Home Tags Posts tagged with "PV modules"
Trina Solar recognized as "Top Performer" PV module manufacturer by PVEL/DNV GL, fifth time in a row
Trina Solar has recently been recognized as the "Top Performer" among global PV module manufacturers by PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) and DNV GL. The company is one of only two PV module manufacturers with worldwide reach to garner the prestigious recognition for the fifth consecutive time since the Top Performer award was founded.
The recognition of "Top Performer" is based on the PV Module Reliability Scorecard released by PVEL and DNV GL. The Scorecard is one of the most comprehensive comparisons of PV module reliability test results publicly available on the market today. As an integrated certification program with a focus on module reliability and power generation performance, the test comprises 2-4x IEC thermal cycling, damp heat, dynamic mechanical load, humidity-freeze and PID attenuation tests.
Trina Solar quality director Zhao Mengyu said, "It is encouraging to see that Trina Solar has been recognized as a Top Performer for the fifth time in a row. Rigorous raw materials control and production line management processes ensure the high reliability of our modules. Trina Solar is committed to providing customers with higher-reliability and higher-value PV modules."
Trina Solar carries out several rounds of comprehensive ongoing reliability tests (ORTs) during the materials introduction process. Trina Solar evaluates both materials and modules during its ORT process with more frequent ORTs for key components, such as packaging materials and PV back sheet, with the aim of ensuring comprehensive and strict control over the materials and products in mass production.
In terms of the production line manufacturing process, Trina Solar carries out a process quality control across the value chain. Nearly 100 control points are deployed for the entire silicon wafer and cell production processes, while over 100 control points are configured for the overall module production process.
Source: Trina Solar
LONGi named "Top Performer" in DNV-GL PV Reliability Scorecard for three consecutive year
For the 3rd consecutive year, LONGi Solar, a world leading mono-crystalline PV module manufacturer, has been named "Top Performer" in the annual PV Module Reliability Scorecard published by PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) and DNV-GL. This ranking summarizes the results of independent testing conducted as part of PVEL's Product Qualification Program (PQP) and identifies the PV module models that achieved top performance
The PQP is a unique protocol of tests that generate empirical performance and reliability data, contributing to critical technical due diligence, energy forecasts and financial models utilized by solar investors and project developers. Manufacturers voluntarily participate in the PQP, but only "Top Performers" are eligible for listing in the Scorecard. Manufacturers choose to be recognized in the Scorecard in order to demonstrate the quality of their products to the market.
Testing for reliability and performance
According to PVEL, while IEC and UL certifications are important indicators of module safety, long-term reliability and performance are also important to PV buyers. By extending IEC 61215 sequences and incorporating additional tests, the Scorecard approximates the impact that decades of exposure in the field has on PV modules.
The Scorecard employs four demanding test sequences that stimulate PV modules long-term performance in real world conditions. It is today the most complete publicly available comparison of PV module reliability test results.
LONGi was named "Top Performer" in all four test categories:
Thermal cycling.
Damp heat.
Dynamic mechanical load sequence.
Potential induced degradation (PID).
LONGi hallmarks: technology innovations and product quality
DNV-GL PV Module Reliability Scorecard "Top Performer" status is validation of the reliability of LONGi high efficiency PV modules and demonstrates the company's R&D technology leadership and quality-first approach to manufacturing.
Source: LONGi Solar
Trina Solar launches N-type i-TOPCon double-glass bifacial PV modules
Trina Solar, a world leading global PV and smart energy total solution provider, recently announced that it has begun mass production of N-type i-TOPCon double-glass bifacial modules. The best front side power output of a module with 144 half-cut i-TOPCon cells reaches 425 Wp, and the best module efficiency reaches 20.7%.
The new i-TOPCon double glass PV modules integrate these N-type bifacial i-TOPCon cells with over 80% bifaciality, multi-busbar (MBB) design, full square monocrystalline cells, dual-side and half-cut technologies. The highly efficient modules feature a lower temperature coefficient and low light induced degradation (LID), greatly improving the actual power output. They also provide an extra 5% to 30% power generation from their back side, and feature a 30-year linear power warranty.
The world record efficiency of 25.8% on small-area, single side TOPCon cells developed by Fraunhofer ISE has driven research and development of passivated contact solar cells by institutes and industry. In 2015, the State Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Science and Technology (SKL PVST) of Trina Solar started the research on a large-area bifacial TOPCon cell that is aimed for industrial mass production, naming it i-TOPCon cell. In 2019, Trina Solar achieved a front side median efficiency over 23% on i-TOPCon cells.
The i-TOPCon cell has a front boron emitter and a rear full-area passivating contact. After its development by the SKL PVST, it was transferred into full-scale mass production in a workshop at Trina Solar's Changzhou factory. In May 2019, Trina Solar announced that its SKL PVST has set a new world record of 24.58% for such n-type mono-crystalline silicon (c-Si) i-TOPCon solar cells. This result was independently confirmed by the ISFH CalTeC in Germany with a full-area measurement (244 cm2) including busbars.
JinkoSolar breaks world record for cell efficiency and module output
JinkoSolar has announced that the maximum conversion efficiency of its Cheetah size cells and N-type cells reached 24.38% and 24.58%, respectively, during testing conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in March 2019, China's authoritative national academy for the natural sciences.
Additionally, power generated by JinkoSolar's 72 version high efficiency monocrystalline module (cell: 158.75*158.75) reached 469.3 W during testing conducted by TÜV Rheinland in May 2019. JinkoSolar has made significant breakthroughs in the field of high efficiency and high power of cells and modules, setting a new industry standard for peak performance.
JinkoSolar's production chain, including R&D teams from silicon wafers, solar cells and solar modules, all made significant technological breakthroughs which were key to the extremely high solar cell efficiency and module power output. Several advanced technologies have been implemented, including: silicon wafer growth with extremely low oxygen and defect concentration, HOT solar cell technology, low-loss cell connection technology, and in-module light harvesting technology.
"With our commitment to revolutionize the industry using technological innovation, JinkoSolar has been continuously breaking world records for the efficiency of solar cells and modules." commented Dr. Hao Jin, JinkoSolar R&D Vice President, "To complement our efforts in continuously upgrading product technology and create more value for our global customers, JinkoSolar has established a joint research platform with many advanced R&D institutions across the globe."
Source: JinkoSolar
LONGi releases a new series of high-power PV modules
Highlighting its growing strength in the industry, LONGi has released a new series of PV modules that set an industry benchmark – the new generation Hi-MO4 and REAL BLACK high efficiency modules.
Hi-MO4 has all the advantages of the previous series of Hi-MO modules, but enhanced with a new generation of advanced monocrystalline PERC cell and the encapsulation technology of half-cell and bifacial construction. With Hi-MO4, the industry now has with a new higher power and more reliable choice in PV module.
Compared to the Hi-MO3 half-cell bifacial module released in 2018, Hi-MO4 retains Hi-MO3 characteristics of excellent bifacial power generation, achieving 8-20% gain in back power generation in various ground-surface environments, matched with high reliability and low attenuation. Highlights of HI-MO4 are:
1. Greatly improved module power
Hi-MO4 deploys upgraded PERC technology based on 6 busbars, with cell efficiency reaching 22.5%. While the front-side power Hi-MO3 is 380 W (72 cells), Hi-MO4 increases this to more than 420W, topping up to 430 W.
2. Lower LCOE
When compared to Hi-MO3, BOS cost – when Hi-MO4 is deployed – can be reduced by approximately 7%, and LCOE by 1.4%. Combined with tracking systems, LCOE can be further reduced.
With its advanced product technology, LONGi has ranked first in global monocrystalline cell and module shipment for four consecutive years. Total shipment of bifacial modules reached 1.5 GW.
Released together with Hi-MO4 is an all new, all-black series module – REAL BLACK. Designed with the advantages of "good looks, high power and high reliability", REAL BLACK will be available for rooftop PV applications. With its all-black appearance and consistent color, REAL BLACK can be perfectly matched with the roof and local ecology, maximizing aesthetics and high power.
Introducing the new products, Li Zhenguo, President of LONGi, said, "Producing cost effective and high-quality products efficiently is the technological innovation of LONGi. We expect the release of Hi-MO4 will play an important role in reducing the cost of electricity and promoting grid parity. REAL BLACK will bring a new aesthetics and high power to rooftop PV users. LONGi will continue to invest in R&D to develop reliable high efficiency products and helping the PV industry upgrade its technology."
The release of the new generation Hi-MO4 and REAL BLACK will lead a new trend of module technology development and support the realization of grid parity.
Source: LONGi
Jinkosolar's Cheetah technology enables next-generation wafer designs
Jinkosolar has announced the launching of its Swan bifacial PV module series, which provides a significant enhancement of its industry-leading solar technology and offers the market a mainstream 430 W solar PV module with power gained from the rear side.
Jinkosolar's Cheetah technology based on 158.75 x 158.75 mm mono wafer provides one of the industry's most competitive solutions and set the industry pace for big square shape mono wafer era. By leveraging the new capabilities of Cheetah in generation, Jinkosolar Swan bifacial PV module delivers 5-25% more power over its flagship Cheetah module to reach 420-500 W gained from the rear side.
At the same time, its transparent backsheet option design rules are fully compatible with existing conventional installation methods, allowing approximately 20% reduction of labor cost relatd to module installation and 3% of BOS costs, which is translated into higher IRR and lower LCOE. Transparent backsheet option is particularly ideal for regions where labor cost is relatively high.
Swan PV module provides customers with additional generation benefits from rear side while extending the industry-leading power and performance from the Cheetah 158.75" mono series for a broad array of applications, ranging from large scale utility, agriculture complementary project, floating project, canopy, noise-reduction barriers, etc.
"Building upon the broad success of our Cheetah premium mono technology, we're confident that our customers will be able to quickly extract even higher product value from the new Swan bifacial modules. At the era of post subsidy, compared to other available solutions in the market, JinkoSolar's Swan series offer customers a highly competitive performance-to-cost advantage as well as fast time-to-market with direct migration based on Cheetah technology", said Kangping Chen, CEO of Jinkosolar.
JinkoSolar supplies PV modules to a large solar PV plant in Colombia
JinkoSolar has supplied 250,000 pieces of 345 Watt – 1500V monocrystalline standard PV modules for one of the largest solar power plant in Colombia to date which was recently inaugurated and is located in Cesar Department.
"We are proud to have been chosen for this iconic project in Colombia which demonstrates the recognition, value, and quality our products have in the market," commented Mr. Alberto Cuter, General Manager LATAM of JinkoSolar.
"This project strengthens our presence in Colombia and across Latin America. Colombia mainly depends on hydro power which can be an issue during the dry season. Solar power is the ideal solution to diversifying the country's energy mix. We expect the Colombian PV market to continue growing rapidly and will working closely with our local and international partners there to maximize their returns on investment leveraging the superior performance of JinkoSolar's products."
The company has already secured over 10.7 GW in orders for 2019. The signing of several large supply agreements in Vietnam, Mexico, Spain and a number of other markets has allowed JinkoSolar to secure in record time over 10.7 GW in orders for 2019. Overseas orders with fixed terms and conditions account for the vast majority of the secured orders. Installations in China are expected to pick up during the second half of 2019. This record-high 10.7GW order book consists primarily of high efficiency products like Cheetah, which highlights a clear trend taking place in global markets with demand shifting towards high-efficiency products.
Mr. Gener Miao, Chief Marketing Officer of JinkoSolar, commented "Leveraging our large geographic footprint, we were able to rapidly benefit from the accelerating shift towards high-efficiency mono panels and secure over 10.7GW orders for 2019 in record time. With grid parity approaching, we find ourselves in a very strong position in an otherwise highly competitive industry. Our strategic foresight to expand into high efficient product markets at an early stage is paying off. Jinko will continue to support our customers and partners with over 15 GW capacity of industry leading facility."
The significant increase in the Company's orders is a direct result of JinkoSolar's long-term commitment towards developing partnerships with customers across the globe and growing demand for highly-efficient modules, including its flagship Cheetah which was launched last year and the latest Swan bifacial PV modules.
Growatt increases investments in India's growing rooftop solar market
India has an outstanding solar potential and has become one of the largest emerging PV markets. However, its solar road gets bumpy from time to time. On July 30 last year, Indian government announced a 25% safeguard duty on imported PV modules, which shocked the solar industry. As a result, India had added a solar capacity of 8,263 MW by the end of 2018, down from 9,782 MW added in 2017.
Yet, India's rooftop solar continues its growth impressively with YoY growth rate at 66 percent. Under these circumstances, brands from China that focuses on rooftop solar are continuing their expansion across India. Growatt, the Global Top 10 Solar Inverter Supplier has been increasing its investment in India.
"We've been here in India for over eight years. And we've seen through years of strong growth an enormous solar potential of Indian rooftop. One key factor is that the commercial and industrial consumers are paying higher grid tariffs and this is a good incentive for them to get PV systems on their roofs. So we are very optimistic about Indian rooftop solar market in the long term." said Rucas Wang, Growatt Regional Director. Wang, who is very familiar with the local solar community. And he understands the potential and importance of Indian solar market.
"Indian solar market is on top of our list for business growth. We started increasing our investments significantly in marketing and staffing last year. Now we have a team of 24 local sales and service engineers. Service offices have been established in eight major cities to provide on-site service across India. A toll-free service hotline has also been set up as well to provide fast response for our customers."
With continuous investments by leading solar companies like Growatt, Indian rooftop sector will probably become increasingly vigorous in coming years. And if policy and financing support comes in, rooftop installations will take off for sure.
Source: Growatt
GoodWe and Adler Solar agreed on comprehensive after- sales support services
GoodWe has signed a cooperation agreement with Adler Solar Services GmbH in providing comprehensive after-sales services to GoodWe´s customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland covering 1st level support, 2nd level support and technical field services. Adler Solar is a full-service provider for the solar industry who delivers a broad spectrum of technical solutions and services that guarantee a high-performance level and smooth running of a PV plant throughout its entire life-cycle. Adler Solar serves the complete range of after-sales solutions and defines all interfaces of the process chain according to individual customer requirements. Adler Solar´s existing panel service customers include renowned brands such as REC and Solarwatt.
With over 60 employees across the abovementioned German speaking markets, Adler Solar will conduct on-site repairs and take care of the storage of spare/replacement devices as well as individual inverter components and all the logistics involved.
In addition, Adler Solar experts will also handle the warranty process for GoodWe, while providing additional support services. Further services include the provision of information and support for GoodWe Smart Energy Management System (SEMS). By using this system, Adler Solar can take targeted actions based on GoodWe intelligent alert notification and get in touch with system owners directly, providing proactive responses.
Quality after sales service is GoodWe´s top priority
The agreement was inked by Thomas Haering, Managing Director of GoodWe Europe GmbH, and Gerhard Cunze, Managing Director of Adler Solar Services GmbH.
"GoodWe inverters stand for reliability, high performance and top-notch quality", says Thomas Haering, Managing Director at GoodWe Europe. "We want to walk on this way by increasing our after-sales support network as one of our top priorities. This is why we are thrilled to work together with an experienced and professional service partner like ADLER Solar to provide our customers the necessary high-respond support they are expecting from a leading inverter manufacturer."
"Fast, professional and reliable after-sales and repair services are essential for operators of PV systems. This is the only way to achieve the calculated yields and a stable return on investment. We ensure this with our after-sales solutions and are delighted to support one of the world's leading inverter manufacturers", says Gerhard Cunze, Managing Director of Adler Solar.
Source: GoodWe
Soltec spearheads research in bifacial solar tracking
Soltec manufactured its first tracker designed for the mounting of bifacial panels in Chile in 2015 and in 2018 opened a bifacial tracking research centre in California. Such commitment is easy to explain: a bifacial solar tracker harvests energy from both its front and rear side, capturing the sunlight reflected on the ground. And under the right conditions, yield will increase by more than 30%.
The standard features of the SF7 solar tracker from Soltec provide bifacial compatibility due to the higher mounting height, a shadow-free backside and wider service aisles between tracker rows. These features mean that the bifacial modules are further off the ground, reducing the intensity of the shading on the tracker itself while enhancing bifacial gain. It also avoids the main disadvantage of most solar trackers: the axis casting shadows on the backside of the bifacial panel.
The double-width aisles between the SF7 tracker rows help increase the capture of the albedo reflected from the ground and from the solar modules of adjacent trackers. Wider aisles also facilitate the passage of array washing and vegetation control vehicles, thereby reducing O&M costs.
The SF7 Bifacial harvests energy from both its front and rear sides, as it captures the sunlight reflected on the ground beneath the solar tracker. Given the right conditions, energy production increases by more than 30%. The solar tracker from Soltec has recently been supplied for a solar project in the Israeli region of Merhavim and Bnei Shimon. The project has a total capacity of 17 MW, of which 2 MW is produced by bifacial modules. The plant is equipped with a total of 534 units of the SF7 Single-Axis Tracker and 64 units of the SF7 Bifacial.
As Emilio Alfonso, commercial vice-president of Soltec for the EMEA region, explains: "the main challenges of this project stem from the extreme weather conditions inherent to a high altitude, desert location. Logistics created challenges when complying with the works schedule, given its location a long way from urban centres and main roads. Fortunately, our experience allows us to successfully work under this type of conditions".
Pioneers in bifacial tracking
Soltec is a pioneer in bifacial tracking. By 2015 it had already manufactured the first tracker specifically designed to be mounted with bifacial panels for a plant located close to the La Silla European Southern Observatory in Chile. This 1.72 MWp PV plant is for experimental purposes and represents the innovation, research and development invested, making the La Silla solar tracking plant an exceptional project.
Promoted by the Italian developer Enel Green Power, with Soltec responsible for its installation and design, this plant is located on the fringes of the Atacama Desert, in the region of Coquimbo. The site stands at an altitude of 1,800 metres and covers half the energy demand of the European Southern Observatory. Its location is no coincidence for an experimental installation of this type, given that the clean atmosphere of the area facilitates the research work.
The project, which continues to be the only one of its type in the world, incorporates major PV industry innovations. Two different types of trackers have been used for three different types of modules with the aim of analysing both efficiency and productivity. For this, Soltec has specifically designed two different tracker models to maximise the production of the modules used: in the first place, conventional polycrystalline; and secondly, polycrystalline with electronic optimisation which improves efficiency under certain conditions. Lastly, bifacial technology which is the most important type of module at this solar plant.
As a result of this project, Soltec has developed the first solar tracker with bifacial modules specifically designed for industrial plants. This tracker maximises the PV yield of the bifacial module thanks to the fact it makes use of the solar energy reflected on the ground. Bifacial panels have the capacity to harvest this diffuse energy. For conventional modules and optimised modules, Soltec has designed and installed a solar tracker configured with 4 rows of 19 modules in a horizontal layout.
Moreover, the standard design of the solar trackers from Soltec offers one of the highest tolerance levels to gradients on the market: up to 17% in a N-S orientation, thereby minimising earthworks, trench laying and internal roads. The selected configurations create spacious aisles which make O&M work more efficient.
The entire implementation and development of new technologies reflect the research mission of the plant. The project developer, Enel Green Power, decided to use this plant as an experimental field in which to test different technologies under real conditions in order to improve the future of PV production.
PV modules Archives - FuturEnergy