Start-up, QBotix, has revealed the ‘QBotix Tracking System’ (QTS), a dual-axis tracking system that employs rugged, intelligent and mobile robots to dynamically operate solar power plants and maximize energy output. QTS is claimed to costs as much as existing single axis systems but generates up to 15% more energy. QTS will generate up to 40% more energy than fixed mount systems.
PolyOne has introduced a new technology for PV systems wire and cable called ‘Syncure Solar.’ Available globally, this UV-resistant, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) system is claimed to meet UL 4703 and VW 1-compliance in one material, eliminating the need to use two separate insulation and jacketing formulations.
Mitt Romney's joke last week mocking Barack Obama's acceptance of global warming has been ridiculed by US news networks, with perhaps the exception of Fox.
Komax Solar has developed a new, fully automatic stringer for 6-inch back contact cells. The contactless soldering technology as well as the ribbon handling technology was designed to minimize the thermo mechanical stress introduced into the solar cell. In addition, this back contact stringer adds the electrical isolation between the cells and the ribbons.
ISOVOLTAIC is offering a new encapsulating material which is combined directly with its production proven ICOSOLAR backsheets and completely replaces a layer of encapsulating material in the module.
Clenergy launched the PV-ezRack Trapezoidal module mounting system at Intersolar Europe, 2012. The new high-quality universal mounting system is designed for PV-systems on trapezoidal sheet roofs with thicknesses of 0.4mm and above.
Sika AG, a globally integrated company supplying specialty chemicals and application knowledge has launched a new PV potting agent ‘Sikasil’ AS-787 SL. The new two-component silicone potting agent is claimed to offer a fast curing time that enables shorter cycle times and a high automation index for junction box potting for crystalline and thin film photovoltaic technologies.
When final numbers are counted for capital equipment suppliers to the PV industry for 2012, the data will reveal a somewhat misleading picture. And one that was certainly not on the radar of any PV equipment supplier just 12 months ago.
Engineered Conductive Materials (ECM) has developed a new fast curing conductive adhesive CA-100 for stringing and bussing next-generation CIGS solar modules. This material formulation is optimized for improved conductivity and stability on molybdenum and other substrates used in thin-film manufacturing.
Company executives and analysts alike face a number of difficulties in answering this very important question. To reach the answer requires strong fundamentals in solar PV economics. This, however, is unfortunately not enough. The data necessary to answer the question are difficult to collect and even more difficult to structure and maintain. Further, the data are highly dynamic: US incentives change in structure, decrease or expire and electricity prices change in both magnitude and composition. All of these variables affect a market’s attractiveness, which itself can change substantially over time.
