Cell Processing

Solar developers have welcomed clarification on India’s new import duties for modules and cells that will come into effect next year, but questions have been raised about the ability of domestic manufacturers to ramp up production to meet rising demand.

China-based integrated monocrystalline PV manufacturer Solargiga Energy has warned that despite a 37% increase in total revenue for 2020, supply chain issues led to expected losses of around RMB215 million (US$33 million) for the year.

Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor (TZS) is setting its sights on achieving a 150% increase in 210mm monocrystalline wafer capacity by the end of 2021.

Among the three n-type options (n-PERT/TOPCon, IBC, HJT), there is a growing belief that the smart money will be on heterojunction.

Talesun Solar is planning a new 5GW PV manufacturing hub in Siyang Economic Development Zone, Shuyang County, Jiangsu Province, China.

LONGi Solar is planning to build a new 5GW high-efficiency monocrystalline solar cell plant in Yinchuan, China.

Meyer Burger has accelerated plans to target the US high-end residential rooftop market with its heterojunction (HJ) PV modules.

Having topped RMB1.9/Watt (US$0.29/W) in early 2020 before falling to RMB1.4/Watt (US$0.21/W), PV module prices in China have been on a rollercoaster of late. PV Tech's Carrie Xiao has the latest on module pricing from China.

India will introduce a 40% basic customs duty on solar modules and 25% duty on cells as of April 2022 to cut the reliance on imports and expand the country’s PV manufacturing base.

‘Solar Module Super League’ (SMSL) member JA Solar is planning a new manufacturing hub in Qidong Economic Development Zone, Jiangsu Province, China to operate 20GW of solar cell production and 20GW of PV module assembly.