Spanish poker
Spain: The Spanish government is once again asking operators of solar power plants to pitch in in an effort to cover the public debts of the electricity sector. Opposition has come not only from Spain, but also from Brussels and the USA.
Stable level of investment
Bulgaria: At midyear the government in Sofia lowered the feed-in tariffs for PV generated electricity. Attorney Cornelia Draganova, partner at Coeler Legal, gives an overview of the legal principles underlying solar energy production in Bulgaria.
Still in flux
Ardour Solar Index: Selling pressure resumes as the industry remains in flux. Trade war and mixed 2Q12 results drive down the index.
Strong, sustainable development
Interview: With its high solar radiation and growing demand for energy, North Africa is set to become a big future solar market. pv magazine spoke with expert Badr Ikken, Director and cofounder of Moroccan-based National Institute IRESEN about the current situation in the region, and its potential.
The art of energy management
Energy management: Many companies have been looking at the topic of energy management for a number of years, firstly to lower operating costs and secondly for ecological reasons. Franz Breitwieser, System Technology, Fronius International, explains how.
The compromise
EEG amendment in Germany: It took a long time, but after the compromise agreed upon by the mediation committee, the German Parliament and Federal Council adopted a slightly improved draft law just before the summer break. pv magazine recaps the new regulations that retroactively entered into force as of April 1.
The next big thing: Vanadium
Raw materials: One of the worlds newest super powers is not on the map yet, has not been recognized by the United Nations, and will not make an appearance at Comic-Con International. Its name is vanadium (chemical symbol: V), and it is a grayish-white, ductile and tensile metal that has unexpectedly become one of the most precious commodities on the planet.
The rocky road to an approval
Building-integrated PV: Safety is an important issue for building owners. Moreover, the question arises as to whether solar PV modules integrated into the facade or roof are equivalent to approved building components. The German authority for civil engineering DIBt provides verification.
Why Republicans love to hate Solyndra
USA: On August 2, the Republican majority of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce released a report on The Solyndra Failure that identified some flaws in the process but did not detect illegal favors or unlawful steps.
300 GW/a: PVs bold horizon
Interview: Last month pv magazine launched its 300GW/a initiative at the EU PVSEC. Speakers such as the Fraunhofer Institutes Eicke Weber and the Lemoine Institutes Christian Breyer addressed the theme in a breakfast event at the trade show. This month, NRELs Greg Wilson addresses the goal and argues that as the effects of climate change become apparent, the case for such a goal to be realized will become compelling.
