Automation in motion – 05-2010
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Manager for hire
Management: Most people would be scared off by a constant pressure to perform, new situations and uncertain future prospects. Bona fide interim managers, however, thrive in such situations. They think of it as a challenge, as independence, and an opportunity to make a difference. Their creed? Roll up your sleeves and get to it. More and more solar energy companies are using these modern nomads to meet the quickly changing demands of the market.
Sep 16, 2010
Be proud of yourself
Dear readers, Is the PV industry innovative enough? Over the past few months, the German solar industry in particular faced such public criticism. PV execs were charged with being too lazy, only having an eye on quick returns and investing too little in innovations thanks to Germany’s generous feed-in tariffs. Politicians were able to use […]
Sep 16, 2010
Goodbye to heavy metals
EU environmental guidelines: New environmental constraints loom for the photovoltaics industry. Members of the European Parliament are now discussing recycling systems and directives to govern the use of carcinogenic substances like lead and cadmium in electrical and electronic equipment.
Sep 16, 2010
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PV production under the microscope
Over the years, scientists of the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have made many important breakthroughs in their solar PV laboratories. However, making those breakthroughs commercial projects has often proven to be painfully slow. They are hoping their newest facility will help close that gap by integrating the best scientific precision measuring devices into a simulated industrial production line.
Sep 16, 2010
Stricter and more uniform
Most inverters are already certified. Yet amazingly enough, uniform standards for all testing procedures do not exist. That is now changing. Axel Schwalm from VDE Testing and Certification Institute explains what this means for manufacturers, dealers and installers.
Sep 16, 2010
Preparing to move out of the niche
Triple Green, part 5: Mass production of CIS modules is largely possible without heavy metals and metallurgy. Theoretically, they as such have the best chance of becoming truly triple green (green energy, green recycling, green manufacturing). Nevertheless, there is still some need for development before these modules can be produced in a manner both environmentally and economically sustainable.
Sep 16, 2010
The quiet after the boom
Korea: South Korea has become one of Asias most attractive photovoltaics markets. Yet now, given that the government is not extending its financial assistance, the industry will have to reckon with a bitter setback. One could sense the apprehensive mood at South Koreas largest trade show, the Green Energy Expo in Daegu.
Sep 16, 2010
PV production under the microscope
NREL laboratories: Over the years, scientists at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have made many important breakthroughs in their PV laboratories. However, making those breakthroughs, commercial projects has often proven to be painfully slow. They are hoping their newest facility will help close that gap by integrating the best scientific precision measuring devices into a simulated industrial production line.
Sep 16, 2010
Stricter and more uniform
Safety for inverters: Most inverters are already certified. Yet amazingly enough, uniform standards for all testing procedures do not exist. That is now changing. Axel Schwalm from VDE Testing and certification Institute explains what this means for manufacturers, dealers and installers.
Sep 16, 2010
The way to France
France: After a slow start, the French PV market enjoys the status of being the fourth largest connected power market in Europe. Below is an overview of the main procedures and administrative approvals necessary when setting up a photovoltaic installation in mainland France or French overseas territory.
Sep 16, 2010
Uniting water and sun
The story of solar electricity: The eleventh part of our series of chapters from John Perlins book From Space to Earth is the continuation of the Chapter Father Verspieren Preaches the Solar Gospel, about a Catholic priest who initiated a PV water pumping program for Mali that became the model for the developing world.
Sep 16, 2010
We need to catch up in wafer manufacturing
Interview: Where is the PV industry today in terms of automation and standardization? How much can they lower costs? pv magazine spoke with Jörg Walther, Head of the installation technology department in the Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies Division at Bosch Rexroth AG of Stuttgart.
Sep 16, 2010
Enabling growth
Automation and robotics: Reducing the cost of labor is only one reason to further automate the processes of solar photovoltaic production. Currently, the quest for improved quality and increased production capacity is driving the global demand for automation and robotics.
Sep 16, 2010
Bankruptcy insurance
Interview: Small and midsize module manufacturers often are left sitting on their products when banks do not have enough confidence in them. Steffen A. Müller of Trust, a risk management and insurance broker, explains why his firm is focusing on this problem, and why bankers do not openly talk about the issue. While his explanations specifically refer to the legal situation in Germany, there are similar issues abroad.
Sep 16, 2010
Less iron, more transparency
Solar glass: A new float glass factory of F-Glass, a joint venture between Scheuten and Interpane, now makes very clear glass with low iron content. As a result, more sunlight is passed on to the solar cells and module efficiency increased. And as the glass is also coated directly in the production plant, production is also cheaper.
Sep 16, 2010
Pores and pyramids, yield increasers
Anti-reflective solar glass: Solar glass is meant to protect modules from wind and weather. But it always reflects a small amount of sunlight, especially if the light hits the glass at a low angle. Anti-reflective coatings and structures can help, and increase module output, yet there remains no ideal solution for every application.
Sep 16, 2010
Solar DIY
Di-it-yourself PV kits: Complete photovoltaic systems are not only available from specialized retailers or installers of solar systems. It is precisely the do-it-yourself enthusiasts who also rely on other sources, such as the German chain stores Obi, Toom, Globus, Tchibo, and even eBay. Nevertheless, the installers of solar power systems dont have to start worrying about their volume of orders just yet.
Sep 16, 2010
