JA Solar’s Application-Specific N-TOPCon Module Series At SNEC

Vertically integrated Chinese PV manufacturer JA Solar showcased its latest application-specific TOPCon module series and all-in-one hybrid storage systems at the recently concluded SNEC 2024 event. Speaking to TaiyangNews at the show, the company highlighted 2 models under the DeepBlue 4.0 Pro series—JAM66D45/LB and JAM72D42/LB, both suitable for utility applications—and its latest all-in-one energy storage system (ESS).

Module for utility application

JA Solar’s year-long endeavor to transition from p-type mono PERC to n-type TOPCon, based on its vertically integrated manufacturing capacity, has culminated in the DeepBlue 4.0 Pro series product family. The module maker explained that the DeepBlue 4.0 Pro series, based on a single rectangular wafer size of 182 x 199 mm, has developed 3 different module formats and 5 module dimensions. The multiple module dimensions can be attributable to both symmetrical and asymmetrical wafer cutting. The JAM72D42/LB model, based on the symmetrical wafer cutting along the longer length of 199 mm into 2 pieces of 99.5 mm each and with a 144 half-cell configuration, produces 640 W of power at an efficiency of 23%. Its 2,465 x 1,134 mm dimension is suitable for utility-scale applications and offers the highest power output among all the DeepBlue 4.0 Pro models. The JAM66D45/LB series model on the other hand, with its slightly smaller length of 2,382 mm and width of 1,134 mm, is made with 105 mm half-cell sizes. These cells are the result of an asymmetrical wafer cutting along the length of 199 mm into 105 mm and 94 mm segments, interconnected in a 132-half-cell configuration. The  JAM66D45/LB model boasts a power output of 620 W and 23% efficiency. All the modules come with a standard 12-year workmanship warranty and a performance warranty of up to 30 years.

Residential application module

For the residential application, the company offers the JAM54D40/LB module with a smaller size of 1,762 x 1,134 mm and up to 460 W power output. This module is based on the 94 mm half-wafer section or 2 x 94 mm ~ 188 mm full cell connected in 108 half-cell pieces.

These multiple module formats emanating from a single wafer size are a result of JA Solar’s vertically integrated manufacturing capacity, starting from ingots, to wafers, to cells, through to modules. This fully vertical integration with a single wafer size enables JA Solar to control costs and quality, ensuring supply chain traceability. JA Solar believes its multiple module formats based on a single wafer size are less prone to microcracks compared to modules based on the 210 x 210 mm wafer size, leading to enhanced reliability and longevity.

Horizontal integration

On JA Solar’s strategy in the recent market trend of horizontal integration of product offerings,  the company highlighted its  hybrid ESS offerings for residential, C&I, and for utility application. JA Solar displayed its all-in-one hybrid storage system, with a power range of 5 kWh up to 20 kWh, for the residential segment. The company also showcased a small replica of its 200 kWh hybrid storage system, which can go up to either 300 kWh or 400 kWh, applicable for the C&I application and a small model of JA Solar’s 20 ft containerized utility-scale hybrid storage system. This containerized system is already in operation inside JA Solar’s own factories, the company says. The residential-scale hybrid storage inverters are available through its authorized distributors or channel partners. JA Solar recently signed its 1^st contract for utility and C&I storage solutions in Africa.