Issue 05 / 2011

05 / 2011

The turning point
Time is ticking for the nuclear proponents.

From the Editor

Aftershock

Page: 3

Markets & Trends

Fukushima shakes the stock markets

Page: 20

After the gold rush

Page: 24

Interconnected solar markets

Page: 28

Rallied support for solar

Page: 32

Spot market for PV panels: Hope for new markets

Page: 34

Slow market

Page: 38

Raising questions

Page: 40

China’s nuclear program after Fukushima

Page: 44

“The key factor is market proximity”

Page: 50

The recall

By:  Sandra Enkhardt

Module replacement: First Solar brought thin film modules on the market which showed a significant drop in performance after just a few weeks. They are currently being replaced, which is a test of nerves for the company, the...

Page: 54

More upward activity

Page: 60

More upward activity

Page: 60

Shining potential

Page: 62

The glass is more than half full

Page: 64

“Now solar is sexy”

Page: 68

Testing the international waters

Page: 72

Between uproar and anticipation

Page: 76

Industry & Suppliers

From chips to cells

Page: 82

Speeding past the bottlenecks

Page: 90

Thin film takes the steering wheel

Page: 96

In search of a niche

By:  Hans-Christoph Neidlein

Fab Managers Forum: With intensified cooperation along the value chain, European cell and module manufacturers aim to lower costs while ensuring quality. To this end, they presented an International Technology Roadmap for...

Page: 102

Portraying development from a product point of view

Page: 106

The second edition of the PV Roadmap

Page: 109

In crisis or on the verge of a comeback?

Page: 110

Future in sight

Page: 112

Quality is key

Page: 114

Applications & Installations

Frames, clamps or backrails?

Page: 116

A revolution or a niche product?

Page: 120

Always on the move

Page: 132

The power flower

By:  Habib Ali

Offshore renewable energy: Offshore renewable energy platforms are a common sight, especially the speed at which the wind energy sector has developed and the platforms that have popped up far out at sea. Solar energy has not...

Page: 136

No risks preferred

Page: 140

The sum of small parts

Page: 144

Living in a research lab

Page: 160

Research & Development

Breaking point: soldered joints

Page: 164

Nuclear or solar?

Page: 168