The rocky road to an approval
Building-integrated PV: Safety is an important issue for building owners. Moreover, the question arises as to whether solar PV modules integrated into the facade or roof are equivalent to approved building components. The German authority for civil engineering DIBt provides verification.
Why Republicans love to hate Solyndra
USA: On August 2, the Republican majority of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce released a report on The Solyndra Failure that identified some flaws in the process but did not detect illegal favors or unlawful steps.
Flat roofs, a grey area
Assembly: The boom in low-ballast, on-roof mounting systems for flat roofs continues unabated. These mounting racks are placed directly on the waterproofing membrane without being bolted down. But what happens if water suddenly penetrates the roof? Another unanswered question is how to prevent damage to the roof skin.
300 GW a year: Power in numbers
The 300GW/a initiative: While the production side of the current PV industry sags under the weight of surplus supply, talk of long-term optimism and big goals for future capacity may seem to be nothing but hot air. However in an energy market where things are changing rapidly, pv magazine is tackling the idea of whether 300 GW per year (GW/a) of installed PV generation can be added globally in the year 2025 and beyond.
300 GW/a: PV as a global energy pillar
Interview: While 300 GW per year (GW/a) may give hope to a PV industry facing many challenges, Christian Breyer believes that achieving the number is vital in realizing a worldwide energy transition. With colleagues at the Reiner Lemoine Institut, Breyer is creating a multifaceted model for a 100% renewable future and pv magazine found out what it would mean for PV.
Aluminum as an option
Solar cables: As a result of constantly rising copper prices installers are making increasing use of aluminum cables. Aluminum cables can represent a sensible and economical alternative. However, other rules apply when it comes to assembling and installing aluminum cable. Thus, for example, other clamps are required.
An island of activity
Taiwanese polysilicon: With some Chinese PV players facing tough opposition on a political level in markets like the U.S. and a PV trade complaint also being filed in the EU, some may see it as Taiwans time to shine. Optimism is certainly evident as pv magazine speaks to some of the industrys major upstream players, but also discovers that some industry-wide problems have not passed the island economy by.
An island of activity
Taiwanese polysilicon: With some Chinese PV players facing tough opposition on a political level in markets like the U.S. and a PV trade complaint also being filed in the EU, some may see it as Taiwans time to shine. Optimism is certainly evident as pv magazine speaks to some of the industrys major upstream players, but also discovers that some industry-wide problems have not passed the island economy by.
At grid parity
Chile: The Chilean Congress is poised to double the current national renewable portfolio requirement to 20% by 2025. Solar development in Chile is mainly driven by mining companies and other industrial investors seeking to mitigate rising power costs.
Benefits beyond electricity
Intersolar Award winner: A school PV project in North Carolina has provided an example of what PV can deliver, both to a school and local community, but also in financial support to the school during challenging financial times. ESA Renewables Brittany Szafran sets out what makes the award-winning installation special.
