Solar imports without know-how transfer
PV in Africa: Materials of doubtful quality are flooding the African markets. The lack of solar installation skills combined with maintenance negligence lead to diverse problems.
Still struggling with investment costs
PV incentives in Africa: High investment costs remain a major barrier to scaling up solar PV technology in Africa. But the challenge has not dampened efforts by some countries in the region to seek ways of generating additional electricity from this sustainable source. According to EPIA, the LCOE for solar PV has reached the retail price of electricity in several African countries.
300 GW/a: PVs bold horizon
Interview: Last month pv magazine launched its 300GW/a initiative at the EU PVSEC. Speakers such as the Fraunhofer Institutes Eicke Weber and the Lemoine Institutes Christian Breyer addressed the theme in a breakfast event at the trade show. This month, NRELs Greg Wilson addresses the goal and argues that as the effects of climate change become apparent, the case for such a goal to be realized will become compelling.
Still struggling with investment costs
PV incentives in Africa: High investment costs remain a major barrier to scaling up solar PV technology in Africa. But the challenge has not dampened efforts by some countries in the region to seek ways of generating additional electricity from this sustainable source. According to EPIA, the LCOE for solar PV has reached the retail price of electricity in several African countries.
Being bombarded
Ion implantation: The technology has been around for some time now, but it is only of late that it is making ripples in the upstream production pond. Touted as a potential way to increase efficiencies and create cost savings, companies are starting to take a serious look at ion implantation.
Stronger than expected
Mercom Capital global forecast: Solar demand continues to defy odds so far in 2012, which may result in another year of growth contrary to pessimistic views early in the year, says Mercom Capital Groups Raj Prabhu.
Changing energy habits
Smart grids in the UK: Electricity distributors, with the support of government funding, are piloting various energy storage applications as the UK sets out to reduce carbon emissions significantly in the coming years.
Success in smart grid
Smart grid: The smart grid is projected to support a multi-trillion dollar global industry during the next two decades and this will open up a new frontier for entrepreneurs and investors in areas such as renewable energy technologies. Chairman of the IEEE Public Visibility Board Committee, Charlton Adams, Jr., elaborates.
Cross-border solar
US-Mexico: Prospects of exporting solar energy from Mexico to the United States have encouraged large power plant installations along the border area. While relative advantages exist in Mexico for lower cost installations, regulatory incongruities may hobble efforts to move the clean energy northward. Smart grid and transmission line developments currently underway should foster more activity in this unique region.
The poly struggle
Polysilicon in India: Continuous cost reduction enables affordable solar at grid parity. Secure and ready supply of high purity polysilicon products at the lowest possible cost has become the priority of the Indian solar industry. pv magazine travels to India to examine the state of production and consumption of solar grade polysilicon and asks major players their plans.
