Both PV Tech and market research firm IHS have repeatedly highlighted for several years that SMA Solar’s view on its market share position in the PV inverter market differs considerably from our own analysis.
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.
Following the events of recent trade shows in Europe and the US, Mark Osborne took the opportunity to speak with NPD Solarbuzz team leader Finlay Colville regarding the level of end-market demand that can be expected in 2015.
Sharp, ABB, SMA and Bosch are among the big names readying new energy storage products for the UK PV market. Andy Colthorpe caught up with them at the Solar Energy UK show to find out what tech fits best for the UK's nascent storage sector.
Thin-film manufacturer and utility-scale PV plant developer First Solar revealed one of its projects had become the first of its kind to receive a Quality Tested certification from testing institutes VDE and Fraunhofer ISE. Ben Willis spoke to First Solar and VDE to learn more about the process and its wider implications for the large-scale solar sector.
The US solar trade case continues to cast a shadow over the buoyant American PV market. Ben Willis spoke to the originators of the case, SolarWorld, at SPI 2014 to see if they stand by their actions.
Stealthy US-based start-up, Sunpreme will be showing what it claims to be the world's first Bifacial double glass module with a measured STC output of 503W at Solar Power International (SPI 2014). It is designed to maximize energy production in ground mount as well as tracker configurations and with a 15% Bifacial power boost, the effective panel wattage can be enhanced to 575W with an effective module efficiency of 22.2%, according to the company. Upon full market release, the product warranty will be backed by Munich Re.
SMA Solar Technology is showcasing an expanded range of ‘Sunny Boy’ TL-US inverters with ‘Secure Power Supply’ at Solar Power International. The higher power ratings of the new Sunny Boy 7000TL-US and 7700TL-US are designed to meet the needs of large residential PV projects and are able to provide daytime power in the event of a grid outage.
