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Abu Dhabi announces billion investment in photovoltaic manufacturing
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Abu Dhabi will establish Masdar
as a major global PV player.
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Masdar PV on May 29th 2008 announced a two billion dollar investment in thin-film photovoltaic solar technology, as part of its drive to become a world leader in alternative energy.
The total investment of over US billion represents one of the largest investments ever made in solar, and will fund a three-phased manufacturing and expansion strategy to produce the
latest generation of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules, the Masdar Initiative reports in a press release. Phase one involves an investment of US0 million, which will
fund the development of two manufacturing facilities the first, in Erfurt (Germany) is to be operational by Q3 2009, and a second facility in Abu Dhabi which is scheduled to begin
initial production by Q2 2010. The combined annual production capacity of these two sites due to the Masdar Initiative will be 210 megawatts (MW), which is committed to major PV system
installers in Europe and for Masdar’s own energy generation needs. The plants will use the latest generation of equipment capable of high-volume processing of ultra-large glass
substrates, which, at 5.7 m2, are eight times larger and five times more powerful than that of the current market leader.
"Masdar chose Germany as the site for its first plant because Germany is currently the center of the global PV industry. This German plant will act as a reference plant for technology
and knowledge transfer to the larger Abu Dhabi plant by a joint German-Abu Dhabi team", the Masdar Initiative emphasizes. This approach represents a significant step in Masdar’s
objective to transform Abu Dhabi into an developer and exporter of technology, rather than an importer. With a goal of reaching 1 gigawatt of annual production by 2014 through capacity
expansions and other new plants, this multi-country operation shall allow Masdar PV to become a global leader in thin-film PV.
Technology for grid-parity of solar power exists in most sunny markets today
"Thin-film PV is a key part of our build-deploy-develop strategy to actively build a strong position in alternative energy. Abu Dhabi is a global energy leader, so it makes sense to
engage these new energy technologies and become a leader in alternatives, said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar. "This marks a major milestone for Masdar and Abu Dhabi. It will not
only establish Masdar as a major global PV player, but will be the first high-tech semiconductor nano-manufacturing facility of its kind in the entire region", he added. The technology
for grid-parity solar power exists in most sunny markets today, Masdar underlines. "It’s a matter of achieving the right scale to achieve lower costs. Masdar PV will combine scale
plus a proven PV technology, advanced manufacturing capability, and advanced R&D to deliver lower costs", the Initiative states.
EPIA- President Hoffmann: A paradigm shift in solar
"This potentially represents a paradigm shift in solar, a real game-changer", commented Dr. Winfried Hoffmann, President of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), the
largest organization representing the PV industry. "The entry of such powerful energy leaders into solar is very exciting, and could change the dynamics of the entire industry by not
only adding capacity but also new future big markets in and around the Middle East with a lot of sun and capital to deploy PV systems", he added.
The Masdar Initiative is Abu Dhabi’s investment in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in renewable, alternative and sustainable energies as well as
sustainable design. Masdar is driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC), a wholly owned company of the government of Abu Dhabi through the Mubadala Development Company. In
January 2008, Abu Dhabi announced it will invest billion in Masdar, the largest single government investment of its kind.
Further information: http://www.masdaruae.com
2008-05-30 Courtesy: http://www.masdaruae.com Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: www.masdaruae.com
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SEIA president Rhone Resch: Not extending the solar credits will cost America tens of thousands of jobs
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SEIA report on the US solar
market in 2007.
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In the United States the Investment Tax Credits still remain unextended, and in Canada Ontario’s leading Feed-in Tariff is on hold, yet industry experts remain optimistic that
the "sleeping giant" of solar energy will wake up soon. With the price of oil on the rise, the alarm clock is ringing. Fortunately, increasing interest in the creation of new jobs,
growing investment in renewable energy and a resounding support of utility companies such as Southern California Edison to advanced photovoltaic technology give promising hope that
North America is sure to wake from its solar slumber. "For the Senate, the choice is now clear: they can either protect tax loopholes for privileged investment managers, or create tens
of thousands of green-collar jobs in a troubled economy. Most Senators will find it very hard to turn their back on workers in their home state", declared Rhone Resch, President of the
US Solar Energy Industry Association. His comment urges the Senate to support H.R. 6049, which has recently been led through the House of Representatives by Chairman Rangel of
the Ways and Means Committee.
The new legislative proposal envisages to extend the solar investment tax credit (ITC) for 6 years and passed the Committee by a vote of 25-12. "I urge both the House and Senate to
support this important legislation in the coming weeks. If this bill fails - and the solar Investment Tax Credits are allowed to expire - it will result in the loss of billions of
dollars in new investments in solar. Not extending the solar credits is an enormous tax increase that will cost America tens of thousands of jobs", the president of the US Solar Energy
Industries Association emphasizes. The Canadian industry suffered major setbacks after the provincial government of Ontario decided to suspend the Renewable Energy Standard Offer
Program pending further review.
Symposium on Solar Gigawatts for North America in Munich
Rhone Resch will give an account of the investment tax credits and their importance for the US solar market at the transatlantic symposium "Solar Gigawatts for North America" in Munich
(Germany) on June 11th 2008. Solar Gigawatts for North America is part of the conference program of the world's largest trade fair for solar technology "Intersolar 2008".
Ontario program changes could put Solar Energy in the shade
The Canadian Solar Industries Association is shocked following the Ontario government and the Ontario Power Authority’s sudden move to suspend its Renewable Energy Standard Offer
Program (RESOP) pending further review. The announcement that came from the OPA was particularly surprising given that the program was set to make Ontario the leader in Canada in solar
energy production, CanSIA reports in a press release. "The province was just starting to go places, attracting significant interest from both Canadian and international investors. The
expansion of this market was promising to translate into a new clean economy, green collar jobs, and as well as generate growth in areas of the province in need of economic stimulus.
Now the provincial government has decided to put everything on hold. You cannot build an industry in this sort of uncertain environment", said Elizabeth McDonald, CanSIA Executive
Director.
Ontarian Feed-in Tariff similar to successful European programs encouraged projects
Over the past year, Ontario has been very supportive creating the RESOP, which encouraged developing projects of 10 megawatts (MW) or less. Similar to some successful European programs
but the only one of its kind in North America, the program pays an incentive or a 'feed in tariff' of 42 cents per kilowatt (kW) hour of solar power produced in order to create a
diversified and sustainable supply energy mix for Ontarians. "Like many new programs, it has experienced some growing pains. But taking action to greatly restrict the program without
warning the industry and the companies who have relied on - and invested heavily in - going forward the province may put the efforts of recent years in jeopardy, and has the global
solar industry questioning the government’s motives", CanSIA emphasizes. CanSIA continues to offer to work with the Ontario government in partnership to bring the program back on
track immediately to ensure longevity and stability to the industry, its investors and the workforce it employs. "Polling tells us that Ontarians want to 'go green' and be the leaders
in deploying a renewable energy strategy for Canada. The RESOP is an important part of that", CanSIA outlines.
A SEIA report on the US solar market in 2007 is available to download at http://www.seia.org/Year_in_Review_2007.pdf.
Further information: http://www.solar-gigawatts.de and http://www.intersolar.de
2008-05-29 Courtesy: SEIA Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SEIA
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Solar Cell producer ersol signs supply contract with new major customer aleo solar
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ersol solar cells henceforth in aleo solar panels.
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ersol Solar Energy AG (ersol, Erfurt, Germany) on May 27th 2008 concluded a solar cell supply contract with aleo solar AG (aleo solar; Oldenburg/Prenzlau, Germany). The contract
volume due to ersol amounts to about 250 MWp. Crystalline silicon solar cells are to be supplied to Prenzlau module producer aleo solar over a period of 12 years starting in 2008. The
conclusion of this latest contract marked an increase in ersol's order volume for solar cells to well over € 3 billion. "We are pleased to have been able to acquire aleo
solar as a new major customer for our solar cells. With the pricing in today's contract we believe that this puts our new customer in a position to be able to offer competitive products
on the market," said Dr Claus Beneking, ersol CEO, following the contract signing.
aleo focusses on quality partnership
"With ersol as a cell supplier we are above all building on a quality partnership. We value ersol's high-quality, highperformance crystalline solar cells, with which we will now be
equipping our modules," said Heinz Willers, COO at aleo solar AG.
2008-05-28 Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG
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PV producer Solibro inaugurates first production line in the Solar Valley Thalheim
Solibro GmbH (Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany) inaugurated its first production line in ob Friday, 23rd June 2008. Just eight months after construction work has been started, one of the
world’s first factories for the manufacturing of Copper-Indium-Gallium-Diselenide-(CIGS-)-Thin Film Modules could take up production, the company reports in a press release.
Solibro GmbH is a Joint Venture between Q-Cells AG and Solibro AB, the company that has developed the technology in Sweden. Solibro has invested more than EUR 60 million in the factory,
which has a production capacity of 25 to 30 megawatt peak (MWp). Among the different Thin Film technologies, CIGS stands out because of its particularly high efficiency
potential. Solibro has already proven that: Only a few days after the first production line had been put into operation, the company has manufactured modules with an efficiency above 10
%.
"The very good results of the test production show that we have chosen the right technology", says Dr. Johannes Segner, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Solibro. "With this first
production line we take a large step forwards in terms of dynamic growth. We meet with a strong interest in the market and have already sold a large part of the production", he added.
As of today, Solibro has 134 employees in Bitterfeld-Wolfen and 16 at the Development Centre in Uppsala (Sweden).
2008-05-26 Courtesy: Solibro GmbH Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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From Research to Industry and Markets: Europe`s largest Biomass Event will begin in Valencia in June
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Feria Valencia Convention and Exhibition
Center.
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Scientists, industry, suppliers, funding bodies and decision makers will meet in Valencia in June 2008 to discuss new developments and progress in all biomass related topics during
the 16th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition. The five-day conference is Europe`s largest international biomass event and the only one that covers the whole biomass sector,
including biomass resources, conversion and biomass fuels as well as market and policy issues. Parallel to the conference is the international biomass exhibition that will attract more
than 1.500 visitors from 80 nations. They can expect more than 270 plenaries and oral contributions from international experts, about 550 poster presentations and an exhibition area of
more than 1000 square meters.
New topic entirely dedicated to biofuels
"There is still much to be done to increase overall economics, efficiency and reliability and to optimally integrate biomass into current and future supply structures", says the
Chairman of the 16th Biomass Conference, Professor Dr. Jürgen Schmid. "Competition in land-use for food production will also have to be handled with great care, especially its
consequences for developing countries. The international biomass conference is aimed at stimulating public discussion on all these items and promoting the awareness of the biomass
community", Schmid adds. A special feature in this year`s conference programme is a new topic entirely dedicated to biofuels, in order to respond to the recently growing demands and to
facilitate discussions and find solutions in the application of biofuel production in Europe. Liquid biofuels are particularly interesting for the transportation sector. While in Brazil
sugar-cane is the selected feedstock in USA, Europe and China cereals are the preferred crops for the production of bioethanol which is basic liquid biofuel for blending or
reformulation of gasoline. However sweet-sorghum biorefineries are now promoted for competitive and more sustainable production of bioethanol. Furthermore vegetal crops are grown in
many countries (soybeans, sunflowers, rape, palm-oil) for blending or substitution of conventional diesel-fuel. Biomass-to-liquid (BtL) fuels are, in contrast, synthetic fuels, in
particular Fischer-Tropsch diesel. As they can be derived also from forest residues, straw and waste wood, the BtL manufacturing process does not compete with food production - the 16th
Biomass Conference will give the opportunity to talk about recent progresses in this area.
Platform for a strategical debate about bioenergy production
Further presentations will cover the availability of biomass resources, the interaction with food production and the thermochemical and biological conversion of biomass for power and
chemicals. As biomass can provide a substantial part of the energy share in the near future, many presentations will also deal with market and policy issues. The 16th Biomass Conference
will, for example, give the floor to presentations focused on the future developments that producers and distributors have in the car industry for the upcoming market. While the Biomass
Industry Day will provide the platform for a strategical debate about bioenergy production and application in Europe. In the afternoon session, cooperation between the participants of
the Industry Day can be enhanced: Visitors have the possibility to present business projects and discuss collaborations.
Conference on Biomass in Spain
Spain has recognised the importance of renewable energy and is promoting it on a large scale. The “Conference on Biomass in Spain”, organised by the Spanish energy agency
IDAE, will therefore gather all the aspects related with the development of the biomass sector in Spain. It will take place on Thursday, June 5th, in Spanish language. Working criteria
and Spanish projects will be presented here by the most relevant experts, research centres, technologists and promoters. The sessions dedicated to policies will, in contrast, treat the
different European Biomass Action Plans, international cooperation possibilities as well as production standards for the international market. For those interested in actually seeing
how biomass is treated, produced, extracted and gasified, technical tours will be organised in collaboration with the Spanish Energy Agency IDAE to production sites in Alicante,
Valencia and Tarragona in the first week of June.
The 16th Biomass Conference and Exhibition will take place from June 2nd to June 6th in the Feria Valencia Convention and Exhibition Center. It is organised by the renewable energy
enterprises ETA-Florence Renewable Energies, based in Florence, in collaboration with the Munich-based institute WIP-Renewable Energies. Both the conference and the exhibition are
supported by the European Commission, the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce, the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving, the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the Valencia Agency for Energy, the Regional Government of Valencia, the World Council for Renewable Energy, the European Biomass Industry
Association, the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign 2005-2008 and CORDIS. Official speakers of the supporting agencies, ministries and associations will speak during the Opening session
of the Biomass Conference on June 2nd.
2008-05-21 Courtesy: 16th Biomass Conference and Exhibition Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: 16th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
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Solar Impulse accomplished Missions of Virtual Flight 2008
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Bertrand Piccard at the Solar Impulse Virtual
Flight 2008.
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In a cockpit identical to the one in the first prototype, the two Solar Impulse pilots, one after the other, spent 25 hours flying non-stop at the controls of the solar airplane.
Bertrand Piccard from Tuesday 13 May at 7:27 to Wednesday 14 May at 8:43, and André Borschberg from Thursday 15 May at 7:20 to Friday 16 May at 8:38. The aim of the solar project is to
harness the power of the sun to propel an aeroplane, day and night by solar power around the world without fuel or polluting emissions. The flight simulator, developed by Solar Impulse
and assembled by the EPFL, enabled them to pilot the HB-SIA for the first time, equipped and harnessed as they will be during their first flights: with helmet, safety harness,
parachute, oxygen mask, and with food supplies and the accessories adapted for their natural needs. Taking off from Payerne, they were able to test the cockpit’s
ergonomics, note possible improvements, the aerodynamic behavior of the plane, the management of the energy consumed by the motors or stored away in the batteries and the efficiency of
these during the nocturnal part of the flight.
After his 25 hours on board – in a confined space of less than 1.5 m3, Bertrand Piccard emerged from his virtual flight full of enthusiasm: “That was both a technical and an
emotional experience: taming a machine of this size with its extremely delicate handling, but at the same time being able to admire the sunset and the starry night.” Five screens,
arranged in a 210° arc around the cockpit, gave the pilot the impression that he was really flying: “I went into a simulator and came back out of an airplane. This proves to what
extent the simulation is fascinating.” André Borschberg practiced circling in the sky over Payerne, descending and landing, testing the behavior of Solar Impulse in windy and
turbulent conditions. “The airplane seemed very safe to me, but let’s not forget it is only a simulator. Piloting the prototype will be even more demanding and will involve
much more of the unknown.”
For flight director, Raymond Clerc, the numerous maneuvers carried out in real meteorological conditions produced a heap of lessons: “We were able to experiment with the reactions
of the pilots as well as those of the airplane. The data and know-how derived from these trials will lead to immediate adaptations of certain procedures and will be of direct use in the
real flights”.
2008-05-20 Courtesy: Solar Impulse Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Impulse/Stéphane Gros
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IDTechEx: Is The key to low-cost solar cells thinner than a human hair?
While photovoltaic thin film technologies are receiving worldwide attention with their potential to lower the cost of solar energy, there are researchers who are thinking outside the
box and are looking into different approaches that will result in cost reductions for photovoltaic technologies. One of those approaches comes with the collaboration of the Department
of Engineering Physics at McMaster University, Cleanfield Energy and the Ontario Centers of Excellence (OCE), which have formed a partnership to pursue the commercialization of nanowire
technology in the production of solar cells, the Independent research and analysis Company IDTechEx reports. "One of the biggest obstacles to widespread use of solar cells as a clean
source of energy is cost", said Ray LaPierre, assistant professor of engineering physics at McMaster University and project leader for the collaboration. "Our work with nanowire
fabrication at this stage shows the potential for greater energy efficiency with less costly materials." Semiconducting nanowires (e.g., Si, InP, GaN, etc.) exhibit aspect
ratios (length-to-width ratio) of 1000 or more. As such they are often referred to as one-dimensional structures with controlled lengths of one to five microns and diameters of 10 to
100 nanometres (thousands of times thinner than a human hair). Some of the advantages they offer over thin film and crystalline silicon technologies (both currently used in solar cell
production) include: low material utilization; the use of low-cost substrates; defect-free materials with high conversion efficiency and strong light trapping and absorption.
The exceptional properties of nanowires that are not seen in bulk or 3-D materials are due to the lateral quantum confinement of electrons. Nanowires are excellent at trapping light,
very efficient at absorbing the sun's energy and allow for greater electrical output per unit surface area. A common technique for creating a nanowire is the Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS)
synthesis method: In a simplified explanation, tiny balls of gold or aluminum are planted on a surface that is exposed to a feed gas (e.g. silane, gallium arsenide gases). The gas atoms
are sucked up by the gold to form a layer. As each layer is added, the nanowire begins to develop. The process is repeated until a desired length and thickness is reached.
Researchers at McMaster University are now exploring different ways of growing nanowires on a variety of surfaces - known as substrates - that include silicon, glass, flexible metal
foils and even a kind of high-tech fabric made of carbon nanotubes. They are also looking at ways of harvesting nanowires that are grown and scraped from one material and later embedded
in flexible plastics. According to Ray LaPierre, the aim is to achieve 20 per cent efficiency in the next five years.
Professor Ray LaPierre will be reporting on the synthesis of coaxial compound semiconductor III-V nanowires and fabrication of nanowire-based solar cells as well as their enhanced
carrier extraction, light trapping effects, and light absorption at the IDTechEx conference "Photovoltaics Beyond Conventional Silicon" in Denver, Colorado, on June 17-18, 2008.
Further information on the conference: www.idtechex.com./pvUSA
2008-05-18 Courtesy: IDTechEx Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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Sunfilm to Expand Solar Module Production with 2nd SunFab Tandem Junction Line from Applied Materials
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Sunfilm production at Großröhrsdorf.
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Due to strong demand for its solar modules, Sunfilm AG (Großröhrsdorf, Germany) on May 13th announced that it has awarded Applied Materials, Inc. a contract for a second Applied
"SunFab"-Thin Film Line. This second production line will be installed next to Sunfilm’s first line in Großröhrsdorf near Dresden. Sunfilm’s first Applied SunFab Line,
ordered last year, is expected to begin inital production runs this July, with the second line scheduled for start up approximately one year later. This will bring Sunfilm’s
annual capacity at this site to over 120MWp, the company reports in a press release. "With these production lines, Sunfilm is setting a new benchmark for the solar industry
by manufacturing the world’s first tandem junction, silicon thin film photovoltaic modules using 5.7m2 glass panels. These ultra-large substrates also offer the flexibility to
produce finished solar modules of half and quarter size, depending on customer preferences" Sunfilm emphasizes. "Developing cost-effective solar technology is critical for the future,
and we must continue to find new ways to improve module performance in order to make solar energy more affordable for the end users", said Dr. Sven Hansen, chairman of Sunfilm’s
Supervisory Board. "Our first Applied SunFab Line is making excellent progress towards this goal."
tandem cell technology combines amorphous and microcrystalline layers
"Sunfilm’s lines will be a first in the industry, demonstrating the significant advantages of scale by applying large area nanomanufacturing technology and tandem junction
efficiency to reduce cost", said Dr. Mark Pinto, senior vice president and general manager of Applied’s Energy and Environmental Solutions Group. "Sunfilm’s commitment to a
second line affirms the readiness of 5.7m2 tandem junction technology for manufacturing." Applied Materials’ SunFab Thin Film Line features tandem junction cell technology that
combines amorphous and microcrystalline layers to absorb both the shorter and longer wavelengths of sunlight. These tandem junction cells deliver significantly higher conversion
efficiencies at a competitive cost per watt relative to single junction technologies. By combining tandem technology with ultra-large 5.7m2 substrates and volume manufacturing, Sunfilm
expects to substantially reduce the cost of solar electricity.
Sunfilm AG was established at the end of 2006 by Good Energies and NorSun to manufacture the world’s first 5.7m2 tandem thin film photovoltaic modules on glass substrates on a
production line supplied by Applied Materials, Inc.
2008-05-16 Courtesy: Sunfilm AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sunfilm AG
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German PV producer aleo solar AG continues on growth path with strong Q1 figures
aleo solar AG (Oldenburg/Prenzlau) is maintaining its growth path: in the first three months of 2008, revenue climbed by 85.2 % to EUR 69.0 million (Q1 2007: EUR 37.2 million), the
company reports in a press release. The proportion of international revenue amounted to 61.5 %. EBIT totalled EUR 5.0 million (Q1 2007: EUR 2.7 million); as a result, the EBIT margin
increased slightly to 7.3% (Q1 2007: 7.2%). Earnings per share doubled to EUR 0.26 (Q1 2007: EUR 0.13). The Company increased its production output by 69.7%, from 17.5 megawatts (Q1
2007) to 29.7 megawatts.
Almost half of revenue generated in Spain
While business growth in Germany was stable, international growth - as expected - was particularly dynamic, aloe emphasizes: 48.9 %, almost half of total revenue in the first three
months of 2008 was generated in Spain. However, business there is expected to tail off towards the end of the summer. As a result, aleo solar AG’s Management Board expects the
proportion of international revenue for full-year 2008 to be around 40 % of total revenue. In addition to the target market of Spain, business in other countries is also showing
promise: aleo solar received orders for several megawatts in Greece, France and Belgium. In Italy, the solar market is really taking off, prompting aleo solar to establish its own
subsidiary, aleo solar Italia S.r.l., headquartered in Treviso, Italy.
Production capacity in Brandenburg almost to be doubled
However, the aleo solar Group’s strongest growth is in Germany: production capacity at the Prenzlau location in Brandenburg will almost double. As part of this expansion, another
150 new employees will be recruited in Prenzlau over the course of the year. "We will continue our growth trajectory", said Jakobus Smit, CEO of aleo solar AG. "The expansion of our
production capacity to 180 megawatts at our Prenzlau and Barcelona locations and our investment in the 50 megawatt production plant in Gaomi, China, our own sales team and a strong
brand, combined with our increasing internationalisation and access to innovative thin film technology, mean that we are very well positioned. We remain fully committed to continuing
this path", Smit added.
In March, aleo solar AG signed a procurement agreement for solar cells with Q-Cells AG, which runs from 2008 to the end of 2019. This contract covers a volume of at least 1,270
megawatts, with an option to increase it up to a total volume of 2,270 megawatts. The Company is reiterating its forecast for the year of revenue of at least EUR 330 million and a
continued solid EBIT margin.
2008-05-15 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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PV producer SOLON doubles sales in the first quarter of 2008
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SOLON-Mover at the Eco-Huerta de Cabanillas (
Spain).
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SOLON AG für Solartechnik (Berlin), on May 14th presented its interim report for the period ending March 31, 2008. The report shows that Group revenues rose by 115 % to EURO 161.6
million (Q1 2007: EURO 75.1 million) while total operating performance increased by 105 % to EURO 195.5 million (Q1 2007: EURO 95.6 million). Solar modules with a total output rating of
41 MWp were produced in the SOLON Group in the first quarter, enabling the Company to seamlessly continue the strong development of the fourth quarter of 2007. The growing project
business increased the System Technology segment's percentage of Group revenues to 57 % while the Components segment generated 43 %. The proportion of Group revenues generated outside
of Germany increased further to more than 75 %. A large contribution to this development came from the continued robustness of the business in Spain where construction of a
large number of new power plants was started in the first quarter. A second factor was the increasing
demand for solar technology in Italy.
EBITDA rose by 131 % to EURO 15.5 million (Q1 2007: EURO 6.7 million) and EBIT came to EURO 12.5 million, reflecting a 150 % increase over the Q1 2007 figure of EURO 5.0 million. The
ratio of these earnings figures to Group sales thus improved to 9.6 % (EBITDA) and 7.7 % (EBIT). Net income after minority interests came to EURO 6.9 million. Compared to the net income
adjusted for non-recurring income from the sale of strategic equity investments in the first quarter of 2007, this reflects an increase of 156 % (Q1 2007 adjusted: EURO 2.7 million).
Earnings per share increased accordingly by 90% to EURO 0.55 (Q1 2007 adjusted: EURO 0.29).
The sustained robust growth of the SOLON Group is also reflected in the change in the number of employees. As of March 31st, 2008 SOLON employed 800 persons, approximately 100 more than
at year-end 2007. The ratio of personnel expenses to total operating performance declined to 4 %.
Capacities to be expanded up to 500 MWp
SOLON will continue to focus systematically on growth. To that end, the Group's production capacities will be expanded in the current year to 500 MWp. The preparations for this are
already in progress; the greatest share of the expansion will take place in the second half. At the time the interim report was published, the SOLON Management Board renewed its
projections for 2008 as a whole including an increase in production volume to 200 MWp and a rise in revenue and adjusted net income by 75 percent each compared to fiscal 2007. The full
report of SOLON AG for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 is available for download from the
company's website.
2008-05-15 Courtesy: SOLON AG für Solartechnik Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SOLON AG
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US PV producer HelioVolt partners with Architectural Glass & Aluminum Co. for Building Integrated Solar Products
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Solar enabled curtain wall
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HelioVolt Corporation (Austin, Texas) a producer of efficient thin film solar energy products, and Architectural Glass & Aluminum Co. (AGA; Alameda, Calif.) on May 6th 2008
announced a partnership to develop and manufacture building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products. The joint offering will incorporate high-quality solar energy systems directly into
standardized curtain wall products, the exterior glass façades that dominate modern urban construction. By embedding PV thin film into building materials, the solar-enabled curtain
walls are designed to improve aesthetics, simplify installation and reduce operating costs for solar energy in new construction. "Driven by the inherent value of being able to generate
clean electricity at the same place it’s being consumed, the market for distributed solar energy is developing at breakneck speed", said HelioVolt CEO Dr. BJ Stanbery.
"In addition to offering advances over the typical solar panel products that dominate the market today, HelioVolt’s manufacturing process enables next-generation smart building
materials capable of powering cities of the future."
Photovoltaic Glass Curtain Walls will Harvest Energy from the Sun
"AGA has a 40 year history of delivering specialized curtain wall products and services to our customers throughout the Western United States. This new solar-enabled product line will
add value and innovation to our already trusted offering,", said Joe Brescia, CEO of AGA. "HelioVolt’s unique manufacturing process and quality of the resulting CIGS thin film
make the company a valued partner as we move into a new category of BIPV products."
BIPV to be the largest opportunity within the thin film market
BIPV is a fast-growing segment of the global multi-trillion construction materials market. The US Department of Energy estimates that development of practical, efficient and economical
BIPV products, deployed on roofs and façades of commercial buildings and homes, can generate 50 percent of the electrical needs of developed countries like the United States. According
to NanoMarkets, an industry analyst firm, BIPV products are projected to be the largest opportunity within the thin-film market, and are expected to constitute about 0 million in
2011.
Delivering cost and efficiency benefits to the solar energy market, HelioVolt’s proprietary "FASST" process manufactures high-performance CIGS thin film ten to one hundred times
more rapidly than competitive processes. Currently constructing a manufacturing facility in Austin to produce advanced solar energy modules, HelioVolt’s agreement with AGA marks
the company’s first partnership for delivering BIPV products to market.
2008-05-15 Courtesy: HelioVolt Corporation Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: HelioVolt Corporation
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European solar thermal industry expects sales increase
The year 2008 began well for the solar heating industry, after the mixed results posted at the end of 2007. In January, the European Commission published its proposal for a Renewable
Energies Directive. This proposal sets the target of raising the proportion of renewable energies from 8.5 % to 20 % of total energy supply by 2020. For the first time, the heating
market and therefore also the solar thermal industry have also been incorporated into the proposal. Among other things, the proposed directive provides minimum compulsory levels of
renewable energy consumption in new and renovated buildings. The European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) welcomes the proposal: "Over the last five years, we have fought for
the Barcelona model and now it has been included in the proposed directive", enthuses ESTIF Secretary General Uwe Trenkner. "Now the ball is in the court of the Member States.
The national solar associations must convince their governments that this regulation is a good thing and that it is important for the growth of solar heating", Trenkner added. Despite
the double-figure percentage growth of the French, Italian and Spanish markets, the European market as a whole was down 10 % in 2007. The reason for this was the collapse of the German
market, which decreased by 30 %. Early indications suggest that 2008 will once again be a year of growth for the European and German markets.
Solar Thermal Industry Forum: Intersolar's new expert platform for solar thermal technology and solar architecture
The latest predictions from the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) suggest that the sun will shine on the sector in 2008. The growth of the industry is also reflected in
the continually increasing importance of solar thermal technology at the Intersolar trade show. In the form of the Solar Thermal Industry Forum, the industry now has its own expert
platform operating as part of Intersolar's supporting program. This platform will enable Intersolar to further build upon its position as the leading international trade show for
photovoltaics, solar thermal technology and solar architecture. "Intersolar has always been one of the world's most important trade shows for solar thermal technology. The launch of the
Solar Thermal Forum will position the show beyond doubt as the most significant platform for the industry", Horst Dufner, project manager of the organiser Solar Promotion GmbH,
emphasizes. The Solar Thermal Industry Forum will take place on 11 June, 2008 at the International Congress Center (ICM), in close proximity to Intersolar 2008. More than 200 companies
from the sector are expected at this years Intersolar: http://www.intersolar.de
2008-05-13 Courtesy: Solar Promotion GmbH Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ESTIF / Solar Promotion GmbH
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Suntech to Supply One of the World’s Largest BIPV Solar Systems to France
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Just Roof solar panels on a
private building.
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Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi, China), one of the world’s leading manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, on May 7th 2008 announced it has signed an
agreement with Hanau Energies SAS to supply a 4.5 MW building integrated PV system (BIPV) to a farm located in Alsace (France). The project will be one of the largest BIPV installations
ever built and will employ Suntech’s 'Just Roof' modules to form complete weatherproof roofs on five agricultural warehouses on a farm in the Alsace region of France. The 4.5 MW
installation is anticipated to be completed by January 2009 with an additional 1 MW already being planned. The "Just Roof" system due to Suntech was initially released in 1994
and has already been installed on more than 4,000 homes and commercial buildings worldwide. It features interlocking panels mounted on specially designed rails to give a highly
aesthetic, weatherproof building skin that can be installed quickly and easily.
Great demand for MSK Solar Design Line of BIPV products
"This project is a very significant milestone in the development of the French solar market and for BIPV in particular. We are extremely pleased that Suntech’s market leading
'Just Roof' system has been selected", says Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech’s Chairman and CEO. "We are experiencing great demand for our high quality MSK Solar Design Line (TM) of
BIPV products all around the world as architects, homeowners and commercial end-users increasingly recognize the aesthetic and power generation benefits of integrating solar into
buildings", Dr. Shi added.
Enhanced incentives for BIPV in France
Mr. Westphal, Hanau Energies Chairman, stated, "I am delighted to be working with Suntech on this 4.5MW BIPV project. We examined many possible solutions and decided that
Suntech’s 'Just Roof' system was the best BIPV solution available from both a technical and commercial perspective. We are looking forward to working closely with Suntech on this
and future projects." With a progressive solar policy, demand for solar products in France is growing rapidly and, due to enhanced incentives for BIPV, French demand for integrated
solar systems is particularly healthy. Suntech has one of the industry’s broadest solar product portfolios and, as a result of its acquisition of Japan’s MSK in 2006, also
has an impressive range of BIPV products and solutions. Suntech has collaborations with several companies to jointly develop BIPV products and plans to continue to expand partnerships
in this area.
2008-05-09 Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co.
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Solar powered aeroplane "Solar Impulse" training to fly
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Solar Impulse HB-SIA prototype airplane.
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The "Virtual Flight 08" will be conducted by the Solar Impulse team from 12 to 16 May, in the construction hangar of the prototype HB-SIA, at the aerodrome of Dübendorf near Zurich
in Switzerland. The aim is to harness the power of the sun to propel an aeroplane, day and night by solar power around the world without fuel or polluting emissions. For the first time,
the two Solar Impulse pilots, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, will each make a 25-hour flight, one after the other, at the controls of the new flight simulator. Their purpose
will be to test a life-size model of the cockpit, surrounded by 5 panoramic screens, to validate the ergonomics and to verify the functioning of the man-machine interface in conditions
as near to real as possible. The HB-SIA’s flight routines, the decisions, breakdowns, incidents will also serve as training under the control of the Mission Team.
During that week, the solar airplane’s Mission Team will be working under the direction of Raymond Clerc. It will be using a mission simulator developed by the ALTRAN engineers,
which will enable a virtual plane to fly in real meteorological conditions, relying on complex algorithms. The highlights of this week’s virtual flight will be presented online
from 16:00 on Monday 12 May at: http://www.solarimpulsevirtualflight.com.
Thanks to the support of the Deutsche Bank, one of Solar Impulse’s main partners, the interested audience will be able to watch the Mission Team and pilots at work in the cockpit,
via two webcams. A multi-media route log signed by Brian Jones will give you the inside story on the adventure, hour by hour. The public will be able to make your comments to, and ask
Bertrand Piccard, André Borschberg and the members of the Mission Team.
2008-05-08 Courtesy: Solar Impulse Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: © Solar Impulse/EPFL Claudio Leonardi
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CPC Vacuum Tube Collectors Harvest Maximum Solar Energy
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The world's largest CPC Vacuum Tube
Collector system (Esslingen; Germany)
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No one really knows if the explosion in energy prices is a curse or a blessing for the world in the long term. It is clear, however, that something must change!, the German company
Paradigma emphasizes in a press release. The message that large-scale solar-thermal installations can produce an excellent return on investment comes at just the right time. The
fascinating thing about a solar collector system is that the break-even point marks the beginning of many years of virtually free energy, the operating life of an installation being
about 20 years and the breakeven point being reached in less than 10 years, Paradigma underlines in its press release. The energy price that can be achieved over the lifetime
of a system due to Paradigma is typically € 0.05 per kilowatt hour or less. Fuel savings are equivalent to an effective interest rate of more than 10 percent per annum on the
investment costs. So it makes sense to invest today in profitable large-scale solar collector systems to save money, create stable value, protect the environment, and reduce our
reliance on oil.
First-mover advantage based on technical know-how
German company Paradigma has been building large-scale solar installations for many years. There are more than 30,000 successful installations to date and one of them is the
world’s largest, with a cross collector area of 1,330 square meters. Systems are exclusively equipped with CPC vacuum tube collectors filled with water. Frost protection is
ensured by heat generated by the system itself. Operation with water free of antifreeze:
- Allows easy, direct connection to the in-house heating network
- Requires less equipment such as heat exchangers, de-aerators, valves, pumps,and controllers.
- Is the precondition for the use of efficient and small storage tanks.
- Eliminates the high cost for antifreeze and the associated running costs.
- Considerably reduces the costs and time for commissioning.
- Ensures a long operating life with almost constant performance.
- Removes risks associated with thermal stagnation.
- Minimizes running costs (for example, maintenance and repairs).
vacuum tube collectors providing hot water at temperatures of up to 130 degrees Celsius
Use of CPC vacuum tube collectors ensures the maximum harvesting of solar energy with a system that has a long operating life and is virtually maintenance free. Existing and potential
customers include breweries, food producers, large-scale cleaning plants, electro-plating plants, paint shops, cooling plants, hospitals, barracks, hotels, and leisure centers - in
general anyone needing a lot of hot water at temperatures of up to 130 degrees Celsius.
Paradigma has overcome major obstacles previously associated with large-scale solar collector systems and offers a surprisingly simple, clean, and very comfortable concept for investors
and planners. High interest in and demand for these systems indicate the market is ready for this concept and supporting technology. Paradigma’s guarantee of up to 10 years and
lifelong frost protection vouches for high quality and leading know-how.
2008-05-07 Courtesy: Paradigma Energie- und Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co. KG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Paradigma Energie- und Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co. KG
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