Boom in EVs unlikely to cause lithium shortage
The French Environment & Energy Management Agency has published a report in which analyzes the dynamics of lithium supply and demand in different scenarios of global electrification by 2050. The agency experts are convinced that only with a 75% penetration of electric vehicles there is the real risk of a marked decrease in the safety margin of lithium supply.
A new trade show comes to Mexico
The recent growth of the Mexican PV market, as well as the positive outcomes the country’s energy reform has achieved, is being complimented by the launch of a new trade fair dedicated primarily to the Mexican PV sector.
Module prices have fallen by up to 25% so far this year
According to a Q3 report by EnergyTrend, monocrystalline module prices have fallen almost 20% this year, while those for polycrystalline modules have dropped by more than 25%. Increased consolidation among manufacturers and developers is expected to occur in China, and the global solar market, with more merger deals, plans for capacity reductions, and even factory closures.
Canadian Solar unveils new 400+ Watt bifacial poly PERC black silicon module
The Chinese-Canadian module manufacturer says its P4-based BiHiKu panel, for large commercial and utility-scale solar projects, is able to provide up to 30 per cent additional output from the rear side.
Flex to manufacture Enphase products in Mexico
The microinverter maker is shifting production to Mexico to avoid the pending Section 301 tariffs on inverters and other products from China.
Scientists claim 10% saving for black silicon cell production with dry etching
Researchers from Michigan Technological University and Finland’s Aalto University say they have demonstrated that the cost per unit of power of black silicon PERC cells could fall 10.8%, despite an increase in cell processing cost.
Silfab plans 150 MW back contact module line in the United States
The Italo-Canadian PV maker is the latest company to announce U.S. manufacturing plans, and will also add 150 MW of back contact module capacity at its Canadian facilities
Valmont acquires 75% stake in Italian tracker provider Convert
Valmont’s global manufacturing capabilities and utility customer base is expected to help the Italian company expand activity and market share.
Amount of silver needed in solar cells to be more than halved by 2028
The Silver Institute finds the amount of silver loading may fall from 130 mg per cell in 2016 to roughly 65 mg by 2028. Alternative and cheaper raw materials, such as copper and aluminum, are not expected to replace silver in commercial cell production, at least in the next decade.
Panasonic, Tesla reveal plan to produce lithium batteries in China
Tesla’s batteries may soon be Made in China. The announcement was made by Panasonic CEO Kazuhiro Tsuga during a conference accompanying the company’s 2018 fiscal-year results.
