Not gone with the wind – 02-2010
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Caught by surprise
Funding policy: The proposals made by German Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen for an extra reduction of the feed-in tariffs for solar electricity surprised the industry. However, the final word has yet to be given. There is increasing resistance, even within the government coalition.
Sep 14, 2010
Eastern Europes beacon projects
Czech Republic: 2009 has been an enormous success for the Czech photovoltaics market. Despite cuts in the solar feed-in tariffs of five percent, the majority of market participants are now expecting even better development in 2010. It seems unlikely that the gold rush atmosphere in the Czech Republic will calm down before 2011.
Sep 14, 2010
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.
Sep 14, 2010
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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.
Sep 14, 2010
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.
Sep 14, 2010
Full steam ahead!
Dear readers, The announcement of lower feed-in rates for solar power in Germany spoiled many a party for industry representatives at the beginning of the year – for the growth of the world’s biggest photovoltaics market could be stunted, and jobs may be lost, especially for midsize companies. At the same time, opposition to the […]
Sep 14, 2010
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.
Sep 14, 2010
Solar makes a comeback
Japan: The global economic crisis has left Japans photovoltaic market almost completely untouched, and the industry is again gaining momentum. One of the driving forces for the domestic private household sector has been the recent incentive revision. The manufacturing industry has already announced multi-billion dollar investments. Foreign competitors, however, will still find it difficult to get a foothold on the market.
Sep 14, 2010
Bigger is not always better
Mounting racks: The market for ground-mounted systems is booming. The system that a plant designer opts for depends on various factors. Dimensions, foundations and module mounting must match perfectly. However, too often plants are dimensioned in a stereotypical fashion. Now, wind tunnel trials are helping to save money.
Sep 14, 2010
