Leading back-contact (BC) solar cell and module manufacturer AIKO has released comparative field performance data between its ABC modules and TOPCon modules from pilot projects in Guangzhou, Xianyang, and Yantai. In the rooftop and C&I PV power projects located in Guangzhou and Xianyang, respectively, cumulative energy yields ABC modules were found to be higher than TOPCon modules by 4.1% and 3.69% per kW. According to the data, AIKO’s ABC modules achieved their highest gain of 4.67% at the floating offshore PV demonstration site in Yantai. The company emphasized that these field results showcase the superior energy yield of its ABC modules across residential, commercial & industrial, and floating PV scenarios.
China’s first large-scale PV demonstration base in ‘desert, Gobi, and barren lands’ has officially commenced operation in Etuokeqian Banner, Inner Mongolia. Developed by state-owned energy giant CHN Energy, the 133 MW project is designed to conduct systematic, full-lifecycle performance validation of key PV power plant components, including modules and mounting systems. The site integrates 36 types of PV modules and 10 mainstream mounting system designs in over 150 experimental configurations, providing a platform for benchmarking technology combinations under harsh terrain conditions.
Recently, the 4 GW Ruoqiang solar power project in Xinjiang, developed by China Green Development Group (CGDG), officially commenced full-capacity commercial operations (see China Solar PV News Snippets).
Chinese PV manufacturer DAS Solar is leading the development of an industry standard for front-side isolation adhesive films used in BC solar cells. The standard has been officially approved for initiation by the Standardization Technical Committee of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA). It will define key metrics such as light transmittance, print area, thermal performance, and anti-cracking properties, aiming to improve optical stability, process compatibility, material utilization, and high-temperature reliability. DAS Solar stated that this standard will help reduce cell efficiency loss and support the long-term physical integrity of BC modules throughout their lifecycle, from production and storage to transportation and installation.
DAS Solar recently announced that it has initiated 3 new international standard proposals under SEMI (see China Solar PV News Snippets).
e-STORAGE, the energy storage subsidiary of Canadian Solar, has announced that its SolBank 3.0 energy storage system has successfully passed Large-Scale Fire Testing (LSFT). The company said that the test results demonstrate that SolBank 3.0 can effectively contain thermal runaway events within a single battery cabinet, meeting critical fire safety requirements. It added that the testing was witnessed, independently verified and certified by CSA Group and the Energy Safety Response Group (ESRG).
China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) has issued a new policy opinion titled Implementation Guidelines for Deepening Power Business Licensing Management to Support New Power System Development. The document stipulates that new energy entities such as distributed PV, decentralized wind power, new energy storage, and smart microgrids are, in principle, exempt from power business licensing requirements. This exemption means that entities engaged in distributed PV and similar operations no longer need to apply for power generation or supply licenses to commence business, substantially lowering the market entry threshold.
For projects not covered by the exemption, such as certain utility-scale wind and PV power stations, the policy requires acquisition of a power business license (generation category) within 6 months of grid connection. Staggered project deployments may apply for the license in phases.