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.
In early 2015, snow and ice in parts of North America created unexpected problems for solar plant operators. As winter approaches once again, Gwen Bender reflects on the challenges of keeping a project running profitably in harsh weather conditions.
Encapsulation is a key aspect of module durability, yet less effort is made to assess the quality of this process during manfuacture. Christian Honeker describes a new test procedure designed to improve the quality control of lamination and thus promote overall module performance.
By Dr. Joris Libal & Dr. Radovan Kopecek, ISC Konstanz
Researchers are developing a new module specifically for use in desert areas, where much of the future growth in PV deployment is expected. Radovan Kopecek and Joris Libal of ISC Konstanz, one of the research partners involved, explain the thinking behind the 'AtaMo' module and its attributes in harsh conditions.
The growing size and geographic dispersal of PV power plants worldwide presents numerous supply chain challenges. Ulrike Therhaag runs through some of the essential steps in effectively managing the procurement process.
