Indian market to double in 2016
India: With more than 4 GW of new installations forecast for 2016, Indias solar market appears to be maturing well. Raj Prabhu, the CEO of Mercom Capital Group explores the factors behind the rapid solar expansion, and the dangers of very low project bids.
Major change in Polish incentives
Poland: When the long-prepared Renewable Energy Sources bill was passed by Polands lower house, the Sejm, and then signed into law by the Polish president in spring 2015, it seemed that the dispute over incentives for renewable energy in Poland was finally over. Poland was due to switch from the quota regime to the auction system on January 1, 2016. Yet shortly before the end of 2015 the government postponed the introduction of the auction system for another six months. This is likely the first step towards a complete overhaul of the incentive system before auctions are introduced. Rödl & Partners Piotr Mrowiec reports.
New trackers on the block
Trackers: A handful of new PV tracker companies have emerged into this global bull market for utility-scale trackers, offering new designs, new benefits and in some cases, new pricing. The barriers to entry into the leading U.S. tracker market are substantial, but these companies are prepared to find a niche and grow.
Rigorous supervision delivers reliable output
O&M study: Frances kiloWattsol provides engineering services to PV power plant developers and has carried out performance analysis of 395 operational plants in the EU. Of these it has carried out detailed analysis of 77. kiloWattsols Stéphane Vidal shares some of the key outcomes from the analysis.
Same but different
PV Expo Japan: Change is coming to the Japanese solar sector, but the proposed policy tweaks and liberalization reforms will likely deliver a soft landing from an expected PV peak in 2016, and although there is uncertainty, a quiet confidence courses through the industrys veins.
Solar in bloom
Distributed PV: There are solar farms, gardens and now a PV flower. On first impression the smartflower might look like an expensive way to realize a PV array. Its not once the additional electricity delivered via its unique design and capabilities is factored in, counters Alexander Swatek, the Managing Partner of smartflower energy technology. pv magazine met with the smartflower team in Vienna.
Stocks on the mend
Guggenheim Solar Index: After a rough start to 2016, solar stocks are now showing encouraging signs of stability, particularly in the important U.S. market.
The best of the best: innovative high efficiency PV module designs
High efficiency PV: The premium end of the PV module market has remained vibrant even during the period of rapid price declines. It is a segment in which innovation can be showcased and is a keenly contested space when it comes to demonstrating manufacturing prowess and technical leadership. pv magazine showcases some of the modules leading the field in the high efficiency ranks.
The great inverter disruption
MLPE vs. String, Part I: Following the news that power optimizer specialist SolarEdge may become the market leader for residential inverters globally this year, pv magazine revisits the MLPE space to examine just what is driving the sectors phenomenal adoption rates, and how traditional inverter suppliers can respond.
The key questions for SNEC 2016
SNEC 2016: The biggest solar show in the biggest solar market rolls into Shanghai between May 24-26, bringing with it the promise of yet further clarity of just how Chinas solar sector will grow this year a year filled with economic trepidation on the one hand, but positive clean energy activity on the other. pv magazine looks ahead to what should be a fascination expo, whichever way the chips fall.
