From chips to cells
Chip fabs to PV fabs: Attracted by the fast growth and potential for new revenue streams, a growing number of big name chipmakers are adding solar photovoltaic manufacturing to their production. While these new market entrants bring with them process know-how and a trading savvy earned in a mature and fiercely competitive 213 billion euro industry, PV industry insiders say success will depend as much on the ability to transfer their assets, be it physical or human, as it will on how quickly they learn the intricacies of the PV industry.
Fukushima shakes the stock markets
Capital markets: The nuclear disaster in Japan spurs stocks of renewable companies around the world. Analysts are advising investors to increase the proportion of sun and wind shares in their portfolios.
Future in sight
PV CYCLE: Operations begin with the future of module recycling in mind. PV CYCLE saw last year that its members were committed to their cause of recycling and hopes that this trend will continue. PV CYCLEs Managing Director Jan Clyncke elaborates.
In crisis or on the verge of a comeback?
Thin film silicon: Attention focused on alternatives to crystalline modules with the advent of the crystalline module raw material crisis. This rise in demand for thin film was also propelled by turnkey solutions offered by reputable solution providers. New methods, calls for faster implementations, and settled disputes are now paving the way for thin film to come back into the spotlight.
In search of a niche
Fab Managers Forum: With intensified cooperation along the value chain, European cell and module manufacturers aim to lower costs while ensuring quality. To this end, they presented an International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics at the 5th Photovoltaic Fab Managers Forum of the SEMI PV Group in Berlin. However, it remains to be seen whether or not this will suffice to counter the dominance of Asian manufacturers.
Interconnected solar markets
Global PV forecast: The first installment of pv magazines exclusive quarterly global PV updates, delivered by Mercom Capital Group, looks at the impact of Japans nuclear disaster and why 2010 was solars best year.
Living in a research lab
Gaita House: Buildings with low energy consumption dont have to be closed boxes. A Parisian architect has achieved a synthesis of aesthetics and energy efficiency. The result is an energy-plus house with photovoltaic sun protection and natural ventilation.
More upward activity
Green Energy Expo: The expo this year in Korea drew large crowds despite the uncertainty of the environment in the region. Daegu stands firm on its decision to establish itself as a solar city.
More upward activity
Green Energy Expo: The expo this year in Korea drew large crowds despite the uncertainty of the environment in the region. Daegu stands firm on its decision to establish itself as a solar city.
No risks preferred
Quality assurance: Anyone buying large quantities of modules often commissions an extra audit of the product and its manufacturer. A checklist developed by the PV Lab Germany, a testing institute in Potsdam, shows investors what is important in the process.
