The second-generation back contact (BC) Hi-MO 9 module (LR8-66HYD), from leading solar PV manufacturer LONGi, has received the "PV Pioneer Cutting-Edge Technology Product Certification" from the China General Certification Center (CGC). With dimensions of 2,382 × 1,134 mm, the module achieves a maximum conversion efficiency of 24.8% and a peak power output of 670 W. CGC conducted the certification based on the CGC/GF063:2017 "PV Pioneer Advanced Technology Product Certification Technical Specification (Crystalline Silicon PV Modules)" and CGC-R46076:2018 "PV Pioneer Advanced Technology Product Certification Implementation Rules (Crystalline Silicon PV Modules)." The module received a first-tier cutting-edge technology rating.
LONGi recently upgraded its BC modules, incorporating improved features (see LONGi Upgrades HPBC 2.0 Module Series With 3 Key Features).
Skyworth PV is collaborating with AIKO on a BC cell production facility in Baise City, Guangxi Province. According to local media outlet Youjiang Daily, the plant will have an annual production capacity of 5 GW of BC cells, with a total investment of RMB 4.1 billion ($566.96 million) and is expected to commence production in H2 2025.
AIKO and Skyworth PV held a strategic cooperation signing ceremony last month, reaching agreements on the procurement of n-type ABC modules, market expansion, and other collaborative efforts. Additionally, in September 2024, Skyworth PV signed an agreement with the Baise municipal government to establish a photovoltaic equipment manufacturing base in the region. The project has a planned total investment of RMB 500 million ($69.06 million) and will focus on producing aluminum frames and aluminum mounting systems for PV modules.
AIKO recently secured a 1 GW module supply contract from China Datang for its ABC modules (see China Solar PV News Snippets).
Flexible perovskite solar cell manufacturer Sunflex has announced the successful completion of a Pre-A+ financing round, raising nearly RMB 50 million ($6.91 million) from undisclosed investors. The company stated that the funds will be allocated to production expansion, including the construction of a flexible perovskite cell manufacturing facility in Zhuji, Zhejiang Province, with an annual capacity of 6 million cells. In parallel, Sunflex’s R&D center will establish a roll-to-roll flexible perovskite solar cell pilot production line.
The company reported that its flexible perovskite solar module efficiency has reached 18.7% @ 1225cm², and it is actively pursuing IEC certification and rigorous testing. The modules are said to have shown stable performance for over 1,500 hours under testing conditions (85°C, 85% humidity), while outdoor exposure durability testing has been ongoing for more than 10 months.
Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (Chalco), the world's largest alumina producer, has connected its floating PV power plant, constructed by its subsidiary Guangxi Huasheng, to the grid. The company claims this is the first floating PV power plant in the aluminum industry.
The project utilizes a 41,000 m2 return water reservoir at the company’s red mud storage site to develop a floating PV system with an installed capacity of 4.35 MW. It pioneers an integrated "floating PV + return water reservoir" model, incorporating high-density polyethylene (HDPE) floating platforms and corrosion-resistant PV mounting structures to ensure system stability in aquatic environments while optimizing the industrial site's spatial utilization. Operating under a "self-consumption priority, surplus power fed into the grid" model, the system is expected to generate 4.8 million kWh of green electricity annually, supplementing the energy demands of the red mud filter press workshop.
In its 2024 annual report, PV inverter manufacturer Hopewind has reported total revenues of RMB 3.73 billion ($515.92 million). While revenues remained stable year-on-year (YoY), the company’s net profit attributable to shareholders of RMB 440.58 million ($60.87 million) fell 12.28% YoY.
The company sold 61,600 PV inverters (approximately 8.8GW) in 2024, down 50.58% YoY, with total PV inverter sales revenue amounting to RMB 922.97 million ($127.54 million). Over 90% of its PV inverter sales were within China. As of the end of 2024, Hopewind's annual production capacity for PV inverters stood at approximately 13 GW.