Magazine Archive 2012

EU Energy Roadmap: The European Union is planning to vigorously increase the proportion of renewable energy by the middle of the century – which is the only way to reach the EU’s CO2 targets. But fearing high prices, it does not want to relinquish nuclear power and coal.

Module recycling: The goal of PV CYCLE is to offer a unified waste management solution to all photovoltaics users in Europe. The association claims that it has taken major strides in this effort. PV CYCLE’s Managing Director, Jan Clyncke, elaborates.

Sino-US PV trade dispute: It may almost be called “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” as solar industry forces in the U.S. and China face off in trade hostilities, which – like the ill-advised 1854 clash between the British and the Russians – may produce no decisive gains and result in high casualties.

Junction boxes: Junction boxes are much too often seen purely as a cost concern in purchase decisions. This way of thinking in many cases is wrong, as the junction box is the linking electrical component between upstream and downstream processes.

Electrical standards for PV systems: In the USA and several other countries, PV systems must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) that defines the requirements for electrical safety. Here is part one of our overview of definitions and specifications relevant to photovoltaic technology.

Women in PV: It’s often said about the PV industry that it’s one where business is done differently. In terms of its people this could be more of a case of what it isn’t, rather than what it is. PV in fact can be seen as pushing against the following energy industry stereotype: that its people are largely white and most definitely male. But does this mean that PV is an industry where women are automatically a part of the workforce? pv magazine investigates.

PV+Test: IBC Solar has now subjected its products to the challenges of the testing program of TÜV Rheinland and Solarpraxis. The 240 watt monocrystalline module performed very well in the TÜV chambers.

Global market overview: 2011 was a year of extremes for the PV industry: record installations; a dramatic fall in module prices; and a plethora of companies closing their doors. According to Mercom Capital Group’s Raj Prabhu, 2012 will remain challenging, with the industry having been firmly caught in the cross hairs of Europe’s economic crisis. Continued oversupply and less installed capacity are also to be expected.

Module prices: A strong fourth quarter in 2011 and unusually high demand in early 2012 have put an end to the free-fall in module prices, for now.

Sri Lanka: Boasting 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, Sri Lanka is a very attractive location for solar investment. Add to that the growing energy demands of this island nation’s growing population and an ever-increasing standard of living; Solar Bankers share the possibilities and challenges in this fertile market.