Magazine Archive 05-2011

Power optimizers: Presented two years ago, the first modules with integrated power optimizers are now available, and analysts prophesy a rosy future for them. Are they really worth buying? It depends on each individual case. And statements about those individual cases in which they make a contribution are inconsistent.

Venture Capital: When a venture capital investment company like Good Energies – the company that backed Europe’s solar giants Q-Cells and REC long before solar PV was a multi-billion euro industry – drops its exclusive focus on solar PV investing, it is worth finding out more. Is the smart money leaving solar, or are there still opportunities in the PV industry for such investments?

Dear readers, As I write these lines, a major aftershock has once again struck Japan, and the nuclear disaster in Fukushima has officially been raised to the highest risk level after the danger was played down for weeks. Fukushima is now a Level 7 accident – like Chernobyl. The meltdown at the Soviet nuclear power […]

Trackers: As the first quarter of 2011 comes to an end, tracker manufacturers are reporting several trends among buyers. The cost reduction imperative continues to be a big one, with vendors reporting progress and optimism about their ability to follow the cost curve down.

Italy: There is quite some upheaval in Italy’s photovoltaics sector following the government’s announcement of a comprehensive amendment of the Conto Energia. Although this amendment will result in drastic changes in the market, not all those involved are thrown into doubt.

Invisible quality: In the course of production, most crystalline module manufacturers solder cells to one another. This is an aspect that they share in common. However, the differences lie in how this soldering process takes place. And how that affects quality can even be determined under certain circumstances by researchers based on the amount of crackling.

China: After the terrible earthquake and nuclear fallout in Japan, China’s government put a halt to the approval of new nuclear plants and ordered safety reviews. Nuclear power was to become a key energy source for this fast growing economy, but now the Chinese government is revising its energy plans.

Greece: While Greece’s economy plods along and the country’s financial market fights for its life, the Greek photovoltaics industry is showing splendid development. The sector has the country’s government to thank, which is clearing the way for photovoltaics step by step.

Chip fabs to PV fabs: Attracted by the fast growth and potential for new revenue streams, a growing number of big name chipmakers are adding solar photovoltaic manufacturing to their production. While these new market entrants bring with them process know-how and a trading savvy earned in a mature and fiercely competitive 213 billion euro industry, PV industry insiders say success will depend as much on the ability to transfer their assets, be it physical or human, as it will on how quickly they learn the intricacies of the PV industry.

Capital markets: The nuclear disaster in Japan spurs stocks of renewable companies around the world. Analysts are advising investors to increase the proportion of sun and wind shares in their portfolios.