Magazine Archive 2014

Self-consumption in Italy: In December 2013, the Italian Authority for Electricity and Gas finally defined the modalities for “efficient consumer systems.” Gennaro Sposato of Rödl & Partner Rome explains the regulation and the remaining uncertainties in the implementation of the decree.

Show preview: Like all PV shows and exhibitions around the world last year, China’s SNEC attracted fewer visitors than previously. But the Expo’s monolithic appeal, anchored in China’s PV strength, ensures anticipation for the 8th annual SNEC PV Power Expo is perhaps higher than it has ever been. The question is: Will bated breath be sated?

Solar/storage combined systems: Lux Research analyst Matt Feinstein investigates the industry’s efforts to couple PV with energy storage and the business models for early deployment.

Dear readers, Without strong partnerships and pioneers the solar PV industry will struggle to move forward – a truism that has once again become apparent in the Philippines. As far back as 2008, a Renewable Energy Act with a feed-in tariff was adopted in the country, but nothing much regarding PV has happened since. But […]

Turkey: The Turkish solar market is gathering pace despite high levels of bureaucracy. This was the overall impression gleaned from the recent confabs at Solarex and ICCI in Istanbul, as well as last month’s Solarpraxis conference in Istanbul, PV Power Plants Turkey.

Australia: Echoing the success of third-party ownership models in the U.S., there is evidence that new financing models in the Australian rooftop PV market will emerge. Even as state-based support schemes are wound back, the fundamentals for solar in Australia remain strong. Elena Baši? of DNV GL Renewables Advisory (formerly GL Garrad Hassan) discusses the potential for third-party models in Australia, examining possible structures and experiences to date.

Add-on business: More and more municipal utilities in Germany are selling and leasing PV systems to their customers. The power companies view such activity as a new business area with added value, especially for creating customer loyalty.

Interview: In April, Shunfeng Photovoltaic International acquired the Wuxi Suntech Group. Eric Luo, CEO of Wuxi Suntech Power and of Shunfeng Photovoltaic Holding Limited, speaks about Suntech’s new perspectives.

Technology buy-cycles: Overcapacity in the solar PV industry a few years ago continues to impact equipment spending on new technologies. While First Solar and SunPower have set out ambitious roadmaps, capex from Asian-based suppliers is still being kept to minimal levels, explains Finlay Colville, vice president of NPD Solarbuzz.

Suntech: Over the past three years, the Chinese PV manufacturer Suntech Power Holding went through a roller-coaster ride in its business development, from being the market leading module supplier in 2010 and 2011 to having to file for insolvency in March 2013. What will become of the former market leader after the break-up? An analysis by Götz Fischbeck, CEO of Smart Solar Consulting.