At PV Taiwan 2016 fair, many exhibitors displayed their cutting-edge technologies and development in the downstream sector, while downplaying output and prices, highlighting Taiwan's status as the world's second largest solar-cell production base capable of turning out high-performance solar cells with stable quality.
PV Taiwan 2016 can be characterized with "high performance" and "applications," underscoring the two aspects of "technological differentiation" and "emergence of downstream power plants." On one hand, after having experienced a number of business swings, Taiwanese firms have realized the need to keep technological advantage, ridding of price competition with Chinese rivals. On the other hand, in line with its green-energy policy, Taiwan’s new government has put forth the 20GW goal, giving the market a shot in the arm and prompting many players to step into the realm of downstream power plants.
Heterojunction (HJT) under Spotlight
In recent years, some Taiwanese firms have begun R&D on IBC and HJT technologies, catching up the steps of major global players. Neo Solar Power (NSP) and WINAICO have jointly rolled out high-efficiency HJT module that has been ready for mass production. The HJT module represented that NSP and WINAICO are on step ahead of domestic peers, and also strengthened the lead of HJT in the competition for next-generation technologies.
The HJT module displayed by WINAICO embraces HJT solar cell Hello 22 produced by NSP, with 22.2% conversion efficiency. The 60-cell module features 325W power output and 19.5% efficiency.
WINAICO offers 12-year warranty for the HJI module, underscoring its confidence in its quality. The company stressed the product's high conversion efficiency, resulting in higher unit power output. Its study shows that thanks to its excellent temperature coefficient, HJT boasts power output 8% more than PERC modules. In addition, HJT cell has stronger wind resistance, due to its symmetrical structure, giving it an even internal stress.
Taiwan's first HJT production line is furnished with equipment provided by Archers Systems. Lulu Chen, vice president of Archers Systems, dubbed 2016 as "year one for HJT" in Taiwan, saying that the company is stepping up assembly of its equipment for shipments.
The potential of HJT has attracted the engagement of not only equipment suppliers, solar cell firms, and module companies, but also conductive-paste plants, as shown in the latter's technology roadmap. Many companies, such as Heraeus, has started R&D on low-temperature silver-paste screen print for HJT. Despite its limited output worldwide now, HJT has gained increasing attention in the competition for new-generation solar cell technologies.
Modules Diversify
Cheered by the vision of 20GW, Taiwanese firms, backed by strong PV cell technology, will roll out larger lineup of modules to capitalize on expanding domestic demand. At PV Taiwan 2016, many exhibitors also showcased special module solutions, in line with Taiwan's environment and technological base.
At the show, in addition to HJT, WINAICO the module manufacturer also displayed three other module technologies, capable of resisting typhoon, piled snow, and high pressure, respectively, thanks its HeatCap® technology.
Green Energy Technology showcased Waveguide (WG) Solar Power Module, with wider range of applications, thanks to the substitution of waveguide plated film for PV glass, which helped it win the recognition of Red Dot Design Award of Germany.
TSEC Corp. debuted multi-si PERC black silicon module and showcased a production process capable of creating 17-grade wind resistance, thanks to the adoption a special structure which can prevent loosening of screws.
The booth of NSP is a hot spot at the show, displaying HJT solar cells and modules, half-cut high-efficiency module “Peach,” and upgraded series of “POWER” series mono-si 60-cell 315W modules. In addition, the company has rolled out bifacial glass-to-glass 60-cell 295W module “BIFI,” with guaranteed 82.5% power generation rate for 30 years. A R&D leader of the company stressed that the module features high performance, high reliability, and high cost/performance ratio.
Taiwanese firms are ready to meet the trend of wider applications on the solar-energy market with diversified module technologies.
(Cover photo: P.H. Chang Ph. D., Motech chairman and CEO, speaking at the opening ceremony of PV Taiwan 2016.)
(Reported by Rhea Tsao, translated by a contracted translator of TrendForce Corp.)
