‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Hanwha Q CELLS is planning to introduce its first ever monocrystalline modules, which will use its PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact) cell technology. New and prototype products will be showcased at Solar Power International (SPI) in Las Vegas next week.
The hardest and most ‘controversial’ aspect of analyzing capacity expansion announcements is converting them to actual or ‘effective’ new nameplate capacity.
SolarWorld has launched a new era of modules for free-field and flat roof systems. The new ‘Sunmodule Bisun’ is a solar module active on both sides (bifacial) that converts light from all directions into electrical energy. This ensures up to 25 % more yield per installed kWp, depending on the surface on which it is installed. The modules are expected to be provided in 270Wp through 331Wp configurations. SolarWorld has also developed a new racking system for flat roofs that is optimized for the bifacial technology.
Leading global ‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member JinkoSolar has officially announced that it is withdrawing from the EU minimum import price agreement, following a number of major China-based PV manufacturers and Taiwan-based producers.
India-based PV module manufacturer Vikram Solar has revealed plans to expand capacity to 2GW by 2019, up from recently completed expansions that have taken nameplate module capacity to 500MW.
JRT Photovoltaics, a subsidiary of the Jonas & Redmann Group has optimized the testing and sorting of solar cells, claiming to significantly reducing the total cost of ownership (COO) with its ‘CTS 3600’ single-track cell tester & sorter
PV Tech’s preliminary analysis of global PV manufacturing capacity expansion announcements in July and August, 2016 highlight the industry fears over a new period of overcapacity across the supply chain after explosive growth plans announced in the first half of 2016.
Heraeus Photovoltaics has launched a new PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact) metallization paste. The SOL9631 front-side paste has a new and unique glass chemistry combined with a new organic vehicle system. Due to a denser microstructure it is tailored for ultra-fine line printability for screen printing.
Electronic gases specialist, Linde has established a new R&D facility in Taiwan to better serve the growth in solar cell manufacturing capacity expansions in South East Asia.