Applied Materials Inc. (AMAT) introduces its latest advances in PV manufacturing technology at the SNEC PV Power Expo 2011. These include a selective emitter (SE) technology for increased cell efficiency, and a wire saw development to increase cutting speed.

Solar3D is still squarely in the development phase, with some details of its concentrator-style silicon photovoltaic cell still in theoretical mode. But the nanoscale light-capture technology is not all that makes this start-up unique: Solar3D CEO Jim Nelson says they have no interest in venture capital funding.

DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions introduced DuPont PV5400 series thin ionomer-based encapsulant sheets designed to protect sensitive thin film solar modules. DuPont PV5400 Series ionomer-based encapsulants are available in roll form.

With their capability to increase the efficiency of solar photovoltaics (PV) systems, module level power management (MLPM) solutions are set for fast growth, new IHS iSuppli research indicates. By the end of 2014, 38% of residential PV installations worldwide will employ MLPM solutions, up from 2% in 2010.

With its PowerLine L 400 and 100 series, ROFIN introduced q-switched solid state lasers designed for micro material processing applications that require high average power and high pulse energy: thin film removal on glass and flexible materials, ablation of dielectric layers, silicon processing, drilling and cutting.

Samsung and TSMC are among a new wave of Asian electronics giants seeking to translate their know-how in cost-conscious markets and manufacturing efficiencies into a slice of hot solar PV marketplace pie, notes IMS Research.

Despite an anticipated surge in PV installations during 2011, the start of the year will be bumpy due to a temporary demand lull and rising inventories, warns IHS iSuppli.

Siliken Canada Corporation has leased a building near the airport of Windsor, Ontario. Hiring of people of all sets of skills has started, equipment is on the way, and production is scheduled to start in April 2011.

Optimized for high-volume, in-line manufacturing, the PV-360 can process up to 4,300 wafers (125mm) per hour. Ultrasonic Systems Inc. (USI) announced the multi-PV-360 order for the in-line thermal diffusion process from a customer based in China.

IPSol Energy is establishing a commercial PV center of excellence in the English Midlands to provide independent strategy advice and validation of solar PV modules, what it says will be the UK's and ostensibly the world's first such site.