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.
The long read: Bifacial drives encapsulant switch
Suppliers of encapsulant materials – plastic sheets that are heated to laminate together the components in PV module stacks – are rapidly expanding to keep pace with module manufacturing in Asia and other parts of the world. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) continues to dominate the market, but new developments in module technology are driving a slow shift to more costly polyolefins.
Managing solar PV waste in India
A new report compares the European Union and Indian regulatory frameworks for managing end-of-life solar panels. It also assesses and analyses the PV waste market and processing capacities in India and shares recommendations for the Indian stakeholders.
JA Solar unveils 415 W solar module with 21.3% efficiency
The module can be used for residential and commercial PV projects. It is available in five versions with power outputs claimed by the company of 390-415 W and reported efficiencies of 20.0-21.3%.
Solar tariff rise due to customs duty would cost to Discoms INR9 billion annually
India’s declining solar tariff trend will see a reversal as the basic customs duty comes into effect. According to India Ratings, tariffs will likely touch INR 2.43 when using imported solar modules with 40% duty applicable, putting an additional cost burden on Discoms.
Solar tariffs could rise about 20% due to customs duty
The installation cost is set to increase as a 40% customs duty on solar modules, and 25% on cells, comes into effect from next year.
Trina launches 670 W solar panel
The latest product in the Vertex series from the Chinese manufacturer has a power conversion efficiency of 21.6%.
Solar manufacturer wants customs duty waiver to domestic sales by SEZ units
Domestic sales by manufacturing units located within special economic zones (SEZs) are treated as exports, attracting customs duty levy. This puts the SEZ manufacturers at a disadvantage compared to those in the domestic tariff area.
LONGi Solar was India’s biggest module provider in 2020
The Chinese manufacturer shipped over 1,500 MW (DC) of modules last year, accounting for a 15.6% share of the total 9,478 MW module supplies in the nation.
Silver accounts for 10% of PV module costs
The share of silver in the total cost of PV modules has increased by around 5% in recent months, according to US analyst Matthew Watson. He told pv magazine that silver prices are set to rise, adding that the metal will eventually account for an even larger percentage of overall module costs.
