In search of new markets
Chinese factory gate prices: Chinese tier-1 and tier-2 module suppliers are working hard to keep prices stable.
Where Europe works for Asia
Czech Republic: While many European solar module factories are having to close their doors due to global overcapacity, the machines at Kyocera in the Czech Republic are still humming away. Most of the modules it produces are bound for the Japanese market.
New deposition of AZO thin films
TCO layer deposition: Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films have been deposited using an in-line ETP-CVD production process at Roth & Rau. ETP-CVD allows high deposition speed, reduces system size and decreases running costs. It can be applied to deposition on foils. For CIGS module production, the cost of ownership for AZO will go towards 1/m2 . Roth & Raus Manager of Innovations Roel Bosch provides the latest information on the deposition technology, performance and cost.
What we need is awareness
West Africa: How can photovoltaic technology achieve a breakthrough in Ghana? Arthur Manu, Solar Dealer in Nkoranza in the Brong-Ahafo Region in mid-western Ghana, explains the market potential of solar in the country.
On target for P2 and P3
Laser scribing: Widely used in silicon thin film PV production, lasers still have a way to go to be used to the same extent in CIGS production.
200 GW for Germany
Germany: 200 GW in Germany; seven times more than what there is today. Is this realistic or is it just lobby propaganda to secure a good vision for PV installers and manufacturers? Many say that the number is a good business goal.
On the horizon
Net metering: A new net metering scheme should help Israels solar PV market grow more quickly in 2013 and there are signs that grid parity may soon be achieved.
Budding PV businesses
Ecosummit: New PV innovations were being presented at the Ecosummit conference in Düsseldorf last month, where VC funds looked closely at a range of innovations. The trend towards bringing together web-based innovation into the cleantech space was evident.
Q.Cells second rising
Industry consolidation: Solar PV is a major pillar of the Hanwha Groups strategy for quality growth in the future. Its acquisition, completed in October, of the bankrupt Q.Cells is a clear part of this strategy. As the new venture Hanwha Q.Cells was launched, company representatives chose to highlight synergies between the companies. But how good is the fit and how long will Hanwha remain committed to PV in the face of losses from its PV business segment? pv magazine investigates.
Campaign to slash red tape
Interview: Right across the PV industry it is well known that system prices are falling. In the U.S. one factor that is keeping installed costs artificially high is administrative and regulatory costs. Committed to cutting the red tape is the Solar Freedom Now coalition, which is being spearheaded by Barry Cinnamon, who spoke with pv magazine to outline what effect it could have and how the goal aligns with the 300 GW p.a. initiative.
