Magazine Archive 2012

ASEAN: With complications in policy and politics as well as the emergence of the eastern nations in the PV market, attention has fallen on the ASEAN region. Who are the leaders and is grid parity, subsidized or unsubsidized, within their reach?

Flat-roof installation market overview: Aerodynamically optimized flat-roof systems came to market four years ago. They are just as popular now as they were then. But now manufacturers are taking things a step further by bonding the systems to the roof skin.

Solarbuzz market report: In 2012, the global PV demand profile will be similar to 2011, but growth trends point to a shift away from Europe as the dominant region.

Theft protection: Solar parks are not only interesting for project planners and investors. Criminals have also discovered large installations with numerous modules and inverters as a worthwhile source for lucrative stolen property. However, the operators are defending themselves against pilferers with a variety of ideas – a look at four countries.

Grid parity: With supply outpacing demand, most analysts agree that the PV industry is set for its long-predicted period of consolidation. And it won’t be without casualties and some pain. However, with the fast-falling price of PV also come the many possibilities presented by grid parity or competitiveness of PV. Is a new day of PV competitiveness dawning? And if so, what does it mean? pv magazine investigates.

Interview: Process control is one key to a functionally healthy production line. Economies of scale can be achieved with process control software. Rudolph Technologies is one company that has seen success in this realm. The company’s Solar Market Manager David Genova explains to pv magazine the successes and the challenges for this steering software.

Forum Solarpraxis: Whether to work together or compete across national borders was one of the key themes addressed at the recent Forum Solarpraxis in Berlin. The nuclear industry and lobby were often singled out as being forces to work against as the experts examined key markets.

Module prices: The trend on the spot market continues with further price reductions and high demand.

Thin film: In its 2011 solar study, released in November, Bank Sarasin noted that thin film manufacturers backed by “large, financially strong corporations” have the potential to address the major issues facing the sector and take a place amongst the world’s leading PV companies. GE, it appears, fits this mold: in October, it announced its move into the thin film cadmium telluride (CdTe) marketplace, with a new Colorado manufacturing facility.