Solar tracker controls boost performance
Solar trackers: Robust PV control systems have become critical for managing multiple inverters, for meeting the demands of the grid operator, and for eking out increments to performance.
The energy world of tomorrow
Self-consumption: Scientists are currently carrying out research into the use of efficient storage systems on the North Sea island of Pellworm as part of a project entitled Smart Region Pellworm. A report by Frank Beermann, Managing Director of Gildemeister energy solutions.
The land of the PV
US: Following a record-breaking end to 2013, the solar PV market in the United States is gearing up for further growth in 2014 driven by what appears to be an insatiable appetite for solar power across nearly all sectors, states and regions.
Triple-digit gain for 2013
Ardour Solar Index: China confirms leadership in total installation volume while Germany falls to the number 4 spot.
Utilizing full planning potential
PVplanet: PVplanet, the PV Plant Engineering Toolbox, realizes a new, software-based planning concept for large-scale ground-mounted photovoltaic power plants, developed by Siemens AG in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics. Layout planners not associated with Siemens AG can also profit from this software as Siemens offers a technical consulting service and applies this planning tool to optimize the economic efficiency of their customers plant layouts, write Siemens Martin Bischoff and Marcus König.
Waiting it out
Polysilicon: Though PV demand for 2014 is expected to be higher than last year, the industry expects that the main driver for investment in polysilicon production tools and innovation will be increased demand for high-efficiency solar cells in 2015.
A rough wind
Modules prices: Continued low demand and cuts in the remuneration for European PV systems invoke the specter of a renewed collapse on the market.
Billions of dollars of off-grid opportunity
Australia: Major renewable energy projects are being developed which could potentially see billions of dollars of clean energy development on the fringes or outside of Australias two major electricity grids. The projects are being supported by a government agency and pv magazine has learned that large-scale PV developments make up the majority of the planned projects.
Business model in stress test
Wholesale trade: The specialized PV wholesale trade stands at a crossroads in Germany. Will its expertise stay in demand because solar power systems are becoming a core component in the self-sufficient household and industrial sector? Or is it soon to become superfluous in a largely standardized mass market? Despite the wave of bankruptcies and acquisitions in the country, both models still seem possible.
CIGS from the Cape
South Africa: Regarded as one of the most promising emerging markets in PV, dozens of international companies are currently active in South Africa. In early February, Africas first pilot production for CIGS thin film modules opened in Stellenbosch near Cape Town, and pv magazine was invited along for a first look.
