Chinese PV Industry Brief: Rising polysilicon prices, new 5 GW HJT cell factory
Wind power specialist Mingyang Smart Energy has revealed plans to build a 5 GW heterojunction module factory in China’s Jiangsu province, while TBEA has said it intends to raise its majority stake in Xinte Energy from 62% to 67%.
Monitoring near-infrared transmission for a healthy backsheet
Scientists in Germany developed a method to determine the structure and degradation of module backsheets and encapsulants in the field, by analyzing the material’s near infrared light transmission. Applying the theory to a multi-MW PV plant, the group was able to identify four different backsheet types. With further development, the method could be a valuable tool to monitor module degradation in the field and spot faults early on.
Mondragon Assembly secures licensing deal for continuous string process
Mondragon Assembly’s continuous string process technique is purportedly 10% more productive than a standard stringing machine.
Comparing new solar module formats
JA Solar published data comparing its own modules, based on the 182mm wafer format, with others utilizing the larger 210mm size over a six month period in field testing. The data show that the smaller of the two formats reached an average daily energy yield almost 2% higher. According to JA Solar’s analysis, the higher currents produced by the 210mm modules led to higher resistance, and more energy lost as heat.
Heckert Solar inaugurates 400 MW solar panel factory in Germany
The German manufacturer invested €21 million in the manufacturing facility. It will be devoted to producing the company’s new product series.
Red BIPV solar module from Italy
The module is available with wattages of 230-245 W and can reach an efficiency of up to 13.45%. The panel is part of a new series of colored products that includes silver and orange modules.
Residential PVT heat pump from the Netherlands
The propane-cooled 3.5 kW heat pump can be installed on both existing buildings and all-electric new buildings. It features a seasonal performance factor of 5.6 and is claimed to enable up to 80% of gas savings on heating and domestic hot water production.
How much glass is needed for terawatt-scale PV?
German scientists have assessed demand for resources such as glass and silver until 2100 and have found that current tech learning rates could be sufficient to avoid supply concerns.
Invisible BIPV system covers building in Zurich’s city center
The BIPV installation was developed with monocrystalline solar tiles provided by Swiss manufacturer 3S Solar Plus. The product is available in different gradations of green, blue, terracotta and brown and has a power output ranging from 80 to 170 W, depending on color and size.
Meyer Burger to open 400 MW solar module factory in US
Meyer Burger plans to open a U.S. factory with an initial production capacity of 400 MW per year, with the potential to scale it up to multiple gigawatts of capacity.
