Markets

Distributed Photovoltaic Generation

• Solar Demand in the US near inflection point for Massive Growth – 14 November 2011
  According to Keiser Analytics as installed PV cost decreases to US$4 per watt, 2% of US electricity needs could be economically viable. But the key cost level is at US$3 per watt, when approximately 17% of U.S. electricity could be economically served by solar PV, according to the report. This is equivalent to over 300GW of solar PV capacity. 
• Solar Power is Going Mainstream – Business Week 23 October 2011
  Solar power installations doubled in the United States last year and are expected to double again this year. More solar energy is being planned than any other power source, including nuclear, coal, natural gas and wind.
• PV Component Revenues and Gross Margins – IMS Research 12 October 2011
  Of the five industries studied in the PV value chain, IMS Research found that inverter suppliers now enjoy the highest gross margins. Despite accounting for a relatively small part of PV system hardware costs, the research found that inverter suppliers will generate 17% of total industry profits in 2011. 
• Learning rates (Cost reductions) for PV systems will decrease as Balance of Systems cost (including inverters) begin to dominate total installed price.  Click here to read more.
  
  -DOE Secretary Steven Chu, $/W PV Workshop slide #20 - August 2010

Electric Vehicles

• Electric-Car Maker’s Quest – One Plug to Charge Them All – NY Times 26 August 2011
  Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are finally arriving at mainstream automobile dealerships, but the industry still needs a high power fast DC charging standard. 
• SAE J1772 Combi-Connector Gains Momentum – 10 August 2011
  Electric vehicle manufacturers in the US and Europe are leaning toward a new Society of Automotive Engineers J1772 Combi-Connector plug for combined AC and DC fast charging.
• The Cash-Back Car: Monetizing Electric Vehicles – Forbes 22 June 2011
  Electric vehicle batteries could be used for power grid frequency regulation earning $1000 per vehicle annually paying for fuel charges and still netting customers money.

Energy Storage

• What FERC’s Energy Storage Ruling is Important – Gigaom.com 15 November 2011
  The Federal Regulatory Energy Commission recently passed a mandate to support energy storage technologies that can provide quick bursts of power to the grid to help it run more smoothly. This new rule could play a crucial role in nurturing the growth of the young energy storage market.