Energy independence
Off-grid PV: Phocos designs and manufactures solar charge controllers for off-grid solar systems as well as power-saving DC appliances such as lamps and cooling devices. The following article from Phocos describes four different applications of the plug and play Pico light and power system.
Fight for survival
German solar industry: In the wake of bankruptcies and millions in losses, German solar PV manufacturers are down but far from out. Now is the time for specialists and high-tech companies to shine.
Finely-tuned for performance
Tracker Market Overview: For a segment of the solar photovoltaic systems market whose future is constantly being called into question, the tracker segment remains surprisingly resilient. It might be a niche market, but it is now a global one. This years annual tracker market overview highlights new competitors, new products, as well as the re-emergence of dual-axis tracking, and some new performance data.
From power converter to energy manager
Self-consumption: Inverter manufacturers are responding to this new market segment. Some are equipping their devices to control electrical loads. Some are even including weather forecasts. Others are building complete systems and integrating battery storage systems. All in an effort to increase the rate of self-consumption.
Gigawatt dreams
Indian market update: After over two years of policy deliberations and growing pains, India is finally seeing solar installations in meaningful numbers. However, financing is proving to be a big problem on the back of low bids. Quality issues are also being raised. Raj Prabhu, Managing Partner of Mercom Capital Group provides an update.
Global feed-in tariff overview
FITs: Japan has taken a bold leap into a renewable future. Ontario enacted cuts to its generous feed-in tariff scheme, but offset these with an easing of its infamous bureaucracy. In addition, three U.S. states have also introduced support schemes.
Hoping for grid parity
Spain: While Spain continues to suffer from the financial crisis, revival of government PV subsidies is farther away than ever before. However, solar PV technology now has the chance to prove itself on the free market.
Ice in the tropics
Solar refrigeration: The African markets could absorb millions of solar PV refrigeration units if the market conditions were favorable. For the time being, solar refrigerators remain a niche market.
Intersolar 2012
Intersolar Europe: With the goal of attracting 80,000 visitors from around 150 different countries, Intersolar Europe is continuing to pursue its ambitious mission to attract all the worlds PV decision makers to one location. But with around 2,000 exhibitors expected, how to make the most of your time at Intersolar is tricky. pv magazine has some hot tips as to how to optimize your Intersolar experience.
Lighting the way ahead
Affordable off-grid solar: More often than not solar generation fails to deliver in poor, rural off-grid communities, but new business models that spread the cost of solar electricity are making their mark.
