Seraphim & Menlo partner in Central Europe: Chinese solar PV module maker Seraphim Solar made an announcement stating that the company and Menlo Electric have signed module distribution agreements for over 100 MW of planned shipments in 2021. This move is meant to increase Seraphim's market share in Central Europe. Menlo Electric expects significant shipments starting in June, with focus on promoting Seraphim's new line of S3 and S4 monofacial modules, including SRP-370-BMB-HV and SRP-440-BMA-HV. The 370 W module, equipped with black frames, conveniently sized at 1755 x 1038 and with a 15-year guarantee on material and workmanship, is primarily aimed at home rooftop system installers. Last year, Seraphim had launched a new solar module product called S4 half-cell series, which has a maximum power output of up to 540 W (see Seraphim Launches New Half-Cell Solar Modules).
Suntech, Lead & Leadmicro to build 2 GW TOPCon factory: Chinese solar cell and module manufacturer Wuxi Suntech said in an announcement that it has signed a cooperation agreement with Wuxi Lead and Jiangsu Leadmicro to build a digital TOPCon solar cell smart factory. The factory will adopt industry-leading digital smart factory solutions based on industrial 'internet technology'. The production line will be made compatible with 182 mm and 210 mm silicon solar cells. While the conversion efficiency of TOPCon will exceed 24%, the total production capacity is expected to reach 2GW. Last year, Suntech had started commercial operations of a 500 MW high-efficiency integrated PV cell and module manufacturing project in Indonesia (see Suntech Expands Production Capacity In Indonesia).
2nd phase of Baotou Meike's 12 GW ingot put into operation: The second phase of Chinese silicon wafer manufacturer Baotou Meike Silicon Energy Co.,Ltd's 12 GW monocrystalline silicon ingot production project has been successfully put into operation, as per a Photovoltaic Network News report. Baotou Meike Silicon Energy is a wholly-owned subsidiary invested by Jiangsu Meike Silicon Energy Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Huantai Group, in Baotou. The second phase, whose construction started in September last year has a total investment of RMB 2.8 billion ($0.43 billion). Once the first and second phases are completed, the annual output value of the production project is expected to reach RMB 7.5 billion ($1.15 billion).