PIVOTRY RADIOMETER:  March 2011

Pivotry Radiometer is a free monthly newsletter about new developments in the solar renewable energy industry and based upon the "game changers" from the Pivotry Perspectives Workshops conducted by Wayne Chang, Ph.D.  You are welcomed to share this newsletter with others.

Pivotry Radiometer is in four sections this month:

1.       New Materials

At the recent PHOTON's 3rd Photovoltaic Start-up Conference, San Francisco, California (February 17, 2011), new applications of Si materials for solar cells were presented by a number of early-stage companies (ref-1.1).  Innovalight USA presented the application of their proprietary silicon ink and screen printing process to improve solar cell manufacturing with results showing an absolute cell efficiency increase of 1%.  The ink is made of silicon nano-particles dispersed in environmentally friendly chemical blends (ref-1.2).  The particle size and dopant concentration are engineered to increase cell conversion efficiency.  Their product and technology can be rapidly transferable to high volume cell manufacturing equipment.  Imagine adding silicon (ink - new material) to silicon (old material) to make more efficient PV cells and modules.

2.       Hybrid Systems and Integration

At the recent PHOTON's 3rd Photovoltaic Start-up Conference, San Francisco, California (February 17, 2011), PVT Solar presented their hybrid photovoltaic and thermal module systems and controls.  Conventional standalone PV panels convert less than 20% of incident solar energy to electricity, and the remainder is absorbed as heat.  The PVT Solar module and system produces electricity…and recovers the waste heat thus harnessing more from the sun (ref-2.1).  Their patents cover module array design, mechanical systems & controls, and systems level (home buildings).  Major US homebuilders have partnered with PVT Solar since it claims homes can be built that use 70-80% less energy than a standard code built house.

3.       Photovoltaic Technology Roadmaps and Standards

At the recent PHOTON's 1st Photovoltaic Safety Conference, San Francisco, California (February 15, 2011), a broad spectrum of Safety and Reliability issues were presented (ref-3.1).  These issues covered many perspectives of the value chain including venture capitalists, solar system installers, fire-fighters, panel & inverter manufacturers, and certification & testing laboratories.  Presenting companies & testing laboratories included REC Solar, SunPower, SMA, Schneider, Enphase Energy, Tigo Energy, SolarEdge, PHOTON, TUV, IEC, UL.  A key takeaway message was that new solutions (hardware & software products as well as regulations, policies and improved standards) are needed priorities…and changing views by the industry about costs for safety.

4.       CULTURE Perspectives

A very recent culture aspect in the solar PV manufacturing industry is the adoption of contract electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies, and some notable Tier-1 PV module companies have decided to lead the way.  In the past couple of years, JABIL Circuit has secured agreements with BP Solar and SunPower to manufacture panels for the European and North American markets (ref-4.1 - 4.3).  For BP Solar, it represents over 130 MW of production.

REFERENCES & LINKS

1.1 http://www.photon-expo.com/en/pts_2011_usa/pvsuc_2011_program.htm

1.2 http://www.innovalight.com/

2.1 http://www.pvtsolar.com/

3.1 http://www.photon-expo.com/en/pts_2011_usa/pvsc_2011_program.htm#

4.1 http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=9019567&contentId=7059400

4.2 http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=9019567&contentId=7057118

4.3 http://investors.sunpowercorp.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=388470

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This newsletter is based upon information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent that it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such.