Moving away from film
Changing modules: Solar modules and polycrystalline silicon cells encapsulated with EVA go together almost like bread and butter. But alternative approaches are materializing, and the conventional module landscape now finds itself in a state of technological change.
Modest rebound in demand
Ardour Solar Index: Pricing pressure is still rippling through the value chain. More downside surprises are to be expected in 2Q11 results.
All together now
Solar cooperatives: Local renewable energy cooperatives in the United States have begun to yield a substantial amount of solar power, thanks to the combined efforts of neighborhood organizations, solar marketers, solar installers and developers, and federal support for market-building.
Indias gamble on a reverse auction
India: Mercom Capital Group looks at the success of the Indian solar missions first phase and asks whether a reverse auction is the right way forward. It also discusses project financing in terms of its importance in taking the countrys solar industry forward.
Growth despite recession
Intersolar North America: Despite record unemployment and empty public coffers the signs still point toward growth for photovoltaics even in the U.S. This was the conclusion of this years Intersolar North America in San Francisco.
Finding the right home
Organic photovoltaics: For some, the potential of organic PV will never live up to the hype surrounding it. For industry insiders, the technologys learning curve over the last couple of years gives good reason to expect that the tipping point is coming soon. An overview of this innovative business segment.
Electrical matrimony
Cables and connectors: Welded or crimped? Pre-assembled or crimping pliers? What are the potential pitfalls and dangers when connecting and after connection? Connectors and cables ought to transport the power generated, but they can contribute to power losses and are at times lethal when mishandled. A look at the role cables and connectors play in PV installations and the characteristics to keep an eye on.
Creating the next boom after IT
India: Twenty-one Indian exhibitors were at the Intersolar in Munich, pleased with the new contacts they could make there. The Indian PV sector wants to intensify its relations with European companies to accomplish the nations goal of setting up 20 gigawatts of solar power capacity by 2022.
Chinese price pressure
Module prices: In every region the decline in prices for modules continued both in June and the first half of July. The focus of market growth is shifting away from Europe.
Chicken or egg
Inverters: Refusol is introducing an inverter with an input voltage of up to 1,500 volts. Photovoltaics experts welcome the concept in principle. But they also see a problem for which there is no quick solution.
