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Suntech and PV Crystalox Solar announce 260 MW wafer supply agreement
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Multicrystalline blocks inside a wire saw.
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Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi, China), one of the world’s leading manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, and PV Crystalox Solar PLC ("Crystalox"), a
specialist multicrystalline solar wafer manufacturer, on July 31st announced they have signed an initial five-year silicon wafer supply agreement with predetermined prices and volumes.
Under the agreement, PV Crystalox Solar will supply Suntech with a total of 260 MW of silicon wafers from 2008 to 2013. Headquartered in Oxfordshire (England) Crystalox is a highly
specialized wafer supplier to the world’s leading solar cell manufacturers. The Group was one of the first to develop multicrystalline technology on an industrial scale, setting
the industry standard for ingot production. Crystalox is currently developing a 1,800 MT solar grade polysilicon production facility in Germany.
Strong demand outlook for 2009, emergence of high potential solar markets in Europe expected
"PV Crystalox Solar is well recognized for its expertise in the production of silicon wafers, and we are very pleased to initiate this relationship. Aside from silicon, many of
Suntech’s key equipment and materials originate in Europe including PV cell and module manufacturing equipment, module backsheets and adhesives. This global sourcing strategy is
reflective of our complete commitment to quality and supports our ability to deliver premium quality solar products", said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech’s Chairman and CEO. With a
strong demand outlook for 2009, the emergence of a number of high potential solar markets in Europe, and growing sentiment supporting the need for renewable energy, we are confident
that the solar industry will sustain long term growth. We will continue to develop and diversify our silicon channels to ensure we have a stable base of raw material supply to support
this industry growth", added Dr. Shi.
PV Crystalox Solar Chief Executive Officer Iain Dorrity said: "We are delighted to be working with Suntech. This new relationship with one of the world’s leading solar energy
companies is an important step in securing additional long-term supply agreements for PV Crystalox Solar in line with our strategy for growth."
2008-07-31 Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PV Crystalox Solar PLC
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Tough and attractive: A new PV module frame from Kyocera
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KD135GH-2PU;
maximum surface
load: 5,400 N/m².
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Kyocera is introducing a new frame for PV modules at an exhibition being held from September 1st to 4th in conjunction with the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (EU
PVSEC 2008) in Valencia (Spain). The Japanese photovoltaic manufacturer's highlight for this year's exhibition is a photovoltaic panel with a maximum surface load of 5,400 N/m² - far
greater than the required minimum. Visitors of the world's largest solar energy congress can also find more innovations at Kyocera Stand 1/C4 in Hall 1. The Who is Who of the
photovoltaic industry will be meeting in Valencia at the beginning of September to discuss the latest developments in research, technology, industry and politics. Kyocera is also
presenting of one of its newest products, the KD135GH-2PU, the successor of KC130GH-2P. Its main attraction is a the frame that meets the enhanced testing standard IEC 61215 ed. 2. With
a maximum surface load of 5,400 N/m², it greatly exceeds the norm of 2,400 N/m² required by the standard. This means improved safety for the entire photovoltaic system during
extreme weather conditions such has heavy loads of snow, the producer emphasizes.
In addition, the new frame is looking good: Black anodised aluminium makes the design visually appealing. Starting in 2009, it will be introduced on all modules for network-coupled
applications ranging from 130W to 210W.
Kyocera Solar in Europe
Kyocera started its solar energy business in 1975. Seven years later, in 1982, the company became the first to introduce series production of multi-crystalline solar cells. A casting
process was used that has today become the industry standard for the manufacture of solar cells. In 1983, Kyocera supplied the first solar modules to Europe. Today, the company belongs
to a select group of integrated manufacturers, whose process chain begins with the purchase of silicon. In recent years, the company has increased investment in researched aimed at
further improvements in quality. Thanks to continued development of the production process, which is also highly automated, polycrystalline Kyocera modules guarantee solar energy
systems with extremely high annual energy yields. All the modules are certified by TÜV Rheinland according to IEC 61215 ed. 2 and IEC 61730. In addition, the technology enterprise has
different suppliers and, as a result, has secured a stable supply of the raw material silicon, Kyocera emphasizes in a press release. It is therefore planning to triple production up to
500 megawatts by the end of 2011.
2008-07-31 Courtesy: Kyocera Solar Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Kyocera Solar
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Beck Energy and Renewagy A/S enter into an agreement for the construction of a solar power plant with an overall capacity of 8.5 MWp
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Beck Energy solar power plants use innovative
thin film technology by First Solar.
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Renewagy A/S and Beck Energy signed a general contractor agreement about for the construction of a solar power plant in Eckolstädt near Jena (Germany). With a nominal capacity of
more than 8.5 megawatt (MWp) the facility will be one of the largest of its kind in Germany and resembles the cornerstone for a further strategic partnership of the two companies, Beck
Energy reports in a press release. A corresponding framework agreement for the next project is already being planned. The Renewagy 7th solar project company is part of the stock-listed
Renewagy A/S (Denmark) and is specialized in long term investments in the sector of renewable energies. With its commitment focussing in past years on the field of wind energy, Renewagy
A/S had been expanding its targets for a long time to the production of solar power. "We highly value capital investments with long term and above all safe returns from the
environmentally sound production of energy. Photovoltaics meet exactly these requirements. However for this kind of extensive projects we must depend on solid project planning as well
as realization through such reliable and trustworthy partners as we have found with Beck Energy", states Dr. Alexandra von Bernstorff, Chief Executive Director of Renewagy A/S.
110,000 thin layer PV modules to produce 8 gigawatt hours of solar electricity
In the valley of the Saale River, more than 110,000 FS thin layer PV modules in an area of almost the size of 50 football fields will have a peak capacity of more than 8.5 MWp, whereas
the innovative structure of the base construction leaves more than 90 % of the vegetation untouched. Annually more than 8 gigawatt hours of solar electric energy will be produced,
enough for around 2,500 households. In comparison to the production of energy from fossil fuels, annually more than 6,000 tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) are
avoided.
Proven thin film technology guarantees high yields
"Our continuous process improvement in the areas of project development and realization definitely strengthens our competitive advantage. The use of proven First Solar thin film
technology guarantees consistent high yields for our projects", confirms Martin Zembsch, CEO of Beck Energy GmbH. "Photovoltaic power plants offer a series of advantages compared with
solar-thermal and coal power plants as well as other common technologies. They have lower requirements for the specific conditions at a location, need considerably shorter planning and
implementation times and are scalable to very high degree. The new generation of Beck Energy solar power plants will again significantly improve the profitability, thus opening up
possibilities for the production and supply of environmentally sound and inexpensive energy to other customers, such as communal providers and power supply companies in addition to the
DKA", Zembsch adds.
2008-07-30 Courtesy: Beck Energy GmbH Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: www.firstsolar.com
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First Solar to Build 10 MW turnkey Solar PV Power Plant for Sempra Generation
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PV modules by First Solar
at Mombach, Germany
(580 kW;
juwi Holding AG).
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First Solar, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) announced on July 24th 2008 that it will build a 10 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) power plant for Sempra Generation (San Diego) near Boulder City
(Nevada). First Solar will design, engineer and construct the turnkey PV power plant and will provide monitoring and maintenance services for the plant over its lifetime. Sempra
Generation will be the developer for the project, and will own and operate the PV power plant once completed. Construction due to First Solar began in July, and the 10 MW PV power plant
is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. The solar modules to be deployed in this ground-mount project will be produced at First Solar's manufacturing facility in Perrysburg,
Ohio. "Sempra Generation has a proven track record for successful energy resource development and we are pleased to work with them to bring additional renewable
electric.
Solar power for customers in California and the Western United States
The 10 MW PV power plant will be adjacent to Sempra Generation's existing El Dorado combined cycle natural gas plant. By co-locating this new PV power plant with existing infrastructure
and the associated interconnection and transmission facilities, Sempra Generation will maximize their land and transmission. As a result, the impact to the immediate environment is
minimal and the project completion timeline will be shorter. The PV power plant will serve customers in California and the Western United States. "This new solar project is another step
in Sempra Generation's long-range plan to emerge as a leading renewable-energy developer", said Michael W. Allman, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation. "The
combination of Sempra Generation's experience in developing power-generation projects in the region with First Solar's expertise in advanced, thin-film photovoltaic solutions is a
natural fit."
First Solar to ship 420 to 460 MW in 2008
First Solar is the cost leader in the solar PV industry, driven by an advanced thin film semiconductor manufacturing process. At the end of 2007, over 300 MW of First Solar PV modules
had been installed worldwide and First Solar expects to ship 420 to 460 MW of PV modules in 2008. Together with its project partners, First Solar modules have been deployed in several
of the largest ground and rooftop PV power plants in the world.
2008-07-28 Courtesy: First Solar, Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: juwi Group
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Worldwatch Institute: Solar Power Sizzles
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Suntech factory: China sixfolds PV production
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Global production of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells increased 51 percent in 2007, to 3,733 megawatts, according to the latest Vital Signs Update from the Worldwatch Institute
(Washington, D.C.) produced in collaboration with the Prometheus Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts. More than 2,935 megawatts (MW) of solar modules were installed in 2007, according
to early estimates, bringing cumulative global installations of PV since 1996 to more than 9,740 MW - enough to meet the annual electricity demand of more than 3 million homes in
Europe. "Thanks to strong, smart policies in countries like Germany and Spain, the PV industry is making great strides in efficiency and cost, bringing solar power closer to price
parity with fossil fuels," says Janet Sawin, Worldwatch Senior Researcher and author of the update.
Solar cell manufacturing in Europe reached estimated 1,063 MW in 2007
Over the past year, Europe - led by Germany - surpassed Japan to lead the world in solar cell manufacturing, producing an estimated 1,063 MW in 2007. Thanks to government policies that
guarantee high payments for solar power fed into the electric grid, Germany remains the world leader in solar PV installations, accounting for almost half the world total in 2007. About
40,000 people are now employed in the PV industry in Germany. Spain ranked second after Germany for total installations in 2007, but accounts for only an estimated 3 percent of global
production. As in Germany, the Spanish market is being driven by a strong guaranteed price for PV electricity. Despite a dramatic increase in solar cell production in the United States,
up 48 percent to 266 MW, the nation's share of global production and installations continued to fall in 2007.
China increased PV production more than sixfold
In contrast, China raced past the United States for PV cell manufacturing in 2006 to place third globally, and it now ranks second only to Japan for national production. Over the past
two years, China's PV production has increased more than sixfold, to 820 MW in 2007. Despite these impressive numbers, the domestic market remains small and most PV cells made in China
are exported to Europe. "With billions of dollars invested in the solar energy technologies in the last 12 months, the PV sector is primed for accelerating its impact in both
centralized and distributed generation at increasingly competitive costs", says Travis Bradford, President of the Prometheus Institute. "As it reaches widespread cost parity in the next
few years, demand will flourish in many places around the world simultaneously", he added.
Analysts expect dramatic price drops
Solar PV prices due to Worldwatch declined slightly in 2007, with even greater reductions held back by the hot pace of demand and a continued shortage of polysilicon, an essential
ingredient for conventional solar cells. Analysts expect much more dramatic price drops-perhaps as much as 50 percent in the next two years-as more polysilicon becomes available,
production and installation are further scaled up, manufacturing efficiencies increase, and more advanced technologies are introduced. As a result, solar electricity could soon be a
competitive alternative to conventional retail power in many regions, including California and southern Europe.
According to Sawin, "PV and other renewables offer significant potential to meet global energy needs while addressing climate change, enhancing energy security, and creating jobs.
Scaling up renewables is primarily a matter of political will and enacting strong, consistent policies that create demand."
Further information: Another Sunny Year for Solar Power
2008-07-27 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech
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European Union to reduce electrical appliance stand-by energy consumption
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First choice up to now: extension lead to
shut down stand-by products.
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The EU member states agreed on July 7th 2008 on the Commission's proposal to reduce electrical appliance stand-by energy consumption. All household and office equipment sold in
Europe will be included in this measure. This provision of the European Union is the first legal act concerning products within the Eco-design Directive. It is a substantial
contribution to energy efficiency, climate protection and consumption cost reduction. Manufacturers declare that their products meet all valid European regulations by use of the CE
symbol. The German BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing has contributed to developing the new ordinance since mid-2007. If the European Union parliament agrees, a
compulsory maximum value of one watt will apply to off-mode or stand-by power consumption of devices from about 2010.
Annual electricity production of three modern nuclear power plants could be saved
Three years later the limiting value will be halved. Thus these energy losses should be reduced in the European Union by nearly 75 %, i.e. 35 terawatt hours per year by 2020. This
saving corresponds to the 1.3-fold of German power generation from wind in 2005 or the annual electricity production of three modern nuclear power plants. The EU Commission plans
further ordinances to reduce the environmental impact by PCs, monitors, printers, scanners and copiers, television sets, freezers and deep freezers, dishwashers, washing machines and
tumble dryers as well as water heaters and boilers. These devices offer great potential for energy saving, without limiting their function if this objective is considered at the design
phase.
The Eco-design Directive is implemented by the Energy-using Products Act (Energiebetriebene-Produkte-Gesetz, EBPG) into German law. The EBPG entered into force on 7 March 2008. In it,
BAM is designated as the commissioned body and represents Germany, together with the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) as well as the Ministries of Economics and Environment, in the
development of eco-design regulations vis-à-vis the European Union.
The international congress "Electronics Goes Green 2008" deals with topics in connection with the Eco-design Directive. Dr. Floris Akkerman, a BAM expert, will report on the first
experience in Germany at the congress. The congress is accompanied by a fair area. The Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology and BAM will operate a common exhibition stand.
"Electronics Goes Green 2008" will take place in Berlin from 7 to 10 September 2008.
2008-07-27 Courtesy: BAM Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: BMU
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German Fraunhofer ISE achieves new world record efficiency for fluorescent collectors - New Ways to Generate Electricity from Solar Cells
With an electrical efficiency of 6.7%, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE set a new world record for fluorescent collectors. Colored plates filter out part of the
sunlight and redirect it to solar cells mounted on the plate edge. Fluorescent collectors have been developed by the researchers at Fraunhofer ISE as early as the 1980s. Now using new
materials and techniques, improvements in the economic viability of the product are anticipated. "First now, solar cells exist which have the high efficiencies needed", says Jan
Christoph Goldschmidt, project leader at Fraunhofer ISE. "For some time now, we have again begun investigations on fluorescent collectors and performed experiments that show our
calculations are correct."
For their experiments, the scientists at Fraunhofer ISE used over 20 year old fluorescent collectors on PMMA basis. A 2 x 2 cm² high stack made up of one red and one yellow fluorescent
collector was exposed to direct sunlight. Mounted on the plate edges, 4.8 cm² gallium indium phosphide (GaInP) solar cells convert the redirected sunlight into electricity. 6.7% of the
sunlight incident on the stacked plates was converted into electricity. For practical applications, the area of the fluorescent collectors must be increased considerably in order that
it is larger than the solar cell area. First then, will the system be economically profitable. The further development is already in progress: "The largest loss factor up to now is due
to the loss cone", explains Goldschmidt. "Over 25% of the light converted by the dye was lost through the surface of the plates. For larger systems this loss is still greater. In
another experiment using a much greater collector area, we were able to increase the efficiency by 20% by employing novel filter layers with photonic structures. With only one plate, we
achieve an efficiency of over 3% - even with a solar cell area amounting to one twentieth of the collector area. Next, we will combine both concepts - a stack made up of several colors
and photonic structures – into one system."
Fraunhofer ISE holds back their expectations that their technology will ready in the short-term to produce electricity on a large scale. The researchers are, however, confident that the
new technology can be used, for example, in facades and windows to simultaneously generate electricity.
Before practical applications are possible, however, comprehensive development work is still necessary. Back in 1976, Prof. Adolf Goetzberger formulated the basic idea of the
fluorescent collectors: Sunlight is collected on large area plates. In the plate it is then converted by a fluorescent dye and transported by total internal reflection to solar cells
mounted on the plate edges. When the edge area is smaller than the surface area of the plates, then the sunlight can be concentrated. As a result, fewer of the costly solar cells are
needed, as compared to if the entire surface area of the plate were to be covered.
2008-07-24 Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE
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Hoku Solar and Suntech Power complete solar installation for one of Hawaii’s largest beverage distributors
Hoku Solar, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoku Scientific, Inc. (Kapolei; Hawaii,) and designer, engineer and installer of photovoltaic (PV) power systems, and Suntech Power
Holdings Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, on July 22nd 2008 announced the completion of a 254-kilowatt PV solar
power system at the Oahu warehouse and distribution headquarters of Paradise Beverages, Inc. The system uses more than 1,540 individual Suntech modules to produce an estimated 525,000
kilowatt-hours of clean solar power each year. It is the third of three solar projects totaling 358kw of power the Hoku-Suntech team have implemented for Paradise
Beverages.
Solar-grade polysilicon by Hoku - Modules by Suntech
Hoku Scientific and Suntech work together at multiple points in the solar supply chain. In Hawaii, Hoku deploys Suntech modules for many of its commercial installations, while Suntech
has engaged Hoku to supply it with solar-grade polysilicon from its planned production facility in Pocatello, Idaho. "This was another successful project for Hoku Solar and a great
example of our partnership-driven approach", said Dustin Shindo, chief executive officer of Hoku Scientific. "Not only was it Hoku’s largest PV installation to date, but it was an
opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Suntech. Hoku takes pride in its partnership-driven approach and is pleased to be able to leverage our global solar industry partnerships
for the benefit of our clients here at home."
Hawaii is an ideal location to generate solar electricity
"These installations are among the first large-scale deployments of Suntech solar modules in Hawaii", said Roger Efird, President of Suntech America. "With abundant sunlight, Hawaii is
an ideal location for generating solar energy and is already home to a quickly growing solar market. We are very pleased to be partnering with Hoku Solar to bring the benefits of solar
to the people of Hawaii and its beautiful environment."
2008-07-23 Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co.
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Members of the European Parliament advocating Barroso and Sarkozy in a letter to support solar energy production in the deserts
In a letter to the president of the European Comission, José Manuel Barroso, and the French president Nicolas Sarkozy more than two dozen members of the European Parliament are
pleading for the realisation of solar thermal power plants and a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) "supergrid" as described in the "DESERTEC" draft by the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable
Energy Cooperation (TREC). "We are writing to encourage you urgently to begin work on creating the new infrastructure Europe needs if we are to make a rapid shift to clean energy. It is
now possible to build an efficient high-voltage direct current (HVDC) 'supergrid' spanning the Europe-Mediterranean region. Such a grid would enable us to transmit energy over large
distances with very little loss in transmission. This in turn would enable us to generate renewable energy in the places where it is most abundant, and make it available to the whole
region", the parliamentarians wrote. Due to the DESERTEC idea Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East could feed in cheap, reliable and unlimited energy from solar
thermal power stations. Iceland, Italy and other areas could feed in geothermal energy. Areas rich in wind energy could provide a more steady supply, as the wind is always blowing in
parts of the region. To further ensure stability of supply, wind, wave and photovoltaic energy could be integrated with increased energy storage by pumping water into uphill reservoirs
in mountainous areas, as many countries already do.
"The urgent requirement to reduce CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, and the rising price of fossil fuels, mean that Europe will need to go far beyond the 20% renewables goal in the
years beyond 2020. A regional supergrid could make this much easier to achieve. The benefits of a steady expansion of renewables include job creation, enhanced energy security, and less
pollution" the members of the European Parliament emphasized.
The parliamentarians urge Barroso and Sarkozy to take two steps immediately:
1. Ensure that a strong "solar plan" is included in the initiative for a Mediterranean Union, including cross-Mediterranean transmission links and development of solar thermal power
stations in deserts and drylands to help meet the energy needs of people on all sides of the Mediterranean.
2. Initiate a European Commission study of options for implementation of a clean energy supergrid, including: (a) estimated costs and options for cost-sharing, (b) integration of solar,
wind, wave, hydro storage, geothermal and other technologies across the region to provide steady and reliable supply, (c) options for incentives to ensure the fastest development of
generating capacity in energy-rich areas as the supergrid is built, (d) long-term potential cost savings for the region from using energy sources where the fuel is free, and (e)
possible first steps towards implementation.
We believe this could become a flagship project for Europe’s leadership in the race to clean energy wrote Rebecca Harms, Dorette Corbey, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Satu Hassi, Anders
Wijkman, Graham Watson, Vittorio Prodi, Mechtild Rothe, Paulo Casaca, Claude Turmes, Giulietto Chiesa, Peter Olajos, David Hammerstein, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, Ana Gomes, Avril Doyle,
Matthias Groote, Monica Frassoni, Paul Rübig, Angelika Niebler, Robert Musacchio, Jo Leinen, Lena Ek, Peter Liese und Joseph Daul.
2008-07-22 Courtesy: TREC Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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German PV producer ersol to supply solar cells to system house IBC SOLAR AG
On July 17th 2008 ersol Solar Energy AG (ersol, Erfurt, Germany) signed a major contract with IBC SOLAR AG (Bad Staffelstein, Germany) for the supply of crystalline silicon solar
cells. From 2008 high-grade solar cells will be supplied to the system house IBC SOLAR over a period of 10 years, ersol reports in a press release. The contract due to ersol is worth
more than EUR half a billion. ersol is scheduled to receive downpayments from IBC SOLAR AG, which will later be credited to the German PV provider when the solar cells are purchased, in
the form of a purchase price reduction IBC SOLAR joined the ranks of ersol's major clients last summer. In June 2007 both solar companies concluded a contract to the value of
roughly EUR 230 million, scheduled to run for several years. The conclusion of this latest contract saw ersol increase its total order volume for solar cells to almost EUR 4
billion.
"We are delighted that we have been able to intensify our successful business relationship with IBC SOLAR. Now even more high-efficiency BluePower and BlackPower solar cells will be
fitted in IBC SOLAR's high quality photovoltaic modules," says ersol’s CEO Dr Claus Beneking. As one of the leading system integrators in the world in the field of complete
photovoltaic systems, IBC SOLAR AG will be using the modules both to meet the great demand from its established customers in Germany and also to further expand its international
business. "This new cell contract with ersol will help us to secure the long-term growth of our company. The photovoltaic modules equipped with ersol solar cells will also help us
expand our international business," says Udo Möhrstedt, CEO of IBC SOLAR, on signing the contract.
2008-07-18 Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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US PV producer EPV SOLAR signs framework agreement with German City Solar AG for 250 MW thin-film modules
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EPV panels in a 112 kW PV system
in Mannheim (Germany)
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EPV SOLAR Inc., a thin-film solar module manufacturer and photovoltaic systems provider headquartered in New Jersey, USA, on July 16th 2008 announced that it has entered into a long-
term solar module supply agreement with City Solar AG (Bad Kreuznach, Germany) City Solar is a tier-one international developer, installer and operator of large-scale photovoltaic power
plants. The framework agreement will allow City Solar to purchase 250 megawatts (MW) of amorphous silicon modules over a period of five years, EPV reports in a press release. City Solar
plans to use EPV modules to further execute its growth strategy in Europe. A first 2 MW project with EPV modules will be realized in Germany before the end of 2008. To meet
the project schedule, EPV SOLAR has already begun to ship against this contract from its New Jersey manufacturing facility. Later in the year, product will come from EPV SOLAR’s
new 30 MW/year thin-film PV products manufacturing facility in Senftenberg (Germany) which is scheduled to begin production in the fall of 2008.
Both companies are committed to the wide-scale adoption of solar energy. To date, City Solar has connected to the grid projects with capacity of more than 81 megawatts (MW), including a
20 MW installation in Beneixama (Spain), which is one of the world’s largest photovoltaic power plants. Steffen Kammler, CEO of City Solar, commented: "We have selected EPV SOLAR
as our commercial partner because of their reliable, low cost amorphous silicon technology. We are confident that EPV SOLAR’s PV modules will deliver exceptional performance and
value for our customers. City Solar looks forward to a long and prosperous relationship with EPV SOLAR and to expanding our partnership to include joint technology development and joint
marketing efforts in other parts of the world."
EPV SOLAR's CEO Massie: " lowest cost PV electricity in the world"
"We are very pleased with this strong endorsement by City Solar of our thin-film technology and products. This new contract validates our strategy of partnering with tier-one
integrators in Europe", stated Scott T. Massie, CEO of EPV SOLAR. "We are committed to providing thin-film PV modules that achieve the lowest cost PV electricity in the world. Our goal
is to help our customers achieve 'grid parity' on an accelerated time scale", Massie added.
Founded in 1991, EPV SOLAR is expanding its annual module manufacturing capacity to meet increased demand by its customers, including the demand under this contract. In addition to
factories in Lawrenceville and Robbinsville, (NJ, USA) NEPV SOLAR expects to begin production at its Senftenberg facility in the fall of 2008. EPV SOLAR employs a vertically integrated
model for the manufacturing of thin-film solar modules, using its internally designed production equipment and batch manufacturing process. EPV SOLAR believes it enables a total
installed system cost that is among the lowest in the industry.
2008-07-18 Courtesy: EPV SOLAR Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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Electricity grid is ready for large amounts of solar electricity
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BIPV at the Solar Info Center in Freiburg
(Germany).
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Within the scope of the European research project PVUPSCALE, researchers at the German Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Freiburg) have compiled two reports that
show how municipal electricity grids can accept large amounts of photovoltaic electricity. A working group of ten institutes from seven countries developed, in addition, a comprehensive
online-portal for the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in urban settlements and buildings, including a database with exemplary system: pvupscale.org. "The existing municipal
electricity grids can also accept greatly expanding amounts of solar electricity", says Hermann Laukamp from Fraunhofer ISE, project leader for the working group "Grid
Issues".
Attractive examples for building integrated photovoltaic systems
"The capacity of the grid for decentralized feed-in can be appreciably increased through non-investment-related measures", Laukamp emphasizes. Detailed information for energy industry
can be found in the reports entitled "Recommendations for utilities on PV system interconnection" and "Impact of photovoltaic generation on power quality in high PV density real estate
areas" located on the homepage of the project, which ended on 30 June 2008 after a two and half year duration. In addition to the grid connection, the European researchers investigated
three other topics: In a data bank, which includes the countries who participated in the project as well as other countries in the International Energy Agency (IEA), attractive examples
for building integrated photovoltaic systems are documented with photos. One working group investigated photovoltaics with respect to urban planning aspects while another group
concentrated on the economic aspects.
Capacity of the existing electricity grid can be increased without investments
Adjusting the low voltage transformers which supply electricity to the households within each district is one example of how the capacity of the existing electricity grid can be
increased without investments. Often, for example, the output voltage is set at 236V instead of 230V to allow for reserves. Today, however, photovoltaic systems bring local voltage
increases with them. If the maximum allowable value is exceeded due to these increases, then the system can not be connected. If the service technicians decrease the output voltage
setting by 1-2% during their routine maintenance rounds, then the problem is solved!, ISE emphasizes. When comparing different countries, the researchers found that the German energy
industry is more active and flexible with regard to solar electricity than many of their European colleagues. "Often strict regulations and bureaucracy stand in the way. In Germany,
photovoltaics already belongs to the standard repertoire of the energy industry2, says Laukamp.
"Where there is a large load, there is room for large amounts of solar energy"
The bottom line of the project is: When photovoltaics contributes, as aspired by politics, an increasingly larger fraction to the electricity supply grid, the grids in the urban areas
can accept the additional electricity. "Where there is a large load, there is room for large amounts of solar energy. In rural areas, there is still need for investigations", explains
Laukamp.
PV-UPSCALE
From 1 Jan. 2006 through 30 June 2008, the project PVUPSCALE was carried out to investigate the large-scale integration of photovoltaics in European cities. The project was sponsored by
the Intelligent Energy - Europe Programme of the European Union. Project partners from Germany included the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.
Free, detailed information for architects, planners, municipal communes and the energy industry can be found at: http://www.pvupscale.org.
2008-07-17 Courtesy: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Info Center
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Solar Millennium welcomes the solar energy plan of the newly-founded Union for the Mediterranean
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Skal-ET collector, in a parabolic
trough power plant in California.
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The EU's Mediterranean policy gained a new dynamic on Sunday July 13th with its newly-founded Mediterranean Union. With solar energy, the foundation conference has already set a
priority in its programme of working towards international cooperation between the EU and its southern Mediterranean neighbours. Solar Millennium AG (Erlangen) welcomes this goal of
international cooperation in expanding solar energy, and sees enormous potential for solar-thermal power plants. A total of 43 countries from Europe, Africa and the Middle
East with about 780 million inhabitants joined the Mediterranean Union in Paris on Sunday. The common goal is a closer cooperation between Europe and its Mediterranean neighbours in
North Africa and the Middle East. Building on its Mediterranean strategy to date (the so-called "Barcelona Process") the EU aims to make Mediterranean policy a central element of its
foreign policy. The aim is to go beyond the loose partnership of conferences to a "union of projects", stated Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Foreign Minister.
Huge potential for sustainable power generation from solar energy
In its closing statement, the Mediterranean Union clearly underpinned the necessity of using renewable energy resources. Its expansion is a crucial factor in achieving sustainable
development. As a result, a solar energy plan has been placed on the list of key projects alongside the expansion of traffic infrastructure, education, environmental and natural
disaster protection. The Mediterranean Solar Plan will be feasibility-tested, developed and created by the planned secretariat of the Mediterranean Union. Solar Millennium AG welcomes
this advancement of cooperation in the Mediterranean region: "The Mediterranean region offers huge potential for sustainable power generation from solar energy. Simultaneously, it is an
opportunity for all participating states to promote wealth and to secure energy resources and political stability, by expanding on future industry", says Christian Beltle, CEO of Solar
Millennium.
Less than 3% of the Sahara would be sufficient to cover worldwide power needs
Solar thermal power plants in the Mediterranean Region point the way forward when it comes to solving important future issues like climate-change, access to drinking water and energy
resources. "The technology is proven and is also suitable for the desalination of sea-water. Calculably, using solar power plants like these, less than 3% of the Sahara would be
sufficient to cover worldwide power needs", adds Beltle. Andasol 1, the parabolic trough power plant in Andalusia in southern Spain - the first of its kind in Europe which is to be
connected to the grid this year - conveys an impression of just how much potential for generating solar-thermal electricity lies in the sunny regions of the Earth. In operation, at a
maximum capacity of 50 megawatts per year, about 180 gigawatt-hours of electricity will be generated, supplying up to 200,000 people with electricity. Solar Millennium is involved in
the construction of further projects in Spain and Egypt.
DESERTEC Concept for Energy, Water and Climate Security
There is no lack of vision when it comes to cooperation in the Mediterranean Union: at the end of 2007, the white paper "Clean Power from Deserts - The DESERTEC Concept for Energy,
Water and Climate Security" was presented at the European Parliament in Brussels. The planned concept promotes the generation of electricity and its export to central Europe from the
sun-rich regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Based on studies by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), solar-thermal power plants could, by the middle of the century, generate
double the amount of power produced by wind, photovoltaics, biomass and geothermics combined. By then, renewable energies could largely replace fossil fuels. Approximately 15% of
Europe's electricity requirements could then be covered by importing solar energy from North Africa and the Middle East. However, the main priority is to provide these southern
countries with their own sustainable source of energy.
Solar electricity transport by high-voltage DC transmission
Dr. Henner Gladen, Technology Director (CTO) of Solar Millennium, explains the economic advantages of such international cooperation. "We could generate 3 times the amount of solar
energy in North Africa as here in Germany with the same investment sum. With adequate expansion of the power infrastructure, a mere 10% power-loss would take place on importing power to
central Europe, thanks to so-called "high-voltage DC transmission". Importing power makes sense for Europe, and cooperation in the Mediterranean region leads to economic development and
stability."
2008-07-16 Courtesy: Solar Millennium AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Millennium AG
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Lamination Day at Robert Bürkle GmbH confirms trend: PV panel production to get faster
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Multi-opening PV panel laminator "Ypsator".
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The solar sub-supplier sector is on the brink of new tasks: The constant request for long-living PV modules, always shorter cycle times in production as well as better flow
properties of the adhesive foils determine the trends. This is the result of the first Lamination Day that the German equipment manufacturer Bürkle has held on July 03rd 2008. What do
solar modules and the glass dome of the Bundestag in Berlin have in common? In both cases adhesive foils are used for joining the glass panes. And as the development of the safety foils
is very important for the photovoltaic industry, the manufacturers Kuraray and DuPont gave an idea of the corresponding product development. "The high oil price and the pertinent
concern of the raw material securing are in our mind", said Ralf Eschrich, sales manager at Kuraray Europe GmbH. And it makes no difference what kind of composite foil is used for the
glass panes of the solar modules. Both current plastics PVB (Polyvinylbutyrale) and EVA (Ethylenvinylacetate) are based on crude oil. At the moment the company is researching
for an ameliorated ventilation characteristics of the foils. And the company also wishes to modify the hygroscopic properties in order to give the foils a longer life. Nowadays module
manufacturers are demanded to give a warranty of 25 years.
The World's first multi-opening laminator comes from the Black Forest
A similar development is reported by the head of the European Activities, Mr. Michael Fehling, from the research laboratory of DuPont. The foils and accordingly the plastic plates of
the company should absorb less moisture too in the future. The manufacturer also works on optimizing the compound materials in such way that the same can be used for multiple production
processes and they also work on the UV resistance. The main focus is on the "good flow of the material in the lamination process". This enables the manufacturer to reach high cycle
times. But the more than 70 expert visitors also came to the Black Forest in order to test the first multi-opening laminator in the world live, the "Ypsator". Buyers, technicians and
engineers of, among others, the leading companies Ersol, Oerlikon and Schott-Solar, examined the 17m line in a yellow and grey paint coating. The laminator ejects up to ten modules per
cycle on 5 openings. "No matter if crystalline or thin film", explains the product manager Dagmar Metzger, "and also in half the time of the previously normal cycle". The total capacity
is with around 500,000 modules per year or an annual power capacity of 40 MWp.
Three-stage lamination process
"The advantages of the multi-opening laminator are in its process guiding and reproducibility", explains the development manager, Norbert Damm, in the production hall in Freudenstadt.
The three-stage process, the Ypsolar-Technology, is new. The concrete functioning is as follows: In the first step, the modules are prelaminated. This means that that the moisture and
air pockets are removed from the sandwich in a vaccum and that a vacuum-tight compound is created. Then the process is interrupted and, in a second step, lamination finished in a
subsequent press. In the third step, the "Cooling", the Ypsator cools down the solar module from 150 °C to hand warmth. The advantage of this work-sharing is the following: the glass
modules can be laminated with less stress - this reduces the glass breakage a lot.
Material producers and machine and plant manufacturers of the photovoltaic sector carry out development and research work commonly. That is why Bürkle presents a laboratory laminator in
its own innovation center for test purposes. Customers and suppliers can test foils, glass panes, etc. with different parameters there. They will accept this offer willingly.
2008-07-16 Courtesy: Robert Bürkle GmbH, Germany Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Robert Bürkle GmbH
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US PV producer Evergreen Solar signs new sales contract with German IBC SOLAR of .2 Billion
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String-Ribbon-Production at Evergreen Solar.
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Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Marlboro; Massachusetts), a manufacturer of solar power panels with its proprietary, low-cost "String Ribbon"- wafer technology, announced on July 15th 2008
that the company has signed a new long-term sales contract valued at approximately .2 billion with German-based IBC SOLAR AG. This contract extends through 2013 and brings the
company’s total contractual backlog to nearly billion with 5 customers. "We are very pleased to begin this significant long term relationship with IBC SOLAR, the largest PV
distributor in the world", said Richard M. Feldt, Evergreen Solar's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "This contract represents the single largest contract in
the history of our company and is one of the largest contracts ever between a panel manufacturer and a distributor", Feldt added.
The solar panels for these take-or-pay contracts will be manufactured at the Company’s new 160 MW solar panel facility in Devens, Massachusetts, which opened in June, and at the
Company’s next factory, which is expected to open in 2010. To date, the Company has contracted approximately 70 percent of Devens expected capacity through 2010 and all of Devens
capacity in 2011 through 2013, Evergreen Solar reports in a press release. "Quality comes first at IBC SOLAR", said Udo Möhrstedt, President and CEO of IBC SOLAR. "Our aim is to make
the use of solar energy easy and competitive for our customers. Evergreen’s solar panels are one of the highest quality products in the industry. By adding Evergreen to our
product portfolio, we can meet the growing demand of our customers."
2008-07-16 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Evergreen Solar Inc.
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Harnessing the sun: SDG&E launches largest solar power initiative in San Diego
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SDG&E: solar-tracking technology to
increase share of renewables.
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Joined by state officials and local community leaders, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) on July 11th 2008 announced plans for the largest solar power installation in San
Diego. SDG&E’s program is aimed at increasing adoption of solar power among San Diego-area commercial customers, municipalities and institutions - a key sector that can
support more substantial generating sites. SDG&E plans the largest concentration in San Diego of advanced, solar-tracking technology, with an initial target of developing 70 to 80
megawatts of solar electricity, about two-thirds of which would be utility-owned and, the remainder, customer- or third-party owned. Combined, the installations could be enough to power
more than 50,000 homes.
To spark a dynamic public-private partnership to dramatically increase the use of solar power
"This is an important step forward for San Diego and California as we continue on a path toward more energy independence", said Michael R. Peevey, president of the California Public
Utilities Commission. "We hope this innovative SDG&E program sparks a dynamic public-private partnership to dramatically increase the use of solar power here in San Diego, so that
our children and their grandchildren can continue to enjoy the environmental benefits of clean energy", Peevey added.
"Our mission is to tap more renewable power - from solar, wind and biomass sources - to meet the increasing energy needs of our customers and to benefit our environment", said Debra L.
Reed, president and chief executive officer of SDG&E. "With this program, we are hoping to plant the seeds for what will grow into an aggressive expansion of solar energy within San
Diego, starting with some of our major customers."
"Expanding the number of major solar power installations in San Diego will help us meet our energy needs locally", said state Sen. Christine Kehoe. "This program is exactly what we
should be doing all over the state and I look forward to seeing positive results for our region."
"It is terrific that SDG&E is proposing to have a direct hand in installing more solar power in San Diego", said Dan Jacobson, legislative director with Environment California.
"This utility-driven project, combined with customer-owned solar installations on homes and businesses, can make this vision a reality in the not so distant future."
Photovoltaic panels that track the sun’s path throughout the day
Reed said SDG&E has been in discussions with a broad range of potential community partners over the past few months, including municipalities, institutions and commercial customers.
The utility will be working collaboratively with its partners to develop a program best tailored to San Diego. SDG&E will employ technology featuring photovoltaic panels that track
the sun’s path throughout the day. As compared with typical commercial rooftop photovoltaic systems, the tracking technology will enable the photovoltaic panels to produce 65
percent more power during system peak energy demand and 40 percent more energy throughout the year. The utility will work with a variety of suppliers and installers on these
projects.
Solar "trees" in several UTC parking lots
SDG&E is evaluating its own facilities for potential solar generation, as well as retail and commercial parking lots, county landfills and other suitable sites. For example, as part
of Westfield’s planned expansion of its UTC shopping center near La Jolla, SDG&E plans to install solar "trees" in several UTC parking lots. The solar trees will stand as tall
as 12 feet high with giant solar panels atop them to collect and process the sun’s rays, while providing shade for parked vehicles. Eventually, in the future, shoppers driving
plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles may be able to connect into the solar trees and recharge while shopping at UTC.
SDG&E also is negotiating agreements with the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Santee and Carlsbad to site solar generating facilities. The utility filed an application with the
California Public Utilities Commission today to review and approve the framework of the program. With Commission approval, up to 0 million will be invested in solar installations
over the next five years, with the first installations operational as early as next year. Applications for each installation will be filed separately with the California Public
Utilities Commission for approval.
The initiative is part of SDG&E’s long-term energy plan, which focuses on energy-efficiency and demand-reduction programs, and increased renewable resources from both within
and outside the utility’s service territory, as well as new electric transmission and generation. "We will need a combination of all of these resources to meet the growing energy
needs of our region and California’s groundbreaking energy and environmental initiatives", said Reed.
2008-07-16 Courtesy: San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
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Silicon Genesis enters the solar PV market with "kerf-free" wafering technology
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New wafer technology for superior
mechanical strength and higher yield.
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Silicon Genesis Corporation (San Jose, CA), a leader in process and technology for engineered substrates announced on July 11th 2008 that it has successfully produced solar
substrates for the PV industry using a revolutionary "kerf-free" wafering process technology developed by SiGen called PolyMax™. This introduction due to the company represents a
significant move for SiGen into the solar PV wafer production environment, capitalizing on in-house technology and expertise. By eliminating sawing losses, the PolyMax™ equipment
set will substantially reduce the amount of polysilicon used within the ingot-to-wafer manufacturing steps and also eliminate some of the costly consumables in today’s wafer
manufacturing, SiGen emphasizes in its press release. First targeted to process monocrystalline silicon to produce high-efficiency silicon solar cells, the equipment is
expected to help the PV industry reach grid parity while simultaneously relaxing the shortage of polysilicon feedstock.
The company has produced 50-micron thick, full-size 125mm wafer samples utilizing engineering equipment with excellent mechanical and electrical characteristics. SiGen plans to start
pilot line operations by spring 2009 that demonstrate kerf-free processing of silicon ingots into wafers ranging from 150um to 50um in thickness.
Wafering equipment moves into pilot line
"Our full-sized PV samples have enhanced silicon attributes which dramatically improve wafer and cell processing capabilities", said Francois Henley, President and CEO of Silicon
Genesis. "In addition to saving poly, we found the wafers to be significantly more resistant to breakage, thereby enabling higher cell yields and lowering expensive downstream failures
seen by module manufacturers and installers." SiGen will present details of the PolyMax wafering process and equipment at the upcoming 23rd European Photovoltaic Conference (September
1-5, Valencia Spain).
2008-07-15 Courtesy: Silicon Genesis Corporation (SiGen) Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SiGen
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ersol "Nova-T" thin-film module now TÜV certified
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Photovoltaik-Modul "Nova-T".
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With the successful certification to standard IEC 61646 by TÜV Rheinland, ersol Thin Film GmbH (Erfurt) a subsidiary of ersol Solar Energy AG (ersol), has achieved a further
milestone in the market launch of its "Nova-T" amorphous thinfilm module, produced with fabrication equipment from Oerlikon Solar. Over the past few months ersol Thin Film had
cooperated closely with system supplier Oerlikon Solar, which is one of the world’s key players offering end-to-end solutions for the production of thin-film solar modules, on the
certification process. IEC 61646 describes the various qualification tests of artificial stress on the materials of PV modules on the basis of possible ageing influences. The tests
comprise the effects of wear due to sunlight including UV radiation, climate (cold, heat, humidity, climatic changes) and mechanical stress (hail, wind suction, wind pressure,
snow). The qualification tests are deemed to have been passed when no significant visible damage or changes are recognizable in the power output and insulation
properties.
"After 'Nova-T' passed the Protection Class II tests last year, we are pleased to have acquired certification by TÜV Rheinland," says Dr Christian Koitzsch, Technical Director of ersol
Thin Film GmbH. "In the past few years the IEC 61646 test certificate asserted itself internationally as a quality seal for thin-film solar modules. Working closely together with
Oerlikon Solar, the qualification testifies to the first-rate product characteristics of 'Nova®-T' with regard to long-term mechanical stability and adherence to electrical parameters",
Koitzsch emphasizes.
2008-07-15 Courtesy: ersol Thin Film GmbH Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar
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CMC Magnetics orders 180 MW PV production technology from Oerlikon Solar
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PV technology by
Oerlikon.
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Sunwell, a wholly owned by the Taiwanese producer of storage media CMC Magnetics, on July 14th 2008 announced that it has ordered another two end-to-end thin film silicon
photovoltaic production lines from Oerlikon Solar. One 60 MW line will be delivered to the existing Sunwell production facility in Taiwan and the other 120 MW line will be shipped to a
new site currently under construction, Oerlikon Solar reports in a press release. Both lines comprise Oerlikon Solar's latest tandem cell technology, micromorph raising module
efficiency by up to 50 percent, Oerlikon solar emphasizes. Start of production is scheduled in 2009. "This repeat order validates our leading edge technology and our unique
ability to quickly implement and scale up commercially successful mass production", explains Dr. Uwe Krüger, CEO of Oerlikon. Since the original contract for their first amorphous line
was signed in mid 2007, CMC has continued its ambitious plans to rapidly expand production capacity. Oerlikon Solar worked closely with CMC to develop a strategy to quickly upgrade to
micromorph and increase the output of the customer's existing facility. This resulted in a repeat order after only a few months.
With this order, yearly production capacity of Sunwell will reach 226 MW. The addition of 180 MW of micromorph technology to its existing 46 MW of capacity will help to establish CMC as
one of the largest thin film manufacturers in the world. However, CMC will not stop there. It already has plans to double this capacity in the near future. "To execute our rapid growth
plans it was crucial to identify the most competitive and responsive thin film PV equipment supplier. Oerlikon Solar is the right company to deliver on our demanding plans", states Bob
Wong, Chairman of CMC Magnetics.
Gigawatt capacity is in sight
It is CMC's goal to reach an annual production output of one gigawatt as the demand for thin film solar panels continues its unprecedented growth. Oerlikon Solar is committed to its
important role as a proven and competitive technology partner in the realization of CMC's plans. "With this order CMC signals a long term strategy to continue with Oerlikon's leading
proprietary micromorph tandem cell technology. This sets the stage for an aggressive roadmap to increase efficiency allowing them to head towards grid parity in the near future", says
Jeannine Sargent, CEO of Oerlikon Solar.
2008-07-15 Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar
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UNI-SOLAR laminates to power world's largest rooftop solar system for General Motors
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Mounting of PV laminates by UNI-SOLAR.
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Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD, Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA) announced on July 8th 2008 that its UNI-SOLAR thin-film flexible solar laminates will power the world's largest
rooftop solar power system. The 12-megawatt system is to be installed on GM's assembly plant in Figueruelas (Zaragoza, Spain) and due to ECD will become operational in the fall of 2008.
ECD will supply the solar laminates through its wholly owned subsidiary, United Solar Ovonic, LLC. When fully operational, the photovoltaic system will have a peak capacity of 12
megawatts, producing as much as 15 million kilowatt hours of "green" energy annually, enough to power approximately 4,500 homes. The Zaragoza facility marks the third major use of
UNI-SOLAR laminates by GM. UNI-SOLAR thin-film flexible solar laminates also power GM parts warehouses in Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, California, two of the largest rooftop solar
power installations in the United States.
Success with products for building integrated and commercial rooftop applications
"We are pleased that GM is again using United Solar as its solar provider, and that our UNI-SOLAR laminates are the product of choice for the world's largest rooftop solar system," said
Mark Morelli, president and CEO of Energy Conversion Devices. "Our UNI-SOLAR laminates are an ideal match for rooftop systems like this one, and we are proud to be a part of this
project." "While there has been recent uncertainty about government incentives for solar energy in Europe, and specifically in Spain, we have had great success with our products
throughout Europe, and this project expands our presence in Spain where we see excellent growth opportunities for our UNI-SOLAR laminates, especially in building integrated and
commercial rooftop applications," added Mr. Morelli.
GM partnered with Veolia Environment, a world leader in environmental services, Clairvoyant Energy S.L., the solar energy developer, and the Government of Aragon to develop the Zaragoza
renewable energy project. GM will lease its roof space to Clairvoyant Energy and Veolia Environment, who will build, own and operate the rooftop solar installation.
2008-07-14 Courtesy: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD). Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: UNI-SOLAR
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SunPower to build largest solar photovoltaic power plant in the United States
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SunPower-Tracker at Nellis Air Force Base
(14 MW).
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SunPower Corporation, a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels, and solar photovoltaic systems, on July 10th 2008 announced that it has been selected by Florida
Power & Light Company to build the largest solar photovoltaic power plant in the United States, and a second power plant at the Kennedy Space Center. Florida Power & Light
Company is a subsidiary of FPL Group, due to figures the world's largest producer of electricity from renewable energy sources. The installation will include a 25-megawatt power plant
in DeSoto County, Fla., and a 10-megawatt project at the Kennedy Space Center. SunPower will design and build the facilities and FPL will own, operate and maintain the systems. The
DeSoto plant will be completed in 2009; the plant at the Kennedy Space Center will be completed in 2010. Construction is contingent on approval of the Florida Public Service
Commission.
Large US solar power plants rivaling those in Germany and Spain
"These agreements confirm the growing trend in the U.S. to build solar power plants at a scale rivaling those in market-leading countries such as Germany and Spain," said Howard Wenger,
senior vice president, global business units for SunPower. "With these agreements totaling approximately 35 megawatts, we applaud Florida Power & Light's commitment and leadership
in renewable energy."
SunPower Tracker increasing daily energy production
Solar photovoltaic power plants can be easily integrated into existing utility grid networks, and installed much faster than conventional forms of power generation. SunPower will
install SunPower panels, the highest efficiency solar panels on the market, at both sites. At the DeSoto site, the company will install its SunPower Tracker system, which tilts toward
the sun as it moves across the sky, significantly increasing daily energy production compared with fixed-tilt systems while reducing land-use requirements. The combination of SunPower's
high-efficiency panels and high-energy collection tracking systems, delivers the world's highest power density solar systems and low cost energy.
Florida to become No. 2 in national solar power production
"We selected SunPower based on its proven experience in building high- performance solar photovoltaic power plants. We are pleased to work with SunPower on these two important projects
that will deliver reliable, cost- effective solar power to our customers," said Eric Silagy, Florida Power & Light Company vice president and chief development officer. Florida
Power & Light Company joined with Gov. Crist on June 25, 2008, to announce these and one other solar power project, which will make Florida No. 2 in the nation in solar power
production. The projects are subject to regulatory approval.
Largest solar photovoltaic power plant in North America operating at Nellis Air Force Base
The largest-operating solar photovoltaic power plant in North America is currently the 14-megawatt installation located at Nellis Air Force Base in Nev., also built by SunPower.
Worldwide, SunPower has installed more than 450 solar power systems totaling more than 350 megawatts, including solar power plant projects in Europe, Asia and North America.
2008-07-14 Courtesy: SunPower Corporation Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corporation
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Renewables obligations on solar thermal in the building sector spreading across Europe
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Large scale solar thermal system in
Wieggenhausen (germany)
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More and more EU Member States, regions and municipalities are phasing out fossil fuel based heating. New and refurbished buildings are increasingly required to cover a share of
their heat demand with renewable energies, such as solar thermal, the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) reports in a press release. The European Commission now wants to
make this a Europe-wide requirement. "It all began with Barcelona", recalls ESTIF Secretary General Uwe Trenkner. "In 1999 the city said 'you cannot build here anymore without solar
thermal'. The idea was simple and very successful. Already today millions of European citizens live in places where new buildings are required to cover a minimum share of their energy
demand by renewables."
solar thermal is cost competitive in many European regions
The European Commission has taken up the idea and included it in its proposal for a EU Renewables Directive. A provision in that Directive would make renewable energies a requirement in
any new or refurbished building. The logic behind it is simple: Oil and gas have become highly precious in recent years, and the emissions from heating with fossil fuel, contribute to
climate change. Then why should new buildings be allowed, which do not begin to replace fossil fuels with renewables, ESTIF asks. In many regions in Europe, solar thermal is cost
competitive with conventional heating systems, already today, ESTIF emphasizes. And the additional investment costs are minimal - typically between 1-3% of the total cost of the new
building. The costs to the individual are very small, but taken together, the positive effect of the measure is huge.
Renewable obligation at national level in Germany
In June 2008, the German Parliament passed the Renewable Heating law, making Germany already the 5th EU Member State with a renewable obligation at national level. ESTIF congratulates
the German government to having taken this important step towards a sustainable energy supply in the building sector. Elsewhere, municipalities and regions have enacted similar
provisions. "Last year the Heads of State of the EU Member States agreed on a binding 20 % renewables target for 2020", says Nigel Cotton, Chairman of ESTIF’s Advisory Council.
"And if we want to reach this goal, we need to get renewables into the building sector quickly. Now it is time for governments to agree to the European renewables obligation proposed by
the European Commission".
2008-07-13 Courtesy: ESTIF Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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Oerlikon Solar expanding regional markets: Gadir Solar (Spain) purchases 40 MWp solution; Chint Solar (China) first micromorph customer in mainland China
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Thin film PV production with technology by
Oerlikon.
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Oerlikon Solar (Truebbach, Switzerland) on July 3rd 2008 announced two new contracts. Gadir Solar (Spain) signed a contract for a complete a-Si end to end production line, Chint
Solar (China) purchased a micromorph R&D line and first phase production equipment with plans to grow the production capacity up to 180 MWp in 2010. Due to Oerlikon Solar Equipment
will be delivered this year with ramp up in 2009. "By securing both contracts, Oerlikon Solar enlarges its share in important growth markets. This further strengthens our market leading
position as provider of proven thin film silicon PV solutions", says Jeannine Sargent, CEO Oerlikon Solar. Thanks to Oerlikon's innovative thin-film PV technology, solar
modules can be produced at a competitive price and are a real solution to the growing demand of clean energy, Oerlikon Solar emphasizes in the press release. Gadir Solar and Chint Solar
are focusing on this fast-growing market.
Over 300.000 Modules per year
The first stage of Gadir Solar's thin film site in Cadiz (Spain) will enable the production of over 300.000 panels per year, subsequent expansion steps are already planned. In addition
to the complete a-Si production line Gadir will also receive a R&D-line for the next generation Oerlikon Solar micromorph technology. Gadir Solar intends to double capacity and
convert their a-Si line to higher efficiency micromorph in the near future.
"Oerlikon Solar has proven they are the leader in the thin film silicon PV market, both in terms of their production experience and their unparalleled technology. We have no doubt that
we have chosen the right partner to ensure on time production of our thin film silicon modules and realize our growth and cost strategy by leveraging the industries most advanced thin
film silicon technology", says David Naranjo Villalonga
CEO of Gadir Solar.
First micromorph equipment in China
Chint Solar, associated with the Chint Group, a leading supplier in the world of low-voltage electric products with over 40 percent market share in China, directly enters the market
with micromorph. The move in of the R&D equipment will be by the end of the year, with mass production expansion to 180 MWp until 2010, "We see the future of thin film silicon PV
technology in micromorph technology. By partnering with Oerlikon, we are confident that we can successfully commercialize on this leading technology", adds Dr. Liyou Yang, President and
CEO of Chint Solar, a 20-year veteran in the thin film PV industry. Chint Solar, located in Hangzhou (China), plans to use the R&D line to train for technology development as well
as to prepare its staff for the start of mass production in the middle of 2009.
2008-07-11 Courtesy: OC Oerlikon Balzers Ltd., Solar Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar
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Italian enterprise Moncada enters solar energy market with contract for Applied Materials’ SunFab Thin Film Line
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View of AMAT's SunFab technology center.
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The Moncada Energy Group s.r.l., a private producer of renewable energy in Italy and situated in Agrigento (Sicily), has awarded Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) a contract to
establish what will be Moncada’s first photovoltaic (PV) module production facility and Applied’s first SunFab line in Italy. The single junction Applied SunFab Thin Film
line, which produces large 5.7m2 PV modules, will be located in Campofranco (Sicily) and is expected to have an annual rated capacity of more than 40MW. Applied’s SunFab
production line will add to Moncada’s existing power production capacity of more than 105 MW in wind energy, helping to expand Italy’s growing infrastructure of renewable
energy installations.
Solar farms to be built where wind turbines are located
Moncada plans to use the SunFab-produced modules to build solar farms on some of the same land where its wind turbines are located, effectively double-harvesting its clean energy
resources. "We believe that the large 5.7 square meter modules produced by the SunFab line will enable lower production and installation costs, making them an excellent solution for
quickly achieving grid parity in Italy", said Salvatore Moncada, CEO and founder of Moncada Energy Group. "Based on Applied’s strong leadership in manufacturing, and its
capability to provide complete service support - which is unprecedented in today’s solar industry - we are confident that Applied can help us quickly start up our SunFab line and
achieve production in 2009."
Italy has the potential to realize early grid parity
Sized at 2.2 x 2.6 meters, the SunFab modules are four times larger than today’s typical solar panels and are ideal for cost-saving power plant applications. Applied’s
SunFab technology has recently been demonstrated to lower installation costs by over 17 % compared to smaller area thin film panels. "Applied Materials is very pleased to have the
opportunity to work with Moncada on their first solar venture and we appreciate their confidence in our capabilities", said Dr. Mark Pinto, senior vice president and general manager of
Applied’s Energy and Environmental Solutions Group. "We are excited to expand our role in Italy - which has the geographic potential to realize early grid parity - from supplying
crystalline silicon equipment through our Baccini business to producing the world’s largest thin film modules with our SunFab line."
2008-07-10 Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: AMAT
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Fraunhofer ISE achieves 28.5% efficiency for PV Concentrator Modules
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FLATCON concentrator module with a further
optical concentrator located directly over the
solar cells.
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Scientists at the German Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE not only recently achieved the European record for multi-junction III-V semiconductor solar cells (see
Solarserver News on 07-07) but they also celebrated optimum values by their implementation in the concentrator photovoltaic technology. Thus, solar researchers could measure a module
efficiency of 28.5% under actual conditions on location in Freiburg. The efficiency of the solar cells and the modules is the basic key to the success in concentrator photovoltaics.
"The high cell efficiency of the solar cells from our own production line has helped us greatly in achieving this high module efficiency", says Dr. Andreas Bett, Head of the Department
of Materials - Solar Cells and Technology at Fraunhofer ISE. "But also the work on the next module generation served as a crucial factor in this success." The scientists at
Fraunhofer ISE have installed a further optical concentrator for the cells in the newest module generation. Andreas Bett is convinced "that the potential of concentrator PV is nowhere
near its limit. We believe it is possible to achieve cell efficiencies of up to 45% and module efficiencies of up to 35% in the coming years.
Still Large Amounts of Potential in Concentrator PV Technology
"In addition to the established silicon technology, this technology is especially advantageous for countries with sunny climates", according to Prof. Eicke Weber, Director of Fraunhofer
ISE. Already PV concentrator systems located in southern European countries such as Spain are generating double the electricity per unit area as compared to systems using conventional
photovoltaic technology based on silicon. In order to be economically competitive, however, the costs must decrease further. Among other measures, this can be achieved, for example, by
higher efficiencies. The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety within the project ProKonPV and the company Concentrix Solar GmbH provide
substantial support for this work.
Concentrix Solar GmbH is a spin-off company from Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg. In 2007 the company was awarded the Innovation Award of the German Economy 2007 in the category "Start-up
Companies". For three years now, Concentrix designs and constructs photovoltaic power plants based on the "FlatCon" concentrator technology from Fraunhofer ISE. Shortly Concentrix will
bring a 25 MW production line for this technology into operation. "We believe that concentrator photovoltaics is a promising technology which can lead to reduced costs for solar
electricity and can therefore contribute to solving the world`s energy problems", says Andreas Bett.
2008-07-10 Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ISE
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Solar Thermal in Europe comes again strong in 2008 after a mixed year 2007
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Solar thermal in Europe: new growth after a
decrease in 2007.
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Solar thermal encountered mixed developments in Europe in 2007. The biggest national market, Germany, declined while many other countries enjoyed double-digit growth rates. Sales in
2008 have started strong and the industry looks optimistically into the future. At Intersolar 2008, the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation published its latest market statistics
for Europe. "The Mediterranean countries have performed well last year. And some of the small EU markets have virtually exploded", says ESTIF president Gerhard Rabensteiner. "Solar
thermal sales grew by 74% in Slovenia and the Irish market tripled in just one year. The overall result was not stellar, but sales in the first months of 2008 have been very positive,
especially in the German market." 154 GWth total European solar thermal capacity in operation at the end of 2007
Last year, the total market for glazed collectors in the 27 EU Member States and Switzerland decreased by 9% to 1,9 GWth of new capacity (2,7 million m² of collector area). The total
capacity in operation at the end of 2007 reached 154 GWth (22 million m²).
40% growth expected in Germany for 2008
Several factors contributed to the shrinking of the solar thermal market in Germany in 2007. The increase of the VAT rate at the beginning of the year was only one of them. The
development of the solar thermal market was strongly influenced by that of the overall heating equipment market, which showed a strong decrease last year. Fortunately, 2008 started much
stronger: In the first four months, sales in Germany increased considerably and the German Solar Industry Association, BSW-Solar has updated their growth expectation for 2008 to +40%.
The ups-and-downs that the industry encountered over the years in several markets, are partly also a consequence of a stop-and-go dynamic of many public support programmes. Financial
and other incentives are introduced into the market and then again reduced or completely removed just one or two years later. In the expectation of new support, consumers have often
postponed their decision to invest into solar thermal until a new programme is actually in place. Stable and positive framework conditions are a pre-requisite for healthy long-term
growth the solar thermal markets. This is why ESTIF is convinced of the great benefits of solar obligations for new and refurbished buildings.
100% solar heated house to be standard in 2030
Overall, the longer term outlook for solar thermal is very bright, everywhere in Europe. ESTIF is particularly satisfied that the European Commission has tabled a proposal for a
European Directive to promote renewable energies. For the first time, this proposal fully covers also renewables in heating and cooling. "Climate change and the now very visible
finiteness of fossil fuels have put an end to the old solutions of our energy supply", explains Gerhard Rabensteiner. "The solar thermal sector has already formulated a clear vision: In
2030 the 100% solar heated house shall be the building standard in Europe. It is only a question of time, until this vision becomes reality".
Download the latest solar thermal market statistics (551 kB)
2008-07-09 Courtesy: ESTIF Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ESTIF
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Ernesto Macias new EPIA President from 2008 until 2010
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EPIA President Ernesto
Macias.
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The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) celebrated its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 26th in Aix les Bains, one day prior to its annual national political event
which was entitled this year "Towards the development of the photovoltaic sector in France". On the occasion of the AGM, Ernesto Macias became president of the world’s largest
photovoltaic association succeeding Dr. Winfried Hoffmann in this position. He will remain president until the 2010 AGM. The AGM is the yearly gathering of the assembly of
members to provide new strategic directions and orientations to the association. This year the AGM gathered over 170 representatives of the photovoltaic industry from around the
globe.
Building In-depth Industry Intelligence
Achievements from 2007 were presented as well as new strategic orientations aimed for the next two years. In particular, the results of a recent satisfaction survey carried out among
members were presented. The survey results revealed that EPIA members are very satisfied with the work performed by the association and they made specific recommendations to position it
as a high profile reference organization in the PV sector, by first consolidating conditions for strong market development in the EU, second expanding market intelligence to selected
emerging overseas markets and third further building an in-depth Industry Intelligence.
Ernesto Macias, Communication and External Affairs General Manager at Isofotón, succeeding Dr. Winfried Hoffmann, will secure the EPIA presidency for the next two years until the 2010
AGM. He recalled the priorities of his presidency during the meeting: "The European industry needs to look further outside European borders and seize market opportunities existing in
overseas markets. Also for the more than 1,5 billion people who still lack access to energy, solar electricity represents a huge opportunity to address the rural electrification
challenge in developing countries".
EPIA AGM opening Major French Photovoltaic Symposium
The following day, a national photovoltaic symposium entitled "Towards the development of the photovoltaic sector in France" was organised and brought together over 500 participants. In
order to allow a progressive and ambitious increase of the French market, professionals from the solar photovoltaic branch called to mind their recommendations during the symposium: For
more information on the recommendations: http://www.epia.org/index.php?id=227.
2008-07-08 Courtesy: European Photovoltaic Industry Association Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EPIA
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USA: Bureau of Land Management to continue accepting solar energy applications
The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on July 2nd 2008 announced that it has lifted its moratorium on solar energy applications on federal lands. "While we applaud today's
announcement, BLM has only resolved half the problem. They have yet to approve a single solar energy project. Expediting the permitting process is the next step in developing solar
energy projects on federal lands", Rhone Resch, President of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) stated. "While we recognize and encourage BLM assessment of energy projects
on federal lands, we were dismayed that BLM singled out solar energy for a moratorium. Solar is a clean, renewable energy that can bring electricity to millions of homes. According to
the BLM's own estimates, more than 20 million American homes could be powered by the 130 projects currently stalled at the agency. "We are happy to see that BLM will continue
to process solar applications. With consumers facing rapidly increasing energy costs, the United States cannot afford to delay solar projects any longer. Today's decision is a victory
for the U.S. solar industry. We now look forward to working with BLM to begin processing the applications that they are already behind on."
BLM will help to meet growing interest in renewable energy sources
In response to public interest in solar energy development, the Bureau of Land Management announced that it plans to continue accepting applications for future potential solar
development on the public lands. The BLM will process these applications, while continuing to identify issues during public scoping currently underway for the programmatic Environmental
Impact Statement (PEIS). "We heard the concerns expressed during the scoping period about waiting to consider new applications", said BLM Director James Caswell, "and we are taking
action. By continuing to accept and process new applications for solar energy projects, we will aggressively help meet growing interest in renewable energy sources, while ensuring
environmental protections."
The BLM had previously advised that it was temporarily suspending acceptance of new solar applications pending completion of the PEIS, while the agency processed the 125 applications
previously received. With today’s announcement, the BLM will now accept additional applications for solar energy projects and process them with the 125 already submitted.
The BLM manages more land – 258 million surface acres – than any other Federal agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western States, including Alaska. The
Bureau, with a budget of about billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the
health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Federal Register with BLM Decision: http://solareis.anl.gov/documents/docs/Solar_Energy_Development_PEIS_NOI.pdf
2008-07-08 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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European Record Efficiency for Solar Cells (37.6%) from Fraunhofer ISE
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Multi-junction solar cell made by ISE.
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With an efficiency of 37.6 %, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE, Freiburg, Germany) convert sunlight into electrical energy, thus setting a new
European record. The result was reached using so-called multi-junction solar cells made out of III-V semiconductors. Up to now such solar cells have been used primarily for space
applications. The current developments of the Fraunhofer researchers facilitate the more cost-efficient use of these types of cells for terrestrial applications. For this purpose,
sunlight is concentrated up to 2000 times and focused onto a multi-junction solar cell having an area of only a few square millimeters. The concentrator technology promises
that the costs of generating electricity from sunlight can be considerably decreased already in the near future, especially in countries with a large fraction of direct solar
radiation.
Highest efficiencies for solar energy conversion
In multi-junction solar cells made out of gallium indium phospide (GaInP), gallium indium arsenide (GaInAs) and germanium (Ge), the solar spectrum is divided into three wavelength
ranges in order to convert it very efficiently into electrical energy. The achieved efficiency of 37.6 % was reached by the Fraunhofer researchers under very high radiation intensities
with a concentration ratio of 1700. “For more than ten years now at Fraunhofer ISE, we are working intensively on the development of multi-junction solar cells for use in
concentrator systems because this technology promises by far the highest efficiencies for solar energy conversion", explains Dr. Frank Dimroth, head of the group “III-V –
Epitaxy and Solar Cells” at Fraunhofer ISE. Decisive advances in the material development have lead to the record efficiency we achieved. The most important goal was that the
solar cells function reliably even when exposed to very high intensity levels.
Transfer of results to the market within several months
"Especially the quality of the tunnel diodes with a thickness of only 30nm and with which the three regions of the cell are connected, plays a decisive role", says Frank Dimroth. The
work is supported through the EU research project Fullspectrum. Multi-junction solar cells are made up of complex structures with about 30 single layers of III-V compound semiconductors
all of which must have a very high crystalline quality. For producing the solar cell structures, the researchers at Fraunhofer ISE use a metal organic gas phase epitaxy (MOVPE) reactor
from the company Aixtron in Aachen. "For the first time we could show that multi-junction solar cells with such high efficiencies and larger energy yields can be manufactured", says
Frank Dimroth pleased. Because we carry out our research on production systems, we can transfer our new results to the market within several months with our cooperation partner AZUR
SPACE in Heilbronn.
2008-07-07 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems
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TRITEC finances the 1st Solar Village in Madagascar
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ADES Solar Cooker Project.
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"Energy for a better world" – for TRITEC this is a motto and an incentive at the same time. It’s the reason why the TRITEC Group has committed itself to electrify a
fishing village in Madagascar. The TRITEC Group will support the Association for the Development of Solar Energy (ADES) and both finance and realise the pilot project "1st Solar Village
of Madagascar". In addition to electrifying the fishing village of St. Augustin, including a solar fuelling station, TRITEC will train staff on site. This is designed to create both a
basis for renewable energy in Madagascar and also jobs. The island was first settled by humans coming from the Indonesian-Malayan region, Africa and Arabia approximately 1,000 years
ago. At that time Madagascar was a green island, covered by forests. Today only 10% of the island are wooded.
Solar Cooker Project to fight deforestation
The Malagasy people use the most wood for cooking, in the form of charcoal. 80% of lumbering is sed for cooking over open fires. Since a broad belt around the towns is already cleared,
charcoal burning now has to take place 50 - 100 km away from the towns. Whole villages are living off the production of charcoal. In the towns Malagasy families must spend about 1/5 to
1/4 of their monthly incomes on charcoal alone. In the country wood for cooking fires is mostly cut from the adjacent forests. This results in the loss of large areas of forest every
year. Here the ADES Solar Cooker Project steps in. Alternative ways of cooking are supposed to enable the population to become more independent of charcoal and wood.
ADES: renewable energies preserving of the living environment and fighting poverty
ADES is the abbreviation of Association pour le Développement de l'Energie Solaire (Association for the Development of Solar Energy). ADES is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and
non-profit association producing solar cookers and promoting the use of renewable energies in Madagascar. The organisation was founded in 2001 by Ms. Regula Ochsner from Switzerland.
With the help of solar cookers, ADES wants to provide the economically poor population of Madagascar with an alternative to their conventional way of cooking with charcoal and to
contribute to the preservation of the living environment and the fight against poverty and deforestation. For this purpose, ADES promotes the use of renewable energies, in particular of
solar energy. The TRITEC Group supports ADES and its vision to supply the South of Madagascar with electricity from solar energy. The pilot project St. Augustin – 1st Solar
Village in Madagascar – will be handled by ADES in co-operation with the village’s population. The project is designed to be a living example of the use of solar energy for
Madagascar.
2008-07-05 Courtesy: TRITEC, (pressebox) Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ADES
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Solar Semiconductor announces strategic supplier relationship with SolarWorld AG
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Solar Semiconductor PV production.
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Solar Semiconductor (Hyderabad, India and Sunnyvale, California) strengthened its position as a rapidly growing international manufacturer of high-quality solar photovoltaic (PV)
modules on June 01st 2008 by concluding a comprehensive delivery agreement with SolarWorld AG's subsidiary Deutsche Solar AG, which operates one of the largest factories worldwide for
the production of multi-crystalline solar silicon wafers. The agreement due to SolarWorld is a multi-year contract for the delivery of wafers worth over .2 billion U.S. dollars (750
million euro). Solar Semiconductor is a global producer of PV modules using mono- and multi-crystalline cells and offers its products and services to the worldwide solar PV module
market.
Significant and proven step ensuring a steady module supply
"We are very pleased to conclude a long term wafer-delivery agreement and are proud to be associated with SolarWorld AG," commented Hari Surapaneni, Chief Executive Officer of Solar
Semiconductor. "Solar Semiconductor has a reputation for delivering the highest quality modules to the global marketplace. One of the key raw materials is the cell which derives its
high quality from the source wafer. As a rapidly growing manufacturer of high-quality modules, it is important to assure our customers that we not only use cells from reputed
manufacturers, but also employ high-quality wafers to ensure high-quality cells. With the addition of Deutsche Solar AG as our strategic supplier, we are continuing our tradition of
exclusive partnering with world-class organizations."
Capacity utilization at Freiberg ensured
"We value our partnership with Solar Semiconductor who is known for high quality and proud to be associated with Solar Semiconductor as our long-term business partner. With this wafer
contract we are securing the capacity utilization of the first expansion stage of our new wafer factory in Freiberg," said Dipl.-Ing. Frank H. Asbeck, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of SolarWorld AG. Shortly, the Group will start construction of the new wafer factory in an industrial park near Freiberg (Saxony). In the first expansion step the capacity at
the Saxony location will be increased to a total of 750 Megawatts (MW) by adding 250 MW by the end of year 2009. The ground-breaking ceremony for this new, highly advanced industrial
complex of the SolarWorld Group will take place on July 7, 2008.
2008-07-03 Courtesy: SolarWorld AG; (pressebox) Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Semiconductor
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