Long read: China’s monocrystalline boom
Two large Chinese ingot and wafer makers have announced bold plans to expand their capacities beyond anything seen to date. In the process they could transform the entire upstream solar manufacturing landscape.
BYD signs 75MW supply deal in Australia
The Chinese technology firm has inked an agreement with EPC provider Biosar for a solar farm in Queensland, estimated at around US$ 30 million – a significant deal for the company’s thriving solar PV division.
Sharp hits 25.09% efficiency on full size HJT cell
Japanese electronics giant, Sharp has announced the achievement of a 25.09% conversion efficiency, from a cell utilizing both heterojunction (HJT) and back contact technology. The measurement has been validated by Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories (JET).
SERIS researchers develop new multi-cSi texturing technique
Scientists from the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) have announced the development of a new wet chemical process to allow multi-cSi wafers to be cut with diamond wire saw technology, and subsequently textured to reduce their reflectivity.
Jinko posts strong increase in shipments for 2017, but lower profits
Last year, the Chinese module maker shipped 9.8 GW, and achieved revenue of $4.0 billion. Both gross and net profit, however, declined due to lower ASPs, higher polysilicon prices and increased output from OEM partners.
Tenaga Nasional signs PPAs for 60 MW in Malaysia
Tenaga Nasional Bhd. has signed PPAs for two large-scale, grid-connected solar projects in Malaysia.
Sunseap supplying 60 MW multi-rooftop project to Microsoft
Singapore-based solar developer Sunseap will develop 60 MW of rooftop PV across “hundreds of rooftops” on the island-state, to supply Microsoft with solar energy. The companies claim the project will be the largest cumulative solar project in Singapore, alongside being the largest of its kind to supply clean energy to a datacentre in the country.
Longi claims 23.6% efficiency for its PERC monocrystalline cells
Only one month after announcing a PERC module efficiency of 20.41%, the Chinese solar manufacturer announced it has now achieved a 23.6% efficiency for its PERC monocrystalline cells, thus beating its own previous records.
Renewables to drive economic growth in SE Asia — IRENA
The 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are on track to make solar and other renewables account for 23% of the region’s total primary energy supply (TPES) by 2025, but governments will need to create better policy and investment frameworks to make it happen, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Sunseap to partner with InfraCo Asia to develop 168 MW solar plant in Vietnam
The Singapore-headquartered renewable energy developer signs agreement to jointly develop large-scale solar farm in Vietnam’s Ninh Thuan province with InfraCo Asia Development Pte.
