Hanwha Q's solar modules acquire grade 1 carbon certification

Hanwha Q Cells became the first company to receive the highest grade under South Korea's carbon certification program for solar modules with seven earning grade 1 certification from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).

The grade 1 certified modules will be available starting next month, said a Hanwha Q Cells official.

Under the MOTIE’s carbon certification program, the carbon footprint of solar power projects is taken into consideration when prioritizing new installations.

Launched July 22, the program divides solar modules into three categories based on the amount of carbon emitted during its manufacturing and installation.

Grade 1 solar modules, which emit no more than 670 kilograms of carbon per kilowatt of energy generated, are eligible for government subsidies.

The carbon certification program will help reduce carbon emissions from solar modules in South Korea by 10 percent, the equivalent of planting 2 million pine trees or reducing greenhouse gases by 230,000 metric tons annually.