Small systems, big impact
Off-grid PV in Africa: Phaesun from Memmingen, Germany, a systems integrator specialised in off-grid photovoltaics, has successfully completed many projects in developed and developing countries. A report on Phaesuns experiences in rural and periurban areas of Eritrea and Tanzania, East Africa.
Shine a light on plastics
ETFE innovation: Ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene films allow PV module manufacturers to deliver a lightweight, high-performance product. Nikhil Bhiwankar, Research Associate at Saint-Gobain Solar, explains the benefits of ETFE.
Rectifying issues
Interview: GP Solars Managing Director Eric Rüland explains innovations and the complex process of weeding out the good from the bad.
A Bengali dream
Bangladesh: From barefoot PV to a new dream of bringing solar energy to millions of Bangladeshis: the dreams of one man to bring light to rural dwellers in the South Asian state. The efforts of domestic solar companies to take things further. The country is steadily on a mission to place itself on the global solar map and to bring hope of light to thousands living in remote darkness.
Off-grid survival skills
PV training: If off-grid PV systems do not come with skilled installers, there is a high risk that they fail or underperform. One of the lecturers at the Renewables Academy (RENAC) in Berlin reports on his experiences in the off-grid solar power business.
Not falling through the cracks
Optical wafer inspection: Metrology systems are available in the market for the tedious task of detecting errors in wafers before they get forwarded onwards in the manufacturing line.
Masdar light
Masdar City: Taking place for the fourth time in mid-January, the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi once again attracted large numbers of visitors. Among the focal points were the plans for Masdar City to be powered exclusively by renewables.
Market see-saw
Ardour Solar Index: Mixed developments in European markets. Italy paints a possible boom-bust picture.
Getting more out of the sun
Laser technology: Thin film cells can be manufactured quicker than crystalline modules, with about a third of the initial investment needed in comparison. With the advent of laser technology, the positive statistics can be further enhanced. Jan Wieduwilt of Trumpf explains the pros of laser.
Gaining clarity
PV recycling: PV Cycle program updates from the 2nd International Conference on PV Module Recycling, which took place in January in Madrid.
