Solar says… – 08-2017
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Same floorspace, increased throughput
Module assembly: The PV production equipment market is fiercely competitive. In the module assembly space, some observe that Chinese providers are consuming ever-larger market share. However, with the number of countries in which solar manufacturing is carried out increasing, and the need for higher output essential for competitiveness, opportunities do exist for innovative suppliers.
Aug 09, 2017
Optimizing safety
DC power optimizers: Adding module-level power electronics to a rooftop solar array has long been a question of cost and performance, but new safety regulations introduced in the U.S. and European markets may create an extra incentive for homeowners and businesses to adopt this technology.
Aug 09, 2017
“Our path is one that we are highly confident in.”
Thin film: Mark Widmar has been at the helm of U.S. CdTe producer and project developer First Solar for a little over 12 months. During that time he has made the big call to skip the company’s Series 5 module and go to the large format Series 6. But what does the future hold for its project development business in the time of change? pv magazine spoke to the First Solar CEO to find out.
Aug 09, 2017
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New directions for U.S. solar veterans
Business model, technology innovation: SunPower and First Solar have long stood at the vanguard of the U.S. PV industry. But size and experience has never locked in success in solar. pv magazine checks out how the two company’s business models have evolved and continue to evolve, and in what new directions the two are heading.
Aug 09, 2017
Islands of opportunity
PV potential: Being at the highest risk of climate change impacts, several island nations are emerging as renewable energy champions. Solar and storage have hit an inflection point against diesel generation offering lower cost, cleaner electricity to island nations.
Aug 09, 2017
In need of encouragement
PV in Indonesia: To date, Indonesia has installed a tiny 71 MW of solar PV, of which only 8 MW are utility-scale plants. A law introduced this year aims to stimulate new PV investment, but does Indonesia’s government really like PV technology? pv magazine provides analysis of the new law and Indonesia’s solar energy sector.
Aug 09, 2017
Batteries to meet the demands of every application
BYD Interview: Prominent in the electric vehicle and solar module space, China’s BYD is also a battery storage pioneer. pv magazine caught up with the company’s Senior Global Sales Director Julia Chen and Alvaro Garcia Martinez MD of SR Energy – an official BYD partner – to discuss its latest high voltage B-Box modular battery.
Aug 09, 2017
Innogy adds muscle to Belectric’s one-stop shop
EPC: In January, German utility spin off innogy SE acquired pioneering solar EPC Belectric. The purchase price was in the high double-digit euro range. The move brought financial strength to Belectric’s market offering, but was as much a bringing together of like-minded teams as it was a piece of prescient timing, explains Ingo Alphéus, the new CEO of Belectric Solar & Battery GmbH.
Aug 09, 2017
The race for high efficiency is only just beginning
LONGi Solar interview: The Chinese solar module manufacturer’s global expansion hinges a lot on its ability to continue offering desirable, durable and highly efficient monocrystalline products and innovation, says Gerald Patrick Müller, VP Sales for Europe.
Aug 09, 2017
Mexico: Up to 40% of projects selected in auctions may not be built
Mexico Auctions: Santiago Barcón is a columnist for Energía Hoy and an advisor to Mexico’s Energy Regulatory Commission. Barcón explains that between 30 and 40% of projects assigned in Mexico’s first and second auctions may not actually be built. In addition, Barcón states that the Mexican electricity system is now more open to renewables, despite problems of transmission and bureaucracy. As a very positive aspect, Barcón highlights the enormous potential of distributed generation in the Latin American nation.
Aug 09, 2017
Storage saves
Sustaining the market: As the leading solar state in America, California’s behind-the-meter solar markets are seeing challenges as they explore new terrain. CALSEIA’s Bernadette Del Chiaro explains how the industry is navigating these changes, and what to expect in the future.
Aug 09, 2017
Module maker to project development leader
Module manufacturing: JinkoSolar will partner with Marubeni to supply and construct the record-setting 1.177 GW Sweihan project. The vast PV power plant has smashed records for PPA prices and is setting a new standard for the MENA region, which is finally appearing ready to take off as a solar market. But how will the new project be executed? JinkoSolar’s Chairperson of the Board, Xiande Li spoke to pv magazine.
Aug 09, 2017
Storage maturing faster
Global markets and manufacturing: Instability, uncertainty, a lack of visibility. Forecasting solar industry demand can be a tricky business. Edurne Zoco took over as joint research director for solar and storage at IHS Markit this year, and shares her insights into this year’s key trends.
Aug 09, 2017
African opportunities
Africa Energy Forum: Africa’s energy sector has generated headlines concerning both tenders and directly negotiated project deals. pv magazine explores the most promising solar PV markets on the African continent, and those that have also embraced policy work towards the development of their PV sector.
Aug 09, 2017
From Buffalo to Brazil
Americas show roundup: It’s been a busy month, and indeed a busy year, for PV across the Americas. pv magazine was in attendance at key events across both continents, including the Renewable Energy Finance Forum (REFF Wall Street) in New York City, Intersolar North America in San Francisco, and Brazil Solar Power in Rio de Janeiro, and now brings the latest from all three leading markets.
Aug 09, 2017
Realizing the potential
Mexican market: Two recent energy auctions have been the catalyst that solar needed to take off in Mexico. Although part of the 3.6 GW that was contracted may not actually be built, a third auction which is currently underway could ensure that solar comes to represent 6% of the country’s energy mix in 2021.
Aug 09, 2017
No solar shortcuts
Innovation and technology misunderstandings: Without innovation and dedication to pushing boundaries, the solar industry would wither and die. A lack of appreciation of the skill, time, and desire it takes to eke out greater efficiencies is not uncommon, and the route to successful commercialization is rarely straightforward.
Aug 09, 2017
Winding down, while gearing up
With the summer months upon us, at least in the northern hemisphere, the time for taking stock and catching one’s breath before the second half of the year descends is now. But it feels like somebody forgot to tell the solar industry. As the PV world continues to grow, both in size and complexity, there […]
Aug 09, 2017
