The Array Changers – 06-2015
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From farm to flash
Bypass diodes: The Zurich University of Applied Sciences has developed a new mobile LED flasher that can test module nominal power in the field, rather than in the lab. This flasher can also detect faulty bypass diodes quickly and easily. pv magazine was invited along to see the system in action at a German array.
Jun 01, 2015
Asias inverter expansion
Inverters: Having spent years building expertise and sales channels in domestic markets, many of the leading inverter suppliers from China and Japan have begun to branch out overseas. With their home markets largely secure from foreign infiltration, do these would-be inverter giants have what it takes to capture global revenues in the same way as their fellow cell and module counterparts?
Jun 01, 2015
Solars mission possible
India update: Solar PV installations in India are forecast to double across the year to more than 2 GW as the industry moves confidently ahead with the next round of the the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, writes Raj Prabhu, CEO and co-founder of Mercom Capital Group.
Jun 01, 2015
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Yieldcos keep rolling
Solar finance update: A strong start to the year was recorded, with total corporate funding in the solar sector reaching $6.4 billion in Q1, while a record $1.9 billion was raised by residential and commercial solar funds. Venture capital funding was down, however, writes Mercom Capital Group CEO and co-founder, Raj Prabhu.
Jun 01, 2015
Beyond tier one
PV manufacturing: With big brands, high levels of exposure and slick press outfits, tier one module manufacturers invariable hog the solar limelight. But beyond the well-known names, tier two and three manufacturers play a crucial role. But what position do they find themselves in as the market emerges from its module glut? Clean Energy Associates Andy Klump finds a shifting landscape.
Jun 01, 2015
High efficiency is mostly talk
Jinkosolar: Long regarded as one of the leaders when it comes to production costs, JinkoSolar has continued to expand its production capacity, right across the crystalline silicon production chain. IHS ranks it as the fifth-largest module manufacturer, and the company is also investing heavily in the booming Chinese downstream market. pv magazine spoke to company chairman Xiande Li at the SNEC trade show in Shanghai to discuss the companys performance and future objectives.
Jun 01, 2015
In 10 years, Beijing will be clean
Interview: One year ago pv magazine spoke to Shunfeng International Clean Energy Limited CEO Eric Luo, after he took the helm at the former Wuxi Suntech Power.Catching up again with the fast-moving company at the SNEC trade show, pv magazine finds a force that hopes to be the clean utility of the future.
Jun 01, 2015
Innovation in solar O&M
Operations and maintenance: As the solar industry matures, spending and focus on PV power plant O&M is increasing. Oscar Fitch-Roy and Ragna Schmidt-Haupt of DNV GL (formerly GL Garrad Hassan) identify several elements of a modernized and holistic approach to technical solar asset management and operations.
Jun 01, 2015
Managing the big data of an EU giant
300 MW Cestas: Last month, pv magazine took a deep dive into the foundations of Europes largest PV plant, currently under construction in Cestas, France. With the plant using around one million modules, the monitoring component of the array is of crucial importance. Developer Neoen decided on relative newcomer QOS Energy on the project, and pv magazine went in search of why.
Jun 01, 2015
It begins in Africa
Tanzania: These are stirring times for Tanzanias energy landscape. On the cusp of economic growth, solar PV is poised to play a leading role in the countrys transition from Kenyas little sister to proud and independent African beacon of hope, writes Angelika Farhan-Reimpell from GIZ.
Jun 01, 2015
On fertile ground
Palestine: With a nascent industry dependent on donor programs, no money for domestic incentive schemes, a lack of development land and seemingly intractable political problems, the prospects for solar in Palestine seem grim. But hope springs eternal, as one developer told pv magazines Max Hall in the West Bank.
Jun 01, 2015
Technology is the route to competitiveness
Inverters: The fragmented, cost-competitive PV inverter industry demands of companies a forward-thinking, flexible approach that places the needs of the customer first. Javier Coloma Calahorra, general director of Spanish inverter supplier Ingeteam, tells pv magazine that a multi-pronged approach to growth is the key to success.
Jun 01, 2015
Its not all gold
SNEC 2015: Sprawling across around 15 vast exhibition halls, the SNEC trade show continues to attract the global solar industry to Shanghai. What appears to be a new cycle of manufacturing investment resulted in technology providers arriving in big numbers while Chinas booming downstream market is bringing in international investors.
Jun 01, 2015
Small steps to solar progress
Poland: The countrys revised Renewable Energy Sources Act has taken a slow, considered approach to future clean energy generation, but will soon launch an auction system that could prove attractive to solar PV developers, writes Piotr Mrowiec of law firm Rödl and Partner.
Jun 01, 2015
Finding your way in the dark
Quality in aging arrays: Finding the right quality is an issue that comes up repeatedly for anyone who builds PV plants, regardless of size. In preparation for the round table discussion on the topic, Quality in Rooftop PV at Intersolar Europe in Munich, pv magazine has compiled the responses of more than 200 experts on their approaches to quality and experiences with customers and investors.
Jun 01, 2015
Bell goes for round two
Trade dispute: For the first time ever a large trade group, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, has taken a stand on phasing out minimum prices for Chinese PV imports. However, it is still uncertain whether this will come to pass. EU Prosun has already submitted more complaints to the European Commission and has announced that it will call for an expiry review this fall.
Jun 01, 2015
A drop in the ocean
Solar-powered irrigation: Far from being a dry topic, the world of off-grid water irrigation is multi-faceted and endlessly fascinating, with solar PVs role as potential disruptor proving both encouraging and frustrating in equal measure, finds pv magazines off-grid editor, Peter Carvill.
Jun 01, 2015
A feast without a ticket
Monitoring in China: Dining at Chinas top PV table has been a one-course affair for the past few years. However, the O&M sector is set to deliver a lavish second course, and it is an industry that promises a great deal of meal tickets for a wide array of specialists.
Jun 01, 2015
EU must roll with it
Those were the days, my friend. There was a time in the European PV industry when it seemed that the good times would roll on forever. Component prices were high, as were subsidies, and it seemed that everywhere you turned someone was making money. The parties were lavish and, so too, were the budgets. But […]
Jun 01, 2015
Mining smart management and storage
Offgrid PV+storage: Despite falling oil prices, mine operators are increasingly turning to PV and intelligent power management and storage solutions to deliver reliable and clean electricity. In a cultural shift, the cost savings and advantages are being recognized by the traditionally conservative resource sector. Three standout regions for this type of application are emerging in South Africa, Australia and Chile.
Jun 01, 2015
