Magazine Archive 02-2011

Dear readers, The year is still young, but on the global PV trade exhibition calendar, one event now follows on the heels of the other – three large solar events in Asia that are seen as an important indicator of current market sentiment offer a showcase for the industry in the weeks to come: EXPO […]

Venture Capital China: Even as more established Chinese PV firms continue their dominance of the global PV market, smaller local peers see their rise as a reason to chase private foreign investors, such as those who have made US-listed Yingli the global powerhouse it is today.

Project development: As competition increases and both solar panel prices and government incentives fall, more and more manufacturers are entering project development to shore up sales and gain more transparency in their demand. Companies are getting involved in various aspects of the process, including financing, permitting, construction and maintenance, in residential, commercial and utility markets.

SEMI Standards: The PV Standards Committee, which was formed in 2007, is one of the most active groups of the industry association Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI). James Amano, Director SEMI International Standards, on new standards.

Utility PV projects: Utilities are poised to be the largest solar opportunity in the United States as state based retail level incentives dry up and Renewable Portfolio Standards drive large wholesale transactions with load serving entities. Brian von Moos and TJ Morton of Borrego Solar explain the factors that need to be taken into account.

India: There are challenges and opportunities present in the Indian solar PV sector, as has been highlighted time and time again in the past year. The sector has grown significantly but obstacles still remain. Chemtrols Solar’s Director Anish Rajgopal discusses achievements and challenges.

Energy cooperative: Earning money while conserving creation – this is the aim of an initiative by two churches in Horb am Neckar in southwestern Germany. The project has applied for the Rottenburg-Stuttgart Diocese’s Saint Francis Prize for Sustainability, worth 10,000 euros.

CEO Interview: pv magazine speaks to Franco Traverso, President and CEO of Italian solar company Silfab. In addition to discussing the company’s latest Ontario venture, he outlines its strategies for staying competitive.