Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

A research group in Canada has optimized the performance of concentrator photovoltaics by using the so-called surface-mount technology for thermal management. The CPV module prototype utilizes four non-interconnected III-V germanium cells, a Fresnel lens, and a transparent glass printed-circuit board.

Wood Mackenzie says that JA Solar has taken first place on its list of solar panel manufacturers. Nine of the first 12 positions are held by Chinese manufacturers, seven of them could surpass 100 GW of capacity by 2027, and eight are self-sufficient in cell capacity, according to the research firm.

Researchers in China have built a tandem-perovskite solar cell with a top perovskite device based on an absorber treated with n-butanol, which reportedly reduces the detrimental effects of moisture in manufacturing processes carried out in air environment. The result is a tandem cell with improved charge collection.

The U.S. International Trade Commission unanimously voted that solar cell manufacturing in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, supported by local incentives, is harming U.S. industry. This decision paves the way for the Commerce Department to finalize its determinations on countervailing duties by July 18 and anti-dumping duties by October 1.

The authorities in the Philippines have inaugurated the country’s largest solar-powered irrigation system, featuring more than 1,000 solar panels and two submersible pumps. The system benefits over 200 farmers and is the first of its kind to be constructed over an irrigation canal, preserving farming land.

Standard Energy, a subsidiary of Singapore’s GSTAR Group, says the first batch of equipment has arrived at its new 3 GW silicon wafer and 3 GW solar cell smart factory in Thailand. Production is expected to commence in July.

Taiwanese manufacturer Winaico said its newest bifacial, n-type, glass-glass TOPCon compact modules are available in a 435 W aluminum-framed version, and a 430 W full-black version. The module efficiency is up to 22.30%.

The Austrian government has introduced incentives for PV systems over 35 kW that feature made-in-Europe modules. The measure aims to create new jobs and support the energy transition, offering a 20% higher subsidy for qualifying projects.

Two-year old Monalee has developed an online platform for U.S. homeowners looking to buy solar PV and storage systems. Its software enables the process from quotes to financing, installation, and after-sales support.

A recent report from the Swiss Federal Council describes the difficult trajectory of efforts to rebuild the domestic PV industry and concludes that plans to create a European supply chain could be too expensive.