Shenzhen S.C., a solar PV equipment provider, has announced its plan to issue convertible bonds to raise up to 961 million RMB ($149 million). The funds will be invested in manufacturing equipment for perovskite and perovskite tandem solar cells, aiming to bolster the company’s position in the rapidly expanding market for these advanced solar technologies.
Perovskite solar cells have gained significant attention due to their high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of production. They present a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells. By combining perovskite solar cells with other materials in tandem structures, even higher efficiencies can be achieved.
Shenzhen S.C. intends to use the raised funds to establish production facilities for perovskite and perovskite tandem solar cell equipment in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, China.
The project is projected to take around 2.5 years to complete and will have an annual production capacity of 160 physical vapor deposition (PVD) equipment, 119 reactive plasma coating (RPC) equipment, and 60 vacuum evaporation coating (VEC) equipment.
The investment in perovskite and perovskite tandem solar cell manufacturing equipment is seen as a strategic move by Shenzhen S.C. to capitalize on the increasing interest in these technologies and gain a competitive edge in the PV market.
Shenzhen S.C. affirms its ability to supply megawatt-level production lines for perovskite and tandem solar cells. In recent years, the company has witnessed rising sales in equipment for large-area perovskite solar cells, all-perovskite tandem solar cells, and HJT/TOPCon perovskite tandem cells.
In fact, since the second half of 2022, Shenzhen S.C. has sold over RMB 200 million worth of perovskite production equipment.
The company believes that perovskite solar cells hold immense market potential, both in terms of equipment and applications. However, the technology is still in the pilot production stage. Therefore, the implementation of this project will contribute to the maturation and scalability of the technology, enabling Shenzhen S.C. to seize market opportunities in the perovskite solar cell equipment sector.
Other listed companies have also unveiled their strategies and investments in perovskite technology.
Han’s Laser, a laser equipment manufacturer, has commenced mass production and delivery of its perovskite laser scribing equipment to major perovskite companies. JPT, another laser machine producer, is currently performing technical verification of its perovskite laser film cutting equipment at various perovskite customer sites.
Furthermore, LONGi Green Energy has achieved a record-breaking efficiency of 33.5% for silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells, using commercial CZ silicon wafers, which has been verified by the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI).
According to a research report by Guotai Junan, the commercialization of perovskite solar cells hinges upon achieving stability and high efficiency in large-area modules.
Currently, companies such as GCL-Perovskite, Microquanta, and Utmolight have already established 100-megawatt-level production lines and have commenced shipping commercial perovskite solar modules. The report anticipates that GW-level production capacity will be realized by 2024.
