Features for June 2010

Features Archive

Micro-inverters vs. string inverters for solar PV Micro-inverters vs. string inverters for solar PV

Enecsys launched its solar photovoltaic (PV) micro-inverters at Intersolar Europe in Munich on 9-11 June 2010. Assistant Editor Kari Larsen spoke to CEO Paul Engle about the advantages and disadvantages of micro-inverters compared with string inverters.

Comment: The marine renewable engineering challenge Comment: The marine renewable engineering challenge

With its 2020 targets of 20% of energy from renewable sources, the challenge for the UK Government and the energy industry is to deliver almost a seven-fold increase in the share of renewable energy in little over a decade. The marine renewable energy potential is enormous, with an estimated, technically exploitable potential of some 15 TWh, however, little of this potential has been realised.

Comment: Feed-In Tariff reductions in Europe to change solar PV market Comment: Feed-In Tariff reductions in Europe to change solar PV market

The period from 2010 to 2012 is shaping up to be one of significant transformation for the European solar photovoltaic (PV) industry as it confronts regulatory incentive revisions, expanding market development opportunities and scaling competition from better financed and more robust power players, says IHS Research.

REA event puts UK's renewable future in sharp focus REA event puts UK's renewable future in sharp focus

On 9 June the UK's Renewable Energy Association hosted an event in the House of Commons, with new DECC Minister of State Charles Hendry on hand to address the question: is the UK on track with renewables? Elizabeth Block was there.

2009 snap shot: investment in alternative energy increased dramatically

Investments in the alternative energy market saw a 59% increase in deal value last year, reporting US$678.1 billion in 2009, compared to US$425.5 billion in 2008.

Comment: UK needs to do more to support renewables Comment: UK needs to do more to support renewables

The renewable energy resources are there in the UK, but the Government needs to put its money where its mouth is, urges Tom Hopkinson.

Narec becomes national renewable energy testing and training hub Narec becomes national renewable energy testing and training hub

The National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in the UK is set to become a national hub for renewable energy testing, and perhaps even training.

Offshore wind potential entices GE back in Offshore wind potential entices GE back in

GE's enthusiasm for the offshore wind turbine sector has been rekindled with the acquisition of ScanWind, and a new offshore model is planned. David Hopwood travelled to GE Wind's European wind turbine headquarters in Salzbergen, Germany, and spoke to Stephan Ritter, general manager of Europe & offshore wind for GE Energy's renewable energy business.

Comment: Germany to raise solar target for 2010 and to adjust PV tariffs Comment: Germany to raise solar target for 2010 and to adjust PV tariffs

The German political establishment has agreed to substantially raise the target installation rate of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems from 1.1-1.7 GW per year in 2010 to 2.5 -3.5 GW per year.