Magazine Archive

Module prices: The spot market for photovoltaic modules closed the year 2010 with a clear decline in prices. On the other hand, there was an increase in both production capacities and installations.

Kyocera interview: Kyocera has a ripe and rich history when it comes to photovoltaics in Japan. The company put its foot into the industry in the seventies and has been on a successful run since. Kyocera Corporation Solar Energy Group’s Vice President and General Manager, Tatsumi Maeda spoke with pv-magazine on Kyocera’s recipe for success, plans for research and development and the Japanese setting.

Japan: Despite its failed foray into world of PV without subsidies, Japan still managed to be the third biggest PV market in 2010. With a clear focus on clean energy, combined with a strategic incentive outlook, it doesn’t look like the country is ready to give up its leading position just yet.

Thin glass: The solar industry has come to realize that the glass industry has really got something to offer. The research that glass manufacturers have been embarking on has certainly reaped fruits, bringing to the market glass both thinner and stronger. The image of thin glass being a fragile weak-link is now officially a thing of the past.

New Turkish FITs: After a delay of over two years, Turkey has finally adopted an amendment to its Renewable Energies Act of 2004 which raises the feed-in tariffs for power generated from renewables. The revised feed-in tariffs, while presenting a considerable improvement over the previous law – which provided for an unacceptably low FIT of 0.055 euros for all renewables – fall well short of expectations.

Power-One: The California inverter maker has risen in prominence as it overtakes competitors to become the second ranked inverter supplier worldwide.

econet china: From green building to promoting efficiency and sustainability in the Chinese photovoltaic industry. A new initiative spearheaded by German industry and the German Chamber of Commerce in China seeks to market German photovoltaic technology and know-how to the Chinese photovoltaic industry.

France: With new installations totaling 500 to 550 megawatts, 2010 was the most successful year in the history of the still young French solar market. Now, however, the French Government is putting further growth on hold. During a three-month suspension of installations, it will revise the regulations for incentives. An annual cap of 500 megawatts and new incentives for systems building integrated or not are under debate.

Roof-integrated systems: On slanted roofs, solar panels can replace conventional roof tiles and shingles. Manufacturers of insulation systems and module makers both offer systems for the roof-integration of photovoltaics. A number of new systems simultaneously perform multiple building functions.