Creating order with a computer and a felt-tip pen
Labeling: Solar cables are usually labeled so that faults in system operation can easily be localized. This can be done by hand, with labeling devices or with IT-supported planning and marking systems.
Community solar niche poised for growth
USA: Community solar projects are poised for expansion as a new market niche, now that virtual net metering is becoming more standard. A host of developers, technology providers and utilities are already on the bandwagon.
Chinese boost
Ardour Solar Index: China reaffirms support for the solar industry with a domestic subsidy boost. Chinese constituents jump.
Automated mounting
Assembly robots: In an effort to improve cost effectiveness, two German solar PV companies, PV-Kraftwerker GmbH and Gehrlicher Solar AG, have developed mobile robots that are capable of assembling and installing ground-mounted PV modules. As the companies explain, the use of such robots can deliver a number of key benefits to PV installation companies.
At the crossroads
Global market update: Michael Barker of NPD Solarbuzz outlines the key issues to look out for during 2013, and forecasts what to expect over the next 12 months in terms of supply and demand in the PV industry.
At the break-even point
Chinese factory gate prices: The Chinese PV module price decrease in Europe is expected to slow down in the first quarter of 2013.
After the lull
India PV market update: After a lull in 2012, the Indian solar market is set to look up in 2013 as BRIDGE TO INDIA predicts.
A week of superlatives
World Future Energy Summit: Representatives from more than 140 countries, including more than 80 energy ministers and six heads of state, came together in Abu Dhabi for the General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The World Future Energy Summit (WFES) and International Water Summit were held at the same time. The focus of the event was on the status quo of renewable energy in the region.
