All in the chemistry – 02-2013
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New approaches to vacuum deposition
Vacuum deposition processes: A new tool that presents a different way of doing things certainly can get the attention of manufacturers. But are any PV manufacturers in the position to spend? Manz AG has found that the market is receptive to its new Vertical Coating System (VCS 1200), however the road to sales may prove more difficult.
Feb 10, 2013
PV expansion powers growth creation
Africa: Overall economic growth on the continent for 2012 through 2013 is projected to reach 4.8% with some countries likely to hit the 6% mark. These figures are raising hopes of expanded investment in the nascent solar PV sector and the creation of green collar jobs.
Feb 10, 2013
Reliable performance
On-site testing: In Europe, transportation routes between PV manufacturing facilities and solar parks are getting longer. That means that product quality might not always be as expected at the point of delivery. A cost-efficient way to overcome such risks is to use mobile test centers on-site, as Erik Lohse of MBJ Services, Tanja Bergbauer of BEC-Engineering, and Michael Radig of Gehrlicher Solar explain.
Feb 10, 2013
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Putting on the pressure
Dear readers, “Electricity Price: Altmaier Steps on the Brakes” – these anxious headlines arrived just in time for the editorial deadline. With the explanation that a precipitously rapid development of renewable energies, in particular photovoltaics, is leading to an endless increase in the amount of the surcharge provided for in the German Renewable Energy Sources […]
Feb 10, 2013
Smart little trackers
Trackers: A nifty little robot who does all the work. California-based QBotix Inc has made it its mission to leverage their expertise in intelligent robots to present smart solutions for PV. Founder and CEO Wasiq Bokhari talks to pv magazine on their robot, the QBotix Tracking System or QTS.
Feb 10, 2013
Solar self-supply
Self-consumption: Small, decentralized solar energy production units, energy storage devices and a battery management system can help people to become independent from the public power grid and constantly rising electricity prices. The first systems for self- consumption prove that it really works, explains Artur Deger, CEO of DEGERenergie.
Feb 10, 2013
Net metering in Brazil
Brazil: We have seen a lot of governmental stimulus for the PV industry, in particular in Europe, with varying degrees of success and often at great cost. Many other countries have learnt from the seemingly endless discussions in Germany, Italy and Spain and have chosen alternative support systems to the customer-friendly feed-in tariff mechanism. Christian Leers from Accelios elaborates.
Feb 10, 2013
A calming market
United Kingdom: The UK solar market is settling down after two rollercoaster years. So far the new capacity-linked degressive feed-in tariff (DFIT) system appears to be stabilizing the market. Now the value of solar renewable obligation certificates (ROCs) has been clarified and solar incorporated into the governments green roadmap, all appears set for continued strong but steady growth.
Feb 10, 2013
Automated mounting
Assembly robots: In an effort to improve cost effectiveness, two German solar PV companies, PV-Kraftwerker GmbH and Gehrlicher Solar AG, have developed mobile robots that are capable of assembling and installing ground-mounted PV modules. As the companies explain, the use of such robots can deliver a number of key benefits to PV installation companies.
Feb 10, 2013
Towards 2025
Interview: Since launching the 300 GW p.a. initiative in September 2012, pv magazine has shone a light on the future of the PV industry, in becoming a major pillar of world energy by 2025 and beyond. As a part of the initiative Applied Solars Charlie Gay joins the conversation and makes the case for PV to strive forward and take its place alongside major energy players, including natural gas.
Feb 10, 2013
Solar VC spending halved in 2012
Investment: Solar investors took cover in 2012. Burned by lackluster returns and weak exit opportunities, venture capital (VC) funds placed fewer bets of smaller average amounts on solar companies last year, according to Raj Prabhu, managing partner at Mercom Capital Group LLC.
Feb 10, 2013
A week of superlatives
World Future Energy Summit: Representatives from more than 140 countries, including more than 80 energy ministers and six heads of state, came together in Abu Dhabi for the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The World Future Energy Summit (WFES) and International Water Summit were held at the same time. The focus of the event was on the status quo of renewable energy in the region.
Feb 10, 2013
Quantum dots: The pros and cons in PV
Quantum dots: PV has anchored its place as one of the most promising renewable energy technologies owing to its operational feasibility, durability and ease of maintenance. Within this field, quantum dot (QD) semiconductors have, of late, drawn a large number of PV researchers.
Feb 10, 2013
Local knowledge the key
Japan utility-scale: As Japans market has recently been kick-started, access to cost-effective finance coupled with the right choice of local partner will be crucial for international players in converting this market buzz into projects on the ground. Yukinobu Uchida and Ragna Schmidt-Haupt from global renewable energy consultancy GL Garrad Hassan provide insights into market entry.
Feb 10, 2013
Spoilt for choice
Battery overview: Batteries are an integral part of the total storage solution offered for renewable energy applications. However in the selection process, comparison of the different batteries available is not easy since chemistries and performance for applications differ. This market overview shows deep cycle batteries that are on the market and the elements that can influence operation and storage.
Feb 10, 2013
Finally, reliable figures
Vision 2050: A study conducted by Fraunhofer ISE shows that electricity in Germany does not have to be any more expensive in the year 2050 than it is today, and that it can be produced completely from renewable energies. This time PV technology fares decidedly better than in past studies on the topic.
Feb 10, 2013
