Introducing ?Best of modules
Quality assurance: PV+Test is a new quality label to help customers navigate the module market. The first results are promising. Most of the modules that underwent the independent test fulfill the requirements. On the other hand, there are some clear differences in individual categories.
Nanoscale light trap
Plasmonics: The plasmonic effect can improve the absorption of light by a solar cells photoactive material. A consortium of institutes and PV companies, coordinated by the research center imec in Leuven, Belgium, is conducting further systematic research into this promising technique. Jan Provoost and Pol Van Dorpe of imec explain the details.
Promoting biodiversity
Biological Diversity: Globally, about 130 species are becoming extinct every day. To draw attention to this massive loss of plant and animal diversity, the United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity.
Robbys field test
Assembly robots: The Gehrlicher Assembly Robot has stood the test in a real-world application for the first time, having assembled 450 full size modules. The robot battled extremely cold temperatures as part of the production test. It later managed to assemble 148 modules in one day. The use of robots could lead to a breakthrough in the use of full size and frameless modules and could significantly reduce the future installation cost of solar parks.
The solar park as Noahs ark
Biodiversity: Field installations dont just protect the climate. They can also act, if nature conservation is one of the goals from the start, as green oases for endangered plants or animals. First Solar has been taking stock of the natural state of a number of model parks since last summer together with nature conservation groups, project developers and experts in the field.
Automation and efficiency: keys to success
CEO Interview: pv magazine speaks to Franco Traverso, President and CEO of Italian solar company Silfab. In addition to discussing the companys latest Ontario venture, he outlines its strategies for staying competitive.
Challenges and opportunities
India: There are challenges and opportunities present in the Indian solar PV sector, as has been highlighted time and time again in the past year. The sector has grown significantly but obstacles still remain. Chemtrols Solars Director Anish Rajgopal discusses achievements and challenges.
Chances and hurdles
Utility PV projects: Utilities are poised to be the largest solar opportunity in the United States as state based retail level incentives dry up and Renewable Portfolio Standards drive large wholesale transactions with load serving entities. Brian von Moos and TJ Morton of Borrego Solar explain the factors that need to be taken into account.
Creating common standards
SEMI Standards: The PV Standards Committee, which was formed in 2007, is one of the most active groups of the industry association Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI). James Amano, Director SEMI International Standards, on new standards.
Distinctly India
Solar Industry Summit India: The summit laid the cards on the table, bringing to light the challenges within the domestic industry. Issues ranging from bankability to culprits for system failure were discussed. pv magazine reports the findings.
