Silicon nitride in focus
Ingot manufacturing: Silicon nitride for many years has been almost entirely associated with the ceramics industry. The traditional applications of silicon nitride have tended to be in automotive parts, cutting tools and bearings, where there is a need for high durability. Lisergy Consultings Colin Marson elaborates on its new use in solar.
Mapping the way forward
6th PV Fab Managers Forum: The latest SEMI PV Roadmap, which attempts to throw some light on the way forward for both industry suppliers and stakeholders, was presented in Berlin in March. This year the Roadmap effort had more participation from non-European fabs and a focus on several cost-reduction strategies.
New hooks for Britains roofs
Mounting systems: Solar PV mounting equipment designed specifically for U.K. roofs enables installers to mount panels more efficiently thus reducing installation time and several companies are pitching in with their solutions. pv magazine discusses the developments with mounting system providers and designers to find out the progress being made and moves towards a national standard under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
Night shifts possible
Grid management: In Germany, inverters of large PV power plants could play a key role in the grid integration of renewables by feeding reactive power into the grid, thereby stabilizing voltage, increasing grid capacity and reducing the need for new power lines.
Outback applications
Australia: A lot has been made about PVs ability to cause utilities and grid administrators headaches. However, in the wide open spaces of Australia, these same utilities are starting to look to PV as being a valuable ally in meeting some of the challenges that they face in supplying power to remote and rural locations. pv magazine heads off the beaten track to see how PV is increasingly being put to work amongst the red dirt of the Australian outback.
Poised for (PV) takeoff
China: This oriental land is poised to become the biggest PV market, according to many. In March, three key solar events took place in Shanghai. While Chinas promising prospects were discussed regarding future development, it is clear the country still has a long way to go before it can fully realize its potential. The most critical issues are policy and grid development.
Poised for (PV) takeoff
China: This oriental land is poised to become the biggest PV market, according to many. In March, three key solar events took place in Shanghai. While Chinas promising prospects were discussed regarding future development, it is clear the country still has a long way to go before it can fully realize its potential. The most critical issues are policy and grid development.
Safety first
Electrical standards for PV systems, part 3: In the USA and several other countries, PV systems must comply with the National Electrical Code. In the concluding part of this survey of NEC mandates for solar PV installations, we look at more Code requirements in jurisdictions that have enacted the 2011 National Electrical Code.
Second wind
Sustainable architecture: Ecobuild 2012 in London showed an industry stronger than ever, attracting PV producers with long term sustainable growth prospects to the U.K.
