Magazine Archive 02-2012

Solar glass: In winter, solar panel installation rates decrease, both due to weather conditions and the lack of output. Modules with specialized, deeply textured front glasses offer one possibility to increase the output of a system in cold seasons. Patrick Jonas and Daniel Pohl of EuPD Research explain how it is indeed possible for modules to efficiently generate energy in the colder months.

Electrical standards for PV systems: In the USA and several other countries, PV systems must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) that defines the requirements for electrical safety. Here is part one of our overview of definitions and specifications relevant to photovoltaic technology.

Junction boxes: Junction boxes are much too often seen purely as a cost concern in purchase decisions. This way of thinking in many cases is wrong, as the junction box is the linking electrical component between upstream and downstream processes.

Sino-US PV trade dispute: It may almost be called “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” as solar industry forces in the U.S. and China face off in trade hostilities, which – like the ill-advised 1854 clash between the British and the Russians – may produce no decisive gains and result in high casualties.

Module recycling: The goal of PV CYCLE is to offer a unified waste management solution to all photovoltaics users in Europe. The association claims that it has taken major strides in this effort. PV CYCLE’s Managing Director, Jan Clyncke, elaborates.

EU Energy Roadmap: The European Union is planning to vigorously increase the proportion of renewable energy by the middle of the century – which is the only way to reach the EU’s CO2 targets. But fearing high prices, it does not want to relinquish nuclear power and coal.

French nuclear industry: As the world and its energy industries adapt to a post-Fukushima reality and the Fifth Republic gears up for a high-stakes election in 2012, it seems that the current climate within the energy sector is sowing the seeds of change that could grow into a post-atomic market in years to come.

PV Expo 2012 Tokyo: Japan’s first big solar show opens later this month. Will its timing coincide with a boom year for PV in post-Fukushima Japan?

India: As project due dates pass, Mercom Capital Group’s Raj Prabhu delivers an Indian solar market update and investigates how many were successfully completed.