Jon Haines

By the end of May, pvXdatabase, the largest global cross-manufacturer online database, should be launched carrying over 5,000 photovoltaic products.  The database will make it easier for software suppliers to access a user-friendly updated database without having to form their own, and for producers, who seek new methods of interactive presentation of their products.

centrotherm photovoltaics AG, a service provider for solar cell and solar silicon manufacturing, named Dr. Frank Faller (pictured) the new Managing Director at the company’s US subsidiary,  centrotherm photovoltaics Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., and Soleos Solar GmbH, a PV systems manufacturer and installer, have announced the two companies have agreed that, for the first half of 2009, Suntech will supply Soleos with at least 6MW of modules. 

Fraunhofer ISE has announced that Gerhard Stryi-Hipp will take over as Head of Energy Policy and Group Leader of Thermal Collectors and Applications, beginning in July, addressing the company’s need for help in these areas.

Applied Solar, Inc. announced the start-up of the Solar Communities program in San Diego.  This program plans to increase the number of homes using clean solar energy by getting rid of cost by eliminating the most expensive Tier 3 and Tier 4 energy purchases, which usually is at least 60% of the typical San Diego Gas & Electric customer’s yearly bill.

Solar Thin Films, Inc. and its subsidiary, KRAFT Elektronikai Zrt., announced they have acquired BudaSolar Technologies Co. Ltd. of Budapest, Hungary in the hope of increasing the customer base.

According to its 2008 Annual Report, SOLON continues to be among the fastest growing solar companies in Germany, but due to an unstable market, is expecting moderate growth in 2009.

Manz Automation AG has announced it will be cutting employee hours up to 20% due to less demand at plants in Reutlingen and Tuebingen, Germany.  The company has already cut workers this year in plants in Taiwan, China and Slovakia.

Sputnik Engineering AG’s SolarMax string inverters have been approved for use in Portuguese solar power plants. These four devices have nominal outputs ranging from 1.8-4.6kW and have been received the official certificate from the Portuguese Government Office last February.

While the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) market has sprung up from targeted subsidies and aesthetic appeal, it appears as though modest but steady growth will support future opportunities for innovative cross-industry services and improved products.  A study by Lux Research concludes the present-day US$1.7 billion BIPV market’s lack of standardization...