Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

Researchers in China have developed a floating structure for offshore PV that reportedly offers improved stability and dynamic responses compared to conventional semi-submerged floating designs. The floating structure consists of pontoon-truss platform composed of four pontoons and a steel truss connected by soft ropes.

The latest North American manufacturing hub report from Sinovoltaics maps current and planned capacity for 95 plants in the region’s PV module supply chain. The report tracks announcements of current and future capacities at plants producing PV modules, cells, wafers, ingots, polysilicon, and metallurgical-grade silicon.

The “largest European thin-film solar cell manufacturing plant” will begin operation after receiving production certification. Midsummer executive Erik Olsson tells pv magazine Italy that production is expected to start after the summer, at a time of sharp increase in demand for thin-film photovoltaic cells from the commercial and industrial solar segment.

In addition to producing renewable electricity, solar energy can also enable the clean production of hydrogen. Its potential in different applications is being assessed by several teams of researchers around the world. Adrian Pennington reports on some of this R and D and how IEC Standards can help in the third of the IEC columns for pv magazine

At Intersolar Europe 2024, pv magazine spoke with Helena Li, executive president at Trina Solar, about fierce competition and consolidation in the PV industry. She believes the strongest manufacturers will become stronger in the months to come and says only product diversification and innovation can help companies move ahead in the current overcapacity scenario.

The updated IEA PVPS Task 12 Fact Sheet provides a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts associated with PV systems. It highlights the significant advancements made in PV technology, emphasizing improved efficiencies and reduced environmental footprints.

As part of our Intersolar 2024 interview series, pv magazine spoke with Bill Mulligan, CEO of Singapore-based IBC solar module maker Maxeon. He states the IBC technology will remain competitive despite overcapacity and dropping modules prices and says Maxeon may enforce intellectual property rights with all existing and new back contact competitors that are allegedly utilizing its technologies.

Trina Solar says it has launched mass production of 430 W to 455 W full-black PV modules. The Vertex S+ panels have efficiencies of up to 22.8% and weigh 21 kg, with a 1.6 mm x 1.6 mm dual-glass design.

Scientists in Spain have implemented recursive least squares (RLS) algorithms for anomaly detection in PV systems and have found they can provide “more realistic and meaningful assessment” than traditional energy analysis.

World4Solar has launched a pre-assembled residential solar canopy, HelioWing, at an event in its warehouse in Miami, Florida.