Category Archives: Thin Film

PI Berlin examines risks facing PV projects in India

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Ritesh Pothan

Study finds that “the Indian market is a double-edged sword” The Indian market is one of the most profitable yet risky for project developers and investors in photovoltaics (PV). While large-scale projects of over 100 megawatts (MW) are now common, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Crystalline, India, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar PV, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Initiation of Antidumping investigation concerning imports of “Solar Cells whether or not assembled partially or fully in modules or Panels or on glass or some other suitable substrates” originating in or exported from China PR, Taiwan and Malaysia.

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Ritesh Pothan

F.No. 6/30/2017-DGAD : Indian Solar Manufactures Association (hereinafter referred to as the petitioner) has filed an application before the Designated Authority (hereinafter also referred to as the Authority) in accordance with the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, as amended from time … Continue reading →

Posted in Anti-Dumping, Cells & Modules, Climate Change, Crystalline, Government, India, Manufacturing, MNRE, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Solar PV, Thin Film, WTO | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Power loss due to soiling on solar panel: A review

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Ritesh Pothan

The power output delivered from a photovoltaic module highly depends on the amount of irradiance, which reaches the solar cells. Many factors determine the ideal output or optimum yield in a photovoltaic module. However, the environment is one of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Crystalline, PV, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Fraunhofer ISE develops software to analyse c-Si solar cell-to-module power losses

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Ritesh Pothan

The software tool assists in analyzing potential yields, thus enabling PV manufacturers to determine how new materials or concepts would affect module efficiency. Image: Fraunhofer ISE Fraunhofer ISE has developed a new software tool that determines the cell-to-module (CTM) effects that occur … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar PV, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Determination of generic levellised tariffs for Solar PV Projects (Draft) under Regulation 17 of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

The tariff so determined in respect the current financial year shall apply for the FY 2016-17 also in cases where PPA is signed by 31.03.2016 and the entire capacity covered by the PPA is commissioned on or before 31.03.2017. The Commission however observes that … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial, Crystalline, Government, HPERC, India, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Clarification on standard format of Power Purchase Agreements in respect of Solar Power Plants of 1-3 MW projects of land owners and Institutions – Karnataka 

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

Click here for the full document

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, India, Karnataka, KSERC, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Implementation of scheme for setting up over 2,000 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under Batch-III of Phase II of the JNNSM. 

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for setting up of over 2,000 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects on Build, Own and Operate basis by Solar Power … Continue reading →

Posted in Batch III, Crystalline, Government, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, India, JNNSM, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Power, MNRE, News, NTPC, NVVN, Phase II, Power Generation, Prime Minister, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar Parks, Solar Policy, Thin Film, VGF | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sunrise sector steers ahead

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

It is the country’s biggest initiative to make the most of sunny days. Initiated as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the Solar Mission has propelled the country to new heights as far as clean energy is … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Batch I, Batch II, Biomass, Canal Top, Climate Change, Commercial, Crystalline, DISCOM, Energy Minister, Government, Grid Connected, Hydro, India, JNNSM, Maharashtra, Ministry of Power, MNRE, NTPC, Phase I, Phase II, Power Generation, PV, Renewable Energy Certificates, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Parks, Thin Film, Waste To Energy, Wind | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Revised Draft Guidelines for Implementation of Scheme for setting up of 2000 MW Grid-connected Solar PV Power Projects under JNNSM, Batch-III “State Specific VGF Scheme”

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

Revised Draft Guidelines for Implementation of Scheme for setting up of 2000 MW Grid-connected Solar PV Power Projects under JNNSM, Batch-III “State Specific VGF Scheme” Phase-II, Batch-III: State Specific VGF Scheme The Solar Projects of 2000 MW Capacity under the … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change, Crystalline, Government, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, India, MNRE, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film, Transmission and Distribution, VGF | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Implementation of Scheme for setting up of 1000 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Government of India Organizations under various Central / State Schemes / self-use / 3rd party sale / merchant sale with Viability Gap Funding under Batch-V of Phase-II of JNNSM

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

Implementation of the Scheme 2.1     Applicability: The CPSUs  and Government of India organi zations  would  set-up Grid­ connected solar  PV po wer projects  under  various  Central/  State  Schemes/ self-use/ 3rd  party sale/  merchant  sale with Viability  Gap Funding  under … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Government, Grid Connected, India, MNRE, Phase II, PV, Renewables, SECI, Thin Film, VGF | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

India’s solar dream fuelled by global trends

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

The country plans to install 100 GW capacity of solar-generated electricity by 2022, a five-time increase from a previous target. India’s plan to install 100 GW capacity of solar-generated electricity by 2022, a five-time increase from a previous target, only … Continue reading →

Posted in Batch I, Batch II, Climate Change, Coal, Commercial, Crystalline, Fossil Fuel, Global Warming, Grid Connected, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, JNNSM, Phase I, Phase II, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Parks, Solar Pumps, Solar Thermal, Thin Film, Tranche I | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Implementation of Scheme for setting up over 300 MW of Grid-Connected & Off-grid Solar PV Power Projects by Defence Establishments under Ministry of Defence and Para Military Forces (under MHA) with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under Phase-II/III of JNNSM during 2014-15 and onwards

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Ritesh Pothan

Applicability: The capacity  of 300 MW of Grid-Connected  and off-Grid  Solar PV power projects,   will  be  set  up  in  various  Establishments  of  Ministry  of  Defence  i.e Establishments of Army,  Navy, Air Force, Ordnance Factory  Board,  Defence Laboratories and Defence PSUs … Continue reading →

Posted in Armed Forces, Crystalline, Defence Ministry, Government, Grid Interactive Distributed Solar Energy Systems, Grid Storage, India, MNRE, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Solar, Solar Parks, Subsidy, Thin Film, VGF | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

India rooftop solar subsidy finally released, but industry says better off without

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Installers are having to charge more for solar to mitigate the costs of chasing the subsidy, or risk of non-payment and delays. India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has finally received funds to pay a 30% subsidy promised … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Connected, India, MNRE, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Subsidy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

India-US solar issue: WTO sets up dispute panel

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

The WTO has set up a dispute settlement panel to examine a complaint by the US against India’s domestic content requirements under the country’s solar power programme, Parliament was informed today. “Since the consultations could not result into satisfactory outcome, … Continue reading →

Posted in Anti-Dumping, Cells & Modules, Crystalline, India, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film, USA, WTO | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Karnataka KREDL Issues RFP and Draft PPA for bidding of 500MW Solar PV Projects

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd. (“Authority”/ “KREDL”) incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 is a nodal agency of the Government of Karnataka to facilitate the development of renewable energy in the State of Karnataka. KREDL processes all applications received for setting up of … Continue reading →

Posted in CSP, Grid Connected, India, Karnataka, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sea Salt can replace solar panel component at 0.3% of the cost

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

One of the most dangerous and expensive parts of making photovoltaic cells (solar panels) involves a substance called cadmium chloride. This toxic substance is not just expensive when bought in bulk, but carries with it loads of associated costs in … Continue reading →

Posted in PV, Recycling, Renewables, Thin Film, Toxic Waste | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Effect of Anti-Dumping Duty on Module Prices in India

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan
Posted in Anti-Dumping, Batch I, Cells & Modules, China, Crystalline, India, MNRE, NSEFI, Phase II, Power Generation, PV, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WTO to examine US solar trade spat with India

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

GENEVA: Washington today took its battle to get India to open its solar market a step further, demanding that the WTO create a panel to review the dispute. The United States told the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement board that … Continue reading →

Posted in Anti-Dumping, Crystalline, News, PV, Renewables, Thin Film, WTO | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Anti-Dumping applied for Solar Products imported into India from Malaysia, China PR, Chinese Taipei and USA.

Posted on May 23, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Anti-Dumping Investigation concerning imports of Solar Cells whether or not assembled partially or fully in Modules or Panels or on glass or some other suitable substrates, originating in or exported from Malaysia, China PR, Chinese Taipei and USA. 14/5/2012-DGAD:- Having … Continue reading →

Posted in Anti Dumping Duty, Cells & Modules, MNRE, PV, Renewables, Solar Policy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Indian solar manufacturers want India to take US to WTO – Order expected May 22

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Say US Exim Bank’s concessional 3.8% financing to American firms knocks Indian players out of competition Beaten by cheap Chinese imports, 25 domestic solar manufacturers are eagerly waiting for an anti-dumping order from the Indian government. The order is expected on May … Continue reading →

Posted in Anti-Dumping, PV, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

THE TOXIC ISSUE OF SOLAR PANELS

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Last year Robert Lundahl and Roy co-wrote an article about a California PV solar factory that is not disposing of their solar panels once their lifespan expires. We could not name the company, as our source still works there, but they use … Continue reading →

Posted in Renewables, Solar, Thin Film, Toxic Waste | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Renewable energy market share climbs despite 2013 dip in investments

Posted on April 12, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Installed solar jumped 26 percent — from 31 Gigawatts in 2012 to a record 39 GW in 2013 — even as investment in solar capacity decreased 23 percent from US$135.6 billion to US$104.1 billion. Renewable energy’s share of world electricity … Continue reading →

Posted in Bagasse, Biomass, Cells & Modules, CPV, Crystalline, DISCOM, Geothermal, Global Warming, Hydro, Off-grid, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Solar Thermal, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Solar costs to halve as gas prices surge

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Another of the world’s leading solar PV manufacturing giants has underlined the potential for yet more substantial falls in the manufacturing cost of solar modules, even as the cost of fossil fuels – and gas in particular – surges in … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Commercial, Crystalline, Grid Connected, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The disruptive potential of solar power

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

As costs fall, the importance of solar power to senior executives is rising. The economics of solar power are improving. It is a far more cost-competitive power source today than it was in the mid-2000s, when installations and manufacturing were … Continue reading →

Posted in Commercial, CPV, Crystalline, Global Warming, Grid Connected, PV, Renewables, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Are thin films a much more riskier proposition than Crystalline Modules – This comparison report from WISE definitely thinks so

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

  Life of the modules While all the modules manufacturers claim 25 years of life whether it is crystalline or thin film, the main question is what would be the balance capacity after 25 years considering the degradation rate. A … Continue reading →

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Top 10 PV module suppliers of 2013

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Ritesh Pothan

Based on existing company guidance and downstream channel checks – and supplemented by various estimates by company through to the end of 2013 – NPD Solarbuzz can now reveal the Top 10 PV module suppliers for 2013. Rankings are done … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Crystalline, Manufacturing, PV, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Solar trade wars: are you winning yet?

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

This is our opportunity to learn from the policies of other nations so that we don’t commit the same mistakes – Ritesh Pothan Above – Prices of Yingli Modules European buyers this week have been warned they could face imprisonment … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Crystalline, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Solar power: ‘Mandatory local content may lead to trade row’

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

India’s decision to make the use of domestic contents mandatory in generating solar power under its national solar programme may lead to trade disputes instead of helping domestic manufacturers, according to US-based clean energy consultancy Mercom Capital Group. The first … Continue reading →

Posted in Anti-Dumping, Crystalline, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gujarat solar developers under cloud of GUVNL appeal on tariff

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Aptel notice to Gujarat solar developers on GUVNL’s plea The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (Aptel) has issued notices to 80 Gujarat-based solar project developers in an appeal filed by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (GUVNL), the state government run utility. GUVNL … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Connected, Gujarat, Power Generation, PV, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film, Transmission and Distribution | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Gujarat to appeal against solar-tariff cut rejection, citing excessive profits earned by plant owners

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd filed a petition in May seeking to lower the tariff by 28%, citing excessive profits earned by plant owners India’s biggest solar power-producing state, Gujarat, plans to file an appeal with regulators on their decision … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Connected, Gujarat, PV, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Renewables, Solar, Solar Policy, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Scientists’ new approach improves efficiency of solar cells

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

An international team of scientists, led by researchers from the Universities of York and St Andrews, has developed a new method to increase the efficiency of solar cells. The new approach achieves highly efficient broad-band light trapping in thin films, … Continue reading →

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NPD Solarbuzz: Chinese solar PV industry rebound continues

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Yingli and Jinko Forecast to Announce Record PV Shipment and Costs for Q3’13 During the third quarter of 2013 (Q3’13), the recovery of the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry took a major step forward. Nine of the top ten solar PV … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Crystalline, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Revised Draft Guidelines for setting up of 750 MW Grid Solar PV power projects with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), Phase-II, Batch-I.

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

No. 29/5/2012-13/JNNSNM Government of India Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Solar Power Division Dated: 4/10/2013 Subject: Revised Draft Guidelines for setting up of 750 MW Grid Solar PV power projects with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under Jawaharlal Nehru National … Continue reading →

Posted in Crystalline, Grid Connected, JNNSM, Phase II, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mercom reiterates its global PV installation forecast of approximately 38 GW for 2013, 23% growth year-over-year

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Mercom Capital Group, reiterated its global photovoltaic (PV) installation forecast of approximately 38 GW for 2013, strong 23 percent growth year-over-year, noting improving market conditions, in its recent analysis.  “After years of overcapacity, bankruptcies and record low prices, we are … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Commercial, CPV, Crystalline, Grid Connected, PV, Residential, Rooftop, Rural Lighting, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Solar PV Equipment Suppliers In Waiting Mode

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

The consolidated solar photovoltaic (PV) book-to-bill ratio is forecast to remain below parity once again during Q3’13, representing the tenth consecutive quarter where net-bookings have been lower than recognized revenues. According to the latest information from NPD Solarbuzz, the consolidated … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, CPV, Crystalline, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Apple ad for thin-films job raises speculation around solar-powered devices

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Battery life for handheld mobile devices has been a tough challenge for tech companies as processing power has boomed. Apple has removed a job advertisement it listed last week for thin films engineer for its mobile devices division, raising heated … Continue reading →

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Solar manufacturing costs ‘driven by scale rather than cheap labour or subsidies’

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Advanced technologies are expected to enable manufacturers in both regions to reach a more competitive scale through improved access to capital Production scale rather than low labour costs has driven China’s boom in manufacturing PV modules, according to a joint … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, Crystalline, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trina, Yingli, SunPower top Solar Scorecard

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

Of the leading 40 solar companies, environmental and consumer advocacy group Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition found that Trina Solar, Yingli and SunPower bested industry rivals in areas such as worker safety and module toxicity. Industry watchdog and consumer advocacy group … Continue reading →

Posted in Cells & Modules, PV, Renewables, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

First Solar and China Sunergy urge Indian government to drop dumping investigation

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

U.S. and Chinese manufacturers claim that India’s government is acting beyond the scope of its powers in a dumping probe they describe as “flawed.” An Indian investigation into claims that U.S., European, Chinese, Malaysian and Japanese PV manufacturers dumped solar cells … Continue reading →

Posted in Anti-Dumping, Cells & Modules, Crystalline, PV, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

First Solar Won the Race; The Environment Lost – First Solar Panel recycling now the system owner’s responsibility. It cost the DOE at the very least $0.20/watt to encapsulate the modules in concrete for Abound Solar

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Ritesh Pothan

In 2011, I wrote about the CdTe Horse Race in which the three US companies making cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) modules, First Solar (FSLR), Abound Solar and General Electric (GE Solar, stock ticker GE) jostled for position.  Abound and GE were challenging … Continue reading →

Posted in PV, Recycling, Renewables, Solar, Thin Film | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment