Top PV module manufacturers by shipment volume in 2022
TrendForce has ranked the top six module manufacturers by shipment volume in 2022, with Longi topping the list, followed by Trina Solar and JinkoSolar. JA Solar, Canadian Solar, and Risen Energy rounded out the top six, in a year dominated by large-format modules.
Jolywood claims 26.7% efficiency for n-type TOPCon solar cell
The China Academy of Metrology and Science has certified Jolywood’s 26.7% efficiency rating for an n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell, which the company claims is a world record. In November 2022, it announced a 26.1% efficiency rating for a similar cell.
Tesla to build new Megapack factory in China
Tesla has revealed plans to build a new Megapack battery factory in Shanghai, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Robotic solution to address installer shortage developed by US company
Sarcos has designed a robotic PV construction solution that delivers, detects, lifts, and places PV modules in large-scale solar plants. It has recently field tested and validated the prototype solution in a pilot project funded by the US Department of Energy.
India’s solar module manufacturing capacity could hit 110 GW by 2026
India could become the world’s second-largest solar manufacturer by 2026. It will also have a notable presence in all upstream components of PV production, such as cells, ingots/wafers, and polysilicon, according to a new report.
Three ways to help the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund revive manufacturing
Australia’s federal parliament has approved a $15 billion (USD 10 billion) National Reconstruction Fund, intended to reverse the nation’s dwindling manufacturing sector. It is the “first step” in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s election promise “to revive our ability to make world-class products”.
Chinese module prices to fall by 15% from Q4 2022 to Q4 2023, says CEA
Solar module prices will be pressured by rising industrial capacity this year, with capacities doubling in the ingot/wafer stages and potentially quadrupling for polysilicon by 2027, according to the latest PV pricing report from Clean Energy Associates (CEA).
Weekend read: A moral trilemma
US solar was disrupted in 2022, with module seizures delaying projects due to strict laws designed to stamp out alleged forced labor practices in sections of the Chinese PV industry. However, it remains to be seen whether seizures affected such alleged practices.
Feds back $15 billion fund to boost clean energy manufacturing
The Australian government’s plan to establish a $15 billion (USD 10 billion) national reconstruction fund to support domestic manufacturing in future industries and reduce the nation’s dependence on imports has become a reality with the investment vehicle rubber stamped by both houses of parliament.
German manufacturer achieves 80% overall efficiency with new PVT solar module
Sunmaxx says Fraunhofer ISE has confirmed the 80% efficiency of its new photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module. It consists of 108 PERC half-cells in M10 format, with 400 W of electrical output and 1,200 W of thermal output.
