Issue link: http://osercommunicationsgroup.uberflip.com/i/265645
1 9 W e d n e s d a y, J u l y 1 0 , 2 0 1 3 S o l a r P o w e r D a i l y N e w s employing a selective-emitter (SE) to enhance its response below 400 nm was selected. The spectrum of the 5600SLP Blue simulator was temporarily modified to eliminate output at wavelengths shorter than 385 nm. Irradiance of the simulator was then adjusted to 1 sun using a cali- brated Si module known to have no response below 400 nm. The SE module was measured, then the simulator spectrum was then restored to its normal full-spectral condition. Irradiance was once again adjusted using the same short-wavelength insensitive calibration module so that the irradiance from 400 to 1100 nm was the same as the first test. The module was finally re-measured – the maximum power increased from 264.3 to 267.3 Watts. The measured increase in the output power of this SE module was ~1.1 per- cent, a significant value. From a manu- facturer's viewpoint, testing modules with this full, more accurate and realistic spectrum can significantly reduce rev- enue loss associated with possible under- estimation of the power output capability of the module if not measured properly. Similar considerations hold for the 1100-1300nm spectral region; modules that can respond to this region include those based on CIGS/CIS. Consequently, Spire is currently developing a Class A+ "extended spectrum" to address this wavelength region. Spire Corporation (Cont'd. from p. 4) In conclusion, by using a more accurate and reliable measurement instrument, the increases in module power output yield significant revenue potential for solar module factories with an immediate payback. In the above example, an increase of 1W per module for a 100MW annual output factory at an average price of 50 cents per watt results in a revenue increase of $0.5M per year. The bottom line is that you can achieve improved measurement and increased revenue with a short payback by upgrading your factory with a 5600SLP Blue simulator. For more information, visit www.spirecorp.com, call 781-275-6000 or email pvsales@spirecorp.com. (DJIA) have risen to unprecedented lev- els. The S&P 500 has surged from approximately 1400 to its current level of approximately 1650, with the nearly 20 percent gain happening mainly from the beginning of 2013 until now. The DJIA has gained nearly 20 percent as well, from its September 2012 level of approx- imately 13,000 to a historic mark of approximately 15,500. The shift of investor sentiment, to "riskier" vehicles such as equities, is more effectively illustrated by the liqui- dation of Silver Exchange Trade Fund (ETF) holdings since the beginning of the year. According to data compiled by the CME Group, Silver ETF holdings have declined by nearly 2 million ounces since January. Liquidation of over 23.5 million ounces in April and May wiped out the gain of 21.5 million ounces seen entering ETFs in the first quarter. Some would argue that the price of silver was falling even as ETF holdings increased during the first three months of the year. In fact, silver did decline by approximately 6 percent during that time frame. However, the more drastic decline in silver's price occurred in April and May when the pre- cious metal fell approximately 20 percent in conjunction with the second largest back-to-back monthly outflow of ETF holdings since mid-2011. The ultra-accommodative monetary Heraeus PV Business Unit (Cont'd. from p. 4) policy of the U.S. Federal Reserve has sig- nificantly increased the appeal of equity markets as a path toward much needed returns. Liquidation of physically backed securities, such as silver ETFs, highlights this shifting sentiment and shows how much more susceptible the silver price has become to the current of financial mar- kets. With many large institutional investors struggling to match returns offered by simpler, less expensive and somewhat safer, index funds it was only a matter of time before those institutions left the safe-haven climate of precious metals in an attempt to justify their existence. For more information, visit booth #8611 at Intersolar. contractors in the country. SPDN: What are you hoping to accom- plish here at Intersolar? RD: We'd like to educate the attendees about our abilities to construct solar sup- port structures in the form of carport structures and on top of parking lots and parking garages. We're also here to solic- it interest from the industry in a commer- cial flat roof ballasted and partially bal- lasted racking system. SPDN: You're located in Arizona. Do you operate just regionally in the Southwest, or do you travel further afield? RD: We're a nationwide company. We build projects from coast to coast. Everything is staged from our shops in Gilbert, Ariz. We ship the components from there and from manufacturing facilities closer to the site, and we dis- patch our own crews to do the installa- tion at the site. SPDN: What distinguishes you from your competitors? RD: We're a one-stop shop with design- build capabilities with vast experience in solar installations that gives us the ability to be creative about how we approach a project and provide solutions for its unique issues. We perform all work with our own employees, and without subcontractors. We own all of our own equipment. Skyline Solar (Cont'd. from p. 1) That means that we can design- build, engineer, fabricate and install with our own employees and our own equip- ment. This leads to lower costs as well as better quality control. We can get things done in a more timely fashion because we don't have to depend on outsourcing to third parties with their own schedules and agendas. It also minimizes the poten- tial for any disputes between our cus- tomers and the folks who are construct- ing their project. SPDN: And how can Intersolar attendees find you during and after the show? RD: Visit us at Intersolar in booth #9217 After the show, you can visit us at www.skylinesteelincaz.com or www.skylinesolaraz.com. continued our passion for excellence by applying Baldrige models in our organi- zation. We are proud that we have received the California Award for Performance Excellence (CAPE) Eureka Bronze award in 2012. SPDN: Immediate access to information seems to be what customers are expect- ing. How does GNB's passion for excel- lence help to provide timely information? TD: Most people who are looking for information will first try a web search on their topic of interest. In order to make information more user-friendly, we have updated our main GNB homepage, www.gnbvalves.com, and added features like a handy vacuum converter to it. This tool is very useful for everybody that has to convert leak rates, pressures, and other vacuum related units. GNB is widely known for our excel- lent vacuum valves, so our first priority was to have this homepage updated. Recently we launched 2 more homepages for vacuum baffles and vacuum chambers. At www.vacuumbaffles.com, you will find a lot of interesting information about baffles, cold traps and Meissner Coils. Common applications are uses as traps (e.g. Selenium) or to increase water pumping capability in a vacuum system. For GNB, Vacuum Chambers are also a very important market. Therefore, we have just completed www.vacuum- chambers.net. We have been able to com- bine all the needed information in a very user-friendly website. To meet the need for instantaneous information, this site GNB Corporation (Cont'd. from p. 1) has a program which will provide an instant quotation on a custom vacuum chamber in sizes up to 36 inches. SPDN: In this highly competitive world, what sets GNB apart from its competitors? TD: Unlike most fabrication shops, we focus on vacuum related products. All of our processes are designed to meet the rigorous requirements of components that are manufactured for the vacuum environment. Based on customer sur- veys, over 98 percent of our customers state they would do business with GNB again. We truly strive to be the definition of excellence in the vacuum industry. For more information, stop by booth 8602 at Intersolar North America.