PV in the eye of the beholder
Solar farms in the crossfire: Lower Bavaria is Germanys premier solar region. But now protests aimed at ground-mounted systems are growing. The town of Ruhstorf near the Austrian border shows how the conflict over solar farms can be de-escalated.
Where the trip is worth it
Trade shows and conventions: The number of solar fairs and conferences around the globe is rising. This article presents a selection of the most important events in the second half of 2010.
What really counts is long-term performance
Solar module tests: Measuring the output and yield of solar modules should give customers guidance, but the value of the test methods vary widely. A new EuPD Research study provides insight into the topic, and explains what manufacturers and consumers should pay attention to.
Thumbing your nose at the wind
Flatroofs: Hall roofs with low load reserves can also be tapped for solar power production by using aerodynamic mounting systems. A strong market is developing for mounting systems that secure modules to flat roofs with minimal ballast and without penetrating the roof skin. Some manufacturers merely offer variations on conventional designs. But some product developers are thinking outside the box. A market overview.
The trouble with silicon
Triple Green, part 2: Silicon may be made of sand, but it is far from harmless. By the time the quartz becomes a module, it has lost its innocence. Nuclear power is used to smelt it, and the manufacturing process involves toxic chemicals and leaded fluxes and films. Crystalline solar technology is neither green nor clean but that could change. Part 2 of our series “Triple Green” on green energy, green recycling and green manufacturing.
The future of soccer is green
Building integration: Sports club Werder Bremen is rebuilding its home field in Bremen, Germany, turning it from a multi-purpose venue into a dedicated soccer stadium. Regional energy supplier and sponsor EWE is working with Bremens municipal services to clad the building with photovoltaics, creating Germanys biggest building integrated array while simultaneously showing how solar power modules can provide an architectural solution.
The cell doctor
Low-cost modules: Norways Innotech Solar repairs short-circuited solar cells that used to end up in smelters. A special laser process is used to repair defective cells, which are then processed into fully functional modules.
Solar makes a comeback
Japan: The global economic crisis has left Japans photovoltaic market almost completely untouched, and the industry is again gaining momentum. One of the driving forces for the domestic private household sector has been the recent incentive revision. The manufacturing industry has already announced multi-billion dollar investments. Foreign competitors, however, will still find it difficult to get a foothold on the market.
Bigger is not always better
Mounting racks: The market for ground-mounted systems is booming. The system that a plant designer opts for depends on various factors. Dimensions, foundations and module mounting must match perfectly. However, too often plants are dimensioned in a stereotypical fashion. Now, wind tunnel trials are helping to save money.
