[May 2011 Issue]

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

MARKET UPDATE

Italy: Major Challenges in Store

U.K. FiT Change Proposals
Difficult Second Half of 2011
Inverters Made a Record Year in 2010

COVER STORY

Impact of Japan’s Crisis on PV Market
The impact of the recent earthquake and ongoing nuclear crisis in Japan on the global solar market should be analyzed from diverse dimensions.
- By Ravi K, Suchitra Sriram

GLOBAL LEADERS IN PV

SCHMID: Innovative Power for Solar
SCHIMID has made a name for themselves worldwide as the technology leader in the photovoltaic, printed circuit board and flat panel display sectors.
- By Jeanny H. Lim

VIEWPOINT

The Risks of Politicizing Energy: Nuclear vs. Solar
Energy policy in the U.S.A. has become politicized beyond any coherent reason.
- By Joshua Pearce

U.K. Solar Market: The End of the Beginning
The purpose of this article is to give an objective view of the current debate in the U.K. regarding the eligibility of large-scale solar projects for FiTs. One of the major drivers for the early review has been the incumbent government’s concern over the projected growth of large-scale solar projects in the U.K.
- By Ashvin Suri

POLICY & LEGISLATION

PV Legislative Changes in the Czech Republic
In response to the boom of solar power plants, a series of legislative changes occurred in the Czech Republic during the second half of 2010, aimed to halt the development of photovoltaics.
- By Ing. Bronislav Bechnik

GLOBAL MARKET REPORT

The German PV Market in Transition Preparing for Grid Parity
Germany is on the verge of reaching grid parity. The private customer segment is the largest customer group and set to be the first to enjoy grid parity.
- By Tobias Rothacher

PV in the Developing World--A ‘Cell Phone’ Model for Microgrids Driving New PV Adoption
The global PV market cannot currently depend on European countries to increase their PV demand and expand the market. Developing countries are in a unique position to step in and pick up the slack, and it may well be in the context of the microgrid.
- By Shannon Fulton, Andy Skumanich

LG, Samsung, Hyundai in Solar Efficiency Battle
Korean solar cell manufacturers such as Hyundai Heavy Industries, LG Electronics,
Samsung Electronics, Millinet Solar and Shinsung Holdings have all been racing to introduce
solar modules with higher output and higher efficiency.
- By Jeanny H. Lim

CELL & MODULE

Smart Panel--What Are They and Why Do We Need Them?
Expectations of photovoltaic installers and financiers today are that their equipment will work in the field for 25 years and will operate at maximum efficiency over this
entire timeframe.
- By Kevin Kayser, Leslie Bane

PRODUCTION & INSPECTION

Trusted Name in Module Manufacturing

INTERPV magazine met with Hiroshi Nakano, President of Nisshinbo Mecharonics at EXPO Solar 2011. As the head of one of the most respected Japanese solar equipment companies, Nakano has been busy with many visitors at Nisshinbo Mechatronics’ booth.

- By Stella Lee 

POWER SYSTEM

Efficient East-West Orientated PV Systems with One MPP Tracker

A willingness to install east-west orientated photovoltaic (PV) systems has lacked in the past. Nowadays, however, interest in installing PV systems on east-west roofs is steadily increasing.

- By Dietmar Staudacher

Battery Selection & Maintenance

Rapid growth in renewable energy markets worldwide has stimulated an increased focus on deep-cycle battery technology.

- By Dean Middleton

Emerson, Control Techniques

Emerson is a US$1 billion company with significant power generation experience, unsurpassed R&D and international manufacturing resources which are supported by a comprehensive network of offices around the world. 

COMPONENT & MATERIAL

Energy Yield and Solar Trackers

Generally, there is not any justification to consider that complete dual-axis solar tracking provides less than 35% over fixed systems in 40 North latitude, South of Europe. The real track record and latest results can demonstrate that this assumption is not valid at all.

- By Carlos Garcia

CASE STUDIES

SolarCraft Brings onthe Sun

SolarCraft engineers and installs electric solar energy system to deliver maximum power and to last 25~30 years. You can learn more from these case studies on some successful installations by SolarCraft today.

- By Bob Smith

DESIGN & INSTALLATION

Why PV Is the Answer to Energy Challenges?

INTERPV magazine spoke to Lee Summers, Director of EOS Energy, who is fast becoming a recognized name in the renewable industry.

- By Stella Lee

Solar Makes Sense

Solarsense is a Bristol-based solar power company with a difference. Not only do they have over 15 years and 4,500 installations to date under their collective belt, but they are responsible for the U.K.’s largest privately-owned rooftop PV system.

- By Jennifer Stanley Smith