Top Stories 2008 – Power Generation – the good, the bad, and the efficiency

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Several of the most popular stories in the Power Generation section of PV-Tech were related to research on new technologies for the improvement of cell efficiencies. A very recent report by Greentech Media on First Solar’s apparent achievement of grid parity created ripples throughout the industry. Mark Bachman, a senior research analyst with Pacific Crest, presented his aggregated numbers via the report that claimed that First Solar has indeed reached the grid parity mecca.

A disappointing development in November saw the denial of planning permission for San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) joint initiative with Phoenix-based Stirling Energy Systems in the southern California desert. The potential 900MW installation would have seen the construction of a $1 billion power transmission line, which was criticised by many due to its potential cost to the environment, and as a result, the California Public Utilities Commission put a halt to the development.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Better news came from an Irish company, Science and Technology Research Partners (Strep), which revealed its development of “spray-on” solar cells, potentially a lower-cost power source. The aim of the company, whose technology involves ‘painting’ the material onto roofs, is to reach a 10% conversion rate at 10% of the production cost of traditional solar cells.

Sunovia and EPIR Technologies’ claim in May of its having reached a breakthrough for commercialization of single crystalline epitaxial CdTe/Si growth was also a much-visited news item this year, as was a similar efficiency claim by NREL, which claimed a record conversion efficiency of 19.9% on its CIGS thin-film solar cells.

And to round up this round-up, our senior contributing editor Tom Cheyney reported on the switching on of the 1.1MW solar photovoltaic rooftop power system at HP’s imaging and printing R&D facility in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego. The installation of the system was completed in just two months – let’s hope we see some more of these stories in 2009.

Read Next

September 10, 2025
At RE+ 2025, companies launched AI-driven platforms, terrain-following trackers, low-carbon modules, and advanced energy management solutions for solar and storage.
Premium
September 10, 2025
PV Talk: Italy’s new CfD policy offers clear support for solar developers in an otherwise uncertain legislative landscape, says Terrawatt's Patrizio Donati.
September 10, 2025
A project claimed to be Germany’s largest agriPV plant has been commissioned in the north-east of the country.
September 10, 2025
Renewables developer rPlus Energies has secured US$100 million in tax equity financing for its 125MW solar PV plant in the US state of Idaho.
September 10, 2025
Indian solar module manufacturer Vikram Solar reported a 79.7% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first quarter of FY26.
September 10, 2025
Cordelio Power has started commercial operations at its 150MW Winfield solar project in Lincoln County, Missouri.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines