Issue 02 / 2011

02 / 2011

A look beneath the surface
A new independent PV test helps customers maneuver through the module world

From the Editor

Early spring

Page: 3

Markets & Trends

Embracing the sun

Page: 18

Dollars and sense

Page: 24

Off to Shanghai

By:  Shamsiah Ali-Oettinger

Preview SNEC PV 2011: One of the most important events to take place within the photovoltaic world gets set to open its doors to thousands once again in the bustling, metropolitan Shanghai.

Page: 28

Still going strong

Page: 32

Still on top

Page: 36

Too little, too late?

Page: 40

Herodes versus the sun

Page: 42

Erratic promotion

Page: 44

Automation and efficiency: keys to success

Page: 50

Chances and hurdles

Page: 52

Diving deeper downstream

Page: 56

Germany pushing ahead

Page: 62

More supply

Page: 64

Spot market for PV panels: Annual balance 2010

Page: 66

Challenges and opportunities

Page: 68

Industry & Suppliers

Distinctly India

By:  Jaideep Malaviya

Solar Industry Summit India: The summit laid the cards on the table, bringing to light the challenges within the domestic industry. Issues ranging from bankability to culprits for system failure were discussed. pv magazine...

Page: 74

Creating common standards

Page: 78

Mapping innovation

Page: 82

Thin, thinner, thinnest

Page: 85

Looking for a pension plan

Page: 88

Special

Introducing 
“Best of modules”

Page: 92

How PV+Test works

Page: 100

Applications & Installations

Robby’s field test

Page: 108

The solar park as Noah’s ark

Page: 114

Promoting biodiversity

Page: 117

Research & Development

Nanoscale light trap

By:  Jan Provoost and Pol Van Dorpe

Plasmonics: The plasmonic effect can improve the absorption of light by a solar cell’s photoactive material. A consortium of institutes and PV companies, coordinated by the research center imec in Leuven, Belgium, is conducting...

Page: 124

Financial & Legal Affairs

A German-Chinese fight over a Japanese patent

Page: 130

Brothers, to the sun

Page: 132