SNEC 2017: The next big solar module trend on display

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SolarWorld's Bisun cells used in bifacial modules. Image: SolarWorld.

SNEC 11th (2017) International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference & Exhibition (SNEC 2017) in Shanghai, China maybe the largest annual exhibition in the solar industry but its sheer size and number of attendee’s can often mask emerging trends that are better highlighted at other events such as Solar Power International (SPI) in the US. 

Some good examples would be the introduction of 1,500V solar modules or 72-cell modules, both driven by the PV utility-scale market in the US and primarily showcased for several years at SPI in Las Vegas. Such modules have since become mainstream product offerings and are being adopted in other markets around the world.

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However, SNEC 2017 should not be remembered for its massive booth screens or deafening promotional videos fighting for attention but a technology that is born out of another technology that is setting its own major trend and industry transition. 

Shanghai shows its bifaciality

PV Tech alluded to this next big trend in modules at the beginning of the week when we reported that the world’s first full-size IBC bifacial module would be displayed at SNEC this year. 

Bifacial modules in general, notably from the migration to PERC but of course applies to PERT, HJ and IBC cells, provides solar cell producers with the option to fabricate cells on both sides of the wafer, boosting efficiency. 

Actual production volumes of bifacial modules in 2017, is very small but that is about to change, especially considering the number of companies showcasing bifacial modules at SNEC. 

Though time does not allow product reviews at this time, we thought a partial pictorial selection of some of the bifacial modules being displayed on booths at SNEC, should adequately demonstrate that a recent niche product could be set for the mainstream, very shortly.

The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed the world’s first full-sized Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) bifacial solar module using International Solar Energy Research Center (ISC) Konstanz, ‘ZEBRA’ solar cells.
Jinneng Clean Energy Technology (Jinergy) said it would be starting mass production of its N-type monocrystalline bifacial heterojunction (HJ) modules in 2017.
Yingli Green Energy's PANDA cell design now comes in bifacial form and in production.
QXPV (NINGBO QIXIN SOLAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO., LTD has a selection of bifacial modules.
7 October 2025
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PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 7-8 October 2025 is our third PV CellTech conference dedicated to the U.S. manufacturing sector. The events in 2023 and 2024 were a sell out success and 2025 will once again gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing in the U.S. out to 2030 and beyond.

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