Why waste this space? – 07-2012
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Enhancement of electrical performance
Computer modeling: Solar cell industries widely use computer modeling programs to design PV cells with different materials, structures and correlate them with actual performance parameters. Modeling provides the cheapest evaluation of process performance parameters and integrates the fabrication process to develop higher efficiency solar cells at the industrial level. Microsols researchers explain the process.
Jul 01, 2012
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Happy together
PV CIStems: The companies themselves have chosen to highlight the synergies between the two businesses as the key behind the PV CIStems JV that has been formed between leading EPC Belectric and CIGS manufacturer Solar Frontier. But to what extent will the downstream development provide safe harbor for some of Solar Frontiers recently ramped production? pv magazine takes an initial look.
Jul 01, 2012
Make room for CZTS
Interview: Lux Research released a report Searching for game changers in photovoltaic materials innovation: next-generation technologies that drive down $/W. Using a disruptive technology grid, lead analyst Fatima Toor examined the technologies with the most potential and copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) came out as one of the winners.
Jul 01, 2012
Sun and ice
Off-grid solar: The Alliance for Rural Electrification reports on a rural micro-grid project that powers a 60 home village on Santo Antão, the largest of the islands of Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of Western Africa. The most important application of the solar PV micro-grid, which includes an individual energy allowance scheme, is the production of ice to preserve fish.
Jul 01, 2012
Is the future thin?
Thin film: Polysilicon prices have fallen dramatically in the past 12 months and IHS iSuppli predicts that they will be lower than US$22 per kilogram by the end of this year. One of the obvious consequences is that crystalline silicon-based (c-Si) module manufacturers are able to reduce costs and prices on an aggressive road map, so much so that much of the competitive advantage of thin film producers has been eroded. Does a market still exist for thin film and which manufacturers will survive this period of intense price competition? pv magazine investigates.
Jul 01, 2012
Taking it all back
Interview: PV module recycling has become a hot topic, following their reclassification under the WEEE Directive as electronic waste. Nicholas Defrenne, Managing Director of non-profit PV module recycling organization CERES tells pv magazine why he believes CERES business model out-trumps that of PV Cycles. He also discusses the potential money to be made and the challenges the business faces.
Jul 01, 2012
Paths to progress
Grid integration in Germany: With record amounts of solar power generated in Germany this year, it is clear that the countrys regulatory framework is successfully fostering renewable energy. However success has had an impact on the economics of the electricity market. Now both fossil fuel incumbents and new solar players are trying to influence lawmakers to ensure their economic future.
Jul 01, 2012
Will solar power plants perform as expected?
India: The Indian solar market is principally made up of megawatt-scale feed-in tariff (FIT) projects. Project allocation in India is governed by various national and state level policies. Bridge to Indias Tobias F. Engelmeier examines if the plants will perform.
Jul 01, 2012
Not everyone loves world records
Dear readers, On sunny May 26, Germany set a new world record. At midday, approximately 1.1 million PV installations supplied 22 gigawatts of solar electricity; roughly 40 percent of total power generated in Germany. This corresponds to the output of 15 nuclear power units. No country thus far has ever supplied this amount of solar […]
Jul 01, 2012
Fill of energy
Large-scale landfill PV installation: The idea is meaningful: using large landfill sites as a basis for solar power parks. Such projects are present, both on recently closed landfills and older landfills. A look at the special conditions that prevail in this landscape and the solutions on offer.
Jul 01, 2012
Its payback time
Industry ranking: Crystalline module manufacturers did not fare very well last year. The overcapacities were too large, and the prices that could be obtained were too low as a result. Most producers are hardly developing their capacities. Nevertheless, several of them are still planning on aggressive growth.
Jul 01, 2012
Will the shale gas boom outshine PV?
United States: The US is increasingly relying on shale gas and oil as strategic domestic energy sources. The US government seems to see shale gas and solar as complementary energy sources, whereas a report by the European Union argues that a solar park has a higher efficiency per square meter of land area.
Jul 01, 2012
Attracting luminaries & latecomers
Intersolar North America: Last year, the Intersolar North America trade show and conference attracted 834 exhibitors and 19,168 visitors, along with 220 speakers and 1,617 seminar attendees, or more than 20,000 people. This summer, the conference organizers predict that these numbers will rise to 22,000.
Jul 01, 2012
