BUSINESS IN BRIEF
MARKET UPDATE
China: GW Market or Just GW Producer?
Although over 220 MW of PV modules were installed in China in 2009, several barriers still exist that are restricting the market from reaching its full potential.
VIEWPOINT
A Steeper Learning Curve for PV
Government solar price incentives and technology developments can accelerate the speed at which grid parity is reached, but so will effective industry collaboration.
- By Dan Martin
USA: Growth in Colder Climates
The future is bright for PV companies, especially in colder climates.
- By Mark Hagerty
COVER STORY
What¡¯s Driving Solar PV Pricing?
The average price per watt for a solar photovoltaic module has declined from an inflation-adjusted US$500 a watt in 1980 to less than US$2 per watt in 2010. What¡¯s driving the price for solar energy?
- By Michael S. Davies
GLOBAL LEADERS IN PV
SunPower, Solar at All Scales
SunPower has been responsible for major solar industry milestones since its inception in 1985. Thomas H. Werner, CEO of SunPower Corp., talks about the company¡¯s growth factor, competitive edges and plan for the future.
- By Amanda Kim
FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT
India¡¯s Solar Loan Program: Solar Shop Is Just Around the Corner
India¡¯s recent consumer loan program helps enlarge the market and shows the way forward to opening up business opportunities for solar photovoltaic products.
- By H.V.Kumar
PROJECT FOCUS
Fitting into the Landscape
The Swabian company Vento adapts their freestanding plants to the landscape wooden hayrick instead of concrete station.
- By Iris Krampitz
CELL & MODULE
Solarisation Resistant Glasses for Secondary Optics in Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems
SCHOTT has developed a glass that has low solarisation effects, which allows it to be used for concentrator photovoltaics where high sun intensities occur. The glass is optimized to show better performance with respect to solarisation in comparison to competitor glasses.
- By Steffen Reichel, Ralf Jedamzik, Volker Wittmer
Gerardo Capilupo
Gerardo Capilupo, Executive Manager of D.G.Energy, sees Italy is currently one of the most attractive countries for investors in renewables, especially photovoltaic and wind energy.
- By Jeanny Lim
Solarion AG, From Lab to Market
As Solarion AG is planning to expand from its existing pilot plant into industrial mass production for CIGS-based modules in 2011, the first commercial product will be available next year and the company looks forward to having more cooperation partners.
- By Amanda Kim
Towards Cell Purity
Solarfun Power Holdings introduces a new line of PV cells and modules with reduced Light Induced Degradation (LID). Srinivasamohan Narayanan, VP of Technology and Paul Combs, VP of Investor Relations at Solarfun talk about their new technology.
- By Sarah Jeong
GLOBAL MARKET REPORT
U.S.A.: Growth Seen for PV
PV demand in the U.S.A. is expected to rise. It is expected that the U.S. PV market will surpass markets in Europe to become the world¡¯s top PV market in the near future.
- By John Williams
Daniel Desmond
Daniel J. Desmond, Partner in Peregrine Technology Partners, believes we now have enough new stakeholders that, in future, there will be support for renewable energy that is not dependent on the policies of current office holders, especially in the U.S.A.
- By Jeanny Lim
Peter Batchelor
Peter Batchelor, the Minister for Energy and Resources in the Australian state of
Victoria, introduces renewable energy policies of Victoria and Australia and shares his
thoughts on the renewable energy industry.
- By Jeanny Lim
PV Patent: Exploit Your Innovation
This article focuses on patents and patent applications that can be associated with
¡°organic and hybrid¡± technology in an overall manner to determine those responsible for
initiating innovations to identify the most active research centers, potential partnerships
and to provide a complementary outlook to market studies.
- By FIST IP Overview Team
Solar Year in Review
During 2009, solar energy market has seen many challenges, however, despite its
difficulties, the industry has gained momentum and is poised for growth in 2010.
- By Jack Calderon, Chaim Lubin
PRODUCTION & INSPECTION
Processing Glass
Innovative techniques for a smooth production process for solar modules are developed.
- By Markus Lipp, Thomas Ommerle
COMPONENT & MATERIAL
Materials Minimization: Overcoming the Challenge
Wise material selection and use is key to overcoming cost and scalability challenges.
- By Rob Lamkin
DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Rethinking Solar Power System Design
A cascade of new solar technologies is reaching the market, bringing the promise of improved efficiency and better ROI. But to get the most out of these new technologies, we must rethink the design and management of solar power systems.
- By Michael Lamb
Plug & Play Solar Power: Has the Solar Revolution Started?
A solar energy system is a bulky appliance and putting them on a rooftop isn¡¯t easy. But the Andalay AC solar panels can dramatically streamline and simplify the installation process.
- By Jeanny Lim
CASE STUDIES
Canada: Paving the Way for PV
A new 30 kW rooftop PV system is helping to pave the way for solar technologies in Canada, with forward thinking bolstering the acceptance of renewable energy.
- By Brent Harris
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