Magazine Archive 05-2016

Expansion of manufacturing in Southeast Asia: George Touloupas of Clean Energy Associates examines the factors that are compelling PV manufacturers to expand into the Southeast Asia region, and explores what this could mean for quality.

Wet chemical texturing: Wet chemical processes are a vital part of getting to the magic of high-efficiency solar PV. These processes can be tricky, and are continually evolving as new technologies become available.

Charleston plant opening: A fitting opening for Wacker’s $2.5 billion polysilicon plant in Tennessee was held in mid-April, and pv magazine was invited along to see first-hand the innovation and scope of ambition on display.

Module prices: The PV industry still has not shaken off its winter slumber, and yet IKEA wants to take the market by storm.

Global solar forecast: As policy announcements and changes trickle in from around the world, Mercom Capital reiterates its 2016 global solar forecast of 64.7 GW, with China, the U.S., Japan, and India to make up the top four solar markets respectively this year, writes Mercom Capital Group CEO Raj Prabhu.

DC inspection: Its quality check service for PV systems offers energy provider Eon insights into the quality of PV plants, even systems that appear to be trouble-free. PV system owners including those that are unaware of any defects or reduced yield have gladly take advantage of the service.

It grew with alarming alacrity, slipped, staggered, and failed. The rise and fall of SunEdison, with the company filing for bankruptcy last month, was intriguing to watch. The irony of SunEdison’s official bankruptcy filing coming only one week after coal giant Peabody went the same way was lost on few. While overreach and an aggressive […]

Solar Show Africa 2016: At Africa’s largest solar trade show in Johannesburg this March, visitors and experts from various African countries discussed ways to achieve some major goals for the continent, such as empowering 600 million Africans without access to electricity. pv magazine attended both days of the exhibition and uncovered a wide range of opportunities, from large utility-scale and rooftop C&I to various off-grid applications, and even distributed storage.

SNEC Superheroes: Solar’s saviors will be brought to life at this month’s SNEC Exhibition in Shanghai, walking the floor and demonstrating their special powers at the booths of their sponsors. Show visitors can show their appreciation by snapping a Superhero selfie and joining the #SolarSuperhero movement.