EDITORSVIEW
Innovative times T
he recent announcement by the University of Missouri (page 7 this edition) of research into nantenna thin film PV with lab efficiencies around 90% started me wondering on what would happen if such a disruptive technology came to market. Although such news raises excitement from a technical possibility, the truth is it is greeted with as much caution as so many are aware that the road from idea to product is often longer than one imagines. Economics is usually the reason for this and regardless of what one thinks about the relationship between capitalism and innovation, there is normally some sane response to cost of manufacturing or other unforeseen challenges.
The real concern is when innovation is stifled because another company feels threatened by its potential. There are plenty of tales of tales of efficient engines hidden in automobile companies or negative behaviour between competitors leading to the demise of an innovation through company collapse. The energy market, unfortunately, has demonstrated the ability of different technology sectors to attack each other’s offerings and sometimes even within their own area. Thin film versus silicon is a prime example.
With such risks facing innovation that threatens to challenge incumbent industries you have to wonder why anyone would want to announce they are onto a potentially good thing rather than wait until it is a proven manufacturable concept. The answer is of course the institution the press release comes from. Universities around the world are working on innovative ideas all the time but lack the resources to take it to the next step so have little choice but to seek investor partners. Hence the announcement.
It is also a risk, especially if the technology is as good as it is claimed. Efficiencies at that scale would change the industry landscape but seasoned manufacturers will take the claims with caution but happily look into the status of the project. Just in case. While it would be nice to imagine that industry developed products that provided the best technology rather than the fastest ROIs, the truth is more cut throat and aggressive.
This interaction between research, innovation and fiscal requirements has always been a delicate balance. The energy market faces multiplications of this issue with competing sustainable technologies trying to move in on a powerful incumbent whilst slighting each other and watching over the shoulder for the next disruptive innovation in the hope they are the one to catch it on the ascendant.
David Ridsdale Editor-in-Chief
Editor-in-Chief David Ridsdale +44 (0)1923 690210
dr@angelbcl.co.uk Director of Solar & IC Publishing: Jackie Cannon +44 (0)1923 690205
jc@angelbcl.co.uk Account Manager: Shehzad Munshi +44 (0)1923 690215
sm@angelbcl.co.uk Sales Executive: Martin Jennings +44 (0)1923 690215
mj@angelbcl.co.uk Director of Logistics: Sharon Cowley +44 (0)1923 690200
sc@angelbcl.co.uk Design & Production Manager: Mitchell Gaynor +44 (0)1923 690214
mg@angelbcl.co.uk Subscriptions Manager: Debbie Higham +44 (0)1923 690220
dh@angelbcl.co.uk Published by: Angel Business Communications Ltd (London Office), Hannay House, 39 Clarendon Road, Watford, Herts WD17 1JA, UK USA Representatives: Tom Brun, Tom Brun Media, T: 724 539-2404, E:
tbrun@brunmedia.com Janice Jenkins, Tom Brun Media. T: 724 929-3550, E:
jjenkins@brunmedia.com Japan Representative: Katsuhiro Ishii, ACE MEDIA SERVICE INC., T: 81-3-5691-3335, E:
amskatsu@dream.com China Representative: Parker XU, Unionbandy Limited, T: 86-755-83753881, E:
xp@unionbandy.net Registered Office: Angel Business Communications Ltd (Coventry), Registration Number: 1972952 Directors: Bill Dunlop Uprichard – CEO, Stephen Whitehurst – COO, Jan Smoothy – CFO, Jackie Cannon, Scott Adams, Sharon Cowley, Sukhi Bhadal
Solar is published eleven times a year on a controlled circulation basis. Non-qualifying individuals can subscribe at: €110.00 (UK & Europe), $140 pa (USA). Cover price £5.50. All information herein is believed to be correct at time of going to press. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any errors and omissions. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort has been made to obtain copyright permission for the material contained in this publication. Angel Business Communications Ltd will be happy to acknowledge any copyright oversights in a subsequent issue of the publication. Angel Business Communications Ltd © Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced in whole or part without the written consent of the publishers. The paper used within this magazine is produced by chain of custody certified manufacturers, guaranteeing sustainable sourcing. Printed by: Pensord Press Ltd. ISSN 2040-8714. © 2011.
3
www.solar-pv-management.com Issue V 2011
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48