Shift in focus
Venture Capital: The solar funding slump has continued into 2013. But it is not all bad news for the PV sector, as Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group, explains.
Where is the PV?
BIPV: For architects who dream of a future where buildings seamlessly integrate energy generation, technologies coming out of Switzerlands École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) suggest the future is close at hand.
Unbowed by doom-mongers
Intersolar Europe: The numbers may be down after a turbulent year for the solar industry, but with the focus shifting to downstream markets and energy storage, and with representatives from more countries than ever, the increasingly diverse nature of Europes most important solar shindig once again ensures it is a must-see event. Intersolar Europe will be held June 19 – 21, 2013, in Munich, Germany.
Turning point
PV at the crossroads: The PV industry has taken a beating in the last couple of years. Nevertheless the widespread consolidation, despite being painful, could be a blessing in disguise. The strongest will survive, and some manufacturers coffers may be slowly filling, with new markets evolving. Is this the turning point for PV?
Third party logistics specialists target solar
Logistics and supply chain: As margins in the solar industry remain under pressure and consolidation gathers pace, companies are looking even harder for ways to cut costs. Aside from technical specifications and labor costs, experts claim there are huge savings to be made in solar equipment logistics and after sale service, especially as traditional business to business models are eroded by bankruptcies, mergers and more sales directly to end-users as manufacturers go downstream.
The policy of pleasing all parties
Indian market update: Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group, provides an update on the Indian solar policies in the second quarter of 2013.
Taiwanese-German cooperation
PV production in Taiwan: German production equipment is widely admired in Taiwan. So when Taiwanese companies began investing in solar manufacturing, German equipment makers were the obvious candidates. A report from Taiwan.
Swamped by a flood of imports
India: The majority of Indian manufacturers are having a hard time owing to the downturn in the global market, an unprecedented import onslaught, and the universal trend towards trade wars. A report from India.
Solar convenience
Off-grid: The falling costs of solar components and some innovative thinking is seeing off-grid solutions shine some light in provincial communities. But phone charging and refrigeration are also important services that PV can power, as SolarKiosk is beginning to demonstrate.
Shrinking shipments
Chinese factory gate prices: European solar PV module market prices continue to strengthen. More consolidation among Chinese tier-3 suppliers can be expected.
