Magazine Archive 2012

China: This oriental land is poised to become the biggest PV market, according to many. In March, three key solar events took place in Shanghai. While China’s promising prospects were discussed regarding future development, it is clear the country still has a long way to go before it can fully realize its potential. The most critical issues are policy and grid development.

PV suppliers: Suppliers of photovoltaic equipment are turning their attention to the energy storage market. pv magazine takes a look at this emerging trend.

Electrical standards for PV systems, part 3: In the USA and several other countries, PV systems must comply with the National Electrical Code. In the concluding part of this survey of NEC mandates for solar PV installations, we look at more Code requirements in jurisdictions that have enacted the 2011 National Electrical Code.

Sustainable architecture: Ecobuild 2012 in London showed an industry stronger than ever, attracting PV producers with long term sustainable growth prospects to the U.K.

Ingot manufacturing: Silicon nitride for many years has been almost entirely associated with the ceramics industry. The traditional applications of silicon nitride have tended to be in automotive parts, cutting tools and bearings, where there is a need for high durability. Lisergy Consulting’s Colin Marson elaborates on its new use in solar.

IGEE: South Korea’s biggest solar event took place in March. However, while the county’s heavyweights were out in force, it was evident the industry is at a crossroads. Upcoming elections hold some promise, if the right party gains power. But with capacity expansions on hold and a small domestic installation market, it is in danger of being pushed under by other Asian regions.

IGEE: South Korea’s biggest solar event took place in March. However, while the county’s heavyweights were out in force, it was evident the industry is at a crossroads. Upcoming elections hold some promise, if the right party gains power. But with capacity expansions on hold and a small domestic installation market, it is in danger of being pushed under by other Asian regions.

Utility-scale PV: The third annual PV Power Plants EU conference, held in Vienna on March 29 and 30, heard from a range of speakers with a wealth of diverse knowledge. pv magazine attended the sessions and spoke to the attendees to get a snapshot of some of the major themes. One was a call for standardization of power plant components, and in particular modules, to drive down cost and the increasingly important LCOE.

Sino-U.S. trade case: After months of soap-box oration from the Oval Office on down – and a snarky rift in the American solar industry that nearly rose to soap-opera standards – on March 20, the U.S. Commerce Department handed down its preliminary decision in the countervailing duty (CVD) case against Chinese manufacturers of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells.