The long read: Understanding solar MLPE
Module-level power electronics, most often in the form of power optimizers and microinverters, offer a range of value propositions, including advanced monitoring capabilities. But how much can the little box behind the module really see, and how much do operators actually need to know to keep a power plant running optimally?
First Solar claims lowest module degradation rate in the industry
The US cadmium telluride thin-film module maker said its Series 6 CuRe panels are able to retain 92% of its performance at the end of the 30-year warranty. The improved stability of the product was achieved by eliminating copper and placing Group V elements such as antimony or arsenic onto the tellurium crystal sites.
Covid impact: Solar imports dipped 75% in ten months
Coronavirus disruption has been cited as the chief culprit as imports from China, Thailand and Vietnam slumped from April to January, but safeguarding duty also appears to have had an impact, with unaffected imports from nations such as Myanmar, Chad and Russia on the rise and Malaysian trade keeping steady.
BHEL issues global tender to select monocrystalline module partners
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) seeks module supply partners for an aggregate 750 MW of panels as it intends to participate in the tender for 500 MW Rewa solar park in Madhya Pradesh. Bidding closes on April 27.
Trina launches 670W Vertex solar module and tracking systems in India
The Chinese solar manufacturer has launched the 670W Vertex solar module in India that offers an efficiency of up to 21.6%. It has also fielded two models of panel tracking solutions from its TrinaTracker business.
UK’s Power Roll signs up Thermax to manufacture solar films in India
The UK-based flexible solar film developer is expanding into the Indian market with Thermax as its market development and manufacturing partner.
Canadian Solar begins production of 640-665 W panel series
The panel was unveiled in October and is the most powerful product the company has brought to the market to date. The Chinese-Canadian manufacturer expects to reach, for this product, a 10 GW capacity by the end of the year.
Tata Power Solar expands cell and module capacity
The solar manufacturer and EPC player has added new lines to its existing factory at Bengaluru, widening its current product range to include half-cell and bifacial mono PERC panels.
Cabinet extends manufacturing incentive program to solar modules
The national production-linked incentive scheme introduced to encourage domestic manufacturing will now encompass solar. The PV policy will offer increased rewards for the production of more efficient panels and for Indian content.
German start-up develops anti-reflective film claimed to improve PV module performance by 10%
German start-up Phytonics has developed the film by taking inspiration from nanostructures in plants. In solar cells, the film enables a broader absorption spectrum and a higher angle of light-incidence tolerance.
