Magazine Archive 2011

Selective emitter process: The thin, uniform application of dopants is critical to the successful formation of selective emitters on photovoltaic cells. Considerable effort is ongoing to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic cells. Recently, much attention has been given to the formation of selective emitters to significantly improve the efficiency of the solar cell. In a two-part series, Ultrasonic System’s President Stuart Erickson and Chinalight Solar’s Senior Engineer, Yang Song, Deputy Director of Research and Development, Ye Duan, and Deputy General Manager Youzhong Li elaborate.

PV in the Middle East: The countries of the Arabian peninsula are carrying out more and more research on the use of solar energy. The industry is getting into position and competing for the first reference projects. However, some patience is still needed. And time for a nice cup of tea and a chat.

India: India is a huge and emerging market for the solar power production, thanks in part to the government’s ambitious Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) announced in 2009. The Solar Mission has set a goal of 20 gigawatts (GW) of on-grid installed solar capacity by 2022. How is the glass industry developing in the country and are foreign manufacturers needed to cater to the market?

Turkey: A new subsidy law for solar power went into effect in Turkey at the beginning of the year. At about ten euro cents, the tariff is significantly smaller than some expected. However, several solar industry players believe that the production of solar energy in Turkey will pay off – with or without attractive subventions.

Module prices: Falling prices accelerate demand. Still, it could take months until stocks have been diminished.

5th SEMI Brussels Forum: How can PV production be maintained in Europe in light of stiff Asian competition? There is no patent remedy. This became clear at the 5th SEMI Brussels Forum, which took place on May 24 in Brussels, Belgium.

Interview: Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Hemlock Semiconductor, one of the leading polysilicon producers, talks to pv magazine about the polysilicon market and the company’s positioning.

Thin film market outlook: In view of dropping silicon prices, the boom years for thin film modules seem to be over for the time being. Now it’s up to companies to develop strategies for a successful future. On the one hand, they could reduce the production costs. Further differentiation is also an option.

PV Experts Workshop: Smaller German solar module manufacturers will only be able to survive the competition through greater cooperation between themselves and materials manufacturers, mechanical engineers and other industry participants. This was an important conclusion reached at a PV manufacturers workshop of PV Experts in Berlin.

Ardour Solar Index: Pricing pressure continues to impact margins. High inventory levels persist despite German recovery.