Maxeon Solar Technologies has chosen Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the site for its inaugural manufacturing plant in the United States. This upcoming 3 GW facility will produce TOPCon silicon cells and Maxeon’s exclusive shingled-cell Performance Line solar module, with a projected investment exceeding $1 billion.

The Maxeon facility is anticipated to mark the debut of significant PV cell and panel manufacturing in New Mexico, catering to both utility-scale and distributed generation rooftop uses. With a capacity of 3 GW, this plant is remarkable, being roughly twice the size of the largest silicon solar manufacturing facility presently active in the United States.

“Thanks to the backing of the Biden administration, the United States is now positioned to bring back and expand a domestic solar supply chain. This move will bolster national energy security and generate a fresh set of high-paying manufacturing positions,” stated Bill Mulligan, CEO of Maxeon.

Present situation | Maxeon is presently in the due diligence phase of its loan application, and the selection of a site is a crucial step towards finalizing this process with the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office. The Department of Energy’s involvement in the due diligence and term sheet negotiation process does not guarantee the issuance of a loan guarantee, nor does it ensure that the terms and conditions of a loan guarantee will match those proposed by the applicant.

Maxeon anticipates starting construction in the initial quarter of 2024, with factory ramp-up set to begin in 2025. The company has chosen a 160-acre plot in the Mesa Del Sol community for the site and is planning the layout to encompass solar cell manufacturing, panel assembly, a warehouse, and administrative offices.

“I am pleased to announce the arrival of Maxeon Solar Technologies’ inaugural manufacturing facility in the United States to New Mexico,” stated Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “This private investment exemplifies how our state initiatives, combined with President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, have paved the way for New Mexico to emerge as a frontrunner in fostering the clean energy sector and establishing a robust workforce for the future.”

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.

Vikram Solar, Phalanx Impact Partners, and Das & Co. have established a new U.S. joint venture, VSK Energy LLC, which is primarily owned and operated within the U.S. This venture aims to build a vertically integrated solar manufacturing operation for the Indian solar module brand in the United States.

The investment of $1.5 billion encompasses two proposed projects aimed at manufacturing fully assembled modules, as well as ingots, wafers, and solar cells. The significance of this endeavor is substantial, given the rarity of ingot, wafer, and cell supply in the United States at present, and the potential importance of U.S. supply in qualifying for the domestic content tax credit adder.

Sriram Das, Co-Chairman of VSK Energy and Managing Director of Das & Co., directly cited the Inflation Reduction Act as a pivotal factor in the decision.

“The Biden Administration and Congress have urged for prompt measures, and through our collaboration with VSK, we are decisively advancing towards attaining self-sufficiency in solar technology, bolstering America’s energy security, and driving the widespread deployment of solar energy,” Das declared. “I am especially proud to unite leaders from both the United States and India to make this investment and pledge towards America’s clean energy future.”

Mortenson, a prominent firm specializing in solar engineering, procurement, construction, and commercial contracting, will manage the engineering and construction for both stages of VSK Energy’s proposed investment. With almost 70 years of experience in constructing large, intricate facilities, Mortenson is well-equipped for the task.

Brad Heitland, Director of Business Development for Mortenson, expressed enthusiasm and pride in leading the design and construction of this ambitious and transformative project for VSK Energy.

Reducing costs, enhancing efficiency, and accelerating deployment are critical for the solar industry to effectively compete with fossil fuel-based power sources. Our joint efforts to streamline project costs remain a key factor behind solar energy’s significant contribution, representing 50% of all new electricity-generating capacity added in the U.S. last year.

Presently, one of the most encouraging avenues for ongoing cost reductions, both in module and system domains, revolves around the advancement and implementation of large-format PV modules. The potential benefits are so persuasive that certain industry experts anticipate large-format modules to encompass 90% of the utility market by 2025. Notably, the adoption of large-format products has begun to extend beyond the utility sector and into distributed generation (DG) markets.

Within this piece, I delve into the factors propelling the industry’s shift towards large-format PV modules. I also delve into the distinctive technical risks associated with these novel products and propose strategic methods for risk mitigation. By imparting these perspectives, my aim is not to endorse or criticize any particular product, technology, or manufacturer. Instead, it is to equip you with the knowledge to discern and outline the most suitable products and system configurations for your specific needs.

The advantages of large-format solar modules at a macro level are readily apparent. Utilizing larger wafers and cells, usually sized at 182 mm (M10) or 210 mm (M12) square, enables the creation of larger form factor modules. These innovative modules typically exceed 2 meters in length and boast power ratings spanning from 500 W to over 800 W.

In an industry that has historically seen gradual advancements in module capacity, the introduction of super-sized PV modules signifies a substantial leap in module-level power output ratings. Traditionally, yearly enhancements in cell efficiency lead to output power increases of 10 W to 15 W. In contrast, transitioning from a conventional M6 (166 mm square) wafer format to M10 or M12 wafers could elevate module-level output power by 100 W to 150 W, showcasing a significant boost in performance.

Reducing costs, enhancing efficiency, and accelerating deployment are critical for the solar industry to effectively compete with fossil fuel-based power sources. Our joint efforts to streamline project costs remain a key factor behind solar energy’s significant contribution, representing 50% of all new electricity-generating capacity added in the U.S. last year.

Presently, one of the most encouraging avenues for ongoing cost reductions, both in module and system domains, revolves around the advancement and implementation of large-format PV modules. The potential benefits are so persuasive that certain industry experts anticipate large-format modules to encompass 90% of the utility market by 2025. Notably, the adoption of large-format products has begun to extend beyond the utility sector and into distributed generation (DG) markets.

Within this piece, I delve into the factors propelling the industry’s shift towards large-format PV modules. I also delve into the distinctive technical risks associated with these novel products and propose strategic methods for risk mitigation. By imparting these perspectives, my aim is not to endorse or criticize any particular product, technology, or manufacturer. Instead, it is to equip you with the knowledge to discern and outline the most suitable products and system configurations for your specific needs.

The advantages of large-format solar modules at a macro level are readily apparent. Utilizing larger wafers and cells, usually sized at 182 mm (M10) or 210 mm (M12) square, enables the creation of larger form factor modules. These innovative modules typically exceed 2 meters in length and boast power ratings spanning from 500 W to over 800 W.

In an industry that has historically seen gradual advancements in module capacity, the introduction of super-sized PV modules signifies a substantial leap in module-level power output ratings. Traditionally, yearly enhancements in cell efficiency lead to output power increases of 10 W to 15 W. In contrast, transitioning from a conventional M6 (166 mm square) wafer format to M10 or M12 wafers could elevate module-level output power by 100 W to 150 W, showcasing a significant boost in performance.

According to the company’s report, Amphenol Industrial Operations’ solar module facility in Mesa, Arizona, has been manufacturing and distributing domestically produced junction boxes to manufacturers and developers since January.

As per the company’s statement, the facility has the capability to house twelve production lines, each capable of manufacturing approximately 100,000 units per month. Presently, the initial line is generating roughly 3,000 solar junction boxes per month.

Mark Cunningham, the general manager of Amphenol Industrial Operations, expressed, “Through the production and distribution of top-notch, dependable solar products from our enhanced Mesa plant on a daily basis, we are advancing our goal of fostering a more efficient and sustainable solar supply chain in the United States.”

“While expanding our manufacturing presence and incorporating additional local, skilled professionals into our Mesa workforce, we uphold our dedication to supporting our customers, partners, and the wider community in transitioning towards a cleaner energy future.”

According to the company’s report, Amphenol Industrial Operations’ solar module facility in Mesa, Arizona, has been manufacturing and distributing domestically produced junction boxes to manufacturers and developers since January.

As per the company’s statement, the facility has the capability to house twelve production lines, each capable of manufacturing approximately 100,000 units per month. Presently, the initial line is generating roughly 3,000 solar junction boxes per month.

Mark Cunningham, the general manager of Amphenol Industrial Operations, expressed, “Through the production and distribution of top-notch, dependable solar products from our enhanced Mesa plant on a daily basis, we are advancing our goal of fostering a more efficient and sustainable solar supply chain in the United States.”

“While expanding our manufacturing presence and incorporating additional local, skilled professionals into our Mesa workforce, we uphold our dedication to supporting our customers, partners, and the wider community in transitioning towards a cleaner energy future.”

The rooftop solar module and storage market in California is undergoing transformation, prompting the industry to adapt to this evolving landscape.

For over ten years, California has held the position as the leading solar market in the United States, consistently installing more solar capacity annually than any other state until Texas surpassed it in 2021. Although California regained the top spot in 2022 and installations appear robust in 2023, the shift in 2021 could serve as a glimpse into the future.

Towards the end of 2022, following extensive discussions, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously endorsed a fresh method to reimburse rooftop solar users for surplus energy production. This ruling transitions the state from the retail rate “net metering” system to a revised “net billing” framework, reducing the worth of rooftop solar credits by approximately 75%.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and its collaborators persist in pushing for a policy landscape that facilitates the operations of solar and storage enterprises, meeting California’s undeniable need for clean energy. Rooftop solar and storage stand as crucial resilience sources, ensuring dependable power for residences and essential infrastructure. It is imperative that state policies empower Californians to opt for this technology amidst escalating climate repercussions and soaring electricity expenses.

The decision by California state officials to reduce compensation rates for rooftop solar aimed to incentivize the installation of residential battery storage systems, enabling the export of electricity during grid strain periods.

Despite the initial intent, the CPUC recently sanctioned regulations that bar residential storage users from utilizing their surplus energy credits to offset utility delivery fees. This alteration disrupts the delicate equilibrium established during the Net Billing Tariff deliberations, discouraging solar and storage clients from exporting energy to the grid as they won’t be fully reimbursed for such exports. The California solar and storage sector was already facing challenges post the shift to net billing, and this new policy introduces a layer of complexity that poses a formidable obstacle to overcome.