Solar Energy System,Solar Panel Manufacturers | energydescribe.com

In the photovoltaic (PV) industry, "0BB" (Busbar-less) technology is sparking a revolution. BB stands for “Busbar,” which refers to the main grid lines on PV cells, with the preceding number indicating the quantity of busbars. Over the past decade, PV technology experts have diligently increased the number of busbars from 2 to 20. However, this trend is now undergoing a significant reversal, with industry leaders heavily investing in the research and development of 0BB technology.

 

Evolution of Busbar Technology

PV cells convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, and this current needs to be collected and transmitted via grid lines made of silver. These grid lines include main and fine grid lines. The current travels from fine grid lines to the main grid lines and is then transmitted to the solder strips. Increasing the number of busbars brought several benefits, such as reducing the use of silver paste, lowering costs, and decreasing power loss. Consequently, multi-busbar (MBB) and super multi-busbar (SMBB) technologies have become mainstream.

However, as research progressed, companies began exploring the possibility of completely removing the busbars. The 0BB technology aims to simplify the current transmission path by eliminating the main busbars, allowing fine grid lines to connect directly to the solder strips through welding points. This concept has gradually gained traction and attracted widespread attention in the PV industry.

 

Rise and Advantages of 0BB Technology

Compared to existing SMBB technology, 0BB technology offers several key advantages:

 

Power Enhancement

0BB technology removes the busbars, reducing the shading area on the cell surface and increasing power generation. Additionally, the dense distribution of welding points on the cell shortens the current transmission path within the fine grid lines, further reducing power loss. For instance, incorporating 0BB technology with ABC high conversion efficiency advantages can increase the overall power of products by 5W.

 

Cost Reduction

Traditional grid lines made of silver paste account for the highest proportion of non-silicon costs in PV cells. With rising silver prices, reducing the use of silver paste is crucial for cost reduction. 0BB technology eliminates the busbars, potentially reducing silver paste consumption by 20%-40%, significantly lowering PV cell costs. Research indicates that applying 0BB technology can reduce the cost of silver paste to 1-6 cents/W for various technologies.

 

Higher Quality

The smaller and more numerous welding points in 0BB technology result in a more uniform stress distribution, reducing the rate of cell fractures, grid line breaks, and micro-cracks, thereby improving production yield. Furthermore, the uniform stress distribution allows for the use of thinner silicon wafers, with the thinnest possible being 100μm.

 

Industry Giants' Adoption

In recent years, leading PV companies such as Trina Solar, Tongwei Co., JinkoSolar, Chint New Energy, Canadian Solar, Risen Energy, and Aiko Solar have ramped up their research efforts in 0BB technology, placing high hopes on its potential. For instance, JinkoSolar has completed preliminary tests of 0BB technology, demonstrating significant power and cost improvements. Risen Energy and Huasheng New Energy have also released 0BB heterojunction modules, showcasing the practical application potential of 0BB technology.

 

Ongoing Challenges and Innovations

Despite its promising future, 0BB technology faces several challenges, including ensuring welding consistency and testing efficiency. Particularly, the reliability issues arising from welding silver and copper, which have different chemical and physical properties, pose a challenge. These materials tend to separate under external force or thermal expansion, affecting the PV cell's performance.

Some companies have proposed solutions to these challenges. For example, by innovating with “silver-free metal coating technology,” using copper to make fine grid lines and welding points, they have addressed the reliability issue. This technology significantly improves welding strength and enhances cell stability.

 

Conclusion

0BB technology brings significant cost reductions and efficiency improvements, making it a focal point in the next wave of technological competition. Despite facing challenges, continuous innovation and improvements in 0BB technology will play an increasingly vital role in the PV industry. Moving forward, 0BB technology will continue to drive the development of the PV sector, laying the foundation for more efficient and economical solar energy utilization.

The distribution network is the final link in the power system, traditionally responsible for distributing electrical energy. However, with the widespread integration of distributed renewable energy sources, the emergence of diverse loads such as electric vehicles, and the advancement of the electricity market, the operating model of the distribution network is undergoing profound changes. It is evolving from a traditional endpoint distribution network to a modern distribution network capable of source-grid-load-storage interaction. This transformation is not only reflected in the changes in power flow patterns but also in the integration of power flow, information flow, and business flow.

 

Changes in Distribution Network Operation

 

Impact of Distributed Renewable Energy

The rapid development of distributed photovoltaics (PV) has significantly altered the traditional operating patterns of the power system. Firstly, with the increased penetration of distributed PV, a substantial amount of electrical energy is being fed back into the grid, causing reverse overloads in local areas, low-voltage lines, and even main transformers at system substations. Secondly, the development of distributed PV and controllable loads such as charging stations has changed the load characteristics of the power system, increasing the volatility, intermittency, and randomness of renewable energy generation. These changes significantly heighten the difficulty of grid regulation. Lastly, the extensive use of distributed PV, charging stations, and frequency conversion equipment presents higher demands on the power quality and safe, stable operation of the distribution network.

 

The Role of Energy Storage in Regulation and Support

Energy storage, as a crucial regulatory resource, plays a key role in the adjustment and support of the distribution network. It is a major component for adapting to the new forms of distribution networks. Specifically, energy storage plays an important role in the following areas:

 

Addressing the Challenges of Distributed Renewable Energy Integration

1. Industrial and Commercial User-Side Energy Storage: Utilizing the peak-shaving and valley-filling capabilities.

2. Distributed Energy Storage at Distribution Network Nodes: Integrating energy storage at local substations and switching stations.

3. Grid-Side Energy Storage: Installing energy storage at substations in load centers.

4. New Business Models: Exploring microgrids and integrated photovoltaic-storage systems to facilitate the efficient local absorption of distributed renewable energy, thus reducing the impact on the distribution network.

 

Enhancing the Adjustability and Flexibility of the Distribution Network

With the integration of distributed renewable energy and controllable loads like charging stations, the demand for regulation within the distribution network has surged, and the volatility of loads over both short and long periods has increased. Energy storage, with its flexible regulation capabilities, can achieve friendly interaction and efficient operation between sources, grids, loads, and storage. In regions with tight power supply capacities, constructing integrated solar-storage-charging projects can ensure that charging stations charge the storage system when idle and discharge stored energy to fill gaps when charging electric vehicles. Additionally, as electric vehicles become more prevalent, they can play a regulatory role in the distribution network through Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology.

 

Providing Operational Reliability for the Distribution Network

Energy storage systems have millisecond-level rapid response capabilities, providing quick support during voltage and frequency drops in the distribution network, thus enhancing the reliability of power supply. Furthermore, energy storage can operate in voltage source mode and support transient stability, strengthening the robustness of the distribution network.

 

Participating in the Electricity Market and Providing Ancillary Services

With the progression of the electricity market and the gradual establishment of market and profit mechanisms, future user-side energy storage systems can, under suitable measurement and dispatch conditions, participate independently in the electricity market. They can also offer ancillary services such as peak shaving, frequency regulation, and voltage regulation through virtual power plants, thereby supporting the distribution network.

 

Future Development of Distribution Networks

Energy storage is a key technology for achieving the flexible, intelligent, and digital transformation of distribution networks. By integrating with large-scale distributed renewable energy sources and controllable loads such as charging stations, a distribution network capable of source-grid-load-storage interaction can be built. This will effectively promote the absorption of renewable energy and the efficient allocation of resources. This integration not only improves the overall efficiency and reliability of the power system but also lays a solid foundation for optimizing future energy structures and ensuring the healthy development of the electricity market.

 

In conclusion, the distribution network is transitioning from a traditional power distribution role to a modern, multifunctional power system hub. The application of energy storage technology will play an indispensable role in this transformation, driving the distribution network towards a more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable future.

BC solar panels, or Back-Contact solar cells, represent a significant advancement in photovoltaic technology. By relocating the metal grid lines from the front to the back of the cell, BC solar panels reduce sunlight obstruction and enhance conversion efficiency. This innovation offers several benefits, including high conversion efficiency, greater short-circuit current, high fill factor, improved resistance to degradation, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Despite their complex manufacturing process and higher costs, BC solar panels hold promising potential in the solar energy market.

 

Types of BC Solar Cells

BC solar cells encompass various types, including Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC), Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TBC), Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer (HBC), and Hybrid Passivated Back Contact (HPBC). Each type combines the basic BC technology with other advancements to optimize performance:

1. IBC Cells: The classic IBC cells feature a design where the emitter and back surface field (BSF) are alternately arranged on the cell's back, minimizing light obstruction and maximizing efficiency. SunPower's Maxeon brand is a leading example, with a production capacity of several gigawatts and significant market share in the U.S.

2. TBC Cells: Combining TOPCon and IBC technologies, TBC cells utilize N-type silicon substrates and offer higher conversion efficiencies. Leading TOPCon companies are preparing to release TBC products, with anticipated power outputs of 600-610 watts.

3. HBC Cells: These cells merge HJT and IBC technologies, using intrinsic amorphous silicon films for passivation, enhancing surface defect reduction while maintaining the unobstructed light absorption advantage of IBC cells.

4. HPBC Cells: Developed by companies like Longi, HPBC cells use P-type silicon substrates, offering a cost-effective solution with impressive efficiency and aesthetic qualities.

 

Advantages of BC Solar Panels

BC solar panels offer several distinct advantages over traditional solar cells:

1. Enhanced Efficiency: By eliminating front-side grid lines, BC solar panels increase the area available for sunlight absorption, boosting short-circuit current by approximately 7% compared to conventional cells.

2. Flexible and Robust Design: The back-side wiring of BC panels allows for simpler, more flexible encapsulation, improving resistance to micro-cracking and other forms of stress. For instance, Longi's HPBC cells show a 48% reduction in edge stress compared to traditional cells.

3. Aesthetic Appeal: With a uniform, grid-free front surface, BC solar panels offer a more visually appealing solution for residential and commercial installations, making them particularly attractive for high-end distributed markets.

 

Market Potential and Future Outlook

As PERC cell technology approaches its efficiency limits, the market share for N-type technologies like TOPCon and BC cells is expanding. Currently, BC cells are in the early stages of market adoption but are gaining traction due to their efficiency and distinct advantages. The key challenge for BC technology is reducing production costs. Companies like Aiko Solar aim to achieve cost parity with TOPCon cells by mid-2024, which would significantly enhance the competitiveness of BC panels.

BC solar panels are well-suited for applications where efficiency and aesthetics are paramount, such as in vehicles, ships, satellites, and buildings with limited load-bearing capacity. If manufacturing costs decrease, BC panels could dominate the rooftop solar market and beyond. Predictions suggest that the market share of BC cells could rise from the current 1-3% to 10-15% by 2025, with an annual production scale expansion of about 40GW. Some forecasts even indicate that BC technology could capture 30-40% of the market, coexisting with other technologies like TOPCon, HJT, and PERC.

 

Conclusion

BC solar panels represent a promising advancement in photovoltaic technology, offering superior efficiency, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal. While the high manufacturing costs pose a challenge, ongoing efforts to reduce these costs could make BC panels a leading solution in the global solar market. As the demand for high-efficiency, visually appealing solar solutions grows, BC technology is poised to play a crucial role in the future energy landscape.

With the rapid advancements in battery technology, the sodium battery has emerged as a notable alternative to the well-established lithium battery. However, recent fluctuations in lithium carbonate prices have raised questions about the market competitiveness of sodium batteries. Despite these challenges, industry experts maintain that sodium batteries still hold significant potential due to their cost advantages and unique properties.

 

Cost Advantages of Sodium Batteries

Sodium batteries, as an alternative to lithium batteries, boast cost advantages, making them competitive in the market. Although the significant decrease in lithium battery raw material prices has somewhat hindered the commercialization of sodium batteries, their theoretical cost is still 30%-40% lower than that of lithium batteries. Additionally, sodium batteries have unique advantages in charge/discharge rate, high and low-temperature performance, and safety. With the mass production of related products, the future of sodium batteries remains promising.

 

Development Trend of Sodium Batteries

The development of sodium batteries started almost simultaneously with lithium batteries, and their charge/discharge mechanisms are similar. However, sodium batteries once faced technological bottlenecks, causing a halt in progress until around 2010 when breakthroughs in anode and cathode materials accelerated academic research and industrial attempts. 2023 has been dubbed the "Year of the Sodium Battery," with a complete industrial chain forming. Currently, sodium batteries are applied in two-wheeled electric vehicles, energy storage, data centers, communication base stations, underground coal mines, and engineering vehicles. In early 2024, sodium batteries showed strong growth momentum, with over 20 signed, recorded, and commenced projects involving battery cells, anode, and cathode materials, totaling nearly 40 billion RMB in investments.

 

Unique Advantages of Sodium Batteries

In recent years, the significant fluctuations in lithium battery raw material prices have severely impacted the industry's healthy development. In contrast, sodium battery raw materials are abundant, widely distributed, and self-controllable, effectively mitigating or eliminating the supply chain risks and impacts caused by the uneven distribution and price volatility of lithium resources. Sodium batteries are also safer than lithium batteries; they release less flammable gas under high temperature and overcharge conditions. Additionally, sodium batteries perform well in low-temperature charge/discharge scenarios, with a capacity retention rate above 90% at -20°C.

 

Long-Term Prospects of Sodium Batteries

Industry experts point out that rapidly reducing costs and turning the theoretical cost advantage of sodium batteries into a reality is crucial for industry development. The industrialization process of sodium batteries will not fundamentally change due to lithium carbonate price fluctuations. The anode materials used in sodium batteries, such as copper, aluminum, iron, and sodium, are inexpensive, and the anode materials processed from ordinary anthracite are much cheaper than the graphite used in lithium batteries. As production capacity increases and the industrial chain matures, the cost of sodium batteries will rapidly decline.

In the future, sodium batteries will develop towards high energy, low cost, high safety, and high intelligence. By controlling the use of precious metal elements in layered oxide cathodes, developing low-cost manganese-based materials, simplifying hard carbon anode processes, selecting suitable production materials, and accelerating research on battery performance in low-concentration electrolytes, production costs can be reduced through comprehensive process optimization.

In future market competition, sodium batteries can supplement and replace the shortcomings of lithium iron phosphate batteries in the upper market and gradually replace lead-acid batteries in the lower market. It is expected that by around 2028, the sodium battery industry will mature, especially in the low-speed electric vehicle field, with market shares of lead-acid batteries, sodium batteries, and lithium batteries being 40%, 45%, and 15%, respectively.

 

Conclusion

In summary, although lithium carbonate price fluctuations have impacted the commercialization progress of sodium batteries, they remain competitive in the market. With their cost advantages, safety, and low-temperature performance, the future of sodium batteries remains promising with the mass production of related products. In future market competition, sodium batteries are expected to play an important role.

When it comes to powering your home with solar energy, standard photovoltaic (PV) solar modules are a common choice. However, the cutting-edge technology of shingled solar PV panels offers an innovative alternative. It's important to note that shingled solar panels are distinct from solar tiles, despite their similar names and purposes. This article will explore the differences between shingled solar panels and solar tiles, compare shingled solar panels with conventional modules, and highlight the advantages of this technology to help you determine if it's the right option for you.

 

 

Shingled Solar Panels vs. Solar Tiles(Solar Shingles)

 

Shingled Solar Panels:

Shingled solar panels utilize laser slicing technology to cut solar cells into multiple strips and interconnect them with electrically conductive adhesive. This optimization of component structure achieves zero spacing between cells, allowing for a 5% increase in cell placement compared to other types of modules, effectively enhancing the solar panel's conversion efficiency.

 

Solar Tiles:

Solar tiles serve as both a source of electricity and structural support for your roof, integrating seamlessly into building aesthetics. However, while aesthetically pleasing, their conversion efficiency typically ranges from 15% to 20%, lower than shingled solar panels which can reach up to 23.5%. Moreover, solar tiles are priced higher, ranging from $0.8 to $2 per watt, compared to shingled solar panels which range from $0.18 to $0.25 per watt.

 

Shingled Solar Panels vs. Standard Solar Panels

 

Interconnection of Cells:

Conventional modules rely on copper busbars or ribbons to connect cells, resulting in gaps between them. In contrast, shingled modules eliminate these gaps by assembling cells into strips with electrically conductive adhesive. This method enhances efficiency and durability, with shingled panels boasting efficiency rates between 22% to 23.5%.

 

Panel Efficiency:

Standard solar panels typically achieve efficiencies ranging from 15% to 22.6%, while shingled panels surpass this range, reaching efficiencies between 22% to 23.5%. This higher efficiency is complemented by shingling technology's compatibility with glass-glass and bifacial techniques, further improving light absorption and minimizing losses.

 

Mechanical Performance:

Shingled solar panels demonstrate superior mechanical strength against external forces like wind and snow compared to conventional panels. They maintain structural integrity without micro-cracks or power attenuation even after rigorous load testing, ensuring long-term reliability.

 

Aesthetics:

Shingled solar cells offer a sleek, all-black appearance by eliminating visible ribbons and busbars, enhancing the overall design of buildings.

 

Advantages of Shingled Solar Panels

 

Higher Power Density:

Shingled solar panels maximize power production per square meter, utilizing the entire effective area without gaps, leading to increased energy output in less space.

 

Lower Energy Loss:

Parallel wiring of shingled solar cells minimizes the impact of shading and reduces energy losses compared to series-wired conventional cells. Additionally, lower ohmic losses contribute to improved performance.

 

More Aesthetic:

The sleek design of shingled panels enhances the visual appeal of homes, offering a modern and stylish alternative to conventional modules.

 

More Reliable:

Shingled panels exhibit robust performance, resisting shading, mechanical stress, and low current operation, ensuring consistent and dependable energy production.

 

Are Shingled Solar Panels Right for You?

 

Shingled solar panels are an innovative choice, particularly suitable for residential applications. As manufacturers adopt this technology, prices are expected to decrease, making them increasingly accessible. If you prioritize cutting-edge technology, enhanced power production, efficiency, reliability, and aesthetics, shingled solar panels are worth considering.

 

Less Expensive:

Compared to solar tiles, shingled solar panels offer a more cost-effective solution, both in terms of manufacturing and installation.

 

Easier Maintenance:

Shingled panels require minimal maintenance, primarily periodic cleaning, offering convenience and ease of ownership compared to solar tiles.

 

Conclusion

 

Shingled solar panels represent a promising advancement in solar technology, offering higher efficiency, improved aesthetics, and greater reliability. As the market expands and prices decrease, they become an attractive option for homeowners seeking efficient and stylish solar solutions.

 

 

 

Energy storage system is a fundamental pillar for the advancement of new energy sources. Utilizing renewable resources such as wind and solar power showcases significant variability in generation, presenting challenges in maintaining the delicate balance between power supply and demand essential for grid security. Consequently, the integration of energy storage emerges as a pivotal solution to flexibly regulate the energy landscape.

 

Electricity, with its instantaneous consumption, necessitates precise matching between generation and consumption to uphold grid stability. Projections from the EIA indicate that by 2050, wind and solar power will constitute 72% of renewable energy generation, nearly doubling their share from 2020. Unlike traditional fossil fuel sources with robust adjustability, wind and solar power exhibit characteristics such as low inertia, low damping, and weak voltage support, leading to significant fluctuations that complicate the balancing act between generation and consumption. Consequently, surplus energy often goes to waste, resulting in phenomena like "curtailment." In 2023, China alone witnessed over 300 billion kilowatt-hours of wind and solar power curtailment, valued at over 100 billion yuan. Energy storage deployment offers a perfect remedy to this issue: excess power during peak generation periods can be stored, and stored energy can be released during peak consumption periods, ensuring real-time energy matching and grid stability.

 

Among various energy storage technologies, lithium-ion battery storage leads in commercialization. Representing the highest proportion of modern energy storage solutions, electrochemical storage systems based on lithium-ion batteries consist of battery packs, Battery Management Systems (BMS), Energy Management Systems (EMS), Energy Storage Converters (PCS), and other electrical components. Battery packs serve as the primary energy storage units, while BMS monitors, evaluates, protects, and balances batteries. EMS handles data collection, network monitoring, and energy scheduling, while PCS enables bidirectional conversion between AC and DC, controlling battery charging and discharging processes. With battery costs accounting for over 60% of the overall cost structure, and PCS costs around 10%, lithium-ion battery storage has established itself as the most mainstream and mature energy storage technology.

 

Lithium-ion battery storage can be categorized into lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and ternary lithium battery systems. LFP batteries, characterized by their safety, excellent low-temperature performance, good cycle life, and relatively lower cost, represent the primary technical route for lithium battery energy storage in China. Meanwhile, ternary lithium batteries, known for their high energy density, small footprint, and early development advantages, still maintain a significant market share in regions like Europe and the United States.

 

The global energy storage landscape is witnessing a surge in utility-scale deployments in China and the United States, alongside residential-scale installations in Europe. In 2022, the global energy storage market reached 50GWh, with the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and China accounting for significant shares. By 2026, these proportions are expected to shift, with the United States, China, and EMEA emerging as the leading contributors.

 

In conclusion, the energy storage industry is pivotal for addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources and ensuring grid stability. As lithium-ion battery technology continues to evolve and costs decline, energy storage solutions are poised to play an increasingly significant role in shaping a sustainable and reliable energy future.

 

In recent years, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have become a core driver of the global energy transition. According to recent research reports by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BloombergNEF), global investments in battery energy storage systems reached an all-time high in 2023, with deployment rates hitting unprecedented growth. This trend not only reflects the market's strong demand for clean energy technologies but also highlights the crucial role that battery storage will play in future energy systems.

 

Rapid Growth in Global Investment and Deployment

Both the IEA's "Special Report on Battery Storage and Energy Security" and BloombergNEF's "Global Energy Storage Outlook" report highlight that global investment in battery energy storage systems in 2023 exceeded any previous year. The IEA report states that the total installed capacity of various energy storage systems worldwide in 2023 was 42GW, indicating that battery energy storage systems received the most investment among all energy sector technologies. Meanwhile, BloombergNEF estimates that the global deployment of energy storage systems (excluding pumped hydro storage) in 2023 was 44GW/96GWh, almost three times the scale of 2022. It is projected that the global addition of energy storage systems will grow by 60% in 2024, reaching 67GW/155GWh. By the end of 2030, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the energy storage market will be 21%.

This growth rate means that by 2030, the global deployment of new energy storage systems will reach 137GW/445GWh, with cumulative deployment hitting 782GW/2205GWh. The growth rate of installed energy storage systems will far outpace that of solar and wind power installations, with BloombergNEF forecasting compound annual growth rates of 8.9% and 6.6% respectively for solar and wind power from 2024 to 2030.

 

Regional Market Dominance

By 2030, China and the Asia-Pacific region will dominate the global energy storage market. BloombergNEF notes that the continued decline in the cost of battery energy storage systems is a key factor driving rapid deployment. As of February 2024, the average cost of a 2-hour duration battery energy storage system operating in China had dropped to $115/kWh, a 43% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Driven by the Chinese market, the Asia-Pacific region will account for half of the world's new energy storage systems. The EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) will see its market share rise from 11% in 2023 to 19% by 2030, while the Americas' market share will drop from 28% in 2024 to 19% in 2030. The United States will become the world's second-largest energy storage market, adding 7.4GW/22GWh in 2023, with a cumulative deployment of 134GW/484GWh expected by 2030. Germany will emerge as the third-largest energy storage market, with cumulative deployments reaching 62GW/109GWh by 2030.

 

Power and Transportation: Twin Pillars of Decarbonization

Battery energy storage systems contribute significantly to the global energy transition, impacting not only the power sector but also the transportation sector. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol emphasizes that the power and transportation industries are critical to achieving energy transition and limiting global warming. Since 2010, the cost of lithium-ion batteries has decreased by approximately 90%, with higher energy density and longer lifespan making them dominant in electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems.

Despite the ubiquity of batteries in modern life, the energy sector, including electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems, currently accounts for 90% of lithium-ion battery demand, up from about 50% in 2016. Battery prices have fallen from $1400/kWh in 2010 to below $140/kWh in 2023, providing strong support for decarbonizing the power and transportation sectors.

 

Despite the rapid rise of battery energy storage technology, its further development still requires policy support. BloombergNEF points out that most leading energy storage markets have set deployment targets, and government subsidies and policy frameworks are crucial for expanding battery energy storage system deployment. The IEA report also notes that while battery energy storage systems are already cost-competitive compared to coal power plants in India, further cost reductions are needed to scale up deployments.

Moreover, diversifying the battery supply chain is vital. Currently, global battery production and supply chains depend on a few countries, posing potential risks. BloombergNEF indicates that although investments in energy transition technologies have generally increased, the expansion of battery manufacturing and supply chain investments is still insufficient to meet global carbon emission goals.

 

In conclusion, battery energy storage systems will play an indispensable role in the future energy landscape. With advances in technology and declining costs, these systems will not only drive decarbonization in the power and transportation sectors but also provide a solid foundation for the global energy transition. Despite the challenges, the future of battery energy storage systems remains promising, driven by policy support and market demand.

In the production and installation of photovoltaic (PV) modules, the sealing of the backboard frame and the bonding of the junction box are crucial steps. High-quality silicone sealants with strong adhesion and excellent sealing properties are usually used for encapsulation. If this step is not done properly, what impacts can it have?

1. Infiltration of Destructive Liquids and Gases

PV panels are exposed to the external environment for long periods, making it easy for rainwater and dust to penetrate the interior. If the sealing is not done correctly, it can lead to corrosion of the solar cells, affecting the power generation efficiency of the PV panels and potentially causing damage.

2. Impact on the Integrity of PV Panels, Reducing Their Operational Lifespan

The tightness between PV components can enhance their ability to withstand external forces. If the components are poorly sealed and the bonding is not firm, it can cause loosening or aging of the panels, significantly reducing the lifespan of the entire module.

Reasons for Substandard Sealing Performance

Why does the bonding and sealing performance of PV modules sometimes fail to meet the required application standards in solar PV systems?

1. Substandard Quality of Sealant

Sealants that crack or lose adhesion after curing directly or indirectly compromise the airtightness of PV module cells. Some low-quality sealants, due to poor raw materials and failing to meet basic requirements, may pose safety hazards.

2. Issues with the Sealant Application Method

The amount of sealant applied and the method of application can affect the subsequent sealing effect. For example, insufficient sealant, bubbles in the adhesive, or an inadequately cleaned bonding surface can all result in poor sealing.

3. Poor Performance of the Sealant

Silicone sealants used in PV modules must meet stringent performance requirements, especially in terms of weather resistance and tolerance to high and low temperatures. If these requirements are not met, a series of problems can arise after a period of use.

Conclusion

Therefore, choosing a high-quality, high-performance, and warranty-backed sealant for the bonding and sealing of PV modules is essential. Additionally, attention must be paid to correct sealant application procedures during construction to ensure the best sealing performance of PV modules, thus reducing subsequent issues and improving power generation efficiency.

As the concept of "AI's future lies in electricity" gains traction, energy is once again becoming the "golden track" for capital markets. However, this time, the true industry leaders may no longer be the old Western oil giants.

 

If we compare traditional oil companies with emerging renewable energy companies, which side will have a greater influence in the future?

 

David Fickling, a renowned columnist focused on climate change and energy issues, points out in his latest research that the best way to approach this issue is to consider what oil companies ultimately provide to the world. The answer is not their products — crude oil or natural gas — but the essential component of the chemical bonds in these hydrocarbons: energy. Similarly, what solar equipment manufacturers ultimately provide is not silicon wafers, but machines that can harness energy from the sun.

 

Both groups, traditional energy companies and new energy companies, provide the world with new and useful energy every year. However, in many respects, photovoltaic companies have already surpassed large oil companies.

 

To understand this comparison, one can convert the production of each barrel of crude oil or cubic meter of natural gas by large oil companies into a unit of energy measurement — exajoules. One exajoule of electricity can power a country like Australia or Italy for a year. Large oil companies are producing significant amounts of this energy: ExxonMobil produces approximately 8.3 exajoules annually, while Shell produces around 6.2 exajoules per year.

 

When comparing the energy production of these two groups of companies, the results are astonishing. Based on annual useful energy output, the largest polysilicon producer, Tongwei Co., can already compete head-on with some of the largest Western oil companies like BP, Eni, and ConocoPhillips, while other solar panel manufacturers are not far behind. If Tongwei continues with its plan announced in December 2023 to build a 400,000-ton high-purity silicon project and supporting facilities, nearly doubling its current production, it could even surpass ExxonMobil, the "big brother" of the Western oil industry.

 

Typically, an oil company's reserves can sustain production for about a decade. Similarly, polysilicon or photovoltaic manufacturers can produce products year after year once a factory is built, until the equipment wears out or becomes obsolete. If we compare the geological reserves of oil companies with the products that solar companies can produce before equipment depreciation, clean energy is clearly in the lead.

 

This comparison also overlooks a crucial factor. The solar panels sold by Longi in 2024 can generate electricity for decades afterward — most solar panels have a warranty period of up to 25 years. In contrast, the oil and gas extracted by traditional energy companies this year will be completely consumed within a few months. The long-term energy support provided by producing a single solar panel is actually several times that of the oil extracted by large oil companies.

Since the first industrial revolution, which led to the rise of coal-rich countries like the UK, Germany, and the US, nations controlling the upstream of energy have dominated each century. In the latter half of the 20th century, the rise of crude oil brought power and wealth to Russia and the Middle East, while also extending the global dominance of the US. Today, the influence of China's "Seven New Energy Sons" in the 21st-century energy system may already surpass that of the "Seven Sisters of Western Oil" that dominated the 20th century.

 

What does this signify? The implications may already be self-evident.

 

Solar energy systems are like sophisticated energy factories, consisting of production lines (solar panels), processing equipment (inverters), warehouses (storage batteries), factory buildings (mounting structures), and roads (cables). Only by carefully tuning and perfectly fitting each component of the system can we minimize costs and maximize benefits, providing users with continuous and stable clean energy.

 

Solar Panels: They are like production lines producing electricity, capturing photons from sunlight and releasing electrons to generate direct current. These currents form circuits by connecting batteries together, much like workers on a factory production line continually processing raw materials into secondary raw materials. Note that at this stage, the electricity generated by the photovoltaic panels cannot be directly used for household appliances.

 

Solar Inverters: These devices are like fully automatic processing equipment in factories, capable of converting direct current into alternating current required for household electricity. Inverters receive direct current from solar panels and then convert it into standard currents, frequencies, and voltages required for household electricity through internal electronic devices, ensuring compatibility with the grid or household electrical equipment.

 

Storage Batteries are like storage warehouses in factories, used to store surplus electricity generated by solar panels. These batteries can provide backup power during the night or in bad weather to ensure continuous power supply to homes. They also help balance the differences between power demand and supply, improving energy utilization.

 

Mounting structures are like the infrastructure of a factory, supporting and fixing solar panels to ensure they are securely installed on roofs or ground. The design and installation of mounting structures can maximize the reception efficiency of solar panels and ensure their safety and stability under adverse weather conditions.

 

Cables and other accessories are like the roads and connecting devices of a factory, connecting various parts of the solar energy system to ensure smooth transmission of energy. They include wires, connectors, circuit breakers, etc., ensuring that the current in the system can be safely transmitted and supplied to household electrical equipment or the grid.

 

Choose UE, Choose Peace of Mind and Efficiency! Every solar energy system designed by us has undergone superb engineering design and rigorous testing to ensure reliable performance, efficiency, and stability while keeping costs low. This means that our systems not only have excellent durability and long lifespan but also have high adaptability and flexibility, making it convenient for customers in different countries and regions to install and expand solar energy systems. UE-designed solar energy systems can bring long-term economic returns to customers, achieve dual savings of energy costs and maintenance costs, and provide the best support and cooperation for local solar installation businesses."