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.
All-weather imaging tech to detect PV module faults
The system combines software that applies a modulated electric current to the PV panels and an indium-gallium-arsenide (InGaAs) photodiode detector that takes a sequence of images of the panels. According to its creators, the proposed technique works with any lighting conditions and in all weather.
APsystems reveals dual microinverter
The 97%-efficient microinverter has a power output of up to 960 VA and APsystems claims it is the most powerful dual microinverter in the world.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Giant solar-plus-storage project in the Kubuqi Desert
The 2 GW plant is expected to be connected to a storage facility with a capacity of 300 MW/600 MWh. Elsewhere, manufacturers Longi, Jinko, Trina Solar and Chint were the winners of a 5.5 GW solar panel procurement tender held by the China Energy Investment Corporation.
Longi announces 400 W solar panel with 22.2% efficiency
Conceived for rooftop applications, the module is also available in a full-black version with a power output of 390 W. It features a temperature coefficient is -0.29% per degree Celsius.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Rising solar glass prices and a major polysilicon supply deal
Shuangliang Eco-Energy has agreed to buy a total of 134,950 MT of polysilicon from two different manufacturers. Furthermore, the Chint group said it wants to deploy another 3 GW of rooftop solar and PV InfoLinks reported on rising glass prices.
China pledges not to build new coal plants abroad yet questions remain
President Xi Jinping’s pledge this week at the United Nations General Assembly that China will not build new coal-fired plants abroad is welcome news; however, Asia’s transition to low carbon energies remains in dire need of policy reforms.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Zhonghuan Semiconductor raises wafer prices
The manufacturer has raised the cost of all its products. Elsewhere, Xinyi is planning to deploy 5 GW of solar in Heilongjiang province and the China Electricity Council has reported the nation added 22 GW of solar in the first eight months of the year.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Work begins on 3.3 GW solar-CSP project linked to 500 MW of storage, in Qinghai
China Green Development Group is building a giant project consisting of 3 GW of photovoltaics and 300 MW of concentrating solar power. The plant is scheduled for completion in 2025 and is part of China’s 14th five-year plan.
Price increases hit US solar as trade uncertainties with China cloud growth goals
Price increases, supply chain disruptions, and a series of trade risks are threatening the U.S.’s ability to decarbonize the grid, warned SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper.
