Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

Chinese researchers, led by a research team from PV Technology Centre of Tongwei Co., Ltd, used a sequential annealing process in the fabrication of tandem solar cells, featuring a wide bandgap perovskite top cell on a fully-textured commercial crystalline silicon heterojunction bottom cell. The resulting device had a certified power conversion efficiency of 31.4%, outperforming a 29.43%-efficient control cell.

Tindo Solar, Australia’s lone producer of PV modules, has officially released a new generation of TOPCon N-type solar panels, including an all-black version featuring an output of 475 W and conversion efficiency of 21.9%.

UNSW researchers have investigated the impact of two types of soldering fluxes on TOPCon solar modules under damp heat conditions and have found that “no-clean” soldering fluxes can cause severe corrosion of front silver-aluminum contacts. The researchers have also found that denser metallisation structures and lower aluminium content improve corrosion resistance.

Minerals to make magnets for 15 million electric vehicles is the potential of a Monash University breakthrough, turning proverbial water into wine, after extracting 17 critical minerals from coal fly ash, mine tailings, and old electronics.

The Chinese manufacturer said its new IEC 61215-certified rooftop PV module relies on a 30 mm aluminum frame and dual-glass construction that reportedly help it withstand extreme snow loads and wind pressure.

Commercial solar specialist Energus will investigate the viability of building a 50,000 tonne-per-year solar-grade polysilicon production facility in the New South Wales Hunter Valley as part of broader plans to boost domestic PV manufacturing capability across Australia.

Researchers from UNSW have found that invisible light accelerates UV-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells, producing the same degradation effects as visible light but at a much faster rate. This can lead to significant open-circuit voltage losses and reduce cell efficiency.

The Chinese manufacturer has upgraded its Infinite ABC solar module series with four new product versions. It claims the new modules are the world’s first 500 W panels measuring less than 2 m2.

Stellar PV is $4.7 million closer to bringing advanced solar manufacturing back to Australia with new funds for a feasibility study of a 2 GW low-emissions polysilicon ingot pulling and wafering facility near Townsville, Queensland.

Several factors affect the productive lifespan of a residential solar panel. In the first part of a series, we look at the solar panels themselves.