China Solar PV News Snippets

Trina Solar's Vertex modules get TÜV Rheinland certification for use in marine settings; Trina also announced investment for a 13 GW single crystal rods project in Shifang; H1/2023 financial results forecast released by JA Solar and EGing PV; Photon Crystal Energy achieves financial closure for Series A round with RMB 160 million; Seraphim signs 300 MW solar module supply deal with Philippine's ERS Energy.

TÜV certificate for Trina modules: TÜV Rheinland has certified Trina Solar's Vertex modules for use in marine settings. Trina says its modules cleared the reliability tests that included saltwater immersion (48h) +PID (+ and -, 192h, 95%RH85℃), static mechanical load, dynamic mechanical load (1000 cycles, 1000 Pa), TC50, HP10, DH2000 and salt mist corrosion (IEC 60068-2-52, severity 8). All of these demonstrate that Vertex modules provide excellent mechanical performance in extreme environments, stated the company.

Trina's 13 GW project: In a separate development, Trina Solar entered a project investment agreement with Shifang Municipal People's Government to build a production base with 13 GW annual capacity of single crystal rods and supporting projects. The project will be sited in Shifang Economic Development Zone in Sichuan. Trina expects to invest about RMB 4.3 billion to the project that's estimated to approximately RMB 5.3 billion. Management said the proposed investment is based on the current market situation and industry prospects, along with the company's existing business and strategic positioning.

JA Solar's H1/2023 forecast: JA Solar expects its net profit for H1/2023 to grow by 146.81% to 187.95% annually to RMB 4.20 billion to RMB 4.90 billion. It attributes this expected increase to growing demand for solar PV which the company was able to leverage with its global service and brand network. During the period it was able to expand production capacity, thus experiencing higher sales. Cost of purchasing materials, logistics and transportation have also been reduced. Management said it continues to optimize its supply chain management.

EGing PV's business forecast: For H1/2023, EGing PV has issued its business forecast where it expects to achieve operating income of about RMB 4.4 billion, reflecting an annual growth of some 27%. Net profit too is guided to grow by RMB 256 million to RMB 296 million. Growth in sales of PV modules, production process technology optimization and decline in the price of silicon materials were contributing factors, it added.

Financing for Photon Crystal: Photon Crystal Energy has closed its Series A financing round, raising RMB 160 million that it plans to use to construct a 100 MW perovskite pilot line and promote R&D initiatives to improve overall performance of the modules, according to local media reports. Participating in this financing round were Guodiao Zhanxin Fund, Qiming Venture Capital, Richu Capital and existing shareholders Sinovation Ventures and Dingxiang Capital. The company currently operates a 10 MW test line. It has developed a perovskite ink formula that prevent the perovskite crystal formation during the coating process. Construction on the 100 MW pilot line will start in H2/2023. Photon targets to commission the pilot test line, ramp up production capacity and carry out pilot demonstration projects in 2024 and achieve mass production in 2025. The company has reportedly achieved an efficiency of over 20% on 20cm x 20cm perovskite module. The 10 MW test line can produce modules with 30cm x 30cm size.

Seraphim's module deal: Seraphim has announced signing a 300 MW solar module supply deal with Philippine's ERS Energy. The latter plans to deploy the modules for its 300 MW ground mounted solar power station in Zambales region. Seraphim is contracted to start supplying its 550W/555W high efficiency modules beginning Q3/2023 and achieve completion by Q2/2024.