Solar-cell manufacturing costs: innovation could level the field
It’s widely believed that China is the world’s dominant manufacturer of solar panels because of its low labor costs and strong government support. But a new study by researchers at MIT and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows that other factors are actually more significant — suggesting that the United States could once again become cost-competitive in photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing.
As of 2011, manufacturers in China accounted for 63 percent of all solar-panel production worldwide. But a detailed analysis of all costs associated with PV production shows that the main contributors to that country’s lower PV prices are economies of scale and well-developed supply chains — not cheap labor.
“We developed a bottom-up model,” explains Tonio Buonassisi, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT and a co-author of the new report, just published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science . The researchers estimated costs for virtually all the materials, labor, equipment and overhead involved in the PV manufacturing process.
“We added up the costs of each individual step,” he says, providing an analysis that’s “very rigorous, it’s down in the weeds. It doesn’t rely solely on self-reported figures from manufacturers’ quarterly reports. We really took great care to make sure our numbers were representative of actual factory costs.”
AXEON Introduces New Integrated Solutions Platform
Leading water treatment manufacturer launches new program to streamline offering with easier product identification and selection
The Geothermal Resources Council Announces 2013 Amateur Photo Contest Entries
The 34th Amateur Photo Contest winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Ballard Engineering Services Programs Driving Value Creation in Development Stage Markets
Ballard Power Systems confirms that a range of Engineering Services programs currently underway are expected to generate significant value for the Company and its shareholders.
TGEP company in Illinois becomes exclusive distributor for clipper creek chargers
TGEP located in Crest Hill, IL was picked up by Clipper Creek to there exclusive distributor for the Midwest region. TGEP will provide discounted rates for installing the EV chargers
TRA Snow and Sun offers a new improved website that focuses on ease of use and product information
TRA Snow and Sun, Inc. is pleased to announce a new website aimed to help contractors,
engineers, architects and homeowners find products and information they are looking with new
filter capabilities like roof type, construction type, or material type.
2nd MPS 2013 Meets in Yangon, Evaluates Myanmar's Power Demand and Supply Situation
CMT's 2nd Myanmar Power Summit, in Yangon on 23-25 September 2013, seeks to enlighten participants about the recent developments in Myanmar's real estate sector, including government plans, opportunities, and foreign investment role in meeting Myanmar's mammoth electricity & utilities demand.
FRONIUS USA LAUNCHING FRONIUS GALVO STRING INVERTER AT SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL 2013
Fronius USA will launch the newest addition to its impressive string inverter lineup at Solar Power International 2013 with the single-phase Fronius Galvo.
Major Renewable Energy Conference to Examine Industry Future
Industry leaders will take on the uncertain future of the renewable energy industry when they gather for the 2013 Renewable Energy Technology Conference & Exhibition (RETECH). The conference will feature key leaders and decision makers who will share insights on renewable energy and what the foreseeable future holds for an industry that faces major hurdles over financing, cost and public perception.
"RETECH has become a key meeting place for the renewable energy industry with government, utility, technology and finance professionals from 35 countries discussing the ways they're driving the growth of renewable energy in the US and around the world," said Jenn Heinold, Vice President, RETECH. "I am very excited for this diverse group of industry voices who play a central role as we look toward the future of renewables."
Speakers and panel discussions at RETECH 2013 will address major issues facing the industry including project financing, how our markets are trending, and what role our government will play in the industry future. Industry experts will join Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) in the opening panel (Through the looking glass: The future of renewable energy technology) as they discuss the latest trends and predictions.
Major Renewable Energy Conference to Examine Industry Future
2013 Renewable Energy Technology Conference & Exhibition (RETECH) addresses changing industry and vision for the future
Global Market for Geothermal Continues Upswing
The Geothermal Energy Association today released a new report showing continued strong growth signals in the international market for geothermal power.
Silicor Materials Hires Investment Banker, Receives New Funding
Hudson Clean Energy Partners increase investment; Silicor welcomes former AMAT Exec to Board
THE JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN GRUPO CLAVIJO ELT, S.L. & SCHLETTER GMBH TO SUPPLY 96MW OF MOUNTING SYSTEMS IN SOUTH AFRICA
The joint venture between Grupo Clavijo, the Spanish manufacturer of photovoltaic mounting systems, and the German manufacturer Schletter GmbH has finally being assigned to supply the fixed structures for the 96MW of Jasper PV Project, in Northern Cape Province, near Kimberly in South Africa.
Denmark's largest offshore wind power plant is inaugurated
111 Siemens wind turbines with a total capacity of 400 megawatts
Clean electricity covers about four percent of Denmark's power demand
Siemens to service for five years
Upsolar Named Among Industry's Most Sustainable Module Providers
Company ranks 4th on SVTC Solar Scorecard for environmental and social responsibility
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Solar & Wind - Featured Product
MORNINGSTAR - TriStar MPPT 600V
Morningstar's TriStar MPPT 600V charge controller leverages Morningstar's innovative TrakStar™ MPPT technology and our 20+ years of power electronics engineering excellence, to enable the widest input operating voltage range available from a solar array, wind turbine or hydro input. This controller's standard and DB versions are for off-grid applications, and the TR versions were developed to enable retrofitting grid-tied systems with battery backup.
