TOYO to Expand Solar Cell Capacity in Ethiopia by 2 GW

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Solar Module Capacity under ALMM Rises to 74.23 GW

Through Agrivoltaics, Farmers Can Earn Dual Income from Crops and Solar: Interview


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					</table><p>India is witnessing rapid adoption of bifacial modules in rooftop solar installations driven by the decreasing availability of monofacial alternatives and the promise of higher energy yields. Bifacial modules capture sunlight from both sides, offering higher system efficiency. However, many installations fail to consider the structural requirements to optimize bifacial performance.</p>
<p>A common oversight is using conventional monofacial mounting structures, such as those incorporating purlins &#8211; horizontal beams that support the roof&#8217;s weight. Purlins cast shadows on the rear of bifacial modules, significantly reducing energy gain from reflected sunlight. These shadows diminish system performance and introduce long-term reliability concerns, including the risk of hotspot formation due to uneven power generation. Over time, such inefficiencies can accelerate module degradation and even lead to system failure, undermining the financial viability of the investment.</p>
<p>Harshal Akhouri, Co-founder &amp; CEO of <a href="https://strolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Strolar</a>, a solar mounting structures manufacturer, noted, &#8220;Bifacial modules leverage albedo, boosting efficiency up to 11-18%. However, to realize this potential, proper mounting strategies are essential. Structural design plays a critical role. To avoid shading and maximize light capture, mounting systems must prevent interference with module cells within 100 mm of the backsheet. Additionally, bifacial modules are 10-12% heavier, requiring reinforced support structures. This adds complexity to rooftop installations, where clamping methods must adjust for weight distribution.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Design Refinements Crucial</strong></p>
<p>Akhouri noted that purlins should contact module frames, while rafter-column assemblies must be positioned at the module edges to prevent shading losses. While this increases mounting system costs by 40-45%, the impact on overall cost remains minimal since mounting systems account for less than 6-8% of the total cost of a solar project.</p>
<p>&#8220;As bifacial adoption grows, these design refinements are crucial. Well-engineered mounting solutions maximize energy yield and ensure durability,&#8221; he said.</p>
<p>Terence Alex, Founder &amp; CEO of <a href="https://wattsun.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wattsun Energy</a>, explained that bifacial modules perform best when mounted on elevated structures with reflective surfaces underneath. However, installing them on conventional sheet roofs without optimization prevents the rear side from capturing reflected sunlight, reducing efficiency. &#8220;Over time, such installations experience higher degradation since they do not utilize the module&#8217;s intended bifacial advantage, essentially functioning like a standard monofacial module.&#8221;</p>
<p>Structural flaws often arise due to inexperienced engineering, as some installers fail to account for factors such as tilt angles, row spacing, and albedo enhancement. &#8221; Unfortunately, many novice EPC companies overlook the engineering aspects. The right combination of components, such as properly rated inverters and optimized mounting structures, impacts at least 30% of system performance. If the design is incorrect, the energy yield will be compromised, regardless of module quality,&#8221; Alex noted.</p>
<p>The problem is exacerbated by an influx of new solar installers entering the industry. &#8220;There were a lot of people complaining about new players without technical expertise coming in. Many of them use bifacial modules without proper mounting structures, cables, and other necessary components,&#8221; another rooftop installer noted.</p>
<p><strong>Use of Low-Quality Materials</strong></p>
<p>Some installers construct mounting structures using low-quality materials, such as iron pipes available in hardware shops, which they manually cut, weld, and paint. Such makeshift structures lack durability and may compromise system longevity. Similarly, improper cable termination and inverter selection can hinder the additional energy yield that bifacial modules generate.</p>
<p>Alex said studies were conducted using various modules, including polycrystalline, monocrystalline, half-cut, bifacial, and TOPCon technologies. &#8220;Considering appropriate inverters are used, we observed that TOPCon modules performed the best, with bifacial modules following closely. However, inverter selection plays a critical role in capturing this additional yield. Older inverters may not efficiently handle higher voltage modules, leading to clipping during peak hours. Newer inverters designed for modules up to 750-800W peak are better suited for optimizing performance.&#8221;</p>
<p>Another crucial factor often overlooked is cable specification. &#8220;Now, lower wattage modules may need only 4 sq mm cables, but as the module wattage increases, the cable spec needs to be updated. Everyone goes for higher-wattage TOPCon bifacial modules, but no one cares about the cable spec, which must carry the current (which has increased due to the higher-wattage module), according to an installer.</p>
<p>Indian solar module manufacturers have <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/topcon-module-trumps-hjt-indian-solar-market/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leaned</a> towards TOPCon modules over its other mainstream rival – HJT (Heterojunction).</p>
<p>Installers say bifacial modules should be installed at least one meter above the surface to enhance rear-side light capture and reduce shading risks. Open-racking systems must be used to avoid structural components obstructing the rear surface. Proper tilt angles and row spacing should be carefully designed based on site-specific conditions. The albedo effect can be enhanced using reflective materials like specialized coatings beneath the modules.</p>
<p>&#8220;Bifacial modules require different mounting structures, including a tilt and a reflective surface beneath them. While this increases project costs, customers who understand the technology and its benefits are willing to absorb these costs, given the 5-10% additional yield potential. The added cost for necessary modifications, such as reflective paint and elevated structures, is relatively minimal—approximately ₹10,000 (~$114) for a 3-5 kW system,&#8221; Alex noted.</p>
<p>The government has been aggressively promoting the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which targets installing rooftop solar systems in 10 million households by 2027. While this has <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indias-rooftop-solar-installations-reach-a-record-3-2-gw-in-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boosted</a> capacity additions in the residential solar segment, the regulatory landscape has been found wanting with regards to newer technologies. Large-scale projects follow standards for mounting structures, but the rooftop solar segment lacks similar enforcement. Distribution companies and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy&#8217;s nodal agencies conduct inspections to verify module wattage and subsidy eligibility but do not evaluate structural integrity or electrical safety.</p>
<p>Harshal Akhouri had recently <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/lack-of-standards-for-bos-components-threatens-rooftop-solar-growth-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explained</a> in an interview with Mercom that the absence of standards for mounting structures could affect the structural integrity of rooftops post-solar system installation.</p>
<p>Installers also emphasized the importance of proper maintenance for optimal bifacial module performance. They must carry out regular infrared thermography to detect and address hotspots early, preventing long-term damage. The modules and the reflective surfaces beneath them require regular cleaning, as dirt and debris can significantly reduce efficiency.</p>
<p>The increasing adoption of bifacial modules highlights the need for proper installation techniques. While the additional optimization cost is relatively low, ensuring well-engineered installations is the real challenge. It is time for regulators to prescribe internationally accepted standards for mounting structures and using bifacial modules in rooftop solar installations.</p>


How to Boost the Performance of Bifacial Solar Modules in Rooftop Installations


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					</table><p>The U.S. has announced it will bring back bifacial solar modules under Section 201 tariffs as the country clamps down on cheap clean energy technology entering its shores from China.</p>
<p>The exclusion for bifacial modules, widely used in utility-scale solar projects, was in force under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974. The exclusion, implemented by the previous administration, had led to a surge in imports.</p>
<p>By removing the exclusion, U.S. solar manufacturers will gain increased tariff protection from cheaper imports, the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">White House</a> said. However, importers with pre-existing contracts for bifacial modules to be delivered within 90 days will still benefit from the exclusion for that period.</p>
<p>The U.S. is also ending the &#8220;solar bridge&#8221; program initiated in June 2022 for duty-free imports of certain solar products from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The &#8220;bridge&#8221; had been established to ensure the deployment of solar capacity while the domestic manufacturing base ramped up. It will end on June 6, 2024.</p>
<p>Last month, U.S. solar manufacturers <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/us-solar-manufacturers-trade-petition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">filed</a> a trade petition against solar imports from Southeast Asia as they were found to be circumventing anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar manufacturers from China by building new facilities in these countries.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.commerce.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Department of Commerce</a> requires installing imported duty-free panels within 180 days to prevent stockpiling during the solar bridge program&#8217;s final months.</p>
<p>In addition to trade actions, the U.S. is also taking steps to support domestic solar manufacturing through incentives and research funding. The <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Department of Treasury</a> is issuing further guidance on the Inflation Reduction Act&#8217;s bonus tax credit for clean energy projects that source domestic iron, steel, and manufactured products. This includes a new elective safe harbor allowing developers to rely on default cost percentages provided by the Department of Energy (DOE) to determine bonus eligibility.</p>
<p>The U.S. said it may increase the 5 GW tariff-rate quota for imported solar cells by 7.5 GW if imports approach the current quota level, ensuring domestic producers can access necessary components during this transition period.</p>
<p>On the research front, the DOE announced over $70 million to develop new solar technologies across the supply chain, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These 18 projects aim to address gaps in domestic manufacturing capabilities for equipment, ingots, wafers, and various solar cell types.</p>
<p>Earlier this week, the U.S. <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/us-tariff-chinese-solar-cells" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> stiff hikes in tariffs on solar cells, electric vehicles, batteries, and critical minerals originating from China. This decision follows a review of the findings of a Section 301 investigation, which examined China&#8217;s unfair trade practices, including technology transfer, intellectual property violations, and innovation infringements.</p>


US Brings Back Tariffs on Imported Bifacial Solar Modules


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					</table><p>The United States <a href="https://cafc.uscourts.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Federal Circuit</a> has overturned a Court of International Trade (CIT) decision to allow the White House to expand safeguard tariffs on solar equipment.</p>
<p>The unanimous decision by a three-judge panel has directed the CIT to affirm the President&#8217;s authority under the Trade Act of 1974 to increase safeguard duties.</p>
<p>The case hinged on the wording in Section 2254 of the Trade Act that says safeguard tariffs &#8220;may be reduced, modified, or terminated&#8221; by the President. The court acknowledged the executive’s authority to interpret statutes.</p>
<p>The case originated in 2018 when the then President Trump <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/trump-imposes-antidumping-solar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">implemented</a> safeguard measures, including Proclamation 9693, imposing duties on solar module imports into the U.S. Starting at 30%, these duties were scheduled to decrease annually to 25%, 20%, and finally 15% in their fourth year.</p>
<p>The controversy arose when importers of bifacial solar modules sought exclusion from these duties. Bifacial solar modules faced uncertainty as the U.S. Trade Representative initially granted and then reversed an exclusion.</p>
<p>In October 2020, Trump <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/us-revokes-exemptions-bifacial-solar-panels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> a proclamation to withdraw the exclusion for bifacial solar modules and increase the fourth-year duty rate from 15% to 18%. Importers of bifacial solar modules challenged the proclamation, arguing that the statute only permitted trade-liberalizing modifications.</p>
<p>In November 2021, CIT <a href="https://mercomindia.com/us-court-decision-reimpose-bifacial-solar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">overturned</a> the administration’s decision to allow the reimposition of tariffs on imported bifacial solar panels. The trade court sided with the Solar Energy Industries Association and solar importers Invenergy Renewables and EDF Renewables, agreeing that the statutory authority to &#8220;modify&#8221; safeguard measures was limited to trade-liberalizing changes.</p>
<p>However, in its ruling, the three-judge Federal Circuit held that the President did not commit any significant procedural violations of the Trade Act.</p>
<p>&#8220;Our sole inquiry is whether the President&#8217;s interpretation, that he is permitted to make trade-restricting modifications and not just trade-liberalizing ones, is a clear misconstruction of the statute. Applying this standard of review, we hold the President did not clearly misconstrue Section 2254(b)(1)(B),&#8221; said U.S. Circuit Judge Leonard P. Stark while reversing the CIT decision.</p>


Federal Circuit Upholds US President’s Authority to Impose Solar Import Tariffs

<p>Here are some noteworthy cleantech announcements of the day from around the world:</p>
<p><strong>Saatvik, an Indian module manufacturer, </strong><a href="https://saatvikgroup.com/introducing-bifacial-half-cut-mbb-solar-modules-with-545-w-peak-output-and-21-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>launched</strong></a><strong> the Bifacial Half Cut MBB Solar Modules with 545W output and 21.12% efficiency.</strong> The company would be one of the first manufacturers to start with the production of 545W bifacial modules using M10-sized cells with BIS &amp; IEC certificates. The backside of bifacial modules could provide up to 25% additional power gain. They can also provide significant gains on grasslands and dry sand, especially in snowfields. The modules are based on the advanced mono wafer and PERC Half-cut technology, which would help bring solar plants to a 545W+ solar era with a linear warranty of up to 30 years.</p>
<p><strong>Jindal Worldwide </strong><a href="https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/e2f5ac29-0e50-4fd9-8ecf-f3802259cca6.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>announced</strong></a><strong> the acquisition of Mumbai-based electric vehicle (EV) startup Earth Energy EV through its subsidiary Jindal Mobilitric.</strong> In addition to the acquisition, Jindal Mobilitric would set up a new manufacturing plant in Ahmedabad, supplementing the existing Earth Energy manufacturing facility in Maharashtra. The acquisition will see Jindal Mobilitric take over the indigenously developed technology platform as well as Earth Energy&#8217;s brands — Glyde SX and the Glyde SX+ variants of its commuter scooter as well as the — Evolve R and the Evolve S commuter and cruiser motorcycles. The EV startup has already appointed distributors across ten states which Jindal Mobilitric will retain. The company will also add new touchpoints by strengthening the distributor network in each market.</p>
<p><strong>Hong Leong Bank </strong><a href="https://www.hlb.com.my/en/personal-banking/news-updates/hlb-concludes-maiden-issuance-of-green-capital-securities-of-rm900-million-in-nominal-value.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>announced</strong></a><strong> the issuance of its first Green Additional Tier 1 (AT1) Capital Securities amounting to RM900 million (~$206 million) in nominal value</strong>, issued under HLB’s existing multi-currency securities program of up to RM10 billion (~$2.29 billion). The issuance of the Green Capital Securities also achieves the milestone of being the first issuance of a green AT1 bond by a bank in Malaysia. HLB  seeks to raise funds to finance or refinance new or existing green assets, projects, or companies that meet the eligibility criteria outlined in HLB’s Green Bond Framework.</p>
<p><strong>Maxeon Solar Technologies </strong><a href="https://mediaroom.maxeon.com/2022-05-05-Maxeon-Solar-Technologies-Unveils-SunPower-One,-a-Complete-Home-Energy-Management-Experience" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>unveiled</strong></a><strong> the SunPower One integrated home energy solution.</strong> This technology is based on a flexible ecosystem of products and services, including Maxeon&#8217;s market-leading solar panels, battery storage, and actionable household energy insights. The SunPower One solution will enable consumers to take control of their domestic energy consumption. Designed to be intuitive and engaging, the technology would proactively advise homeowners on ways to optimize their energy usage. Over time, it will learn about a homeowner&#8217;s electricity consumption pattern and suggest strategies to drive further energy bill savings.</p>


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