Germany

German Jurchen Technology proposes an innovative racking system for photovoltaic panels – PEG. The substructure requires less material than conventional mounting systems, simplifies installation and optimizes land-use.

An R&D team from HZB has established a new record for tandem silicon/perovskite solar cells. The cell measured 1 sq cm has achieved 29.15 percent conversion efficiency. The researchers state that the new record of 30 percent is on the way. The achievement has been approved by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.

A 42 MW solar park will be built in eastern Germany to generate power for the 16.7 Hz network of German rail operator, Deutsche Bahn. Construction is expected to start once final approvals are received from local authorities.

Researchers in Germany are trialing a host of new processes and materials to develop interdigitated back contact solar cells. A deposition technology named ‘hot-wire’ chemical vapor deposition, is said to provide excellent passivation without the need for treatments such as recrystallization or hydrogenation.

Manz AG has signed an agreement with China’s Shenzhen Yinghe Technology for strategic cooperation in lithium-ion cell and module production.

Calyxo, a German cadmium telluride solar module manufacturer, has filed for insolvency for the second time, despite the recent emergence of new prospective investors. Meanwhile, Crystalsol – an Austrian flexible solar panel maker – has also initiated insolvency proceedings, due to losses of roughly €7 million.

Solibro Hi-Tech filed for insolvency last Friday. In August, 2019, Solibro GmbH was also declared insolvent. Both companies belong to Hanergy group.

Development financiers are looking to lure in private players to deploy utility-scale solar in the world’s most densely populated country, hoping to combat land shortages for renewables.

‘Solar Module Super League’ (SMSL) member, First Solar has agreed to settle a 2012 class action lawsuit to the tune of US$350 million. The settlement is subject to approval by the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.

The Volkswagen group has hinted that it is searching for a charging robot for EV. These are mobile charging robots that will make electric vehicles autonomous.

Fraunhofer is leading efforts to avail affordable photovoltaic material for solar at the industrial level

German Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen and partners are developing technologies for the roll-to-roll production of organic photovoltaics (OPV) in the »EffiLayers« project.

The BMW Group has reached another electro-mobility milestone and already delivered half a million electric vehicles to customers worldwide.

PV equipment supplier Meyer Burger will shutter its Hennecke-branded manufacturing facility in Zülpich, Germany, affecting some 60 employees.

The Munich-based group sold five solar parks with a total generation capacity of around 35 MW to the Hamburg-headquartered power producer. One of the five plants was among Germany’s first unsubsidized PV projects.