The drive by China-based PV panel manufacturers to shift sales overseas after the impact of China's 531 New Deal in 2018 is starting to make a positive impact on companies starting to guide first half year financial results.
The PV industry roadmap - and related metrics of technology and bankability - are now being driven by leading module supplier, JinkoSolar, with others seeking to replicate Jinko’s product line options, trying to differentiate in markets that are receptive to low-cost alternatives, or focusing only on rooftop markets where volumes are lower and sales/distribution efforts are more intensive.
Leading monocrystalline wafer producer, LONGi Green Energy has signed a long-term supply deal with Vietnam-based PV manufacturer Vina Solar valued at approximately US$540 million.
Major PV materials supplier Heraeus Photovoltaics had launched six, next-generation, high-performance metallization pastes at this year’s SNEC PV Power Expo, which characterises the rapid pace of the upstream PV industry’s renewed focus on technical advancements and cost reductions.
‘Solar Module Super League’ (SMSL) member, JA Solar is supplying its high-efficiency bifacial PERC modules for two 2.4MW PV projects in South Korea, the largest projects so far to use the technology in the country.
Polysilicon producer REC Silicon is reducing its workforce at its plant in Moses Lake, Washington, US by approximately 100 employees as the trade war with China continues.
Materials giant is sticking to its rigorous testing, including use of its ‘Tedlar time machine’, and gearing up for a period of greater solar tech diversity.
The PV industry is undergoing rapid technology changes that have been driven by the well documented, swift adoption of monocrystalline wafers. Less well understood is that, within this wafer technology transition comes a shift to larger wafer sizes and this includes p-type and n-type mono-Si wafers.
The largest monocrystalline wafer producer, LONGi Green Energy Technology Co has signed another project investment agreement to build and operate a 5GW PV module assembly plant.
