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aleo solar AG is "ready to go" for the North American market
The North American market for solar modules is now open to aleo solar AG. Uwe Bögershausen, a member of the Management Board of aleo solar AG, received the UL 1703 safety certificate
for the aleo S_16 and S_18 modules at the Solar Power Expo & Conference in Long Beach, California. This certification will enable aleo solar AG to sell its solar modules in the USA
and Canada. The modules passed the tests of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg, Germany, which carried out most of the tests for durability, the safety of
their electrical insulation, mechanical stability and flame retardancy, as required by the international ISO 61730 and UL 1703 safety standard. aleo solar concluded that the modules
would be free of defects even after 25 years. "This means we're ready to go for the US market," said Christopher Dunne, international sales manager for aleo solar AG. Sales
will launch as soon as the business environment improves somewhat. "The discrepancy is still too great between prices in the USA and Europe," Uwe Bögershausen explained. The strong euro
is currently exacerbating this situation.
Christopher Dunne said, "We're keeping a close eye on the US market. By the end of the coming year, we expect a political shift towards stronger support for renewable energies."
Incentives for the photovoltaic market can be expected earlier in some states, like California, New York or New Jersey. "With European and North American safety certificates for our
solar modules, aleo solar is armed for practically the entire world market," Uwe Bögershausen said. Since American companies demand proof of compliance with domestic standards in
projects, they will soon be able to use modules from aleo solar.
2007-09-28 Courtesy: Aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG
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SOLON AG to expand photovoltaic production capacity to 500 MW
SOLON AG für Solartechnik, headquartered in Berlin and one of Europe's largest manufacturers of solar modules and photovoltaic systems, plans to expand Group-wide production
capacities from the 210 MW available at the end of 2007 to a total of 500 MW by the end of 2008. To achieve this, the Company will increase capacities at existing production locations;
SOLON reports in a press release. Approximately EUR 40 million will be invested in the capacity expansion. This move is a reaction on the part of SOLON AG to strong growth in
the global photovoltaic market and sustained high demand for the Company's photovoltaic modules and power plant systems in Germany and abroad, the company emphasizes.
2007-09-27 Courtesy: SOLON AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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European Parliament votes for renewable heat obligations
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Solar obligations to be adopted for substantially
renovated and new buildings in Europe.
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On September 25th 2007 the European Parliament approved by overwhelming majority the “Thomsen Report” on the Roadmap for Renewable Energies in Europe. Crucial for the
future of solar thermal: the call for the adoption in all Member States of renewable heat obligations, at least in new buildings and those undergoing major renovation. The
Thomsen report is the first comprehensive statement of the European Parliament after the EU’s Heads of State agreed in the spring Council on a 20% binding target for renewable
energies by 2020. This vote paves the way for the position of the Parliament on the upcoming proposal of the Commission for a Directive on Renewable Energies, due to adopt measures able
to lead Europe towards reaching this target, the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) reports in a press release.
New Directive will also promote renewable heating sources
Until now, solar thermal was not covered by EU legislation. EU Directives are in force to promote renewables in the electricity and in the transport sector, but heating and cooling had
so far been neglected. As this changed in the last years, it is now certain that the new Directive will also promote renewable heating sources. With today’s vote the European
Parliament asks the European Commission to ensure that "any proposal for a framework directive for renewables contains strong measures for the promotion of renewable heating and
cooling". Among them, the Parliament "calls on the Commission to speed up the widespread adoption in all Member States of best practice regulations making it compulsory, at least where
existing buildings are substantially renovated and new buildings are built, for a minimum proportion of the heating requirement to be met from renewable sources, as it already is in a
growing number of regions and municipalities".
"We warmly welcome this clear statement of the European Parliament", ESTIF Policy Director, Raffaele Piria, stated. "New buildings will last at least into the second half of the 21st
century, when oil, gas and uranium will be very scarce and expensive. As the market alone does not deliver incentives to keep into account future conditions, we need solar obligations.
We have now to work to convine the Council, i. e. the national governments to support them", Piria added.
Last week, ESTIF published a comprehensive overview on the existing experience with solar obligations, including guidelines for best practice policies. More information on this subject:
" Solar obligations: first comprehensive study on best practice published by ESTIF "
2007-09-26 Courtesy: ESTIF Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: BSW-Solar.
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Swiss CSEM develops a concept for "Solar Islands" to produce electricity and hydrogen
CSEM, the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology, has signed a contract with the government of the Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah (RAK) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to
develop a prototype of a "Solar Island". The aim of the project is to validate a concept for the large-scale transformation of solar energy into hydrogen and electricity at very low
cost, CSEM reports in a press release. The project is funded with 5 Million US$ by the Gouvernment of Ras al Khaimah. The plan is to build large "Solar Islands" floating in the sea.
These giant floating islands will be fitted with solar panels which will convert solar energy into electricity and/or hydrogen. A prototype of such a solar island, equipped
with thermal solar panels, is to be built and tested in the desert of the United Arab Emirates.
Solar power station "hovering" above the desert
Construction of the prototype due to CSEM will begin in 2007. The first island is to be built with a circular design measuring 100m in diameter. It is to be built in the desert,
"hovering" above the desert sands and turning in the direction of the sun. A water-filled channel will enable the outer ring of the prototype island to float. The platform will
correspond conceptually to the planned solar islands on the surface of the sea - construction of the prototype on dry land rather than out at sea makes it considerably easier to gather
information on the feasibility of the project.
Aspired peak power will amount to approx. 1 MW
It is envisaged that the prototype will go into operation by the end of 2008. It will contain, among other things, a thermal energy reservoir and will provide an energy supply 24 hours
a day, irrespective of time of day or night. The target costs of the prototype system are estimated by CSEM at less than US0 per square meter. The peak power will amount to approx. 1
MW, with an average power of 250 kW, while annual energy production is expected to reach 2.2 gigawatt-hours.
CSEM and its Emirates subsidiary have been assigned the task of implementing the project by the Ras Al-Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA). The project is being managed by the CSEM
Centre in Alpnach. The concept of solar islands is based on patents which have been filed by CSEM, and the contract will also grant RAKIA the right to use these concepts. Dr Thomas
Hinderling, CEO of CSEM, is delighted that the government of RAK is to promote such an innovative project. "This is a real vote of confidence in us, as well as an opportunity to gather
a lot of experience, through the setting up and implementation of the project, with a technology which is of the utmost importance for the future of our world’s energy supply. If
the results turn out to be positive, they will have a significant influence on the future development and use of solar energy."
Dr Khater Massad, representative of RAKIA and principal advisor to Crown Prince Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, is equally delighted: "Innovative technology is extremely important to
the government of Ras Al-Khaimah. In CSEM we have found a first-class, reliable technology partner who hopefully will continue to surprise us with innovative ideas for a long time to
come!"
2007-09-26 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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Solar obligations: first comprehensive study on best practice published by ESTIF
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Solar thermal action plan
for Europe.
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The first comprehensive study on solar obligations was published by ESTIF on September 18th 2007. The study is based on case studies and experiences from five countries. Solar
obligations are considered as a key instrument to promote a renewable and sustainable heat supply in Europe. Solar obligations are regulations requiring a minimum share of the heating
demand to be covered by solar energy. They are usually applied to new buildings and those undergoing major renovation. In the last few years, solar or renewable heat obligations have
been adopted or are being discussed in a number of countries, regions and municipalities in Europe and beyond. In July 2007, a wide majority of the ITRE Committee of the European
Parliament called on the European Commission to speed up the widespread adoption of such regulations in all Member States.
Within the completion of the Solar Thermal Action Plan for Europe, ESTIF (European Solar Thermal Industry Federation) has published the first comprehensive study on solar obligations.
The 60 pages include a short history on solar obligations, a thorough analysis of their costs and benefits, a description of the necessary quality assurance measures and detailed
political and technical guidelines for the creation of solar or renewable heat obligations.
Raffaele Piria, ESTIF Policy Director, stated: "We have been promoting solar obligations for years, and we are very glad to see them coming into the policy mainstream. The sheer
announcement of the Spanish building code triggered a wave of investments in our industry. However, obligations must be carefully designed. There was a strong need for solid analysis
and clear guidelines and we have good answers now."
Free study on the Internet
The study is freely downloadable at www.estif.org/stap and has been supported by the
“Key Issues for Renewable Heat in Europe” (K4RES-H) project, co-financed by the Intelligent Energy - Europe Programme of the European Commission and coordinated by ESTIF.
The whole Solar Thermal Action Plan for Europe is available at: www.estif.org/stap.
ESTIF is proud to support the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign: http://www.sustenergy.org.
2007-09-24 Courtesy: ESTIF Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ESTIF
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SOLON AG to build 44 MW solar power plant in Spain
SOLON AG, headquartered in Berlin and one of Europe's largest manufacturers of solar modules and photovoltaic systems, has been commissioned to develop and construct a 44 MW solar
power plant in Spain by Scan Energy A/S, a Danish renewable power producer company. The commission will enable SOLON to continue building up its market position in Spain, the
company reports in a press release. The turnkey project, which will involve fixed tilt PV systems, will be constructed in Ayora in the Spanish province of Valencia. The start of
construction is planned for the second half of 2008.
Solar electricity for 50,000 people
The new facility will have a production capacity of some 60 million kWh, or enough to supply 50,000 people with solar electricity. The commission will be carried out by SOLON Solar
Investments GmbH, a subsidiary of SOLON AG located in Freiburg, Germany that specializes in planning large-scale solar power plant projects for financial investors. With this project,
SOLON is reacting to increasing demand for turnkey power plant solutions.
The new commission is the latest in a series of successful, large-scale projects. In the preceding months, the Company had several commissions involving the construction of solar power
plants in Spain with total output of 60 MW.
2007-09-21 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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EPIA: Access to the grid is a precondition for the solar photovoltaic market to take-off
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Access to the grid is a precondition for
the solar photovoltaic market to take-off.
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The 3rd EPIA Round-table in a cycle of 7 debates, running until December 2007, raised the issue of access to the grid for photovoltaic (PV) applications. Although existing EU
legislation gives priority access to the grid for renewable energies, Germany is the only Member State that provides effective grid connection. The debate’s participants
emphasised the need for clarification of the grid-access rules and harmonisation of grid-connection rules in the Commissions upcoming proposal. Today, almost 20 European countries have
put a feed-in tariff scheme in place, however, only the German market has actually taken off. "The European photovoltaic market should not rely on the performance of one single country.
It is vital that a diversification of markets starts to take place" EPIA emphasizes in it's press release. "With no effective grid access, the feed-in tariff to promote the
use of renewable electricity remains useless", said Günther Cramer, EPIA Director and CEO of the leading inverters manufacturer SMA Technologies AG.
Four major barriers to be negotiated
Currently, four major factors prevent rapid connection of PV systems to the electricity network due to EPIA. First: administrative procedures are slow. In countries such as Greece,
Italy, France or Spain, the time required to connect a system to the grid ranges from four months in lucky cases to over two years. In addition there is no harmonised and specific code
for grid-connection of PV systems; and third: cost for connections is not transparent and is even not proportional to the size of systems. At last Network operators often arbitrarily
slow down the connection process, EPIA reviews.
Current legislation (Directive EC/2001/77) obliges Member States to ensure that access to the grid is granted to renewable electricity producers. The directive also allows the Member
States to grant priority access to the grid for electricity from renewable energy sources. This has, however, not been effectively implemented. EPIA is therefore urging the Commission
to propose clarifications of grid-access rules, cost distribution and transmission fees in its future framework directive on renewable energy sources, due to be presented in December.
In addition, the Commission should also include the harmonisation of grid-connection rules in its legislative agenda.
Unbundling of transmission and distribution system operators to guarantee fair grid access
Finally, EPIA believes that the forthcoming legislation on the liberalisation of electricity markets (3rd Energy Liberalisation Package) presents an opportunity to improve the current
situation by calling for effective ownership unbundling of transmission and distribution system operators. This will ensure that network operators guarantee fair grid access conditions
for renewable electricity producers.
2007-09-17 Courtesy: European Photovoltaic Industry Association Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: BMU, Photograph: H.-G. Oed
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Suntech Supplies building integrated PV Components for Green Building Project in Sicily
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Suntechï¿Ss MSK Photovol
Glass panels.
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Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (WUXI, China) a manufacturer of photovoltaic cells and PV modules, on September 12th 2007 announced that it has supplied 230 MSK Photovol Glass
panels to Socovoltaic Systems. Socovoltaic is a Socotherm and TSNergy Inc. joint venture company that designs, manufactures and installs integrated photovoltaic systems. The 10 kW
building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solution will form an integral component of a 750 kW solar system for a 25,000 square meter green building project in the Sicilian city of
Pozzallo (Italy), Suntech reports in a press release. Suntech’s MSK Photovol Glass panels are semitransparent, thin film BIPV panels that transmit up to 10 % of light
while generating electricity. This level of light transmission allows for visibility while protecting against excessive solar heat gain, glare, and the damaging effects of UV rays. The
aesthetic glass panels used in the green building project are insulated for even greater energy efficiency, and will provide a highly visible showcase for the total 750 kW solar system
that is slated to be installed at the site.
Great potential for BIPV products over the next few decades
"Projects such as this green building in Sicily demonstrate the strong and long term global sales market for BIPV products and especially thin film PV modules. We are pleased to be
involved with this important project that showcases Suntech’s leading concepts in the world of PV and architecture", said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech’s Chairman and CEO. The
BIPV system engineering for the building has been spearheaded by US-based thin film and BIPV expert TSNergy on behalf of Socovoltaic Systems. "Having spent over half a decade in the
manufacturing and applications of thin film photovoltaics, we believe that Suntech’s MSK Photovol Glass solution is one of the best currently available on the market", said Tom
Moran, Partner and CEO of TSNergy Inc. "We see great potential for BIPV products over the next few decades as the market evolves."
In May 2007, Suntech broke ground on a thin film R&D and manufacturing facility in Shanghai (China). The thin film modules produced will primarily be used in Suntech’s MSK
BIPV applications.
2007-09-17 Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
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Solarvalue AG benefits from solar-grade silicon shortage
The 22nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Milan was a complete success for the Berlin-based Solarvalue AG, the company reports in a press release. A large number of
visitors were updated on the production of high purity solar-grade silicon from metallurgical grade silicon, as well as on the possibilities of investing into this technology when they
visited the company’s stand. "The 22nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference showed that there is a huge interest in high-purity solar grade silicon", said Claudia
Boehringer, CEO of Solarvalue AG. "We expect that in the medium term the demand will clearly exceed the supply. As a result, everyone shows great interest in solar-grade
silicon manufacturers such as Solarvalue AG. By invitation of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, we will be holding a talk at the Taiwan International Photovoltaic Forum &
Exhibition in Taipei on 12th October, and from 22nd - 23rd November we will be present at the 8th Solarpraxis Forum in Berlin", Boehringer added.
First Step: Production of high purity solar-grade silicon
Solar-grade silicon is the key to a growing solar energy production market, which - according to experts - will grow into a leading industry comparable with today’s automobile
industry. The manufacture of solar-grade silicon from metallurgical grade silicon is more economical and environmentally friendly than the widely used Siemens Process, Solarvalue
emphasizes in the press release. Solarvalue AG, which has its HQ in Berlin, was founded in June 2005. The company’s primary purpose is the manufacturing of high purity solar-grade
silicon. Its long term goal is the development of a complete value chain for an integrated photovoltaics group.
2007-09-13 Courtesy: Solarvalue AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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ARISE Technologies Corporation Lays Cornerstone for First PV Production Plant in Bischofswerda (Germany)
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Simulation of the ARISE PV production
plant in Bischofswerda.
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ARISE Technologies Corporation announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary ARISE Technologies Deutschland GmbH has laid the cornerstone for its first photovoltaic production plant in
Germany. The manufacturing plant is expected to be completed at the end of the first quarter of 2008. The Company expects to ramp-up the first solar cell line to a production capacity
of 35MW per year with cell efficiency of greater than 15%. By the end of 2007, the Company expects to finalize the design for line two and place orders with suppliers. Currently, the
Company plans to start including its proprietary technology in line two, with a target capacity of 45MW per year and cell efficiency of 18%. The initial Bischofswerda facility will
accommodate a third line that is planned for 2009, increasing total production capacity to 125MW. The Company has a target of eight lines at the site, with a total production capacity
of 360MW per year by the end of 2012. Provided that certain technical hurdles are met, ARISE expects to achieve 22 % cell efficiency with the use of its proprietary PV cell process
enhancements by that time. "With ARISE Technologies locating in Saxony, we now have seven manufacturers of photovoltaic cells in our state. We are now the leader within the
country for this industry", stated Prof. Dr. Georg Milbradt, Minister President of the Free State of Saxony. "ARISE is very thankful for the support that we have received from the Free
State of Saxony, the Saxony Economic Development (exact English name TBC), the Commerzbank, Invest in Germany and the City of Bischofswerda. We chose Germany as the location for our
production plant because it is the world’s largest solar market. There is a high concentration of solar companies in this region and a well developed technical workforce to draw
upon", commented Ian MacLellan, President and CEO of ARISE. "We believe that by locating in Germany, ARISE will be able to accelerate its production plans and reduce its implementation
risk. We continue to be impressed with our selected location", he added.
2007-09-13 Courtesy: ARISE Technologies Corp. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ARISE Technologies Corporation.
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Solar powered aircraft exceeds official world record for longest duration unmanned flight
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Solar powered aircraft exceeds official world
record for longest duration unmanned flight.
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QinetiQ’s "Zephyr" High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has exceeded the official world record time for the longest duration unmanned flight with a
54 hour flight achieved during trials at the US Military's White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The flight trials were funded through the Ministry of Defence (MOD) research
programme, the international defence and security company QinetiQ reports in a press release. Launched by hand, Zephyr is an ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre aircraft with a wingspan of
up to 18 metres but weighing just 30 kg. By day it flies on solar power generated by amorphous silicon arrays no thicker than sheets of paper that cover the aircraft's wings.
By night it is powered by rechargeable lithium-sulphur batteries that are recharged during the day using solar power.
The duration of the flight due to QinetiQ exceeded the current official FAI world record for unmanned flight which stands at 30 hours 24 minutes set by Northrop Grumman's RQ-4A Global
Hawk on 22 March 2001. However because there was no FAI official present at White Sands it may not stand as an official world record.
New solar arrays supplied by United Solar Ovonic
The trials validated recent modifications that have improved the efficiency of Zephyr's power system. These have included new solar arrays supplied by United Solar Ovonic, a full
flight-set of Sion Power batteries as well as a novel solar-charger and bespoke autopilot developed by QinetiQ, all of which were being flown for the first time. During the trials the
same aircraft was flown twice while carrying a surveillance payload – first for 54 hours to a maximum altitude of 58,355 feet, and then for 33 hours 43 minutes to a maximum
altitude of 52,247 feet.
Trials proved that an autonomous UAV can be operated on solar-electric power for long duration
Paul Davey, Zephyr business development director at QinetiQ, said: "The possibilities suggested by unmanned flight are truly exciting and with these trials Zephyr has secured its place
in the history of UAV development. Both flights were achieved in the face of thunderstorms and debilitating heat in the hostile environment of the New Mexico high desert in the
summertime. They have proved that an autonomous UAV can be operated on solar-electric power for the duration required to support persistent military operations." Potential applications
for Zephyr include earth observation and communications relay in support of a range of defence, security and civil requirements.
"Zephyr has demonstrated consistent progress during a series of flight trials at White Sands Missile Range" QinetiQ emphasizes in it's press release. In December 2005 two aircrafts
achieved a maximum duration of 6 hours and an altitude above 26,000 feet. The maximum flight duration was trebled to 18 hours and the maximum altitude increased to 36,000 feet at
subsequent trials at the missile range in July 2006.
2007-09-11 Courtesy: QinetiQ Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: QinetiQ
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Official initial startup of the world’s biggest photovoltaic power plant
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The 40-megawatt installation uses
state-of-the-art thin-film technology.
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Some 11,000 posts are in place, the first 2,600 aluminum sub-structures have been assembled, and approximately 100,000 solar modules have been mounted and wired for the "Waldpolenz"
photovoltaic project in Brandis near Leipzig eastern Germany). As the first sections of the future 40 megawatt solar power plant were switched on August 21st 2007, the juwi group, a
renewable energy company based in southwest Germany, celebrated the completion of the first building phase and official inauguration of what is to become the biggest photovoltaic power
plant in the world. "Starting now we can supply up to six megawatts of solar-generated electricity into the network", said juwi co-CEO Matthias Willenbacher.
40 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity every year
The power station is being built in the eastern German state of Saxony on half of the location’s 220 hectares in the townships of Brandis and Bennewitz. The surface area of the
installation is as big as approximately 200 soccer fields. When the project is completed the solar power station will generate around 40 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity
every year, displacing about 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually. "At a time when the whole world is talking about climate change, here we are showing what renewable energies
can do,” says Willenbacher. "Solar electricity isn’t only good for the environment, it also creates independency from expensive energy imports and creates jobs. Freestanding
installations are a cost-effective market segment and an integral part of that success", he continues.
Project gives new impetus to the regional and national labor market
Up to 100 people will be hired to construct the Waldpolenz solar park, most of them hailing from the region. After completion juwi staff will be responsible for the operational
management, maintenance and servicing of the power plant. Furthermore, solar projects like this one create many jobs in the supply industry - from manufacturing of solar modules and
converters to metal-making. For example, the nearly 550,000 solar modules are produced mainly in Frankfurt (Oder), Brandenburg, where the world’s biggest and most sophisticated
production facility for thin-film modules was opened in July creating 400 jobs.
General contractor juwi in charge of planning, logistics and site management
"For a midsize company like the juwi group, building the world’s biggest PV installation is a big challenge," states Willenbacher. Besides the logistical aspects, managing the
overall project - from ground preparation and component procurement through to grid connection - is very demanding. Having implemented many megawatt size projects over the past several
years, the juwi group has, however, already shown that it is up to the task. The fast pace of development speaks for itself: the first six megawatts of Waldpolenz were completed in just
four months.
Investment amounts to some € 130 million; owner’s equity to be offered to interested investors in the form of closed-end funds
Investment in the “Waldpolenz” solar park amounts to some € 130 million, making it a milestone in the development of the juwi group and photovoltaics (PV) in general.
Due to its size, which in turn means savings potential across all the system costs, the Brandis plant is a demonstration of the progress being made on cost-cutting in the photovoltaic
industry. Germany’s legislation, the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), stipulates payment of approximately 35 euro cents per kilowatt-hour, making installations that use
innovative technology, such as thin-film, commercially cost-effective. Jointly with the Sachsen LB Group, the juwi group successfully structured a professional equity capital and
external financing scheme. "We are proud to have been able to implement such a unique, forward-looking project of this scale together with juwi and SachsenFonds", says Sachsen LB board
member Werner Eckert. SachsenFonds GmbH - a subsidiary of the Sachsen LB Group - will offer owner’s equity of the project to interested investors in the form of closed-end funds,
presumably in the third quarter of this year. So local residents, for instance, will also have the opportunity to participate in this one-of-a-kind project. "The Sachsen LB
Group’s long track record in project financing of renewable energy projects clinched our financing decision", says Fred Jung, co-CEO and cofounder of the juwi group.
Thin-film modules by First Solar
A key partner is world-leading thin-film specialist First Solar, which shares juwi’s philosophy of fast market introduction of solar electricity. First Solar is supplying the
solar modules for the Waldpolenz solar park. "We’re proud that juwi chose First Solar to supply the modules for this seminal project. Our thin-film modules can be produced
cost-effectively, meet the highest quality standards and generate superior energy yields", says Stephan Hansen, managing director of the German subsidiary First Solar GmbH.
2007-09-07 Courtesy: juwi group Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: juwi group
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Sputnik Engineering delivers solar inverters for a 1.3-megawatt system in Bern (Switzerland)
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Largest photovoltaic system integrated
in a stadium roof at Bern (Switzerland).
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In time before the European Soccer Championships begin, the largest photovoltaic system integrated on a stadium will go into operation on the roof of the Wankdorf stadium "Stade de
Suisse" in Bern. The system has a total pv output of 1.3 megawatts. For the inverters, the operator BKW FMB Energie AG will rely upon the Swiss quality of Sputnik Engineering AG:
SolarMax inverters from Sputnik Engineering were already used for the system’s first stage of expansion two years ago. Back then, the 850-kilowatt system was considered to be the
largest photovoltaic system in Switzerland. "We decided to use inverters from Sputnik Engineering, because they had the best cost-performance ratio for the system on the Stade
de Suisse. Because of the good experience with Sputnik inverters on the Stade de Suisse, these products will certainly be in the final selection for further projects as well", explains
Jakob Vollenweider, leader Technology Communication at BKW FMG Energie AG.The costs of the system will be covered by the sales of ecological electricity. Since this electricity was
already sold out only 14 months after the 850-kilowatt system went into operation, the ecological energy provider BKW has expanded the system to 1.3 megawatts. In total, eleven SolarMax
inverters are now used in the Stade de Suisse, with an output of 100 kilowatts each. For the World Soccer Championships in Germany in 2006, the Swiss national team qualified in the
Stade de Suisse. For the European Soccer Championship, the arena present itself to millions of spectators.
A new energy law with feed-in-tariffs for solar electricity
"In Switzerland, green electricity sold by energy providers is currently the main locomotive for photovoltaics", says David Stickelberger, managing director of the Swiss trade
association for solar energy, Swissolar. He estimates the annual growth of photovoltaics in Switzerland at around three megawatts. A cost-covering reimbursement as in Germany has not
yet taken hold in Switzerland, but that should now change: a new energy law will become effective on 1 October 2008. According to Swissolar, ground mounted photovoltaic systems should
receive between 46 and 59 Swiss centimes per kilowatt hour fed into the grid. Roof-mounted systems will be remunerated, in contrast, with 50 to 89 centimes, whereas building-integrated
systems will be promoted significantly. The amount of the remuneration has been formulated as a recommendation in the draft of the ordinance, says Swissolar. The amount could still,
however, change.
"We welcome the law, although the market will only initially grow slowly due to it. We are pleased nonetheless that there will soon be sustainable state assistance at a national level",
explain Sputnik managing directors Christoph von Bergen and Philipp Müller.
2007-09-06 Courtesy: Sputnik Engineering AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: BKW Energie AG
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Greenpeace and EPIA: World’s future is bright with Solar Electricity
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Greenpeace and EPIA:
Solar Generation 2007
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A report issued jointly on September 4th, 2007 by Greenpeace and the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), forecasts a bright future for the solar power industry. "Solar
Generation 2007" outlines the industry’s steep growth forecasting a potential generate € 300 billion annually, by 2030, creating 6.5 million jobs and meeting 9.4 % of the
world’s electricity demand. It highlights benefits to provide power to 2.9 billion people living in developing countries. The study provides a blueprint for achieving these
goals. "The current surge in photovoltaic (PV) solar electricity is only a taste of what is to come. Through PV we can save billions of tones of CO2, create millions of jobs
and power homes throughout the world with renewable energy. It has the added benefit of bringing electricity to billions of people currently cut off from the grid", said Sven Teske,
Greenpeace Renewable Energy Campaigner.
"The current surge in photovoltaic (PV) solar electricity is only a taste of what is to come. Through PV we can save billions of tones of CO2, create millions of jobs and power homes
throughout the world with renewable energy. It has the added benefit of bringing electricity to billions of people currently cut off from the grid", said Sven Teske, Greenpeace
Renewable Energy Campaigner. "Solar generators will soon challenge utilities, as they produce electricity to competitive prices just where it is needed - at home", Teske
continues.
6,500 MWp PC capacity totally installed in 2006
Since 1998, the PV solar market has been growing at an average rate of 35 % per year, and is now worth more than € 9 billion annually. In 2006, the total installed capacity of
solar PV systems reached a new peak of 6,500 MWp, compared to 1,200 MWp in 2000. Its booming growth means it can, in some areas, easily become cost competitive in end consumer prices by
2015.
The solar industry is one of the key industries to reduce energy related greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030 the annual CO2 reductions would add up to just over 1 billion tonnes a year;
equivalent to the 2004 emissions for the whole of India, or the output of 300 coal-fired power plants. The cumulative savings from solar generation by 2030, would have reached a massive
6.6 billion tonnes due to the report.
Industry to invest € 14 billion globally in extending PV factories
Winfried Hoffmann from EPIA said: "The solar photovoltaic industry will invest from now until 2010 € 14 billion globally in extending PV factories. Mass production will enable us
to reduce prices and we expect to be competitive, in some regions, with end consumer prices for electricity by 2015. In future there is no doubt that PV will become a first choice
technology for electricity consumers, to provide price stable and reliable electricity for private households, and other users."
Political support and will are needed
Greenpeace and EPIA are urging Governments to secure those investments with support programme like a "feed-in tariff" which guarantees a specific price for each Kilowatt-hour fed of
solar electricity into the grid. "The industry is committed to make PV solar power generation successful, but it needs political support and will. The world is ready for an energy
revolution, government need to back their climate fighting rhetoric with real world support for renewable energy technologies like PV to make it a reality" added Teske.
The report (64 pages; PDF) is available for download on http://www.epia.org/fileadmin/EPIA_docs/publications/epia/EPIA_SG_IV_final.pdf
2007-09-05 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Greenpeace/EPIA
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Applied Materials Revolutionizes Solar Module Manufacturing with Breakthrough SunFab Thin Film Line
Applied Materials, Inc. on September 9th 2007 introduced its revolutionary Applied SunFab Thin Film Line, the world’s first and only integrated production line for
manufacturing thin film silicon solar modules using 5.7 square meter (m2) glass panels. These ultra-large substrates, sized at 2.2m x 2.6m, are four times bigger than today’s
largest thin film solar production panels, the company reports in a press release. "The Applied SunFab Line defines a new standard for the industry that can be replicated by customers
around the globe to rapidly establish solar panel manufacturing capacity and achieve the lowest production cost per watt to drive down the cost of solar electricity", Applied Materials
emphasizes.
The Applied SunFab Thin Film Line due to the producer can be configured with single or tandem junction technology and is designed to produce enough solar modules in a year to generate
up to 75 megawatts (MW) of electrical power. Using 5.7m2 panels, the SunFab Line may reduce the cost of utility-scale and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system installations by
more than 20%. Applied has already received multiple contracts for its SunFab Thin Film Line from customers in Europe and Asia.
"We’ve built on our years of experience in semiconductor and flat panel display manufacturing to create the solar industry’s first standardized thin film solution for making
solar modules using cost-efficient, ultra-large glass panels", said Dr. Mark Pinto, senior vice president, chief technology officer and general manager of Applied’s Energy and
Environmental Solutions group. "With this state-of-the-art thin film production line and Applied’s global service capabilities, we are well-positioned to accelerate the growth of
the solar market by providing an unprecedented ‘cost per watt’ through standardization, scale and efficiency."
Applied Materials highlights its new Applied SunFab Thin Film Line at the 22nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Milan, Italy, from September 3-7, 2007.
2007-09-04 Courtesy: Applied Materials Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Business Wire.
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Italian Minister for the Environment has opened the world`s largest photovoltaic congress in Milan
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Photovoltaic congress in Milan.
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The world`s largest photovoltaic congress has started on September 3rd in Milan. It was officially opened by Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio, Italian Minister for the Environment, Land and
Sea. In total, more than 3000 congress participants from around 75 countries are expected to attend the conference that takes place from September 3rd to September 7th . On the agenda
are research results, product and market developments and political framework conditions. Parallel to the conference, 520 companies present their products on an exhibition space of more
than 30,000 square metres. "I am very glad that Italy hosts the 22nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition”, said Corrado Clini, Director General
of the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea, during the Opening Session of the conference on September 3rd.
"This happens in a very crucial moment in which tools for boosting solar technologies are being deployed and in which Italy is deeply committed in meeting Kyoto targets", he added. In
the short term, Clini expects that the outcomes and challenges of the 22nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition are to strengthen the national industrial sector
in Italy and to promote technology innovation in order to play a pivotal role in the Euro-Mediterranean solar energy market.
New Law Heralds Solar Boom in Italy; previous annual cap of 85 megawatts has been eliminated
In addition to the English speaking conference, Italian politicians, researchers and industry representatives discussed the Italian perspective on photovoltaics during a national event
in the afternoon of September 3rd. In February 2007, the Italian feed-in law for solar electricity had been revised. "The new target for the installed PV capacity is 3000 megawatts by
2016", said Gianni Silvestrini, Advisor of the Italian Minister of Economic Development, Director Kyoto Club and moderator of the Italian speaking event. "The previous annual cap of 85
megawatts has been eliminated", he emphasized. In addition, all new buildings in Italy are now obliged to be equipped with solar technologies.
"PV diffusion is rapidly increasing at a global level as new countries follow the path of Japan and Germany. Italy, in particular, will install this year nearly 70 to 90 MW",
Silvestrini said. He expects that installations in Italy will increase in the near future at a rate of 150 to 250 megawatts per year. "The Italian industry is beginning to react to this
strong demand. A national program called "Industry 2015" will finance the growth of the renewable energy industry in Italy with 350 million Euro", Silvestrini said.
"Looking at the world dynamics, we recognize the rapid rise of Chinese PV industries and a comeback of the American ones. Europe will have to join the efforts at the research and at the
production level in order to maintain a leadership position."
2007-09-04 Courtesy: photovoltaic congress, Milan, Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: WIP-Renewable Energies
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