China Solar PV News Snippets: Jinko's TOPCon Modules Outperform P-type BC By 3.14% Yield & More

Jinko TOPCon modules outperform p-type BC in Laizhou pilot study

Vertically integrated solar manufacturer JinkoSolar's recent rooftop PV performance study in Laizhou, Shandong, demonstrated that its n-type TOPCon modules deliver a 3.14% higher per-watt energy yield compared to p-type BC modules. Tested from July to November 2024, the study highlighted several advantages of TOPCon technology:

1. High-temperature performance: TOPCon modules exhibited less power degradation and better heat dissipation, boosting output during peak summer months

2. Low-light efficiency: TOPCon outperformed P-type BC by 8% under low irradiance, ensuring stable energy generation in mornings, evenings, and cloudy conditions

3. Durability: Reliable even in high-humidity, salt-mist nearshore environments, TOPCon modules offer a longer system lifespan

JinkoSolar says the 575 W-rated TOPCon modules excelled despite limited bifacial gains due to rooftop installation. Verified by TÜV Rheinland, the results reinforce TOPCon's position as the preferred choice for PV projects, maximizing returns through superior efficiency and reliability.

Recently, JinkoSolar was named in the "2024 China New Growth Technology Leadership List" by Harvard Business Review (see China Solar PV News Snippets).

AIKO updates distributed PV power plant design software

TaiyangNews TOP SOLAR MODULES efficiency topper AIKO has released the latest version of its distributed solar project design software, AIKO Designer. This tool assists with capacity assessments, theoretical power generation calculations, and cost-benefit analysis in the early stages of distributed solar projects, providing users with a comprehensive design solution.

Compared to the previous version, the updated AIKO Designer can automatically calculate module row spacing based on concrete layer height, preventing shading between modules. For complex, composite rooftop environments, the software offers efficient module layout solutions. Additionally, the new version introduces a consumption ratio calculation function, enabling users to gain clearer insights into power consumption at the station.

Earlier this month, AIKO Solar was awarded the 1^st prize for Excellence in Carbon Neutrality Technology and Applications in Building and Environment by the WFEO-CEE and the China Society for Urban Studies’ Renewable Energy and Carbon Neutral Building Committee (see China Solar PV News Snippets).

Shuangliang Eco-Energy and Sunrev’s wafer fab starts production

Yangzhou Xinpeng Energy Technology Co., Ltd.’s (Yangzhou Xinpeng) 35 GW large-size n-type solar wafer project has been completed and commenced production. In February 2024, solar ingot and wafer supplier Shuangliang Eco-Energy and vertically integrated solar manufacturer Sunrev Group jointly established Yangzhou Xinpeng to develop the project.

Located in Gaoyou City, Jiangsu Province, the facility has been built for a total investment of RMB 3 billion ($421.97 million) and covers an area of approximately 18 hectares. The facility focuses on the R&D, production, and sales of solar wafers, with an annual capacity of 35 GW of large-size n-type ultra-thin monocrystalline silicon wafers.

‘World’s Largest’ HJT solar power plant grid-connected

Green energy developer China Green Energy Investment of Tianjin Co., Ltd. (CGDG) has announced that it has successfully connected the 4 GW Zhongludian Ruoqiang Solar project to the grid. Located in the southern part of Ruoqiang County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, the project spans an area of 76.02 square kilometers. It is recognized as China’s largest standalone PV project in ‘desert, Gobi, and wasteland’ areas.

Notably, the project is said to be the world’s largest to deploy heterojunction (HJT) PV modules on a large scale. The installation of these solar modules serves to stabilize sand dunes, intercepting windborne sand over an area of 17.2 million square meters. Upon full operation, the plant is expected to generate 6.9 billion kWh of electricity annually.

Xiamen Tungsten Launches PV Tungsten Wire Manufacturing Project

Xiamen Tungsten Co, Ltd (XTC), China’s largest producer of tungsten and molybdenum products, announced an additional investment of RMB 400 million ($56.26 million) into its subsidiary, Xiamen Honglu, to fund the construction of a 100-billion-meter solar PV tungsten wire production line.

The company plans to invest RMB 1.24 billion ($174.64 million), with RMB 1.05 billion ($147.71 million) raised through A-share offerings to specific investors. The facility, located in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, will have an annual production capacity of 100 billion meters of solar PV tungsten wire. The construction period is set at 36 months, with production commencing in the 1^st year and full capacity expected by the 5^th year.

China opens zero-carbon highway with solar integration

The Jinan-Guangzhou Highway officially opened. This is called China’s first zero-carbon highway created through reconstruction and expansion. Solar modules have been installed at service areas, toll stations, ramps, and slopes along the entire route, with a total solar power capacity of 30 MW and an estimated annual electricity generation of 33 million kWh.

The project incorporates multiple key carbon-reducing initiatives, including renewable power generation, geothermal heat pumps, energy storage integration, etc. With measures such as emissions reduction, carbon sequestration, and removal, the project is expected to achieve an annual carbon reduction of 22,500 tons, resulting in net-zero direct and indirect carbon emissions.