Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

Scientists in Germany have improved the efficiency of an industrial TOPCon solar cell from 23.8% to 24.1% by using laser-enhanced contact optimization as a post-firing treatment.

US scientists tested PV modules built with backsheets and polyvinylidene-fluoride (PVDF) layers, to replicate the degradation the material has suffered in the field of accelerated testing. By exposing the modules to multiple stresses, they were able to cause degradation in the backsheet materials. Though this did not closely match what has been seen in the field, such testing can be useful in identifying potential weaknesses.

Vikram Solar has unveiled new mono PERC bifacial modules with front-side power outputs from 635 W to 660 W. The modules feature glass-to-glass construction and provide up to 25% bifacial gain.

An Iranian research group has developed a system that combines photovoltaic-thermal modules with organic Rankine cycle, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and liquefied natural gas. The ideal system has an exergy efficiency of 16.24%, a cost rate of $4.48 per hour, and 33.32 kW of net electrical power.

Clean Energy Associates says solar wafer pricing will fall by 23% by the end of 2023, while BloombergNEF sees 500 GW of manufacturing capacity online by the end of next year.

Yingli’s 156-cell Panda 3.0 PRO module has a temperature coefficient of -0.30% per degree Celsius and is available in wattages ranging from 590 W to 615 W, with a bifaciality of more than 90%.

JinkoSolar has predicted that polysilicon prices will peak before the end of September, while Risen, GoodWe, TBEA, and Ginlong have all reported strong first-half increases in revenue.

First Solar has announced plans to invest in a new 3.5 GW manufacturing facility in the southeastern United States, on top of a $185 million upgrade for its Ohio plant.

Reliance Industries says that production will begin at its 10 GW factory for solar cells and modules by 2024. It plans to double the facility’s capacity to 20 GW by 2026 and is aiming for 50 GWh of annual cell-to-pack battery capacity by 2027.

Researchers have studied a perovskite solar panel array with little generation loss due to high temperatures, and better performance than expected.