Flasher trends at EU PVSEC
Discussion about the adaptation of standards for Flashers, and the way in which high-performance and bifacial modules should be measured goes on. Berger Lichttechnik is now launching a new cell tester and Halm reports a three-digit number of delivered cell testers.
Interview: SunPower pivots to more conventional cell technologies and shingled cell modules
SunPower is famous for its back-contact cells, boasting one of the industry’s most advanced technologies. Josh Moore, SunPower Director, explains why the company is now ramping up 600 MW of production for different types of front-contact cells and shingled modules. He will pitch the advantages at pv magazine’s Future PV event to be held at SPI on Tuesday September 12.
Future PV: The feasibility of solar-powered hydrogen production
There is a solid business case to combine PV plants with electrolyzers, as generation costs are low enough to competitively produce hydrogen as a fuel, says Bjørn Simonsen of NEL Hydrogen. He will speak at pv magazine’s Future PV event at SPI in Las Vegas.
Interview: Using accurate weather data for asset management and risk reduction
Meteorological data are necessary to measure the performance of a solar plant, to ensure its yield and to effectively plan its maintenance. Gwen Bender, Vaisalas Product Manager for Solar Assessment Services discusses the importance of up to date, accurate weather monitoring, as opposed to relying on data from public sources.
Quality: Minor differences in yield percentage make the difference between good and bad investment
Changing technology, pressure to cut costs, dizzying price slumps and a number of other issues make solar module quality control as relevant as ever. The danger that modules could fail outright remains slim, so module reliability is still decisive for the success of the investment, explains George Touloupas, Director of Technology and Quality at CEA, in preparation of the 4th pv magazine Quality roundtable at SPI.
Poor quality planning: Shifting the blame, passing the buck
An installation company in the Midwest reports how blame was laid at their door for defective PV panels. The actual cause of the defects probably lie elsewhere.
Installation Innovation Award winner: Maxx-Solar Energy
After three weeks of intense voting, pv magazine and Hanwha Q CELLS is happy to declare Maxx-Solar Energy as the winner for its inventive project: delivering innovative financing solutions for solar PV in Africa.
Candidate 1, maxx-solar & energy: Innovative financing solutions for PV in Africa
maxx-solar & energy has arranged financing for a PV plant on the Dominican Grimley School; a school for the deaf attended by some 100 children.
Candidate 3, Solartechnik Mitteldeutschland: Innovative PV and CHP project for tenanted apartment buildings
Innovative PV and cogeneration tenant project for a multi-family dwelling.
PV innovations helping to push the French market forward
Philippe Malbranche, Directeur Général of the French solar research institute INES, explains why his organization is hosting a workshop on innovations from France. The varying innovations take part in the whole PV value chain, from oxygen measuring in the wafering process, to developing solar plants with integrated storage for French oversea territories.
