Playing the long game
Emerging equipment markets: New manufacturing opportunities for c-Si solar photovoltaics will come from sunbelt markets, but it will take time.
Primarily large-scale
South Africa: The fundamentals for the rapid expansion of the PV market in South Africa appear to be in place. A project pipeline of over 1 GW has developed under the governments REIPPP scheme. The first project was grid-connected last month. What future is there for PV beyond the subsidized, large-scale market?
A decade of growth
Solar Power International 2013: Later this month Chicago will host the 10th SPI trade show and conference. While the event has, as others, been hit by falling exhibitor and attendee numbers, the U.S. PV market is providing significant demand for PV components and SPI is receiving great interest from the global industry.
Raise your glass
The future for glass: Dr. Jens Schneider, head of module technology at Fraunhofer CSP, and Christian Leers, VP Technology at Premium Solar, reveal how a new type of glass which compared favorably against a best-in-class competitor in tests has the potential to deliver improved efficiencies and cost savings in the solar sector.
A glass ceiling for Indias solar glass?
Solar glass from India: Faced with stagnant demand and the challenges posed by a flood of imports, Indias domestic solar glass industry must answer some tough questions if it is to thrive.
Ratcheting up competition
Mounting system industry: Competition among mounting system makers is inspiring more engineering efforts to drive down costs while generating better structures. Companies are pursuing multi-pronged strategies to survive.
August breather
Ardour Solar Index: Index heavyweights sell off on lackluster 2Q13 results. Asian constituents offset downward pressure as upstream margins improve.
Ray of light
Egypt: Times are tumultuous in Egypt. Amidst the political and social unrest, one domestic company is trudging forward to bring solar power to those who need it the most in the country. A look at KarmSolar S.A.Es journey and ambition in Egypt.
Brighter outlook for global PV installations
Global solar forecast: Raj Prabhu, co-founder and CEO of Mercom Capital Group, dissects the current state of the world market and forecasts a brighter outlook for PV installations around the globe.
Rooftop activation
South Africa: The installation of rooftop solar PV systems in South Africa is set to exceed the annual projection of 5 MW because of continuing load shedding and an increase in grid electricity prices. Solar professionals are calling for more incentives and legislation to support this process and to increase the quality of PV installations.
