Canadian solar module manufacturer Heliene has started taking orders for its 66-cell heterojunction (HJT) and up to 370W modules which it will supply from the newly announced fab it is setting up in Riviera Beach, Florida claiming that it will be the 'only' US facility to produce such modules.
The 100 MW Florida facility is scheduled to enter commercial operations in September 2021, where Heliene wants to produce up to 370W HJT modules.
So far, Heliene produces PERC modules with up to 375 W based on half-cells and 166mm wafer technology, reaching module efficiencies of up to 20.3% for residential applications, and up to 540 W bifacial modules based on 182mm wafers and 20.9% efficiency for utility power plants.
The new HJT modules, ranging from 360-370 W, come with 157.35 mm cells and have a module efficiency of up to 20.7%.
Heliene said it's using multiwire technology for its HJT modules and 18 round microwires instead of traditional flat busbars. It explained that this method reduces shading by 25% by creating a light trapping effect. Other general benefits of HJT technology Heliene touts include extremely low light induced degradation (LID) and potential induced degradation (PID).
'Aesthetically-pleasing, low-profile package' modules produced at the Florida fab will cater to residential and commercial applications, it advertises its soon to be produced product.
"With the launch of the Florida facility, Heliene is strongly positioned to meet the significant forecasted demand for residential and commercial solar in the U.S. through our industry-leading module technology and manufacturing efficiency," emphasized Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of Heliene. "Heterojunction module technology changes the economics of solar, giving our customers greater production density when designing residential and commercial installations."
For Heliene the 100 MW Riviera Beach fab, spread over 75,000 sq. ft. area, will be its 3rd facility to start manufacturing operations and 2nd in the US as it already operates 2 facilities in Minnesota, US and Ontario in Canada and where it has been rolling out products in multiple configurations (see Heliene To Restart Minnesota PV Panel Fab).
Focus on Made in America
With the Joe Biden administration centering its policies around clean energy solutions, along with rising demand for solar power, companies are now considering either expanding or setting up their solar manufacturing units within the US. GAF Energy in May 2021, said it will move its solar roof manufacturing from Asia to California (see GAF Energy To Shift Solar Roof Manufacturing To US).
First Solar, Inc. too is expanding its existing US based manufacturing by an additional 3.3 GW DC capacity in the form of its 3rd facility in the US (see First Solar To Expand US Production Capacity By 3.3 GW DC).
HJT technology
HJT has been a hot topic among solar module makers of late and TaiyangNews delved deep into the technology in our Heterojunction Solar Technology 2020 Edition report which is available for free download here.
HJT was also one of the subjects of discussion as a high efficiency solar technology during our High Efficiency Solar Technologies virtual conference held in December 2020 (see Day 2: TaiyangNews High Efficiency Solar Event).