Magazine Archive

Thin film market overview: In the following table, over forty manufacturers list the technical data of more than 250 modules. Manufacturers have focused their attention on large-scale projects in recent years. In the meantime, several of them have discovered the small roof as a lucrative market.

India: The Indian government’s National Solar Mission is stimulating the local photovoltaics business on all levels. Additional manufacturing lines are being constructed and several large scale projects for solar power generation have taken off. A report from India.

Intersolar Europe: The leading international PV trade show continues to grow. From June 9-11, more than 1,800 exhibitors, half of them from outside Germany, are expected in Munich. The biggest trend for all product groups this year is lower costs.

South Africa: The Republic of South Africa promises excellent remuneration for large solar power arrays, but connection to the grid is subject to negotiation. Neither grid operators nor producers are required to buy the electricity. Because they prevent problems caused by power outages, off-grid systems still play the most important role in the country, but the South African PV market could really start picking up next year.

Guest article: Terrie Romano, Consul for Economic Affairs of the province Ontario, summarizes the effects of the feed-in tariff program in Canada’s highest populated province.

PV equipment in China: Most Chinese PV factories rely on manufacturing equipment from the U.S. and Europe, but local competition is on the rise. A report from China.

Trackers: On the Amazon parking lot in Bad Hersfeld, Hesse, Germany, a dual-axis tracker system was built instead of the usual PV car port. A cool solution, but is it also economically feasible in an area where the cost-effectiveness of tracker systems hovers at zero, in a never-ending gamble with the weather? Investment alternatives and feed-in tariff options also have to be considered.

PV SNEC: With approximately 1,200 exhibitors, the Fourth International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference & Exhibition (SNEC PV 2010) set a new record for Asian solar tradeshows. In addition to Chinese and Asian manufacturers of photovoltaics, international equipment suppliers were the main groups presenting themselves in Shanghai.

Module prices: Growing demand is now making itself felt on the spot market. In April and May, module prices from all regions showed a sustained increase for the first time since fall 2008.

Lightweight crystalline modules: Most modules are equipped with thick front glass in order to withstand mechanical loads. Solon presents a module with thinner glass and less weight, one suitable for numerous industrial roofs. The new module is fastened to the roof by adhesives instead of bolts.