Solar imports without know-how transfer
PV in Africa: Materials of doubtful quality are flooding the African markets. The lack of solar installation skills combined with maintenance negligence lead to diverse problems.
PV manufacturing landscape in the trade war era
Solar trade cases: The PV industry continues to be dominated by headlines related to antidumping cases being filed in different countries and regions. Ray Lian, an analyst with NPD Solarbuzz, discusses various options for how this will impact manufacturers.
300 GW/a: PVs bold horizon
Interview: Last month pv magazine launched its 300GW/a initiative at the EU PVSEC. Speakers such as the Fraunhofer Institutes Eicke Weber and the Lemoine Institutes Christian Breyer addressed the theme in a breakfast event at the trade show. This month, NRELs Greg Wilson addresses the goal and argues that as the effects of climate change become apparent, the case for such a goal to be realized will become compelling.
No price firming in sight
Chinese factory gate prices: Module prices dropped significantly in August.
Multiple challenges
India: Cumulative solar capacity now stands at around 1,040 MW, of which 830 MW were installed this year. Despite the crossing of the 1 GW milestone, there are still many challenges facing the Indian solar industry, including missed project deadlines and high inflation. Mercom Capital Groups Raj Prabhu provides an update on the market and its various state incentive programs.
Let the light in
3D solar cell technologies: Cells that minimize reflectance and effectively trap more sunlight can lead to solar panels that pack in more power output, reducing costs significantly.
Learning by doing
Morocco: In 2009, Moroccan Minister for Energy, Mining, Water and Environment Amina Benkhadra declared the nations ambitious plan to establish 2 GW of solar power by 2020. Five sites were identified for this project. pv magazine takes a look at the progress thus far, the hurdles and the potential ahead for the Moroccan solar market.
Indian PV will be big
CEO Interview: 20-year old EMMVEE Solar Systems has pursued the goal of making solar energy available to as many people as possible at affordable prices. Now the company employs more than 650 employees worldwide. pv magazine had a chat with founder and Managing Director D.V. Manjunatha.
Increased activity
Module prices: Price reductions in response to FIT cuts in important markets resulted in increased market activity and stronger global demand.
Global FIT overview
Feed-in tariffs: The Swiss tariffs recently degressed as planned. Greece significantly reduced its FITs in light of its economic situation. The state of Victoria, Australia has slashed its tariffs to be in line with wholesale electricity prices. And Poland is tabling a new FIT, which looks set to come into effect in early 2013.
