Interview: the benefits of tougher certification standards, increased market surveillance
Jörg Althaus, business field manager for solar energy at TÜV Rheinland, discusses how unannounced factory inspections and market surveillance may make a difference as the focus on PV power plant and component quality increases.
Cyprus aims for 60,000 residential net metering installations by 2016
Applications for the Cypriot net metering program are now open. Cyprus’ installed solar PV capacity, currently at 25 MW, is expected to grow fivefold within the next two years.
JinkoSolar to supply projects in Australia and South Africa
Chinese solar manufacturer JinkoSolar will be supplying 274 MWp of photovoltaic modules to solar projects in South Africa and Australia.
VDE Americas, First Solar implement new standards
In the latest example of the solar industry’s increasing focus on quality certification and bankability, certification group VDE and First Solar have unveiled new assurance standards and a VDE Quality Tested mark.
Electric vehicle charger maker faces lawsuits
San Fran-based Ecotality is facing a class action lawsuit that alleges the EV charging technology company failed to disclose a string of problems, including the fact its chargers were overheating and melting during use.
EUR 22 million remains in grants for German household storage
Only around EUR 3.3 million of the EUR 25 million made available by the German government to subsidize household PV storage systems has been claimed. With a further EUR 25 million expected for 2014, householders have been urged to apply for a grant.
Intersolar South America preview
With a predicted 13 GW of capacity by 2017, the lure of South America for PV companies should ensure a positive turnout at the first Intersolar South America trade show. Brazilian and German exhibitors dominate at the Sao Paulo show.
Sika appoints new chief technology officer
Swiss specialty chemicals company Sika has tapped Thomas Hasler as its new chief technology officer and member of the group’s management, effective Jan. 1.
Coupled solar and energy storage market to grow to $2.8 billion in 2018
Dominated by grid installations, the coupled solar and energy storage segment will prove a boon to energy storage producers but have only a modest impact on the solar market, according to a new report by Lux Research.
First Solar and Belectric announce JV
The U.S. thin film giant will supply the modules and Belectric the Balance of Systems for the proposed joint venture. PV Projects will aim to develop schemes in Europe and North America as well as smaller projects in the U.S.
