The Elementa 2 liquid-cooled energy storage system (ESS) from Trina Storage, the energy storage arm of Trinasolar, has received a 20-year full lifecycle Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification. Audited and issued by leading certification authority UL Solutions, this certification highlights the system’s industry-leading environmental performance and sets a benchmark for sustainable, high-efficiency energy storage solutions. The EPD certification is based on the ISO 14025 standard and provides a rigorous assessment of a product’s environmental impact across its entire lifecycle – from raw material extraction, manufacturing, and transportation to operation, maintenance, and recycling. The company says this certification is the ‘world’s first’ in the energy storage industry to assess environmental impacts over a 20-year product lifecycle.
In January, Trina Storage released a white paper exploring innovations in energy storage cells, emphasizing extended cycle life, high performance, and enhanced safety (see China Solar PV News Snippets).
Zhejiang Province has released the second batch of 2024 Zhejiang Manufacturing standards. A part of these standards is the Crystalline Silicon Back-Contact (BC) Photovoltaic Cell standard, led by DAS Solar. This standard encompasses key technical indicators such as process equipment, appearance, and electrical performance, establishing a comprehensive technical framework for BC cells. Jointly developed with industry chain partners, this standard provides a technical benchmark for the industrialization of BC cells, filling the gap in standardization for BC cells.
DAS Solar recently also started developing the national electronic industry standard for Flexible Crystalline Silicon Solar Photovoltaic Modules (see China Solar PV News Snippets).
One of China’s key PV-Sand Control projects, located in the Tarim Oilfield, has been successfully grid-connected. The 1.3 GW desert solar-storage power plant consists of Trinasolar’s Vertex N 630W series modules, with an estimated annual clean electricity generation of 2.1 billion kWh. Trinasolar stated that the Vertex N 630W series modules utilize its n-type i-TOPCon cell technology, with a mass production power output reaching 630 W. These modules are adaptable to ground-mounted solar plants in complex terrains and C&I applications while ensuring ease of transportation and installation. The company says the modules can maintain stable and efficient power generation even in the harsh desert environment thanks to TOPCon’s high bifaciality and excellent UVID performance.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), along with the National Energy Administration (NEA) and 4 other government departments, have jointly issued the Guidelines on Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Renewable Energy Green Power Certificate (GEC) Market. The document aims to establish a high-quality GEC market and facilitate the rational pricing of GECs to reflect the environmental value of green electricity. Key objectives include:
By 2027, a green power consumption mechanism combining mandatory and voluntary consumption will be well-established. Systems for green power accounting, certification, and labeling will be in place, ensuring the nationwide smooth circulation of GECs. By 2030, an efficient and orderly GEC market will be fully operational, with international applications of GECs realized.
The policy encourages renewable energy projects, including wind power (onshore, offshore, and distributed), solar power (distributed PV and solar thermal), biomass, geothermal, and ocean energy, to participate in green power trading.
A mandatory and voluntary green power consumption mechanism will be implemented. Industries such as steel, non-ferrous metals, building materials, petrochemicals, chemicals, and data centers are expected to increase their green power consumption ratios. By 2030, these industries should consume no less than the national average renewable energy obligation percentage, and newly established data centers in key national hubs should further increase their green power consumption beyond 80%.
By 2030, China aims to establish a group of green electricity factories and green electricity parks with high proportions of green power consumption, encouraging them to achieve 100% green electricity consumption.
Green power consumption data will be incorporated into the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting system for publicly listed companies.
Improve the GEC trading mechanism by promoting long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for GECs and integrating GECs with carbon footprint accounting for key industries and products.
Solar module equipment manufacturer AUTO-ONE has announced that it has shipped its first BC 0BB (zero busbar) stringer machine. This equipment is designed to interconnect BC (back contact) cells into cell strings, achieving 0BB interconnection for various types of BC cells, such as TBC, HBC, and hybrid BC. The equipment supports BC cells with thicknesses ranging from 90 to 110 μm and is compatible with base metal (electroplated copper, copper paste) cells. Additionally, the company states the equipment can effectively address the severe warpage issues encountered in traditional BC cell stringing processes.
TaiyangNews is hosting the 1st Solar Technology Conference India 2025, on April 10 and 11, 2025 in New Delhi, India. The in-person conference will bring all technologists, scientists and engineers who are facilitating the building of another strong solar PV manufacturing destination. Early-bird registrations are on here.
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