No reflection please
Anti-reflective coatings: An anti-reflective coating (ARC) can be important in increasing a modules output power. pv magazine looks at some of the coatings and technology on the market, as well as the coming together of glass and solar manufacturers.
Our place in the sun
Desertec: By end of the year 2010, the Desertec Industrial Initiative (Dii) had planned to develop a concept for its vision of supplying Europe with solar electricity from the deserts of North Africa and the Near East. Yet little concrete information has been provided up to now. Perhaps France will be able to provide the German project with a jump start.
Spot market for PV panels // Drop in demand
Module prices: German demand declined more sharply than anticipated and suppliers have responded with price reductions. Prices will presumably continue to drop since stocks are to be cleared by the end of the year.
Thin film expansion
CIGS thin film: How thin films that use copper, indium, gallium and selenium can find fast market acceptance has been a big question for CIGS technology developers. The answer, perhaps not surprisingly, depends on the size of their bank accounts and factories.
Through the Suntech looking glass
Suntech: What PV trends does the worlds largest producer of crystalline silicon solar panels anticipate? During a two-day fact finding mission to China, pv magazine gained an insiders glimpse through Suntechs looking glass via its CEO and CTO. Thin film and technological advancements, consolidation and silicon manufacturing were discussed.
Tracking the market
Solar trackers: Just like their products, which follow the suns trajectory day in and day out, solar tracker manufacturers are adapting to the ever-changing conditions of the PV market. The two main trends are simplifying installation, and the introduction of products better suited to the climate and regulatory regimes to better exploit emerging market opportunities around the world.
What does the future hold?
Trends 2011: Following a successful year, what can the PV industry expect to see in 2011? One important trend, say the analysts, is a market slowdown. It has also been said module prices must be reduced. pv magazine analyzes the trends, prices and markets likely to make an impact.
Wild years, new markets
11th Forum Solarpraxis: In November, the 11th Forum Solarpraxis took place in Berlin, drawing a full house to the Hilton. Expectations were high, and met. Questions and doubts were laid out and answered. New markets were brought to the limelight.
World wide testing
PV testing: Thanks to its global network, the VDE Institute the Testing and Certification Institute of the VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies can test and approve products around the world.
A marriage of beauty and function
BIPV: A growing number of PV manufacturers are offering modules designed to blend into roofs and building facades in North America. Competition will be particularly fierce for the precious real estate on the residential rooftops.
