Wedoany.com Report-May 11, At the Intersolar trade show in Munich, the startup Carbon showcased its first demonstrator photovoltaic (PV) panel. Carbon is developing a gigafactory for solar ingots, cells, and panels in Fos-sur-Mer, with plans for mass production. The company unveiled the Carbon One series, which includes three modules. The first two models, due for release in 2026, are TOPCon type N panels featuring 48 cells (CB12-48) and 54 cells (CB12-54), with power outputs ranging from 445 Wp to 505 Wp. Both are double-glass panels with 2mm thick glass.

Carbon's stand at Intersolar.

The CB12-48 has an efficiency between 22.28% and 22.78%, measuring 1,792 mm by 1,135 mm. This module is designed for residential, rooftop, and parking shade applications. The CB12-54, with an efficiency ranging from 22.17% to 22.62%, is primarily aimed at the residential market. The third module in the series, expected in 2027, is the more powerful CB12-66. This module features 132 rectangular TOPCon half-cells, power outputs between 615 Wp and 625 Wp, and an efficiency of 22.77% to 23.14%. Its dimensions are 2,382 mm by 1,134 mm.

Carbon received support from France's Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in the product design and prequalification of these modules. Prototypes underwent accelerated aging tests to meet IEC-61215 and IEC-61730 standards. These tests will support Carbon’s efforts to launch the certification process for the Carbon One Series panels.

The panels will be produced at the Carbon One factory, which has a capacity of 500 MW annually. The materials, including glass, encapsulants, and aluminum, will be sourced from two or three leading technology suppliers in Asia, with the cells coming from two or three suppliers in China. However, Carbon aims to gradually bring its supply chain back to Europe.

Baptiste Cotte, Carbon's head of business development, shared: “The Carbon One plant is a first step before the construction of our future gigafactory in Fos-sur-Mer, which is set to be commissioned by the end of 2027. It will produce 5 GW of ingots and wafers, 5 GW of cells, and 3.5 GW of photovoltaic panels. We plan to source as much as possible from French and European suppliers.”

To support the construction of the Carbon One plant, Carbon launched a fundraising campaign in April through the Enerfip platform. The campaign exceeded expectations, raising €3 million from 2,393 citizen investors, surpassing the initial €1 million target within three weeks.