Cando Solar has developed a lightweight, flexible, yet sturdy Firm-Light series HJT PV module
Featuring front-side thin tempered glass and back-side fiberglass cover, it offers enhanced mechanical reliability compared to its conventional counterpart
Its patented frameless design gains power generation and enhances the module's reliability
Special application flexible PV modules are driven not only by $/Wp but also by factors such as $/aesthetics, $/integrability, Wp/kg, and $/robustness. However, key metrics like reliability, safety, and efficiency remain paramount for any installation. Continuous technological and design advancements that enhance these modules' reliability and safety features will help elevate their use to mainstream applications.
At the recent TaiyangNews Advanced Solar Module Applications 2024 Conference, Dr. Qiang Huang, CEO and founder of Cando Solar, gave an overview of the company's Firm-Light Series module, which is flexible, lightweight, and yet sturdy (see Cando Solar's presentation here). Founded in 2021, the Chinese PV module maker introduced its 3rd-party certified lightweight HJT PV module in 2022 and reached a global shipping volume of up to 100 MW by May 2023.
In his presentation, Huang highlighted the common challenges faced by lightweight and flexible PV modules in comparison to their heavier conventional counterparts. He explained that despite their advantages, flexible PV modules have seen significantly lower global adoption. For instance, flexible products, which feature front-side fiberglass and lower-efficiency p-type cell technology, weigh only 3 kg/m² compared to the 12 kg/m² of conventional modules with tempered front glass. However, these modules face potential reliability risks. Huang pointed out that flexible PV modules installed on undulated roof surfaces are particularly vulnerable to microcrack formation. Additionally, the potential for moisture ingress from the edges of frameless flexible modules can lead to metallic corrosion defects. He also mentioned that bird droppings can cause chemical damage inside the modules.
Overcoming Limitations
Cando Solar has addressed many of the limitations associated with conventional lightweight frameless flexible PV modules through the development of its Firm-Light Series HJT flexible PV module, according to Huang. Sized at 1,761 x 1,133 x 4.75 mm, the module features tempered thin glass on the front and reinforced glass fiber on the back. This construction has shown higher impact resistance compared to polymer lightweight modules in in-house free-fall impact resistance tests. Moreover, its frameless full-screen design provides enhanced mechanical stability at the edges of the module, preventing breakage of tempered glass. This design also improves chemical corrosion resistance, prevents water flow blockages with its self-cleaning property, and maximizes power generation. Huang added that this feature also reduces the critical risk of fire from the side EVA.
Regarding efficiency optimization, Cando Solar incorporated n-type HJT cell technology with busbarless metallization, replacing the conventional p-type cells. This design translates to a 10% increase in power generation and efficiency, reaching up to 23.1%. The module’s flexibility has been verified through Cando Solar's internal vibration test, which subjected it to up to 300,000 cycles.
Huang also noted a shift in the market toward value-driven applications that maximize power generation rather than just minimizing LCOE. For example, there is a rising demand for power during peak load hours, including dusk, dawn, instead of midday, as well as a growing trend for east-west installation orientations instead of south-facing ones. Huang categorized these evolving scenarios into 4 upgraded applications: Floating PV, Agrivoltaics, PV & transport, and BIPV. Additionally, the Firm-Light series is suitable for various mainstream commercial and industrial (C&I) applications. Huang mentioned that the module has been installed in projects such as a 1.3 MW and a 0.5 MW C&I rooftop installation in Jiangsu province, China.
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