Solar business from Korea

A solar module prototype developed by SunPower has clocked a 20.4% efficiency in tests, confirmed by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). The 333W full-sized solar panel consists of 96 third-generation cells with a total panel area of 1.6m 2 . The prototype was funded the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under its Solar America Initiative (SAI), which was awarded to SunPower approximately two years ago. Using the company’s technology, which yields cells that boast a minimum of 23% efficiency, the company used larger area cells cut from a 165mm diameter ingot. The prototype was also treated with an anti-reflective coating for maximum power generation. The company expects to launch the new 20.4% efficiency module on the market within the next two years. SunPower has announced its intention to initiate a solar panel manufacturing facility in the U.S. utilising automated equipment designed and created using the SAI funding. "SunPower has the engineering expertise and proven techno...

As the first Chinese thin-film manufacturer to produce tandem junction cells on a production line, ENN Solar Energy Co., Ltd. has passed another milestone with its receipt of certification from TÜV InterCert for its tandem junction silicon thin-film solar modules. This certification confirms that the modules comply with the IEC’s requirements, and effectively passes the modules for sale in European and U.S. markets. With this TÜV Certificate, ENN solar becomes the first manufacturer in Asia to receive the certification for ultra-large size tandem junction silicon thin-film modules. The half- and quarter-size modules also received the certification, which concludes that all of ENN’s module sizes are in compliance with the requirements of IEC 61464 and IEC 61730. The 5.7m 2 modules were produced on its 60MW Applied Materials ‘SunFab’ line, ramp-up of which took place in March 2009. EEN Solar has aggressive plans to ramp manufacturing capacity to 500MW by 2011.