Luvata’s Michael Nordgren talks to PES about keeping pace with technology, demand, politics and sunshine – on a global scale. The last few years have thrown many curves in the way of manufacturing and to no one is this more apparent than those involved with solar photovoltaic. With Feed-in Tariffs coming and going and PV… Read more »
One of the sector’s most innovative companies and a true system integrator in PV manufacturing, Meyer Burger is one of the solar sector’s shining lights. PES is proud to present a snapshot of this pioneering corporation. Meyer Burger stands for leading-edge photovoltaic technologies. The Swiss company is the only equipment manufacturer in the world who… Read more »
With over 15 years’ experience in the field, Multi-Contact is a leading provider of dependable connector systems for photovoltaic installations. The company’s pre-assembled connectors, cables, and junction boxes allow for quick and easy connection on-site, while the cable couplers are fully touch-protected and designed for high voltage and high current-carrying capacity. It’s safe to say… Read more »
Chris O’Brien, Head of Market Development at Oerlikon Solar, talks to us about the company’s new ThinFab, which reduces the manufacturing cost of thin-film silicon modules to a record breaking € 0.50/Wp, with 10 per cent stabilised efficiency. It all adds-up to a very competitive package… PES: Thank you for taking the time to speak… Read more »
Where do defects show up in solar modules? Which cells contribute to producing energy? Are there parts of the cell that function in a restricted way, or not at all? Manufacturers and developers have faced such questions since the birth of this innovative technology. For the first time, they have the technical means to answer… Read more »
With the addition of two major brands last year and a growing focus on thin-film applications, Pfeiffer Vacuum is on the road to becoming the world leader in vacuum. Market Manager Coating, Dr. Alexander Gerhard, talks to PES. PES: Thank you for taking the time to speak to us once again. How has business been… Read more »
It may come as a surprise to learn that during the 1970s and 80s, Romania was one of the world’s leading providers of photovoltaic technology, having installed approximately 860,000 square metres of photovoltaic cells. Though the quality of the cells was considered relatively low, at the time Romania boasted the third largest surface area of… Read more »
While it’s no secret that Feed-in Tariffs across the continent are being slashed, it may come as a surprise to some to learn that one of the primary reasons for these reductions is the rise in fraudulent claims. PES considers the situation in Europe’s key PV battlegrounds… At the beginning of the year, it emerged… Read more »
Prior to the Fukushima Daiichi disaster, many of Europe’s Member States were moving towards a new nuclear age – at the expense of PV and other renewable energies. But now? Well, we’re in a state of flux, and Lee Summers, Director of EOS Energy – the UK’s fastest-growing solar installer, believes that it’s time to… Read more »
In the last issue of PES we met Adrian Pike, CEO of newly-launched company Anesco, which has rapidly become one of the leading players within the solar sector – backed by a £6 million investment, the firm has already managed some of the largest solar schemes in the UK. In part two of this dispatch… Read more »
For five days in September, the 26th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC) will bring together experts from science and industry for the biggest PV event of 2011. For many years now, the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition has combined a renowned international scientific conference with a leading PV industry… Read more »
From a major operation in Europe to success in China; DEK Solar – as a world leading provider of screen printing equipment – play a crucial role in the PV supply chain. PES speaks to Alternative Energy Business Manager Darren Brown. PES: Welcome back to the magazine, what’s your on-the-ground assessment of the state of… Read more »
Germany-based Dr. Schenk GmbH are a leading solutions provider for the PV industry, improving material quality and efficiency and reducing waste through their inspection and measurement systems. PES speaks to Managing Director Michael Dobler. PES: Welcome to PES magazine, can you firstly explain a little about your role, and how it relates to the PV… Read more »
Andy Green has worked for Emerson Control Techniques for 25 years, holding various positions including those of Systems Sales Director and General Manager. For the past three years, in the position of Industry Development Manager – Solar Inverters, he has channelled his knowledge of grid tie inverter applications in support of Emerson’s goal of becoming… Read more »
In pursuit of new business, manufacturers such as ACC Silicones Europe are increasingly turning their attention to the opportunities presented by the PV market. Marketing Manager Chris Dawson, Commercial Director Frank Geerdsen and R&D Manager Sean Stoodley spoke to PES… PES: Welcome to PES, can you begin by telling us a little about the company… Read more »
We’re delighted to once again speak to Air Liquide’s Olivier Blachier (VP Electronics Markets), who’s about to reveal a raft of new developments. For all the exclusive information, read on… PES: Welcome back to PES, could you begin by briefly reintroducing Air Liquide Group and its role in the electronics, and in particular, the PV… Read more »
With operations in over 40 countries, and a portfolio of products and services spanning numerous industries, Air Products Strategic Marketing Planning and New Business Development Director Andy Tuan speaks to PES about bringing 70 years of innovation to the worldwide PV market. PES: Welcome back to PES. When we last spoke, you were optimistic about… Read more »
Benteler Mechanical Engineering is bringing its vast experience in the glass industry to the global PV market. Managing Director Martin Schnitker talks to PES about what they bring to the table… PES: Benteler Mechanical Engineering was originally focused on automotive and architectural glass processing machinery. Looking back, has your diversification into the solar/PV arena been… Read more »
Redpoint Energy consultants Marc Daube and Edmund Phillips explore some of the potential consequences of the rapid growth in solar capacity on Europe’s power markets. First of all: the result of the quality processThe solar photovoltaic market has seen rapid growth in Europe. According to the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, total installed solar PV capacity… Read more »
A flexible, ocean-going carrier with a well-earned reputation in the wind industry, BBC Chartering operates more than 120 multipurpose vessels from a global administrative coverage of 24 local offices. The company is equipped to serve even the smallest of ports – perfect for the remote locations where wind turbines are employed – and as the… Read more »
The promise of clean, unlimited wind energy presents many technical challenges for the components in the turbine nacelle. Reliability, remote monitoring, and ease of component maintenance are all critical concerns for manufacturers and operators of wind-energy-generating turbines. Nevertheless, Pall helps its wind power customers stay one step ahead through a range of innovative solutions. PES… Read more »
Having enlisted in the Air Force in 1981, Mark Goldstone finally retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 2005 after a 24-year career. He quickly found employment in the wind industry, where he quickly discovered the similarities between his former service and his new career. Goldstone has never looked back, and now manages wind farm… Read more »
Many organisations can become disconnected in the way in which Energy and Sustainability is managed so that significant environmental and financial benefits can be lost. Here, Allen and York’s Victoria Kenrick presents an in-depth look at the development of the Energy and Sustainability role within North American wind energy organisations. Sustainability has become a mantra… Read more »
It was not so long ago that President Obama went to the World Trade Organization with a forthright complaint over the protectionist tactics of the Chinese renewables industry; a grievance which was subsequently vindicated. Great! we all thought. At last an administration is prepared to back our essential industry. But, hold on there – now… Read more »
As a marketer for Pall, Daniel Alessandri is used to asking questions of his suppliers, peers and colleagues. But answering them? In print? PES puts a selection of slightly more personal questions to one of the industry’s most influential figures. PES: Welcome to PES magazine, can you firstly explain a little about your role, and… Read more »
The late economist E F Schumacher (1911- 1977) became something of a hero to the early environmental and ecological movements, not least because of his oft-quoted maxim: small is beautiful. But if that was true back in the 1970s it is nevertheless a rule which is being ignored in the current wind generation industry. If… Read more »
An iconic American company that enjoys a near legendary reputation across the country and beyond, BNSF Railway delivers a effective transportation solution for the emerging wind energy industry. The company has the personnel, network, equipment and technology to make your wind shipment cost-effective and convenient, and provides a customized shipping solution for all your wind… Read more »
A recent decision by the Ontarian regional government in Canada has thrown the province’s ambitious offshore wind plans into apparent meltdown. In an unforeseen move, the province’s Liberal administration has cancelled offshore wind turbines over concerns about a lack of data, claiming there is insufficient information available about the technology’s proven success capability. PES investigates… Read more »
A Calgary-based company has been given the green light from provincial regulators in Alberta to construct what is expected to be the country’s largest wind energy project. The Alberta Utilities Commission has granted final approval to construct and operate the Blackspring Ridge I Wind Project which could be online as soon as 2013. PES reports… Read more »
In this far-ranging and prescient report, Large-Scale Offshore Wind Power in the United States: Assessment of opportunities and Barriers, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) examines the state of play for the wind industry in the US as well as examining the vital steps the continent needs to take in order to ease the pressure… Read more »
Although wind energy only produces about two per cent of the current electricity demand in the US, the Department of Energy, in collaboration with wind industry experts, has drafted a plan that would bring the installed wind capacity up to 20 per cent of the nation’s total electrical supply. To meet these expectations, wind energy… Read more »
The US Department of Energy has recently published its Rebuilding After Disaster: Going Green from the Ground Up report – a document which brings to mind the words of Theodore Roosevelt: “The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not… Read more »
While a political battle rages over whether Ontario’s Great Lakes wind scheme will go ahead, there’s no doubt that the Canadian state leads the way in wind generation, with more than 2,600 MW of capacity expected to be in service by the end of 2011. And while this is impressive, the fact is that more… Read more »
Dr Matthias Wiemer, Member of the Management Board and COO of Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG tells PES about recent developments, including some major acquisitions, within the successful German-based company. PES: Welcome to PES magazine. Can you begin by explaining a little about the company and how you serve the PV industry?Matthias Wiemer: Founded in 1890,… Read more »
Andy Tuan was recently appointed General Manager of PV in Asia for Air Products, to enhance customer engagement and emphasise the company’s growing commitment to facilitate strong growth in the region. Here, PES speaks to Andy about the company and how its local operations dovetail into a global strategy. PES: Welcome back to PES. When… Read more »
The emerging solar technology industry faces increased pressure to drive down production costs, increase efficiencies and thus increase competitiveness in the marketplace. Jaime Schmitt, Phil McGraw and Kevin McAloon look at the growing use of ceramics in solar cell production, which is bringing grid parity for solar power closer than ever before. World energy consumption… Read more »