Magazine Archive 10-2011

EU PVSEC: The 26th EU PVSEC opened its doors to the PV world in Hamburg this year. Better organized than last year in Valencia, the exhibition attracted similar numbers of visitors and exhibitors and drew some mixed reactions.

Ardour Solar Index: Margin structures remain under pressure. Bankruptcies further sour solar market sentiment.

Forum Solarpraxis: As the PV market matures, new aspects of the industry are emerging and coming into focus. One of these is the end-of-life issue regarding PV modules, in particular collection and recycling. Increasingly becoming a hot topic, it is one of the themes that will be discussed by a panel of industry experts at this year’s Forum Solarpraxis, on November 17 and 18, in Berlin.

Optimal logistics opportunities: With global business an increasing reality for PV, the role of logistics is transforming from service provider to true partner. Holger Meyer from Hellman Worldwide Logistics makes the case for integrated partnerships to move plant, products and business in the right direction, at the right time.

Solar Power International 2011: Executive Director of Solar Energy Trade Shows LLC, Brian Tully talked to pv magazine about the eighth annual SPI tradeshow and conference, which, in addition to a new location, includes an advisory council, outdoor exhibition space and Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

Performance drop: Modules are not usually tested to determine whether potential-induced degradation (PID) could jeopardize their performance. As experts continue the discussion what conditions actually cause the effect to occur, some module manufacturers are beginning to act. Those who want to be on the safe side can buy modules designed to be resistant to the effect.

Greece: With plenty of sunshine, generous and uncapped feed-in tariffs (FITs) and many islands relying on expensive diesel for electricity, Greece would seem to provide fertile grounds for photovoltaic (PV) growth. Based on these conditions, Lux research recently named it as one of the top-three most attractive countries for residential PV. However, regulatory bottlenecks and an almost-complete financial meltdown have cast a shadow over Greece’s PV progress.

Lead times: The window to install systems this year is becoming increasingly narrow. Inventories have moved from distributors and installers to manufacturers.

Croatia: The sun-drenched land of Croatia has an attractive solar feed-in tariff. Until now, however, only a very few photovoltaic systems have been installed. How are local conditions in Croatia a year prior to the country’s projected entry into the European Union? What opportunities does the market offer, and what of the risks? Answers from the Croatian business consulting firm Borovac-Knabe & Partners.

Solar parks: On one hand, renewable energy is much needed and solar holds massive promise. On the other hand, land is needed to construct projects large enough to be able to produce the electricity needed to meet demand. But when solar parks creep into areas of nature conservation, there is a conflict. Is a solar park in a protected nature zone a contradiction of green beliefs?