AIKO’s ABC modules power world's highest solar supercharging station
AIKO has announced that a solar-powered supercharging station for electric vehicles in the Everest National Park is powered by its n-type ABC modules and Huawei's liquid-cooled technology. Located 4,300 meters above sea level on National Highway 318, the station is dubbed ‘the world’s highest supercharging station.’ It supports the Sichuan-Tibet Highway Supercharging Green Corridor and is capable of handling harsh weather, high UV exposure, and altitude challenges. The ABC modules generate 236,800 kWh of clean energy annually, supporting over a million tourists that visit the region each year while reducing carbon emissions.
AIKO recently reported a sharp decline in its H1 2024 revenues, reporting revenues of RMB 5.16 billion ($728.74 million) (see China Solar PV News Snippets).
China’s 1st smart solar tracker system standard approved
The China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) has approved the country's first standard for smart solar tracker systems: T/CPIA 0082—2024: Testing Methods for Solar Photovoltaic Tracker System Smart Tracking Performance. Led by Trina Solar, the standard was developed by 15 companies and institutions, including mounting system manufacturers, third-party organizations, design institutes, universities, and EPCs. The standard, overseen by the CPIA’s Standardization Technical Committee, will be implemented starting September 15, 2024. The standard defines specific protocols for smart tracking technology optimization under various conditions, including high-diffuse irradiance weather, backtracking optimization, and bifacial module optimization. This unified technical standard will provide a reference for the industry and offer a benchmark for power plant owners.
At its H1 2024 review meeting in July, CPIA advised Chinese solar manufacturers to be flexible in their approach while expanding overseas (see H1 2024 Chinese PV Export Volume Dropped By 35.4 Percent Annually, Says CPIA).
China Huaneng announces results for 15 GW solar module tender
Chinese energy developer China Huaneng Group has released the results for the second batch of its 2024 solar module tender, totaling 15 GW. The tender was split into 3 sections. With 48 bidders for the 13.5 GW Section 1 for n-type bifacial dual-glass modules, the bids ranged from RMB 0.655/W to RMB 0.78/W, averaging RMB 0.709/W. There were 10 bidders under Section 2 for 500 MW of HJT modules, with bids ranging from RMB 0.76/W to RMB 0.87 /W, for an average bid of RMB 0.81/W. Section 3 for 1 GW of BC modules saw bid prices ranging from RMB 0.7/W to slightly over RMB 0.9/W.
Fujian Province plans to upgrade existing RE power plants for higher power generation
Fujian Province has introduced a plan to upgrade renewable energy facilities, focusing on wind, photovoltaic (PV), and hydropower systems. The plan encourages retiring wind turbines that have been in operation for over 15 years or have a capacity below 1.5 MW and replacing them with more efficient units. It urges PV power stations to upgrade low-power, low-efficiency modules to improve power generation without using additional land. Hydropower stations are advised to renew electrical equipment, including turbines and generators, to boost efficiency. The plan also promotes optimizing older units to meet the requirements of modern power systems, enhancing operational stability and efficiency across renewable energy sources.
ZNSHINE Solar modules achieve Italy's highest fire safety rating
ZNSHINE Solar has announced that its 136 solar module models recently passed stringent testing by Italian testing agency Istituto Giordano S.p.A., earning the highest fire safety rating (Class One) according to the Italian standard UNI 9177. The modules underwent evaluations according to UNI 8457:1987 and UNI 8457/A1:1996 standards, achieving Class One results in all small flame tests. In the radiation panel tests, conducted according to UNI 9174:1987 and UNI 9174/A1:1996 standards, the modules also met the highest level with no dripping observed and damage limited to less than 100 mm. The company highlighted that its modules, which use tempered glass backsheets, performed exceptionally well under extreme conditions such as high temperatures and open flames, ensuring stability and safety in high-risk fire scenarios.
In April this year, ZNSHINE Solar launched its 710 W high-power TOPCon modules, featuring a temperature coefficient of -0.30%/°C (see China Solar PV News Snippets).