They compared their solar methanol reformer to:
...standard photovoltaic cell which converts sunlight directly into electricity to then split water electrolytically into hydrogen and oxygen; a photocatalytic system producing hydrogen similar to Hotz's system, but simpler and not mature yet;
and
a system in which photovoltaic cells turn sunlight into electricity which is then stored in different types of batteries (with lithium ion being the most efficient)
How is it an improvement on these existing systems?
Reformer Systems
Generally, there are two different kinds of reforming: external reforming, which is carried out before the fuel reaches the fuel cell, and internal reforming, which takes place within the fuel cell stack.
External reforming could be carried out at a refinery or chemical plant and the hydrogen delivered by pipeline to filling stations. For automotive uses, on-board reformers may be used so that vehicles can use liquid fuels which are converted to hydrogen in a processor attached to the fuel cell structure. This option will of course add to the cost and complexity of the vehicle's power system. The use of hydrogen on- board reformers would allow for a less complex fuel cell system but would necessitate the introduction of hydrogen storage facilities.
...
Reforming Technologies
Steam Reforming In steam reforming, fuel is mixed with steam in the presence of a base metal catalyst to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This method is the most highly developed and cost effective method for generating hydrogen and is also the most efficient, giving conversion rates of 70 to 80 per cent on a large scale.
Partial Oxidation Reforming
Partial oxidation can be used for converting methane and higher hydrocarbons but is rarely used for alcohols. This method involves the reaction of the hydrocarbon with oxygen to liberate hydrogen, and produces less hydrogen for the same amount of fuel than steam reforming. The reaction is, however, exothermic and therefore generates heat. This means that the reaction can be initiated by a simple combustion process leading to quick start up. Once the system is running it then requires little external heating. The technology is preferred where there is little access to natural gas or an abundance of oil.
Autothermal Reforming
Autothermal reforming combines the endothermic steam reforming process with the exothermic partial oxidation reaction, therefore balancing heat flow into and out of the reactor. These systems can be very productive, fast starting and compact and have been demonstrated with methanol, gasoline and natural gas. A number of auto and oil companies are also working on proprietary versions of this technology.
http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/media/pdf/education-kit/Fuel-Reforming.pdf Also, where is the methanol going to come from? In the article it is biomethanol, but in reality the demand for liquid fuels for heavy transport and grid balancing is going to be a large enough challenge for us to meet.