The successes and benefits of distributed micro-grids depend largely on intelligent controllers and the solutions on offer for such systems are diverse. In our market survey, we take a closer look at the products available from 24 manufacturers.

A much talked about concept, but the final step into market operationality has not been done – yet. Nissan, The Mobility House, and Enervie have joined forces to allow Nissan Leaf’s to provide frequency control to a distribution grid in Germany. The concept has received permission to pursue its plans, and for corporate customers it will be ready for adoption as of 2019.

Troubleshooting series: Steadily declining system yield over the years is to be expected due to module degradation in photovoltaic systems. But in the following case, the yield abruptly dropped – and it happened after several years of operation. In this series based on real cases, pv magazine aims to make assessment of troubleshooting efforts more concrete and stimulate a discussion about troubleshooting efficiency today.

Series troubleshooting: Individual insulation failures are often difficult to detect in monitoring. And when such problems are suspected, it is an additional challenge to pinpoint them precisely. In this series of realistic cases, pv magazine aims to make the estimation of troubleshooting efforts more concrete and to stimulate a discussion on today’s troubleshooting efficiency.

Series troubleshooting: If several module strings fail completely, the result is usually high yield losses. But to identify the strings and correct the failure can sometimes be a challenge. In this series with realistic cases, pv magazine aims to make the estimation of troubleshooting efforts more concrete and to stimulate a discussion on today’s troubleshooting efficiency.

Series troubleshooting: Bypass diodes fail regularly, either because they do not have a high enough power rating or because they are overloaded due to nearby lightning strikes. With the following hypothetical, but realistic case pv magazine starts a series which aims to make the estimation of troubleshooting efforts more concrete and to stimulate a discussion on todays troubleshooting efficiency.

The roadmap provides an overview of the market for crystalline photovoltaics in 2016 and forecasts the most important developments for the coming years.

The company said that continuing it’s business operations is possible only with reduced staff. Production must keep going in the interest of possible future investors.

This year, among other things, there were awards for a new solar module, a mounting system for water surfaces, various efficient storage concepts and an innovative concept for cooling milk.

According to the business climate index of German solar association BSW, the order intake of PV developers is significantly increasing thanks to improved financing conditions and more attractive yields.