Magazine Archive 2014

Mexico: The sunny country is forging ahead with the groundwork to develop solar power, despite the difficulty of doing so without overt state or federal subsidies. Five more 30 MW plants with government PPAs are expected over the coming year, more private sector projects will attempt to run the gauntlet to construction, and more domestic solar panel manufacturing will start up, industry officials say. However, speculators worry that the contents of a long awaited new set of renewable energy regulations could arrive in Pandora’s box late this year.

Japan: Following the introduction of Japan’s FIT program in July 2012, installed PV capacity in Japan in 2013 achieved significant growth, from 1.7 GW in the first year to 6.9 GW last year (DC based), driving record-high shipping volumes for PV modules in the process. The first quarter of 2014 enjoyed a similarly robust performance, with 2.8 GW of modules shipped – the most ever recorded in a single quarter. Izumi Kaizuka provides an update on PV in Japan.

Africa: Demand for clean and reliable energy has fueled the growth of Kenya’s market for quality solar panels. Ubbink, one of the country’s PV pioneers, has surpassed its projections of three years ago when it commenced operations. Solarcentury is exploring ventures with local partners. Much to the regret of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers the country’s Minister of Finance has recently removed import duties on solar equipment and machinery.

Ardour Solar Index: The Index is searching for direction amid trade cases and improving fundamentals.

Crowdfunded solar finance: Smart financial innovation has long been one of solar’s Holy Grails, and with Mosaic’s crowdsourcing model garnering praise and a groundswell of public support, pv magazine asks if it is time for crowdfunded solar to enjoy its moment in the sun.

IRENA: Organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the event explored RES applications for the energy-intensive tourism sectors of island nations struggling with the high costs of imported fossil fuel.

Thin film PV: Edward Cahill, Analyst at Lux Research, gives an overview of the solar thin film competitive landscape.

SNEC: The market is on the path for growth but still faces major hurdles. European equipment and inverter manufacturers in particular face intensifying Chinese competition, while the country’s ambitious targets won’t be reached unless the government implements its distributed PV power policy. This was the conclusion of this year’s SNEC PV Power Expo in Shanghai.