A diversity of new processes
New deposition methods for CIGS solar cells: This article by Peng Shou (CNBM), Jimin Ma (CEO of Sol Array), and Paul Beatty (CTO at Sol Array) reviews and compares the technical and commercial merits of recent lower cost deposition methods for solar cells using quarternary compound semiconductors such as copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), including new types of sputtering and printing.
Bigger than ever
SNEC: Despite worldwide overcapacities, the financial crisis, cutbacks to feed-in-tariffs and hefty U.S. tariffs imposed on Chinese PV imports, the mood at the 6th SNEC in Shanghai was driven by growth opportunities and lively business and the show was bigger than ever.
Changing to adapt to new segments
Global market update: Markets and customer segments are changing. NPD Solarbuzzs Michael Barker elaborates.
Competing hard on price
Chinese factory gate prices: Europe dropped further to US$0.80 per watt, China dropped below US$0.77 per watt.
Contents under pressure
Ontario: The Local Content Assurance Bureau and Intertek have partnered to conduct the provinces FIT.2 audits.
Domestic Content FIT eligibility
Ontario: Just how important is home advantage to players in the renewable energy sector? It could be a game changer, according to Japan and the European Union, both of which have brought complaints against Canada for violating the rules of fair competition.
Energy independence
Off-grid PV: Phocos designs and manufactures solar charge controllers for off-grid solar systems as well as power-saving DC appliances such as lamps and cooling devices. The following article from Phocos describes four different applications of the plug and play Pico light and power system.
Fight for survival
German solar industry: In the wake of bankruptcies and millions in losses, German solar PV manufacturers are down but far from out. Now is the time for specialists and high-tech companies to shine.
Yes, we are jealous
Eco lodges as models: Residents of the off-grid village Akwidaa in Ghana are impressed by the PV panels at the nearby eco lodges. Though they pin their hopes on getting real electricity from the grid, they are excited about the prospect of an NGO solar project.
From power converter to energy manager
Self-consumption: Inverter manufacturers are responding to this new market segment. Some are equipping their devices to control electrical loads. Some are even including weather forecasts. Others are building complete systems and integrating battery storage systems. All in an effort to increase the rate of self-consumption.
