Magazine Archive 2014

Trade cases: How can PV module manufacturers and EPCs deal with the challenges the ongoing trade disputes have created in many regions? Andy Klump, CEO and Founder of solar energy consulting firm Clean Energy Associates (CEA), analyzes the global trade disputes.

EU energy strategy: From currency to employment rights, European unity has proved workable on a number of important issues. Yet one of Europe’s most pressing concerns – energy – remains fragmented, lacking a binding strategy that could deliver a more sustainable, independent future. pv magazine finds a solar industry armed with the tools to engineer change, but asks: Is there sufficient political appetite to challenge the status quo?

Equipment manufacturers: Investments in production technology by equipment manufacturers are paying off as market supply and demand finally start to balance out in the PV industry

Mounting Systems: The solar downturn of 2012 and 2013 claimed many victims. One of which, Germany’s Mounting Systems, was left looking for a buyer after parent company Conergy Group became insolvent. In December 2013, an agreement was reached for the Nordwest Industrie Group to purchase Mounting Systems. pv magazine met with Managing Director Stefan Spork on its re-emergence from financial insecurity onto the global stage.

Monitoring: Synapse Wireless and Shoals Technologies Group introduced a cloud-based wireless system for real-time string-level monitoring of PV installations from cradle to grave.

Industry ranking: Capacity additions and production ramps were not terms uttered often about thin producers in the recent years. But amongst the swirling winds of trade disputes, downstream integration, and steady technological progress, thin films are just about holding their own.

Manufacturing in Latin America: The emergence of a market for large-scale photovoltaic power plants combined with mandatory local content requirements in some countries, such as Brazil, has given rise to a host of plans to set up solar equipment factories throughout Latin America.

Ardour Solar Index: The trade war continues to weigh on the index performance. The next round of duties puts most names in red.

CEO Interview: Japanese CIS thin film producer and integrator Solar Frontier is evolving. Emerging from its parent, Showa Shell Sekiyu, the company is increasing its international footprint after two booming years supplying the Japanese market. Last month Solar Frontier appointed Atsuhiko Hirano as president and CEO. He spoke to pv magazine in Tokyo the week he took control of the company.

Feed-in tariffs: Germany rolls out its market premium price as an alternative to the standard FITs. Changes are also taking place in Australia, Italy, Slovenia and Michigan.