Detlev Koch, Head of Solar Thin Film, Oerlikon Solar.For the PV industry, this is a time of optimism, historic economic potential and technological progress – and unprecedented challenges. But governments and the private sector alike are betting on our industry to meet the challenges and supply an increasingly larger share of the world’s future electricity… Read more »
PV could represent 25% of global electricity consumption in 2040. Dr Winfreid Hoffmann, President, European Photovoltaic Industry Association.Writing exclusively for PES, Dr. Winfried Hoffmann, President of the EPIA, discusses the current state of the industry and his hopes for a bright future… {pagebreak} The global photovoltaic sector has been growing significantly over the last eight… Read more »
Solarfun Power Holdings (Nasdaq: SOLF) has again moved up among the top-tier solar manufacturers, while increasing its capacity to an impressive 240MW. Since its establishment in 2004, the company has contributed to the global transition to a sustainable energy future one PV cell at a time. {pagebreak} Building a trusted brand on the foundation of… Read more »
Silicon. Solar. Sustainability. Solar energy – is it a sound business proposition? This question has been asked for decades by business leaders. At Dow Corning, we believe the answer is a resounding “yes,” and we are committed to helping solar energy become an accessible, economically viable and self-sustaining energy alternative around the world. {pagebreak} Dow… Read more »
The advantages of vertical integration With the solar marketplace becoming increasingly competitive, some manufacturers and suppliers are reformulating their business strategies to strengthen their footing in the industry. And, for solar photovoltaic specialist Trina Solar, a vertically integrated model is now paying dividends in terms of profit and investor confidence. {pagebreak} Since its debut on… Read more »
A ‘Total Fab Solution’ for Thin Film Solar Modules End-to-End (E2E) Fab Solutions for Thin Film Silicon Solar Modules are the latest of Oerlikon Solar’s offerings to the solar market. This package – which has been specifically tailored to customers with a turn-key requirement – has generated a lot of interest. {pagebreak} Business growth at… Read more »
Thomas E. Hoffmeister, Managing Director of FPE Fischer GmbH, talks about his company’s first foray into the renewable energy industry, reinvigorating the organisation and the launch of an innovative new product… {pagebreak} PES: Can you explain a little about your company and what you offer the renewable energy industry?Thomas Hoffmeister: FPE Fischer GmbH has been… Read more »
“If you want to stay ahead of the competition you have to invest in R&D” The Komax Group, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Switzerland, is one of the top global providers of wire processing systems and assembly automation equipment. One of its primary markets is the photovoltaics industry and to this end we invited… Read more »
“It’s about best technologies, highest throughput and lowest losses” For industries that require expensive raw materials such as silicon and sapphire, production efficiency and process stability are key to operating cost-efficient production lines. Peter Pauli, CEO of Meyer Burger AG, explains how this major provider of slicing systems to solar-cell manufacturers helps its clients achieve… Read more »
Sporting a philosophy of inventing market-orientated products, combined with innovation and vision, PES discovers how the firmly-established Multi-Contact has adapted to the challenges that the global quest for renewable energy presents. We speak to CEO, Rainer Isenrich… {pagebreak} PES: Can you explain a little about your company and what you offer the renewable energy industry?Rainer… Read more »
In manufacturing, a one-stop supplier strategy can work in everyone’s favour If an industry is going to flourish, it needs a quality-controlled supply network. Renewable energy producers in particular need end products that are safe, reliable and built to last. PES asks Rolf Schäfer (Dipl.-Phys.), owner of Robeko, about the challenges and benefits of entering… Read more »
Since founding in 2001, Suntech has grown rapidly to become one of the largest solar companies in the world. In fact, Suntech was the fourth largest manufacturer of PV cells in the world at the end of 2006, up from eighth position one year earlier. This startling growth and success in the solar industry is… Read more »