Manufacturing

Vikram V, vice president & co-group head-corporate ratings, ICRA Ltd, speaks to pv magazine about falling solar cell and module prices, its impact on the Indian pv manufacturers, and way forward.

The Indian solar PV sector is experiencing transformative trends, driven by a combination of technological advancements, government support, and a growing awareness of the need for sustainable energy sources. The rapid expansion of solar capacity, coupled with innovations such as floating solar farms and green hydrogen production, paints a promising picture for the future of renewable energy in India.

The Indian government has demonstrated a robust commitment to advancing solar energy by implementing various strategic initiatives.

In contrast with traditional panels, thin-film solar modules are much more adaptable to these agricultural situations, thanks to their flexible, lightweight design.

Solar module size standardization will enhance supply chain efficiencies, boost production, and lower costs, according to the 700W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance, which aims to accelerate the industrialization of PV modules above 700 W.

RenewSys says its Conserv E–NT POE (polyolefin elastomer) encapsulant is specially designed to prevent the degradation of n-type TOPCon solar modules in field operations. The encapsulant suits both glass-glass and glass-backsheet TOPCon panels.

Two new PV bike-path projects are now operating in the Netherlands under an initiative launched in 2018 by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch water management agency.

ISC Konstanz researchers say their new n-type tunnel back contact (TBC) solar cell features polycrystalline silicon TOPCon contacts on both polarities. The results still need to be confirmed by an independent third party.

Waaree Energies will build a solar module manufacturing facility with an initial capacity of 3 GW per year by Dec. 2024. It plans to ramp up the fab’s module capacity to 5 GW with an integrated 5 GW cell facility by 2027. The company has already secured an offtake contract with SB Energy.

Hindalco will provide up to 2,000 tons of battery foil to C4V for lithium-ion cells, over a five-year period.