Brazilian regions move forward
Brazil: While the central governments position towards solar energy is still unclear, a few regions in Brazil are moving forward with different initiatives. Last December the first call for tender for solar projects in the country was launched by the state of Pernambuco. Other states are planning to introduce tax exemptions that would benefit solar projects.
Bright spots in cell testing
Solar cell inspection: The move away from manual solar cell testing by Chinas PV manufacturers and the trend in high efficiency cell technologies is generating demand for automated and advanced cell-testing tools.
Clipped wings?
Turkey: With the countrys solar potential continuing to excite international players, pv magazine asks whether the PV market has enough lift to avoid the political turbulence that is growing in the country.
Cuba keen to exploit its sunny appeal
Cuba: As part of a drive to produce 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, Cubas government aims to attract $3 billion of foreign capital. Meanwhile, the forthcoming reform of the countrys foreign investment act could cut much of the current red tape. Finally, although Cubas renewable energy legislation has already been more than a year in the making and still lacks specific targets for the various technologies, everything indicates that it will prioritize distributed generation.
Global FIT overview
Feed-in tariffs: More bad news for solar in Australia. Japan, Slovenia and the United Kingdom stay the course with only minor adjustments. And Minnesota kicks off its Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program.
Healthy outlooks
Ardour Solar Index: Strong 2014 outlooks drive the index to three year highs. China confirms its push for 14 GW in 2014.
Incentives on the horizon
Panama: The Central American country is preparing to launch public tenders after it passed its first law promoting solar energy last year. Although the remuneration has yet to be specified, over 200 MWp have already received provisional authorization.
Japan: A maturing market
PV Expo Tokyo: It is all systems go for Japans PV market, which is rapidly maturing and heading even further downstream, according to the wide range of exhibitors and visitors to whom pv magazine spoke at this years show.
LED or xenon?
Cell testing: Anyone purchasing a cell tester today will find themselves confronted with a controversy: LED or xenon? Hanwha Q Cells has now placed into service an LED flasher from Wavelabs. Following is a consideration of the advantages and drawbacks compared with common xenon flashers.
Little movement
Modules prices: Modules are generally available but not necessarily when it comes to inexpensive alternatives.
