Manufacturing

The first report from the Clean Energy Regulator’s new solar module testing program have been released, revealing that most modules were “generally found to be of good quality.” Slightly over 10% of the modules tested failed electroluminescent (EL) testing as a result of either manufacturing or handling and transportation damage.

The Silicon to Solar (Roadmap) study has found Australian PV supply chain manufacturing is viable and calls for immediate action to establish it as a strategic priority industry and set up a solar manufacturing taskforce.

Researchers from the University of New South Wales have rejected suggestions that end-of-life solar panels will create a “waste mountain” in Australia, saying instead that they could serve as valuable material reservoirs for future production.

Sharp’s new IEC61215- and IEC61730-certified solar panels have an operating temperature coefficient of -0.30% per C and a bifaciality factor of over 80%.

Construction of the 850 MW / 1680 MWh Waratah Super Battery is well underway with developer Akaysha Energy announcing that the first of three high voltage transformers to be deployed as part of the project is due to arrive at the New South Wales site in the coming days.

AEG is currently offering three versions of its new ABC solar panels for rooftop applications, with power outputs of 445 W to 455 W and efficiency ratings ranging from 22.8% to 23.3%. They feature half-cut ABC cells with n-type technology.

After years of improving quality standards, solar cell cracking appears to be on the rise again, perhaps due to new manufacturers entering the sector. Clean Energy Associates’ (CEA) senior engineering manager Claire Kearns-McCoy considers ways to stop the rot.

Solar panel and system prices are on the decline but figures provided by energy industry analyst SunWiz show that an increasing number of Australian households are opting to forgo savings in search of increased generation capacity.

Fortescue has announced plans to open its first manufacturing centre in the United States, partnering with the state of Michigan to establish a production hub for automotive and heavy industry batteries, fast chargers and hydrogen electrolysers.

S-5! has introduced a module-level power electronics mount for solar developers, installers, end users, and engineering, procurement and construction contractors who are looking for a mounting device for solar module frames, without attaching to rails.