sunedison recognised 'best solar power producer in india'

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Global Solar Technologyis distributed by controlledcirculation to qualifiedpersonnel. For all others,subscriptions are availableat a cost of £110/US$220/€165 for the currentvolume (10 issues).No part of this publicationmay be reproduced,stored in a retrieval system,transmitted in anyform or by any means —electronic, mechanical,photocopying, recordingor otherwise—without theprior written consent ofthe publisher. No responsibilityis accepted for theaccuracy of informationcontained in the text, illustrationsor advertisements.The opinions expressed inthe articles are not necessarilythose of the editorsor publisher.© Trafalgar Publications Ltd.Designed and Publishedby Trafalgar Publications,London, United KingdomDownloaD thisissue to yourmobile phone:ContentsEDITORIALEDITORIAL2 SNEC defies the weaknesses in the2. You decide which news makes sense!– UshasolarPrasadmarketTrevor GalbraithSPECIAL FEATURESSPECIAL FEATURES8.6The roleManufacturingof cell encapsulantSolar Photovoltaicin PV modulepower Products output in differences the United States– Doris Part Peters, 2 of a WackerChemie two-part series AG,Munchen, Bettina Germany, Weiss, Executive and Ronald Director, R.M.Lange, SEMI 9-om PV ag, Group Guemligen, Switzerland14 and Eclipasall Winning the Energy battle Corp, of energy Toronto, savingsCanada JoAnne Castagna, Ed.D.17. 26 Machine Will manufacturingg PV shine again in sector 2012? continuesto relyTomonFalcon,photovoltaicsDEK Solar– SebastinPflugge, Solarpeq21. SunEdison recognised ‘Best Solar PowerINTERVIEWProducer in India’20 – Usha MANZ Prasad Automation — Kari Raudasoja28. Costs rapidly falling – Photovolatics takingbig steps towards competitivenessCOLUMNS – SebastinPflugge, Solarpeq20 2012 is following down the same pathas 2011… is that so bad?Jon Custer-TopaiINTERVIEW13. REGULAR DuPont - Rajaram FEATURES Pai4 Industry news28 New products for integrators & installers30 New products for manufacturersREGULAR 32 International FEATURES diary4. Industry news24. New products20. Solar Developments26. Analyst Buzz32. International diaryVolume 3, Volume No. 65, No. 3November/December May/June 201262914 71320If you don’t already have one,search for a QR code reader app inyour smartphone’s app marketplace.Then use it to scan the codeabove & download this magazineissue right to your phone.Visit www.globalsolartechnology.com for the latest news and more, every day.www.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Solar Technology – November/December 2012 – 1

Editorial OfficesEuropeTrafalgar Publications Ltd.Crown House, 72 Hammersmith RoadLondon, W14 8THUnited KingdomTel: +44 7924 581 523news@globalsolartechnology.comwww.globalsolartechnology.comUnited StatesTrafalgar Publications Ltd.Global SMT & PackagingPO Box 7579Naples, FL 34110, USATel: +1 239 245-9264Fax: (239) 236-4682ChinaL Shuzhen - EditorEditor-in-ChiefTrevor GalbraithTel: +1 239 245 9264 x 101 (US)Cell: +44 7432 609172 (UK)editor@globalsolartechnology.comTechnical EditorUsha PrasadCell: +91 9980765352uprasad@trafalgarmedia.comBusiness Dev. / Marketing ManagerElisangela DahlkeTel: +1 239 245 9264 x 110 (US)Cell: +1 239 287 5398 (US)Cell: +44 7924 554456 (UK)edahlke@trafalgarmedia.comAccounting ManagerPenny JerninagnTel: +1 239 245 9264 x 106 (US)accounts@trafalgarmedia.comWeb DeveloperTorrence GermanyTel: +1 239 245 9264 x 105 (US)tgermany@trafalgarmedia.comCirculation & SubscriptionsTel: +1 239 245-9264subscriptions@globalsolartechnology.comAdvertisingSouth East Asia—IndiaAmitava SarkarTel: +91 80 2686 0747asarkar@globalsmt.netChinaKevin JiaTel: +86 21 60956570 x 803kevinj@trafalgarmedia.comEuropeAlex KlocksinCell: +49 1557 893 4884aklocksin@globalsmt.netNorth America—DigitalSandy DaneauTel: +1 239 245 9264 x 104 (US)sdaneau@globalsmt.netUsha PrasadTechnical EditorThere are two contrasting news tosavour, two months from each other.First, the latest one!This October, the United StatesDepartment of Commerce announcedits affirmative final determinations in theantidumping duty and countervailingduty investigations of imports of solarcells from China. Solar cells are producedfrom ultra-refined polysilicon and are thebuilding blocks of solar photovoltaic powergenerationsystems, which convert the energyof sunlight directly into electricity.The DoC determined that Chineseproducers/exporters have sold solar cellsin the United States at dumping marginsranging from 18.32 to 249.96 percent. Italso determined that Chinese producers/exporters have received countervailablesubsidies of 14.78 to 15.97 percent.However, the DoC did not alter itspreliminary determination on the productscope, which covered photovoltaic cellsproduced or assembled into panels in Chinabut not panels made from cells produced inthird countries.Oregon-based leader of the Coalitionfor American Solar Manufacturing (CASM),SolarWorld Industries America Inc. had filedits cases, over a year ago, where the initial,broader scope had covered all cells and panelsproduced in China. This decision, accordingto CASM, leaves a significant loophole in thefinal ruling as it allows Chinese manufacturersto potentially avoid the duties by using non-Chinese cells in its solar panels.Now, here’s the second news! This isfrom August 2012!!According to the New Delhi-basedCentre for Science and Environment (CSE)in India, the United States is using the climate‘fast start financing’ to its pervert advantagefor ruining the Indian domestic solarphotovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry!Currently, 80 percent of the Indianmanufacturing capacity is in a state of forcedclosure and debt restructuring with noorders coming to them. US manufacturersare getting orders from Indian solar powerdevelopers, say CSE’s researchers.According to CSE, fast start financingis a US $30 billion fund set up under theYou decide whichnews makessense!United Nations Framework Convention onClimate Change. A CSE statement adds: “TheUS has been very ingeniously using this fundto promote its own solar manufacturing.The US Exim Bank and the Overseas PrivateInvestment Corporation (OPIC) have beenoffering low-interest loans to Indian solarproject developers on the mandatory conditionthat they buy the equipment, solar panels andcells from US companies. This has distorted themarket completely in favour of US companies.”Now, what do you make of the twonews?On the one hand, the US solar PVindustry is crying foul over its treatment byChinese PV suppliers, and that has led tothe DoC ruling! On the other hand, the USis perhaps, using a much weaker Indian PVindustry situation to its own advantage!!All of these make very little sense!The JNNSM mandates a domesticcontent requirement - all projects must buydomestically manufactured solar equipment,only for crystalline PV technology, and notfor thin-film PV technology.So, is the US fudging its data on faststart finance?According to the CSE, the misuse offast start financing by the US is unethical.Fast start financing was supposed to benefitthe developing country recipient. The UShas managed to turn it into a game wherefunds registered as climate funding is givenout as loans to projects that promise tobuy equipment made in the US, thereby,benefiting themselves while knocking outthe Indian manufacturing competition thatdoesn’t have the same government backing.In the long-run, this is doing more harm thangood to the Indian solar sector?Perhaps, India too, like the US hasdone to China, should charge anti-dumpingduties on solar equipment imported from theUS. What do you say?The latest: as per the Indian Ministryof Commerce, India’s solar manufactureshave called for anti-dumping duties as highas 200 percent. It is not restricted to China,but moves beyond to the USA, Taiwan andMalaysia as well.— Usha Prasadwww.globalsolartechnology.com

Industry newsPhotovoltaic Power Plant will generateDC power from Solar PV power plant.Smart grid tied inverters shall convertthis DC power to conventional 3 phaseAC power. The AC power shall be furtherstepped up to high voltage and fed throughtransformers to utility grid and evacuatethrough Auckland Jute Mill’s own 3.3kV substation to the nearest BhatparaTownship Substation, which is situatedapproximately less than 1KM away fromthe factory toward south.The novel objective of setting up this1 MW roof top solar photovoltaic plant isto promote the green power, and therebymitigating the effect of Green House Gasemission. The power so generated shall beutilized by the Jute mill for its in houseconsumption during the sunshine hours.Suntech, Bangchak turn onSoutheast Asia’s largestsolar plant In ThailandSuntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.,the world’s largest producer of solar panels,informed that Southeast Asia’s largest siliconphotovoltaic power plant, a 44-megawattproject called ‘Sunny Bangchak’, achievedgrid connection on September 4, 2012. Theproject, located in Bang Pa-In, Ayutthaya,40 kilometers outside Bangkok, Thailand,is owned by Bangchak Public PetroleumCo., Ltd (BCP), utilizes Suntech’s highperformance solar panels and wasconstructed by engineering, procurementand construction (EPC) partner SolartronPublic Co., Ltd.Bundit Sapianchai, senior executivevice president of Bangchak PetroleumPublic Co., Ltd, said, “The SunnyBangchak project represents an importantstep in BCP’s aim to promote a greenenvironment and sustainable business inThailand. Our visitor center at the site willbe a landmark for renewable education inThailand.”The solar project represents amajor milestone in Thailand’s ambitiousgoal to meet 20 percent of its total energyconsumption with renewable sourcesby 2022. Bangchak estimates that the44-megawatt capacity solar power plantcould annually reduce the need to importabout 40,000 tons of coal and mitigate32,000 tons of CO2 emissions, similarto planting 3,000,000 trees or removing9,000 cars from the roads.Future looks sunny forsolar market in Asia, as PVbacksheets make boomingtradeThe Asian solar photovoltaic (PV)backsheet market is heating up, as Japan,South Korea, Taiwan and China steal focusfrom the US and Europe, whose financesand demand for PV continue to suffer dueto the global economic crisis, states a newreport by energy experts GlobalData.The new report states that solar PVpower is one of the fastest growing sourcesof energy in the world, as demand growsfor energy security and independence,driving governments to develop reliablerenewable power sources. PV backsheetsare laminates which protect PV cells andelectronics from ultraviolet radiation,severe weather conditions and excessmoisture, allowing light to pass throughand be converted into solar power. Assolar power becomes more popular, solarPV backsheets represent a bigger businessopportunity, and several Asian countriesare looking to benefit from this market.China boasts more than 10 backsheetmanufacturers and exports its productsworldwide, and further market growthappears promising as the governmentholds ambitious targets for development.Japan is also a major manufacturing basefor PV backsheets, meeting domesticdemand as well as exporting products.The country aims to achieve 28 gigawatts(GW) of solar power production by 2020,and announced a new tariff scheme inJune 2012 that mandated Japanese utilitiesto purchase renewable power at pre-setpremiums for 20 years.South Korea and Taiwan representemerging PV backsheet markets, ascompanies expand their solar PV backsheetproduction into these countries. Theinstalled capacity in Taiwan is expected toincrease at a Compound Annual GrowthRate (CAGR) of 25 percent during the2011–2020 period to reach 234 MW,while South Korea’s installed capacity isexpected to grow from to 419 MW in 2020at a CAGR of 17 percent.The Asia-Pacific solar PV backsheetmarket saw its installed capacity increasefrom 339 MW in 2006 to 3,260 MW in2011 at a CAGR of 57 percent, and furthergrowth is forecast for the next decadeowing to highly supportive governmentpolicies. Total regional installed capacityis expected to reach 18,151 MW by 2020at a CAGR of 21 percent from 2011.India needs concentratedsolar power to achievesafer, more reliable energyfuture : ReportIn the wake of historic summerblackouts that left more than 700 millionIndians without power, a new reportreleased by the Council on Energy,Environment and Water (CEEW), anindependent policy research institution incollaboration with the U.S. based NaturalResources Defense Council (NRDC),shows that concentrated solar power canplay an essential role in achieving a secureand diversified energy future for India.According to the new report“Concentrated Solar Power: HeatingUp India’s Solar Thermal Market underthe National Solar Mission”, India hasjumpstarted its solar energy industry injust over two years thanks to Phase 1 ofthe government’s National Solar Mission.A major contributor to this growth is solarthermal power, including seven large-scaleconcentrated solar power (CSP) projectsnow underway in India.Building on the April 2012 reportfrom CEEW and NRDC, which discussedthe tremendous growth of the domesticsolar market under Phase 1 of India’sNational Solar Mission, this new reportfocuses on the progress of CSP projectsduring Phase 1, identifying the benefits ofand barriers to CSP growth in India.Phase 1 of the National SolarMission sparked India’s CSP market, as thegovernment allocated power productionevenly between CSP and photovoltaic(PV) technologies. The large-scale CSPprojects now underway in India willprovide a projected 500 megawatts (MW)in energy capacity, a huge jump from the8.5 MW of energy capacity under CSPprojects before the National Solar Missionbegan in 2010.CEEW and NRDC’s reportdraws from extensive discussions withstakeholders, and research and analysisof national, state and internationalprograms.www.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Solar Technology – November/December 2012 – 5

Industry newsSeptember PV revenuesfell to record lowTaiwan’s PV sector reportedrevenues for September 2012.According to EnergyTrend, thegreen energy research division ofTrendForce, the last month sawthe worst development of receivedorders in every aspect.Even the battery plants firsttiercell vendors that tended tohave steady shipments have failedto reach a production capacityutilization rate of more than 40 percent or 50 per cent. Some vendorsonly maintain a low production of30 percent while waiting expectingfor a turning point. Wafers’ andbatteries’ average prices Wafersand cells ASPs in last monthdeclined by 5.2 per cent and 7.8percent, respectively, havingcaused negative effect on therevenues of Taiwanese vendors.Rumour has it that theChina’s primary vendors have hasreceived an orders for 200MW, soit is likely for them to outsourceorders to Taiwanese vendors.However, the China’s vendors aresure to strive for a price lower thanthe average market price, whichmay cause a further blow to theTaiwanese vendors’ revenues ifthey accept bulk orders at a lowprice.The prospect for Octobershows Taiwan’s utility is expected toincrease, and the prices may returnto be steady because of the doubleremedies. With the exception thatthe Sino-America Silicon’s revenueswere growing, which occupied themajor percentage of Taiwanesevendors’ revenues in September,the whole revenues decreased by10% to 40%. The green energyindustry Green Energy Technologyeven hit record low in revenue inrecent years. While the markethit a low point remains stagnant,the Taiwanese vendors hold ontothe belief that opportunities willarise in a worst-case scenario arewhere risks are”, and try hopingto find another turning point inthe market by adopting differentmanagement patterns that suit thegeneral trends.MNRE’s new strategy to urge homeowners inIndia to rent their rooftopsIndia, which enjoys more than 300days of sunshine a year, undoubtedlyoffers a great market for rooftop solarinstallations. Today, solar is the best betfor energy-starved India and commercialconsumer market has a vast potential forsolar rooftop installations in the country.Subsidies and incentives offered both at theCentre and State-level is making rooftopsolar installations an attractive option forhomeowners.In this regard, the Ministry of Newand Renewable Energy (MNRE) in Indiawill soon pronounce a rooftop strategy,where homeowners can rent their roof.MNRE will offer assistance to develop 10MW solar photovoltaic power facilities onthe rooftops of buildings.Under this project, a building ownerwill be able to lease out his roof to a projectdeveloper, who will build the solar powerfacility on the roof top and sell the electricityto the grid. In addition to meeting his ownpower needs, a house owner, who installsa solar panel on his rooftop, can also sellthe extra power generated to distributioncompanies and get paid.The Indian government is workingout on a programme under which it willprovide incentives and subsidies to such roofowners. Under this programme, electricitydistribution companies can buy the powerfrom households, either by paying moneyto the home owner or give a subsidy in theseller’s electricity bill, a system prevalent inmany European countries.Gujarat, which is at the forefrontin solar deployment in the country, is thefirst state to introduce the rent-a-roof typeof project, which granted 2.5 MW each toSunEdison and Azure Power.Various state governments in India,that have joined the race to tap solar energy,have come forward with their respectiverooftop schemes. For example, Karnatakahas recognized 1,000 key buildings for theestablishment of rooftop solar projects ofmore than 100 kW each. In Odisha, theOdisha Renewable Energy DevelopmentAgency (OREDA) is encouraging rooftopsolar installations by offering close to 30percent subsidy for one kilowatt powerplant.According to sources, the cost ofgenerating each unit of power from therooftop plant will be Rs. 17.50, which theowner of the rooftop can sell to any of thepower supplying companies. However, toimplement this plan, the current ElectricityAct has to be modified. The cost of settingup such a plant in an area of 200 squaremetres will be between Rs. 8 lakh and Rs.9 lakh.Today, Gujarat and Rajasthan are twostates at the forefront of solar deployment inIndia with an installed capacity of 3,000 MWand 1,000 MW of solar energy respectively.Rooftop solar power could be a gamechangerfor IndiaA report ‘The Rising Sun’ by KPMGin India indicates that “Rooftop solar powercould be a game-changer for India.”The report reveals that rooftop solarpower will see parity faster with utility tariffsdue to high transmission and distribution(T&D) losses and cross-subsidies presenttoday and parity in many categories canemerge as early as 2014. For this segment,the solar lease model could become a gamechanger.“Rapid fall in solar prices and increasein cost of conventional power driven by fuelshortages has brought ’grid-parity’ closer,which is expected to happen at a broadscale level by 2017 in India,” the report said,adding, “Given the financial position ofthe power utilities, we believe that rooftopmarket for customer segments that alreadysee parity with utility power tariffs hasthe potential to be a game changer in thecoming five years.”For example, a high-end residentialconsumer can install a 1 KW solar PV system- to reduce marginal power consumption- with a monthly EMI payment of aroundRs. 2000 for five years and avoid an averagediscounted monthly payment of around Rs.1200 over the lifetime (25 years) to the grid.Similarly, a ten-year EMI would result in anoutgo of only 1200 per month equal to theaverage discounted power cost savings overthe 25 year lifetime of the asset.6 – Global Solar Technology – November/December 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

The role of cell encapsulant in PV module power output differencesThe role of cell encapsulant in PVmodule power output differencesmeasured at the production and installation siteDoris Peters, Wacker Chemie AG, München, Germany, and Ronald F.M. Lange, 9-om ag, Guemligen, Switzerland andEclipsall Energy Corp, Toronto, CanadaWhile PV modules are sold accordingto their power output measuredat the production site, wheninstalled and operating in the field,mismatches between the labelledoutput and the actual poweroutput have been observed. One ofthe reasons for the differences inpower output is damaged PV cellsin the module. 1-5 ) A closer look atthe damaged PV modules suggestsa lack of awareness, in some cases,in key handling and installationparameters. This lack of awarenessis most probably caused bythe fast-growing market, wherethe knowledge-transfer betweenPV module production and installationis sometimes lagging behind.Here we describe the requirementsand behaviour of polymericencapsulant and propose a moreoptimised encapsulation of thephotovoltaic active material toeliminate initial failures and providean increased PV module lifetime.Crystalline photovoltaic (PV) cells are brittleand have to be protected from the environmentby incorporation into a module. 6 )This PV module is, in general, a sandwichconsisting of a front glass plate, an encapsulant,and a polymeric back sheet. In1a) EVA before mechanical load test EVA after mechanical load test – serious failure1b) EVA before mechanical load test EVA after mechanical load test – serious failureFigure 1. Compressive test of PV modules at lower temperatures using EVA as an encapsulant. a) –10˚C and 2800 Pa; b) –15˚C and 5600 Pa.86 –– Global Global Solar Solar Technology Technology –– November/December September/October 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

The role of cell encapsulant in PV module power output differencesaddition to an adhesive functionality, theencapsulant is also encapsulating the PVcells, and hence the mechanical decouplingof the forces that are applied to themodule. Due to its combined optical, electrical,mechanical, commercial, and historicalproperties, the main main encapsulantused in today’s PV modules is EVA, acopolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. 7 )EVA, like most polymers, is a semicrystallinepolymer showing visco-elasticbehaviour (see sidebar). With a VAc contentof 28-33%, EVA shows a melting pointof around 40 to 60˚C and more important,a glass transition temperature (T g)of around –15 to –25˚C. 8 ) Hence, at temperaturesbelow -20˚C, EVA is in a glassystate and loses its protecting mechanicaldecoupling properties. An increased riskof both adhesion failures (delamination)as well as cell breakage exists. Duringtransport and installation, as well asunder wind conditions where, during thelifetime of the PV module it is exposedto relative high frequency deformations,e.g. mechanical shocks. Due to the timetemperaturesuperposition (see sidebar) aHistorically, siliconesor, more exactly,poly(dimethyl siloxanes)or PDMS wereused as one of thefirst encapsulants inthe PV industry.high frequency deformation at +5˚C willbe felt by the polymeric encapsulant as anormal deformation performed at –20˚C.In the case of EVA, this is below the T g, anda significant risk of PV module damageexists. Hence, great care has to be takentransporting and installing EVA based PVmodules at low (+5˚C) temperatures aswell as operating the PV modules in colderand windy conditions like, e.g., the North-American Great Lakes area.Historically, silicones or, more exactly,poly(dimethyl siloxanes) or PDMS wereused as one of the first encapsulants inthe PV industry. 9 ) In the harsh space environment,silicones are currently the onlymaterial used for PV encapsulation, and interrestrial applications silicones have beenused even without the protective action ofa front glass plate. The reasons for this outstandingbehaviour are the excellent transparency,durability, thermal properties, lowwater absorption and high electrical insulationproperties of these silicones. The highelectrical insulation property is the resultof a relative low dipole moment as well asa low ion content. The low water content iscaused by the low solubility of water in thematerial. However, please note that due tothe low T gthe water vapour permeability isrelatively high. This high water permeationis the reason that in thin film applications,where the inorganic TCO acts as a watersink, a low water permeable PIB edge tapeis needed. In crystalline silicone modulesno water sink exists, and hence no edgetape is needed. The durability and excellent2a) Silicone before mechanical load test Silicone after mechanical load test – no failure2b) Silicone before mechanical load test Silicone after mechanical load test – minor failureFigure 2. Compressive test of PV modules at lower temperatures using silicones (PDMS) as an encapsulant. a) –14˚C and 2800 Pa; b) –15˚Cand 5600 Pa.www.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Solar Technology – November/December September/October 2012 2012 –– 79

The role of cell encapsulant in PV module power output differencesSemi-crystalline, visco-elasticity and time-temperaturesuperposition explained 14In general, most polymers show semi-crystalline and visco-elastic characteristics. Dueto the higher molecular weights and accompanied decreased mobility of the polymerchains, polymers are not able to crystallise completely and are partly or semicrystalline.The semi-crystalline character results in both a melting point (T m) of thecrystallised polymer chains as well as a glass transition temperature (T g) of the noncrystallisedpolymer chains. Below T gthe polymer possesses a high modulus (stiffness),behaves as a glass and shows no rubber properties. Between the T gand theT mthe polymer shows rubber-like properties and above the T mthe polymer loses itsmechanical properties and starts to flow. To avoid the flow and maintain the rubberlikeproperties of the polymer above its T mpolymers can be cross-linked. This crosslinkingis in general performed for the PV module encapsulants like EVA or silicones.The term visco-elastic describes that polymers can behave like a viscous liquid aswell as an elastic solid. The main difference is that the deformation of a viscous liquidis permanent, but reversible for an elastic solid. The visco-elastic behaviour is dependenton the frequency. At low frequencies viscous behaviour is observed whereas apolymer behaves elastic (solid) at high frequencies.The time-temperature superposition combines the frequency and temperature. Athigh frequencies the polymer behaves the same as at low (T g) temperatures, i.e. rubber-like. Hence, this time-temperature superpositionmeans that a fast deformation of a polymer (like a punch) at +5˚C has the sameimpact on the material as a slow deformation (normal bending) at e.g. –20˚C. In thecase of EVA this means cracking of the material.Modulus (stiffness) versus temperature/frequency plot of EVA versus 3 different silicone(PDMS) grades.transparency down to lower wavelengthsare the result of the fact that silicones donot absorb UV light.In the context of the transport, installationand use of PV modules at lowertemperatures, the thermal properties andbehaviour of the silicones are most important.Silicones show a melting point ofaround -50˚C and a T gof around -125˚C.In adapted grades, the crystallisation ofthe silicones, and hence the melting pointof -50˚C, can be prevented, which providethe silicones rubber-like properties downto –125˚C. In terms of the visco-elasticproperties mentioned above, this meansthat high frequency deformations appliedat even –20˚C still result in rubber-likebehaviour and in an efficient protection ofthe PV module. The risk of delaminationor cell breakage can be eliminated.The testing of PV modules is most commonlyperformed according to UL and/orIEC guidelines. In the case of mechanicalloads the modules are usually exposed toa tensile and compressive force of 2400 Pa,or to simulate heavier snow loads, forcesof 5400 Pa. 10 ) These test are performed atroom temperature and are static. In literature,more and more attention is given todynamic loads. The influence of dynamicwind loads has been investigated 1-4 ) as wellas influences like vibrations and shocksduring transport 2b ) and installation. 5 )However, these experiments have allbeen performed at room temperature. Totest the behaviour and the protective actionof encapsulants at lower temperatures,EVA and silicone based mono-crystalline60-cell PV modules have been prepared.Initial sun simulation and electro-luminescence(EL) data were recorded and the PVmodules were cooled down to –40˚C in aclimate chamber for a period exceeding 5hours prior to the mechanical testing. 11 )The testing consisted of a tensile and compressiveforce of 2800 and 5600 Pa. Sincethe tests could not be performed withinthe climate chamber, the modules havebeen taken out and the temperature of themodules has been recorded during the testat the back sheet using an IR thermometer.The subsequent sun simulation andEL measurements have been performed atroom temperature. The results are depictedin Figures 1 and 2. The PV modules withEVA as an encapsulant show serious failuresin the form of cell cracking at temperaturesfrom –10 to –15˚C. Almost onethirdof the cells have been damaged at theminor load of 2800 Pa whereas the applicationof the heavier 5600 Pa load resultsin cracking of more than two-thirds of thecells. In contrast, the PV modules usingsilicones as the encapsulant show no celldamage at the minor load of 2800 Pa. Allcells remain intact. Applying the heavier5600 Pa load resulted in only a minordamage of less than one-sixth of the cells.These results show the superior encapsulationcapabilities of silicones comparedto EVA at lower temperatures. The use ofsilicones as an encapsulant in PV modulessignificantly reduces or even eliminatesthe risk of cell breakage at relative lowtemperatures of +5 to +10˚C due to highfrequency deformations as encounteredduring transport, installation and servicetime. Hence, a potential PV module power10 8 – Global Solar Technology – September/October November/December 2012 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

The role of cell encapsulant in PV module power output differencesWhat is the reasonfor this behaviour inthe experiments, anddoes the observedsignificant cell crackingin the EVA basedmodules actually doany harm?output mismatch measured at the productionand installation site is prevented.A closer look at the damaged PV modulesreveals that the sun simulation resultsshow no power outcome difference beforeconfirmed by the EL data in Figure 1 whereno dark, non-active areas are visible. Basedon these observations, questions arise:What is the reason for this behaviour inthe experiments, and does the observedsignificant cell cracking in the EVA basedmodules actually do any harm?the cracks are indeed interrupted. However,this interruption is only detected underload, where the ends of the broken fingersare able to move away. Removing theload enables the ends to re-connect again,explaining the observed sun simulationand EL measurements. Sun simulation andEL measurements under load show indeeda decrease in the PV module power outputas well as inactive dark areas. 12 -rary decrease in power output under loadconditions is not the only disadvantageobserved. Literature data describe hot spotformation and even arcing under dynamicload conditions, whereas fatigue will resultin a permanent loss of module output. 1,13 )More extended experiments using differentsilicone grades as well as more detailedanalysis and accelerated ageing using e.g.damp heat and thermo-cycling are in progressand will be published in the future.Summary and conclusionas an encapsulant material in PV modules.Due to its physical characteristics, mainlythe relative high T g, significant care shouldbe taken during the transport, installationas well as use of the PV modules at tempertime-temperaturesuperposition principlecauses high frequency deformations likemechanical shocks during transport andinstallation or dynamic wind loads duringPV module service life to act as commondeformations performed at –20˚C, which isbelow the T gof EVA. At these temperatures,EVA acts as a glass and is unable to protectand underlined with experiments showingserious failures for EVA encapsulated PVmodules at lower temperatures.In contrast, PV modules using silicones(PDMS) as the encapsulant show nosignificant damage at these low temperaturetests and are consequently preferred insilicone-based modules show no damage isthat silicones possess a significantly lowerT gof around –125˚C and hence can copewith these high frequency deformations,even at low (freezing) temperatures.Sun simulation and ELmeasurements underload show indeed adecrease in the PVmodule power outputas well as inactive darkareas.In summary, great care should be takento avoid transport and installation shocksat temperatures even as high as +5-10˚C, aswell as operating PV modules at or belowencapsulant used in the PV module playsa significant role in the PV module outputand silicones are the preferred choice tocome to an initial as well as a long-timehigh PV module power output.Acknowledgementleagues for their fruitful discussions-References1. F. Reil et al, Photovoltaics Int. Journal,May 2012, page 1122. a) K. Strohkendl et al (2010), DOI1 0 . 4 2 2 9 / 2 5 t h E U P V S E C 2 0 1 0 -4AV.3.9; b) B. Heinzel et al, (2010)10.4229/26thEUPVSEC2011-4EO.3.23. M. Assmus et. al, Proc. 24th EU PVSEC,p3395 (2009)4. U. Eitner et al, PhotovoltaicsInternational, page 156 (2011)5. M. Zech et. al, EP Photovoltaik, 5, 55(2011)6. J. Zahnd et al, Prog.Photovolt.Res.Appl(2010) doi=10.1002_pip9937. M. Kempe, Polymers in PV Conference,Philadelphia, September 20118. J. Bandrup, E. Immergut, E. Grulke,Polymer Handbook, 4th Ed, 19999. M. Green, Prog. Photovoltaic: Res.Appl., 13, 447 (2005)10. a) UL1703 Safety CertificationStandard for Flat-Plate PhotovoltaicModules and Panels; b) IEC61730:2004 (Standard), Photovoltaic(PV) module safety qualification – Part2: Requirements for testing; c) IEC61215:2005 (Standard), Crystalline siliconterrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules– Design qualification and typeapproval11. Please note that in contrast to the IECmeasurements the testing has not been12. ISFH personal communication13. G. Lang, IEEE Transactions on electronicdevices, 17, 787 (1970)14. a) D.W. van Krevelen, Properties ofPolymers, 3rd Ed 1990, page 402; b)estimated valueswww.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Global Solar Solar Technology – November/December – September/October 2012 –– 11 9

DuPont Interview :Rajaram Pai“Materials Matterto improve efficiency,lifetime and overallcost of solar”DuPont South Asia - which coversIndia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh,is a part of DuPont - a 210 year oldcompany, headquartered in Wilmington,Del., USA. In India, DuPont representsdifferent business functions includingsolar photovoltaics (PV), which is a partof its Electronics & Communication(E&C) division.In India, DuPont engagement islargely focused on supplying materials,for example, metallization pastes forsolar cells, Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoridefilms used in protective PV backsheetsand encapsulants for solar modules. Onthe PV module side, DuPont ApolloLtd., a wholly owned subsidiary, suppliesthin-film amorphous silicon junctionmodules to various solar farms in thecountry. DuPont Apollo has suppliedhigh efficiency standard junctionamorphous silicon modules to generatemore than 33megawatts (MW) of powerto various installations across India.In an exclusive interview, RajaramPai, Business Manager - E&C andPhotovoltaic Solutions, South Asia,talks to Usha Prasad to share moreinformation on DuPont materials andchoices for lowering costs and raisingreturns in PV.Excerpts:Given the current globalscenario with regard to thesolar industry,share yourviews on theimpact ithas on theindustry inSoutheastAsia?Many factors impactthe solar industry,creating an extremelycompetitive climatefor module suppliers.EvenTier I modulemanufacturers have been challengedby the economic climate that has beenaffecting the United States and Europe.The current trend is leading to rapidconsolidation in the industry, and creatingwww.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Solar Technology – November/December 2012 – 13

DuPont Interview : Rajaram Paiuncertainty about the industry’s ability toback warranties for solar modules thattypically span 25 years. The other aspectis the higher cost of finance in a placelike India or South Asia, which can be adeterrent in making sure that the projectto be taken up is justified despite the highcost of finance. The third aspect is withregard to the supply chain itself withinIndia, which at today’s set benchmark, arestill quite expensive as compared to thoseimported from the other parts of Asiaincluding China and Taiwan.While the Indian government is working toensure solar power is affordable, there is alsoconstant pressure from the local industry tomake sure that a more level-playing field isestablished. So, there is policy on one sideand the manufacturing ecosystem thatneeds to be managed on the other. At the endof the day, it is about installing renewableenergy into the entire gamut of the powerequation within the country itself.Could you tell us about newproducts and applicationsof DuPont in the solarinstallation systems/PVsegment in the region?The efficiency of solar cells has virtuallydoubled in the last dozen years dueto innovations in front and backsidemetallization pastes from DuPont.The company recently announced itsnewest DuPont Solamet® PV18x seriesphotovoltaic metallization pastes whichmakes solar cells and modules moreefficient than ever before, and offersphotovoltaic manufacturers improvedproductivity beyond that provided bySolamet® PV17x series, the current industrybenchmark. A second recent offering isSolamet® PV51G - the new generationbackside silver paste for high-efficiencysolar cells. This product also enables lessmaterial to be used, saving costs for solarcell and module manufacturers, withoutcompromising efficiency.Could you explain theimportance of materialswith regard to lifetimeof cells, reliability andefficiency of modules?Materials enable increased efficiency andlifetime for solar modules, which ultimatelylower overall PV system costs, makingsolar energy more competitive with otherenergy sources. Materials have been one ofthe constants in this business, and people,while buying the modules or cells frommanufacturers, have taken it for grantedthat they were of good quality and sustainedperformance over the module’s expectedlifetime of 25years - a standard warrantyterm. However, even Tier 1 moduleshave recently faced quality challenges.Recent module tests at an accredited labhave showed varied performance whenmodules were installed at different climaticconditions. Much of the establishedmodule testing criteria was based onEuropean climatic conditions,because ofthe higher concentration of installations todate in that region. When the same qualitystandards were applied to conditionslike India, there were widely variedperformance levels observed, especially indry, hot conditions. This difference bringsinto focus that simply purchasing modulesfrom established module makers does notguarantee their performance. What is moreimportant is to ensure that the materialsused in the modules are proven to last ineven the harshest local conditions.With proven, high quality materialsspecified as part of modules that meetappropriate standards and are properlyinstalled, the lowest levelized cost ofelectricity (LCOE) can be achieved in aPV system that produces reliable poweroutput for 25 years or more. That’s whymaterials are so important.DuPont is working to educate thedownstream market, including PV systemowners, investors and users, companiesthat engineer, procure and constructsolar systems (known as EPC’s) , projectconsultants, project developers as well asthe financial institutions, about the needto specify materials that will help ensuresuperior power output over time to deliverhigher returns on investments in solarenergy. DuPont also offers consulting freeof charge to help set specifications for solarmodules. There are vastly different levelsof knowledge and understanding amongthis audience about materials and the rolethey play, and there has been very positiveresponse from this downstream segment.Collaborating with DuPont helps them inqualified testing of materials and modules.What materials doesDuPont offer to ensurehigher reliability?The key to reliability is how the poweroutput of the module is protected over its25 or more years of expected life. This isthe purpose of the PV backsheet, whichserves as the outer “skin” of the module,and ensures its sensitive componentsare protected from the elements over thelifetime of the system. DuPont Tedlar®polyvinyl fluoride film has set the standardin the industry and is the only backsheet14 – Global Solar Technology – November/December 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

DuPont Interview : Rajaram Paimaterial proven to reliably last more than30 years in the field, even in the harshestconditions. Photovoltaic metallizationsand encapsulants also play a role, andshould be specified based on performancestandards.How do material choicesimpact the Levelized Costof Electricity (LCOE) of asolar farm?The Levelized Cost of Electricity isdetermined by the power output and thelifetime of the module and is expressedin terms of dollars per kilowatt hour($/kWh). It is the cost one pays for everyunit of energy that is going to be generatedover the system’s total life time. Materialchoices determine LCOE, so workingwith an experienced and trusted partnersuch as DuPont who has deep insight intomaterials and how their selection impactsLCOE is critical.We celebrated 50 Years of innovationwith DuPont Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoridefilm, our flagship brand in photovoltaics,last year. This is the only proven materialwhich has withstood more than 30years in the field for PV applicationsand is still performing. Although nonfluorinatedfilms have more recently beenintroduced,they remain unproven in thefield for the expected lifetime of modules.What is the impact of choosingnon-optimum material formodules?When cost alone is the basis for decisionson module materials, it can seriouslycompromise how well and how long thatmodule functions. Reduced efficiencyand shorter lifetime drive up thelevelized cost of electricity in the longrun. Poor performing modules also putthe reputation of the industry at risk at acritical time in its growth. When modulesfail, the consequences can be dire.Could you share more detailsabout backsheet materialsand how it impacts theperformance of modules inIndian conditions?Indian conditions are extremely hot. Areaslike Gujarat and Rajasthan have seen themost growth in solar - Gujarat has seenmore than 350 MW of installations andRajasthan is catching up. These regionshave ampleland and intense sunlight,and present unique challenges. Dustcan accumulate on the front glass ofthe modules, which stops light frompenetrating. This is very different fromconditions in Europe, where dust is less ofan issue. Other considerations in India arethe heat and humidity levels, which again,are significantly higher than in Europe.Another major variation that is seen inIndia is that of the cyclical variations inthe temperature conditions. This quicktemperature cycling subjects modules to ahigher level of stress, and can significantlyimpact the module front glass and strengthof the cells. Because PV backsheet also hasimportant electrical insulation properties,cracking and delamination can become asafety risk.In India, we have seen instances of modulesbeing taken down due to failures includingbacksheet degradation, delamination,patches of corrosion on corners and centersof the cells, and encapsulants startingto yellow. These issues are potentiallydue to factors including compromise inthe selection of materials, poor moduledesign,construction, and harsher climaticconditions in India vs. Europe and theUnited States. To help avoid these typesof issues, suitable modules and materialswith proven performance in harshconditions like India should be specified.What are the initiativestaken up by DuPont tomake the industry moreaware of the impactmaterials has on lifetimecost of solar installations?DuPont is currently the world’s largestsupplier of PV materials, excludingsilicon. We had sales of USD1.4 billion in2011 and over 50 percent of the installedmodules throughout the world are usingDuPont materials.We bring a unique perspective on theimportance of materials and are pleased toshare our insights with our customers andthe PV market downstream. Throughoutthe region, we have many opportunitiesto interact with downstream playerson many levels where we consult onmaterials selections that result in higherinvestment returns. Assessing the Bill ofMaterials and improving the value frommore efficient, longer lasting solar farmsis our key endeavour. Engaging otherindustry players along the value chain whomanufacture, test, and specify modules isa collaborative effort that is growing fast.www.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Solar Technology – November/December 2012 – 15

DuPont Interview : Rajaram PaiHow is DuPont collaboratingwith EPC players andsystem developers in thechoice of right materials?DuPont has material specificationguidelines which it shares with theEPC companies, system owners andproject developers. The guidelines arephased. In the first phase, we survey theunderstanding of modules and the Bill ofMaterials used. With this knowledge, thecorrelation between materials and 25-plusyear module performance can be drawn.Specifications with regard to materials,backed by testing of actual materialsdelivered is the best way to get beyondbrands and costs and be assured thatmaterials matter to ensure performanceover 25 years. Driving home the pointhere takes time, but there has been astrong response from EPC players, projectdevelopers and system owners to date.Do PV films, encapsulationsheets and PV metallizationpastes offer a biggerbusiness opportunity toDuPont as several Asiancountries are lookingto benefit from theseproducts?The importance of using advancedmaterials for higher efficiency, longerlifetime and lower overall system costsin advanced solar modules is apparentin the ability to obtain higher returns forinvestment in solar PV. DuPont materialsare leading the way to lower levelized costof energy.Your views on the NationalSolar MissionThe Jawaharlal Nehru National SolarMission (JNNSM) has been advantageousfor India as far as photovoltaics isconcerned. It has encouraged globalplayers like DuPont to be a part of theNational Policy. World class products arebringing us closer to grid parity, and as thepopulation keeps increasing and the GDPgoing up, it is only clean, green energythat is key in India, where we can achievehigh levels of energy efficiency with theabundant availability of sunlight.DuPont has established itself in Indiaand has partnered with leading cell andmodule manufacturers here. We want thedownstream audience to view DuPont aspartners to consult not only on materialsand modules, but for achieving grid parityto benefit the industry overall.November 6–8, 2012India’s Largest Exhibitionand Conference for the Solar IndustryBombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai300 Exhibitors20,000 sqm Exhibition Space10,000 Visitors16 – Global Solar Technology – November/December 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

TitleMachine manufacturingsector continues to rely onphotovoltaicsSebastian Pflügge, SolarpeqThe worldwide stop on production capacity extension for solar modulesis proving to be a heavy burden for the solar machine manufacturers.Nevertheless, no company wants to quit the photovoltaics sector becausethe solar energy market is already set to pick up again in the mediumterm. Until this happens the equipment suppliers are strengthening othersources of sales and income.That sounds like hard times. For 83per cent of the photovoltaics (PV)suppliers in Germany the order situationhas worsened compared to the previousyear. That is why the companies areexpecting an average sales decline of over20 per cent in 2012. This in turn is havinga negative effect on employment. Almosttwo thirds of companies are making useof short-time working. The current businessclimate survey conducted by theGerman Engineering Federation (VerbandDeutscher Maschinen—und Anlagenbau—VDMA) leaves us in no doubt: in just a fewmonths solar machine manufacturing hasgone from order boom to sales crisis.“The investment readiness of the celland module manufacturers has noticeablydeclined,” explains Eric Maiser, ExecutiveDirector of the Photovoltaic ProductionAids platform within the VDMA. On theone hand the manufacturers have developedclear surplus production capacitiesand analysts estimate that in 2012 around30 gigawatts (GW) of PV output will beinstalled worldwide—in the context ofglobal production capacity of 50 gigawatts.On the other, the trend in key PV installationmarkets is uncertain. Many countrieswith solar energy feed-in charges have insome cases drastically reduced their subsidytariffs because the installations weregetting out of control. For the world’s largestsolar market, Italy, for example, theexperts are this year expecting expansionsof only two gigawatts—that would correspondto a market decline of three quarterscompared to 2011.On top of this, there is the fact thatChina, the main sales market for Europeansuppliers, is gradually establishing its ownpowerful solar machine manufacturingmarket. For that reason the Europeanscan no longer do business there as easilyas previously. “The technological independenceof foreign companies should bereduced to a minimum in China,” explainsmanagement consultant and China expertFrank Haugwitz. Within the framework ofthe current 12th five-year plan (2011 to2015) implemented by the Chinese government,photovoltaics is right at the top of thepolitical agenda. “Therefore considerablefinancial funds are being made available forKey process: using phosphorous diffusion,the insertion of phosphor atoms in thesemi-conductor, the solar cell becomeselectrically conductive. The furnaces forthis process mainly come from Germany.(Photo: Solarworld)solar energy, especially for plant constructionand new cell types,” says Haugwitz.less demand in chinaDespite the current problems, the machinemanufacturers are remaining optimistic.Solar crisis or not—in two to three yearsthe PV market will pick up once again,believes Jürgen Weiss, head of Marketingat German special machine manufacturerGerold. “The prices of solar modules arefalling dramatically, so that photovoltaicsis approaching competitiveness in manyparts of the world,” says Weiss. Growthwill no longer be mainly a feature just inEurope, which is becoming less significantdue to the subsidy cuts, but in new marketsin Asia and the USA.Gerold builds material-handling systemsand process facilities for the produc-10 www.globalsolartechnology.com– Global Solar Technology – September/October 2012 Global Solar Technology www.globalsolartechnology.com– November/December 2012 – 17

Machine manufacturing sector continues to rely on photovoltaicsSpectators only: thanks to rapid technical advances by the solar machine manufacturers, the production process for solar cells is today a fullyautomatic one for many manufacturers. (Photo: Centrosolar)tion of crystalline silicon and thin-layermodules, these include stations for panelframing, edge sealing and trimming. In2011 the company from the Lower Rhinegenerated three quarters of its turnover inthe solar technology sector. This share willprobably shrink to half this year, estimatesWeiß.Gerold reflects the mood of most solarmachine manufacturers: they clearly feelthe slump, but are continuing to bankon PV. In recent years, in each case, theGerman supplier Primus Centrotherm forexample generated more than 80 percentof its sales in the Far East and is sufferingbadly from the factory constructionstop in China. In 2011 the company hadto contend with an operating loss of 19.8million Euro. Nevertheless, head of technology,Peter Fath, believes in a positiveturn-around. We are working flat out onsolutions, which make photovoltaics competitivewith conventional energy sources,”says Fath. In this connection he said thatCentrotherm was focusing both on innovativemachine and production conceptsas well as on compliance with the highestquality and environmental standards.The East German company FirmaJenoptik Automatisierungstechnik, a specialistin the manufacture of laser machinesfor the production of thin-layer modules,also believes there will be a quick end tothe consolidation phase in the PV market.“The growth rates in the area of CdTeand CIGS technology are putting us in aVersatile applications: it is now impossible to imagine solar production without lasers. Thelatest technology handles several process cycles within the shortest time. (Jenoptik)18 www.globalsolartechnology.com– Global Solar Technology – November/December 2012 Global Solar Technology www.globalsolartechnology.com– September/October 2012 – 11

Machine manufacturing sector continues to rely on photovoltaicsA new source of income: solar electricity must be stored for intelligent energy supply. Machinemanufacturers have therefore also been recently researching into batteries. (Photo:DLR)confident mood,” says Jenoptik-ProductManager Gabriele Eberhardt. CdTe andCIGS stand for thin-film modules on thebasis of semi-conductor cadmium-telluridealong with copper, indium, galliumand selenium.Jenoptik is offering two laser facilitiesaimed at further efficiency improvementsand cost reductions: “Jenoptik Votan Solas”enables us to strip the coating from theedge of modules in all sizes and cut it tolength, “Jenoptik-Votan Multi Solas” caneven be used for all structuring processesin the CIGS sector. In the production ofthin-film modules conductive and photoactivelayers are gradually being appliedto synthetic material or glass. After eachindividual coating, the surface is structured.This process leads to the creationof individual cells and their relay inthe transformation to modules. From23.10.2012 to 26.10.2012 in Düsseldorf,at the International Trade Fair for SolarProduction Equipment, solarpeq, and theparallel event glasstec, leading world fair inthe glass sector, manufacturers can obtainan exact impression of the innovationspresented by the suppliers as well as PV inarchitectural applications.solar energy storage—newsource of income“No one wants to shut down the solarenergy sector,” as is also emphasized byVDMA expert Eric Maiser. “We assumethat the international markets will pickup once again and also that the retrofittingbusiness will become increasingly significant,”says Maiser. Moreover, in orderto get through the crisis, the companiescould also build on other sectors. “Only afew companies exclusively manufacturemachines and components for the solarindustry,” explains Maiser.Gerold for example is once again focusingincreased intention on its core business,equipping the automobile industry withglass machines. The major market-leading,solar energy suppliers such as Italian glassspecialist Bottero, Centrotherm or MeyerBurger from Switzerland are relying ontried-and-tested sectors. At Centrothermthe semi-conductor and micro-electronicssectors, which led to the creation of thecompany in the first place, are helping toreduce the company’s dependence on solarenergy. Saw specialist Meyer Burger inturn is compensating for cuts in its solarenergy business in particular through theexpansion of its opto-electronics business,in other words separation technologies,which for example process glass for manufactureinto prisms.Jenoptik in turn is also opening upnew theme areas. Since the end of lastyear, the company in Jena has been offeringlaser systems for the manufacture ofhigh-tech glass for energy-saving “smartwindows”. These windows can be electronicallyadjusted to the external lighting conditions.As a result, the users can regulatelight incidence and the room temperaturethemselves thus controlling their ownenergy consumption. As the production ofthe high-tech glass is similar to that of thethin-film manufacturing process, Jenoptikcan offer the same laser technology for thisprocess.Maiser recognizes a further trendamong the suppliers. “An increasingnumber of our members are entering thestorage technology business.” The companieshave developed their own storagesolutions for solar energy and the appropriateproduction machines for this purpose,such as for example the southernGerman equipper Schmid. According toits spokesman, Christoph Kübler, the companyis conducting research into liquidfluid storage capacities facilities for variousareas of application such as PV, electromobilityand the health service.At the Energy Storage conference,which Messe Düsseldorf staged in cooperationwith the Berlin know-how providerSolarpraxis in spring 2012, one thingalready become clear: energy storage unitsare absolutely the theme of the future.Germany has rounded off the energy turnaroundwith an increased share of renewableenergies. To ensure that solar and windpower is not fed uncontrolled into the sensitiveelectricity networks on very sunny orwindy days, the surplus eco energy mustbe stored in the interim for periods ofhigh demand. This is made possible amongothers by using large pump storage units,the conversion of eco-electricity in hydrogenand methane using electrolysis andmethanization as well as batteries. “Anyonewho is placing their faith in storage technology,definitely has positive prospects,”says Maiser.Solarpeq, the internationaltrade fair for solarproduction equipment,will be held October23-26, 2012, in Düsseldorf,Germany. More info atwww.solarpeq.com12 www.globalsolartechnology.com– Global Solar Technology – September/October 2012 Global Solar Technology www.globalsolartechnology.com– November/December 2012 – 19

TitleSolar developmentsuh researcher develops solarpanel coating to increaseefficiencyA University of Houston researcher hasdeveloped a nanoparticle coating for solarpanels that makes it easier to keep thepanels clean, maintaining their efficiencyfor longer and reducing the maintenanceand operations costs.The patent-pending coating developedby physics professor Seamus “Shay” Curran,director of UH’s Institute for NanoEnergy,has successfully undergone testing at theDublin Institute for Technology and willundergo field trials being conducted by anengineering firm in North Carolina.Curran said the testing in Ireland andthe field trials being done at Livingston &Haven in Charlotte, N.C., represent significantsteps forward in moving the coatingand a related technology to the marketplace.A demonstration of the coating wasconducted Friday (Aug. 10) at Livingston &Haven.The Self-Cleaning Nano Hydrophobic(SCNH107TM) layer has been licensed byC-Voltaics from UH. C-Voltaics, a start-upenergy company dedicated to the generationof more practical clean energy for usein off-grid and on-grid applications, willoversee marketing of the coating and a“Storm Cell”, a transportable energy generatorwith unique patent-pending designsand engineering aspects that was alsodeveloped by Curran at UH.Solar panels need to have a clean surfaceto efficiently gather light from the sun,but they are often soiled by dust, pollen,water and other particles. Curran’s coatingacts as a barrier protection against thesepollutants.The nano-thin coating repels dust,pollen, water and other particles withouthindering the solar panel’s ability to absorbsunlight. The coating can maintain thisideal hydrophobic surface for years, reducingoverall maintenance.“A dirty solar panel can reduce itspower capabilities by up to 30 percent,”Curran said. “The coating essentially makesthe panel self-cleaning.”While the coating is designed for useon solar panels, Curran believes it couldalso have widespread applications as ananti-corrosive coating for other materials.UH is a shareholder in C-Voltaics,which focuses on using technology to alleviatethe significant costs of solar energyservice and maintenance, which are keyissues in solar energy generation and storage.“This is where you see the universitytransitioning a technology from the lab tothe community and making an economicimpact,” Curran said.Curran developed the coating in conjunctionwith his work on building transportable,off-grid solar-powered generatorfor residential and commercial use.Curran’s development of the stormcell system stems from his family’s experienceduring Hurricane Ike in September2008. Curran, his wife and three youngsons stocked up and hunkered down as Ikeapproached the Texas coast. They woke upthe next morning after the storm passedwith the house intact, but powerless.“My wife said to me, ‘How long haveyou been working in solar energy? The sunis shining but we don’t have any electricity.Why don’t you build us a portable solarunit for the next time this happens?’” Thedutiful husband did as he was asked.The solar-powered Storm Cell isdesigned to be used much in the same wayas a diesel generator, except it’s quiet andhas no emissions. It consists of a squarestorage trailer with solar panels attachedto retractable arms that can be manuallyunfurled as needed and then stored insidethe trailer.The unit built by Curran and his teamproduces 2-to-5 kilowatts and charges abackup battery. That’s enough power for anair-conditioning system, some light and aTV. But Livingston & Haven has built aneven larger unit that could fully power a3,000-square-foot house. Curran said therealso are a number of commercial uses forthe generators such as oil and gas drill sitesand farms.The generator system will be engineeredand sold by C-Voltaics andLivingston & Haven.Curran has been involved in solarenergy research for many years and alsohas been working on improving the efficiencyof thin-film solar cells in terms ofstoring solar energy. Thin-film solar cellsare lightweight, durable and easy to use.Researchers are trying to improve theirefficiency in terms of storage capability sothat they are competitive with silicon cells.Curran also has created several innovationsthat relate to the next generation ofsolar devices used to produce electricity.These devices are all plastic, as opposedto the current devices that use silicon ormetal alloys, which take up space and canbe costly.Imec’s industrial-level siliconsolar cells exceed 20%efficiencyimec presented a 20.04 percent large-areaindustrial-level silicon solar cell (certificationresults from Fraunhofer ISE-Callab) atIntersolar this summer. The cell combinesa high efficiency with a low-cost industrialprocess.Imec’s proprietary PERC process maximizesthe conversion efficiency of the cellthrough structure and material optimizationswhile maintaining cost effectivedevice concepts and processing. Imec’sPERC-cell is compatible with the requirementsof industrial photovoltaic production.It is a large-area (125x125mm2) Czp-type silicon cell with a simple homogeneousemitter and Ag-single screen-printedfront side contacts (65µm finger width),two busbars and an adapted Al back-sidemetallization. This processing simplicityholds the potential for cost reduction andefficiency increase in an industrial productionenvironment. At the moment thetransfer of this process to 156x156 mm²wafers is ongoing.The cells were processed at imec’s newlycompleted solar cell pre-pilot line. This prepilotline is equipped with state-of-the-artindustrial equipment for a total value of10 million euro and is fully capable of processing156x156mm² size solar cell wafers.The line is operated in a flexible way withthe capacity to process up to several 1,000wafers per week.“A simple and cost effective PERCcell is imec’s answer to short term aspirationof the photovoltaic industry toreduce the cost per Watt peak of siliconsolar cells. Our PERC process combinesa simple device structure with optimizedprocessing to increase the efficiency,” saidDr. Jef Poortmans, director Photovoltaicsresearch at imec, “We are delighted to haveachieved an efficiency of more than 20%for a standard PERC cell, featuring a largearea,only a homogeneous emitter andAg-screenprinted contacts. This shows ourcapability of marrying high performanceto simplified processes for crystalline Sisolar cells.”20 26 – Global Solar Technology – November/December September/October 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

SunEdison recognised‘Best Solar PowerProducer in India’In India, SunEdison has installed morethan 53 MW across 16 Solar PV plants— Usha PrasadSub-Saharan Operations, SunEdison,said: “SunEdison takes pride in beingan active contributor to the largest solarpower producing state in India. Owingto the state’s progressive solar policies,we are confident we can help makeGujarat the national solar hub for India.”Setting a benchmark for solar projectdevelopments in India, the multi-facilitysolar park is currently home to over 600MW of solar power generation capacity.Spread over 4,900 acres, the solar parkwas established as a part of the stategovernment’s new solar policy and istouted by the Gujarat government as thefirst-ever project in Asia to address theproblems of climate change.“Providing multiple benefits for the localpopulace and region, solar parks arebecoming instrumental in harnessingsolar energy in India,” he added.Eradication of Darkness programGlobal solar energy provider SunEdison, asubsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials,Inc., was recently awarded the ‘Best SolarPower Producer in India’ by IndependentPower Producers Association in India(IPPAI) at the Regulators & PolicymakersRetreat 2012.The evaluation for ‘Best Solar PowerProducer in India’ award was based onthe following parameters:• Speed of execution of the project(Date of allocation to commissioning)• How much solar electricity (in millionunits) is being fed into the Grid?With over 53 megawatt (MW) deployedin states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and UttarPradesh, SunEdison has become a leadingsolar developer in India. The companyhas deployed all technologies on ground– including various module technologies(mono/ poly/ thin film), trackingtechnologies (single-axis, azimuth)and mounting technologies (nonpenetratingdelta rack structuresfor rooftops).In India, SunEdison has installedmore than 53 MW across 16 SolarPV plants. In the Southeast Asiaregion, it has built over 35 MWin Thailand, distributed over fourgrid connected utility scale powerplants.Let’s take a look at the variousprojects executed by SunEdison inIndia -The solar field in Gujarat, which is saidto be South Asia’s largest solar fieldIn April 2012, SunEdison activated the25 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) powerplant located within a multi-developer,multi-facility solar park at Charankavillage in Patan district, Gujarat, India.The project, which was completed infour months, is comprised of more than89,000 solar PV modules, and is expectedto produce more than 40 million kilowatthours of clean solar energy in the firstyear of operation alone.Commenting on the activation of thesolar plant, Pashupathy Gopalan,managing director, South Asia andIn May 2012, SunEdison announcedthe rural electrification program called‘Eradication of Darkness’. Through theprogram, SunEdison will design, installand manage distributed-generationsolar power plants, to provide energyto Indian villages that have never beforehad access to electricity.“According to the United Nations, onein five people in the world do not haveelectricity. Over 400,000 of these peoplelive in India. Lack of electricity limitseducation and economic opportunitiesand makes populations more vulnerableto sickness and famine. The SunEdisonEradication of Darkness Programaims to address this situation,”Gopalan said.“This program is making electricityaccessible to citizens in India whohave never dreamt of having it intheir homes or workplaces. Wehave the opportunity to improvestandards of living by enablingsustainable changes in thelifestyles, health, education andcommunity affairs of thousandsof people,” said Ahmad Chatila,president and chief executiveofficer of MEMC. “We are excitedwww.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Solar Technology – November/December 2012 – 21

SunEdison recognised ‘Best Solar Power Producer in India’to be the catalyst for this kind ofremarkable transformation.”The program will be implemented instages. There are 29 villages in the GunaDistrict that have been identified forthe next phase. Appropriate financialand other partners are being sought toelectrify these remote communities.The Narmada Canal solar projectThis one megawatt solar PV project,built on top of nearly half a mile of theNarmada Canal in the state of Gujarat inIndia, is a first of its kind project in theworld. The project was commissioned inearly 2012.This innovative solar power projectgenerates approximately 1.6 millionkWh of clean solar energy per year,enough to meet the domestic powerrequirement of 16,000 households. Theproject demonstrates an efficient use ofland in an agricultural region by puttingsolar panels over a waterway ratherthan over fertile ground. It is estimatedthat “floating windbreakers” reduceevaporation of the canal water by anestimated 2 million imperial gallonsof water each year, thus conservingdrinking water. The covering of waterin the canal with the solar panels alsohelps in preventing algae growth, whichin turn results in lower maintenance ofpumps which draw water from the canal(for agricultural use).Sharing more information on rooftopinstallations in India, Gopalan is ofthe opinion that commercial consumermarket definitely has a vast potential forsolar rooftop installations in India. “Aspioneers in making commercial rooftopsolar PV viable, affordable and easilyavailable in other countries in the world,we are very excited by the opportunitiesto tap this potential in Indian market.With over 300 sunny days in mostareas, India is a great market for solardeployment.”SunEdison offers rooftop solutions intwo models – system sale and energysale. “We pioneered the commercial PPAmodel in India with the 100kW rooftopsolar plant built at Standard CharteredBank rooftop in Chennai, Tamil Nadu,”he added.Among many other projects, Gopalansaid that SunEdison is proud to havebeen trusted by the Punjab EnergyDevelopment Agency for deployingrooftop projects on education instituteslike Punjab Agriculture University(50 kW) in Ludhiana and Shivalik PublicSchool (50 kW) in Chandigarh. Recently,the company also commissioned a 100kWrooftop project at Airtel, Lucknow - thelargest solar power project deployed inIndian Telecom sector.SunEdison is currently implementinga 20 MW project in Rajasthan, alsoawarded under the JNNSM scheme,Batch II. It is also one of the winners ofthe nation’s first roof-top solar program(2.5MW) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Weare deploying Solar PV projects on over100 rooftops, making Gandhinagar thefirst solar city in the country. Apart fromthis, we are also developing several largescale rooftop projects for universitiesin Tamil Nadu and commercial andindustrial customers in NCR, TamilNadu and Rajasthan.Today, SunEdison is among the top30 developers awarded projects underthe JNNSM Batch I. “We are proud ofsuccessfully completing the constructionof a 5 MW project in Rajasthan in time,under this prestigious National scheme.We have also completed another 20 MWof projects in Gujarat under the StateSolar Program,” he added.As regards SunEdison’s business inIndia, Gopalan says, “We are extremelyexcited with the exponential growth thesolar industry in India is experiencing.We have a strong commitmenttowards Indian solar market and arecontinuously striving hard to pioneerinnovative affordable solutions andstrengthen our leadership positionin India. We see a great potential indeployment of distributed solar, as solarpower is available at or lower gridratesat certain parts in the country today.With policies having shown the way fordeployment of utility scale solar, we areextremely encouraged by interest shownby companies and investors in thedevelopment of solar farms for wheelingin power for captive consumption or forsale to third parties.In over two years, we have developedmore than 77 MW of solar power instates like Gujarat, Rajasthan and UttarPradesh. For our initiatives, we havebeen recognized as the ‘Best Solar PowerProducer in India’by IndependentPower ProducersAssociation in India(IPPAI). We areworking towardscreating large scalefarms of a total of50 MW capacitiesin AndhraPradeshand Tamil Nadu tobegin with. Withour relentless R&Defforts and businessmodel innovation,SunEdison is in aposition to provide22 – Global Solar Technology – November/December 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

SunEdison recognised ‘Best Solar Power Producer in India’solar energy at less than Rs.7/unitfor rooftop installations today. Ourplan ahead is to make rooftop solarwidespread and within the reach ofcommon man,” he added.In reply to a question on whether theIndian solar industry faced any setbacks?Gopalan said, “The Indian solar industryis off to a very good start thanks to theJawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission(JNNSM) and Government of Gujarat’ssolar initiatives. We have not experiencedany setbacks so far. There have only beenchallenges and opportunities.”Sharing his views on what makes Indiaan important market in the years tocome, he commented, “India, a countrywith 300+ sunny days in most areas,definitely holds the promise for a verysunny future. Innovative policies anddeclining costs of deployment of solarpower are both factors that will lead towidespread adoption of solar in nearfuture. Solar power is already a cheapersubstitute for diesel and is achievingcommercial grid parity in many states.Rooftop Solar PV alone has a potentialto grow up to 10 GW in India if thesupporting ecosystem is developed well.”“With so many positive factors, all comingtogether, it is only a matter of time beforeIndia will become an important marketand the solar destination of the world,”he added.Considering the international scenario,with moves by the United States andEurope toward imposing possibleanti-dumping tariffs on Chinese-madesolar panels, there’s a lot to learn forthe Indian Solar industry. Price is animportant factor for this industry tosustain and grow in India. “Indianpolicymakers should focus on creatingrobust local manufacturing solarindustry in India for country’s energysecurity. Electricity is a commodityand solar electricity is currently higherthan Grid electricity. Therefore, pricefactor for solar power is extremelysensitive for the sustainable growth ofthis industry,” Gopalan felt.www.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Solar Technology – November/December 2012 – 23

Titlenew products fornew secure solar fixing forcorrugated roofsTo ease installation and provide a securefix of solar panels to corrugated roofs, SFSintec has developed a new curved saddlewasher for its SOL-R system. Originallydesigned for trapezoidal sheet and sandwichroof applications, the SOL-R systemhas been adapted to cater for the increaseddemand for corrugated roof applications.The SOL-R system is easily transportedand can reduce installation time by up totwo thirds when compared with other “stairbolt” alternatives. www.sfsintec.biz/uknew test meter for PV poweranalysisA highly versatile new AC/DC clampmeter for solar PV installers and techniciansoffers effective power measurementand diagnostic testing of solar PV systems.The high performance Seaward SolarPower Clamp is capable of measuring DCand AC circuit power, in addition to trueRMS voltage and current, harmonic distortion,power factor, resistance & continuity,diode check and capacitance. The newinstrument forms part of the Seaward Solarrange of specialist test instrumentation andaccessories for the solar PV sector.www.seawardsolar.comMaGe Solar introduces firstplug and play ac-module onmarket with 30/30-warrantyMAGE SOLAR AC-module is the first onthe market backed with a 30-year assurancefor module and microinverter. MAGESOLAR’s complete AC-PV solution providesan extremely secure and time-savingoption compared to other stand-alonemicroinverter systems. As the DC-to-ACmicroinverter is integrated into the moduleframe, the need for one central inverter ormultiple string inverters is eliminated: thepre-installed, fully insulated AC-cable cansimply be plugged into the AC-cable connectorof the adjacent MAGE POWERTECPLUS module, making this one of the easiestto install modules in the rapidly growingPV-market.The microinverter technology isprovided through a partnership withSolarBridge Technologies, the Texas-basedleader in innovative module-integratedinverter design. SolarBridge Pantheon IImicroinverters preassembled in the newMAGE SOLAR AC-module feature anunrivaled 30 year warranty to match themodule’s industry-leading 30 year 80 percentpower guarantee.www.magesolar.comintegrators andinstallersecoSolargy launches topefficiencysolar module linesecoSolargy Inc., released its Lotus, Apolloand Zeus series, the company’s new highperformancesolar module lines. The newseries have been designed to improve customerexperience by maximizing efficiencyand reducing investment payback time byup to five years.The new high-efficiency, black-onblackLotus solar modules come in threedifferent wattages to fit a variety of solarprojects. The Lotus panels are engineeredat the molecular level using state-of-theartnanotechnology. Unlike regular solarmodules, nanotechnology-built panelshave a smooth surface that prevents water,dust and dirt accumulation, making themself-cleaning, anti-fading, anti-fogging andanti-bacterial. The modules’ buildup resistanceimproves solar energy absorption byup to six percent and increases efficiencyby 35 percent over a 20-year period. Thisfeature also eliminates the need for periodicalcleaning maintenance and ensuresthe panels are always performing at maximumefficiency, resulting in cost savingsequivalent to a three to five year decreasein payback time.The Lotus series also offer excellentperformance under low light conditionsand the black aluminum frames withstandthe severest environmental conditions.ecoSolargy’s Apollo and Zeus monocrystallinephotovoltaic modules come infive different wattages that adapt to manybudgets and project sizes. In addition todurability benefits –including corrosionand high wind loads resistance – bothApollo and Zeus panels rank high in performance.The Zeus 300W module hasthe second highest PTC[i] rating out of all300w mono crystalline PV modules in themarket; the Apollo 250W module, whencombined with a M215 micro inverter,delivers one of the most efficient systemperformances in the market.All ecoSolargy solar panels now comewith a ten-year workmanship warranty, aswell as a 25-year performance guarantee,and can be financed through the company’sfinancing program.www.ecoSolargy.com24 32 – Global Solar Technology – November/December September/October 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

New productsGe’s latest central invertertechnology clears path forutilities to boost solar energyproduction worldwideMarking a new technology milestone inthe global effort to increase renewableenergy production by driving down overallsystem costs, GE has deployed the first1,500-VDC (volts, DC current) open circuit(OC) central inverter for utility scalesolar power plants. The inverter will helpreduce overall system costs, which is vitalto making solar power a more economicalalternative to fossil fuel technologies.Central inverters are key componentsof photovoltaic (PV) plants. The technologyconverts DC power produced by solarpanels to AC power, which is then fed intothe main grid.GE Energy’s Power Conversion businessdeveloped, built and delivered its1,500-VDC ProSolar central inverter technologyto solar power plant system integratorBELECTRIC, the global market leaderin terms of installed power. BELECTRICinstalled GE’s advanced central inverterat its new solar power plant in southernGermany, utilizing PADCON’s 1500 VDCSystem Technology.The 1,500-VDC OC central inverterfor BELECTRIC is designed as an outdoorversion and offers a number of key benefits.Most notably, it allows operation at highDC voltages on panel level with lower DCcurrents while increasing the rated powerfor inverters. This can result in significantlylower costs for the technical DC infrastructureas well as the overall balance of systemcosts. Since the power of the invertersystem is limited mainly by the current,the power can be substantially increased byincreasing the operating voltage, and thismeans additional cost savings.Due to higher operating DC voltageand higher output with the same size asconventional ProSolar 1,000-VDC OCinverter units, the 1,500-VDC OC solutionoffers higher power density with thesame small footprint that means optimizedand flexible site layout. The liquid-cooledand improved power electronic topologyensures high efficiency, especially in partialload operations and is developed in Berlin.www.ge.combalqon introduces hIQaPlithium battery for solarenergy storage applicationsBalqon Corporation introduced low costhigh capacity lithium batteries as an alternativeto the current industrial deep cyclelead acid batteries. The new HIQAP batteriesare available in 12, 24 and 48 Voltconfigurations with an amp hour capacityranging between 700 Ah to 1000 Ah.HIQAP battery packs include Balqonproprietary Battery Management System(BMS) and related power electronics componentsfor direct replacement of currentlead acid battery packs. HIQAP lithiumbattery packs are designed to support largedaily loads requiring deep depth of dischargeand high energy transfer efficiencyfor solar, micro-grids, off-grid storage andtelecom applications.“With estimated life of over 10 yearsand high energy transfer efficiency oflithium batteries, users can now capture15 percent more energy from the solarpanels,” said Balwinder Samra, CEO ofBalqon Corporation.HIQAP batteries include large format1000 Ah and 700 Ah, 3.25 VDC foldedprismatic cells connected in a series, availablein 12V, 24V and 48V configurations.Life cycles of HIQAP(TM) batteries varyfrom 2500 cycles to 5000 cycles based ondepth of discharge. Low internal resistanceallows for over 95 percent efficiency duringenergy transfer compared to 80 percentefficiency of equivalent deep cycle lead acidbatteries. www.balqon.comTMeIc’s Solar ware® MainSite controller providescentralized management ofutility-scale PV installationsBuilt on decades of engineering experiencewith power electronics, the Solar Ware®Main Site Controller (MSC) from TMEICoffers the industry’s most advanced gridmanagement. The MSC provides overallcoordination and control of the PV plantby providing access to complete informationregarding the plant’s power production,as well as single point access to thestatus of all inverters. The MSC also operatesmultiple Solar Ware® inverters.A typical Solar Ware® installationconsists of multiple Solar Ware® stations,configured with multiple power channels.The power channels include PowerOptimization and a DC box. The MSCcontinually monitors all the solar invertersat the site and adjusts commands in orderto accomplish site-wide power qualitygoals. www.tmeic.comcentrosolar online tool nowalso available internationallyThe German solar company Centrosolarlaunched an English-language version ofthe Centrocheck planning tool to the internationalmarket. Centrocheck helps installersplan solar installations in any country.It complements the already established toolfor clients in North America where installersuse a special online portal customizedfor that market with unique designand financing capabilities. Each countryversion automatically includes the solarpanels, inverters and the country-specificcalculation basis available for use in eachparticular country.Centrocheck is the only planningsystem that comprehensively covers projectdesign. The intuitive tool providesall the information necessary to plan,build and operate a photovoltaic system.Centrocheck can be used online underwww.centrocheck.com without havingto be installed on the user’s computer.Centrocheck is also available as an app –fully independent of the operating systemon the mobile end device. Users can usetheir smartphone to access the programservices on the go and free of charge underwww.m.centrocheck.com. The programuses integrated functionality to recognisethe position and inclination of the roof, aswell as on-site irradiation data. www.centrocheck.comSolar Maid introduces newo&M cost reduction toolSolar Maid’s new solar O&M cost reductiontool, Soil Boundary Analysis, helpssolar system owners and managers betterdetermine optimal O&M scheduling, for adirect cost savings. Solar Maid will be providingits all customers with a complimentarySoil Boundary Analysis to enable tobetter determine an optimal O&M schedule.www.solarmaid.orgwww.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Solar Technology – November/December September/October 2012 – 33 25

Titleanalyst buzzePIc releases PhotovoltaicIndustry reportPhotovoltaic industry revenues reached arecord $US 93 billion in 2011, a 13.4 percentincrease over $US 82 billion in 2010,and a 150 percent increase over revenuesin 2009, according to a new report fromEPIC.Worldwide, 27.4 Gwatts of PV wereinstalled, bringing cumulative PV electricalgeneration capacity to 68 Gwatts at theend of 2011. Our data show that installationsgrew by 56 percent compared to 2010.Europe remains the leader for deployment,accounting for more than 63 percent ofthe PV installations worldwide. About 27percent of all the installations worldwidetook place in Germany. These percentagefigures are lower than those for 2010, andthey indicate the growing importance ofPV markets outside of Europe, and in particularin China.Worldwide, 68 Gwatts cumulative wereinstalled by the end of 2011. PV capacity isnow 28 percent as large as the park of windturbines.In Europe, 41 Gwatts of electricalgeneration capacity from all sources wereinstalled in 2011. This can be compared to57.6 Gwatts in 2010. This decrease is duein part to the economic recession, whichstrengthened in Europe throughout theyear. For the first time ever, more PV generatingpower was installed in Europe thanany other energy source, surpassing bothnatural gas and wind turbine generation.New Eu PV at 17.3 Gwatts out-paced naturalgas installations by 58%. However on aworldwide basis, wind power remains thedominant new renewable energy sourcewith installations of over 40 Gwatts in 2011.By 2011, the cumulative installed PV generatingbase reached 68 Gwatts. By comparison,this represents about 28 percent ofthe installed wind base of 238 Gwatts.More than 40 Gwatts of new electricalenergy installations were completed inEurope in 2011. Photovoltaic power wasthe leading product. Renewables accountfor 67 percent of the total mix.In terms of production, 7.6 percentmore wattage of PV cells was manufacturedthan generating capacity installed(29.5 Gwatts compared to 27.4 Gwatts).Inventories at the end of 2011 amounted toless than 1 month. Our figure of merit, (theratio of total sector revenues to installedPV generation capacity) for 2011 improvedsignificantly to US$3.53 per watt by 24 percentcompared to US$4.6 per watt in 2010.PV production volume is now dominatedby manufacturing in Asia where Chinaand Taiwan now account for about 74percent of the world supply. Productionby European companies declined sharplyin 2011 to less that 6% of the global total.Because many of the remaining companiesmanufacture some of their products inAsia, the actual amount of manufacturingactivity in Europe is even less significant.The EPIC Photovoltaic Report is distributedto EPIC members as part of theirmembership benefits.chinese solar imports dropfor three consecutive monthsFor the third straight month, imports ofChinese solar cells and panels into theUnited States decreased year-over-year,according to the Coalition for AmericanSolar Manufacturing (CASM). In June,Chinese solar imports totaled $99.6 million,down almost 60 percent from $241.5million in June 2011, according to theDepartment of Commerce’s “U.S. Importsof Merchandise” database. The year-overyeardecline is significant and reflects themarket’s rising recognition of the costs,risks and uncertainties associated withimporting Chinese solar cells and panels,according to CASM.The year-over-yeardecline is significant andreflects the market’s risingrecognition of the costs,risks and uncertaintiesassociated with importingChinese solar cells andpanels.While some of the year-on-yeardecrease is due to sharply falling moduleprices from 2011 to 2012, June 2012 importsof Chinese solar cells and panels were alsodown 20 percent from the previous month’stotal of $124.1 million. Between the sametwo months in 2011, the value of Chineseimports increased 7 percent.Despite three months of declines,Chinese import levels for all of 2012 arestill ahead of last year’s record pace: For thefirst six months of this year, the total valueof Chinese cell and panel imports reached$1.32 billion, up from $1.23 billion for thesame period of 2011, an increase of 7.3 percent,according to the Commerce data. Theincrease is even more significant becausedumped and subsidized Chinese pricinghas lowered the per-watt average importvalues so dramatically in 2011 and 2012.Importantly, June was the first monthin which Chinese manufacturers werefully affected by both preliminary antisubsidyduties of up to 4.73 percent onChinese cells and panels that Commerceannounced on March 26, 2012, and preliminaryantidumping duties on Chinese26 34 – Global Solar Technology – November/December September/October 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

Analyst buzz Buzzsolar cell and panel imports ranging from31 percent to 249.96 percent announcedon May 25, 2012, according to CASM. The31 percent rate applies only to specificallynamed combinations of producers andexporters; companies not specifically listedby Commerce must pay duty deposits atthe 249.96 percent rate. Because of a rulingof critical circumstances, the anti-subsidyduties were retroactive to Dec. 27, 2011,and the anti-dumping duties were retroactiveto Feb. 25.CASM continues to haveserious concerns aboutreports of Chinese producersengaging in minoralteration or processing ofproducts in third-countrieslike Taiwan, in orderto evade the antidumpingand countervailing duties.Commerce’s ongoing investigations arefocused on the actual amount of dumpingthat occurred during the second andthird quarters of 2011, and the amount ofunfair subsidies benefiting China’s solarindustry in calendar year 2010. Final marginsin both cases, which are scheduled tobe announced Oct. 9, could differ. In fact,Commerce has already identified additionalcategories of illegal subsidy programsthat are likely to increase the finalcountervailing duty rates. Commerce alsofound that both Wuxi Suntech and TrinaSolar were not creditworthy at varioustimes during part of the review period.The final determinations will finalizethe estimated duty deposit rates for currententries of Chinese imports. The finalamounts of duties owed by importers forimports after October 9 will not actuallybe finalized for more than a year. IfCommerce determines that Chinese pricingfell more than production costs forthose imports, then the final duty marginsalso will increase.Although the value of all globalimports decreased in June 2012 comparedto the previous year, imports from severalcountries rose significantly, comparedwith shipments in June 2011. These countriesinclude Malaysia ($113.2 million, upalmost 96 percent year-on-year), althoughmuch of this increase was due to importsby First Solar, a U.S. thin film producer notsubject to antidumping and countervailingduties. Imports from Taiwan ($32.4 million,)and the Philippines ($39.2 million)also increased. CASM continues to workwith U.S. Customs and Border Protectionto detect and prevent any circumventionof preliminary duties. In addition, CASMcontinues to have serious concerns aboutreports of Chinese producers engaging inminor alteration or processing of productsin third-countries like Taiwan, in order toevade the antidumping and countervailingduties. CASM has asked the CommerceDepartment to address this issue in itsfinal determination by clarifying that suchproducts are covered by the scope and subjectto duties.Government support holdsthe key to solar thermalpower futureSolar thermal power, or concentrated solarpower (CSP), can make a sizeable impacton the world’s renewable energy industry—ifgovernments across the globe canmaintain supporting policies, says a newreport by alternative energy analysts GBIResearch.The latest report cites governmentattitudes to CSP as a key determinant tothe future success of this relatively youngmarket. Presently, the CSP market is characterizedby the high cost of power generationand the challenges of achievingeconomies of scale. However, governmentprovisions can push forward technologicaladvances and boost installations, whichwill in turn lower the expense of both projectinvestment and power generation.At present, the CSP industries in theUS and Spain are benefiting from Feed-InTariffs (FIT), a system which offers a financialincentive to producers in the formof premium tariffs, per kWh, over a fixedperiod of time.The regulatory framework in the UShas also established mandates for utilitycompanies to purchase electricity fromrenewable sources for domestic consumption.Similarly, the Spanish government hastax rebates for renewable energy investments,and as a result these two countrieshold the greatest share of the global solarthermal power market.GBI Research additionally highlightsthe emerging economies China, India andthe United Arab Emirates as drivers of theCSP market. These nations are recognizingthe importance of solar energy as a meansof achieving energy security and stability—particularlyat a time when fossil fuelreserves are depleting and becoming morecostly with additional measures to reducecarbon emissions. Many of these countriesare also attempting to reduce carbon emissionsand are looking to renewables as analternative.Solar thermal power projects in thepipeline mean the global CSP market isexpected to grow from a 2011 installedcapacity total of 1,546 MW to 47,462.9MW in 2020, climbing at a CompoundAnnual Interest Rate (CAGR) of 44 percent.Samsung and Sharp will stillbe on the market in 10 yearsat leastHardly anyone can deny at the momentthat the brand landscape is about to changedramatically within the photovoltaicindustry. In addition, the strong pressure tomake distinctions in the mass market hassteadily increased and new solutions, suchas the storage system, enter the market. Dueto the current rapidly changing conditionsof the photovoltaic market, the Bonn basedmarket research institute, EuPD Research,has currently conducted a survey of over1,500 users of the “Photovoltaikforum”with a focus on services, storage solutionsand the future prospects of manufacturers.Initial results of the study are alreadyclear: The majority of end users are awareof the plight of the solar industry and takethis into account when selecting theircomponents. In terms of survivability,their confidence lies with the companiesSamsung and Sharp. It is not surprisingthat large and established companies areahead in terms of confidence. It is striking,however, that the installers and end usersdistinguish critically between the establishedChinese manufacturers.When making a purchase decision,important factors come in to play. In particular,the monitoring system and a possibleextended warranty. These servicesplay a significant role with one-third ofall customers in the purchasing process ofequipment. A similarly large proportion ofrespondents would accept higher costs foradditional services. The willingness to payvaries greatly, however.Preliminary results show a substantialmajority interest in the current issueof lithium and lead acid batteries. Basedon the average willingness to pay, it is alsoclear that prices will have to fall even moresignificantly, so that today’s solutions aresuitable for mass production.The overall results are a summaryof the study “End Customers in Focus—Revealing Needs for 2012 and beyond.”www.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Solar Technology – November/December September/October 2012 –– 35 27

Costs rapidly falling—Photovoltaics taking big steps towards competitivenessCosts rapidly falling—Photovoltaics taking big stepstowards competitivenessSebastian Pflügge, SolarpeqFuture product: Module productions are becoming increasingly efficient. As a result, photovoltaics are rapidly approaching competitiveness.(Photo: Centrosolar)Following the free fall of module prices, solar energy systems cannot getthat much cheaper for the time being—or so we thought. But the costreduction potential of photovoltaics is far from exhausted: in the areaof raw materials and components considerable savings are still possible.This is difficult to understand: thesolar energy sector is still veryangry with the German FederalGovernment because it would like to cutsolar power funding by up to 30 percent.“We can’t cut costs by as much as that at allany more,” says a critical Solarworld bossFrank Asbeck. He added that the FederalGovernment was putting thousands of jobsat risk.In actual fact the market situation isa lot less dramatic: “In Germany peopleare still busy installing solar energy systems.This year a new extension record of8 GW is even feasible,” says analyst Stefande Haan from US market research InstituteIHS iSuppli. One thing is certain: the priceof solar energy systems is currently fallingat the same rate as that of solar energytariffs. Whereas a small turnkey rooftopsystem including installation still costs onaverage two Euros per kilowatt (kW) atthe turn of the year, according to surveysconducted by IHS iSuppli, it is currentlyalready 25 percent cheaper at 1.50 Euro.The reason for the rapid price slumpis the tough competition within the PVindustry. “Chinese manufacturers, in particular,have invested heavily in new technologyand have quickly developed majorproduction facilities,” says de Haan. Theconsequence: massive surplus capacities,which are forcing producers to sell theirmodules in some cases below their productioncosts. “Since mid-2010 the averageprice of modules has almost halved,” deHaan said.Tough price battleFor the solar energy industry the priceslump is both a blessing and a curse. Onthe one hand, an increasing number of28 16 –– Global Solar Technology –– November/December September/October 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

Costs rapidly falling—Photovoltaics taking big steps towards competitivenessIn the solar energy laboratory: the efficiency potential of photo voltaic cells is far from exhausted. Researchers are workingintensively on new concepts. (Photo: Dupont)manufacturers worldwide find themselves in the red, because they have had to contendwith high losses in the price battle with their Asian competitors. In April 2012 Q-Cellswas already the fourth German solar energy company to announce bankruptcy. On theother hand, the PV sector is taking giant strides towards competitiveness. Accordingto the standard electricity price formula, with system prices of 1.50 Euro per watt,the kilowatt hour (kWh) can already be produced for 12 Eurocents today. As a result,solar power in Germany is still around four Eurocents more expensive than the kWhproduced by conventional gas power stations and coal power stations, which currentlycosts about eight Eurocents. In countries such as Italy, Spain or the USA, thanks tolower electricity production costs, PV is already very close to being competitive. Inmany countries of the world solar energy will therefore no longer be dependent onfunding.But taking the last step towards competitiveness will be tough for the sector.“Following the free-fall of module prices, cost savings in the area of cell and moduleproduction will now become increasingly difficult,” says Eric Maiser, ExecutiveDirector, Federal Association of Photovoltaic Production Instruments (FachverbandPhotovoltaik- Produktionsmittel) within the German Engineering Federation VDMA.In this connection, according to the current study conducted by British market researchInstitute IMS Research in early 2011, the price of wafers for example, the preliminarystage of cells, fell by 70 percent to 30www.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Solar Technology – November/December 2012 – 29

Costs rapidly falling—Photovoltaics taking big steps towards competitivenessUS Cents by the first quarter of 2012. So,therefore there is not much scope at thebottom of this key sector of the solar valuechain.Nevertheless, there is hope for thesolar energy industry. The system level,including inverters, frames, cabling alongwith installation, still offers great savingspotential. Whereas as much as one thirdof total costs of a solar project were stillaccounted for by the so-called Balance-of-System (BOS) costs in 2010, their share isnow approximately around half that figure.“We must now therefore focus greaterattention on the BOS costs,” says EickeWeber, Head of the Fraunhofer Institute forSolar Energy Systems (Institut für SolareEnergiesysteme—ISE), in Freiburg.System peripherals the focalpointWeber estimates that the system costscould fall by 20 percent in the next twoyears. Things have already really started tohappen on the inverter market, as EckhardWolf, Director Business Line Managementat inverter manufacturer AEG PowerSolutions, explains. “With the entry ofthe Asian producers, the small appliancessector is on the way to mass production.”This trend is also reflected in the framessector. Major aluminium producers andprofile manufacturers such as Sapa, Hilti orCooper B-Line are positioning themselvesin order to supply the world market. Theirentry indicates that we can expect majorsupplier cost advantages.On the raw materials side the pricecurve is also clearly moving downwards.Fast enough? Even solar technology engineers can reduce costs—by providing more efficiencyfor rooftop installation in the shortest time. (Photo: Bosch)Raw materials expert Simon Jäger fromthe Frankfurt Dekabank estimates that thesilicone price will reach a new record lowof $20 per kilogram in the coming monthsdue to increasing production capacities. Bycomparison: when the PV boom startedfive years ago, due to the dramatic increasein demand, 1 kg of silicon on the spotmarket cost up to $400, in other words 20times the current amount.Glass prices can also still clearly fall.The cost share accounted for by coveringand supporting glass formats in a moduleis currently on average around 10%. With acurrent module price of 80 Eurocent, this iseight Eurocents. “These costs can be cut bytwo thirds using new manufacturing processesand small, de-centralised productionunits,” explains glass specialist HeikoHessenkämper from the TU Freiberg(University of Applied Sciences). In thisconnection his Institute for Ceramics,Glass and Construction Materials (Institutfür Keramik, Glas und Baustofftechnik)has developed a special surface finishingprocess which can replace the previouslyconventional thermal-hardening processfor flat glass. Thanks to this process, costof around five Eurocents per watt can besaved, and in addition, a higher consistencyachieved says Hessenkämper. “Weare reducing the spontaneous breakageproblem.”Another approach aimed at reducingcosts is offered by so-called aluminosilicateglass. Hessenkämper added thatit can be obtained cost effectively fromresidual materials such as industrial slay,and compared to the previously usedraw glass, offers the advantage of coatingat high temperatures. “With thin-filmmodules this enables higher depositionrates and up to 25% higher efficiency,”explains Hessenkämper. In this connectionfor example, the efficiency of panelson a copper, indium, gallium and selenium(CIS) basis can be increased from the currentlevel of 13 to 16 percent. This correspondsto the current efficiency level ofcrystalline silicon modules.new approaches in the glasssectorIn a few years small rolling glass factoriesintegrated in module production couldcome onto the market, avoiding long transportationroutes and glass breakage thussaving logistics costs. Rolled glass specialistFickert + Winterling from Marktredwitzin Upper Franconia is planning to open aglass factory by 2015, which with daily productionof 30 to 50 tons, is much smallerthan conventional glass factories. The companyis currently developing this factory incooperation with other glass specialistswithin the framework of the Solarvis network.“We believe that an in-house solutionfor module manufacturers can be aninteresting one,” says Werner Haag, Headof Development at Fickert + Winterling.This view is also shared by glass expertHessenkämper: previously the modulemanufacturers obtained their ultra-whitesupporting and covering glass from productionlines or finishing facilities, whichare often many hundreds of kilometresaway from their production locations.Hessenkämper estimates that three quartersof solar glass costs are accounted forby transport and finishing. At 10 Eurosper square metre, the going price for thematerial, that is nevertheless 7.50 Euro.At the International Trade Fair for SolarProduction Equipment, solarpeq, and theparallel event glasstec, the leading worldfair for the glass industry, from 23 to 26October 2012 in Düsseldorf, manufacturerscan obtain an impression of theinnovations and visions presented by theglass producers. In addition, on 22 and 23October at the Exhibition Centre, the “solarmeets glass” conference will be held, concentratingon the interface themes of theglass and solar energy industry and concerningitself among others with the issueof costs.Until solutions such as the “Mini-glassfactory” become standard features, theindustry is banking on clear-cut innovations.The East German solar glassmanufacturer F-Glass, a joint venture30 18 – Global Solar Technology – November/December September/October 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

Costs rapidly falling—Photovoltaics taking big steps towards competitivenessIn a few years small rolling glass factories integratedin module production could come onto the market,avoiding long transportation routes and glassbreakage thus saving logistics costs. Rolled glassspecialist Fickert + Winterling from Marktredwitzin Upper Franconia is planning to open a glassfactory by 2015, which with daily production of30 to 50 tons, is much smaller than conventionalglass factories.Costs rapidly falling—Photovoltaics taking big steps towards competitivenessbetween Interpane and the Dutch companyScheuten, is for example now offeringfloat glass, which with a thickness of2 mm, is more than 1 mm thinner thanconventional solar glass. “In taking thisapproach, we are reducing the price perunit and enabling module manufacturersto develop new products,” says F-Glasssales and marketing manager ThomasKeyser. In this connection, thanks to thethinner panes, glass-glass modules couldbe produced, which are more robust andhave a longer life-cycle than conventionalglass film modules. “This will enable manufacturersto become the technology leaders,”says Keyser.In addition to other material savings,F-Glass will also be working on higherthroughputs in glass production as wellas on consistent logistical improvements.“We can facilitate the ordering logistics forcustomers by handling their material planning.”As a result, F-Glass can avoid highwarehouse stock levels and reduce costs,promises Keyser. In autumn, in Düsseldorf,solarpeq and glasstec will clearly show thatit would be almost negligent to solely relyon the increased efficiency of cells andmodules when it comes to further costQuality control: high-quality white glass is indispensable when it comes to high-performancesolar modules. (Photo: Bosch)reductions. Solar energy can still becomemuch more affordable also through innovationsin the solar glass sector.www.globalsolartechnology.comAs one of the world’s leading technologyGlobal Solar Technology – November/December 2012 – 31providers in the photovoltaic industry withproduction and R&D facilities in Europe and Asia,

TitleInternational diary3-5 September 2012SOLARCON IndiaBangalore, Indiasolarconindia.org5-7 September 201212th China PhotovoltaicConference & Exhibition(CPVC)Beijing, Chinach-solar.com10-13 September 2012Solar Power InternationalOrlando, Florida, USAsolarpowerinternational.com24-28 September 201227th EU PVSECFrankfort, Germanyphotovoltaic-conference.com15-16 October 2012CPV USA 2012San Jose, California, USApv-insider.com/cpv18-19 October 2012Solar Summit Frieburg 2012Frieburg, Germanysolar-summit-2012.org6-8 November 2012Intersolar IndiaMumbai, Indiaintersolar.in12-14 December 2012INTERSOLAR ChinaBeijing, Chinaintersolarchina.comadvertising contactsEuropeAdela Ploner+49 (0)8192-933-78-22aploner@globalsolartechnology.comNorth America—Print & DigitalSandy DaneauTel: +1 (239) 245-9264 x104sdaneau@globalsolartechnology.comSouth East Asia—IndiaAmitava Sarkar+91 80 2686 0747asarkar@trafalgarmedia.comSingapore, Malaysia & Hong KongPhilip Lim+65 6552-7388bluocean.admedia@gmail.comChinaKevin Jia+86 21 60956570 x803kevinj@trafalgarmedia.comGloabl Solar Technology Volume 3 Number 5 May 2070www.globalsolartechnology.comA prActicAl guide for improvingcrystAlline solAr cell efficienciesthrough firing process optimizAtionsmArt pAckAges for cpv cell devicesAchieving thermAl uniformity inphotovoltAic ApplicAtionsincreAsing solAr pAnel productionefficiencies with Acrylic foAm tApeNews for the Solar Manufacturing IndustryVolume 3 Number 5 May 2010Matt HolzmannInterview insideNEW PRODUCTSINDUSTRY NEWSINTERNATIONAL DIARYGlobal Solar TechnologymagazineGloabl Solar Technology Southeast Asia Volume 1 Number 1 Spring 2010www.globalsolartechnology.comSoutheast AsiaCovering India, Thailand, Malaysia,Singapore, The Philippines and Hong KongTransfer prinTing: anemerging Technology for massivelyparallel assemblyconverTing consideraTions for flexiblemaTerialsmaTerials and The growTh of pvTechnologyWe’re growing ChinaSouth East AsiaThe WorldNews for the Solar Manufacturing IndustryVolume 1 Number 1 Spring 2010K SubramanyaColumn InsideNEW PRODUCTSINDUSTRY NEWSINTERNATIONAL DIARY36 32 – Global Solar Technology – November/December September/October 2012 www.globalsolartechnology.com

issue_2.1.indd 12/22/09 9:39:35 PMSpecialSubscriptionOfferGlobal Solar Technology Volume 2 Number 1 Jan/Feb 2009Act now for 2 free issueswww.globalsolartechnology.comNews for Solar Manufacturing IndustryVolume 2 Number 1 Jan/Feb 2009Bjorn DahleFLEXIBLE SILVER PASTE ENABLES THIN-FILMInterview InsidePHOTOVOLTAIC FLEX SOLAR CELLSCONVERTING CONSIDERATIONS FOR FLEXIBLENEW PRODUCTSMATERIALSINDUSTRY NEWSULTRASONIC ATOMIZATION FOR UNIFORMDISPENSING AND COATING OFINTERNATIONAL DIARYNANOPARTICLESSOLAR: IT’S ABOUT TIMEGlobal Solar Technology Volume 2 Number 2 March/April 2009www.globalsolartechnology.comNews for Solar Manufacturing IndustryVolume 2 Number 2 March/April 2009Rajinder KumarInterview InsideSOLAR INTEGRATION TAKES A PAGE FROM THESEMI WAFER CSP PLAYBOOKNEW PRODUCTSLASER SCRIBING TOOLS EDGE IN FRONTINDUSTRY NEWSCONFORMAL COATING IMPROVES THERELIABILITY AND LIFE OF SOLAR INVERTERSINTERNATIONAL DIARYI will receive the magazine Global Solar Technology for one year (6 issues) for a special priceof $69.99.Assembly/Packaging EngineerCorporate/General ManagementManufacturing/Engineering ManagementResearch DevelopmentHR ManagerDesignPurchasingQuality ControlEngineering SupportOtherCompany:Name:Job Title:Address:City:Country:Phone:Email:Web site:State/Province:Department:Fax:Zip Code:Primary Business TypeElectronics Mfg—OEMElectronics Mfg—ContractorElectronics Mfg—DesignElectronics Mfg—SupplierMicroelectronics ManufacturerMicroelectronics ServicesMicroelectronics supplierPCB ManufacturerPCB ServicesPCB SupplierOtherBank transfer VISA AMEX MastercardName on card:Number:Security code:Please check that your details are complete.DateSignatureCrown House, 72 Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8TH, United KingdomPhone: +1 (239) 245-9264, Fax: +1 239-236-4682www.globalsolartechnology.comGlobal Solar Global Technology Solar Technology – November/December – March/April 2012 – 33

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