Carbon dioxide to solar home systems
Carbon finance: Solar home systems have come within the reach of a great number of rural households without access to grid electricity. Can the carbon credit scheme based on the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol help finance PV in the developing world? An analysis by Simon Rolland of the Alliance for Rural Electrification.
China introduces FIT
China: The announcement on August 1 that China would put in place a feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme made the PV industry sit up and take notice. But what impacts will the FIT decision have on the worldwide PV market and which firms stand to gain the most? pv magazine speaks to market analysts and industry insiders to find out.
Educating customers and learning from them
Backsheets: Michele Vannini from Coveme focuses on PV backsheet manufacturing and uses the company as a case study to examine testing methods, advances in materials, and the relationship between backsheet manufacturers and their customers. Moreover, he highlights the importance of educating customers about specific testing methods and the shortcomings of each, with a focus on maintaining and improving standards and avoiding cutting corners.
Enormous cost pressure
Interview: Coveme is one of the leading manufacturers of backsheets for modules. pv magazine talked to its President, Pier Luigi Miciano about strategies, innovations and market trends.
Evolution marches on
Higher efficiencies: For a long time, new crystalline cell technologies were mainly a topic for scientists in research laboratories. Recently, however, equipment manufacturers have started to focus on these technologies and module manufacturers are implementing them. Soon the next generation of cells and modules will be available for sale.
Femtosecond pulses
Lasers in crystalline silicon cell production: Laser technology has been widely used by manufacturers of thin film solar cells. This was not the case in the manufacture of crystalline silicon cells. Efficiency gains must significantly outweigh the investment costs incurred in order for the technology to be considered. But its also about a cleaner and safer production environment.
Generous payment terms
Lead times: In response to anticipated strong demand, European distributors are negotiating significant new orders with manufacturers.
Global ambitions
Taiwan: Export industries in the island economy have progressed since the 1960s from petrochemicals to semiconductors, then to electronics and now energy and PV. At least that is how the logical progression was set out in the 2008 SEMI Taiwan PV Industry Overview. But in a competitive PV market where rapidly falling prices have jolted the industry, Taiwanese players face a challenge in providing a genuine point of difference to their rivals over the Taiwan Strait and beyond.
GPS against theft
Theft protection: A newly formed company is promoting the use of GPS-GSM technologies to fight theft. Nevertheless, not everyone finds this practical, some wanting to keep things traditional.
India beckons
Fifth Renewable Energy Expo: Indias 5th Renewable Energy Expo took place from August 10 to 12 in New Delhi, at Paragti Maidan. Having grown in size and scope from last year, the event is quickly gaining ground.
