The dark days for the PV equipment sector are nearing an end after three years of strict capital cash management and reduced R&D spending by cell and module manufacturers, brought on by chronic overcapacity. Mark Osborne speaks to Applied Materials' Jim Mullin for his thoughts on where PV cell technology is headed next.
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.
Last year saw a number of emerging solar markets begin to fulfil their potential, setting up some promising prospects for 2015. Josefin Berg, senior solar analyst at market research firm, IHS, discusses the emerging-market highlights of 2014 and what to expect in 2015.
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.
After what was a busy year for solar, that saw big strides forward for the global industry, Mark Osborne takes a look at the PV Tech stories that most caught our readers' eye.
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.
SiTec GmbH has developed innovative monosilane process technology that provides substantial energy savings compared to legacy processes and increase capital productivity. Marketed under the name ‘STAR’, for SiTec Applied Research products, the technology is applicable to both new and existing (retrofit) monosilane plants.
