GCL System Integration Technology Co. Ltd (GCL SI) has supplied its latest Cast-Mono solar modules to two green energy projects initiated by SB Energy, a Japanese wholly-owned subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp.
SB Energy has announced that it will build two large-scale photovoltaic power stations in Tochigi Prefecture and Hokkaido featuring solar modules developed and manufactured by GCL System. The two solar power stations are scheduled for grid connection in late 2019.
“We’re delighted to offer our technology and new solar products to SB energy, and contribute to Japan’s green energy future,” said Eric Luo, Chairman of GCL System. “Our cast-mono modules will provide the two sites with high-efficiency power generation and reliability to meet the energy needs of the region.”
The 42,000 square meter, privately owned Tochigi site, once completed, will have a photovoltaic output of up to 2.0MW and a grid output of approximately 1.5MW, generating power comparable to the regular electricity consumption of 68 households or around 2,474,000 KWh.
The PV module power output of the 63,000 square meter Hokkaido station is expected to reach 3.1KW, with a grid output of around 2.0MW, generating enough power for up to 1,053 households or 3,792,000 KWh.
In a location such as Hokkaido, where temperatures can drop to minus 10 degrees Celsius and snowfall can reach a depth of 20 centimetres, significant care must be taken to ensure continuous operation.
To cope with harsh weather conditions, the installation angle of the photovoltaic modules has been deliberately set to 30 degrees to ensure year-round power generation.
The “Cast-Mono Modules” supplied by GCL System combines mono-crystalline cell manufacturing with multi-crystalline ingot casting technology to reach an efficiency of up to 19.4 percent.
The module adopts 158.75mm cells, which have a low degradation rate thanks to their low oxygen content — 40 percentage points lower than monocrystalline. In addition, the Cast-Mono Modules increases efficiency by providing 2% more space to absorb light than mono PERC modules.
The GCL SI “Cast-Mono Modules” are available as 310-325W 60-sheet modules or 375-390W 72-sheet modules.