Cells could run low
Ranking cell manufacturers: Due to high demand, the capacity utilization of the leading Chinese and Taiwanese crystalline cell manufacturers as well as that of SunPower improved further this year. Cells may even run low. A loss of the U.S. market due to an increase in import duties might have adverse effects on Taiwanese cell manufacturers.
Caution: fire, termites, poor performance
PV system wiring: Wire management is rising to the challenge of reducing fire risk in the US solar PV market.
Anticipating a ripple effect
Philippines: The Philippine PV market is gradually gaining momentum, with a ripple effect expected following the landmark commissioning of the countrys biggest solar park (22 MW) in San Carlos in May.
Accurate measurements
PV performance monitoring: Ruud Ringoir, Product Manager at Kipp & Zonen, based in Delft, the Netherlands, explains the details and the advantages of using pyranometers and pyrheliometers to obtain accurate and independent solar radiation data.
A disruptive partnership
Thin film: The partnership between First Solar and GE is a complex one, but its ability to deliver truly disruptive results to the PV industry and power plant business is beginning to be spoken of more widely. There is no one key to this dynamic, but a focus on efficiency and cost is looking likely to pay off.
Make the most out of the limited resources we have
Interview: What is the importance of PV and other renewable energies as the Philippines tackles the risks of climate change? Is the Philippine government on the right track? At what level are PV awareness and financing conditions? pv magazine puts these questions, and more, to Loren Legarda, member of the Senate of the Philippines.
