Magazine Archive 2011

Laser scribing: For over five years, Jenoptik’s Lasers & Material Processing division has been manufacturing full-scale production facilities for structuring and Laser Edge Deletion (LED) of thin-film solar modules. Gabriele Eberhardt, Jenoptik’s Application Manager, outlines the latest developments and advantages of its technology.

Dear readers, Did that one hit home? SolarWorld Industries America set off the public relations bomb at the right time during the Solar Power International exhibition and conference in Dallas. This time “Emperor Frank” was not concerned with taking over the carmaker Opel, or mounting a campaign against cadmium telluride in modules –this time it […]

Green Silicon 2011, Shanghai: There was a mix of frustration and optimism at the recent 4th World Polysilicon and PV Industry Summit, part of the Green Silicon 2011 conference in Shanghai from October 11 to 13.

Interview: Many big names from other sectors are starting to see the growth and potential in the solar sector of late. pv magazine speaks to Eltek Valere who have branched into the solar sector, now offering their expertise from power electronics into solar inverters. Sales Director Alberto de Leon explains the company’s strategy.

India: As the Intersolar India draws closer, programs in Rajasthan and Karnataka have expanded the solar market. Mohit Anand from Bridge to India reports.

Interview: The Total Group, till now known for its oil and gas businesses, has taken over 60 percent of SunPower. Total’s President for the gas department and renewable energy, Philippe Boiseau, and SunPower Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Werner, defend themselves against accusations of greenwashing and see, rather, many advantages in coming together.

Materials: With an increasing emphasis on manufacturers maintaining “green credentials”, Paul Stockman, the Fluorine Technology Manager for Linde Electronics, says that on-site fluorine generation can reduce PV’s carbon footprint.

Global Consensus Forecast: After a tumultuous first half, with huge price drops and uncertainty on just about everything, the solar market is beginning to see some positive signs in terms of demand pick up. Overall, a growth of 20 percent over 2010 is forecast for this year. However, 2012 looks flat. Mercom Capital Group’s Raj Prabhu discusses global solar markets.

Russia: Known for its oil, cold and its might, Russia does not seem a natural fit for PV expansion. However, as a potential shift in politics might take place and aging fossil-fuel generation infrastructure increases electricity costs, PV’s frozen frontier may be thawing out and coming to life.