Understanding the PV landscape
The Americas: Driven by a combination of net metering, Renewable Portfolio Standards, and other policies, Mexico, Chile, and Brazil are forecast to have almost 70% of PV demand across the Latin American and Caribbean region by 2017.
Worried looks and optimism
Dear readers, There was no beating around the bush at this years SEMI Europe PV Fab Managers Forum in Berlin. The main problem for the industry continues to be substantial global overcapacities. IHS estimates worldwide production capacity for modules this year to be roughly 59 GW, for cells approximately 48 GW and around 56 GW […]
What drives the market?
Interview: Where does SMA stand in terms of internationalization? What are the success factors and challenges? Pierre-Pascal Urbon, CEO of inverter manufacturer SMA, in an exclusive interview with pv magazine.
16 ways to cut costs
Cost optimization: As solar prices edge up for the first time in two years, cost-cutting measures in the industry havent stopped. Heres what PV companies throughout the value chain are doing to save money and cut costs per watt.
A shift in attitude
Solarbuzz market report: Industry players have to move past the disappointing results of 2012 and identify the new challenges and opportunities. Michael Barker, Senior Analyst at NPD Solarbuzz, analyzes some of the key trends impacting PV pricing.
Australias mass market for PV
Australia: With a carbon price in place and new bodies to support renewable energy applications kicking into gear, it could seem that the PV market is set to continue its rapid growth Down Under. However, changes of government at the state and federal levels look like it will set some new hurdles for the industry to overcome.
Cable care
Cable management: Cables and connectors are vital parts of a PV array. The selection of cables is an important procedure, but how the cables are managed thereafter also influences how the entire PV system will function. Poor cable management can ultimately lead to problems.
EU lets China suffer
Antidumping duties: With the decision of the European Commission to register solar imports from China and thus open up the possibility for additional penalty duties within the scope of antidumping and anti-subsidy proceedings, Chinese modules in Europe will become increasingly scarce while prices increase. If the market proves to be large enough, then Chinese manufacturers could respond to the duties by establishing their own factories in Europe.
Flexible solutions
Module prices: The solar market is reacting more calmly than expected to the announced European antidumping tariffs.
