The agreement for the comprehensive logistics project, between BayWa r.e. Solar Trade and Seacon Logistics, was finalised during the leading international trade fair “Transport Logistic” in Munich. The partners are developing a completely climate-neutral logistics hub at the Wanssum container port for the distribution of photovoltaic products from BayWa r.e. Solar Trade.

The finalised project will have a storage capacity of over 50,000 m², making it the largest hub out of currently 66 in the BayWa r.e. Solar Trade supply chain. The aim is to increase and continuously develop customer service and efficiency in all aspects of the business including the handling of sea freight, warehousing, transport alongside customs and import services. The ground-breaking project is scheduled for completion in early 2024.

7.3 MW PV rooftop installation

Certified “Excellent” by BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) the final concept of the logistics hub includes a PV system with a capacity of 7.3 MW on the roofs of the hub. This system will provide enough electricity for the entire logistics hub including the electrified barges, terminal trucks and car fleet. In line with both Seacon’s and BayWa r.e.’s sustainability policy the logistics hub will therefore be entirely climate-neutral. 

Also interesting: Krannich Solar: 5 new warehouses in Europe and America

Frank Jessel, Global Director of Solar Trade at BayWa r.e., says: “The hub at the Wanssum container port will enable us to offer our customers an even better service in the future. The increased connectivity reduces delivery and storage times, while at the same time increasing product availability. Last but not least, the project is designed to be completely sustainable, so together with our partner Seacon we are setting an example in the fight against climate change.”

Efficient and sustainable security of supply

Dominik Dohr, Global Head Supply Chain Solar Trade at BayWa r.e., adds: “In order to make product availability and security of supply for our customers as efficient and sustainable as possible, the new logistics hub in Wanssum plays an essential role in our supply chain. The direct barge connection to the container port of Rotterdam makes Wanssum our gateway for importing PV modules for the European market. Service, efficiency and sustainability are harmonised here.”

Did you miss that? Schletter Group extends logistics and production

Sylvester van de Logt, CEO of Seacon Logistics, adds: “The cooperation with BayWa r.e. Solar Trade fits perfectly with our vision of creating significant added value along our customers’ supply chains and continuously improving our service. In concrete terms, this means tailor-made end-to-end supply chain solutions based on a sustainable foundation that has been awarded “Excellent” by BREEAM. Together with BayWa r.e. Solar Trade, Seacon will in future take on the responsible task of making optimum use of the electricity generated.” (hcn)





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Experts from the Renewable Energy Research Group at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) have been measuring the yields of a photovoltaic system in the Davos-Parsenn ski resort in collaboration with the electricity utility of the Canton of Zurich (EKZ) since 2017. The modules of the system on the Totalp, a good 2,500 metres above sea level, are set at six different angles in order to measure how this angle affects the yields. The steeper the modules are positioned, the faster the snow slides off the surface, according to the theory.

See also: Switzerland aims for 50 per cent solar energy in the electricity mix

The researchers also wanted to know whether the modules deliver a lot of electricity at this height, especially in winter. In addition, some of the modules are bifacial, meaning they can also produce electricity on the back. This is also particularly advantageous in winter, when the white snow on the ground casts a lot of light onto the backs of the modules.

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Lots of electricity in winter

Measurements in the test installation in the Davos-Parsenn ski resort have actually shown that with steeply staffed, bifacial solar modules, losses due to snow cover are only slight to actually negligible. With the system on the Totalp, the researchers were able to show that alpine solar systems can produce a lot of electricity, especially in the winter months. The prerequisite is, of course, that the modules are not covered by snow.

Lower losses due to steep angle

This is because snow on the modules can impair the electricity yield, especially in snowy winters. Measurements over the last six years show that for bifacial modules with an inclination of at least 60 degrees, the average yield losses due to snow cover in the winter half-year amounted to less than three per cent of the theoretical yield.

Vertical modules strong in winter

Vertically mounted modules are a speciality here. Due to the 90 degree inclination, the yield losses due to snow on the surface were actually less than one per cent. This is because almost no snow remains on these modules. As a result, they delivered the highest yields of all modules in winter, but fell short of the yields of the 30 or 60 degree tilted modules in the summer months.

Also interesting: New platform for Alpine solar plants

The additional yield due to the bifaciality was consistently around 24 per cent, which is slightly lower than the modules with an angle of 60 degrees. ‘The losses due to snow cover are negligible for bifacial modules inclined at more than 70 degrees in alpine regions,’ says ZHAW researcher Jürg Rohrer, summarising the entire series of measurements. Raphael Knecht, Head of Solar Business at EKZ, adds: ‘In our alpine projects, we choose steeply inclined, bifacial modules to maximise the winter yield. Several years of experience with the test system now confirm our planning that losses due to snow cover are minimised.’

Long-term measurement continues

However, the data now published is only an interim result. The long-term measurements will continue until 2027 in order to gather long-term experience in alpine solar power production. The continuous measurements should help to further optimise the system configurations and improve yields under Alpine conditions. Switzerland wants to use such systems to solve the problem that solar systems in the valleys and lowlands produce less electricity in winter. (su/mfo)





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The project, named FENICE (FuturaSun advancEd italiaN manufacturIng CEntre), has entered the Grant Agreement Preparation stage, marking a crucial milestone towards establishing a state-of-the-art factory specializing in next-generation photovoltaic modules.

FENICE Project: leading the way in solar energy for Europe

The FENICE project is a groundbreaking initiative, as it will introduce the production of photovoltaic modules based on advanced technologies like n-type and xBC (Back Contact) in Italy and Europe. This project positions FuturaSun as a key player in a strategic sector, delivering modules with efficiency rates above 24%, fully developed in Europe.

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In a market where more than 95% of modules currently come from China, FENICE offers a new path toward an independent, resilient, and sustainable supply chain.

Supporting the energy transition and sustainability

The new factory aims to produce over 7.6 GW of high-efficiency photovoltaic modules within its first 10 years of operation. This will make a significant contribution to Europe’s energy transition goals, as the EU targets 49% of energy in the building sector to come from renewable sources by 2030.

A technological and employment hub

In addition to its environmental benefits, the project will have a strong economic and employment impact. The factory, fully powered by renewable energy and with an annual production capacity of 1.4 GW, will create more than 250 direct jobs and 380 indirect jobs, becoming a technological hub for the local community.

Strategic collaborations and continuous innovation

The project is part of a larger effort to develop a European supply chain, with Italian suppliers providing encapsulants and backsheets, and European suppliers delivering glass, ribbons, and frames.

Also see: Stringer pioneer focuses on innovation and “made in Europe”

FENICE also includes plans for a research center open to collaboration with universities and other institutions, encouraging the ongoing development of new photovoltaic technologies like IBC, n-type, and Tandem Silicon-Perovskite. This will complement the research already being pursued by FuturaSun through its Rome-based start-up, Solertix.

A strong commitment to Europe’s energy future

FuturaSun has been growing steadily for over a decade and continues to invest in innovation and sustainability. With a strong presence in Europe and globally, the company is ready to scale up distribution of the modules produced at the FENICE factory, aiming to help build a sustainable, resilient, and competitive energy future for both Italy and Europe. The project will be covered by direct funding from the European Union through the Innovation Fund with 21 mln €.

Also see: TrinaSolar emphasizes the efficiency advantages of TopCon PV modules

The next major step for the project will be the preparation and signing of the Grant Agreement with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), the granting authority, to officially secure the funding. (hcn)





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Ten years from now, most new vehicles will run on electricity rather than fossil fuels. And renewable forms of energy, like wind and solar, will play a crucial role in supporting the transition and meeting increasing energy demands from electric vehicles. Yet, even with all the progress made, many drivers are still at a crossroads when it comes to embracing the move towards zero emissions vehicles.

The road ahead 

Despite the availability of government schemes that have been put in place to support the implementation of physical infrastructure, businesses and individuals are still concerned. There are questions surrounding access to charging stations and range anxiety – the fear that electric vehicles, without adequate charging support, will not perform as well on long journeys as their petrol or diesel equivalents.

There are also challenges around the ongoing management of charging infrastructure. For example, as EVs increasingly rely on renewable forms of power that are more intermittent in nature, changes in weather could affect the availability of power.

See also: E-car boom in Norway

For businesses that own or operate fleets, the transition is likely to be even more challenging. These organisations can have hundreds or thousands of vehicles ranging from cars to vans or HGVs. And the tasks involved in managing a fleet of EVs are totally different to those involved in managing the fuel supply for a petrol or diesel fleet. For example, operators need to consider:

·         How can EVs get the power to keep moving around the clock?

·         How do you manage the charging infrastructure to support a fleet of EVs?

·         How do you smoothly process payments and reimbursements for EVs at home, in depots or on the road?  

Keeping the wheels moving

When companies seek to make the transition to electric, leaders often don’t know where to start. The challenge is understanding how to effectively manage their EVs and implement a robust and reliable charging infrastructure to keep the wheels moving.

Read more on pv Europe about EV charging

For businesses and fleets to make the switch to electric effectively and reliably, it requires the right management software that can remove the burden of technology and there are three pillars to delivering a seamless, future-proof driving experience.

Monitor performance

You need to be able to review all your EVs and charging stations in a single view and see in real-time any issues arising with charging units – from malfunctioning equipment to power shortages. The main things to monitor are:

·         The physical status of each unit

·         Overall power consumption

·         The output of your system

Too often an EV charger is purchased without giving any thought to how the infrastructure will be managed. However, it is essential that organisations that are managing a large volume of EVs can balance power loads with demand. A lack of available power could have a major knock-on so a robust management platform is a must. You need to be able to track and manage the draw that EVs are having on your power reserves so you can intelligently distribute electricity around your network, without needing to draw extra power from the grid and face unnecessary costs.

Automate payments 

Managing payments, and reimbursements for the charging of EVs is an important consideration. Your charge points may be configured as:

·         Public – allowing general use for a set tariff

·         Private – only allowing permitted users to connect

It’s likely that the appropriate solutions will vary based on the specific scenarios. For instance, a retail business overseeing an electric car park might set-up a fixed charging fee for employees or customers. While a fleet business setting up charging stations for EVs based at the driver’s home might choose to compensate a predetermined portion of the electricity expenses for work-related use. It’s important to be able to set up tariffs on a point-by-point basis, and to determine usage rights in the same way.

Compliance

As environmental regulations and emission standards become increasingly stringent each year, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility with the most up-to-date and rigorous charging station criteria. Likewise, as ESG reporting standards evolve, the right monitoring features will enable you to identify and report on the consumption and performance of your charging infrastructure to fulfil CSRD requirements in the EU and ESG reporting in the UK. By centralising control of charging, it’s possible to ensure compliance with regional requirements. 

See also the company website of vaylens

It’s becoming clear that meeting the growing demands of electric transport, and making the investment worthwhile, will require the right tools to be in place. And in a world where there is predicted to be more 525 million EVs on the road by 2035, it’s going to become increasingly importance to deliver a seamless and reliable charging experience to underpin a successful transition. Simplifying how EV charging is managed and monetised to ensure uptime, availability and efficiency will be a pre-requisite for thriving in a new, electric-driven world. (Russel Olive, hcn)





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In a cross-company cooperation, the real estate group Goodman, the renewable energy company BayWa r.e. and the wholesaler Metro are setting a clear example for more sustainability and climate protection. At the Metro logistics site in Marl, a solar rooftop installation with around 6 MW was opened on the two existing buildings, and on the second building, with around 12 MW, the largest solar rooftop installation in Germany at present. In total, the two plants correspond to an area of 14 soccer fields with 43,000 installed photovoltaic modules and a total output of 18 MW. At the same time, the companies are making a significant contribution to the promotion of renewable energies and the implementation of the ambitious climate targets of the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy and Deputy Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia: “Germany’s largest rooftop photovoltaic plant is now located here in Marl in the Ruhr region. As a lighthouse project, the project realized in close cooperation is exemplary for the sustainable energy generation of the future and for the accelerated expansion of solar energy here in North Rhine-Westphalia. Inexpensive, locally produced electricity is now key location factor for companies and a key for our state on its way to becoming the first climate-neutral industrial region in Europe.“

Self-consumption – excess energy into the grid

The photovoltaic system generates enough clean electricity to meet Metro Logistics’ own needs at the site and feed excess energy into the grid. In addition, the entire building complex has already been awarded the Gold Certificate of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). In the process, Metro Logistics, as operator of the property, has worked with Goodman as an international real estate group, and BayWa r.e. as a developer, service provider and solution provider in the field of renewable energies.

Also interesting: Fully climate-neutral PV logistics centre

Christof Prange, Managing Director of Goodman Germany GmbH, emphasizes: “We are consistently expanding capacities for the generation of green energy and thus making our contribution to a rapid energy turnaround. The 18 MW we are operating in Marl is roughly equivalent to the electricity requirements of 5,100 households.”

Goodman

Logistics centre in Marl/Germany, powered by solar PV.

And Günter Haug, COO at BayWa r.e. adds: “Large industrial and commercial real estate groups such as Goodman play a key role in helping companies to make optimal use of their large roof areas to generate renewable energy. This lighthouse project serves as an important signpost and showcase for industrial and logistics companies that want to make a real difference when it comes to sustainability.”

Important step for the climate strategy of Metro

For Metro as an international wholesaler, climate protection is of particular importance in many areas. With 102 stores in Germany alone, the challenges are manifold, for example in topics such as the renewal of the heating infra- structure, the conversion of cooling systems to natural coolant as well as an expansion of the electric vehicle fleet and the increased use of photovoltaic systems. Christiane Giesen, Chief People & Culture Officer, Labor Director and Member of the Executive Board of Metro AG: “The commissioning of the PV plant in Marl is an important step for our climate strategy. Metro has set itself the goal in 2021 of consistently reducing its carbon footprint worldwide and being completely climate neutral in its own business operations by 2040. An ambitious goal – but with good partners and the right framework conditions from policymakers, we are confident that we can achieve this goal and make our contribution to greater climate protection.” (hcn)





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With 12,500 properties worldwide, measures are being taken on existing properties to achieve the 2050 climate target, with the integration of solar energy playing a central role.
Due to the considerable roof areas of DHL’s large warehouse buildings, substantial solar installations can be installed there, enabling DHL to maximize the use of solar energy on the properties.

“Everything we do is geared towards achieving zero emissions by 2050. We have a clear policy on solar energy – every location is screened for solar potential. For existing locations, factors such as the size of the property and the length of the lease are taken into account when considering solar installations. However, we install solar panels on all new sites,” says Jussi Jylhä, Infrastructure Manager, Operations at DHL Supply Chain (Finland) Oy.

Locally generated energy also offers marketing advantages

Currently, 56% of DHL’s energy comes from renewable sources, 94% of the electricity it uses is predominantly green. With the goal of energy self-sufficiency and locally generated electricity, DHL is installing solar panels on every property.

In Pirkkala, DHL owns a property of approximately 4,000 square meters, where Solnet Group installed a solar energy system in 2019. DHL was involved in the tender for this project, but an external contractor managed the construction of the building. Solnet Group then worked with the construction company.

Also interesting: Virtual power plant for solar companies to participate in balancing markets

“It is crucial for us to meet our emissions targets while also generating electricity right on site. We have also noticed the marketing benefits of solar energy in building our brand. For example, we use pictures and videos of our Pirkkala site in our sales materials,” mentions Jussi Jylhä.

Security as top priority

When selecting partners for the Pirkkala project, security was already an important factor. Since then, security has become even more important and is clearly one of the most influential factors in decision-making. Solnet Group’s intelligent solar system, with remote management and the ability to disconnect power to the panels, were deciding factors.
“The security features and credentials of the Solnet Group solution convinced us, along with its price-performance ratio and suitable guarantees. In addition, Solnet provides production data displayed on screens in our lobby, which generates positive feedback and makes the solar installation visible. Despite its size, the solar array is not visible from the roof, so this way we can demonstrate its effect in reducing emissions and generating electricity,” Jylhä points out.

Also see: Best possible utilisation of a logistic property for PV

As advice for those implementing solar arrays for the first time, Jylhä recommends bringing in an experienced consultant. A company that understands the variables that affect yields and system size, and knows the technical specifications.

“If you have a reliable partner and a solar plant has been built with high-quality equipment, it is relatively maintenance-free to operate. Solnet Group does maintenance once or twice a year. We monitor and report on the system’s output ourselves, and Solnet Group handles maintenance and monitors operations at the panel level. Integrating production overview has also been effortless,” Jylhä emphasizes. (hcn)





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A few wooden row houses are already standing, wooden frames and prefabricated wooden walls are being erected next to them, excavators are hoisting pallets of insulation material and busy hands with grinders, drills or hammers are at work everywhere on this sunny October day: 4,000 volunteers are involved in the Carter Work Project in Saint Paul, the capital of the US state of Minnesota, for a week. They are helping to build the first 30 houses in the new district of The Heights.

The largest urban renewal project to date in the city is being built on a 45-hectare former golf course. By the summer of this year, 147 affordable and ecologically oriented residential units are to be built on almost five hectares in an initial construction phase, mainly semi-detached, three- and four-family houses as well as some detached houses.

PV and LEED Platinum certification

All buildings will be awarded LEED Platinum certification, the highest award for highly efficient buildings. To generate electricity, they will each be equipped with 8 kW photovoltaic systems or solar shingles, which are designed to generate 60% of their own electricity, with the remainder being covered by grid power (battery storage is not yet planned in the current construction phase).

Also see: Land O’Lakes cooperative and C2 Energy Capital join forces for community solar projects

In addition, there will be air heat pumps for the heat supply – supplemented by geothermal energy, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and other measures to reduce the burden on the environment, such as water-saving measures.

Hans-Christoph Neidlein

The volunteers who helped with the Carter Work Project are a colorful mix.

Community spaces and facilities, parks, public art installations and links to public transport and nearby hiking trails are also planned. Once the entire new district of The Heights has been completed, around 1,000 apartments and around 1,000 new jobs will be created there.

Focus on low- and middle-income households

In addition to the city administration, the project is backed by the internationally active US non-governmental organization (NGO) Habitat for Humanity with its regional branch in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul), various sponsors and the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2024, an initiative of the former US President and former First Lady of the USA.

The concept for The Heights was developed in an intensive participation process in which the residents of an adjacent existing neighborhood were also closely involved. The houses will be available to first-time buyers on low and middle incomes.

Hustle and bustle in The Heights.

Hans-Christoph Neidlein

Hustle and bustle in The Heights.

“This project is a great opportunity to expand the supply of housing and homeownership in our city,” emphasized Melvin Carter, Mayor of St. Paul. This is especially true for households of color. Their share of home ownership in Minnesota is only 42 percent, compared to 76 percent for white households.

A diverse mix of volunteers  

The Carter Work Project volunteers were a diverse mix of skin color, age and gender. Many of the more than 4,000 volunteers were employees of corporate sponsors, including from the construction, energy and insurance industries, as well as several hundred volunteers from all over the world. However, the electrical installations, e.g. the photovoltaic systems, were carried out by professionals without exception.

Also see: Community solar innovation in Minnesota despite Trump

One of the highlights of Volunteer Week was the 100th birthday of Jimmy Carter on October 1. In his honor, country music greats Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who have supported the Carter Work Project, which has been held annually at different locations since 2007, performed in the evening.

Hans-Christoph Neidlein





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Europe’s electricity grid is undergoing a massive transformation driven by ambitious decarbonisation. A new power system is emerging from the traditional transmission-heavy model where small-scale renewables, electric vehicles and heat pumps connect directly to the distribution level.

To enable this evolution, distribution system operators (DSOs) must expand, modernise and digitalise the grid. Eurelectric conducted a study to assess the digital maturity of European DSOs. Digitalisation can largely improve efficiency when building, operating and maintaining the electricity grid, but several bottlenecks hamper its full potential.

„Grid operators must be supported by clear regulation“

Today, DSOs are required to ensure a reliable power supply, accommodate grid connections and secure data flows for customer privacy and cyber security. Yet, Europe’s grid expansion rate is falling behind the demand for new customer connections.

Current infrastructure and technology systems are often decades old and not fully equipped to make use of the countless data points added to the grid system. Flexibility management is also not mature enough to cope with future needs.

Meanwhile, a higher share of renewables entails more grid planning and better forecasting due to their variable and decentralised nature. Considering renewables will constitute 42.5% of Europe’s final energy use by 2030, digital-ready infrastructure is a critical pre-requisite.

“There are many opportunities today to digitalise grid build-out, operations and maintenance, but to fully leverage them, grid operators must be supported by clear regulation to make their business go digital” – says Eurelectric’s Secretary General, Kristian Ruby.

Regulation identified as the largest external challenge

As part of the Wired for Tomorrow study, a survey was conducted with thirty European DSOs. Regulation was identified as the largest external challenge to a digitalised grid, followed by skills shortage. On the contrary, where regulation was clear and supportive of investments, such as in cybersecurity, digital maturity was highest across DSOs. 

National regulators should encourage digitalisation investments by ensuring appropriate compensation for DSOs. In parallel, the new legislation introduced under the twin green and digital transitions – from the Electricity Market Design, to the Renewable Energy Directive, the Data and AI Act – must be coherently implemented across sectors, avoiding overlaps and inconsistencies.

See also: Double investments in power distribution or lose race to net-zero

Lastly, a digitalised power system can only succeed with a skilled workforce able to operate it. The EU can help bridge the current skill gap by formalising education, developing skills initiatives and introducing certification recognised across the EU, Eurelectric demands. (hcn)





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PPAs have significant benefits: they enable European companies to procure clean energy at competitive and predictable prices. They increase companies’ energy autonomy and security. They help accelerate the roll-out of much-needed renewables. In short: PPAs can be a key driver of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal.

However, the EU’s institutions must have a consistent and supportive approach to PPAs to facilitate these benefits. The EU must build-in incentives across all EU policies for corporates to sign PPAs and other procurement tools.

EU regulation draft for EV batteries as risk

Despite the recently adopted EU Electricity Market Design revision, which mandates Member States to promote PPAs, the European Commission is currently undermining the sustainable growth of PPAs. The Commission is drafting rules to determine the carbon footprint of Electric Vehicle batteries which would ban the use of PPAs and green energy certificates to demonstrate reduced emissions.

Also see: RE-Source 2024 offers energy buyer-supplier match meetings

“With this approach, the EU would be giving with one hand and taking with the other by promoting PPAs in one policy, and building in disincentives in another. This is hugely problematic as we know that the EV battery rules will be copy-pasted for other policies.“

„The incoming European Commissioners have been instructed by the Commission President to draw on Draghi’s report in their work – this includes his recommendation to promote PPAs as a tool for industrial competitiveness. Dan Jørgensen, the Commissioner-Designate for Energy & Housing has also been instructed to unlock private financing. PPAs tick this box”, commented Annie Scanlan, RE-Source Platform’s Director.

10.7 GW PPAs already signed this year

2024 is set to become another record year for the European PPA market, with 10.7 GW signed already this year. Europe needs to accelerate this positive advancement in the energy transition. Corporates stand ready to finance new wind and solar assets – for the benefit of all society. Give them the policy framework which will help them do more, not less!

Fortunately, the methodology for the carbon footprint of EV batteries is still in a drafting phase – meaning the EU can still act to stop this hugely damaging approach to PPAs being set in EU law.

Also see: Joachim Goldbeck: “Negative electricity prices are a bad fit with PPAs”

PPAs, alongside green energy certificates, are part of many critical EU energy decarbonisation policies, therefore a consistent and supportive approach is critical to support PPAs, as a route to market for new wind and solar which uses private financing for the transition to net zero. An ambitious regulatory framework in the EU will spur renewables development globally, given that imported products would also have to follow these rules. (hcn)





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Trinasolar has completed a field test which has found that TOPCon PV modules deliver an average power generation gain of 3.15% per watt over back contact (BC) modules, with a relative gain of up to 3.4% on a monthly basis. This analysis would demonstrate the superior power generation of TOPCon modules the company claims.

The test was conducted between 16th July and 10th September 2024 in Changzhou, China. Trinasolar compared the performance of its Vertex N 600W bifacial dual-glass modules, based on advanced n type i-TOPCon technology, with 620W bifacial dual-glass tunnel back contact (TBC) modules from an alternative manufacturer.

To ensure accuracy, the test site was designed to closely simulate regular installation conditions. It featured a cement ground with around 30% reflectivity, with modules mounted on fixed racking systems with a 23° tilt angle and installed 0.5 metres above the ground. There was no shading on the front or rear rows, and power generation data was collected using an IV tracker.

High bifaciality and low-irradiance performance

The TOPCon modules demonstrated superior performance in low-irradiance conditions such as in the morning and early evening. From 7am to 8am, the TOPCon modules’ power generation per watt was 6.9% higher than the TBC modules, and from 5pm to 7pm, its relative gain was 8.3-8.4%. This is in line with earlier field tests showing that TOPCon outperforms BC by about 5% in low-irradiance conditions.

TOPCon’s higher bifaciality also contributes to its greater power generation: even at midday when sunlight is strongest, TOPCon modules deliver a 2.6% power generation advantage over BC alternatives.

Trina Solar

Field test performance results.

The combination of high bifaciality and low-irradiance performance enables TOPCon modules to deliver a 2-3% power generation gain per watt over BC modules in actual operating conditions. These findings are consistent with results from the National Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Experimental Platform and the National Centre of Inspection on Solar Photovoltaic Products Quality, both based in China.

Further e fficiency gains expected

The test results would provide strong evidence that TOPCon will be the dominant PV technology over the next five years Trina Solar claims, with further improvements to efficiency and reductions in costs still to come. Trinasolar envisions that efficiency of the cells will increase by an additional 1% in this time, and that the power output of TOPCon modules will grow by over 30W in the same period. In five years’ time, the company expects n-type TOPCon-based perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells to become the benchmark for high-quality development in the PV industry.

Recently AIKO claimed the advantages of the back-contact technology with field results from their N-Type ABC PV modules and Longi also emphasizes the advantages of its back-contact cell and module technology. (hcn)





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