The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany has taken its megawatt laboratory for solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters into operation. It is the first and currently the only laboratory in Europe where manufacturers can commission certification, in accordance with the medium-voltage grid codes that have applied since July 1st 2010, of inverters with a power rating of up to one megawatt. Manufacturers can have their products characterized and tested in full compliance with the certification specifications in the megawatt laboratory. "With a so-called 'Low-Voltage Ride-Through' test unit, we can investigate the performance of inverters with regard to voltage dips in the medium-voltage grid, as is required by the new regulations", stated Sönke Rogalla, the laboratory manager. Read more...

The segment of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is finally beginning to emerge in the marketplace after more than 20 years of R&D and fancy showcase projects, due to the vision of leading solar technology and material developers such as Dyesol, Schott Solar, Scheuten Solar, SunPower, and Suntech. In cooperation with the market research company Greentech Media Research (GTM Research) Solar Server's solar report in August 2010 highlights new developments in technology, political framework and international markets. Read more...

700 000 Thin-layer modules and 38 inverter stations: The solar power plant between the towns of Lieberose and Turnow-Preilack in the regional district Spree-Neiße has an annual output of approximately 53 million kWh of clean power, which corresponds to about 15 000 households, i.e. to the electricity consumption of a small town Read more...

Al Velosa: Several solar firms have highlighted to me their work on business development efforts outside of Germany, including setting up distribution, EPC, finance and sales capabilities or partners. Read more...