The cell doctor
Low-cost modules: Norways Innotech Solar repairs short-circuited solar cells that used to end up in smelters. A special laser process is used to repair defective cells, which are then processed into fully functional modules.
The future of soccer is green
Building integration: Sports club Werder Bremen is rebuilding its home field in Bremen, Germany, turning it from a multi-purpose venue into a dedicated soccer stadium. Regional energy supplier and sponsor EWE is working with Bremens municipal services to clad the building with photovoltaics, creating Germanys biggest building integrated array while simultaneously showing how solar power modules can provide an architectural solution.
The trouble with silicon
Triple Green, part 2: Silicon may be made of sand, but it is far from harmless. By the time the quartz becomes a module, it has lost its innocence. Nuclear power is used to smelt it, and the manufacturing process involves toxic chemicals and leaded fluxes and films. Crystalline solar technology is neither green nor clean but that could change. Part 2 of our series “Triple Green” on green energy, green recycling and green manufacturing.
Thumbing your nose at the wind
Flatroofs: Hall roofs with low load reserves can also be tapped for solar power production by using aerodynamic mounting systems. A strong market is developing for mounting systems that secure modules to flat roofs with minimal ballast and without penetrating the roof skin. Some manufacturers merely offer variations on conventional designs. But some product developers are thinking outside the box. A market overview.
What really counts is long-term performance
Solar module tests: Measuring the output and yield of solar modules should give customers guidance, but the value of the test methods vary widely. A new EuPD Research study provides insight into the topic, and explains what manufacturers and consumers should pay attention to.
Where the trip is worth it
Trade shows and conventions: The number of solar fairs and conferences around the globe is rising. This article presents a selection of the most important events in the second half of 2010.
A second Christmas
German market outlook: The industry expects an extended Christmas trade season in the first two quarters of 2010. But, in spite of the foreseeable additional feed-in rate reduction, all signs point to further growth of the German PV market over the entire year. However, problems with the supply of inverters are causing worries. A survey of trends and expectations for 2010.
A picture without a frame
Turkey: Since early 2008, everyone has been saying that it wouldnt be much longer before the Turkish Parliament approved a new feed-in compensation for photovoltaics.
A trim or a chop?
Funding policy: The new German government doesnt want to make any decisions about the future feed-in tariff for solar electricity under the Renewable Energy Act until discussions have been held with industry representatives. PV professionals hope for a prudent reduction.
An end to stagnation
International market: Following last years standstill, the lights have turned green again for the 2010 global solar market. Italy, Greece, Spain and South Africa will be playing alongside Germany in the premier league, forecasts Switzerlands renowned Bank Sarasin.
