Magazine Archive 08-2017

Sungrow interview: Derek Huang, Senior Sales & Marketing Director EMEA for Chinese inverter specialist Sungrow discusses the importance of the European market, the emerging repowering markets, and the growing acceptance of 1,500 volt technology.

With the summer months upon us, at least in the northern hemisphere, the time for taking stock and catching one’s breath before the second half of the year descends is now. But it feels like somebody forgot to tell the solar industry. As the PV world continues to grow, both in size and complexity, there […]

Tracking: Utility-scale tracking appears to be commonplace in a growing number of markets. Thomas Conroy, the President of Array Technologies, says that tracking isn’t back, it never went away.

Mexico Auctions: Santiago Barcón is a columnist for Energía Hoy and an advisor to Mexico’s Energy Regulatory Commission. Barcón explains that between 30 and 40% of projects assigned in Mexico’s first and second auctions may not actually be built. In addition, Barcón states that the Mexican electricity system is now more open to renewables, despite problems of transmission and bureaucracy. As a very positive aspect, Barcón highlights the enormous potential of distributed generation in the Latin American nation.

Sustaining the market: As the leading solar state in America, California’s behind-the-meter solar markets are seeing challenges as they explore new terrain. CALSEIA’s Bernadette Del Chiaro explains how the industry is navigating these changes, and what to expect in the future.

Module manufacturing: JinkoSolar will partner with Marubeni to supply and construct the record-setting 1.177 GW Sweihan project. The vast PV power plant has smashed records for PPA prices and is setting a new standard for the MENA region, which is finally appearing ready to take off as a solar market. But how will the new project be executed? JinkoSolar’s Chairperson of the Board, Xiande Li spoke to pv magazine.

Global markets and manufacturing: Instability, uncertainty, a lack of visibility. Forecasting solar industry demand can be a tricky business. Edurne Zoco took over as joint research director for solar and storage at IHS Markit this year, and shares her insights into this year’s key trends.

Africa Energy Forum: Africa’s energy sector has generated headlines concerning both tenders and directly negotiated project deals. pv magazine explores the most promising solar PV markets on the African continent, and those that have also embraced policy work towards the development of their PV sector.

Americas show roundup: It’s been a busy month, and indeed a busy year, for PV across the Americas. pv magazine was in attendance at key events across both continents, including the Renewable Energy Finance Forum (REFF Wall Street) in New York City, Intersolar North America in San Francisco, and Brazil Solar Power in Rio de Janeiro, and now brings the latest from all three leading markets.

Mexican market: Two recent energy auctions have been the catalyst that solar needed to take off in Mexico. Although part of the 3.6 GW that was contracted may not actually be built, a third auction which is currently underway could ensure that solar comes to represent 6% of the country’s energy mix in 2021.