Trina became world’s third biggest panel supplier in 2020
The Chinese giant overhauled JA Solar by moving almost 16 GW worth of modules, with the 600 W-plus, 210mm-wafer-based Vertex range it launched last year having already sold 10 GW of units.
More project sales ahead as defaulting GCL awaits debt restructure
The company is in cross-default for $679 million, triggered by the non-payment of $500 million of senior notes at the end of January. The polysilicon maker hopes to straighten that matter out with a debt restructure ‘by June.’
Cooling PV modules with radiative sky cooling
French scientists have proposed the use of radiative sky cooling as a passive cooling technique to cut PV module temperatures by 10 C. They claim the method could improve performance by more than 5 W/m2.
The weekend read: Enhanced solar module appearance and power output
Enhanced module appearance and power output can be achieved by a smart cell interconnection technique Longi is employing in its Hi-MO5 module series. But as with all new technologies, there are potential pitfalls.
New design for antireflective coating in multijunction solar cells
Scientists in Madrid investigated the use of antireflective coatings in multijunction solar cells, drawing several conclusions that could further improve the efficiency of these cells. Their approach could improve on current antireflective coatings, particularly for high-efficiency multijunction cells, using methods and materials already proven in mass production.
Monograin layer solar cell with 6.4% efficiency
The lightweight and flexible cell was built by Estonian researchers with microcrystalline powders. The device is claimed to be the most efficient solar cell fabricated with a semiconductor compound known as Cu2CdGe(SxSe1−x)4.
Xinte highlights Chinese polysilicon ‘oligopoly’
The TBEA-owned poly manufacturer has predicted further consolidation as it aims to ramp up output with another 100,000 tons of annual production capacity.
Commercial HJT solar cells could hit 26% efficiency by 2030
Arvind Shah, a professor at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, and Meyer Burger former Chief Innovation Officer Sylvère Leu recently spoke to pv magazine about the future of heterojunction PV modules. They said the tech is mature and can now compete on cost with PERC panels in projects – particularly in hot, humid environments.
Managing solar PV waste in India
A new report compares the regulatory frameworks of the European Union and India to manage end-of-life solar panels. It also assesses and analyzes the PV waste market and processing capacities in India, while sharing recommendations for Indian stakeholders.
Australia may host GW-scale PV module factory
Australia’s Sun Cable is planning a factory that could produce PV modules for the world’s biggest solar+storage project – the Australia-ASEAN Power Link.
