GPS against theft
Theft protection: A newly formed company is promoting the use of GPS-GSM technologies to fight theft. Nevertheless, not everyone finds this practical, some wanting to keep things traditional.
Small but beautiful
Belgium: Now its official. As of July 1, the government in Flanders made severe cuts in the subsidies for photovoltaic installations with outputs of more than one megawatt. Nevertheless, market participants continue to regard the small but impressive PV market in Belgium as attractive.
India beckons
Fifth Renewable Energy Expo: Indias 5th Renewable Energy Expo took place from August 10 to 12 in New Delhi, at Paragti Maidan. Having grown in size and scope from last year, the event is quickly gaining ground.
Smart energy
Interview: ProxEnergy is a young company that has been established by a man who has had years of experience in the solar industry. Knowing that current grids are not designed for bi-directional transport of electricity and information, the founder of the company felt it was important to think about energy transition. Frans van den Heuvel talks to pv magazine about his new setup and what he aims to achieve with the company slogan ‘Produce it-Control it’.
A dangerous connection
Plug connectors: In the last few years, an increasing number of counterfeit plug connectors has appeared on the market. These counterfeits are not easy to recognize, but it pays off to be alert. The use of knock-offs can void the warranty and even cause a fire.
Keeping the cowboys out of the solar rush
UK: The UK solar PV industrys growth, sparked by the FIT scheme to incentivize investment in PV energy generation, demands tougher measures to ensure responsible, competent installation.
Solar PV competing in the energy sector
EPIA: PV price reductions over the last 20 years have been impressive and PV generation costs have the potential to decline by around 50 percent by 2020. A new EPIA analysis pointing to PVs increasing competitiveness shows that solar PV is not only desirable, but realistic and competitive. EPIA President Igmar Wilhelm elaborates.
A question of survival
Thin film industry ranking: The surrounding market is difficult enough on its own, but the falling price of crystalline modules is putting many thin film producers under additional pressure. Due to the efficiency level of some of the technology used, they should actually be selling their products at more favorable prices. With this, however, countless companies are overburdened and, as such, face questions about their very reason for existence.
Needle in a haystack
Open sites: Last year, subsidy for solar installations on agricultural sites in Germany ended, and many project leaders had to put on ice plans which had already been developed. Others, however, secured suitable conversion sites for themselves ahead of time. However, building is often a cumbersome process.
Spot market for PV panels: Cautious optimism
Module prices: Despite global growth, many module manufacturers will have to accept sharply lower profits due to the decline in prices.
