Magazine Archive 07-2016

Interview: JinkoSolar’s Chairman of the Board Xiande Li outlines the company’s ambitions as it zeroes in on the module supplier global top spot, incremental cost reductions and further expansion into some of the world’s largest and fastest-growing solar markets.

Cell cutting: New module designs require cells to be halved, or cut into multiple strips. The cutting process is not entirely straightforward and can introduce defects. pv magazine investigates some new research into how mechanical defects can be potentially overcome.

First Solar R&D: First Solar has led the development of CdTe thin film PV for decades, and lately has achieved efficiencies to rival multicrystalline silicon. pv magazine provides a rare glimpse inside the joint production and R&D site where much of the company’s dramatic technological progress has been made.

Evolution of MLPE: In the third and final installment in the module level power electronics vs. string inverter series, pv magazine examines future trends that will shape the sector, exploring the potential new growth markets and hurdles, and the likely impact of the shift from lease to loan.

Chinese manufacturers: With more ups and downs than a rollercoaster, the leading pack of Chinese solar module manufacturers has been shuffled again in recent months. pv magazine delivers a snapshot of who the top ten are, and how they are faring.

Mexico: With pricing set as the challenge, the solar sector is getting ready for Mexico’s second electricity auction. The first tender’s incredible $45/MWh average tariff could well set the precedent – and the handicap – for the next one in September. Meanwhile, the private PPA market is making little progress as high volume consumers deliberate over the best strategy to meet the clean energy requirements now in place.

IEEE PVSC: SPV Market Research’s Paula Mints was an engaged attendee at the recent IEEE PVSC conference in Portland, U.S., held at the beginning of June. Here is a snapshot of how the conference unfolded over the course of five days, and the main themes that were discussed.

China PV: The Chinese government has set an ambitious annual PV installation target of 18.1 GW for 2016, but the deadline remains in limbo, writes Corrine Lin of EnergyTrend.

Array Changing Technologies Winner #1: The Nextracker NX Fusion has the potential to open up PV arrays smaller than 1 MW to tracking technology, increase yield and potentially reduce solar’s LCOE. This was the sentiment expressed at pv magazine ’s Array Changing Technologies feature and award jury meeting, the result of which was Nextracker being selected as the 2016 joint award winner. Alex Au, Nextracker cofounder and CTO, outlined how he feels the NX Fusion’s approach will change the face of tracking applications. Array Changing Technologies Award Winner #2: The jury commented that the SonnenCommunity represents “completely out of the box” thinking and “a whole new business model.” But will regulatory hurdles get in the way. Sonnen’s Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Philipp Schröder told pv magazine many markets are open, and others accessible via partnerships.