Adapt and integrate
Mounting and BIPV: Solar mounting systems are being used in new and unusual ways for building-integrated photovoltaic projects, ranging from rooftop to wall and to awning installations. As the market slowly moves from select government buildings, educational campuses and corporate flagships to the mainstream commercial segment, the mounting systems required for BIPV will become more standardized, more readily adaptable, and less expensive, manufacturers say.
Refreshing restraint
Many minds far sharper than my own have revelled at the opportunity to deconstruct U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions, words, and demeanor at every turn this past year. His capacity to disappoint is legend. His capacity to positively surprise is, well, a little less explored. And while the Trump Administration’s pursuit and ultimate imposition of […]
An end to hyperbole
Stock price index: If the Section 201 ruling has taught the solar industry anything, it is that reason and nuance trump scaremongering every time.
Vulnerable solar markets, and what makes them tick
Part III*: Low tender bidding for solar projects in Latin America is common, with low bids celebrated despite the risk of poor quality and unprofitability. There is no cushion in the margin of these projects to account for the many risks of project development. Unless governments in these regions are willing to guarantee returns, the biggest risk for Latin America is low bidding – though historically unstable economies and governments in many countries are reasons for concern.
Stepping into the sun
Mediterranean markets: Blessed with high insolation levels, Italy, Greece, and Spain rocketed to the top league of global PV markets in the earlier days of the industry. Spain became the world’s largest market in 2008 at 2.5 GW of annual installations, Italy’s Conto Energia scheme pushed the country to be number 2 in 2011, at 6 GW of new installations, and demand in Greece exceeded 1.1 GW in 2012.
China’s shipment shuffle
Module shipment rankings: While global module shipment rankings remained broadly stable in 2017, China saw something of a reshuffle. Growing demand for mono-Si products pushed Longi up to first place, while JinkoSolar remains the global leader. Independent analyst Corrine Lin brings further insight.
Land of ample opportunity
Japan update: While geographical restrictions mean the sun is slowly setting on utility-scale PV, a new auction system and updated renewables guidelines mean there are ample opportunities elsewhere for Japanese solar. Indeed, the rooftop sector, with prospects of self-consumption and storage, will see the market continue to shine.
Foggy days ahead for Indian solar
Solar duties: India is planning to impose a safeguard duty this year to protect its domestic solar manufacturing sector. Many in the industry earnestly believe that if such duties were to be imposed, then a slowing down in market growth would be inevitable. However, the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association (ISMA) believes this will not be the case. Either way, this duty has created unwanted uncertainty in the market.
Tracking disruptive technologies
China road trip, pt III: 2017 was a big year for China’s PV industry, with the 50 GW+ installation figure exceeding expectations. Against such a backdrop of growth, excitement for pv magazine’s third China road trip grew as we finalized details to visit key suppliers and see firsthand what developments might be in store for this year. Taking in n-type cells and modules, bifacial double glass modules and trackers developed specifically for such technology, this was Eckhart K. Gouras’ journey.
Low PPAs just the beginning
8th World Future Energy Summit: Few solar events can rival the litany of high level attendees, the scale of projects, the glitz and production, and the sheer volume of announcements of the Abu Dhabi-based event – January 15 – 18. Host Masdar was front and center of proceedings as solar in the region moves beyond record-setting prices towards the building of an industry.
