Article Library

This archive is a compilation of articles published in our eMagazine since inception. The articles are organized by "Subject". Many thanks to those who have contributed to this archive and continue to help it grow by submitting their thoughts and expertise to the magazine.

Solar Energy - Photovoltaic Systems

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Article Title Author Company eMag Issue Article Synopsis
New solar cell technology improves efficiency by 15% Phil Stafford, Arkansas Research & Technology Park, and Douglas Hutchings Silicon Solar Solutions

Feb 2013

Three months of experimental validation allowed us to refine the technique to the point we could pursue grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and submit a provisional patent application.
Inverter Innovation and Overall System Cost-reduction Tucker Ruberti Advanced Energy

Feb 2013

By differentiating between a true utility outage (where anti-islanding is necessary) and a grid disturbance (during which the PV system could actually help support grid stability), inverters can stay online during grid disturbances and produce responses to stabilize the grid.
Organic PlaCSH Solar Cells with 175% Increased Efficiency Developed Rahul Prabhu Renew India Campaign

Dec 2012

NSL Scientists have overcome the core issue of Solar Cells: The unavailability to fully capture light that enters the cell and light reflecting from the cell. The Scientists rectified this issue using a nano structured sandwich of metal(gold) and plastic that collects and traps light.
Off-Grid PV Systems Dr. Juan Antonio Alabart Guerra Yakes Solar

Dec 2012

The development of PV systems in the last 10 years has been dedicated mainly to grid-tied systems. Meanwhile all-rural electrification systems have remained basically the same for the past 20 years. However, Yake Solar has engineered a new approach to PV rural electrification.
The Photovoltaic Backsheet Market Michelle Ostiguy FLEXcon

Oct 2012

The greatest challenge for backsheet manufacturers is to develop product that meets strict performance requirements and industry standards, at a time when there is increasing pressure to reduce costs.
Hanwha SolarEnergy America Matt McCullough Hanwha SolarOne

Oct 2012

Hanwha has the development capital and balance sheet that financiers look for in a partner. This is a tremendous differentiator given the current market conditions.
Solar Leasing Tanguy Serra Vivint Solar

Aug 2012

The best moment for a customer is when you turn them on for first time and the meter slows down and then starts to go backward. The worst is the moment the sun sets and they're not producing power anymore.
Self Cleaning Solar Modules Alan H. Lee ecoSolargy

Aug 2012

Our Lotus modules are self-cleaning because they are built using nanotechnology. This technology helps us achieve a completely smooth panel surface that prevents buildup. In fact, anything that falls on the panel rolls off or is blown away by the wind.
Residential Solar adds to Property Value Nick Hofer OneRoof Energy

Aug 2012

On average, a California solar system will pay for itself within five to 10 years, depending on the size of the system. However, if the system is leased and homeowners put little down upfront, the solar system will begin paying for itself on day one, creating instant savings.
Anything Can Go Wrong on a Solar Farm Maureen McHale for ESA Renewables

Aug 2012

Here are 16 of the potential failures or damages that can occur on a solar farm and how they could impact operations if not addressed in a timely manner.
3D Solar Technology Improves Efficiency Jim Nelson Solar 3D

Aug 2012

In current technology about 30% of the light is reflected back into space. We have created a 3-dimentional structure in the silicon that virtually eliminates reflection by causing the light to bounce around within the structure until it is fully absorbed.
Potentially incorrect beliefs currently prevalent in the Solar Energy Industry Richard Leverton Hybridyne

Jun 2012

It is entirely technically reasonable to amortize the financing of a well engineered solar array over 30-40 years, not just 20.
Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) Scott Wiater, President Standard Solar

Apr 2012

PPAs are best for organizations that own their own buildings or homes. Or plan to occupy their space for an extended period of time. Also, a property owner who has a large open property or rooftop space (such as a warehouse or distribution center) may also enter into a PPA in connection with a rooftop or property lease as a means to generate not only renewable energy, but also revenue from energy sales to the local utility.
Solar cell therapy: transforming second-rate goods into first-class products Contributed by Innotech Solar

Apr 2012

Innotech Solar optimizes off-spec cells
PV Fleet Management Jeff Ressler Clean Power Research

Apr 2012

PV by nature is an intermittent energy source that can be affected greatly (even over the course of seconds) by weather influences such as passing clouds. While this variability may not be a concern for the individual PV system owner, it is for utilities or system operators that may have tens of thousands of grid-connected PV systems within their service territories.
Flexible Solar Modules Brad Kemp Ascent Solar

Apr 2012

Flexible solar panels allow for the generation of solar power where traditional, glass panels can’t be used. For example, large commercial rooftops may not be able to support the load of a large, glass array.
The GreenVolts Integrated Solar System Interview with Eric Romo GreenVolts

Feb 2012

Our modular system scales easily for distributed loads, such as irrigation pumps on different parcels of land, to large, centralized loads for commercial, industrial, and utility customers.
A New Generation Grid-Inverter Contributed by REFUsol GmbH

Feb 2012

The high AC and DC voltages have the advantage that line losses can be reduced almost everywhere in the system. Firstly, in the inverter, which forms the part of efficiency gain, and secondly the cable losses in the PV installation, which will be significantly lowered. In addition, the installation costs for cabling and the associated costs are reduced.
Utilizing Panel-Level Monitoring to Improve Project ROI Ray Burgess Solar Power Technologies, Inc.

Dec 2011

Panel-level monitoring is a new and valuable weapon for array owners and O&M companies to improve financial performance and reduce risk in owning and operating large-scale solar arrays. The accuracy and insight from this new technology, coupled with intelligent Cloud-based analysis and diagnostics, bring many opportunities to improve energy output and improve efficiency in O&M activities.
PVP HE String inverters Bryan Thomas AE Solar Energy

Dec 2011

We believe that system owners and installers should take an active role in understanding how their system is performing and that basic web based monitoring should be free and flexible. Adhering to this philosophy, we have designed the ZigBee based monitoring solution for the PV Powered HE string inverter to make string inverter performance monitoring fast, easy, simple, reliable and flexible.
Inverter Strategies: An Overlooked Factor in the Solar Cost Equation Wendy Arienzo ArrayPower

Dec 2011

This new type of architecture has inherent cost and reliability advantages over microinverters: it uses fewer critical components than microinverters, its easy installation and connection to the grid allows for reduced installation and maintenance costs and its connection to the module at a cellular level means the performance and cost of the solar module can be optimized.
Un-Analytics: How Google Went Solar Dan Auld

Oct 2011

If some panels go bad, you need panel level monitoring to o find the bad panels. But most systems monitor power at the system level, but as Google found out, that is that useful for detecting catastrophic failure, but not much else.
Removing the Rare Element Limitations from Solar Energy Steven J. E. Pleging Quantum Solar Power Corp.

Oct 2011

Many of the cutting edge thin-film technologies require rare elements that are a finite resource already in short supply. There simply is not enough material on the planet to make these devices for worldwide consumption.
AMSC’s SolarTie™ System Jason Fredette AMSC

Oct 2011

The SolarTie System was designed to lower the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar power plants. A great deal of attention is being given to reducing the LCOE, which defines how much the energy produced really costs.
Single vs. Dual Axis Solar Tracking David Cooke True North Power

Apr 2011

Generally Dual-axis trackers are more accurate in pointing directly at the sun which is usually the brightest spot in the sky, however, Dual axis comes at the price of higher complexity and lower reliability ( more down time and more maintenance) than single axis.
Optimal yields with photovoltaic systems – MLD technology most efficient Artur Deger DEGERenergie

Apr 2011

Photovoltaics is without doubt the most direct way of taking advantage of solar energy. When using photovoltaics, however, the efficiency of the various systems, and the feed-in tariffs to be expected should be kept in mind. On the one hand, the capacity of the solar modules used is important – on the other hand, the way in which these modules are used has considerable influence on their cost effectiveness.
Choosing a Portable Renewable Energy Generator Jenny French SUNRNR

Apr 2011

Power generation systems have hundreds of applications. This article will focus on portable generators in specific and a range of their applications and sizing considerations in general. The intent is to address the frequently-asked questions, “What will this generator run?”, “For how long?”, and “Will it run my house?” Those questions usually have to be answered with the question, “What do you want (need) to run?” which defines the application.
PV Front Sheet Systems Interview with Julia DiCorleto Saint-Gobain Solar

Feb 2011

A pre-laminate that combines ETFE frontsheet and EVA encapsulant, features all the performance benefits of both with improved production efficiencies, including reduced wrinkles and precise alignment. In addition, it can help module manufacturers achieve lower systems cost with reduced packaging and shipping costs.
Parallel Solar Technology Michael Lamb, Vice President, Business Development eIQ Energy

Feb 2011

Our Parallel Solar approach handles voltage management at the module level, using a DC-to-DC converter (the vBoost) to boost each module’s output. So the array has a high-voltage bus that will never exceed its set voltage as it feeds the central inverter. This allows you to connect the modules in parallel rather than series.
Thin Film Photovoltaic (PV) Cells Market Analysis to 2020 Gangadhar Adiboina GBI Research

Aug 2010

This report covers the key market drivers, restrains and growth forecast for major thin film technologies – Amorphous silicon (a-Si), Cadium Telluride (Cdte), and Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide CIGS. The report entails comprehensive analysis of thin-film module production, production capacity, key countries and key industry players. The key study focuses on the global thin film PV industry market outlook along with comparative analysis of different technologies.
The US Solar PV Backsheet Market - Industry Trends and Opportunity Analysis to 2015 A.B.G.Thilak GlobalData

Aug 2010

The “The US Solar PV Backsheet Market - Industry Trends and Opportunity Analysis to 2015” report provides market analysis and volume forecasts up to 2015 in the US. The report contains detailed analysis of PV backsheets installed, pricing, market revenues, share of imports and exports, backsheet demand based on domestic module production, lead time analysis and key product analysis.
Fused Quartz, a Critical Component of the Solar Power Industry Carlo Chatman for Technical Glass Products

Aug 2010

Due to its stability, chemical purity, transmissivity to light, and heat resistance, quartz has for many years been vital to the production of semiconductors for the electronics industry. The material is virtually inert, very durable and will withstand the high temperatures associated with semiconductor fabrication and testing.
Altenergymag Interview - Christopher Associates and the Solar Industry Matt Holzmann Christopher Associates

Aug 2010

Starting in a two-room office in 1977, Christopher Associates quickly expanded by focusing on technical service and an international product mix. By 1984, the company grew to become one of the leading suppliers to the printed circuit industry. Today, its customer base includes more than 1,200 companies worldwide in the Printed Circuit Fabrication and Assembly industries.
The Science of Solar: Solar Energy – The Basics Contributed by Dow Corning Solar

Apr 2010

Solar is one of the most talked-about alternative energy sources in the world today. Enough energy comes from the sun in one hour to power the global population for a year. Even though the amount of sunlight varies around the world, sunlight is a totally renewable resource, unlike oil, coal and natural gas. As long as life exists on the earth, sunlight will play a role.
AltEnergyMag Interview - Bio-based Solar Cell Backsheets David Lee CEO of BioSolar

Feb 2010

With over two decades of engineering, marketing, sales and executive management experience in high technology, BioSolar, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Dr. David D. Lee founded the company in 2006. An electrical engineer, Lee recognized that historically, manufacturing costs have been one of the biggest barriers to driving down the cost per kilowatt of solar energy for consumers. In response, BioSolar was the first company to introduce a new dimension of cost reduction by replacing petroleum-based plastic solar cell components with durable bio-based components derived from renewable plant sources.
AltEnergyMag Interview - Dupont's PV Strategy for 2010 Marc Doyle DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions

Feb 2010

Marc Doyle is global business director, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions (DPVS). He is responsible for creating business strategy for DuPont within the Photovoltaics (PV) market space, coordinating activities across DuPont in the PV industry to create a singular market-facing business, and aggressively growing DuPont’s business within the PV space by identifying and championing new business opportunities in white space areas.
Third-Gen Thin-Film Solar Technologies: Forecasting the Future of Dye Sensitized and Organic PV Timm Rohles RE:SEARCH

Dec 2009

Third-generation thin-film solar devices are beginning to emerge in the marketplace after approximately 20 years of research and development, due to the insight of leading material developers such as Konarka and Plextronics in the organic photovoltaics (OPV) domain, and Dyesol, EPFL, G24i, Mitsubishi and Peccell on the dye-sensitized cells (DSC) front. Both DSC and OPV technologies lag far behind on the efficiency curve when compared to conventional solar (i.e., >20 percent efficiency), so they will likely succeed in markets where their low cost, substrate flexibility, and ability to perform in dim or variable lighting conditions provide them with a significant competitive advantage.
The Next Generation of PV System Ownership: Moving from Passive Monitoring to Active Management Sjuli Beekhuis Tigo Energy Inc.

Dec 2009

This article reviews the recent history of PV monitoring; the shift from single-meter systems to module-level control using highly reliable electronics, and future direction of the industry towards active system management from utility-scale solar farms down to the residential PV system.
N2SOLAR - SIMPLE APPROACHES TO COMPLEX PROBLEMS Chris Lucas

Apr 2009

We hope this short overview of N2Solar will give a good sense of what we are about, can accomplish in the markets, and the needs to get there. We welcome your questions and look forward to discussing the merits of our projects and how outside financial participation could benefit..
SEAN BOURQUIN - CARMANAH Sean Bourquin Carmanah Technologies

Dec 2008

There are six main building blocks of a solar-LED lighting system, basically representing the main energy-conversion steps required to capture energy from the sun, store it, and convert it to nighttime lighting.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS MARKET POTENTIAL Barbara Drazga EnergyBusinessReports.com

Aug 2008

The three leading countries -- Germany, Japan and the USA -- represent almost 89% of the total worldwide PV installed capacity. Could these countries' renewable energy political decisions provide a model for the rest of the world?
GRID PARITY FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY Hans De Keulenaer Leonardo ENERGY

Jun 2008

How far the current PV cost is still separated from grid parity depends largely on the geographical situation, on the price of grid electricity, and on whether it concerns a cheaper or a more expensive PV system.
The Nature of Grid Tied PV Bill vonBrethorst Planetary Systems

Dec 2007

Grid-tied PV systems without energy storage do not reduce load in a substantial and predictable way, which will be a keystone of sustainable energy policy. We will need to institute three main objectives to reduce greenhouse gasses and localize power production to facilitate smaller, efficient local power plants.
EarthToys Interview - The Community Solar Program Lyndon Rive SolarCity

Dec 2007

We have seen the solar programs serve as a source of community pride for residents and a bonding agent between neighbors. When you make a big decision like going solar as a group, it also tends to remind residents of the larger impact of their decision on the environment and the fight against global warming.
EarthToys Interview - Sun Run Electricity Package Nat Kreamer Sun Run Generation

Dec 2007

Sun Run owns and maintains the panels, not the homeowner, eliminating the hefty upfront cost and maintenance woes. Once the system is installed, Sun Run provides monitoring, all required maintenance at no additional cost and guaranteed system performance - or your money back.
Parking in a Solar Grove Bob Hetherington EarthToys

Oct 2007

The Kyocera Solar Grove' consists of 25 Solar Trees' with 1,400 Kyocera KC187GS solar photovoltaic (PV) modules interspersed with 200 translucent KC88CGS modules offering improved daylighting and aesthetic appeal from both above and below the structures.
Mobile Solar Power Dylan Wood Mobile Solar Power

Oct 2007

Take electricity from the sun, run it through a charge controller and into a large battery bank. Have an inverter pull that power out of the batteries (when needed) and make it available as pure sinewave current. The trick: do all this inside of an enclosed trailer.
Creating New Application Solutions for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Michael Gumm SolarPower Restoration Systems, Inc

Oct 2007

Why not combine a flexible thin film photovoltaic module with a high performance coating, in effect creating a monolithic membrane system consisting of the coating and the photovoltaic both waterproofing the roof and generating renewable energy.
Solar Power for Your Home Smarthome.com Smarthome.com

Jun 2007

Whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or a couch potato, solar-powered devices offer a myriad of options. For those just wanting to get their feet wet with solar power, many devices require little to no effort to setup.
Solar market boom in California; Silicon Valley centre of new PV industry? Solar Plaza Solar Plaza

Jun 2007

It can be concluded that the USA is on its way back to the frontline of the global PV industry and market developments. With new upcoming markets not only in California, but also in other US states and countries like Spain, Italy and Greece, a further growth of the global PV market of at least 30% per year for the coming years seems likely
Photovoltaic Cost Comparisons Dave P. Buemi Prescient Marketing

Jun 2007

It is unimaginable to me that a technologically advanced civilization would readily commit environmental and economic suicide when we have most of the necessary clean tech tools already developed. Not effectively leveling this cost comparison playing field now is one step closer to that potential unimaginable outcome.
Next Generation of PV is emerging NOW! Peter Lynch

Jun 2007

I think the PV industry will TRIPLE in size in the next 4 years and I think the Thin Film segment of the PV industry will increase over TEN FOLD in the next 4 years.
TERRESTRIAL SOLAR CELL SURPASSES 40 PERCENT EFFICIENCY Spectrolab - A Boeing Company Spectrolab - A Boeing Company

Feb 2007

This technology will continue to dramatically reduce the cost of generating electricity from solar energy as well as the cost of materials used in high-power space satellites and terrestrial applications.
Rockin' Roller Solar Light Dancing rollingsolarsystems.com

Feb 2007

Find out just how great if feels to own a power plant on wheels. Anywhere you choose to roam - in the field or close to home - Hard at work, or having fun... Get Your Power From The Sun!
Going Solar is the Most Logical Solution to our Problem Jose Radzinsky Renewable Power Solutions Inc.

Dec 2006

Being an energy producers results in increased savings and security for the long run. You no longer have to worry about energy shortages and sky-high prices.
The World Needs Gigawatts not Megawatts J. Peter Lynch

Oct 2006

If the Photovoltaics industry is going to play a significant role in worldwide electricity production in the future it all comes down to one word - scalability, the ability of a technology to expand its production capacity to very large sizes, thereby enabling significant cost decreases.
Grid-Tie Power Systems: Do You Need Battery Back-Up? Andrew Wilson OutBack Power Systems

Oct 2006

With most power outages only lasting a few hours, the PS1's battery bank can keep your vital loads running until grid-supplied power is available again.
Putting the Sun in Sundae Focus on Energy Focus on Energy

Aug 2006

There may be an upfront cost, but these solar systems are built to last a long time, and with energy costs always on the rise the payback periods are getting shorter.
More than 125 MW of “Huerta Solar” PV plants Edwin Koot www.SolarPlaza.com

Aug 2006

A “Huerta Solar” is the Spanish term for solar farm and is a grid-connected solar power plant based on several subsystems, each with their own investor.
Benefits of 24/7 Battery Equalization Mick Abraham Abraham Solar Equipment

Aug 2006

The equalizer captures energy from batteries with “above average voltage” and dumps that energy into the ones with “below average voltage”. When the overachievers try to excel in voltage, their excess energy is used to bring the underachievers up to par.
Labor Costs Are Keeping PV Systems Expensive David Gross Silicon Equity Research LLC

Aug 2005

The ability to get PV costs down further will depend on bigger fabs and worker productivity.
Is This Truly, A Revolution In Solar Energy Production? Sidney Wildesmith Pyron Solar

Jun 2005

Without getting overly technical, the bottom line is that this system, which measures 23 feet in diameter, produces a whopping 6.5 KW of electricity.
Tips On Buying And Installing Your Solar Electrical System Adi Pieper ADI Solar Electric

Apr 2005

Going solar is a fundamental decision. It is not just about saving some money in the long run. It is a lifestyle. Although the solar industry has come a long way and is now very well developed, it is still in an experimental stage.
Photovoltaics - Part Two Peter Lynch

Jun 2004

The PV market is approximately $3.5 billion worldwide today, and is expected to grow to over $20 billion by 2012 to 2015. The rate of growth of PV products has increased by 25 percent annually over the last 5 years and is expected to continue at this rate or greater for the next few decades.
Photovoltaics - A Key To Safe, Secure & Reliable Electricity Generation Peter Lynch

Apr 2004

Photovoltaics are cleaner, more flexible, much faster to install, safer, more secure and create far more jobs than all competing forms of fossil fuel energy generation.
Battery And Solar Panel Connections Steve Willey Backwoods Solar Electric Systems

Apr 2004

Battery And Solar Panel Connections
Safer Backup Power With Solar - Using The Sun For Emergency Preparedness Michael Little Vegas Trailer Supply

Feb 2004

With a little thought and preparation, you can solve many of your electrical needs safely in the event of an extended power outage. The do-it-yourselfer might want to make their own portable solar power supply, or put a 12 volt motor in a small swamp cooler to solve those electrical needs.
Making Solar Electric Systems PAY BACK FAST Barry Cinnamon Akeena Solar

Feb 2004

You are an excellent candidate for a solar electric system if your electric bill is over $75 per month, you pay more than $0.12 per kwh for electricity, your state offers substantial rebates for solar electric systems, and you have good solar exposure.
The Future For Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Energy Graham Owen GO Solar Company

Oct 2003

Solar energy is part of the solution and is a key to America's long-term energy supply. After all, fossil fuels have a long history of issues with respect to stability of supply and cost.
The Value Of Energy Efficiency In Stand Alone PV Systems: A Simple Approach John Richter and Larry Schlussler

Jun 2003

We know that conservation is important, but exactly how many dollars should be invested to save a KWH? We answer this question by comparing the investment necessary to produce one KWH/day with the cost of conserving one KWH/day. Even though a KWH is relatively expensive, with effective investments in conservation you can substantially reduce the total cost of operating a home with a stand alone power system.
Sierra Solar Commissions Largest Residential Photovoltaic System In California At 57 KW Jonathan Hill Sierra Solar Systems

Jun 2003

This huge residential system was a great success for the Laursens, and for Sierra Solar Systems who provided the equipment. The family has now completely eliminated their high utility bill and will be powering their home for generations to come with clean renewable energy. In addition, local wildlife will receive the benefit of a year-round drinking supply.
Using Solar Energy In California Borrego Solar Systems Borrego Solar Systems

Apr 2003

The main impetus for the accelerated interest in solar electricity has been the California Energy Commission's rebate program. They offer rebates of $4.00 per watt for homes and $4.50 per watt for businesses (approximately 50% of the total installed cost of solar electric systems).
Making Solar Electric Systems Pay Back Fast Barry Cinnamon Akeena Solar

Apr 2003

You are an excellent candidate for a solar electric system if your electric bill is over $75 per month, you pay more than $0.12 per kwh for electricity, your state offers substantial rebates for solar electric systems, and you have good solar exposure.
PV Innovation - Here Comes The SolarQuilt Independent Energy Solutions (IES) Independent Energy Solutions (IES)

Feb 2003

The design is simple yet truly effective in offering to the building owner an aesthetically pleasing, lightweight photovoltaic roofing system that rests on flat or low slope roofs, requires no roof penetrations, protects roofs from weather and UV radiation and produces cost effective solar electric energy.
Maximum Power Point Tracking Richard A. Cullen RV Power Products

Feb 2003

Maximum Power Point Tracking, frequently referred to as MPPT, is an electronic system that operates the Photovoltaic (PV) modules in a manner that allows the modules to produce all the power they are capable of.
Energy Conservation - Tips For Your Home Gavin G. Young Renewable Electricity Solutions

Feb 2003

Solar electric systems have high up front costs. Before going solar electric, you should conserve as much energy as possible so that your solar system can be smaller. Here are some tips on conserving electrical energy.
Cost Effectiveness Of Photovoltaics - Solar Electric Power Panels Gavin G. Young Renewable Electricity Solutions

Feb 2003

News articles indicate that photovoltaics are already cost effective in Hawaii and some parts of California. Photovoltaics are also cheaper than electric grid power if you wish to power a remote home that is more than 2 miles from the nearest power line.

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