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Industry At Large Beyond Government Tax Credits: Prospects For Reaching Policy Goals Federal incentive programs now boosting the solar sector, such as the Department of Energy's loan-guarantee program and the Treasury's cash-grant program, will likely work more efficiently when extended appropriately and coupled with certain key bills now being considered in Congress. Process Standards For Simulators Can Vary Widely The most significant differences among the three major simulation methods used to quantify the performance of a solar simulator involve the requirements for non-uniformity of irradiance and the methods defined for its measurement. Consequently, it is impossible to completely understand the performance of a solar simulator through class designation alone. Product Refining A Classic: Crystalline Modules Chase In-Field Improvements Product enhancements from crystalline module manufacturers now frequently emphasize increased reliability or avoidance of the common environmental threats to optimal performance. Nevertheless, the quest for higher rated efficiency remains far from over. Market Report Positive Expectations, Enormous Potential For U.S. Solar Thermal After lackluster business volumes for much of 2009, many manufacturers and installers of solar thermal equipment report that activity has recently picked up. Increased consumer awareness and favorable policy outcomes will help drive increasingly strong sales and raise the U.S. profile of this segment of the solar market. Process Diffusion Techniques, From Blue-Cell Theory To In-Fab Practice Traditional silicon solar cell diffusion uses adapted processes from the semiconductor industries. The drawbacks of standard batch-mode diffusion processes - such as long process time, limitations in wafer dimensions and a toxic dopant precursor with the emission of chlorine gas - have prompted the development of new techniques. | 
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