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ENERGY-EFFICIENCY-WATCH presents first results: Energy Efficiency has to be taken more seriously!
The ENERGY-EFFICIENCY-WATCH (EEW) goal is to ensure ambitious national energy efficiency action plans (NEEAP) in all EU Member States. The scientific partners of the EEW, Wuppertal
Institute and Ecofys, published the first results of their NEEAP screening. They come to the conclusion that the plans offer very heterogeneous designs, contents and levels of
information. The overall impression is that the issue of Energy Efficiency is not taken seriously enough. Though this area offers a high potential and is a huge opportunity to reach
Europe's 2020 targets as announced in the Commissions climate change package. Energy efficiency is not only linked with the saving of energy and therefore the reduction of emissions but
it is also a condition for energy security by reducing energy dependency on oil.
Relationship between technical energy saving potentials, energy saving targets and energy efficiency improvement measures is often weak or not transparent
The Energy Efficiency and Energy Service Directive (ESD) requires Member States to achieve a reduction target in end-energy use of 9% by 2016, and therefore to submit three National
Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAPs). The first NEEAP was due by June 30, 2007. Within the Energy Efficiency Watch project, Wuppertal Institute and Ecofys carried out a screening of
all available plans. Only few MS took the deadline serious but by today almost all Member State have submitted an action plan. In a second phase the EEW will now evaluate 12 of the
NEEAPs in depth to find out best policy practices that then can be communicated all over Europe as advice for the second round of NEEAPs in 2011.
The first screening identified very heterogeneous designs, contents and levels of information provided. In most cases, the relationship between technical energy saving potentials,
energy saving targets and energy efficiency improvement measures, is weak or not transparent. Nevertheless, a very illustrative and impressive collection of measures exists that enables
international mutual learning.
Ralf Schüle, Wuppertal Institute: "Additionally, the collection of measures broadens thinking about energy efficiency from isolated measures to coherent policy packages. But what we
need now is a harmonisation of the NEEAPs and the evaluation methods."
All results are available at: http://www.energy-efficiency-watch.org/index.php?id=49
2008-06-30 Courtesy: Energy Efficiency Watch (EEW), EUFORES Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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U.S. Department of Energy: World Energy use to grow 50 percent between 2005 and 2030
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International Energy Outlook 2008.
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World marketed energy consumption is projected to grow by 50 percent between 2005 and 2030, driven by robust economic growth and expanding populations in the world's developing
countries, according to the reference case projection from the "International Energy Outlook 2008" (IEO2008) released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Average world
oil prices in every year since 2003 have been higher than the average for the previous year and prices in 2007 were nearly double the 2003 prices in real terms. The IEO2008 uses oil
price cases originally developed in the summer of 2007 for use in the "Annual Energy Outlook 2008", which focuses on the U.S. energy outlook. These prices do not reflect the substantial
runup in prices that has occurred since that time.
High oil prices lead many consumers to switch to other fuels
Nonetheless, although liquid fuels are expected to remain the largest single source of energy through 2030, the liquids share of marketed world energy consumption declines from 37
percent in 2005 to 33 percent in 2030 in the IEO2008 reference case. In addition, the share of conventional oil in the overall liquids supply is declines with expanded use of
unconventional oil, biofuels, and other unconventional liquids. High oil prices lead many consumers to switch to other fuels when feasible; fuel-switching and efficiency gains, for
instance, slow the growth of oil use in the industrial sector. Those trends are even stronger in the IEO2008 high price case, which reflects oil prices that are closer to those being
paid in mid-2008, as this report is being issued.
Consumption of hydroelectricity and other renewable energy sources to increases by 2.1 percent per year
Sustained high prices for oil and natural gas encourage expanded use of renewable fuels. Renewable energy sources are attractive for environmental reasons, especially in countries where
reducing greenhouse gas emissions is of particular concern. Government policies and incentives to increase renewable energy sources for electricity generation are expected to encourage
the development of renewable energy even when it cannot compete economically with fossil fuels. Worldwide, the consumption of hydroelectricity and other renewable energy sources
increases by 2.1 percent per year in the IEO2008 reference case between 2005 and 2030. In contrast, world coal consumption increases by 2.0 percent per year; natural gas by 1.7 percent
per year; nuclear by 1.5 percent per year; and liquids by 1.2 percent per year.
Greenhouse gas emissions may rise by 51 percent
In the IEO2008 reference case, which does not include specific policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are projected to rise from 28.1
billion metric tons in 2005 to 42.3 billion metric tons in 2030-an increase of 51 percent. With strong economic growth and continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels expected, much of the
increase in carbon dioxide emissions is projected to occur among the developing nations of the world, especially in Asia
The full report can be found on EIA's web site at: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/ieo/index.html
2008-06-29 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Energy Information Administration
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WorldWater & Solar Technologies provides update on ENTECH
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Entech Solar Energy Systems in Texas.
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WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corp. (Ewing, N.J.), developer and marketer of proprietary high-power solar systems, on June 24th announced that its new ENTECH manufacturing
facility for concentrating photovoltaic systems in Fort Worth (Texas) remains on track to open in July. The 70,000 square foot center has a planned capacity for 200 Megawatts of
production. ENTECH has already taken delivery of certain testing equipment and machinery for the initial 50 MW line, which is expected to begin rolling out concentrator systems for
validation during the third quarter, WorldWater & Solar Technologies reports in a press release. The company anticipates having prototypes available in the September
timeframe, with IEC certification in the first half of 2009. Prior to obtaining IEC 62108 qualification, the company will be testing to UL SU 8703 and IEEE 1513 standards.
"We continue to believe our new ENTECH factory will accept orders and deliver products by the end of the year for customers not requiring IEC certification and to deliver certified
products during the first half of 2009", said Frank Smith, CEO. "Going forward, ENTECH will play an increasingly visible role with regard to WorldWater’s growth and competitive
advantage. We will begin introducing ENTECH into those projects that are well suited for its technology as soon as possible and also intend to sell ENTECH hardware as a standalone
product to bolster our margins in 2009 and beyond."
2008-06-27 Courtesy: WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corp Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: WorldWater & Solar Technologies
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aleo solar’s AGM endorses Management Board strategy
The shareholders of aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany) endorsed the Management Board’s strategy at the Company’s second Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday,
June 24th 2008. The agenda items to be resolved were adopted by a large majority, the company reports in a press release. The shareholders renewed the authorisation to buy back shares
equivalent to up to 10% of the Company’s share capital, with shareholders’ pre-emptive rights disapplied in specific cases. In addition to greater flexibility, the Company
also intends this move to create an acquisition currency for buying or investing in other companies. It can also be used for share-based payments under an employee equity compensation
programme. The actions of the Management and Supervisory Boards were then approved by a large majority.
Total rated output to be expanded up to of 250 megawatts
Uwe Bögershausen, aleo solar AG’s CFO, informed shareholders about the very dynamic course of business in recent months: "The demand is consistently high, especially in the
markets of Southern Europe. But also for our domestic market we see a sustained high demand." For this reason, and on the back of the very secure supply of solar cells through to 2010,
aleo solar is expanding in Prenzlau, Barcelona and Gaomi to a total rated output of 250 megawatts. COO Heiner Willers drew a link between the appropriation of 2007 net retained profits
and the planned growth: "We made a proposal to the Annual General Meeting to invest the entire 2007 net retained profits of EUR 8.3 million in the planned expansion." The AGM approved
the proposals.
Jakobus Smit, CEO of aleo solar AG, summed up as follows: "The AGM endorsed our strategy: organic growth, internationalisation of production and distribution, acknowledged high quality
and a strong brand ensure that we will be successful in the future as well."
2008-06-26 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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Supervisory Board of SOLON AG re-elected at Annual General Meeting; Resolution passed for transformation to European company
49.66 percent of the company's subscribed capital was represented at the Annual General Meeting of SOLON AG für Solartechnik (ISIN DE 0007471195), which took place on June 24th, 2008
in Berlin. Around 300 shareholders and shareholder representatives of the PV producer took part in the meeting. All 13 agenda items for resolution were approved with a clear majority,
the company reports in a press release; including the creation of new Authorized Capital and new Conditional Capital, the extension of the 2000 Stock Option Program and a control and
profit transfer agreement between SOLON AG and SOLON Mobility GmbH. SOLON Mobility, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SOLON AG, was established in January 2008 with the aim of developing new
business models in the field of solar mobility.
The Annual General Meeting also voted by a large majority in favor of the resolution to transform SOLON AG into a European company (Societas Europaea/SE). This is intended to reflect
the increasingly international nature of SOLON's business and to facilitate its transnational operations. The election of the Supervisory Board was also on the agenda. The Supervisory
Board members Tobias Wahl (chairman), Olaf Roessink (deputy chairman) and Alexander Voigt, who have been in office since 2006, were approved and elected for a further five years by a
large majority. Immo Ströher was elected as a substitute member.
Finally, the chairman of the Supervisory Board announced the forthcoming expansion of SOLON's Management Board. In view of the company's continuing growth plans and the ever greater
demands in the area of communications with the capital markets, a decision has been taken in consultation with the existing members of the Management Board to strengthen the Group's
Management Board through the addition of a Chief Financial Officer with effect from July 1, 2008. Ms. Simone Prüfer has agreed to take on this role. Ms. Prüfer has worked for SOLON
since January 2006 and was previously responsible for the Group's treasury function.
2008-06-26 Courtesy: SOLON AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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Sunways AG: International sales launch of first central inverter
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Sunways central inverter
PT 30k.
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The international sales launch of the first central inverter of Sunways AG is impending: Alongside its well known products, the company will present the Solar Inverter PT 30K to the
international public at the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (PVSEC) in Valencia (Spain). Following the successful market launch in Germany, the central
inverter PT 30k will be available in Spain and Italy as well as, upon request, in other countries as from the third quarter 2008. Certification for Spain and Italy has already been
completed, Sunways reports in a press release. The Solar Inverter PT 30k offered by Sunways AG is a transformerless HERIC central inverter with an output power of 30 kilowatts and three
phase grid feed in. PT stands for Performance Technology and indicates high efficiency rates of more than 97.5 percent in combination with a very broad MPP voltage range of
420 to 800 volts. "In addition, the Solar Inverter PT 30k, with a maximum DC voltage of 1,000 volts, makes the best possible use of the potential MPP system voltage of solar modules and
thus ensures cost optimization in connection with the installation of large systems, Sunways emphasizes in the press release.
The HERIC topology, which has been used by Sunways for years, was adjusted for symmetric three phase feeding in. Thanks to this technology, the PT 30k offers maximum yields in each
performance category and holds a top position in terms of the aximum and European efficiency rate. The new device is among the most compact and lightest products of its performance
category. In Germany, the PT 30k is sold via the distribution partner network of Sunways AG; abroad, the device may be bought via the distribution offices in Bologna (Italy) and
Barcelona (Spain).
2008-06-25 Courtesy: Sunways AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sunways AG
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Solar Cell Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE distinguished with prestigous Italian award in the presence of Italian president Giorgio Napolitano
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Stefan Glunz; Roberto Poli and Paolo Scaroni
(f.l.t.r.)
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For their work on thin highly efficient silicon solar cells, Dr. Stefan Glunz and his colleagues Dr. Oliver Schultz, Dr. Daniel Kray and Dr. Ansgar Mette received the prestigious
2008 Eni Award in the category "Science & Technology". Through this award, the Italian energy company Eni promotes scientific research and technological innovation in sustainable
energy. The award presentation ceremony was held on May 20, 2008 at the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, in the presence of the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, the
President of the Accademia dei Lincei, Giovanni Conso, Eni Chairman Roberto Poli and Eni Chief Executive Officer Paolo Scaroni. The ceremony was followed by a symposium with
presentations by the award winners and a talk by Nobel Prize winner Theodor W. Hänsch.
World record efficiency for multicrystalline silicon solar cells
Stefan Glunz is head of the Department of Silicon Solar Cells - Development and Characterization at Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg, Germany. He and his team have developed several new
process steps for obtaining a higher electrical yield from silicon solar cells. These technological innovations are now being transferred successively to industrial production and hence
are contributing to cost reductions for solar electricity. New cell structures and metallization concepts for thin silicon wafers are the focus of this work. Included in the superior
results produced by the Freiburg researchers are a world record efficiency for multicrystalline silicon solar cells of 20.3 %, a thin film monocrystalline silicon solar cell with a
thickness of 40 μm and an efficiency of over 20 % as well as a non-contact metallization process using aerosol printing.
Also highlighted by the awarders of the prize was the close cooperation between the Fraunhofer ISE researchers and the photovoltaic industry. "We are honored to have received the Eni
Award", says Stefan Glunz. "It confirms not only the work carried out by the entire high efficiency team of technicians and scientists at Fraunhofer ISE, but also it confirms our
strategy of working together with solar cell manufacturers on exploiting crystalline silicon technology to its full potential."
Called the "Eni Award" for the first time this year, this award was bestowed ten times previously under the name "Eni Italgas Award". In 2008, Stefan Glunz and his colleagues from
Fraunhofer ISE share the award with Arthur J. Nozik from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL in the USA.
More information about the Eni Award can be found at: http://www.eni.it/en_IT/innovation-technology/eni-award/eni-award.shtml
2008-06-23 Courtesy: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Eni
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IBM and Tokyo Ohka Kogyo turn up watts on solar energy production
Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd. (TOK) and IBM are collaborating to establish new, low-cost methods for bringing the next generation of solar energy products to market - products that will be
more affordable and easier to install than those available today. Specifically, TOK and IBM have agreed to jointly develop processes, materials, and equipment suitable for the
production of CIGS (Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide) solar cell modules, IBM reports in a press release. Currently, the relatively high-cost of electricity produced by solar cells
compared to electricity from other energy sources is an inhibitor to a more widespread adoption of solar energy, IBM emphasizes. Use of thin film technology, such as CIGS,
has great promise in reducing the overall cost of solar cells and further enabling their widespread adoption.
CIGS Efficiencies around 15 % and higher targeted
IBM Research has developed new, non-vacuum, solution-based manufacturing processes for CIGS solar cells and is targeting efficiencies around 15 % and higher. Current thin film product
efficiencies vary from around 6 % to less than 12 %. Combining IBM's technology with the proven coating technique and high purity chemicals of TOK - built upon years of experience
manufacturing semiconductors and LCD panels - has the potential to bring the large scale production of thin-film solar cells to market. "Our goal is to develop more efficient
photovoltaic structures that would reduce the cost, minimize the complexity, and improve the flexibility of producing solar electric power", said Dr. Tze-Chiang Chen, IBM Vice President
of Science and Technology, IBM Research. "Now, IBM's advanced technology combined with TOK's expertise in equipment design and manufacture, have the potential to broaden the use of
alternative energy sources." Yoichi Nakamura, President & Chief Executive Officer, TOK, said, "We believe that this joint development is a great opportunity to expand the
applications of our technologies into the photovoltaic industry, bringing a new solid business block for us."
100 x thinner cells on flexible backings
Despite the abundance of solar power, current solar cell systems, which largely rely on silicon for their conversion function, are comparatively less efficient and more expensive than
other energy sources. Thin-film CIGS solar cells can be 100x thinner than silicon-wafer cells, can be deposited on cheap glass substrates, and thus have correspondingly lower cost.
Thin-film solar cells also have the advantage that they could be arranged on a flexible backing, suitable for the tops and sides of buildings, tinted windows, and other surfaces.
Solution processing allows "printing" onto a rolled backing of a flexible module, or a glass plate, eliminating many of the high energy and equipment intensive processes that are
typical in conventional photovoltaics manufacturing.
For more information, please visit http://www.ibm.com/green
2008-06-18 Courtesy: IBM Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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SOLON acquires strategic stake in U.S. company SpectraWatt Inc. for the production of solar cells
SOLON AG für Solartechnik, headquartered in Berlin, has acquired a strategic interest in SpectraWatt, Inc., a newly formed U.S. company. The other shareholders in SpectraWatt are
Intel Capital, a subsidiary of U.S. chip manufacturer Intel Corporation, Cogentrix Energy, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and PCG Clean Energy and
Technology Fund, an investor specializing in renewable energies. SOLON's share in SpectraWatt is appr. 16 percent. SpectraWatt, with registered offices in Hillsboro, Oregon,
plans to manufacture highly efficient solar cells based on silicon. The company expects initial product deliveries in mid-2009.
This project will provide SOLON with a new strategic partner, thus expanding the Company's supplier base, SOLON AG emphasizes in a press release. In addition, this cooperation will
establish a foundation for the future development of SOLON's U.S. business, and therefore represents yet another step in the internationalization strategy of the Company.
2008-06-17 Courtesy: SOLON AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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Masdar names industry veterans to head new thin film PV Company
Following its recent announcement to invest billion into thin film photovoltaic manufacturing, Masdar on June 16th 2008 announced the appointment of senior PV industry executives
as key managers of its newly-created company, Masdar PV GmbH. Dr. Rainer Gegenwart has been appointed as CEO and Managing Director of Masdar PV GmbH in Germany. Dr. Gegenwart was
formerly the Founding Managing Director of First Solar in Germany, where he played a leading role in building that company into the current world leader in thin film PV. Dr.
Gegenwart is a recognized industry expert, with over 20 years’ industrial experience in the fields of glass coatings, thin films, and various vacuum and PV module production
technologies. Prior to First Solar, Gegenwart was R&D Director for Antec Solar, a CdTe thin film PV company, and began his career in Leybold designing thin film equipment and
processes.
One of the largest investments ever made in solar
Masdar also announced the appointment of Joachim Nell as COO and Managing Director of Masdar PV GmbH. Mr. Nell joins from Applied Materials, an billion leading supplier of thin film
equipment, where he served as Vice President for Solar Sales. Prior to this, he directed Applied Film’s successful entry into thin film solar using large-area deposition
equipment, and Applied Films’ subsequent acquisition by Applied Materials in 2006. Masdar’s investment 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 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 PV GmbH is part of the Masdar Initiative, a large-scale investment program by the Abu Dhabi government to accelerate the development and deployment of new and sustainable energy
solutions.
2008-06-17 Courtesy: Masdar PV GmbH Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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SEMI and Intersolar to collaborate on photovoltaic innovation
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Inrush to Intersolar 2008 in Munich
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SEMI (BRUSSELS, Belgium) the global industry association of companies providing equipment, material and services for the manufacture of semiconductors, displays, photovoltaic cells
and related products; Solar Promotion GmbH and Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik and Messe GmbH & Co. KG, organizers of Intersolar, on June 14th 2008 announced an agreement that will
expand the technology and manufacturing presence at Intersolar, the world's largest solar energy exhibition, held at the New Messe Munich in Germany on May 27-29, 2009. Under the
agreement, SEMI will manage the PV manufacturing equipment and materials segment in a dedicated area and co-organize a manufacturing and technology conference and other meetings related
to manufacturing and materials.
PV market to grow up to billion in 2012
The market for photovoltaic and solar thermal and products, equipment, materials and services, is exploding worldwide with recent estimates projecting the PV market to grow from US
billion today to over billion in 2012. As many new players enter the market, there has been an increase in the number of technical conferences and exhibitions in the solar industry.
With this collaboration, SEMI and Intersolar are able to bring together the latest innovations in solar energy technologies from the entire value chain under one roof, resulting in
increased efficiency and market impact. Having dedicated area will allow visitors, looking for manufacturing technologies, to focus on their needs. On the other hand the presence of all
players will allow for cross-fertilization and benchmarking.
Rapid expansion of solar energy markets worldwide
"Solar technologies are not only becoming a pervasive part of the new energy framework, but are of crucial importance to the sustainability of our environment and the global economy,"
said Heinz Kundert, president of SEMI Europe. "SEMI members are at the forefront of new developments to increase the efficiency and lower the cost of these technologies, and the
association has active PV initiatives in place across every major manufacturing region in the world to effectively support member needs and ensure ongoing industrial and technological
advancements", he added. This agreement comes as a result of a rapid expansion of solar energy markets worldwide, and the need for a comprehensive exposition, which will address all
aspects of the supply chain. In addition to the European agreement, Intersolar and SEMI have partnered to bring Intersolar North America to the US through a co-location agreement with
SEMICON West 2008 in July.
"Intersolar is an event of worldwide impact in an industry that is expected to more than triple in size by 2012", said Markus Elsässer, Solar Promotions Chief Executive. "By adding the
SEMI membership’s vast technological and manufacturing expertise, as well as global reach to Intersolar, the event will only become more substantial, and pave the way for an
exponentially greater penetration of these technologies in our economies and daily lives."
"We are delighted that the partnership with SEMI which has begun in the context of Intersolar North America is continuing to bear fruit. This partnership is also of great importance for
Intersolar Europe", emphasizes said Klaus W. Seilnacht, CEO of Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG. SEMI will be co-organizing the event with Intersolar, occupying
portions of the New Messe Munich. Registered visitors to Intersolar will be able to attend the exhibition part of both events without additional fees or separate badges.
Further information about Intersolar at http://www.intersolar.de www.intersolar.de. More information on SEMI: http://www.semi.org
2008-06-16 Courtesy: Solar Promotion GmbH Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Inrush to Intersolar 2008 in Munich
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Solar cooling: Fraunhofer ISE and SorTech develop series product
A solar driven adsorption chiller assisted by earth probes cools the cafeteria kitchen at Fraunhofer ISE (Freiburg; Germany) since the summer of 2007. The adsorption unit (ACS 05)
with a cooling power of 5.5 kW is a machine from the first prototype series of the company SorTech AG, a spin-off company from Fraunhofer ISE. In its reverse operational mode, the
system provides heat during the winter. The solar energy researchers in Freiburg are pleased with the performance to date. With curious faces, passersby watched the drilling
process in front of the main building at Fraunhofer ISE. The solar researchers were not looking for oil, rather drilling 3 earth probes with a depth of 80m each. These serve as heat
sinks for the adsorption unit that functions as a solar-driven chiller to cool the kitchen at Fraunhofer ISE in summer and with its heat pump function provides heating in winter. Solar
energy supplies the driving heat of the system by means of 20m² flat collector field situated on the roof of the Institute.
Heat from solar collectors drives an adsorption chiller
The main element of the system is an adsorption unit that can be operated both as a chiller as well as heat pump. The earth probes are used as heat sinks for the waste heat in summer
and in winter are used to provide a low temperature heat source for the heating circuit at the Institute. During the summer cooling operation, the heat from the solar collector field is
used to drive the adsorption chiller. In the machine, cold is produced using the cooling medium water which is evaporated at very low pressures of about 10mbar. In this way, the inlet
of the cafeteria kitchen is cooled. The heat generated in this cooling process is transferred to the ground via the earth probes. For the case when the solar radiation is not
sufficient, the heating network provides additional driving heat in order to maintain the cooling operation.
During winter the adsorption machine functions as a heat pump
During winter operation, the ground heat from the earth probes is brought up to the necessary temperature level with the help of the adsorption machine, which now functions as a heat
pump. "Our first measurements show that the system has a large potential for providing sustainable cooling energy", says Dr. Tomas Núñez, project leader at Fraunhofer ISE. "About 60 %
of the required driving energy is supplied by the solar thermal system." Further positive effects for the energy balance are that the electrical consumption for the pumps and the
chiller amount to only one tenth of the cooling energy supplied by the machine.
Simple integration into solar systems
Walter Mittelbach, managing director of SorTech AG is pleased about the successful product development: "Through the cooperation with Fraunhofer ISE, we were able to test our prototype
system under real conditions and have the system professionally measured by specialists. The results from the project work with the Freiburg researchers were incorporated into the
development of our first product generation ready forthe market ACS 08. Since the beginning of 2008, this machine is being sold and in comparison to its predecessor ACS 05 has one-third
increase in cooling power by a 25% decrease in volume. A further advantage of the new chiller, as highlighted by SorTech, is the simpler integration into solar systems. The reason for
this is an optimally designed heat rejection unit (RCS 08) which enables an integrated control. "Due to the lower driving temperature from 60°C, the system is very compatible with solar
cooling and district heating", explains Mittelbach, who with his company will have a stand at the Intersolar 2008 from 12-14 June in Munich, in order to introduce the new adsorption
chiller ACS/RCS 08 to the widerange of specialists attending.
Intersolar 2008, 12-14 June 2008; SorTech AG, Hall/Stand C1.119
2008-06-13 Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE
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Photovoltaic company MHH expands: Opening of MHH France in Toulouse
The photovoltaic systems company MHH based in Tübingen (Germany) enters the market in France, opening a branch office in Toulouse. With the founding of MHH France S.A.S, the company
purports to be reacting to the growing industry as it extends its market position into one of the most important European photovoltaic markets. Following the development of European
markets in Spain and Italy, another important solar market is opening in France. There are many good reasons to start harnessing the sun’s energy in France, including tax
incentives and an advantageous feed-in tariff. With the founding of MHH France S.A.S, the Tübingen photovoltaic systems company purports to be taking the first step toward Europewide
expansion.
Focus primarily on installation engineers
MHH Solartechnik GmbH will have a 90% stake in MHH France. The remaining 10% of the company will be held by Chairman Eric Roujolle, who brings 12 years of experience in photovoltaic
sales and marketing to the table. He has previously held positions worldwide: in Europe, the United States, and Japan. MHH France will focus sales primarily on installation engineers,
providing all relevant photovoltaic components: solar modules, inverters, and mounting systems, as well as a comprehensive range of accessories. "The experience of MHH Solartechnik in
Germany, combined with the know-how of Eric Roujolle in France, will give us a major competitive edge in the French photovoltaics market", assures Günter Haug, Managing Director of MHH
Solartechnik GmbH.
2008-06-13 Courtesy: MHH Solartechnik GmbH Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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Photovoltaics: Italian subsidiary of SOLON concludes famework agreement with Deutsche Bank for solar electric power plant Projects in Italy
SOLON S.p.A., the Italian subsidiary of Berlin-based SOLON AG (Germany), concluded a framework agreement with Deutsche Bank for the development and construction of solar power plants
in Italy. The agreement due to SOLON involves the development and construction of turnkey solar power plants with a total capacity of up to 150 MWp. The term of the agreement is from
2008 to 2010. The majority of the solar parks will be built in Southern Italy. Thanks to its favourable geographic conditions and an attractive feed-in compensation scheme for solar
energy, the Italian market is now the third most promising growth market in Europe after Germany and Spain. While according to the official Italian statistics, the total
capacity of photovoltaic systems installed in Italy has reached only 120 MWp so far, the scope of this agreement underscores the fact that the photovoltaic business in Italy is now
starting to pick up considerably, SOLON emphasizes in its press release.
The Italian photovoltaic company SOLON S.p.A. was founded in 1994 under the name S.E. Project s.r.l. and today is the largest solar module manufacturer in Italy. The company has more
than 100 employees in Italy. SOLON S.p.A. has been part of the SOLON Group since 2006.
2008-06-12 Courtesy: SOLON AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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aleo solar presents pure black high-performance solar modules at Intersolar 2008 in Munich
aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany) has chosen this year’s Intersolar in Munich to premiere its new pure black product range, featuring the solar modules aleo S_73 and
S_77. The new module types will be available exclusively in Germany and in performance categories ranging from 160 to 190 watts. The modules are characterized by their distinctive
visual appeal, aloe emphasizes: in combining a black Tedlar film with a black anodized aluminum frame, aleo solar has managed to create a pure black module that is capable of meeting
the highest aesthetic requirements. "Our aleo S_73 and S_77 modules represent the fusion of elegance with performance. The black aleo module is the perfect solution for those
of our customers who want to achieve maximum output while also focusing on the visual appeal”, explains Norbert Schlesiger, Sales Manager Germany for aleo solar AG.
peak efficiency rating of up to 14.0 percent
The solar modules are a perfect fit for any rooftop area. They are especially suited to enhancing the overall effect of rooftops finished with black tiles. aleo solar is using
monocrystalline black high-performance cells for the new module types, which means that the modules will possess a peak efficiency rating of up to 14.0 percent. A black Tedlar polyester
film guarantees a long useful life for the modules. The solar cells are embedded in EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) polymer, which is resistant to UV radiation. Stability for the solar
modules is provided by a 50 mm-wide frame, constructed from a corrosion-resistant, black anodized aluminum alloy. The front surface of the modules consists of a 3.2 mm wafer of
specialized glass that can protect the cells from even the harshest weather. Available in the sizes 1,600 x 800 mm (S_73) and 1,660 x 830 mm (S_77), the new solar modules offer
dimensions that are especially suitable for mounting work. The new module types are certified to IEC 61215 and protection class II. Deliveries to specialist dealers will start in
August.
2008-06-12 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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USA: Ironwood State Prison activates 1.18 Megawatt Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant
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PV system at Ironwood State Prison.
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Ironwood State Prison (Ironwood; California) and SunEdison at the end of May 2008 announced the activation of a new 1.18 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted photovoltaic solar power system.
The photovoltaic system, which will deliver 2.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean renewable energy in the first year of operation, was deployed through an innovative public-private
partnership between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider. Under a solar power
services agreement (SPSA) SunEdison financed, constructed and will operate the solar energy system. The CDCR avoids all upfront capital costs and will purchase the solar
energy at predictable prices equal to or less than current retail rates. The solar system will produce no greenhouse gases, no noise and will use little to no water in operation.
Zero-emission solar energy system will produce more than 43 million kWh of solar energy over twenty years of operation
Activation of the zero-emission solar energy system is a major step for Ironwood in meeting the CDCR’s energy management goals as well as Governor Schwarzenegger’s Executive
Order S-20-04. The order mandates that State agencies evaluate the merits of using clean and renewable on-site energy generation technologies in all new building or large renovation
projects, and take measures to reduce grid-based energy purchases for state-owned buildings by 20 percent by 2015, through cost-effective efficiency measures and distributed generation
technologies. Over twenty years of operation, the Ironwood system will produce more than 43 million kWh of solar energy, the equivalent to powering 4,107 homes and removing 3,770 cars
off the road annually.
6,200 PV panels utilizing the greatest natural resource: the sun
Harry Franey, Chief of Energy Management and Sustainability Section for CDCR, described the project: "This system at Ironwood has more than 6,200 PV panels that utilize the sun, our
greatest natural resource. Plus, they require little to no water to operate, which makes PV a perfect solar technology for this region. In the first year, the system will produce more
than 2.4 million kilowatt hours of clean renewable solar energy. That has an immediate beneficial impact upon our environment."
In June 2006, SunEdison activated a 1.16 MW solar power system at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison. The PV system at Chuckawalla has produced more than 3.7 million kWh since commercial
activation. Over 20 years of production, the system will offset 31,627,817 lbs of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of removing 3,100 cars from the road. It will produce 35,981,589 kWh
over 20 years, the equivalent of powering 3,377 homes.
2008-06-11 Courtesy: Sun Edison LLC Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ironwood State Prison
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ARISE Technologies: Official Opening of PV Cell Plant in Germany
ARISE Technologies Corporation (Waterloo, Ontario) which is dedicated to becoming a leader in high-performance, cost-effective solar technology, on May 27th 2008 announced the
official opening of its PV (photovoltaic) cell manufacturing plant in Bischofswerda, Germany on Friday, June 6th. "This official opening will give us the opportunity to thank our
partners who helped make possible the achievement of bringing this PV cell manufacturing plant from concept to production in the remarkably short time of only 16 months", said Sjouke
Zijlstra, vice-president and general manager ARISE Technologies Deutschland GmbH.
Ramping up the production on Line 1 to the planned annual rate of 35MW
"Since beginning production on April 17, we have been ramping up our production on Line 1 at the plant to the planned annual rate of 35MW, have moved ahead with preparations to bring
Line 2 into production in the first quarter of next year to increase the plant’s capacity to 80MW annually, and have begun the planning needed to add a third line in this
building", Mr. Zijlstra added. "We are expecting a number of dignitaries to join us in marking this milestone achievement for ARISE, including Stanislaw Tillich, the Minister-President
of the State of Saxony; Andreas Erler, the mayor of Bischofswerda; Paul Dubois, the Canadian Ambassador to Germany; and others", he continued.
2008-06-06 Courtesy: ARISE Technologies Corporation Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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ersol Thin Film signs PV module supply contract with Ralos Vertriebs GmbH
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Ralos PV solar roof (5 MW) in Bürstadt;
Germany.
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ersol Thin Film GmbH (ersol Thin Film), a subsidiary of ersol Solar Energy AG, on June 3rd 2008 signed a contract with Ralos Vertriebs GmbH (Ralos) for the supply of about 40 MWp
thin-film modules. Amorphous thin-film modules are to be supplied to the German solar distributor over a period of three years from 2008, ersol Thin Film reports in a press release. "We
were impressed by the quality of ersol's thin-film modules. They are ideally suited to our open space systems," says Günter Schölzl, General Manager of Ralos Vertriebs GmbH. Ralos
Vertriebs GmbH develops, plans and markets photovoltaics projects throughout Europe and is one of the leading systems houses in the complete photovoltaic plant sector.
Ersol: Further important contracts in the offing
"In Ralos we have found a highly experienced photovoltaics partner who specialises, amongst other things, in large open spaces and roof systems. We look forward to the cooperation. The
ersol Group was already familiar with Ralos as a reliable and competent partner through major projects with ersol trading subsidiary aimex-solar GmbH. The signing of the contract marks
a new dimension in our relationship," says Peter Schneidewind, Board Member of ersol Solar Energy AG responsible for the thin-film activities. Further important contracts related to
thin film modules activities are in the offing, as ersol Thin Film GmbH is currently engaged in promising negotiations with potential customers, the company emphasizes in its press
release.
2008-06-06 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ralos Vertriebs GmbH
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European Photovoltaic Technology Platform to present its views on Strategic Energy Technology Plan
After three years of activity on June 6th 2008 the European Photovoltaic Technology Platform will meet in Ljubljana for its 3rd General Assembly to assess results and provide
recommendations on the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan). European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potočnik will present the SET Plan in the closing
session of the General Assembly. The European Photovoltaic Technology Platform was launched in July 2005 after the adoption of a vision report to 2030 setting long term goals for the
sector. Since then the platform has been working on the development of action plans in areas where cooperation between the different stakeholders of the sector are key to ensure
Europe’s leadership in the long term. In particular as first key result it published last year its Strategic Research Agenda, agreed commonly by the photovoltaic sector.
Solar Europe Initiative proposed in the SET Plan
Further to the presentation by the European Commission of the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) last 22 November 2007, the Platform will present the views of the industry on
the Solar Europe Initiative proposed in the SET Plan. The closing speech of Commissioner Potočnik is very much awaited as the sector is hoping a lot from this major initiative for
future European research activities.
The third General Assembly takes place in a time when Slovenia has the presidency of the EU council. Slovenia has a high potential for the development of photovoltaics given good
irradiation conditions and a favourable feed-in tariff scheme. This assembly will be the occasion to call on Slovenian authorities to improve this framework to see a rapid market take
off.
The 3rd General Assembly will take place on Friday, 6 June 2008 from 9:00 to 16:30 at the Culture and Congress Center Cankarjev Dom, Ljubljana – Slovenia. The last session from
15h30 until 16h30, during the allocution of Commissioner Potočnik, is open to the large public.
More information: Research Agenda provides a Vision for European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Technology and: http://www.eupvplatform.org/index.php?id=82
2008-06-05 Courtesy: European PV Technology Platform Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: European Photovoltaic Technology Platform
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PV producer ersol: workforce passes the thousand mark
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Stefanie Fritsch, 1.000th employee of ersol.
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ersol Solar Energy AG (ersol; Erfurt, Germany) on June 3rd 2008 welcomed Stefanie Fritsch as its 1,000th employee. Fritsch (24), who recently completed a vocational retraining course
as a specialist for silicon, ingot and wafer production at the local IWM (Gesellschaft für Internationale Wirtschaftsförderung & Management mbH, Erfurt) training facility, will be
working in the department for cleaning, inspection and packaging of wafers in the Wafers segment. "The increase in size of the ersol workforce to 1,000 is an impressive token of our
immense growth. We will continue to recruit many highly qualified employees and engineers to ensure the continued rapid expansion of production capacities of the whole ersol Group in
future," Dr. Claus Beneking, CEO of ersol Solar Energy AG, explains the future personnel development at ersol. Provided the amended Renewable Energy Act (EEG) guarantees
acceptable general conditions for the photovoltaics industry, the recruitment of a further 1,000 employees is proposed in Germany by the end of 2010.
Stefanie Fritsch was able to acquaint herself with her new colleagues and future place of work during the practical phase of her vocational retraining. The tenmember team at ersol
subsidiary ASi Industries GmbH, to which Stefanie Fritsch now belongs, is responsible for the smooth flow of cleaning, inspection and packaging stages in the wafer factory. "I'm really
looking forward to my new work. My retraining has enabled me to find excellent job in a future-oriented industry in my home region and in a renowned photovoltaics company. Modern
production, new colleagues: I find that all very exciting," was her enthusiastic comment on her first day of work at the Arnstadt production plant for silicon slices, the primary
product for solar cells.
Microtechnologists and mechatronics engineers primarily sought
Specially trained employees are being sought for the new production facilities. Sabina von Thuemmler, Head of Human Resources at ersol Solar Energy AG, describes the prerequisites that
applicants for the numerous vacancies at ersol should have: "As a photovoltaics specialist ersol is primarily seeking microtechnologists and mechatronics engineers. But our doors are
also wide open to school leavers who are enthusiastic about technology and wish to undertake training in photovoltaics. They should, however, have good skills in mathematics, physics
and chemistry."
By the end of 2012 ersol is proposing to make further major investments. The planned threefold increase in capacities in crystalline photovoltaics and expansion of the thin-film module
activities will result in enormous manpower requirements. In order to secure this skilled manpower for the future, ersol recently signed a service agreement with the German Federal
Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, BA). For this purpose promising candidates from the Thuringia region will be selectively trained for the needs of the ersol Group with the
support of local educational institutions.
2008-06-04 Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG
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SunPower completes two photovoltaic solar power plants in Spain
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SunPower Plant "Isla Mayor", Spain, 8.4 MW.
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SunPower Corp. (SAN JOSE, Calif), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, on May 29th 2008 announced the completion of two solar-electric power
plants in Spain, totaling 8.7 megawatts. The two plants, located in Llerena and Lebrija, were developed by Solarpack, a Spanish company specializing in renewable energy development,
investment, consulting and services. Solarpack hosted ceremonies dedicating the two power plants this week. The solar power plant constructed by SunPower in Llerena is 4.8 megawatts;
the plant in Lebrija is 3.9 megawatts. In Spain, SunPower has completed or has signed contracts to deliver solar power plants totaling more than 100 megawatts. "SunPower's
innovative sun tracking technology and solar power plant experience was key to meeting our cost, schedule and energy delivery goals at these sites", said Jose Galindez, chairman of
Solarpack. "This region of Spain has great potential for the renewable energy sector, and we are proud to be generating clean, emission-free solar power for these communities", he
continued.
Solar Tracker reduces costs and raises solar yield
For these projects, SunPower used its proprietary SunPower-Tracker technology, which follows the sun during the day, and delivers significantly more energy than traditional fixed-tilt
systems. "We utilized our industry-leading SunPower Tracker technology at both of the power plant sites, maximizing energy output, while optimizing land use and reducing related costs",
said Marco Antonio Northland, general manager of SunPower's European operations. "We are pleased that the Spanish market continues its rapid adoption of solar power, and that Solarpack
chose SunPower to provide innovative turnkey solar solutions."
Spanish Supermarket Bon Preu Esclat Powered by SunPower Solar Systems
Solar Roof Tiles for Bon Preu Esclat Stores
On June 2nd 2008 SunPower also announced solar electric power systems totaling 132 kilowatts have been installed on the rooftops of two "Bon Preu Esclat" stores located outside of
Barcelona, Spain. SunPower dealer SUD Energies Renovables, S.L. of Vic (Barcelona) installed the systems, and reports that they are working with the supermarket chain to install
SunPower solar power systems on additional Bon Preu Esclat stores over the next three years. A Bon Preu Esclat store in Piera, Spain received a 55-kilowatt SunPower system, and a
77-kilowatt solar system has been installed atop the Bon Preu Esclat store in Valls. At these locations, SUD Energies Renovables installed SunPower(R) T10 Solar Roof Tiles, which are
tilted at a 10-degree angle to increase energy capture, and SunPower(R) 210 solar panels. SunPower panels are up to 50 percent more efficient than conventional panels and up to 100
percent more efficient than thin-film solar panels. These installations for Bon Preu Esclat due to SunPower represent the first set of solar systems in Spain using the SunPower T10
product on a commercial rooftop. In the U.S., the T10 product has been installed on commercial rooftop systems for SunPower customers such as FedEx, Wal-Mart Stores and Microsoft.
2008-06-04 Courtesy: SunPower Corporation Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corp.
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Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems and MIT establish research center for renewable energy
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German Foreign Minister Steinmeier, MIT
President Hockfield, Eicke R. Weber, ISE.
(.f.l.t.r.)
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The research scientists of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE will in future be working in close cooperation with the scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology MIT. The new Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems is located in the immediate vicinity of the MIT campus. The Americans are still the world champions
in energy consumption, but global warming is causing people to change their way of thinking in the USA too. At renowned universities like MIT in Cambridge, research scientists are
working intensively on new concepts to increase energy efficiency, save energy and harness renewable energy sources. Their aim is not just to develop new technologies, but also to
implement existing technical solutions as marketable products - for example energy-saving houses and cost-efficient solar energy systems. "MIT will cooperate closely with Fraunhofer in
this field", explains Professor Hans-Jörg Bullinger, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. "The new cooperation proves that our know-how is highly appreciated by elite American
universities."
To create mechanisms which will support dynamic growth in solar energy
Alternative energy and energy-saving techniques have so far been a niche market in the USA, but in the opinion of Prof. Eicke R. Weber, Head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy
Systems ISE in Freiburg, that is about to change. "Up to now the market for solar energy has been disproportionately low in the USA. In our work with the research scientists at MIT, we
would like to create mechanisms which will support dynamic growth in this area." The partners in the cooperation complement each other ideally: "ISE is one of the world’s leading
institutions in the field of energy efficiency and utilization of renewable energy, but our experience has been primarily focused in Europe. The economic and climatic conditions are
different in the USA, as are the standards and regulations, and we benefit from gathering this experience locally", states Prof. Roland Schindler, who has been appointed executive
director of the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems at MIT. "The laboratory will enable us to expand our portfolio and help German companies gain a foothold in the U.S.
market."
To advance the development of solar technology
Nolan Browne, Director of Business Development for Energy Sectors at the new Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy, believes that MIT will also benefit greatly from the cooperation:
"Our aim is to create a bridge between the research at MIT and successful commercialization." The auspices are good: Professor Tonio Buonassisi, the cooperation partner at MIT, was a
member of Prof. Eicke Weber’s former research team at UC Berkeley. The first research projects are already being prepared. "One of the key areas of work will be to advance the
development of solar technology," explains Browne. “We need cheaper components and a better output, because solar power generation will only be successful on the huge U.S. market
if it can compete economically." It will be necessary not only to improve conventional techniques but also to strike out on new paths. For example, smart circuits and software programs
could control and optimize the output of solar power modules, while new materials and processes could make production more economic. Simple assembly systems could reduce installation
costs.
Development and optimization of production processes for alternative energy technologies
Energy-efficient construction will be another major aspect of the new laboratory’s work. Here too, experts anticipate that demand in the USA will increase over the coming decades
in the wake of rising energy prices. "We have many years of experience in the fields of building construction and renovation which focus on thermal insulation, reducing electricity
consumption and saving heating costs", states Schindler. "But in this case too, our work has been mainly in Europe. In the USA we have the opportunity to become acquainted with and
adjust to climatic conditions which are quite different and also highly diverse." Activities at the new Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems CSE will also include the
development and optimization of production processes for alternative energy technologies - for example, fuel cells. The research scientists intend to test the functioning of newly
developed components with rapid prototyping and to reduce production costs using packaging technology. Collaborative projects are also planned with the neighboring Fraunhofer Center for
Manufacturing Innovation CMI, one of the six institutes already established by Fraunhofer USA. "If everyone contributes their specialist knowledge, we will create a win-win situation",
concludes Browne.
2008-06-03 Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE; Julia Zoghina.
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Bosch acquires stake majority of PV Producer ersol
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ersol solar cell production in Erfurt.
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Ventizz Capital Fund II LP (Wilmington/Delaware, USA) and its subsidiary Ventizz II Jersey Holding LP (Jersey, Channel Islands, Ventizz) have informed the Management Board of the
photovoltaic company ersol Solar Energy AG (ersol) that they have signed agreements with Robert Bosch GmbH (Bosch) regarding the sale of their holdings in ersol amounting to 50.45% of
the share capital. The purchase price for the shares immediately sold to Bosch and to be paid in cash, is € 546.4 million. This translates to a per-share price of € 101.0,
which is 63.3 % above the closing price of € 61.85 per share on Friday, 30 May 2008 and 68.3% above the weighted average price of ersol shares in XETRA and trading floor system
over the three months prior to the announcement of the transaction. The transaction is subject to the approval of the customary antitrust authorities. Ventizz, a private
equity fund that focuses on high-growth companies in the technology sector, acquired a holding in ersol in 2004 and finally became majority owner in 2005. "The Ventizz II fund has
supported ersol during the set-up and rapid expansion stages. After becoming a major and profitable solar producer over the past four years with a current production capacity of 180
MWp, the sale to a longterm oriented industrial partner is the best option for ersol and the fund investors," explains Dr. Helmut Vorndran, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ersol AG
and Management Board spokesman of Ventizz Capital Advisory AG, which has acted as a consultant to the fund for this transaction.
An excellent partner for the continued successful development of the photovoltaic company
As a result of the sale of the holdings by Ventizz to Bosch, the latter will be submitting a public offer for the remaining ersol shares. The Management Board of ersol AG welcomes the
proposed transaction and considers Bosch to be an excellent partner for the continued successful development of the Thuringian photovoltaic company. ersol will profit from Bosch’s
international position and expertise, which will enable it to open up new potential for itself. Bosch’s decision to realise its entry into the photovoltaics market with the
acquisition of ersol can be seen as a special recognition of the achievements of the company and its employees.
"I have no doubt that ersol will continue its successful path with the new majority shareholder. My fellow board members and I are looking forward to working together with Bosch", said
Dr Claus Beneking, CEO of ersol Solar Energy AG. Beneking will be retiring from the Management Board of ersol AG in the next few months. However, he will remain closely associated with
the company and continue to be available for some years as a consultant. "For personal reasons I myself will witness the new phase for only a short while as CEO. This is the right time
to hand over the management of the company to the next generation. I am proud to have accompanied and helped to shape its development from a small solar cell manufacturer to an
integrated photovoltaic group", explained Beneking at the announcement of the transaction.
2008-06-03 Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG
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Photovoltaic industry welcomes draft report on the future Directive on Renewable Energies
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"Solar Plus House" including PV and solar
thermal panels.
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The draft report by Rapporteur Claude Turmes on the EU Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources largely meets the European photovoltaic industry
expectations, in particular with regard to the safeguarding of successful national support schemes, such as feed-in tariffs, the European photovoltaic industry association EPIA reports
in a press release. The proposal for a Directive on the use of energy from renewable sources was presented by the European Commission on January 23rd 2008. On May 28th 2008 the
Industry, Transport and Energy committee of the European Parliament (ITRE) debated the draft report published one week ago by Claude Turmes, Rapporteur on the Directive, for the first
time. The draft even goes beyond the recommendations that EPIA had formulated on certain aspects. EPIA recommended in particular that provisions on the transfer of Guarantees
of Origin should be clarified in order to be legally sound and safeguard existing successful support schemes such as feed-in tariffs. Enforcement procedures due to EPIA should be
strengthened in case of non-compliance by Member States to their national renewable-energy targets.
In his draft report, Turmes proposes the amendments which are in line with EPIA recommendations: Amongst others binding interim target and introduction of direct penalties for Member
States and more detailed national Renewable Energy Action Plans (RAPs). RAPs will facilitate benchmarking between Member States, EPIA emphasizes. Moreover Turmes proposes monitoring of
national efforts. The report proposes in particular the set-up of "one-stop shops" that will deal with all administrative procedures. This should significantly facilitate the deployment
of renewables.
Renewable energy obligations for Buildings; plus energy buildings to become the standard for new buildings by 2015 at the latest
The draft report even goes beyond the industry’s expectations with provisions including renewable energy obligations in buildings. For example, the Rapporteur proposes "plus
energy buildings" to become the standard for new buildings by 2015 at the latest. Furthermore stronger priority access to the grid for renewable rnergy producers is proposed. Access to
public and private financing for RES projects is facilitated. All of these elements are fully supported by EPIA. EPIA regrets that the Rapporteur did not propose to clarify provisions
regarding the certification of installers, especially by distinguishing certificatür jedeion from accreditation. EPIA also believes that the theoretical training for each technology
should be described more precisely.
The Directive is expected to be adopted by mid- 2009 at the latest. Discussions will now be held in the European Parliament and in the Council. The European photovoltaic industry
strongly invites the European Parliament and the Council to take on board the recommendations of Rapporteur Claude Turmes in the final Directive. The Directive will be the reference
legal framework for the renewables sector from 2010 onwards.
2008-06-02 Courtesy: European Photovoltaic Industry Association EPIA Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Das Baustudio
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