a 400MW capacity. The new facility will generate 100 new jobs.
Q-Cells AG has signed a significant supply deal with LDK Solar for upgraded metallurgical silicon (umg-Si) based wafers. The signed MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) will see LDK Solar process approximately 20,000MT (metric tones) of upgraded metallurgical silicon into wafers for Q-Cells, until 2018, with an option for an additional 21,000MT. Supply of the umg-Si wafers is to start this year, the companies said. Earlier this year, Q-Cells signed a umg-Si supply deal with Becancour Silicon Inc. (BSI), a division of Timminco. The initial deal was later increased to 6,000 metric tons per year in the years 2010 to 2013.
On the back of the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition held in Valencia, Spain last week, Komax Holding AG has received orders worth over CHF 30 million, which includes a significant order from Algatec Solar AG for Komax’s crystalline solar module automation systems for a new 160MW module plant.The Algatec Solar order includes stringer and layup systems.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between LG Electronics and Conergy AG that will see LG take a 75 percent stake in Conergy’s advanced solar module plant in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany. The deal could be in place by the end of 2008, Conergy said. LG will also be involved in R&D activities with Conergy, citing its manufacturing experience in the flat panel display industry and its move into being a major PV player in the years to come.
Product Briefing Outline: DEK has introduced the PVP1200 screen printer capable of 1,200 wafers-per-hour (WPH) throughput and offering advanced automated features for high speed and repeatability. The PVP1200 is built using expertise gained from DEK’s established high-accuracy screen printing platforms, proven in surface-mount assembly and chip-scale semiconductor packaging.
23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition held in Valencia, Spain last week was one of the best events I have attended in over 15 years of attending trade shows in most parts of the world.
Independent photovoltaic power producer, SOLARIG has recently completed all of its PV power plant projects in Spain, ahead of the expiration of the current Royal Decree. A total power capacity of 22MW of planned energy production at a cost of €132 million has been successfully connected, the company said.
