The uncertain future of silicon heterojunction solar
PV cells: Heterojunction PV cells can deliver impressive efficiency results, but they are neither easy nor cheap to produce.
Thermal Cycling insights
PV Module Reliability Scorecard: While nothing can rival data from the field, accelerated testing can reveal telling module quality and performance. DNV GLs Laboratory Services Group, founded by Jenya Meydbray, has carried out testing on some 30 different manufacturers as a part of its Product Qualification Program. The results contain some intriguing insights, Thermal Cycling results are presented here.
Trends in two directions
Module prices: Solar pioneers are being insourced by energy companies. Solar firms have begun reporting significantly better numbers.
Two trends behind the shift beyond China
PV manufacturing: The shift of some PV cell and module production from China to Southeast Asia has been a feature of the global solar manufacturing landscape for some time. JA Solar has established a cell manufacturing line in Malaysia that it believes will deliver both the advantage of geographical diversification and an attractive cost structure. Christoph Flink, Head of Strategy at JA Solar spoke to pv magazine .
A juncture for junction boxes
Junction boxes: An often overlooked link in any solar PV system, the steady performance of junction boxes is an important component in ensuring solar electricity is safely and efficiently produced. pv magazine examines the latest development, production and cost reduction trends currently shaping the sector.
A patchwork of opportunity
ASEAN policy overview: The majority of PV investment in Asia has gone to countries outside of Southeast Asia, largely due to limitations regarding climate and renewable policy. Southeast Asia has a huge gap between potential (in terms of geographical position and climate) and short-sighted policy outlook. However, the potential for the market is vast, and changes are leading many ASEAN economies in the right direction.
Equipped with challenges
German production equipment suppliers: Götz Fischbeck of Smart Solar Consulting finds German production equipment suppliers facing substantial headwinds, despite strong technology offerings. If the current storm can be negotiated, a new opportunity may await.
Feasibility of Indias rooftop ambitions
India: While the financials in several subsets of the rooftop PV market segment in India can play out, some key regulatory hurdles must be overcome if India is to meet its ambitious solar goals. Akhilesh Magal the Head Solar Advisor to the Government of Gujarat provides this insightful analysis.
Getting energized
MLPE vs. String, Part II: Last month pv magazine explored the recent developments within the module level power electronics (MLPE) space for part I of its three part focus on the future of the solar inverter landscape. For part II, attention turns to how string inverter suppliers are responding to the growing market threat posed by MLPE players, and examines just how MLPE suppliers are hoping to maintain their recent growth trajectory.
Hype versus reality
2015 PV manufacturer shipments: The balancing act that is solar PV supply and demand exported its inherent hopes and anxieties ever more globally in 2015, with China firmly in the hot seat as the industry inches closer to 1 TW.
