Modules

Despite the major exhibition having a European tag, Intersolar Europe remains one of the most ‘international’ solar trade shows on the event calendar. As a result, new products launched at this show predominantly reflect trends and developments across multiple markets. On the first day of the exhibition, several new products stand-out for attention. More Day 1 updates are to follow.

News in Brief: SunPower collaborates with Michigan's largest utility for a residential pilot programme, UOSSM's Syria Solar Initiative completes a 127kWp solar system to provide electricity to hospitals, an Australian aboriginal community starts construction on a solar-diesel hybrid project backed by ARENA and Utah's Legend Solar acquires Aspire Energy.

China-based PV manufacturer GCL System Integration Technology (GCL-SI) has signed a supply deal with German-based wholesaler, Europe Solar Concept (ESC) to offer its modules across Europe that are produced by Vietnam-based OEM producer, Vina Solar Technology.

Swedish-Swiss technology leader ABB is partnering with the Singaporean subsidiary of Phoenix Solar for a 1MW floating solar project in west Singapore.

Solar modules in India will be taxed at a rate of 5% as opposed to the 18% that was announced two weeks ago under the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Hanwha Q CELLS said its key strategic focus was to diversify its regional and market segment sales in 2017, while reiterating full-year PV module shipment guidance to be in the range of 5.5GW to 5.7GW in 2017.

US module manufacturer Boviet Solar is partnering with SolarEdge Technologies in releasing a new 60-cell 280-295W solar module embedded with SolarEdge power optimizers.

‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member JA Solar may have met first quarter 2017 guidance on key financial metrics and guided a strong second quarter, due to an increase in demand from China but management commentary turned cautious for the second-half of the year on limited customer demand visibility.

‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member Hanwha Q CELLS said it had become eligible to participate in solar tenders in France after Certisolis had certified its PV modules had met low carbon footprint metrics and fulfilled all criteria for CRE3 and CRE4 tenders in the country.

Hanwha Q CELLS has launched its first PV modules using P-type monocrystalline PERC cell technology. The Q.PEAK module series is now available for European customers in two variations: Q.PEAK-G4.1 with black frame and white back sheet and as the all black Q.PEAK BLK-G4.1. The Q.PEAK-G4.1 comes in power classes ranging from 295Wp to 305Wp and efficiencies of up to 18.6 %. The Q.PEAK module series is being showcased at Intersolar Europe 2017.