At a roadshow in Melbourne, Tongwei Solar launched its latest TOPCon PV module, TNC 2.0 G12R-48, designed for the extreme environmental conditions of Australia.  

As the model's name suggests, the module comprises 96 G12R-size half-cells. It is rated for a maximum power output of 475 W and an efficiency of up to 23.8%. 

 A key feature of the module, according to Tongwei, is its resilience to hailstorms and cyclones that are frequent in Australia. The company attributes the module’s improved resistance to extreme wind and hailstorms to its dual-glass configuration, consisting of 2 mm front and rear heat-strengthened glass. It is tested to withstand hailstones of up to 45 mm in diameter, equivalent to a golf ball, impacting at speeds of 30.8 m/s. This exerts more than 10.5 times the impact energy compared to the standard International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) test. In addition, this module is certified for front and rear load capacities of up to 6,000 Pa and 4,000 Pa, respectively, compared to 5,400 Pa and 2,400 Pa for its standard counterpart. Tongwei claims that the module can withstand wind speeds of up to 167.76 km/h, equivalent to Category 3 tropical cyclones. The module has also passed testing at Albright Laboratory in Australia, certifying it for the country’s severe cyclone zone (Zone D).  

We are awaiting the company’s response to our queries on this module’s commercialization in Australia.