PV Science

Swiss PECVD tool developer INDEOtec has sold one of its Octopus II PECVD tools to France’s IPVF (Institut Photovoltaique d’Ile-de-France). The Octopus II tool is a deposition platform for high efficiency PV cell production, such as HJT concepts.

Perovskites are shaking up the solar research world. These lead or tin-based organometal trihalides hold the promise for huge commercial gains over current solar technology. But how to move such promising materials to market?

 According to the latest findings from NPD Solarbuzz, the continued competitiveness of conventional c-Si technologies and market overcapacity is taking its toll on PV thin-film market share.

 Employing an i-PERC-type solar cell at imec, researchers have been able to demonstrate a best cell efficiency of 20.1% using atomic layer deposition (ALD) Al2O3 passivation with standard screen printed contacts. However, using front-side copper contacts boosted efficiency to 20.6%.

 According to Applied Materials, the transaction, which will be completed through an all-stock combination, will enable the creation of a new entity valued at approximately $29 billion. The boards of directors of both companies have already approved the merger. 

The creditors of Q-Cells SE, now renamed Global PVQ SE, have approved with a majority the procedural insolvency plan submitted by insolvency administrator Henning Schorisch. The first payout rate for this year has been set at 8.5%. The process should hence be concluded by end of 2015.