Recording of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 17:15 .
In a recent discussion about solar technologies, Johannes Müller inquired about the cost drivers for back contact technologies and whether these costs might diminish over time. The response highlighted that back contact technology currently comes with a price premium due to less established manufacturing processes compared to other technologies like Mono PERC and Topcon. These established methods benefit from upgradable equipment which is not yet available for back contact technology. Despite this, there are indications that streamlining production could eventually reduce costs. Additionally, it was pointed out that there isn't much difference between Topcon-based back contact cells and traditional front-to-rear connection cells concerning efficiency gains versus investment required. However, challenges remain in making TBC (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) cells bifacially efficient, predicting only around 60% bifaciality as feasible. Further on inverter technology for floating or offshore solar applications was discussed briefly by Benjamin Lena from DMACC who raised concerns regarding higher corrosion rates near the sea affecting longevity and warranty commitments of such devices. Paul Lewis from the World Bank Group asked about incentives' role in manufacturing distribution outside specific acts like IRA and supply chain resilience premiums. It was noted that market players often demand diversification away from single-country dependencies despite potential cost increases; however, rational customers may absorb minor cost uplifts if incentivized properly. Finally, questions were raised about Europe's capacity to support solar manufacturing infrastructure amidst global competition—a recurring theme emphasizing the need for strategizing competitive frameworks both with and without direct incentives.
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Helena Li
Executive President
Trina Solar
Singapore
The advances in technology along the solar value chain in recent years have been breathtaking: Innovations have included considerably larger wafers, new cell technologies, much higher-efficiency solar modules, smarter inverters with management systems that can control fully electrified high-tech homes and less material-intensive fixed or tracking mounting systems that can be installed faster and boost system yields. This session will provide an overview of the latest technologies.
Further Talks of this session:
Speaker
Dr. Harry Wirth
Director, Division Power Solutions
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Germany
Speaker
Molly Morgan
Senior Research Analyst
Exawatt
United Kingdom
Speaker
Speaker
Arvid Bürkle
Head of Product Lifecycle Management
KACO new energy GmbH - A Siemens Company
Germany
Speaker
Dr. Peter Fath
CEO
RCT Solutions GmbH
Germany