China is a leading producer of Solar energy right now and is also a world leader in solar panel manufacturing. Right now, the top three global manufacturers are “LONGi Solar”, “Tongwei Solar”, and “JA Solar”; all are Chinese companies. Chinese firms have monopolized the solar panel manufacturing market for some time. However, new manufacturers are popping up from the west that offer quality products closer to home. Some manufacturers with an established manufacturing base in the U.S are Tesla, Solaria, LG Solar and Q CELLS. However, western manufacturers are still few and far between, with the brand, quality, efficiency and most importantly, price playing a pivotal role in slowing the manufacturing market in the west. However, quality products from western manufacturers are generating competition in the market.
Tindo Solar
Tindo Solar is Australia’s only solar panel manufacturer. In another bid to stay ahead of the innovation curve, the company has launched its first utility-scale module, the 545W Karra model. The manufacturer claims the design is specific to the needs of the Australian market and boasts a cell efficiency of 23.1%. Moreover, the cell-to-module loss rate is just 0.07%!
Interestingly, the Tindo Solar Karra module was tested by TUV SUD Korea before its product listing, and the independent evaluation found the module even more efficient than its original rating. The panel generated five more watts during the test than its rating. The Kara panel is aimed at the utility segment of the solar power consumer base. The Karra panel has been hailed as one of the most energy-efficient solar modules on the market right now. The average panel has an efficiency rating of 17-19%, with a CTM loss of 2 to 3%, and this puts Kara at the top as one of the most efficient solar panels in the world.
The Karra module is larger than the residential panels offered by Tindo; it is 2283mm x 1149mm and weighs 29 kg with a limited product warranty of 25 years. The great thing about this module is the local production and availability. Utility-scale imported modules are exempt from being listed by Clean Energy Council (CEC).
The Karra panel uses the latest technology and global standard “M10 cells”, which feature in Tindo’s production line recently launched in South Australia. The manufacturer has high hopes for the large-scale panels. According to Tindo, the demand for large-scale modules will likely become steeper in the coming years compared to the rooftop retail and commercial market. Utility-scale modules are usually imported, and the interest in Australian manufactured panels has been increasing over the last few years. One of the main reasons imported panels are losing popularity is performance concerns. However, what has made the notion of imported modules distasteful to average consumers and businesses alike are pollution concerns with waste going to landfills and forced labour allegations against foreign suppliers.
Keeping in view the progress and promising results from the Karra line has boosted Tindo’s standing as a world-class manufacturer after the evaluation results by TUV SUD Korea. In addition, the precondition to being listed with the Clean Energy Council helped project the Karra module as one of the most efficient modules in the world. The Karra assessments are yet another good news regarding clean energy innovation coming out of Australia, which has recently seen substantial growth in its renewable energy sector.
According to Tindo, most solar project owners would prefer to buy an Australian-made option if it is available. With the Karra module, consumers are looking at acquiring a world-class product made in Adelaide, Australia.
