[February 2011 Issue]
BUSINESS IN BRIEF
MARKET UPDATE
Obama’s U.S. Steps Up Renewable Energy Plans
Finding the New Germany: Solar Seeks 2011 Subsidies
US Integrators Gain
Cost-Cutting Technology
Italian Solar Installation Soar in Q4
COVER STORY
Massive Sunbelt Potential for Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics is already competitive with some non-renewables today and will become one of the lowest cost options in less than 20 years, says a study by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association. No longer a luxury novelty for rich nations, it’s a sensible, sustainable solution for the energy needs of ‘Sunbelt’ countries around the equator.
- By Eleni Despotou
GLOBAL LEADERS IN PV
Manz Automation: PV Equipment Market’s Tech Leader
Based on the long-term experience in the fundamental technologies of robotics, control technology, image processing, quality control systems, laser processing technology, and wet chemical processes, the Manz Group provides innovative system solutions.
- By Jeanny H. Lim
VIEWPOINT
Entrance into PV
Training should never be overlooked. Given that renewables tend to be a more labor-intensive energy source, training means not just to equip the ‘green workers’ with latest tools, but there is a lot more to it.
- By Anja Haupt
GLOBAL MARKET REPORT
Germany Solar Market Perspectives for 2011
Germany’s solar market experienced extraordinary growth in 2010, 8 GW of new capacity has been installed in 2010. To limit market growth, an additional decrease of the Feed-in Tariff by 13% will be valid from January 2011 on.
- By Christian Grundner
Status of PV In the EU New Member States-PartⅡ
This second of three articles examines current schemes of support mechanisms for PV in the European Union 12 New Member States (NMS).
- By Dr. Stanislaw M. Pietruszko
FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT
Solar Call: Industry M&A Activity Roundup
The solar industry was a strong 2010 performer with PV installations expected to reach approximately 15 GW or more for the year.
- By Jack Calderon, Chaim Lubin
CELL & MODULE
Building Blocks to Boost Solar Productivity
Applied Solar has focused on making solar more affordable and said four key contributors made its c-Si PV successful.
- By Charlie Gay
PRODUCTION & INSPECTION
Cost Reduction Potentials beyond Scaling
An outlook for future, highly-integrated PV manufacturing sites is given and further possibilities to reduce costs are discussed.
- By Klaus Eberhardt
Advancements in PVD Power Delivery Management
With a vast knowledge of the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process and the tools currently used in today’s marketplace, Advanced Energy unveils new advancements for improved product quality and control.
- By Ken Nauman, Skip Larson
Meco Equipment Engineers BV
Meco designs, manufactures and supplies plating systems to suit a wide variety of products. Over the years, these systems have established an international reputation.
Lohmann Tapes
Lohmann is today one of the few adhesive tape manufacturers worldwide covering the complete value chain of innovative bonding solutions.
Wakom Semiconductor Corp.
With most of its main customers located in North Asia now, Wakom entered the Korean Solar PV market in 2010.
POWER SYSTEM
Tigo Energy
Tigo Energy provides more energy, active management, and enhanced safety for solar plants of all sizes through advanced module-level electronics.
COMPONANT & MATERIAL
Evans Analytical Group
Evans Analytical Group has been a global leader in surface analysis and materials characterization for over 30 years, delivering innovative analytical services and solutions.
DESIGN & INSTALLATION
The Sun’s Energy, the Strength of the Roof
With over 50 years of experience in the production of steel plates to protect the multilayer, Ondulit has developed reliable photovoltaic roofing systems.
- By Alberto Andreoli |
