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Solar Energy

Supply Chain Traceability Standard published

December 16, 2024 ryansheehanrts

The new Standard provides a framework for tracing silicon (or other semiconducting materials) throughout the solar supply chain. Independent auditors will use the Standard to assess the traceability of key materials used in solar production sites. Successful assessments will lead to a certification award.

The SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard covers the entire solar value chain, from quartzite mining to solar module production, with the objective to enable an unbroken Chain of Custody that tracks the journey of materials at every stage and guarantees that certified materials remain distinct from non-certified ones, reinforcing the integrity of solar products.

Pilot assessments conducted in 14 sites

The standard was developed following a public multi-stakeholder consultation involving over 20 organisations, including civil society and industry experts, provided valuable feedback. This inclusive approach ensures the standard is both rigorous and practical, addressing real-world challenges in supply chain traceability.

Also see: SolarPower Europe – landmark Solar Sustainability report released

Additionally, the Standard was tested through extensive pilot assessments conducted in 14 sites across various supply chain segments, including from modules to polysilicon. These pilot assessments were led by qualified auditors of the SSI Secretariat and evaluated the feasibility of the standard within industrial-scale environments, offering critical insights to refine its requirements.

The public consultation and pilot assessments enabled key updates to the final Standard, including enhanced clarification on technical due diligence requirements for traders and approved suppliers. The final Standard also makes clear that site certification remains impossible in regions inaccessible to unsupervised assessment. Additionally, the final standard offers clearer guidance to ensure that management systems are adequately resourced to effectively implement traceability requirements.

The SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard complements the SSI ESG Standard by adding a layer of assurance for material sourcing. Together, these standards provide a robust framework for certifying both the environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices of solar production sites as well as the traceability of the materials they use across the value chain, enabling the creation of a fully ESG-certified Chain of Custody.

Also see: Solar Materials wins European Solar Sustainability Award

Alexia Ruvoletto, Head of the SSI Secretariat, commented: “The SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard sets a new bar for end-to-end supply chain accountability in the solar sector. By establishing a clear, verifiable chain of custody for materials, it lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and ethical solar industry. With this new standard, the SSI empowers solar companies to take their transparency efforts to the next level, ensuring that the materials powering the clean energy transition meet the highest standards of integrity. This is about building confidence across the board, from regulators and policymakers to end consumers, while reinforcing solar’s role as a leader in sustainable energy.”

Next steps and implementation

The Standard is designed to support businesses in meeting regulatory requirements, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and supporting the effective implementation of the EU Forced Labour Ban Regulation. The SSI is monitoring the legislative process of these key laws to make sure the SSI standards are aligned with legal requirements. Certification against the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard will begin in 2025, with continuous improvement targets for supply chain penetration and market coverage to be set for the following years.

The Solar Stewardship Initiative has 48 members currently, among them 12 PV manufacturers, including two of Europe: Astronergy, Canadian Solar, DMEGC Solar, Futura Sun, JA Solar, Jinko Solar, Longi, Recom, Risen, Solarwatt, Trina Solar, Viridian Solar.

Also see: Solar supply chain ESG standard published

The SSI was set in motion by SolarPower Europe and Solar Energy UK in March 2021, as part of a workstream established in 2015 to promote sustainable production in the solar value chain. With the backing over 30 solar organisations at its inception, the SSI is the only holistic sustainable supply chain solution with the support of a majority market share of the solar PV industry. The SSI also enjoys the endorsement of the International Finance Corporation (IFC, a member of the World Bank Group) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). (hcn)

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Solar Energy

LONGi: Financial net loss in Q3 – more PV modules shipped in 2024

November 14, 2024 ryansheehanrts

LONGi has released its financial report for Q3 2024, showing cumulative revenue of CNY 58.593 billion (770 mio. €)for the first three quarters of the year. The third quarter contributed CNY 20.064 billion (264 mio. €) in revenue, with a net loss attributable to shareholders of CNY -1.261 billion (170 mio. €) reflecting a gradual reduction in losses as the company progresses through a challenging industry cycle and enhances its operational efficiency.

Adapted market strategy and counter measures

In 2024, a supply-demand imbalance in the photovoltaic (PV) industry and intensified price competition have led to the industry’s first collective loss since 2016. In response, LONGi adapted its market strategy and adjusted shipments to manage risks associated with fluctuating supply and demand. For the first three quarters, LONGi shipped 82.80GW of silicon wafers (including 35.03GW for external sales), a decrease of 4.22% year-on-year, while module shipments reached 51.23GW (including 13.77GW of BC modules), a year-on-year increase of 17.70%.

LONGi implemented cost-control measures, reducing management expenses by 34.70% year-on-year to CNY 2.422 billion. This strategic focus on cost efficiency would have bolstered the company’s resilience amid market challenges, LONGi announced.

Continiuous investment in R&D and back contact technology

LONGi has invested over CNY 23.5 billion in R&D over the past five years to enhance core competitiveness and advance its product portfolio. Following the strategic route announced in September 2023 towards BC (back contact) technology, LONGi has introduced several differentiated products to align with market demand.

Previously, BC technology production was limited to less than 1GW annually. In the first half of 2024 Chinese firms, including LONGi or AIKO, have expanded production to nearly 12GW, with BC modules now included in large-scale Chinese procurement bids.

“For twenty years, LONGi has been focused on one thing, which is to make solar power cheaper, easier to use, and safer, so that it can benefit everyone. We always focus on improving photovoltaic conversion efficiency and the safety and reliability throughout the entire life cycle,” said Baoshen Zhong, Chairman of LONGi.

LONGi’s HPBC 2.0 product line further supports this expansion, offering high efficiency and reliability across a range of photovoltaic applications. The adoption of BC technology and the associated laser-based production process reflects a strategic shift toward product differentiation and increased market penetration.

HPBC 2.0 against homogenized competition and industry pressure

In response to industry pressures and to avoid homogenized competition, LONGi launched its high-efficiency HPBC 2.0 technology. With a mass production power rating up to 670W, LONGi’s HPBC 2.0 modules claim to surpass TOPCon modules by over 30W, achieving a mass production efficiency of 24.8%, the highest globally for solar modules according to LONGi.

HPBC 2.0 technology claims to deliver 6% higher power generation than comparable TOPCon products and enhances pre-tax profitability by 15%-20%, according to LONGi. LONGi’s recent releases, the Hi-MO 9 and Hi-MO X10 modules, would incorporate these technological advancements, according to the company.

LONGi sees sustained growth for the photovoltaic industry

LONGi anticipates improvements in the industry landscape as outdated capacity is phased out and some projects are postponed or terminated. The demand for efficient products continues to drive sector growth, with policies supporting further expansion. LONGi projects that the PV industry will achieve stable annual growth of 10%-15%, supported by efficiency gains and high-performing technologies. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Half-year report 2024 – LONGi generates €5.03 billion in sales

September 26, 2024 ryansheehanrts

The company’s delivery volume for silicon wafers in the first half of this year was 44.44 GW (21.96 GW sold externally) and 31.34 GW for modules. 2.66 GW of solar cells were delivered.

In the first half of 2024, the global PV market again saw strong growth. According to the National Energy Administration (NEA), there were new PV installations in China in the first half of the year with a total capacity of 102.48 GW, an increase of 30.68% over the previous year. Solar power plants account for 67% of all newly constructed power plants in China in the same period.

China’s module exports increased by nearly 20% year-on-year in the first half of the year, with Europe remaining the largest export market for Chinese modules. Pakistan, India and Saudi Arabia are now the second, fourth and fifth largest export markets for Chinese solar modules. During the ongoing market changes in the PV industry, LONGi has seen a significant increase in sales of over 140% year-on-year in the Asia-Pacific region in the first half of the year.

New HBPC 2.0 back-contact product line in high demand

Recently, the China Huaneng Group, one of the five largest state-owned power generators in China, announced the details for the procurement of photovoltaic modules for 2024. 1 GW of this is to be back-contact modules. According to LONGi, this shows the importance of the technology for the country. This is the first time that a state-owned energy company has set up its own procurement office for BC (back contact) modules. It is also a signal for a new development opportunity for BC technology in large-scale power plants, which is eagerly awaited by the industry.

In the first half of the year, LONGi launched the Hi-MO 9 bifacial module, which is based on the highly efficient HPBC 2.0 back-contact cell technology (Hybrid Passivated Back Contact Cell Technology). With a mass-produced output of 660 W, it outperforms the industry-leading TOPCon modules by more than 30 W, according to LONGi. The series has a module efficiency of 24.43%, which is a significant improvement over the BC predecessor technology. The module can capture and convert more light under the same conditions, resulting in higher power generation, says LONGi.

New cell technology also for rooftop installations

Compared to conventional products, the Hi-MO 9 offers 80% greater resistance to cracking, according to LONGi. The module would be representative of a significant technological leap forward, as it incorporates LONGi’s new high-efficiency TaiRay silicon wafers.

Mr. Baoshen Zhong, Chairman of LONGi, stated that the company plans to launch the new HPBC 2.0 cell technology for residential, commercial and industrial rooftop installations.

See also our interview with LONGi: “The PV industry is navigating a complex competitive landscape”

According to the company, LONGi’s annual production capacity for monocrystalline silicon wafers will reach 200 GW over the next three years, with more than 80% of the capacity accounted for by “TaiRay” silicon wafers. The annual production capacity of cells with back-contact technology (BC Technology) is expected to reach 100 GW, with a production capacity of monocrystalline modules of 150 GW.

In particular, the next-generation HPBC 2.0 back-contact technology and its product series are expected to reach a capacity of approximately 50 GW by 2025. On this basis, LONGi expects significant growth and a rapid recovery from the volatile situation in the global PV market, where a fierce price war is still ongoing.

“Return to growth by 2025”

In the first half of the year, LONGi modules were awarded the RETC ‘Highest Achievement’ prize for the sixth year in a row. In addition, LONGi modules received the ‘Best Performance’ award in the PVEL reliability tests for the seventh year in a row.

LONGi has also maintained AAA status in the PV ModuleTech Bankability Rating for the 18th consecutive year, further strengthening its position in the global photovoltaic financing market.

Also interesting: “A company cannot be on hold for a year”

Mr. Baoshen Zhong, stated, “LONGi had a clear direction and corporate strategy at the beginning of 2023. By 2025, our company will be the first to return to a growth path and enter a recovery period ahead of the PV industry. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

LONGi/Octopus Energy – Strategic partnership to boost PV

September 3, 2024 ryansheehanrts

The partnership between LONGi and Octopus Energy is set to increase the deployment of solar energy across the globe. The collaboration will provide consumers and businesses with greater access to advanced solar technologies, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Octopus Energy Generation, one of Europe’s largest specialist renewable energy investors with $9 billion of projects under management, will play a key role in this collaboration. With over 150 solar farm investments in six countries and a strong pipeline of new projects globally, Octopus Energy Generation brings extensive expertise and resources to the partnership. This experience will be instrumental in scaling solar energy solutions in the UK and beyond.

Huge untapped potential in Europe

During the signing ceremony, Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, stated: “China’s rapid progress in accelerating the roll-out of green energy is nothing short of remarkable. Partnering with a world-leading company like LONGi will help turbocharge solar projects around the world and ensure they are affordable due to LONGi’s scale and size. We look forward to working together to create a cheaper, greener, and more secure energy system for everyone.”

Also see: Major utilies intent to raise renewable capacity by 2.5 times to 2030

Ross Kent, General Manager for LONGi Solar (DG) UK & Ireland, commented: “There is a huge untapped potential for renewable energy in Europe, particularly solar energy. This partnership will help to further close this gap, accelerate the transition and bring cutting-edge solar technology innovations such as LONGi’s high-efficiency back-contact technology to solar projects across Europe.”

Dennis She, Senior Vice President at LONGi said: “Octopus holds a substantial influence on the UK and global energy market. By harnessing the strengths of both parties in technological innovation and strategic resources, we are poised to deliver transformative projects worldwide. This agreement is a pivotal move towards achieving our shared vision of a sustainable energy future, setting new standards for the industry and accelerating the world’s transition to clean, renewable energy.”

Strong R&D focus

LONGi has one of the highest annual R&D expenditures in the industry. Approximately 5% of its annual operating revenue is invested in R&D, making the company a pioneer in solar technology innovation. Since 2021, the company has broken the photovoltaic (PV) cell conversion efficiency record 18 times in a row. Currently it is holding two efficiency world records, both officially confirmed in 2024.

As a result, LONGi has also been at the forefront of the development of back contact technology, specifically Hybrid Passivated Back Contact (HPBC) solar cells. This proprietary HPBC technology allows for higher conversion efficiency and superior performance under challenging conditions, making it ideal for Europe’s diverse weather patterns. Back contact technology in solar modules enhances the power output and reliability of the panels.

“Back contact technology is the future of solar technology, and LONGi is leading the way. We have invested additional R&D resources to excel the technology further,” Ross Kent added. “We believe that by pushing the boundaries of solar technology, we can provide more sustainable and efficient energy solutions for all.” (hcn)

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Solar Energy

Solar-powered freshwater – Joining forces to help new-borns and mothers in Africa

August 2, 2024 ryansheehanrts

After constructing a water tower and installing LONGi solar panels on the roof of the clinic, the team was able to power a water pump that continuously fills the water tank, providing freshwater to the maternity clinic. The lack of fresh, running water remains a major problem in many parts of Africa. Sanitation and hygiene are fundamental to improving standards of living for people and at the same time decrease maternal and infant mortality. 58 babies have been born in the Linga Linga maternity clinic since the project was completed in May 2024.

Close collaboration with African communities and authorities is key

For projects that have an impact on and involve local communities, Project Vita ensured close collaboration with all relevant authorities. They jointly decided on the best and most feasible solution, and most importantly, on a smooth implementation.

The construction of the maternity clinic marked the beginning of a journey for Linga Linga, a rural village in Mozambique’s Inhambane province. The nearest accessible health facility for childbirth is in Morrumbene, a town about 30 kilometers from the village.

As a result, most women in Linga Linga gave birth at home or on the road while trying to walk to Morrumbene for help. Morrumbene’s Mayor and the chieftain of the village asked Project Vita for help in improving Linga Linga and Morrumbene district where one of the projects was a place where women could give birth in safer conditions.

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Working with local community members, the maternity clinic was built in the village next to the newly built health clinic that had been closed for 3 years because of lack of energy but could now open because of the support. In addition to delivery facilities, the maternity clinic will provide antenatal and postnatal care.

Simple off-grid energy solutions can save lives

The solar-powered freshwater solution for Linga Linga’s clinic is an important addition. With an average of 17 babies born each month at this clinic, the availability of clean tap water is essential to reducing the risk of infection and complications for mothers during labor and delivery, while also improving the daily routine of the clinic’s dedicated nurses.

Also interesting: New report shows potential for photovoltaics in Africa

Despite a global decline in the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to 34.2% between 2000 and 2020, the MMR in the African region remains very high according to the integrated African Health Observatory (iAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2020, 69% of global maternal deaths have occurred in the African region. (mfo)

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Solar Energy

LONGi: AI-driven Lighthouse Factory achieves significant optimizations in production quality and efficiency

August 1, 2024 ryansheehanrts

The state-of-the-art facility is the world’s first Lighthouse Factory in the PV industry. It integrates more than 30 digital use cases and sets a new benchmark for high-quality development and intelligent manufacturing in the photovoltaic sector.

Vice President Haimeng Zhang highlighted the primary reasons for setting up the Lighthouse Factory: to meet the changing and diverse needs of customers and to ensure consistency in production processes across different sites.

Ensuring global production consistency through the use of fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies

As module manufacturing scales globally, it is critical to maintain consistency across different distributed production sites. LONGi’s Lighthouse Factory addresses this challenge by using advanced technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (iIoT), big data, artificial intelligence and digital twins. This approach has been recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF), which has included the Jiaxing Lighthouse Factory in its latest “Lighthouse Factory” list.

Expansion of the Lighthouse project to other production sites

LONGi has also introduced the “Lighthouse Project”, which aims to transfer the agile intelligent manufacturing model of the Jiaxing Lighthouse Factory to other production sites. “The LONGi Jiaxing Lighthouse Factory is just the beginning,” explained Haimeng Zhang. “Our goal is to develop it into a state-of-the-art production facility that can be replicated in the future.”

See our interview with LONGi: “The PV industry is navigating a complex competitive landscape”

Improving research and development while ensuring highly efficient, digitalized manufacturing processes
LONGi has always prioritized technological research and development to increase productivity through innovation, Zhang said. The company’s progress has resulted in record-breaking performances, including a conversion efficiency of 27.30% for heterojunction back contact (HBC) crystalline silicon solar cells and an efficiency of 33.9% for perovskite tandem crystalline silicon solar cells.

Video: How AI and automation are driving LONGi’s production base in Jiaxing

The PV industry is increasingly driven by customer needs, requiring the production of modules that meet specific requirements. LONGi recognized that improving R&D is important, but it is not the only solution. Efficient manufacturing processes are essential to meet diverse customer requirements, ensure flexible production for different applications and speed up product delivery.

New Hi-MO X6 Max series is produced in the Lighthouse Factory

The Lighthouse Factory in Jiaxing will serve as the production base for the Hi-MO X6 high power back contact module and will also be the production site for LONGi’s newly launched Hi-MO X6 Max module series. These modules are characterized by the innovative TaiRay Inside silicon wafer technology and Hybrid Passivated Back Contact Cells (HPBC) and feature the rectangular silicon wafer size M11 as well as a standard size of 2382×1134 mm. According to the company, the series offers improved stability, reliability and power generation efficiency.

Also see: LONGi presents enhanced back contact PV modules

Employees benefit significantly from training measures and a modern working environment

The Lighthouse Factory has significantly improved the working environment for employees, allowing them to master digital tools, improve their skills and become high-quality employees. “This is also the biggest advantage of Lighthouse Factory,” Haimeng Zhang remarked. (hcn)

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