LONGi launches Hi-MO X6 module; AIKO Solar launches ABC modules; GCL Si launches GCL Carbon Chain; SPIC New Energy releases HJT module; China’s PV exports reach 83.8 GW in 4M 2024.
LONGi launches Hi-MO X6 villa module: Solar module manufacturer LONGi has released the Hi-MO X6 villa-focused modules at SNEC 2024. The module combines aesthetics, reliability and a low carbon footprint with a power generation capacity of up to 450 W. The Hi-MO X6 villa-type module is based on its HPBC black cells, with no grid line on the front, which the company says increases light absorption by 2.27%. It features a power temperature coefficient of -0.29%℃, which helps it generate electricity stably under different temperature conditions. The company says that the power generation gain is significant vis-à-vis conventional modules. LONGi also highlights that the module won the Gold Award of the 2024 French Design Award organized by the International Awards Association (IAA).
It further highlights that the module adopts “I”-shaped welding, which can reduce the risk of hidden cracks in transportation by 80%. The module, featuring an anti-slip striped frame design, has been tested and verified by RETC for conditions such hail, hurricanes, high temperatures, and dynamic loads.
LONGi says it has adopted a per-square-meter price for the module, as against the conventional price-per-Watt method. The Hi-MO X6 villa premium model is priced at RMB 298/m2 ($41.10/m2), while the Hi-MO X6 villa enjoyment model is priced at RMB 268/m2 ($36.96/m2).
At SNEC 2024, LONGi’s Zhenguo Li was awarded the title of “Global Solar Energy Leader” and Dr. Xixiang Xu the “Global Solar Energy Scientist” title (see China Solar PV News Snippets).
AIKO Solar launches new-generation ABC modules: Solar cell and module manufacturer AIKO Solar has launched a new generation of its ABC modules in Shanghai. The company claims its full-screen frameless module, which it calls the “original disruptive new product,” delivers a maximum power of 700 W and an efficiency of over 25%. The company says ultra-high resistance n-type silicon wafers, ABC cell technology, high reliability 0BB string welding technology, and innovative busbar hiding, precise stacking and other processes have further improved the full coverage rate of cells. The front side of the module is devoid of grid lines, i.e., 100% of the area is illuminated. The company says that it plans to apply this full-screen technology to its full-series ABC module products for industrial, commercial, household and centralized scenarios starting Q4 of this year. The company says it will increase the power of the 2382 mm x 1134 mm version module from 655 W to 680 W, with the power for its 2465 mm x 1134 mm module set to cross into the 700 W area.
Recently, AIKO announced the average conversion efficiency of its ABC cells has reached 27.2% in mass production (see China Solar PV News Snippets).
GCL Si launches GCL Carbon Chain: Solar cell and module manufacturer GCL System Integration has launched what it calls the world’s 1st PV carbon chain, GCL Carbon Chain, in Shanghai. A joint effort by GCL Si, GCL Technology and Ant Group, this management platform will organically integrate blockchain digital technology and granular silicon low-carbon technology. The company says GCL Carbon Chain will continuously and efficiently amplify the carbon control and carbon reduction effects of the entire PV industry chain.
GCL Si has also launched a carbon chain digital intelligent module based on GCL Carbon Chain, named SiRO. The company has joined hands with 8 industry leaders, including Huawei, Ant Group and SAIC Motor, to jointly construct the GCL Carbon Chain ecosystem. GCL Carbon Chain, based on blockchain, can disclose the carbon value, performance, qualifications, etc. of its chain products one by one. This will aid in product supply chain traceability, product carbon footprint and corporate organization carbon management.
GCL Si was recently named as one of the winning bidders in CR Power’s 2024 module auction (see China Solar PV News Snippets).
SPIC New Energy releases high-power copper grid HJT module: SPIC New Energy has released what it calls the world’s 1st mass-produced high-power copper grid heterojunction (HJT) module at the SNEC 2024. The company says that the copper-grid HJT module has 7 years’ worth of efforts behind it, from research and development to mass production. These modules are said to offer more technical advantages than those based on silver grid HJT cells, such as ultra-thin, low-resistance copper electrode grids. The company claims the copper grid cells, having a third-party certified efficiency of 26.49%, deliver 0.3% to 0.5% higher efficiency than silver grid cells. SPIC claims copper grid HJT modules have better resistance to hidden cracks and hot spots. In terms of cost, copper grid HJT modules can have up to RMB 0.1/W lower metallization costs, and a lower cost at the preparation level, among other things. SPIC New Energy has a 300 MW copper grid HJT mass production line at its Longgang base, which is expected to achieve mass production and shipment by Q3 2024.
China’s PV exports reach 83.8 GW for January to April 2024: China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released the status report of the country’s PV manufacturing industry for the January to April 2024 period. During the period, the country exported 83.8 GW of crystalline silicon PV modules, up 20% year-on-year. In dollar terms, the total PV export volume reached $12.7 billion. During the period, China produced:
- 700,000 tons of polysilicon
- 320 GW of silicon wafers, with exports reaching 26.3 GW
- 240 GW of crystalline silicon cells
- 196 GW of crystalline silicon modules, up 52.9% year-on-year.
