China Solar PV News Snippets

Nature Energy paper on Maxwell's SHJ technology; over RMB 2 billion Series C funding for Huasun; Trina & Tongwei forge deeper cooperation; SANY Renewable to invest in integrated renewables project; Hanersun launches Hitouch5A module series.

Nature Energy paper on Maxwell's SHJ cells with 26.41% efficiency: Renowned scientific journal Nature Energy has published results from latest research on high-efficiency silicon heterojunction (HJT) cell from Maxwell. The paper, the second on the company published in the journal, titled Industrial-scale deposition of nanocrystalline silicon oxide for 26.4%-efficient silicon heterojunction solar cells with copper electrodes, is a collaborative effort involving Maxwell team, Soochow University, SunDrive Corporation, Dalian University of Technology, Southwest University etc., with Suzhou Maxwell Technologies Co., Ltd. as the main unit. Mr. Jian Zhou of Maxwell, Professor Xinbo Yang and Professor Xiaohong Zhang of Soochow University, as well as Professor Alison Lennon of SunDive are the corresponding authors for this paper.

The paper details the manufacturing technology of high quality nanocrystalline silicon film by using the large-area (2m×2m) PECVD chambers with VHF excitation frequencies independently innovated by Maxwell, the high mobility TCO process with PVD transition metal doping synchronously developed by the industry-university-research team, as well as metallization technology with the direct electroplating process without seed layer. Combining the above, Maxwell has achieved the mutual demonstration of the principle and method of making the silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cells with 26.41% ultra-high conversion efficiency, paving the way for large-scale industrialization of high-efficiency SHJ cells. Recall that Maxwell had announced ISFH certification for n-type crystalline silicon HJT solar cell for 26.41% efficiency in September of 2022 (see Impressive 26.41% HJT Solar Cell Efficiency).

Huasun secures over RMB 2 billion in Series C funding: Solar panel manufacturer Huasun has announced the successful completion of its Series C funding round. The funding, totaling over RMB 2 billion ($275.9 million), was led by China Green Development Investment Group, with participation from Bank of China Asset Management and China Post Insurance. Wuxi Guolian Jintou Zhiyuan and Emerging Asset also increased their investment. The capital raised in this round will be allocated towards the continuous expansion of Huasun's high-efficiency HJT production and the research and development of cutting-edge technologies such as heterojunction-perovskite tandem solar cells. Recently, Huasun announced achieving 'new record-breaking' power output of 750.54 W for its G12-132 HJT modules (see Chinese Solar Companies Report 'Records' For HJT Modules).

Trina Solar and Tongwei forge deeper cooperation: Integrated solar manufacturer Trina Solar and TW Solar (Tongwei) have signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement. The agreement outlines plans for further collaboration in the PV industry chain, including modules, polysilicon, cells, and joint ventures. The 2 companies had announced a joint venture in November 2020, with aims to deepen cooperation in various areas, including high-purity multicrystalline silicon, efficient solar cell supply chains, modules, and the expansion of the PV industry chain. The latest signing is expected to accelerate the development of strategic emerging sectors in the PV industry by 2024. Recently, TW Solar (Tongwei) announced the launch of its TNC Module G12R series (see China Solar PV News Snippets).

SANY to build integrated renewable project in Jilin Province: SANY Renewable Energy Co., Ltd. has announced that it plans to invest in an integrated wind, solar, hydrogen, and ammonia project in Changling County, Songyuan City, Jilin Province. The project includes the construction of solar and wind power stations, transmission lines, hydrogen and alcohol production facilities, as well as storage, transportation, and energy storage facilities. The total investment for the project is estimated to be RMB 6.5 billion ($897 million), and the construction is expected to be completed within 18 months.

Hanersun launches Hitouch5A module: PV module manufacturer Hanersun has launched its new Hitouch5A high-efficiency module series based on All Back Contact (ABC) cell technology. The modules use full backside interconnection technology, non-destructive cutting and high-density packaging processes to achieve a combination of aesthetics and energy efficiency. The company says that the product also offers enhanced reliability and durability. Hanersun claims that the module has achieved maximum power of 600 W under testing, with a maximum conversion efficiency of 23.2%.