Building a PV power plant is one thing; making sure it pays is a whole different game. Laura E. Stern explains the benefits of combining physical and financial solar asset management in maximising a plant’s profitability.
Lightweight crystalline PV modules promise a potentially large new market for solar, as well as addressing a variety of problems such as transportation costs. But further work is needed to establish their performance and durability, says Fraunhofer's Cordula Schmid.
Throughout 2014, there were widespread reports of China's struggles to hit ambitious PV targets set at the start of the year. Beijing-based solar expert, Frank Haugwitz, lays bare the difficulties China experienced and offers his analysis of what the year-end tally will be for Asian giant.
By Dr. Joris Libal & Dr. Radovan Kopecek, ISC Konstanz
Bifacial cell and module technologies are gradually finding their way into mass production. Radovan Kopecek and Joris Libal of ISC Konstanz explain why they think the future is bifacial.
Political and regulatory disruption often get the most attention as the likely brakes on solar's future growth. But a more pressing concern is the availability of crucial materials, says Chris Berry.
Last week Germany's E.ON announced its divestment from fossil fuels and a focus on renewable energy. First Solar's Christopher Burghardt explains why solar is becoming an increasingly sound bet for investors.
Europe so far looks to be the laggard in the PV capacity expansion drive now gathering a head of steam. But all the ingredients are there for Southeastern European countries to establish themselves as manufacturing hubs, says Matthias Grossman.
Earlier this week German utility E.ON announced surprise plans to divest from fossil fuels and focus on renewable energy. Tobias Engelmeier explores what utilities in India could learn from its move.
Demand for thin-film PV is still growing, but what about supply? NPD Solarbuzz's Finlay Colville looks at what is around the corner for thin-film PV as a technology offering to the solar industry.
