Manufacturing

Trina Solar says it has launched mass production of 430 W to 455 W full-black PV modules. The Vertex S+ panels have efficiencies of up to 22.8% and weigh 21 kg, with a 1.6 mm x 1.6 mm dual-glass design.

Chinese solar cell maker Hainan Drinda New Energy Technology plans to build a 10 GW factory in Oman to produce tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells.

Publicly-traded ESS Tech announced it received an investment from the Export-Import Bank of the United States to expand its manufacturing capacity in Oregon.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

From electric vehicles to renewable energy storage, batteries play a pivotal role in shaping a greener future. However, despite the promising landscape, battery cell manufacturing in India faces several challenges that require innovative solutions to overcome.  

A new analysis finds that back contact solar shows an average lifetime energy generation increase of 16.0% over mono PERC. The paper also says back contact had an average 9.7% shorter payback time and 10.7% lower LCOE across all modelled locations.

As part of our Intersolar 2024 interview series, pv magazine spoke with Bill Mulligan, CEO of Singapore-based IBC solar module maker Maxeon. He states the IBC technology will remain competitive despite overcapacity and dropping modules prices and says Maxeon may enforce intellectual property rights with all existing and new back contact competitors that are allegedly utilizing its technologies.

Achieving and maintaining a capacity utilization factor (CUF) of 19% over 25 years without deration is feasible through careful selection of high-efficiency, low-degradation solar panels, and implementing robust design, maintenance, and monitoring strategies. By following the guidelines provided in this article, developers can ensure compliance with PM-KUSUM scheme and achieve sustainable, long-term performance of their solar power plants.

The updated IEA PVPS Task 12 Fact Sheet provides a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts associated with PV systems. It highlights the significant advancements made in PV technology, emphasizing improved efficiencies and reduced environmental footprints.

Meyer Burger will start production at its US module factory as it relocates its core operations from Germany to the United States. It is launching production of heterojunction solar modules and securing financing for a new cell plant.