Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

Vegard Vollset, Vegard Wiik Vollset, Vice President at Rystad Energy, spoke with pv magazine about the global solar module supply chain and the possibility of producing polysilicon in Europe and the United States. He said solar module prices will inevitably continue to fall over the short term.

Bill Mulligan, CEO of Maxeon, spoke to pv magazine at the recent Intersolar 2023 trade show about the Singapore-based module manufacturer’s expansion plans and tech roadmap, as well as current oversupply challenges. He said Maxeon plans to develop IBC products and TOPCon panels in shingle formats.

Sonnex Energie is offering five versions of its new PV modules, with power outputs of 395 W to 415 W and power conversion efficiencies ranging from 20.23% to 21.25%. They also have a temperature coefficient of -0.35% per degree Celsius.

The European solar landscape changed forever in 2022 and managing the supply chain, grid, and permitting constraints will be key to a solar-dominated energy future for the continent.

A research team in Turkey sought to assess how solar power may help reduce emissions and improve performance in air conditioning systems. Their analysis showed that using a heater in the AC system improves the coefficient of performance and mitigates negative environmental effects.

A research group in India has simulated a solar cell based on a lead-free perovskite material known KSnI3 and has found the device may achieve remarkable efficiency and stability. The cell was tested with different types of electron transport layers and hole transports layers.

Italy’s Giulio Barbieri has developed a solar pergola for gardens that can be combined with battery storage, offering 3 kW to 5 kW of power and a storage capacity of 5 kWh.

Germany has deployed a 33 kW prototype highway PV system in collaboration with Austria and Switzerland. The system aims to harness solar energy from highway infrastructure.

Cemil Seber – managing director EMEA / vice president global marketing, product management & corporate strategy at REC – spoke to pv magazine at the recent Intersolar 2023 trade show about the company’s focus on heterojunction (HJT) tech. He said REC retains a technological edge over its rivals and new players entering the HJT segment, and hinted at potential capacity expansion plans.

The China Photovoltaic Industry Association has released new data indicating ongoing expansion in Chinese solar exports, while Aiko Solar has scrapped plans to issue Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) on the SIX Swiss Exchange.