Competition critical
2018 price forecast: The PV market witnessed strong demand in 2017. After going through the peak-selling season from April to September, demand began to decline in Q4. Chinese manufacturers are now getting ready for next year.
Reducing the footprint
Backsheet life cycle: As the PV industry comes under pressure to further reduce emissions from its manufacturing sector, Giorgio Longoni, Vice General Manager of Sales for Asia at Italian backsheet specialist Coveme, introduces a study comparing the contribution of different backsheet materials to a module’s overall carbon footprint.
Trump versus solar
U.S. energy policy: The Trump Administration is currently making a number of significant policy changes that intersect with solar and other forms of renewable energy. pv magazine attempts to separate the real dangers to the solar market from the more superficial phenomena.
Europe’s newest bull market
The Netherlands: After lagging behind the rest of Europe during the continent’s first solar boom, The Netherlands now has a new government, and an ambitious strategy for renewables. Rolf Heynen, Director of the Solar Solutions international trade fair, provides an update on the Dutch solar situation.
One customer at a time
Italy update: Current Italian legislation for self-consumption includes the possibility for owners of PV systems up to 20 MW to sell all or part of the produced power to a single final client. Despite several challenges, this option is now becoming more attractive, as solar module prices keep dropping and energy prices for the Italian industry and service sector remain among the highest in Europe.
Surprising development
Battery prices: The storage industry, which is used to price cuts, does not have to panic as news of price rises and supply shortages filters through. But nevertheless, it will have to get used to a new reality, and to carefully consider changes in its sourcing.
ADD a dash of doubt
Antidumping in India: The threat of India’s government imposing antidumping duties (ADD) against solar cells and modules from China, Taiwan, and Malaysia is very real, and runs counter to its own ambitions of hitting 100 GW of solar by 2022. Or does it? Could duties help to boost India’s solar sector in other ways? And does the ongoing political uncertainty create opportunity or trepidation for industry?
BYD strides forward with a high voltage battery storage system
pv magazine award: This storage system manufacturer from China has dared to venture into a technology new to the home sector, and has faced the efficiency test.
Empowerment and energy in India
Gender issues: Energy access can be transformed from an obstacle to an opportunity for women’s empowerment through the integration of women into the energy supply chain, as well as supportive policies. Organizations in India are working to expand energy access and empower women by boosting incomes, expanding skills, and strengthening self-confidence. Over time, these efforts will enable a woman to have greater influence over herself, her family, and her community.
When is a yield loss worth investigating?
Interview: When investigating module defects, the cost-benefit ratio is key. Robert Golz from O&M company Enovos explains when troubleshooting is worthwhile and in which cases it would be better to wait before applying extensive – and often expensive – inspection methods.
