Magazine Archive 07-2012

Solar glass: A large percentage of the world’s solar glass is produced by a handful of companies. But is there a need for new suppliers with a product or technology that is different?

Grid integration in Germany: With record amounts of solar power generated in Germany this year, it is clear that the country’s regulatory framework is successfully fostering renewable energy. However success has had an impact on the economics of the electricity market. Now both fossil fuel incumbents and new solar players are trying to influence lawmakers to ensure their economic future.

Intersolar North America: Last year, the Intersolar North America trade show and conference attracted 834 exhibitors and 19,168 visitors, along with 220 speakers and 1,617 seminar attendees, or more than 20,000 people. This summer, the conference organizers predict that these numbers will rise to 22,000.

Interview: Lux Research released a report “Searching for game changers in photovoltaic materials innovation: next-generation technologies that drive down $/W.” Using a disruptive technology grid, lead analyst Fatima Toor examined the technologies with the most potential and copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) came out as one of the winners.

Modules prices: The prices for crystalline modules continued to decline by two to three percent. The greatest decline in prices could be seen for a-Si/µ-Si thin film.

Organic PV: Japan has the research capability, industrial base and a few other requisites that could pave the way for taking DSSC technology from niche to mainstream.

Industry ranking: Crystalline module manufacturers did not fare very well last year. The overcapacities were too large, and the prices that could be obtained were too low as a result. Most producers are hardly developing their capacities. Nevertheless, several of them are still planning on aggressive growth.

PV CIStems: The companies themselves have chosen to highlight the synergies between the two businesses as the key behind the PV CIStems JV that has been formed between leading EPC Belectric and CIGS manufacturer Solar Frontier. But to what extent will the downstream development provide safe harbor for some of Solar Frontier’s recently ramped production? pv magazine takes an initial look.

Global market: Samil Power has the potential to become a household name in the PV field if the company continues the path that it has taken thus far. pv magazine catches up with Samil Power’s main man, Peter Cui to decipher their recipe for global success.