Market see-saw
Ardour Solar Index: Mixed developments in European markets. Italy paints a possible boom-bust picture.
Masdar light
Masdar City: Taking place for the fourth time in mid-January, the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi once again attracted large numbers of visitors. Among the focal points were the plans for Masdar City to be powered exclusively by renewables.
Not falling through the cracks
Optical wafer inspection: Metrology systems are available in the market for the tedious task of detecting errors in wafers before they get forwarded onwards in the manufacturing line.
Off-grid survival skills
PV training: If off-grid PV systems do not come with skilled installers, there is a high risk that they fail or underperform. One of the lecturers at the Renewables Academy (RENAC) in Berlin reports on his experiences in the off-grid solar power business.
Power off the beaten track
Off-grid Bangladesh: Off-grid Base Terminal Stations are turning towards solar energy to power the telecommunication possibilities in the country. Carbon footprint reduction and sustainability are core ideologies behind the deletion of diesel and entry of solar. Pilot project success stories drive further plans.
Rectifying issues
Interview: GP Solars Managing Director Eric Rüland explains innovations and the complex process of weeding out the good from the bad.
Shine a light on plastics
ETFE innovation: Ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene films allow PV module manufacturers to deliver a lightweight, high-performance product. Nikhil Bhiwankar, Research Associate at Saint-Gobain Solar, explains the benefits of ETFE.
Small systems, big impact
Off-grid PV in Africa: Phaesun from Memmingen, Germany, a systems integrator specialised in off-grid photovoltaics, has successfully completed many projects in developed and developing countries. A report on Phaesuns experiences in rural and periurban areas of Eritrea and Tanzania, East Africa.
Spot market for PV panels: Cheaper than ever
Module prices: As was to be expected, there was a sharp decline in prices in each of the regions of origin. Spot market prices hit a record low in January.
SRECs for all!
CEO interview: Solis Partners MD Jamie Hahn talks to pv magazine about solar renewable energy certificates their success in the New Jersey marketplace and the areas which still need development. He also discusses incentive schemes, and the companys competitive strategy.
