Project boom
Japan: Since the new feed-in tariff program took effect on July 1, 2012, an increasing number of large-scale solar power plants have been constructed all over Japan. An analysis by Izumi Kaizuka of RTS Corporation, a consulting firm based in Tokyo.
Window of opportunity
Poland: Poland is expected to introduce a new Renewable Energy Sources (RES) Act at the start of next year, aimed at boosting PV development. However, before it has even been handed to parliament, it looks like delays are to be expected. Despite this, and competition from wind and grid bottlenecks, the PV market outlook is positive and predictions are 2013 will be a boom year.
Welcome to the gigawatt club
India: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced that Phase 2 of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission shall be enhanced by a Renewable Purchase Obligation mechanism. Will RPOs drive the growth of solar in India?
U.S. tracker installations balance cost with scale
Trackers: Array sizes are rising in the U.S. solar market, even if larger individual trackers may hit the lowest levelized cost of energy. At the same time, solar trackers and other solar applications are beginning to open up to advertising and corporate branding.
Trade war headwinds
Ardour Solar Index: Index heavyweights drive solid performance despite industry headwinds, but trade wars and more margin pressure continue to weigh on expectations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
