[October 2010 Issue]
BUSINESS IN BRIEF
MARKET UPDATE
Round Two of the Solar Shakeout: Who Will Thrive, Survive, or Dive?
What Constrains Ontario’s PV Market?
Business Strategies of US Installers
5 Largest Module Suppliers in Q2’10
COVER STORY
CIGS on Plastic: Efficiency Goes High
At the end of June, the Laboratory for Thin Films andPhotovoltaics at the EMPA Swiss Federal Laboratoriesfor Materials Science and Technology registered a world record of 17.6% efficiency for thin-film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells on plastic. The laboratory is channeling this success to its industrial partner Flisom AG to manufacture high-efficiency, monolithic solar modules on polyimide.
- BY THOMAS NETTER
GLOBAL LEADERS IN PV
Adept Technology, Robotic Innovator for Solar
Adept Technology has been serving the PV industry for over 15 years with robotic solutions enabling solar manufactures to handle their products in a fast and gentle handling manner. John Dulchinos, President & CEO of Adept Technology, talks about how the company has been meeting the needs of PV equipment manufacturers.
- BY JEANNY LIM
POLICY & LEGISLATION
India Rolls Out Solar Guidelines
India recently released its selection guidelines for grid-connected solar projects under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). This policy is a good starting point for India as it provides a core set of definitions and policy terms for the country. However, there are several areas that stand out in the guidelines which cause us to concern.
- BY RAJ PRABHU, ALFONSO VELOSA III
GLOBAL MARKET REPORT
Portugal’s PV Market Landscape
In Portugal, although no actual law has been published, the Roadmap for Solar PV insures a future growth of 1 GWp until 2010 for the PV industry. Lobby and scientific development can be improved and contribute to a better political acceptance and higher goals.
- BY BIRGIT HERBERS
Manz Automation to Bring Breakthroughs in CIGS Technology
Manz Automation has recently announced “Exclusive Know-how Licensing and Strategic Alliance Agreement” with W rth Solar. The alliance gives Mans Automation the exclusive rights to use W rth Solar’s CIGS proeuction technology. Dieter Manz, CEO of Manz Automation, reveals more details about this unique cooperation of a world leading scientific research institute, a worldwide leading manufacturer of CIGS modules and one of the world’s leading machine manufacturers, and talks about how this cooperation will bring breakthroughs in CIGS technology and open up an enormous market potential.
- BY JEANNY LIM
FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT
Solar Call
The market for solar companies is relatively new, and, like many other markets today, fairly uncertain. On one hand, the overall industry is exhibiting significant momentum. However, solar companies and developers continue to face many challenges on a global scale which, combined with the general market uncertainty, have been driving valuations of solar companies
- BY JACK CALDERON, CHAIM LUBIN
CELL & MODULE
Concentrator Photovoltaics:The Promise of High Efficiency and the Workhorses that Deliver It
Concentrator solar cells are the high efficiency devices driving the high system efficiencies seen in modern CPV systems. The scope for further efficiency improvements and the technology pathways to get
there are described and explored in this
article.
- BY DR. TOM TIBBITS
LDK Solar: “It’s all about stable supply.”
LDK Solar Chairman and CEO Xiaofeng Peng discusses the company’s business strategy and how it is adapting to the future.
- BY JEANNY LIM
VIEW POINT
PV Module Costs and Prices What Is Really Happening?
The results of a number of the major suppliers Q2’10 looks set to continue the market’s recent record setting trend. A few things immediately stand out from the first few calls in Q2’10.
- BY SAM WILKINSON
PRODUCTION & INSPECTION
The Challenges of Print on Print
One of the most promising ways of achieving solar cell efficiency increase is the Print on Print (PoP) metalization process. Demanding total printing precision, and processes that guarantee absolutely repeatable accuracy, PoP presents solar cell manufacturers with considerable challenges.
- BY DARREN BROWN
COMPONENT & MATERIAL
The Critical Role of Materials in the Solar PV Industry
To reach grid parity in most mainstream markets across the globe without the aid of government subsidies or incentives, overall PV system costs must experience further significant reductions on the order of 50 to 60%. Materials play a unique and critical role in making this happen.
- BY SIMONE M.P. ARIZZI
POWER SYSTEM
Modular System. Maximum Yield.
Some inverter manufacturers have adopted the master-slave principle as inverters often run under partial loads, particularly in our latitudes.
Bentek Solar, Innovative Provider of Solar Combiners
Founded in 1985, Bentek is a leader in manufacturing and engineering solutions for complex electro-mechanical and power distribution systems for the semiconductor and solar industries. President and CEO Mitch Schoch explains why Bentek Solar is an innovative leader in the solar industry.
CASE STUDIES
Sanyo Solar Canopies Create New Solar Vernacular
Design flexibility and superior energy output of SANYO’s Bi-facial HIT Double modules provide architects and building owners more solar design options and increased revenue potential.
ASSOCIATION FOCUS
PV CYCLE: Green Light for Operations in Europe
PV CYCLE started 2010 with a total of 52 members. In just a little over half a year, it has managed to double thisnumber and have now more than 100 members representing over 85% of the European photovoltaic market.
- BY JAN CLYNCKE
PV & LIFE
Building a Greener World, One Building at a Time
With ongoing concerns about rising energy costs and conservation, green building is a reality that speaks to the project manager within us all. Networks like Planet Green and HGTV have been dipping their toe into how to “green your home” with simple solutions like switching to different light bulbs or choosing an interior paint with a low-VOC. That is a great start to a greener lifestyle, but let’s dig a little deeper.
- BY MICHELLE LABROSSE, ERICA EDMOND |
