Weekend read: Shifting supply chains brings own risks
Sourcing solar and energy storage locally will reduce some supply chain risks but it also opens the door to a new set of questions for prospective investors. Here, pv magazine takes a look at the United States market that could provide lessons for Australia as it seeks to build a domestic solar manufacturing industry.
Sunrise briefs: Microsoft announces largest PPA of renewables
Also on the rise: California crosses 10 GW battery storage threshold; Philippines set to add almost 2 GW of new solar in 2024; CATL unveils Ev with 1,000km range; and more.
Weekend read: It’s time to form, not follow
As rising renewables penetration and electrification place ever more strain on the world’s grids, the use of grid-forming inverters, rather than grid-following models, will play a vital role in network stability.
Weekend read: Can anything topple lithium-ion?
The need for long-duration energy storage in a net-zero world is undeniable but with conventional battery prices tumbling, can anything dislodge the mainstream grip of lithium ion? S&P Global’s Susan Taylor provides an update on non-lithium storage technologies.
JA Solar showcases DeepBlue 4.0 Pro
Following the launch of its DeepBlue 4.0 Pro module series at Shanghai’s SNEC expo last year, manufacturing heavyweight JA Solar has revealed some of its latest line’s key performance improvements at a technology forum in Sydney this month. Performance highlights include module efficiencies of 22.8%, decreased degradation, improved temperature coefficients, and better low-light performance.
Longi denies massive layoff plan, says job cuts could reach up to 5%
Chinese solar manufacturer Longi has responded to recent media reports claiming that it might cut 30% of its global workforce.
Shining a light on module quality
With solar panel prices tumbling, project developers will need to be vigilant about quality. Comprehensive product testing could be a vital safeguard as PV manufacturers struggle to retain their margins, according to Everoze’s Martin Laing and Gauthier Dambrine.
Premier Energies unveils 590 W TOPCon bifacial PV modules
Indian manufacturer Premier Energies says its n-type TOPCon bifacial glass-backsheet modules are available in power outputs of 555 W to 590 W, with an efficiency rating of up to 22.83%.
Record-breaking native demand for Australia’s NEM and Victoria
Thursday, Feb. 22 marked another day in Australia’s energy records, along the Eastern seaboard. The hot and sunny conditions led to notable maximums in energy demand and supply.
A cell maker’s survival guide
With solar production capacity expansion plans paused, bigger cell makers will weather the storm through a revised approach to new panel technologies. InfoLink’s Alan Tu says that low profits could also drive innovation and cost savings, pushing the industry to new heights.
