Imec's Bart Onsia outlines some of the research efforts underway to tackle the issue of cell-to-module losses, including a new tool for calculating the output of a variety of module configurations in different conditions.
Recent preliminary performance data from a small bifacial PV array in Germany suggest impressive yield gains compared to a conventional system. Joris Libal and Radovan Kopecek of ISC Konstanz take a closer look at what the results could signify about this emerging technology.
By Jasmeet Khurana, associate director, consulting, Bridge to India
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has ruled against India's local content rules for solar equipment in its dispute with the US. Jasmeet Khurana, associate director, consulting, Bridge to India explains why the Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) has always been unsustainable and what other policies should be considered to keep Indian solar manufacturers afloat.
There is no more doubt that PERC is becoming a mainstream technology in standard industrial solar cell production. The question arising is “what is next?”
The Indian government has sought industry feedback on the concept of establishing a polysilicon manufacturing hub in the country. Matthias Grossman looks at how such a proposal would fare in the currently unsettled global poly market.
The production of crystalline Silicon (c-Si) solar cells and thin-film modules has moved from a small quantity niche product to global volume markets and mass production scale. A review of the evolution in process technology of this young industry reveals laser processing to have played an ambiguous role in the last 15 years.
If you want to understand the strength of the case for solar in Saudi Arabia, examining the country's peak load is a good place to start. First Solar's Osama al Othman explains why the country's power problems are ripe for a solar solution.
By Jyoti Gulia, senior manager, market intelligence, at Bridge to India
2015 was a landmark year for the Indian solar industry, with the 100GW by 2022 target approved and a significant ramp up of deployment. Bridge to India's Jyoti Gulia discusses the challenges ahead regarding project delays, transmission infrastructure and financing.
China has set some ambitious targets for solar deployment over the next five years. Frank Haugwitz assesses what policy and power sector reforms will be required to enable these goals to be met.
