Nanoscale light trap
Plasmonics: The plasmonic effect can improve the absorption of light by a solar cells photoactive material. A consortium of institutes and PV companies, coordinated by the research center imec in Leuven, Belgium, is conducting further systematic research into this promising technique. Jan Provoost and Pol Van Dorpe of imec explain the details.
More supply
Supply chain: Oversupply and the dwindling market demand are influencing procurement decisions. High prices in Italy may possibly affect the global market.
Mapping innovation
VDMA Technology Roadmapping: The Photovoltaic Equipment platform of the German Engineering Federation VDMA has introduced a technology roadmap to identify innovative manufacturing solutions for the PV industry. Florian Wessendorf, Project Manager Photovoltaics Equipment at VDMA, reports on discussions in the working groups.
Looking for a pension plan
Green photovoltaics: Experts discussed what to do with discarded modules at a Munich conference on recycling. Participants took away the good news that recycling modules is worthwhile at least in ecological terms, but how to pay for it is still undecided.
Introducing ?Best of modules
Quality assurance: PV+Test is a new quality label to help customers navigate the module market. The first results are promising. Most of the modules that underwent the independent test fulfill the requirements. On the other hand, there are some clear differences in individual categories.
A German-Chinese fight over a Japanese patent
Patents: Solarworld has some serious issues with the Chinese PV manufacturers Solarfun and Suntech. The companies are allegedly gaining a competitive advantage by infringing on the patent rights of Japanese company Shin-Etsu. The patented process increases the efficiency of a solar cell by an average of half a percent.
Herodes versus the sun
Spain: The Spanish government has imposed new restrictions on installed solar power systems. Remunerated solar electricity is to be limited retroactively. Whereas the government wants to save a lot of money, the PV branch fears a wage of bankruptcy among ten thousands of small investors who will be then unable to pay back their loans.
Germany pushing ahead
Ardour Solar Index: The proposed mid-year feed-in tariff cut in Germany is likely to pull forward projects from 2H11.
Erratic promotion
Portugal: Compared with other renewable energy sources, PV is still being treated in a very haphazard way in Europes sunniest country.
Embracing the sun
Public Procurement China: The Golden Sun Scheme has been good for Chinas solar image. Despite no promises of getting rich quick by bidding for the projects, there are companies that are willing to slash prices to win government-backed projects in China. Will the Golden Sun be worth the low prices it is paying?
