In preparation for the 2023 solar Module Buyer’s Guide, we distributed a questionnaire to all significant solar panel manufacturers. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of their worldwide and U.S. capacities, highlights of innovations for the year, and showcases their leading product lines. Click on the products for detailed insights.

To prepare for the 2023 PV Module Buyer’s Guide, we sent out a questionnaire to all major solar panel manufacturers. This guide provides a thorough summary of their global and U.S. capacities, key innovations for the year, and a showcase of their top product lines. Click on the products to access more detailed information.

“As the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is anticipated to drive the expansion of residential and commercial solar installations, primarily due to increased certainty regarding the long-term extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the demand for high-power and high-efficiency modules with extended warranties will intensify competition. Installers need to secure a reliable module supply to prevent project delays, procurement challenges, and customer discontent,” stated Melissa Cavanagh, Marketing Manager for North America at Trina Solar.

“The range of solar modules offered in the U.S. market is expanding, with contributions from both established and emerging companies. Installers are aware that not all modules are equal, and opting for a lesser-known module provider carries risks related to warranty, reliability, performance, and customer support. Established, reputable brands, whose modules undergo thorough third-party testing by laboratories such as PVEL and RETC, provide assurance and a history of proven performance,” stated Elena Zhang, General Manager of DG North America for LONGi Solar.

“With the increasing significance of the solar industry, there is a parallel rise in our obligation to enhance sustainability. Consumers are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of their purchases and seek to make more conscientious decisions. Installers need to prioritize the sustainable attributes of their module portfolios in addition to technical specifications,” stated Cary Hayes, President of REC Americas.

Thornova Solar, an American company specializing in bifacial TOPCon and PERC solar modules, is currently ramping up production at a facility in Vietnam. With the capability to manufacture 1.5 GW of modules, the company is ready to supply projects in utility-scale, commercial, and residential sectors. Thornova Solar also has plans to expand its production in the United States in 2024.

Thornova provides TOPCon modules and PERC modules, offering power outputs from 415Wp to 615Wp. These products are backed by product warranties ranging from 15 to 25 years and performance guarantees lasting for 30 years.

Thornova Solar’s Expansion Strategy | Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Thornova is establishing a strong U.S. foothold with local operations, technical support, and sales teams. Additionally, Thornova is set to inaugurate a U.S. manufacturing facility in 2024. This upcoming site will manufacture both solar cells and modules, allowing customers to leverage U.S. tax incentives for solar products with domestic origins.

“We are dedicated to the long-term growth of the U.S. solar market and sustainability as a company,” stated William Sheng, CEO of Thornova Solar. “Our goal is to support our customers’ success, and we have tailored our facility in Vietnam to meet their present and future requirements.”

Thornova’s PERC modules come in bifacial and dual-glass configurations, capable of producing up to 560Wp. Additionally, Thornova provides all-black modules with a maximum power output of 460Wp.

All Thornova products are certified by CSA to meet UL standards. Each module undergoes the Triple EL test. Furthermore, additional testing comprises PVEL reliability testing following the triple IEC standard, TÜV NORD’s 40mm Hail Test, and the TCLP test. Sample modules also undergo Ammonia, Sandblast, UV, and PID tests to guarantee reliability and consistent quality.

Renewable energy isn’t inherently “green” or “clean.” Solar energy is generated from products that are mass produced in factories that have their own carbon footprints and environmental pros and cons that vary depending on the facility, company and/or country or state of origin.

Renewable energy, such as solar power, is not automatically synonymous with being environmentally friendly or sustainable. The production of solar PV energy involves the mass manufacturing of products in facilities that possess their own carbon footprints and environmental impacts. These impacts can vary significantly based on factors like the specific facility, company, and the location where the products are manufactured.

Anoosheh Oskouian, CEO of Ship & Shore Environmental, emphasizes the significant opportunity for the United States and its manufacturers to set a global example through the reshoring of PV panel production. Oskouian highlights the multitude of environmental and financial benefits for companies that invest in cost-effective pollution control solutions during manufacturing. By prioritizing cleaner production practices today, the industry can also pave the way for safer and more cost-effective solar panel recycling in the future.

At present, Ship & Shore Environmental is currently engaging in discussions with several solar assembly facilities. The company provides a range of services related to pollution control, including consultation, tailored engineering solutions, design, fabrication, and the installation of new and upgraded equipment on-site.

In the solar industry, regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) are frequently employed. Ship & Shore Environmental’s oxidizers are particularly effective in capturing and treating the diverse chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) involved in the manufacturing processes of various types of solar panels.

Solar PV has emerged as the primary technology for new additions to electricity generation capacity. While this marks a substantial milestone, it raises a crucial concern regarding the future of these panels once they reach the end of their operational lifespan.

In April, GTM published research indicating that solar panels can be safely disposed of in landfills without posing risks to human health. While this is positive news, it is important to note that landfills are not the most optimal solution for managing waste from the solar industry. With the projected global cumulative mass of end-of-life PV modules estimated to reach 8 million metric tons by 2030, the need to enhance recycling rates has become an increasingly crucial concern for the industry.

According to Garvin Heath, a senior scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and co-author of a study conducted by the International Energy Agency’s Technology Collaboration Programme on Photovoltaics Power Systems, the primary challenge with recycling PV materials is the higher cost compared to landfill disposal.

Garvin Heath, a senior scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and co-author of a study conducted by the International Energy Agency’s Technology Collaboration Programme on Photovoltaics Power Systems, explains that the major obstacle in recycling PV materials lies in the higher expenses involved compared to simply disposing of them in landfills.

Heath informed GTM that currently, there is only a single recycling facility for crystalline silicon worldwide, and it is located in France.

In order to address this issue, the recently published IEA paper on crystalline silicon PV recycling presents five research recommendations aimed at assisting the solar industry.

 

In a historic milestone, solar module energy surpassed all other sources and contributed to more than 50% of the newly added electricity capacity to the grid. Additionally, close to 800,000 households across America embraced solar power by installing either a standalone solar system or a solar system combined with energy storage. This remarkable achievement signifies the growing adoption and recognition of solar energy as a reliable and sustainable solution for powering homes and businesses.

Although federal clean energy policies have been instrumental in fostering this expansion, the remarkable progress in America’s preferred energy source in 2023 is largely attributed to the efforts at the state level, often overlooked. Presently,  states along with Puerto Rico have achieved a minimum of 1 gigawatt (GW) of installed solar capacity, a significant increase from only 14 states five years ago. This surge in solar power adoption is yielding extensive advantages for communities across the country, including the creation of numerous job opportunities, reduced household electricity expenses, enhanced grid resilience, and overall economic upliftment at the local level.

In honor of this significant year, SEIA is showcasing the top five solar states of 2023, each establishing itself as a frontrunner in the national landscape of America’s energy sector.

According to the most recent U.S. Solar Market Insight report, the solar industry is poised for unprecedented expansion in the coming decade. Projections from the report indicate that the U.S. solar market is set to quadruple by 2030, reaching a capacity exceeding 419 gigawatts (GW). While these promising trends are cause for optimism, meaningful economic growth and effective climate crisis mitigation will necessitate the implementation of robust policies.

Failing to advocate for policies that promote solar module energy means missing out on billions of dollars in investment and hundreds of thousands of job opportunities. Both political parties in the United States recognize the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy. However, if we continue on our current path, the industry will not meet the ambitious Solar+ Decade goal and fail to make significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. It is imperative that we take action and implement policies that drive the growth of solar energy to achieve these targets.

In a recent advocacy campaign, leaders from the solar industry emphasized the urgent need for additional policy measures during meetings with lawmakers and officials from the Biden Administration. As discussions focus on infrastructure and labor matters, it is crucial to seize this opportunity and implement measures that will pave the way for achieving 100% clean electricity in the United States. This pivotal moment calls for decisive action to shape the future of America’s energy landscape.

To reach the desired objective, the United States must strive to increase its solar capacity to nearly 700 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. This will necessitate a significant growth in annual installations, with the number rising from 20 GW in 2020 to over 90 GW by 2030. Meeting these ambitious targets is essential for the successful attainment of our goals in the solar industry.

Under the support of Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Industrial Technology, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has collaborated with United Renewable Energy (URE) and San Fang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. to develop an innovative technology for easy-dismantled solar panel modules. This groundbreaking technology adheres to the rigorous international standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and has recently obtained its inaugural certification from TÜV Rheinland, affirming its exceptional levels of safety and reliability.

ITRI has embraced a circular design approach to revolutionize traditional solar PV . Through the utilization of a new encapsulant and careful consideration of the lifecycle of a module’s backplane, cells, and bracket, they have successfully achieved a comprehensive recycling process for solar cells and glass plates. This innovative approach ensures that every component of the PV module is repurposed, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solar industry.

The implementation of this user-friendly dismantling technology significantly enhances the recycling rate of solar modules. Recycled materials like silicon and glass can be reused without undergoing fragmentation or deterioration. The exceptional purity of the recycled silicon wafers substantially elevates their material worth, thereby decreasing the necessity for new raw materials. Moreover, the adoption of this technology is projected to reduce carbon emissions from module production by at least 50%, while also lowering labor costs.

The viability of the easy-dismantled solar panel module technology has been successfully demonstrated through a Proof of Concept (PoC) conducted by the esteemed French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). Extensive testing and optimization have been carried out on the material system and structural design of the module, taking into account various environmental conditions. These rigorous assessments have confirmed the effectiveness and reliability of the technology, paving the way for its future implementation in real-world applications.

Recently, a solar power plant with a capacity of 116 MW commenced operations in Terengganu, located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This impressive facility stands as the largest single-axis tracking PV project in the country. Covering approximately 600 hectares of land, the solar plant is projected to produce 220 million kWh of clean energy each year, providing electricity to around 200,000 households in the local area. Additionally, this initiative will contribute to a reduction of 80,000 tons of standard coal consumption and 200,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.

The solar plant, which is being developed by PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited (Huadong Engineering) of China, has chosen JA Solar as its exclusive supplier of solar PV. The project will utilize JA Solar’s highly acclaimed DeepBlue 3.0 bifacial double-glass modules. Since its introduction in 2020, these modules have achieved a remarkable cumulative shipment of over 24 GW worldwide in just two years.

JA Solar has achieved remarkable success in the Malaysian market, establishing itself as one of the leading solar module suppliers. The company has provided high-efficiency modules for various prestigious projects in Malaysia, including the country’s inaugural floating PV power plant and a bifacial-plus-trackers project, among others. In the previous year, JA Solar’s market share in the local photovoltaic industry surpassed an impressive 50%.

Through ongoing technical research and innovation, JA Solar is actively broadening its global presence. Leveraging the success of its DeepBlue 3.0 platform, JA Solar introduced its latest offering, the DeepBlue 4.0 X n-type PV module in May of the current year. This new module boasts enhanced conversion efficiency, power output, and reliability, further solidifying JA Solar’s commitment to advancement in the industry.

In recent years, JA Solar has fostered a strong collaboration with Huadong Engineering, yielding significant results in terms of accumulated capacity. Together, the alliance has successfully achieved a remarkable capacity scale of over 2 GW, showcasing the effectiveness of their partnership in driving sustainable growth and development in the solar industry.

Boviet Solar, a top-tier manufacturer of PERC photovoltaic solar module cells, revealed that its Gamma Series™ mono-facial and Vega Series™ bi-facial PV modules have undergone the most recent independent evaluation conducted by Black & Veatch at its facility in Vietnam.

The Gamma Series and Vega Series PV modules are crafted using top-grade materials and durable components, manufactured under rigorous quality control protocols. Incorporating advanced features such as PERC half-cut, multi-busbar, and large-cell designs, Boviet Solar’s modules achieve superior conversion efficiency, power output, and reliability. These characteristics make them suitable for a variety of projects and operational settings.

Black & Veatch, a prominent engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), and consulting firm, plays a crucial role in providing independent assessments of PV modules. These assessments serve as a reliable source of data for solar manufacturers, aiding clients in making informed purchasing decisions. Additionally, Black & Veatch’s independent evaluations offer valuable insights to Boviet Solar, enabling them to enhance the quality and reliability of their PV modules.

Sienna Cen, President of Boviet Solar USA, expressed satisfaction with the completion of the independent assessment conducted by Black & Veatch. The comprehensive review of the Gamma and Vega series modules highlighted their strengths and offered valuable recommendations for further improvements. Cen emphasized that this achievement reaffirms Boviet Solar’s dedication to maintaining its position as a dependable and esteemed Tier 1 PV module manufacturer in the long term.

In July, Boviet Solar solidified a partnership with Origis Energy, a solar and energy storage developer based in Miami. Under this agreement, Boviet Solar will provide 700 MW of the cutting-edge Vega Series bi-facial modules. This collaboration serves as yet another testament to the market’s recognition of Boviet Solar’s exceptional module performance.

Canadian Solar, a leading solar PV manufacturer and project developer, has recently entered into a significant agreement with SOLA Group, a vertically integrated independent power producer headquartered in Cape Town. The contract entails the supply of 256 MW of solar PV through Canadian Solar’s majority-owned subsidiary, CSI Solar. These modules will be deployed in two utility-scale solar projects in South Africa, which are notably the largest of their kind based on private power purchase agreements. This collaboration marks a noteworthy milestone in the renewable energy sector.

Spanning approximately 430 hectares in South Africa’s North West Province, the two projects boast capacities of 126 MWp and 130 MWp, respectively. These projects have been meticulously developed by SOLA Group in collaboration with its esteemed partners and will be operated by the same.

Commencing in October of the current year, construction is underway with a target for commercial operation in the first quarter of 2024. Once operational, these projects are projected to collectively produce approximately 580 GWh of solar electricity annually. This output is anticipated to power 40,000 households and result in an annual reduction of 595 tons of CO2 emissions.

These groundbreaking solar projects in South Africa represent a significant milestone as they are fully owned, financed, constructed, operated, and managed by South African entities. The adoption of a private power model through bilateral agreements offers end-users the advantages of competition, choice, and a more diverse contribution to the power system, according to Dom Wills, CEO of SOLA Group. Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, praised this achievement as an important step towards South Africa’s goal of enabling more flexible electricity trading by opening up the grid.

Under the terms of the agreement, Canadian Solar is set to provide 390,073 units of its cutting-edge BiHiKu7 series bifacial modules. These modules utilize 210 mm wafers and boast an impressive power output of up to 670W. Specifically designed for utility-scale projects, Canadian Solar emphasizes that these modules achieve an efficiency rating of up to 21.6%.