Magazine Archive 2013

Polysilicon and wafer trends: Prices should stabilize this year, but recovery is forecast to remain slow. Charles Annis, Vice President of NPD Solarbuzz, explains the dynamics of the polysilicon and wafer markets.

Energy storage solutions: Most industry stakeholders see solar and energy storage as an inevitable marriage, but the path to deployment is still unclear. Investors who intelligently scout the markets and technologies can gain a competitive advantage, says Matt Feinstein of Lux Research.

Integrated solar busines: Burkhard Wehefritz, Director Sales Development Department at Schmid Silicon Technology (SST), explains how Schmid’s integrated business model “Polysilicon to Power” can quickly make solar power production profitable, especially in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.

PV roadmaps: For years, PV technologists have clung on to learning curves and roadmaps for the PV industry in an attempt to show synergy with the semiconductor industry. But the PV industry has to be viewed in isolation, with the end market ultimately dictating technology demands and adoption rates for new solutions, says Finlay Colville, Vice President of NPD Solarbuzz.

Industry ranking: The ten largest manufacturers of crystalline solar modules are all either Chinese companies or they manufacture in Asia. Contract manufacturing, which presumably will additionally benefit from the announced EU trade penalty duties, has also increased. Those large Chinese module manufacturers who became less reliant on the European market are now enjoying competitive advantages.

Japan: Boom and bust cycles are all too familiar to the PV industry. However the current boom in Japan has not only arrived at a crucial time for many players in PV, it also looks like it might provide a longer-term sustainable market. But that’s not to say there aren’t challenges. Foreign players have to take into account country-specific nuances and the strong focus on quality in the Japanese market.

Myanmar: Demand for energy systems is acute in Myanmar. Without government support for solar, there’s little evidence of utility-scale PV in the country. But solar technology is gaining advocates from social enterprises and local entrepreneurs.

Second hand equipment: The market for used solar PV machinery is taking off as the industry is closing down facilities and reducing production lines.

Dear readers, Will it happen or will it not happen? In recent weeks this was one of the prevailing questions that kept the online editorial team of pv magazine on its toes almost every day. There is talk of a possible compromise in the current trade dispute between the EU and China. Throughout the course […]

Business strategies: JA Solar Co., Ltd. is a Chinese PV company that has morphed from a cell manufacturer to one of the top ten manufacturers of crystalline solar modules. The company’s business model is based on strong partnerships and a keen sense of what “bankability” is all about. This article takes a close look at JA Solar’s recipe for success.