China

A new scientific paper takes a closer look at the record-breaking efficiency that Australia’s Sundrive announced for a silver-free heterojunction cell in September 2021, as certified by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research.

Decentralized solar devices such as PV-powered portable irrigation pumps are technically viable solutions to meet the energy needs of food value chains across the high-altitude Hindu Kush Himalaya region, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Shenzhen Energy has announced plans to build a green hydrogen facility in Inner Mongolia, and Daqo has secured another polysilicon supply deal. DKEM, meanwhile, has unveiled plans to build a silver paste production facility for TOPCon products.

Longi has released its earnings for the first three quarters of 2022, while Tongwei has kept prices steady for all types of PERC cells in November.

Longi has launched a series of modules featuring an all-new hybrid passivated back contact cell technology, with which it claims a maximum module efficiency of 22.8% in mass production. It will initially offer the modules in 54, 60, 66 and 72 cell formats, targeting rooftop and distributed generation applications.

State Power Investment Corp. (SPIC) has started operating the world’s first offshore floating solar plant integrated with an offshore wind turbine, at a pilot site off the coast of China’s Shandong province. It features floating PV tech from Norway’s Ocean Sun.

Canadian Solar has resumed plans for an initial public offering in Shanghai, and JA Solar has reported that it shipped 27.1 GW of PV modules in the first nine months of this year. Daqo, meanwhile, has signed a $17.9 billion, long-term polysilicon supply deal with an undisclosed customer.

Qingdao University researchers have synthesized high-performance titanium dioxide-based anode materials with excellent cycling stability, while German scientists have used operando techniques to observe how solvated sodium ions embed themselves in electrodes.

A new study has calculated that the globalized PV module supply chain has saved billions for PV installers in Germany, the US and China. It also found that if strong nationalistic policies that limit the free flow of talent and capital were implemented going forward, solar panel costs would be 20-25% higher by 2030.

Construction has started on a 350 MW/1.4 GWh compressed air energy storage project in Shangdong, China.