Finding fault
O&M case studies: Two hypothetical scenarios and one actual case study of solar faults in the field serve as a reminder of both the importance of sophisticated O&M, and the need for a professional and proactive approach to PV maintenance.
Storage growth signals
HEM in Europe: The home energy management (HEM) market is only just emerging in Europe. Storage system providers and HEM specialists have been the most active so far, but energy suppliers and heating manufacturers are now aligning themselves to enter the space in greater numbers. Energy consultants Delta-ee examine the emerging market for these systems in Europe.
Tapping stored potential
UK energy policy: PV capacity growth in the U.K. has slowed significantly in 2017, and solar was entirely overlooked by the government in October’s Clean Growth Strategy announcement. However, a glimpse of hope is currently emerging via co-locating existing and new PV projects along energy storage. Are such hopes justified, and where should the U.K. solar market focus?
A new outlook for the energy transition
Global energy economy: At the 2017 Solar Power International show in Las Vegas, DNV GL presented its expansive global Energy Transition Outlook (ETO) report. The report plots the major reorganization of the world’s energy system, finding that wind and solar will each contribute one third of all electricity supply by 2050. The bad news is that, despite the shift we’re likely going to miss current climate goals. DNV GL Energy CEO Ditlev Engel and Solar Segment Director Ray Hudson spoke to pv magazine.
Ribbon warriors
European manufacturing: In 2007 U.S. specialty metals and PV ribbon manufacturer Ulbrich decided to fund an Austrian startup from the state of Burgenland with a compelling business plan to produce advanced PV ribbons in the heart of Europe. Now 10 years later, the success of this venture was cause for celebration at Forchtenstein Castle in Burgenland. In addition to celebrating a decade of Ulbrich of Austria, participants were treated to an informative one day Photovoltaic Module Conference.
Let the sun, not profits, burn
Protecting your investment: A recent DuPont conference in Rome showed how the task of protecting longevity of solar investments is becoming more complex, particularly with how backsheets are creating more problems than expected, especially in hot and arid climates. Thinking in terms of $/kWh instead of $/W is one recommended way to maximize investment return.
Polyolefin backsheets taking confident first steps
Next-gen backsheets: Polyolefin-based backsheet suppliers show why they think that their developments could help to reduce PV LCOE. They call for module manufacturers to make use of this technology and gain experience with polyolefin. This was one of the topics at this year’s EU PVSEC.
Covering the bases
Interview: At September’s SPI show in Las Vegas, pv magazine had the chance to catch up on the latest in cell and module technologies from a leading manufacturer. Dong Shuguang, Executive President at GCL Systems Integration provides an update on the company’s latest drive to reduce costs and boost efficiency.
Black is the new black
Wafer texturing: Though long known within the industry, until recently there had been little interest from PV manufacturers in black silicon processes. Now, with the growth of diamond wire sawing, the technology is making a comeback. pv magazine looks into black silicon’s sudden popularity among manufacturers, and the technology’s potential to bring about a resurgence in multicrystalline silicon.
High density solar
PV in urban Taiwan: Being a small and partially mountainous island, Taiwan’s ground-mounted solar sector is naturally limited. However, conditions are not necessarily more favorable for solar up on the rooftops of this crowded country, as Rhea Tsao of Taiwanese solar analysts Energy Trend explains.
