Solar News

2008-08-29: Federal Councillor opens Oerlikon Solar pilot line in Trübbach, Switzerland
2008-08-28: REC ASA: Quebec chosen for future solar silicon expansions
2008-08-27: First Solar Announces Expansion of its Manufacturing and Development Facilities in Ohio
2008-08-24: SolarPlaza: Solar industry faces hard times
2008-08-20: German PV producer SOLON doubles revenues and net income in the first half of 2008
2008-08-20: US CPV producer signs purchase agreements for concentrator Cells and receivers
2008-08-19: USA: NREL solar cell sets world efficiency record at 40.8 percent
2008-08-18: PG&E plans historic 800 MW photovoltaic solar power
2008-08-17: Day4 Energy: proprietary module technology paves the way for metallurgical silicon solar cells
2008-08-15: Electricity from the sun: the bright future of photovoltaics in focus at the "Solar Summits 2008" congress
2008-08-14: ersol's operating result for the first six months of 2008 exceeds result for previous year as a whole
2008-08-14: Silicon Genesis and REC ASA sign collaboration and equipment
2008-08-14: PV module producer aleo solar AG increases revenue by 76.9%; earnings per share more than doubled
2008-08-14: Conergy completes Asia’s largest solar power plant in South Korea and gets commissioned with the turnkey construction of additional 4.35 MW
2008-08-13: DuPont introduces new metallization paste for photovoltaic solar cells: efficiency increased up to 0.5%
2008-08-11: Applied Materials awarded multi-year solar service contract from Green Energy Technology
2008-08-11: Sunfilm announces strategic research and development agreement with Helmholtz Centre in Berlin
2008-08-07: German SOLON AG signs 0 million contract with US solar cell supplier Suniva
2008-08-06: MIT Scientists mimic essence of plants' energy storage system to store solar power
2008-08-05: Solar Millennium AG begins construction of Solar Power Plant Andasol 3
2008-08-03: First Solar inaugurates its first of four solar module manufacturing plants in Kedah (Malaysia)
2008-08-03: KYOCERA donates 20 solar power generating systems to primary schools in Tanzania
2008-08-01: European Photovoltaic Industry Association EPIA elects Michael Harre as new board member

Federal Councillor opens Oerlikon Solar pilot line in Trübbach, Switzerland



PV technology by Oerlikon.

The ceremonial opening of the new pilot line, which will be used for production of and research into the latest thin-film solar modules, by Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard signifies Oerlikon's commitment to the Swiss location and consolidates its global technology and market leadership, the company reports in a press release. "For me, Oerlikon Solar is a good example of a global leader in the solar sector, serving the world's markets from Switzerland", Leuthard said: As she emphasised during the opening, the pilot line is not only making its mark in satisfying the increasing global demand for solar energy. Projects such as these also support the efforts of the political and economic sectors in making Switzerland one of the most innovative countries in the world. Switzerland should continue to be a key player in the field of innovations and in the field of solar technology. "We possess the core competence for both of these: the know-how and research plus the politico-economic framework on the one hand, and companies with the necessary technological skills on the other."

More than 1000 new high-tech jobs by the end of 2009

"The new pilot line will further strengthen the Trübbach site. It is the hub of our worldwide research and development operations", explains Dr. Uwe Krüger, CEO of Oerlikon. By the end of 2009, Oerlikon Solar will have created more than 1000 new high-tech jobs in Switzerland. The Swiss high-tech group has contributed significantly to the fact that solar power will soon be a real economical alternative to conventional energy generation. "Our facilities will achieve grid parity by 2010", says Oerlikon Solar CEO Jeannine Sargent. The opening of the solar factory for pilot production in the Swiss town of Trübbach due to the company is a milestone in the success story of Oerlikon Solar. This step, which reflects a double digit million Swiss francs investment, is so significant because this solar laboratory will enable Oerlikon to simulate all stages of the manufacturing process on site for the first time. "This is the dawn of a new era for the development of our solar technology", adds Jeannine Sargent.

Solar power is becoming economically competitive

The most recent example of the technological leadership of Oerlikon Solar is the patent-protected micromorph module technology, which was brought to market a few months ago and is now being supplied to customers for the first time. The process combines two different types of silicon, amorphous and microcrystalline, in a top and a bottom cell. The amorphous top cell converts the visible part of the sun's spectrum while the microcrystalline bottom cell absorbs the solar energy in the near infrared spectrum. In contrast to conventional amorphous single-cell technology, this new micromorphous tandem technology enables productivity to be increased by up to 50 percent and is quickly able to achieve efficiency levels of 10 percent and higher. Oerlikon Solar is also committed to using only materials that are non-toxic, cost-effective and immediately available.

This technological leap is therefore an important step towards making solar power even more cost-effective - so cost-effective that it becomes an economically viable alternative to conventional electricity generation (grid parity). Grid parity is the point at which solar energy can be generated at the same price as conventional energy generated using fossil fuels. In order to be able to achieve this within the next few years, Oerlikon Solar have dedicated themselves to the consistent further development of PV-technology as well as to reducing the cost of solar PV-energy. Utilisation of the advantages through cost savings, produced thanks to highly efficient production plants for solar modules, is a significant step in this direction. "At lunchtime in Rome we already achieve grid parity today", says Oerlikon Solar CEO.

2008-08-29 Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar

REC ASA: Quebec chosen for future solar silicon expansions



REC silicon production in Moses Lake.

Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (REC; Sandvika, Norway) - the world's largest producers of polysilicon and wafers for solar applications – on August 25th, 2008 announced, Bécancour (Quebec) will be the site of choice for the next phase of silicon materials expansions. The site will be developed in stages and could potentially hold four production units similar in size of the factory currently under completion in MosesLake, Washington, USA. REC has simultaneously signed agreements with Hydro Quebec, and Société du Parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour (SPIB). The agreements outline both the terms and conditions related to the development of a new production site and other commercial conditions. "The development of this site will enable us to continue expansion of our silicon business in the most cost efficient manner and will consequently support REC's further growth downstream as well as our ambitious long-term cost target", says Erik Thorsen, President & CEO of REC.

Electricity for silicon production supply based on renewable energy sources

The decision on Bécancour was made after a comprehensive 17 months' process involving screening of more than 100 possible locations in 16 countries. As the production of polysilicon is relatively energy intensive, one important reason for selecting Bécancour has been access to stable electricity supply based on long-term, predictable pricing. Additionally, REC is committed to limit the environmental impact of producing solar cells and panels, and therefore prefers electricity supply based on (non-carbon based) renewable energy sources.

As part of the arrangement with the Government of Quebec, REC will have a long term power contract with Hydro Quebec at a competitive industrial rate. The 20 year power contract will provide REC with long-term, clean, renewable power at a predictable cost in addition to other benefits offered by the world-class Société du Parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour (SPIB). The agreement further assumes that total investments at the SPIB will exceed USD 1.2 billion and that the total number of employees will exceed 300 people.

REC intends to build future production capacities leveraging its latest technology including more advanced versions of the low cost, proprietary polycrystalline silicon deposition process based on fluidized bed reactors. Pre-engineering for the new plant will be concluded within the next six months, after which the decision on the definite size of the investment will be made. Current plans call for the site to be developed in several stages with total potential of four production units similar in size of the factory currently under completion in Moses Lake, Washington, USA. Total capacity will be brought on line in accordance with customer agreements and market conditions. Construction is anticipated to start in 2010 with Phase I production capacity available in 2012.

"We are pleased to select Bécancour as the preferred site for future silicon materials expansions. We look forward to a long and industrious relationship between REC and the people of Quebec. During the site selection and negotiation process, the Government of Quebec, particularly Investissement Quebec, has proven to be welcoming and encouraging. We also see great potential in the workforce and complimentary industries in the area", says EVP Silicon, Gøran Bye.

2008-08-28 Courtesy: REC ASA Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: REC ASA

First Solar Announces Expansion of its Manufacturing and Development Facilities in Ohio



First Solar’s Campus in Perrysburg.

First Solar, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) on August 18th, 2008 announced today that it plans to expand its manufacturing operations and development facilities at its Perrysburg (Ohio) facility. The investment will add approximately 500,000 square feet of manufacturing, research and development, and office space, and will add at least 134 new jobs to the Company's current workforce of 700 at its Perrysburg facility. First Solar is collaborating with state and local leaders on a comprehensive incentive package for these two projects. These incentives are central to First Solar's expansion plans in Ohio and are subject to approval by state and local authorities. This expansion will add a fourth production line and reconfigure the Company's original pilot line to bring the manufacturing facility to the same four-line configuration as the Company's five other plants located in Germany and Malaysia. The expansion is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2010 and will increase the annual capacity at the Perrysburg facility to approximately 192 megawatts (based on run rates for the second quarter of 2008). In addition, the Company will construct a separate facility to support increased development activities associated with its advanced thin film solar module manufacturing technology.

"Scaling our manufacturing capacity while taking advantage of existing infrastructure will incrementally lower the manufacturing cost per watt at a rate comparable to our lowest cost facility in Malaysia," said Bruce Sohn, president of First Solar. "The expansion of our operations in Ohio is a direct result of the outstanding achievements of our associates and a strong, ongoing partnership with state and local leaders."

"The state of Ohio is proud to support industry leaders like First Solar who are using renewable energy to power the future," said Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. "In making this significant investment and expansion in Toledo, First Solar is helping us to send a message to the world that Ohio is reinventing itself as the leader in the advanced energy industry."

"Solar energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and strengthens our national and energy security. Ohio is proud of its partnership with First Solar - and that partnership has been a resounding success. This is a great example of how we can harness Ohio's manufacturing base to become the Silicon Valley of alternative energy," commented U.S. Senators George Voinovich and Sherrod Brown.

"First Solar is the jewel in our economic development crown. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to help them expand at each stage along the way. They are the nucleus of our renewable energy strategy and we appreciate this most recent vote of confidence in our community," said Thomas Blaha, Executive Director, Wood County Economic Development Commission.

2008-08-27 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: First Solar

SolarPlaza: Solar industry faces hard times



PV-Marktreport von SolarPlaza

Solar energy module production capacity (PV) will be almost twice as great as the global market demand for PV by the end of this year, SolarPlaza.com, the independent global marketplace for photovoltaic solar energy reports in a press release. This may lead to an oversupply situation and could put many manufacturers in a difficult position, SolarPlaza emphasizes. "The growing gap between supply and demand anticipated over the next few months could hit the solar industry hard. Since the solar industry is still largely dependent on government support and/or incentive schemes, demand is extremely vulnerable to changes in these schemes", the PV marketplace states. The Spanish government is still having discussions about a new feed-in tariff for 2009-2010, based on proposals for a cap on new installed power of 300 MWp. This would reduce the installed power in 2008 by at least 75 %, SolarPlaza anticipates. In Germany the feed-in tariff will decrease by 9 %. The US market is still waiting for the tax credits to be continued in 2009. With no certainty about incentives, growth in system sales could slow down at the end of 2008. Markets with a solid feed-in tariff structure, like Italy, France and Greece, are growing rapidly. The installed power in Italy is increasing exponentially, and figures for France and Greece will also be excellent over the coming years. "But are these relatively new and small markets capable alone of offsetting the slowdown in demand from Spain?", SolarPlaza inquires.

Due to SolarPlaza these market dynamics will have a substantial impact on the solar industry. To remain competitive, manufacturers will have to lower their prices. It appears that this price drop could be possible in the medium term, as the UK-based New Energy Finance forecasts that contract silicon prices could fall 67 % by 2013. But will manufacturers be able to drop their prices in the short term? Which companies will survive the oversupply situation and which companies won't? And, more importantly, which are the biggest potential growth markets in the short term and what is the best strategy for tackling the imminent situation?

To further analyze the market situation, and discuss how to benefit from it, Solarplaza is organizing the international solar expert conference, "Demand Dynamics in the Major PV Markets: Where Do All the Modules Go?". This one-day event will take place on September 2nd in Valencia (Spain), during the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (1–4 September 2008).

Additional background information on market demand can be found in a free market report recently released by

2008-08-20 Courtesy: EMCORE Corporation Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EMCORE

USA: NREL solar cell sets world efficiency record at 40.8 percent

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have set a world record in solar cell efficiency with a photovoltaic device that converts 40.8 percent of the light that hits it into electricity, NREL reports in a press release. Due to NREL this is the highest confirmed efficiency of any photovoltaic device to date. The inverted metamorphic triple-junction solar cell was designed, fabricated and independently measured at NREL. The 40.8 percent efficiency was measured under concentrated light of 326 suns. One sun is about the amount of light that typically hits Earth on a sunny day. The new cell is a natural candidate for the space satellite market and for terrestrial concentrated photovoltaic arrays, which use lenses or mirrors to focus sunlight onto the solar cells.

gallium arsenide wafer facilitates extremely thin and light solar cell

The new solar cell differs significantly from the previous record holder - also based on a NREL design. Instead of using a germanium wafer as the bottom junction of the device, the new design uses compositions of gallium indium phosphide and gallium indium arsenide to split the solar spectrum into three equal parts that are absorbed by each of the cell's three junctions for higher potential efficiencies. This is accomplished by growing the solar cell on a gallium arsenide wafer, flipping it over, then removing the wafer. The resulting device is extremely thin and light and represents a new class of solar cells with advantages in performance, design, operation and cost.

NREL's Mark Wanlass invented the original inverted cell, which recently won a R&D 100 award. His design was modified by a team led by John Geisz that further optimized the junction energies by making the middle junction metamorphic as well as the bottom junction. Metamorphic junctions are lattice mismatched – their atoms don't line up. The material properties of the mismatched semiconductors allows for greater potential conversion of sunlight.

NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for DOE by Midwest Research Institute and Battelle.

2008-08-19 Courtesy: NREL Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH

PG&E plans historic 800 MW photovoltaic solar power



SunPower's Tracker at Nellis Air Force Base

Pacific Gas and Electric Company on August 15th 2008 announced it has entered into two utility-scale, photovoltaic (PV) solar power contracts for a total of 800 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. This significant commitment to photovoltaic technology will deliver cumulatively 1.65 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable energy annually, PG&E announced. This would be equivalent to the amount of energy needed to serve approximately 239,000 residential homes each year. PG&E in it's forward-looking statement identifies the extension of federal investment tax credits and enacting state property tax exemptions as relevant to the projects. PG&E entered into an agreement with Topaz Solar Farms LLC, a subsidiary of OptiSolar Inc., for 550 MW of thin-film PV solar power. The utility also signed a contract with High Plains Ranch II, LLC, a subsidiary of SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), for 250 MW of high-efficiency PV solar power. "These landmark agreements signal the arrival of utility-scale PV solar power that may be cost-competitive with solar thermal and wind energy,” said Jack Keenan, chief operating officer and senior vice president for PG&E. “We will continue to explore such innovative technologies as we aggressively work to increase the amount of renewable energy we provide our customers."

OptiSolar’s Topaz Solar Farm

The 550 MW Topaz Solar Farm project would utilize relatively low-cost, thin-film PV panels designed and manufactured by OptiSolar in Hayward and Sacramento. Located in San Luis Obispo County, California, the project would deliver approximately 1,100,000 megawatt-hours annually of renewable electricity. The project is expected to begin power delivery in 2011 and be fully operational by 2013.

SunPower’s California Valley Solar Ranch

SunPower’s planned 250 MW solar ranch, would be located in San Luis Obispo County’s California Valley and will deliver an average of 550,000 megawatt-hours of clean electricity annually. The project is expected to begin power delivery in 2010 and be fully operational in 2012. The ranch would employ SunPower’s proprietary crystalline PV solar cells, which generate up to 50 percent more power than conventional crystalline cells. The company would install its patented SunPower-Tracker solar tracking systems at the site, which tilt toward the sun as it moves across the sky, increasing energy capture by up to 30 percent over fixed systems, while reducing land-use requirements.

2008-08-18 Courtesy: PG&E Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corporation

Day4 Energy: proprietary module technology paves the way for metallurgical silicon solar cells

Day4 Energy Inc. (Burnaby, B.C. Canada), a manufacturer of high performance, cost-effective solar electric modules, announced on August 7th 2008 that it has successfully developed and tested a proprietary PV module technology specifically designed for application with solar cells based on Upgraded Metallurgical Grade (UMG) silicon material. Once commercialized, UMG silicon technologies are widely believed to become a viable source of low cost alternative silicon material for solar industry, Day4 Energy emphasizes in it's press release. However, UMG silicon processing presents a number of technical challenges across the industry’s value chain. Day4’s proprietary technology due to the company is designed to address specific requirements of UMG silicon based solar cells and is expected to offer significant cost reduction potential for solar power generation.

The company has used its proprietary Day4 Electrode and distributed by-pass diode technologies to integrate shading protection directly into the solar cells as opposed to the traditional approach that calls for by-pass diodes placed in the centralized junction box area on the back of the solar module. Due to the inherent flexibility of Day4 Electrode integrated by-pass diode technology, shading protection can now be distributed through-out the solar module reducing product sensitivity to changing solar illumination conditions and partial solar module shading in particular. While the technology is certainly applicable to all types of PV cells it is particularly relevant for UMG silicon based solar cells as it addresses one of the key issues of commercial UMG silicon based solar modules - increased sensitivity and potential danger to PV module integrity at the time of partial module shading when compared to conventional crystalline silicon solar module technology.

"It is known that UMG based solar cells typically have substancially lower resistance and a corresponding lower value of breakdown voltage compared to conventional solar grade multicrystalline solar cells. This fact imposes a limitation on the maximum number of solar cells that can be connected in series in the solar module in order to prevent irreversible breakdown in case of partial module shading during operation", says Professor Leonid Rubin, chief technology officer of Day4 Energy. "Our low cost integrated Day4 Electrode by-pass diode technology eliminates this problem and removes some of the existing prejudice against wider employment of this potentially prospective material."

UMG silicon technology for manufacturing silicon ingots and wafers is widely believed to offer significant potential for cost reduction for the PV industry as a whole. With recent progress made by a number of companies at the silicon purification level, UMG silicon material is starting to make its way into the PV cell production lines. At the same time, PV module technology requires its share of modifications in order to successfully utilize these new UMG silicon based PV cells without jeopardizing the long-term integrity of the final product. Day4’s new technology addresses these issues and removes one of the key roadblocks on the way to implementation of UMG silicon solar cells in large-scale commercial solar module manufacturing. The technology is ultimately enabled by a combination of the company’s proprietary Day4 Electrode technology for contacting and interconnecting solar cells with a proprietary low cost by-pass diode design. The company has applied for patent protection in connection with this invention.

Energy Inc. (TSX: DFE) designs, manufactures and sells photovoltaic (PV) modules based on its patented Day4 Electrode technology, a proprietary method of contacting and interconnecting solar cells that produces PV panels of high power density, increased lifetime and uncompromised aesthetic appearance. Day4 Energy partners with the industry's leading PV cell producers to deliver IEC- and UL-certified commercial and residential solar products to customers throughout Europe and North America.

2008-08-17 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH

Electricity from the sun: the bright future of photovoltaics in focus at the "Solar Summits 2008" congress

The participants in the Solar Summits Congress 2008 can look forward to a range of interesting lectures and discussions on the theme of "Silicon Materials for Photovoltaic". The congress takes place from 22 to 24 October 2008 in the Concert Hall in Freiburg im Breisgau. The focus at this year?s congress will be firmly on current and future developments in the area of silicon extraction and the future of the photovoltaics industry. Recent drastic price rises for crude oil and gas are not only a concern to industry, but also to business and politics. Securing energy supplies long term is increasingly becoming a major issue in our society. One alternative to fossil fuels is photovoltaics - a process for converting the sun?s rays directly into electrical energy. Solar energy technology has enormous growth potential and around the world it is currently on the way to becoming one of the most important segments of industry. According to the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, EPIA, the world market in photovoltaics will grow by 37% by the year 2010.
This growing market is in the spotlight at the opening event in the congress series "Solar Summits Freiburg". In over 20 top-class lectures leading photovoltaic experts from research and industry will be presenting the latest developments and solutions for extracting and processing silicon for solar-cell production. Accompanying panel discussions offer further opportunities to discuss current and future concerns in the industry. The focal themes of this year?s congress are:

· Future of the PV Industry
· High-Efficiency Technologies
· Upgraded Metallurgical Silicon
· Outlook on Sustainable Energy

Under the chairmanship of Professor Eicke R. Weber, Head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, ISE, a number of high-ranking speakers will be giving talks.

They include:
· Dr Winfried Hoffmann, VP and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Energy and Environmental Solutions, Applied Materials GmbH & Co. KG
· Dr Florian Holzapfel, CTO, Q-Cells AG
· Dr Ralf Lüdemann, Managing Director, Solar World Innovations GmbH
· Professor Tonino Buonassisi, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
· Professor Dr Uwe Rau, Head of Institute of Energy Research IEF-5 Photovoltaic, Research Centre Jülich

Accompanying program

An attractive accompanying program is being put on for Solar Summits, including a trade poster exhibition and guided tours around the institutes, plus the sixth 'Freiburg Solar Night', to which all congress delegates are warmly welcomed. These events are a further opportunity to network and share ideas.

For further information and a detailed program go to: http://www.solar-summits.com

2008-08-15 Courtesy: Munich International Trade Fairs; Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH; Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH

ersol's operating result for the first six months of 2008 exceeds result for previous year as a whole

German ersol Solar Energy AG (ersol; Erfurt) generated consolidated revenues of € 129.9 million in the first six months of 2008. Revenue thus increased by 86.0 percent year-on-year (H1 2007: € 69.8 million). This considerable growth is mainly attributable to the planned additional supplies of silicon and silicon wafers and their processing in the expanded production capacities. The distribution of revenue indicates a growing importance of international markets for the ersol Group. The export ratio was 72.6 percent, corresponding to an increase of 22.1 percentage points compared with the previous year (H1 2007: 50.5 percent). The subsidiary ersol Thin Film GmbH in the Modules segment for the first time has contributed significantly to this segment's positive development in the second half of the second quarter of 2008.

EBIT for the first half of 2008 already exceeds EBIT for the whole of financial year 2007

The operating result (EBIT) increased significantly compared with the first half of 2008. EBIT for the first half of 2008 already exceeds EBIT for the whole of financial year 2007. In total, ersol generated € 22.4 million in the reporting period, corresponding to an increase of 132.7 percent year-on-year (H1 2007: € 9.6 million). The EBIT margin increased relatively by 24.6 percent compared with the previous year to 17.2 percent (H1 2007: 13.8 percent). This positive trend is attributable, among other things, to lower pre-production costs in the Wafers and Solar Cells segments and to the revenue generated for the first time in this half-year by ersol Thin Film GmbH.

In the first half 2008, and over the remaining course of the current financial year, capacities in the Wafers and Solar Cells segments shall be expanded further. At the end of the year Wafers will have a nominal capacity of 180 MWp; crystalline solar cell production will have 220 MWp and at ersol Thin Film GmbH the nominal capacity will remain unchanged at 40 MWp. There has been no change to the overall forecast for the year after the first six months. "Even more than in previous years, the first six months of 2008 also give no indication of development to come in the quarters thereafter. Revenue and earnings will gradually increase according to plan over the next two quarters of 2008 due to increasing material supplies. The capacity expansions in all segments and the startup of production and distribution of thin-film technology were successful. "On this basis we are holding firm to our forecast," says Ekhard von Dewitz, CFO of ersol Solar Energy AG, speaking about the further development of business. "We are anticipating even greater profitability in the last two quarters of 2008 and expect to achieve our target EBIT margin of over 20 percent for the first time," continued von Dewitz. Currently, ersol is still forecasting revenues of between € 300 and 320 million and an operating profit of between € 70 million and € 80 million for 2008.

Bosch now holds a total of 85.48 percent of ersol shares

On August 13th 2008, Robert Bosch GmbH completed the takeover of the shares from the former majority shareholder, Ventizz. In addition to this 44.76 percent of the shares in ersol Solar Energy AG, Bosch has in the meantime purchased 29.34 percent of ersol shares. Combined with the shares tendered within the scope of the voluntary public takeover offer, amounting to 11.38 percent, the company now holds a total of 85.48 percent of ersol shares. Furthermore, as already announced, Bosch has agreed an option with Ventizz to acquire an additional 5.69 percent of the shares in ersol, which is to be exercised in March 2009. Bosch will thus hold a total of around 91.17 percent of ersol shares.

2008-08-14 Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH

Silicon Genesis and REC ASA sign collaboration and equipment

Silicon Genesis Corporation (SiGen; San Jose, California) announced on August 12th 2008 that it has signed a collaboration and equipment supply agreement with Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) of Oslo, Norway. Under the terms of the agreement, REC will evaluate thin-PV substrate samples made using the "PolyMax" "kerf-free" wafering process. REC will also collaborate with SiGen to develop and optimize high-volume manufacturing (HVM) equipment and develop silicon ingot shaping requirements. The agreement also includes commercial terms under which SiGen will supply an allocation of its HVM production equipment to REC, SiGen reports in a press release. SiGen by own account has successfully completed an initial phase under the agreement by delivering to REC 125mm wafer samples of 50um thickness with excellent yield, mechanical and electrical characteristics. A design phase is ongoing to develop high volume manufacturing equipment that can convert silicon ingots into thin silicon wafers ranging from 150um to 50um in thickness.

New wafering technology to support reaching grid parity

SiGen will present details of the "PolyMax" wafering process at the upcoming 23rd European Photovoltaic Conference (September 1-5, Valencia Spain). A joint paper with REC will also be presented describing major high-volume manufacturing system design guidelines. Francois Henley, president and CEO of Silicon Genesis said: "We are very pleased to be working with REC to evaluate our "PolyMax" wafering technology that can shave years from the industry’s goal of reaching grid parity. REC, as the world’s leading vertically integrated manufacturer of photovoltaic materials, cells and modules is an ideal partner in this endeavor."

Next-generation PV wafers and cells

Erik Sauar, Senior Vice President Technology and CTO of REC added: "We are excited to work together with SiGen in order to develop and industrialize this new technology. Provided we can reach sufficient scalability and productivity in the new manufacturing equipment and that all the remaining developments are equally successful as the first phase, this should enable us to manufacture next-generation PV wafers and cells with high efficiency at an even lower cost than with today’s sawing processes."

2008-08-14 Courtesy: Silicon Genesis Corporation Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Silicon Genesis Corporation

PV module producer aleo solar AG increases revenue by 76.9%; earnings per share more than doubled



aleo CEO Smit: "Our strategy is paying off".

German aleo solar AG (Oldenburg/Prenzlau) increased its revenue by 76.9% in the first half of 2008 to EUR 159.4 million (H1 2007: EUR 90.1 million), the company reports in a press release. The proportion of international revenue amounted to 59.0%. EBIT increased by 90.0% to EUR 11.4 million (H1 2007: EUR 6.0 million), lifting the EBIT margin by 0.4 percentage points to 7.1% (H1 2007: 6.7%). Earnings per share more than doubled to EUR 0.60 (H1 2007: EUR 0.27). Production output rose to 60.7 megawatts, an increase of 58.9%. Business in Germany continued to develop positively, with revenue growing 10.3% to EUR 65.4 million (H1 2007: EUR 59.3 million). International growth in the first half was extremely dynamic: 59.0% of revenue was generated abroad in the first six months of 2008. However, the Management Board expects that business in Spain will cool off temporarily. At the same time, aleo's business in Italy, Greece, Belgium and France is growing, while initial solar modules are also being supplied to countries such as Bulgaria and the Czech Republic. aleo solar AG's Management Board is reiterating its forecast that international revenue will account for around 40% of the Company's total revenue for full-year 2008.

Production capacity for more modules to reach 180 megawatts by the end of 2008

In addition, the passing of the new Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz (EEG – German Renewable Energy Act) has led to clarity in Germany, and thus to planning security being achieved at an early stage as from 2009. The Annual General Meeting of aleo solar AG was held on 24 June 2008 in Bremen, Germany. 99.2% of the votes represented opted to use the net retained profits to expand the Company's capacity in Prenzlau, Santa Maria de Palautordera (Spain) and Gaomi (China). "Our strategy is paying off.", said Jakobus Smit, CEO of aleo solar AG, "The shareholders in attendance approved the establishment of more production capacity for more modules in more countries." Total production capacity of 180 megawatts will be available by the end of 2008 (end of 2007: 100 megawatts). The Company is reiterating its forecast for the year of revenue of at least EUR 330 million and a continued solid EBIT margin.

2008-08-14 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG

Conergy completes Asia’s largest solar power plant in South Korea and gets commissioned with the turnkey construction of additional 4.35 MW



19,6 MW solar power plant in SinAn (South Korea).

Conergy Korea, subsidiary of the stock-listed German Conergy AG, announced on August 13th a framework agreement for a 4.35 MWp extension (worth approximately € 20 million) of Asia’s largest, recently completed photovoltaic plant (19.6 MWp) in SinAn, southwest of the Korean capital Seoul. Thanks to the perfect synergy between client DongYang Engineering & Construction Corporation and the renewable energy technology expertise of Conergy, the 19,6 MWp, € 90 million project was fully operational in June 2008, six months ahead of schedule, Conergy reports in a press release. Based on this outstanding engineering achievement, DongYang appointed Conergy with the turnkey construction of an additional 4.35 MWp. The extension of Asia’s Largest Solar Power Plant to 24 MWp is expected to be fully grid-connected before the year is over marking a major milestone for Korea in becoming a worldwide leader in clean energy.

"Building Asia’s largest solar power plant is a landmark moment for the renewable energy sector in Korea. The success, scale and technical sophistication of the project is a model of how we can lead Korea into a new era of renewable energy production through strong and trusted partnerships between international experience and technical knowledge, Korean construction and engineering expertise, and ambitious local and federal government planning and policy", Jihun Kim, CEO Conergy Korea, emphasizes.

New best-practice engineering and construction standards

Asia and Korea’s flagship solar project broke ground on May 12th, 2007. Since then, a highly proficient and dedicated team of 230 people has worked day and night to complete the 19,6 MWp plant in record time. Together with the extension, the completed 24MWp will cover an area of 720,000 m2, an equivalent of 96 soccer fields. Once fully operational, the solar power plant will produce annually 33,000 MWh - enough to supply 7,200 households with environmentally-friendly energy year after year. For the largest single-axis tracking system in the world, 69 Solar Optimus tracker systems developed by Conergy will be installed in SinAn, increasing the energy yield up to 20%. The 24 MW solar project alone will help Korea reduce CO2 emissions by 24,000 tons a year or the equivalent of planting 168,000 trees.

DongYang Engineering & Construction said: 2Considering the scale, high-technicality and speed of delivery of this project, this is a very significant engineering achievement for Korea to celebrate and points to Korea’s potential as a renewable energy producer. Korean companies, working with strategic partners like Conergy, can create a vibrant, dynamic and self-sustaining renewable energy market for Korea to benefit from economically and environmentally."

Progress of Korea’s renewable energy sector

A key goal of the Government’s 2003 second 10-year National Basic Plan for NRW (New and Renewable) Technology Development and Deployment is to supply 5 % of domestic energy requirements through renewable and alternative energy sources by 2010, as well as produce 1GW of solar energy by 2012. Since the introduction of the Government’s feed-in-tariff policy in 2002, the number of photovoltaic installations has increased rapidly. In 2007, 134 photovoltaic installations were connected to the grid, growing 163 % from 51 installed in 2006. Today, the total amount of commercial solar power production in Korea has grown to over 160MW.

Discussing the significance of this 24MWp plant for Korea, Stefan Mueller, Conergy’s Asia-Pacific Managing Director, said "Korea’s progress in the development of the solar industry is facing a major crossroads beyond 2009. There are serious concerns within the industry as to whether the changes to the feed-in-tariff policy for large-scale projects will be sufficient to encourage more world-class developments such as SinAn and help reach Korea’s ambitious target of producing 1GW of solar energy by 2012." With the price of a barrel of oil surging over US$ 130, the announcement is timely in pointing to the future potential of the renewable energy sector in Korea. Meeting Korean solar production targets of 1GW could create 37,000 jobs within a solar ecosystem sector and a leading industry worth KRW 5.3 trillion.

2008-08-14 Courtesy: Conergy AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Conergy AG

DuPont introduces new metallization paste for photovoltaic solar cells: efficiency increased up to 0.5%



metallization paste for frontside solar cells "Solamet® PV159".

DuPont Microcircuit Materials (MCM, Bristol, U.K.,), part of DuPont Electronic Technologies, on August 7th 2008 announced the introduction of the DuPont "Solamet PV159" thick-film metallization paste for frontside photovoltaic (PV) solar cell metallization. This new, advanced material due to DuPont has outperformed competitive metallization pastes in a wide range of processes, and in trials by customers around the world. "'DuPont Solamet' metallization materials, developed by our world class research team, have set the PV industry standard for many years by enabling customers to reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance the competitiveness of their products", said Peter Brenner, Photovoltaics Business Manager - DuPont Microcircuit Materials. "With the introduction of Solamet PV159, DuPont has again raised the bar for frontside PV cell metallization, and we’re continuing to maximize performance improvements at each account", he added.
Increased efficiency and a more favourable environmental profile

Customers who have sampled Solamet PV159 have seen up to 0.5 % efficiency improvement on wafers with shallower emitters compared to standard wafers, with substantial improvements also shown on many other wafer/emitter types, DuPont emphasizes in the press release. The new metallization paste also has a more favourable environmental profile, as it is made without cadmium as an ingredient. Due to these and other advantages, the newly developed chemistry in Solamet PV159 is being used as the basis for a range of materials characterized by varying degrees of chemical reactivity, enabling solar cell manufacturers to more exactly match the material to their specific process conditions.

DuPont Solamet PV159 is compatible with the most recently released Silver Tabbing material, Solamet PV505, which according to DuPont has become the material of choice for many global manufacturers as a cost effective metallization paste that delivers high adhesion, low laydown and low contact resistance. DuPont Solamet PV159 and PV505 metallization pastes are currently available for sampling. DuPont will feature new Solamet PV159 thick-film metallization paste as part of its broad and growing portfolio of photovoltaic solutions in hall 3, stand A13 at the 23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Exhibition held at the Feria Valencia in Valencia, Spain, from 1 to 4 September, 2008.

2008-08-13 Courtesy: DuPont Microcircuit Materials Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: DuPont Microcircuit Materials

Applied Materials awarded multi-year solar service contract from Green Energy Technology



SunFab: Thin film line for solar module manufacturing

Applied Materials, Inc. (Santa Clara; California) announced on August 11th 2008 that it has signed a five-year service contract with Green Energy Technology Inc. (GET) of Taiwan to support GET’s Applied SunFab-thin film line for solar module manufacturing. Through its SunFab Performance Service program Applied will reduce operating costs while enabling a quick ramp to volume production. Applied’s SunFab Performance Service program du to the company has already reached strong momentum at leading solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers in Europe and Asia, exceeding 0M in contracts for both single and tandem junction thin film PV applications. "Green Energy Technology sees substantial advantages in aligning with Applied Materials to provide the support infrastructure, service technology and global expertise that can help make our new venture a success", said Mr. Hurlon Lin, president of GET. "We believe the SunFab Performance Service program will allow us to run at the lowest possible costs and maximize our profitability, enabling us to focus on delivering world-class solar PV modules to our customers", he added.

"Leading solar and semiconductor manufacturers are increasingly looking to external resources to manage line performance and lower operating cost", said Manfred Kerschbaum, senior vice president and general manager of Applied Global Services. "We are pleased to be able to use our extensive expertise and global resources to help GET and others maximize the return on their manufacturing equipment investment", Kerschbaum emphasizes.

Under the agreement, Applied will service GET’s Applied SunFab Thin Film Line using an unmatched range of engineering, logistics and automation software technologies. In addition to preventive and corrective maintenance, spare parts management and analytical services, Applied and GET will work together to develop continuous improvement programs and total factory optimization to enable low operating costs and on going productivity gains.

Green Energy Technology Inc., Ltd. (GET) was invested by San-Chih Semiconductor through an equity investment by Tatung and incorporated in July, 2004. GET’s main products are multicrystalline silicon wafers (125x125mm or 156x156mm) in thicknesses ranging from 325-200 micrometers, and single-crystal ingots and wafers.

2008-08-11 Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.

Sunfilm announces strategic research and development agreement with Helmholtz Centre in Berlin



Automatic solar cell surface coating at HCB.

On July 23rd 2008 Sunfilm AG (Großröhrsdorf, Germany) manufacturer of thin film silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, announced that it has signed a research and development agreement with the the Helmholtz Centre Berlin for Materials and Energy (HCB, formerly the Hahn Meitner Institute). Pursuant to the agreement, HZB will provide Sunfilm with technical and analytic support during the ramp-up phase of its two production lines and the partners will develop technologies that will increase the performance and cost competitiveness of thin-film silicon PV technology. Bernd Rech a world leading scientist in thin film silicon technology, Professor in Photovoltaics at the Technical University of Berlin and department head at HZB commented: "We are extremely honored to have signed the Research and Development agreement with Sunfilm. We believe that the combination of scientific know-how of the HZB and the capability for large scale production of Sunfilm will lead to new and exciting products that will significantly impact the thin-film PV market."

Direct access to experts in thin-film silicon technology

"We see this as critical strategic step for our ongoing product development", says Sunfilm’s Dr. Wilhelm Stein, Head of Process Technology. "Sunfilm will benefit significantly during the ramp-up phase of our production line from the specialist expertise of the scientists at the HZB, but more importantly, Sunfilm will have direct access to experts in thin-film silicon technology giving Sunfilm a competitive advantage in an industry where many companies are starting with their production world-wide", Dr. Stein added.

120 MWp output scheduled by the middle of 2010

If at full capacity, Sunfilm’s first production line has the potential of an annual output of approximately 60MWp. Also, Sunfilm recently commenced construction of a new facility for a second production line which would add another 60MWp of output capacity by the middle of 2010.

German SOLON AG signs 0 million contract with US solar cell supplier Suniva



ARTisun solar cells by Suniva.

Berlin-based SOLON AG für Solartechnik, one of the largest solar module manufacturers in Europe and a leading supplier of photovoltaic systems for large-scale solar power plants, has signed a multi-year purchase agreement with the solar cell manufacturer Suniva, Inc. based in Atlanta (USA). The contract due to SOLON extends through 2012, during which time Suniva will deliver more than 0 million worth of high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells to SOLON. Delivery of the solar cells is scheduled to commence in early 2009. This step enables SOLON AG to further diversify its supplier base, the company emphasizes.
Based in Atlanta, Suniva develops, manufactures and markets high-value crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells for clean solar power generation. The company has an exclusive license to critical patents and patent-pending intellectual property developed by founder and CTO Dr. Ajeet Rohatgi at the Georgia Institute of Technology's University Center of Excellence in Photovoltaics, the nation's premier silicon PV research center. In addition, the company's deep process know-how and unique approach to manufacturing delivers leading solar cell performance while dramatically cutting the cost of PV-generated electricity.

MIT Scientists mimic essence of plants' energy storage system to store solar power



Daniel G. Nocera developed a simple method for large-scale use of solar power.

Requiring nothing but abundant, non-toxic natural materials, a discovery by researchers of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) shall unlock the most potent, carbon-free energy source of all: the sun. "This is the nirvana of what we've been talking about for years," said MIT's Daniel Nocera, the Henry Dreyfus Professor of Energy at MIT and senior author of a paper describing the work in the July 31 issue of Science. Inspired by the photosynthesis performed by plants, Nocera and Matthew Kanan, a postdoctoral fellow in Nocera's lab, have developed a process that will allow the sun's energy to be used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Later, the oxygen and hydrogen may be recombined inside a fuel cell, creating carbon-free electricity to power a house or an electric car, day or night. The key component in Nocera and Kanan's new process is a new catalyst that produces oxygen gas from water; another catalyst produces valuable hydrogen gas.

New catalyst made of cobalt metal and phosphate works at room temperature

The new catalyst consists of cobalt metal, phosphate and an electrode, placed in water. When electricity - whether from a photovoltaic cell, a wind turbine or any other source - runs through the electrode, the cobalt and phosphate form a thin film on the electrode, and oxygen gas is produced. Combined with another catalyst, such as platinum, that can produce hydrogen gas from water, the system can duplicate the water splitting reaction that occurs during photosynthesis. The new catalyst works at room temperature, in neutral pH water, and it's easy to set up, Nocera said. "That's why I know this is going to work. It's so easy to implement," he emphasizes.

"Just the beginning"

Currently available electrolyzers, which split water with electricity and are often used industrially, are not suited for artificial photosynthesis because they are very expensive and require a highly basic (non-benign) environment that has little to do with the conditions under which photosynthesis operates. More engineering work needs to be done to integrate the new scientific discovery into existing photovoltaic systems, but Nocera said he is confident that such systems will become a reality. "This is just the beginning," said Nocera, principal investigator for the Solar Revolution Project funded by the Chesonis Family Foundation and co-director of the Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Center. "The scientific community is really going to run with this." Nocera hopes that within 10 years, homeowners will be able to power their homes in daylight through photovoltaic cells, while using excess solar energy to produce hydrogen and oxygen to power their own household fuel cell. Electricity-by-wire from a central source could be a thing of the past.

"Giant leap" for clean energy

Sunlight has the greatest potential of any power source to solve the world's energy problems, said Nocera. In one hour, enough sunlight strikes the Earth to provide the entire planet's energy needs for one year. "This is a major discovery with enormous implications for the future prosperity of humankind," said James Barber, a leader in the study of photosynthesis who was not involved in Nocera's research. "The importance of their discovery cannot be overstated since it opens up the door for developing new technologies for energy production thus reducing our dependence for fossil fuels and addressing the global climate change problem", comments Barber, Ernst Chain Professor of Biochemistry at Imperial College London.

Solar Millennium AG begins construction of Solar Power Plant Andasol 3



Parabolic trough power plants "Andasol", Andalusia.

Solar Millennium AG (Erlangen, Germany) starts the construction of the Andasol 3 parabolic trough power plant in southern Spain, the company reports in a press release. To do this, Solar Millennium has placed an order through its subsidiary Marquesado Solar S.L. - the project company of Andasol 3 - with a joint venture to carry out the early works. The joint venture is formed by the joint forces of MAN Solar Millennium GmbH, Essen, and the Spanish construction company Duro Felguera S.A. Energíja, Gijón (Spain). The joint venture lead by MAN Solar Millennium is to build the turn-key solar power plant until February 2011. Flagsol GmbH, Solar Millennium's technology subsidiary based in Cologne, is responsible for the technological design of the solar field. The Andasol 3 parabolic trough power plant is situated next to its two similarly constructed sister projects, Andasol 1 and 2, which are the first parabolic trough power plants in Europe, located in Andalusia, southern Spain. The plant will supply up to 200,000 people with solar power. Parabolic mirrors with a collector area of about 500,000 square meters, an area as large as 70 soccer pitches, concentrate the suns rays, generating heat energy which is then used to generate electricity through the use of a steam turbine. Thermal storage makes plannable energy generation possible, so that environmentally-friendly electricity can be fed into the Spanish power grid also at night. All three Andasol projects were developed by Solar Millennium. They represent the largest location in the world utilizing solar energy.

Solar Millennium expanding business operations to include power plant construction

This is the first time that MAN Solar Millennium - a joint venture company formed in May 2007 by MAN Ferrostaal and Solar Millennium - is the general contractor of a solar thermal power plant. Using the joint venture company, Solar Millennium is expanding its business operations to include power plant construction. Important key components for the project have already been ordered. The absorber tubes are being supplied by Schott Solarthermie GmbH, Mainz. Rioglass Solar S.A., Mieres/ Asturias (Spain) are producing the parabolic mirrors. MAN Turbo AG, Oberhausen, is to supply an enhanced 50 megawatt turbine which features an especially high level of efficiency. Solar Millennium expects the financial closure in a few weeks. Simultaneously, Solar Millennium plans to sell part of its shares in the Marquesado Solar project company. Now that Early Works have been contracted out and since preparatory works on the power plant site have already begun in May, a rapid realization of the solar power plant is possible.

Covering all important phases of the value chain of solar thermal power plants

Christian Beltle, CEO of Solar Millennium, is pleased about the commencement of the realization: "Andasol 3 is our third project which we have successfully developed in Spain and on which construction is now commencing. With the realization of this solar power plant, Solar Millennium has also reached a milestone in its corporate development: For the first time, we are covering all important phases of the value chain of solar thermal power plants, from project development and project financing to technology and power plant construction, ending in power plant ownership. As a result, we are also in a very good position to open up further markets."

First Solar inaugurates its first of four solar module manufacturing plants in Kedah (Malaysia)



First Solar modules.

First Solar, Inc. on July 22nd 2008 announced that the first of its four solar module manufacturing plants being constructed at the Kulim High Tech Park in Kedah, Malaysia was formally inaugurated today by YAB Dato’ Seri Ustaz Azizan Bin Abdul Razak, Chief Minister of Kedah Darul Aman and Bruce Sohn, President of First Solar. Also participating in the event from First Solar were Heiner Eichermueller, Vice President of Global Manufacturing, and Tan Poh Beng, Plant Manager of First Solar Malaysia. "Dedicating this plant today represents a major milestone for First Solar. Our expansion into Asia enables us to achieve cost reductions through economies of scale in a high quality manufacturing environment", said Bruce Sohn, President of First Solar. "I would like to thank our talented and dedicated new associates in Kedah for their role in the successful start up of our production facility, marked by the recent commencement of commercial module production. Our new manufacturing facilities in Kedah will play a vital role in helping the company achieve our stated goals and objectives."

"This is a matter of great pride for Kedah and Malaysia. Our entire work force is Malaysian at all levels throughout the operation. And we all receive the same specialized training and opportunities that First Solar associates enjoy throughout our global organization", stated Tan Poh Beng, Plant Manager of First Solar’s Malaysia Facilities.

First Solar’s investment of 0 million (RM 2.2 billion) will bring more than 2,000 jobs in management, engineering, accounting, human resources and factory operations when all four plants are fully operational. The Malaysian Government has granted First Solar a multi-year income tax holiday, and the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) is supporting cross training for the workforce at First Solar’s facilities in the United States and Germany.

"The leaders of Kedah are pleased to have First Solar locate their first Asia-based solar module manufacturing facilities here in our state. We remain committed and supportive of their mission to enable clean, affordable solar energy. We are confident that all Malaysians will benefit from the quality of jobs that this facility brings to our community and applaud First Solar’s commitment to environmental responsibility", said YAB Dato’ Seri Ustaz Azizan Bin Abdul Razak, Chief Minister of Kedah Darul Aman.

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 megawatts of First Solar PV modules had been installed worldwide. When complete during the second half of 2009, the four plants that comprise First Solar’s Malaysia facilities will have a combined annual capacity to produce 720 megawatts of solar modules and provide a significant contribution to First Solar’s annual capacity goal of one gigawatt.

KYOCERA donates 20 solar power generating systems to primary schools in Tanzania



Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (left) and Dr. Kazuo Inamori.

By the year 2012, Kyocera Corporation will have donated solar power generating systems to produce electricity for twenty primary schools in Tanzania. The company has for years been dedicated to electrification and improving educational infrastructure in rural areas in developing countries. This project takes that initiative a step further. At an official celebration, Kyocera's founder and Chairman Emeritus, Dr. Kazuo Inamori, presented the certificate of donation to His Excellency Mr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairman of the African Union. One of Tanzania's most pressing problems is improving its educational infrastructure. In primary schools in particular, learning conditions are not yet sufficient. Kyocera - one of the world's leading manufacturers of solar energy modules - is meeting the challenge to improve conditions by lending its support with a package of donations.

Within the next five years, the company will equip free of charge four schools annually with solar energy generating systems. The package includes a 600 Watt solar electricity generation system and the storage batteries that go with it. In addition to the systems, each school will receive basic supplies, including a television and electric lights. The President of Kyocera - Europe, Mitsuru Imanaka, explains the programme, "We hope that electricity will improve the quality of teaching because the newest in media can be used."

Supporting Electrification in Rural Areas

Kyocera's commitment to electrifying rural areas began in the Pakistani village of Kankoi in 1983 and the Chinese province of Gansu in 1985. Parallel to that effort, a whole series of projects were completed. Among these were the irrigation of agricultural land, cold storage for vaccines, and providing electricity for medical facilities. In October 2008, Kyocera also plans to equip some 500 households in Tunisia with electricity produced by solar energy generating systems.

More than 500,000 euros for Earthquake Victims

One of the pillars of the company's philosophy is contributing to better social welfare. Everyone involved in the enterprise takes part. After the earthquake in China's Szechuan province, Kyocera donated more than 500,000 euros for reconstruction and humanitarian aid in the effected areas. Of that, some 183,000 euros were donated by Kyocera employees.

2008-08-03 Courtesy: Kyocera Fineceramics GmbH Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Kyocera Fineceramics GmbH

European Photovoltaic Industry Association EPIA elects Michael Harre as new board member



EPIA board member Michael Harre.

The members of EPIA, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, have elected SCHOTT Solar's Managing Director Michael Harre to their Board. At their General Assembly in Aix les Bains (France) Mr. Harre was elected as one of two new Board Members at the end of June. The EPIA Board has the task of representing the solar sector at a political level and driving forward technical harmonization of the global photovoltaic industry through the use of international standards. The European Photovoltaic Industry Association elects its Board every two years. "I am delighted with the trust that has been placed in me and I am looking forward to the new challenges associated with this honorary appointment. The EPIA contributes considerably to the growth of the sector by representing the interests of the European photovoltaic industry at the regional, European and global levels, and furthering development of the market through joint activities", comments Harre on his election as an EPIA Board Member.

Michael Harre was appointed Managing Director of SCHOTT Solar GmbH in May of this year and also represents the Sales and Marketing Department as CSO. He became a member of the SCHOTT Solar management team in October 2002 when he took up a position as worldwide Sales and Marketing Department Manager. As a manager at SCHOTT AG, Mr. Harre has been involved in the photovoltaic market since the year 2000. He intends to bring his experience gained in the course of his career to bear in his EPIA Board activities. EPIA is the world's largest industry association for the solar energy market. The association serves to promote photovoltaics at the national, European and worldwide levels as well as supporting its members in developing their companies within the European Union and in export markets. Today EPIA has over 170 members.