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New global energy strategy tackles climate change saving USD 18 trillion in fuel costs
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Report "Energie [R]evolution".
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Aggressive investment in renewable power generation and energy efficiency could create an annual USD 360 billion industry, providing half of the world's electricity, slashing over
USD 18 trillion in future fuel costs while protecting the climate, according to one of the most comprehensive plans for future sustainable energy provision launched on October 27th,
2008. The report: "Energy [R]evolution: A Sustainable World Energy Outlook", produced by the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) and Greenpeace International, provides a practical
blueprint for rapidly cutting energy-related CO2 emissions in order to help ensure that greenhouse gas emissions peak and then fall by 2015. This can be achieved while ensuring
economies in China, India and other developing nations have access to the energy that they need in order to develop. "Unlike other energy scenarios that promote energy
futures at the cost of the climate, our energy revolution scenario shows how to save money and maintain global economic development without fuelling catastrophic climate change. All we
need to kick start this plan is bold energy policy from world leaders", said Sven Teske, Greenpeace International's Senior Energy Expert and co-author of the report. "Strict efficiency
standards make sound economic sense and dramatically slow down rising global energy demand. The energy saved in industrialised countries will make space for increased energy use in
developing economies. With renewable energy growing four-fold not only in the electricity sector, but also in the heating and transport sectors, we can still cut the average carbon
emissions per person from today's four tonnes to around one tonne by 2050", he added.
Renewable electricity without any further fuel costs beyond 2030
Especially in the context of today's economic instability, investing in renewable energy technologies is a "winwin-win" scenario: a win for energy security, a win for the economy and a
win for the climate. While "business as usual" energy scenarios from bodies such as the International Energy Agency come at the cost of the climate and the economy, the Energy
[R]evolution makes a clear case for "business as unusual". It estimates that the additional costs for coal fuel from today until the year 2030 are as high as USD 15.9 trillion, more
than is required to pay for the Energy [R]evolution. These renewable energy sources will produce electricity without any further fuel costs beyond 2030, creating an enormous number of
jobs and helping lift the world out of recession.
Some renewable energies at good sites are already competitive with conventional power
Oliver Schäfer, EREC Policy Director said, "The global market for renewable energy can grow at double digit rates until 2050, and overtake the size of today's fossil fuel industry.
Currently, the renewable energy market is worth USD 70 billion and doubling in size every three years."
"Because of economy of scales, renewable energies such as wind power at good sites are already competitive with conventional power. From around 2015 onwards, we are confident that
renewable energies across all sectors will be the most cost effective energy capacities. The renewable industry is ready and able to deliver the needed capacity to make the energy
revolution a reality. There is no technical impediment but a political barrier to rebuild the global energy sector", he added.
The report: "Energy [R]evolution: A Sustainable
World Energy Outlook" (212 pages; PDF) is available to download at:
Light system weight and low wind loading
Solyndra's proprietary thin film PV systems are said to generate significantly more solar electricity on an annual basis from typical low-slope commercial rooftops combined with lower
installation costs than conventional PV flat panel technologies. "Solyndra's light system weight and low wind loading enables our firm to install solar on a large number of rooftops
that otherwise could not support traditional PV systems," said Steve Gyoerffy, CEO and co-founder of GeckoLogic. "Additionally, the non-penetrating mounting system gives my customers
piece of mind that the roof will never leak", Gyoerffy added.
2008-10-27 Courtesy: Solyndra, Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solyndra, Inc.
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U. S. wind energy industry: Record year predicted in the wake of strong third quarter
The U.S. wind energy industry in the third quarter of 2008 installed 1,389 megawatts (MW) of new wind energy capacity thus, raising the total of wind power projects completed up to
4,204 MW, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA, Washington, D.C.) announced on October 22nd, 2008. In its 3rd quarter market report AWEA emphasizes that 2008 is expected to be
another record year. With more wind projects reported under construction, the industry is on track to surpass the banner year of 2007, when 5,249 MW were installed, the report states.
Overall installation for 2008 is expected to total at about 7,500 MW, equivalent to the amount of electricity needed to supply approximately 2.2 million homes. The industry
also intends to expand its manufacturing base in the U.S. aggressively, despite the financial climate. AWEA’s report tallies the opening of eight new wind turbine component
manufacturing facilities, the expansion of nine facilities and the announcement of an additional 19 facilities. The share of U.S.-made components in wind turbines is estimated to be at
50 %, up from about 30 % in 2005. "The convenient truth here is that wind power provides a stimulus for our economy, as well as a climate change and energy security solution", said AWEA
Executive Director Randall Swisher.
New U.S.-Administration and Congress key in growth of wind energy industry
Based on projections for the remainder of the year, 2008 will mark the fourth year in a row that new wind capacity installations have set records, but that is not expected to continue
next year, AWEA states in its press release. With some 8,000 MW already under construction for completion this year or next, the wind industry remains relatively strong. But because of
the late extension of the wind production tax credits and the evolving financial crisis, new construction starts are expected to slow down in 2009. The steps that the new Administration
and Congress are going to take to promote renewable energy will be critical, AWEA points out.
Wind power as one of the most attractive energy options
In order for the wind industry to be able to continue turbine and component manufacturing within the U.S., the industry due to AWEA needs a long-term extension of the wind production
tax credit (the recent financial rescue package extended the credit for one year only), a federal renewable energy standard, strong climate change legislation, and investment in new
transmission infrastructure.
"The market, in spite of all its turmoil, clearly points to wind power as one of the most attractive energy options available today. But if we are to keep this momentum going, the new
President and Congress will need to put in place what the majority of the American people support but the country still lacks: a long-term renewable energy policy", concluded AWEA
Executive Director Randall Swisher.
The report is available at http://www.awea.org/publications/reports/3Q08.pdf.
2008-10-27 Courtesy: AWEA Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: AWEA
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Energosolar to deliver thin-film PV factory to Solar Pro in Bulgaria
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PV panels by Energosolar.
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Energosolar Ltd. (Geneva, Switzerland and Budapest, Hungary) on October 20th, 2008 announced that Energosolar is starting to ship the first production equipment for a new amorphous
silicon (aSi) thin-film PV module manufacturing plant in Bulgaria to be operated by Solar Pro AD (Sofia, Bulgaria). Energosolar will deliver all the turn-key production equipment from
the glass preparation to the final testing of the ready-to-install thin-film modules, the company reports in a press release. The first phase of installation is scheduled to be finished
by the end of 2008. The 18 MW production line under delivery is expected to reach full capacity by mid 2009 producing some 400.000 square meters (approximately 4.3 million
sqf) of thin film PV modules per year.
Installation, equipment and training to be provided by Energosolar
Key production equipment, such as PE CVD (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition), lasers, sputtering machines and edge deletion systems, are produced by Energosolar, the press
release states. Energosolar is also to provide the installation of the assembly line, all front- and back-end equipment and the training of the production staff of the new facility.
Solar Pro’s management expressed satisfaction with the cooperation and is confident that the completion of the project will happen in a timely manner. The new facility building
due to Energosolar is currently being equipped with utilities and a clean room. First sample production is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2009. Solar Pro has already
signed its first contract for a 2,4 MW solar power plant, situated in the North-East of Bulgaria, the companies stated. Energosolar's experience was already acquired by installing
similar production lines in Hungary, China and especially in Thailand, where it provided equipment for one of the biggest amorphous silicon thin film PV module manufacturing plants in
the world, the press release concludes.
2008-10-26 Courtesy: Energosolar, Ltd. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Energosolar, Ltd.
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Fraunhofer ISE inaugurates new laboratory for silicon material research
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Multi-wire saw. ISE is optimizing the wafer
cutting process.
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At present, solar cells based on crystalline silicon wafers make up more than 90 percent of all solar cells produced worldwide. The bottle neck in the production of highly purified
silicon has led to many activities centered around this material. In addition to expanding the production capacity in industry, solar cell manufacturers and researchers are also forging
new paths in the use and optimization of the material. Against this background, Fraunhofer ISE (Freiburg, Germany) is strengthening its activities in the area of materials research.
Now supplemented by the new laboratory "SIMTEC - Silicon Materials Technology and Evaluation Center", Fraunhofer ISE performs process steps across the whole solar value chain -
from materials to modules - in the field of applied research. The new SIMTEC focuses on silicon crystallization and wafer technology as well as crystalline silicon thin-film technology.
Starting with various sources of silicon feedstock, the work ranges from multicrystalline block crystallization, block shaping through to wafering and - as a new technology in
photovoltaics - silicon epitaxy for crystalline silicon thin-film wafer equivalents.
Crystallization of silicon blocks sets the course for solar cell efficiency
"On the long journey from the raw silicon material to the finished photovoltaic module, the crystallization of silicon blocks is a decisive process step", explains Dr. Stefan Reber,
head of the group Crystalline Silicon - Materials and Thin film Solar Cells. "In this step, the course is set, so to say, for the solar cell efficiency. With SIMTEC, we now have the
necessary equipment at our disposal to intensively carry out work on the current and future topics on the material side."
Metallurgical grade silicon for cheaper solar cells
This includes considering lower-cost metallurgical grade silicon and its use for the production of solar cells, after the metal impurities from the material have been removed. In
addition to crystallization and wafering, the researchers at SIMTEC in Freiburg also are active in the field of crystalline silicon thin-film technology. This area shows promise for
building a bridge between the high efficiencies of the conventional wafer technology and the low material consumption of the thin-film technology - at much lower manufacturing
costs.
"Silicon epitaxy plays a central role in this technology. At SIMTEC in our new 600m² laboratory, we can investigate and optimize the crystalline silicon epitaxy process in all aspects
through to the production suitability", Reber emphasizes. As a result, after almost twenty years of research and development, Stefan Reber’s team aims to make this technology
ready for the market within the next two years. The equipment at SIMTEC was supported by funds from the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. The
project work is supported by funds from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.
2008-10-23 Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE
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Lakeland Electric to deploy the most per-customer solar power among all U.S. utilities
The utility Lakeland Electric (Lakeland, Florida) and SunEdison, LLC (Beltsville, Maryland) provider of solar-generated energy to commercial, municipal and utility customers, on
October 16th 2008 announced a public-private partnership with the goal to deploy a total of 24 megawatts (MW) of solar electric power. The program is said to be the largest
utility-sponsored photovoltaic (PV) program per metered customer in the United States to date, averaging 214 watts per meter among Lakeland Electric’s approximately 112,000
customers. SunEdison will provide utility-scale solar energy services to Lakeland Electric under the agreement.
24 MW of solar capacity throughout Lakeland Electric’s service area
SunEdison will finance, build, own, operate, monitor and maintain photovoltaic solar energy systems for Lakeland Electric, which thus can avoid all upfront capital equipment costs,
SunEdison emphasizes in a press release. The full 24 MW of solar capacity will include ground-mounted and rooftop PV systems throughout Lakeland Electric’s service area. Over 20
years, 24 MW of solar capacity are estimated to produce enough zero-emission solar electricity to offset more than 813 million pounds of carbon dioxide produced by traditional energy
sources. This would mean the equivalent of removing almost 80,000 cars from U.S. roadways.
Utility-scale solar with no upfront costs
"Environmental stewardship is important to our community, to Lakeland’s city leadership and to Lakeland Electric. It is vital that each utility considers carefully how to meet
customers’ increasing needs for electricity and do it in a way that is fiscally and environmentally prudent. Deploying utility-scale solar with no upfront costs is a win-win for
Lakeland. We are pleased to be working with SunEdison on this innovative program", noted Jim Stanfield, General Manager for Lakeland Electric.
"Lakeland Electric is taking a strong leadership position in the utility industry in showing how solar can be incorporated into electricity services. SunEdison is proud to be working
with Lakeland Electric to meet their customers’ desire for clean solar electricity", noted Brian Jacolick, General Manager of SunEdison, LLC.
2008-10-22 Courtesy: SunEdison, LLC. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunEdison, LLC
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REC ASA secures a USD 500 million silicon powder contract
REC ASA (Sandvika, Norway), one of the most integrated companies in the solar energy industry, has entered into a long-term take-or-pay agreement with a PV-company based in Asia for
the supply of fine particulate silicon - called "silicon powder" - from the FBR-process. The contract has a value in excess of USD 500 million (approx. NOK 2.9 billion). Silicon powder
has traditionally had low or negative value, due to storage and land-filling requirements, REC reports in a press release. REC has developed technology to capture and package these fine
silicon materials, which opens valuable commercial opportunities. "This will enable us to increase the revenue and consequently the financial return on our latest polysilicon
expansions, through the marketing of a product that REC presently does not intent to utilize internally", says Erik Thorsen, President & CEO of REC.
The contract due to REC has a value in excess of USD 500 million (approx. NOK 2.9 billion), and runs for seven years from 2009 through 2015. Prices and volumes are predetermined for the
entire contract period, including clauses covering annual price adjustments in the case of cost escalations. Volumes delivered will start at a relatively low level and increase over
time to approximately 1,500 MT per year. According to the agreement, REC Silicon will receive a prepayment fee of USD 65 million ( approx. NOK 380 million) before the end of 2008. These
"silicon powder"- volumes come in addition to already communicated volumes of prime material (i.e. FBR and Siemens prime).
2008-10-22 Courtesy: REC ASA Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: REC ASA
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SOLON inaugurates new PV production facility in Tucson, Arizona
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Solar power plant with SOLON Movers at
Alamosa, Colorado.
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SOLON AG's state-of-the-art production facility for solar modules came on stream on October 17th, 2008 in Tucson, Arizona (USA). In its first phase, the production site will have an
annual capacity of 60 MWp, SOLON AG reports in a press release. The PV facility will produce crystalline and thin-film solar modules as well as photovoltaic systems for the North
American market. SOLON currently employs around 100 people at its site in Tucson. SOLON's local presence provides a good basis for breaking into the US solar market, the company
emphasizes. "The solar market in the US is growing rapidly", according to Olaf Koester, president and CEO of SOLON Corporation. "The recent legislation on tax breaks for the
construction of solar power systems creates a secure framework for the further expansion of renewable energies in the US and will accelerate their growth. We intend to benefit from this
trend, and our new facility will put us in an excellent position to do so."
"We are excited to have SOLON's new state-of-the-art factory in Tucson as well as the associated high skill jobs", Tucson Regional Economic Organization President & CEO Joe Snell
said. "We expect SOLON to be a cornerstone of very large solar economic development in Southern Arizona." SOLON Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SOLON AG and was established
at the beginning of 2007. It has already installed more than 9 MWp of integrated photovoltaic power systems and solar power stations in the US. The aim of SOLON Corp. is to promote the
large-scale use of solar power in the USA.
2008-10-21 Courtesy: SOLON AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SOLON AG
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EPIA organises its first international Thin Film Conference
Over 300 experts from the thin film sector are expected to gather on13 November next in Munich for the 1st EPIA International Thin Film Conference. With a growing demand for
photovoltaic (PV) products in the European and American markets, all technological solutions are expanding and thin film even stronger. With the organisation of this 1st edition, EPIA
aims at providing a dedicated international discussion platform for the photovoltaic thin film industry.
4 GW production capacity expected by the end of 2010
According to EPIA projections, 4 GW of Thin Film production capacity is expected to be available by the end of 2010. This would represent 20% of the overall PV module capacity. How is
this supposed to happen? What is the potential for cost reduction offered by Thin Film technologies? Will it enable reaching grid parity by a quicker means? The conference will present
the state-of-the-art PV Thin Film sector and provide an insight into global market trends, the latest technological achievements, successful investments in the sector and a full
analysis, from material and equipment suppliers to module manufacturers.
With high level speakers from the Industry, the conference will be divided into 5 parts:
- Market overview and production forecast - The future of Thin Film
- Thin Film Module Production Technologies
- Are turn-key solutions the path to Multi Giga Watt Production?
- Investments in the Thin Film sector
- Measurements and Sustainability
This first edition, organised by the world’s largest photovoltaic association, offers an excellent opportunity to network with Thin Film’s most knowledgeable experts. A
detailed programme and all information are available on this dedicated website: http://www.thinfilmconference.org/
2008-10-19 Courtesy: EPIA Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Conergy AG
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Solar sounds: Turtuga Blanku turning sunrays into music
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Turtuga Blanku uses only solar power
to produce music.
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Caribbean based musician Turtuga Blanku ("white turtle") turns sunshine into fresh and catchy songs. "I wouldn’t call myself a 'green musician', sunlight has so much more
colors in it…", Blanku emphasizes. The artist from Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles) uses only solar power to produce his music. "Solar energy can power up any kind of business,
including the music business. It enables me to be environmentally conscious and to produce music with modern day’s luxuries at the same time", says Maarten Schuit, the sun bronzed
creative mind behind Turtuga Blanku. The "Green Machine", the studio in which Turtuga Blanku's music is recorded, runs completely on solar power.
Maarten Schuit explains how that works: "Well, you need the sun and a couple of solar panels. Those are placed in such a way that they catch the sun for a maximum number of daylight
hours. The Green Machine has them on the roof, four pairs in total. Converted energy is lead to a special meter cupboard and six deep loading batteries. Those are a bit different from
your regular car battery. They are 6 Volts, but connected in parallel as to put out 12 Volts DC. A converter further changes this into 110 Volts 60 Hz AC".
Because of the batteries, the Green Machine is also operational after the sun has set. However, to keep the power usage low, the set up of the studio itself has deliberately been kept
simple; some basic hardware (including instruments like guitars, bass and piano) and then a lot of software.
While working on his debut-album, Turtuga Blanku releases songs on his (brand new!) website as they come. The catchy lyric-melody combinations with a touch of funky reggae sound sunny
and fresh at the same time. Just go over to www.TurtugaBlanku.com, listen to the latest release "Golden Bubble" and find out what the sun sounds like. "Expect Turtuga Blanku’s
recorded sunshine to keep you warm and shiny for the rest of your day!", Maarten Schuit invites.
More information and music: http://www.TurtugaBlanku.com
2008-10-18 Courtesy: Maarten Schuit Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Turtuga Blanku
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aleo solar joint venture in China starts PV production
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Inauguration of the solar modules production
plant in Gaomi.
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aleo solar AG (Prenzlau, Oldenburg; Germany) on October 15th, 2008 announced its expansion into Asia, where it now operates a third production location. The company celebrated the
inauguration of the solar module production at avim solar production Co. Ltd. in the Chinese city of Gaomi (Shandong province). Both aleo solar AG and the Chinese Sunvim Group Co. Ltd.
hold an interest of 50 percent each in the joint venture. The first of four production lines in Gaomi is already manufacturing aleo modules, aloe solar reports in a press release. In
mid-2009, a production capacity of at least 50 megawatts will be available. Together with the parent factory in Prenzlau (Brandenburg) and the Spanish production facility near
Barcelona, this will bring the total capacity of aleo solar AG to 250 megawatts in 2009. Certified by VDE Verband der Elektrotechnik, Elektronik und Informationstechnik e.V.
(VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies), all three production plants manufacture aleo modules in the highest quality.
avim solar production Co. Ltd. is one of only a few Sino-German joint ventures that managed to launch production in the very year it was founded. "At record speed, aloe solar and its
partner have newly established production in just seven months," Jakobus Smit, CEO of aleo solar AG, said with delight. "We have banked on the highest level of technology and used the
equipment of specialized German and Swiss manufacturers."
Rigui Sun, CEO of Sunvim, said: "For Sunvim, getting into the production of solar modules means a strategic diversification into the new and future-oriented business field of renewable
energies. In this joint venture, we will benefit from the expertise of aleo solar as a premium module manufacturer. We will contribute our experience as a large, established company in
China in return. We know that in China a domestic product with German quality standards is in great demand."
Chinese photovoltaics output installed to be extended up to 300 megawatts by 2010
On the occasion of the opening, the Shandong government has declared the Gaomi industrial area "the photovoltaics industry park of the Shandong province." Given the high demand for
energy in China, the government assigns special importance to fully tapping all energy sources in order to meet this demand. This policy was established in a government white paper in
late 2007. According to it, the share of renewable energies in total energy consumption is to increase to ten percent by 2010 and 15 percent by 2020. As a first step, one of the
decisions of the Chinese government was to expand the photovoltaics output installed nationwide to a remarkable 300 megawatts by 2010. In two Chinese provinces, feed-in tariffs based on
the European model are already being tested. The solar modules produced in Gaomi will be sold exclusively by aloe solar AG. As a result, aleo solar AG will be able to participate in the
market growth in both the European core markets and the Asian markets of the future.
2008-10-17 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG
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Andasol 1 has started test run: First parabolic trough power plant in Europe will produce electricity for up to 200,000 people
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Andasol 1: A cornerstone for renewabes in
Europe.
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The first parabolic trough power plant in Europe, Andasol 1, has started its test run and will be connected to the Spanish grid after the successful completion of this trial period.
The solar field is already generating thermal energy which will be used in a steam turbine to produce electricity after the commissioning of the power plant, Solar Millennium AG
(Erlangen, Germany) reports in a press release. Overall, the power plant will generate environment-friendly current for up to 200,000 people and, at the same time, save carbon dioxide
emissions of around 150,000 tons compared to a modern coal power plant. With a collector area of over 510,000 square meters - equivalent to about 70 football fields - Andasol 1 due to
Solar Millennium is the largest solar power plant worldwide. It consists of 312 rows of collectors with a total length of around 90 kilometers and roughly 210,000 parabolic
mirrors. In each row of collectors the solar radiation is concentrated on a focal line by parabolic mirrors and converted into thermal energy. The thermal energy can be stored
intermittently and therefore be released in a planned manner to a steam engine cycle in order to produce electricity via a turbine.
"We are about to carry out the final tests. In the course of these tests, parts of the solar field generate thermal energy and thus hot steam", explains Oliver Vorbrugg, the site
manager of Flagsol GmbH, the globally leading company in this solar technology and a subsidiary of Solar Millennium. "Also the salt for the thermal storage is molten up and filled into
the storage by now. I am proud to be able to take a responsible part in this important project."
During a common site visit of the management boards of both, Solar Millennium AG and the Spanish construction company Cobra S.A., Christian Beltle, CEO of Solar Millennium, is delighted
about the soon start of operations: "Andasol 1 is an important reference project. Today, we have been very satisfied to see the capability of the power plant. Andasol 1 is a major step
for Europe to sustainable energy production."
Setting a new benchmark for solar electricity production
Dr. Henner Gladen, CTO of Solar Millennium, adds: "When we founded Solar Millennium ten years ago, solar-thermal power plants were only a vision in Europe. Today, Andasol 1 sets a new
benchmark for solar electricity production and, therefore, our vision has become reality. By setting-up this solar-thermal power plant we have proven our expert know-how and competence
as project developer and technology provider. As a result, we expect an accelerated progress of our numerous projects worldwide."
In direct neighbourhood to Andasol 1, the two sister projects Andasol 2 and 3 are being set-up. While the so-called early works have begun at Andasol 3, 75% of Andasol 2's solar field
and storage tanks are already completed. Andasol 2 should start to produce electricity in spring 2009.
2008-10-16 Courtesy: Solar Millennium AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Millennium AG
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Adept Technology showcases new 3D inspection technology at solar trade fair
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Solar cell inspection technology by Adept
Technology.
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Adept Technology, Inc. (Livermore, California; USA), a provider of intelligent vision-guided robotics and global robotics services, on October 10th, 2008 announced the preview of a
new solar cell inspection technology at the Solar Power International trade show in San Diego, California October 13-16, 2008. The new technology integrates high-resolution 2D and 3D
solar cell inspection with advanced handling applications. "Solar manufacturers are contemplating the next critical steps in their production processes to remain competitive and prepare
for the growing demand for solar product", said John Dulchinos, president and CEO of Adept Technology, Inc. "With the integration of automated handling and inspection this new
technology will give these manufacturers a vital tool to improve efficiency and continue the trend to lower the cost of solar cells", he added.
Robots handling high speed solar cell transfers
The company demonstrated both the 2D and 3D high-resolution inspection technology at the Solar Power International 2008 Trade Show. The inspection system was featured both integrated
with the Adept Quattro s650 robot handling high speed solar cell transfers, as well as in a stationary demonstration unit. Both demonstrations utilize a high resolution, high-speed
image capture system provided by LMI Technologies, a leader in advanced vision sensors for industrial applications. The Adept Quattro s650 robot is ideal for handling, assembly,
sorting, loading, unloading, testing, inspection, tabbing, stringing, scribing and dispensing applications, Adept Technology emphasizes.
2008-10-16 Courtesy: Adept Technology, Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Adept Technology, Inc.
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Advanced solar testing and certification facility to be launched in Tempe (Arizona, USA)
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Testing PV modules at TUV Rheinland.
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The Germany based TUV Rheinland Group has joined forces with Arizona State University (ASU) to create TUV Rheinland PTL, LLC, the most comprehensive, sophisticated, state-of-the-art
facility for testing and certification of solar energy equipment in the world. This unique collaboration - a private venture - will be based in Tempe, Arizona, USA. It combines the
reputation, technological sophistication, management expertise and international reach of TUV Rheinland - a global leader in independent testing and assessment services - with Arizona
State University’s more than 50 years of research on solar energy and extensive solar testing know-how. ASU’s Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory (PTL), established in
1992, has long been the only lab in the United States accredited for photovoltaic (PV) design qualification and type approval. ASU's legal involvement in this venture was made possible
by Arizona Technology Enterprises and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Commercial PTL Ventures, Inc.
TUV Rheinland’s collaboration will connect ASU’s PTL facility to the company’s global network. The new company substantially expands PTL’s testing capabilities
in both volume and scope by adding absolutely state-of-the-art test equipment and the capacity to test and certify PV panels and electrical components for Europe, Asia, and North
America. PTL, in turn, provides TUV Rheinland with its university knowledge base, immediate entry to the U.S. solar testing market, and the lab’s long experience testing PV panels
in both simulated and real outdoor environments. Central Arizona receives an average of 325 days of sunshine annually.
APS to provide 5 acres of outdoor testing space at STAR Center
Further leveraging the industry impact of TUV Rheinland PTL, LLC is a collaboration between the new company and Arizona’s largest electric provider, Arizona Public Service (APS).
The utility will provide 5 acres of outdoor testing space at its renowned Solar Test and Research (STAR) Center for use by the venture to conduct outdoor endurance testing. The STAR
Center, a pioneering facility among U.S. public utilities, was established in 1985. It has earned an international reputation as a leader in the commercial development and proof of
operation for emerging solar energy technologies including Dish-Stirling arrays, high concentration PV systems, and innovative solar tracking systems. TUV Rheinland will be the
principal investor in the new company and will develop a new facility near ASU’s Tempe campus equipped with the latest, most advanced test technologies and equipment in the
world.
Full-scale PV testing and certification across the entire component chain of photovoltaic systems
"We are excited to participate in this globally significant joint venture", said Stephan Schmitt, President & CEO of TUV Rheinland North America Holding, Inc. "The potent
combination of business, university, and utility solar test assets will enable TUV Rheinland PTL, LLC to be the first in the world to offer full-scale PV testing and certification
across the entire component chain of photovoltaic systems. By adding this unique new capacity in the U.S. to TUV Rheinland’s existing PV laboratories in Europe and Asia we are
establishing a laboratory network that will deliver unprecedented service to the crucially important and rapidly growing solar industry."
In addition to the venture’s worldwide implications, the new testing facility is expected to produce local economic impacts by attracting solar energy manufacturers and
entrepreneurs to Arizona, boosting the state’s solar energy credentials, and increasing employment in the solar energy industry. "This innovative public-private collaboration in
state-of-the-art solar energy technologies, research, and test facilities, makes Arizona the best place to be for solar energy", said Michael Crow, President of ASU. "Joining the
business acumen of a top international testing firm with the capabilities of a major research university and the knowledge created by APS’ leadership on solar energy is a
strategic move that will have significant payoffs for renewable energy users world wide and for the world’s climate."
Arizona on track to become the solar capital of the world
"From our plans to build Solana, one of the world's largest solar power plants, to making solar roof-top systems more affordable for customers, APS is dedicated to making Arizona the
solar capital of the world", said Bill Post, Chairman of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. "The work to be done at the STAR Center by ASU and TUV Rheinland will help Arizona achieve that goal
and will create long-term value for our customers, our state and our industry." Kick-off of TUV Rheinland PTL, LLC will culminate in mid-November with a series of significant global
events, TUV Rheinland announces.
2008-10-15 Courtesy: TÜV Rheinland Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: TUV Rheinland Group
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First Solar breaks ground on expansion of its manufacturing and development facilities in Ohio
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First Solar’s Campus in
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First Solar Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) on October 06th , 2008 announced that the Company held the official groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of its Perrysburg (Ohio) facility.
Upon completion, the expansion will increase the annual capacity at the Perrysburg facility to approximately 192 megawatts, based on run rates for the second quarter of 2008. The new
investment will add at least 134 new jobs to the Company's current workforce of 700 at its Perrysburg facility. The expansion, announced on August 18th , 2008, will add approximately
500,000 square feet of manufacturing, research and development and office space. The Company will also construct a separate facility to support increased development
activities associated with its advanced thin film solar module manufacturing technology.
Full volume production expected by the second quarter of 2010
First Solar President Bruce Sohn officiated over the groundbreaking celebration, which was attended by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, U.S. Senators George Voinovich and Sherrod Brown, as
well as a number of guests representing state and local government. First Solar has collaborated with the State of Ohio and local leaders on a comprehensive incentive package for these
two projects. Today's groundbreaking puts First Solar on track to complete plant construction by the first half of 2009, with full volume production expected by the second quarter of
2010.
Reducing the cost of solar
"First Solar is excited to move forward with this expansion. Our growing capacity allows us to continue reducing the cost of solar electricity to a level competitive with conventional
sources," said Mr. Sohn. "The associates at our Ohio manufacturing plant are making a singular contribution to energy supply and a cleaner, healthier environment." "Advanced energy can
not only power our homes, it can power our economy," Gov. Strickland said. "And this new First Solar investment is one more big piece of evidence that advanced energy has a home in
Ohio."
2008-10-13 Courtesy: First Solar, Inc Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: First Solar Inc.
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Enerqos mounted solar electric panels at Piemonte vineyards
Enerqos plc. (Milan), a leading Italian photovoltaic system and solar power plant construction company, announced the commissioning of its installation at the Cisa Asinari dei
Marchesi di Grésy vineyards in Barbaresco, located in the Piemonte region of north-western Italy. The system is installed on the wooden roofs of the parking areas and the porch of the
estate building, and has a maximum output of 50kWp. The PV system already produces "clean" electricity, which the estate uses for the production of one of Italy’s most prestigious
wines. The Cisa Asinari estates are made up of three holdings which have been in the Di Grésy family since 1797. "For us, choosing to install a photovoltaic system was both a practical
and a symbolic Stepp", said Marquess Alberto di Grésy, "thanks to this structure, we have brought our electricity costs right down.
We have made a very good investment, and at the same time we are sending out a positive image to people who care about the future of the planet."
The system due to Enerqos has been designed to blend in perfectly with the local architecture and the surrounding landscape, as pictures show. Particular attention has been paid to the
visual impact of the installation, part of which is fitted over the estate’s car parking area, to ensure that it harmonizes with the adjoining facilities and environs. This
completely integrated PV installation has also received the largest financial grant ever provided by the "Conto Energia" (the fund which provides subsidies to promote clean energy in
Italy) for a photovoltaic project.
"We at Enerqos are very proud of this particular installation, as it has been achieved in part using our car-park roof solution, Solar Parking. Car-park roof-mounted solutions are a
very interesting segment for photovoltaics, one which we believe will show outstanding growth", said Giorgio Pucci, VP Sales & Marketing and co-founder of Enerqos. "It’s easy
to see the possibilities such an approach offers, and to imagine the potential for similar installations at supermarkets, warehouse centres, car breakers yards, etc."
2008-10-13 Courtesy: Enerqos Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Enerqos
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PV producer Dyesol opens manufacturing facilities to meet global demand for DSC materials and technologies
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DSC solar cell by Dyesol.
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The Australian Minister for Energy and Resources, Martin Ferguson AM MP, on October 7th, 2008 officially opened Dyesol’s new manufacturing facilities in Queanbeyan (New South
Wales). This facility will enable Dyesol, world leader in Dye Solar Cell (DSC) materials and technologies to fast track its commercialisation strategy to take full advantage of the
solar photovoltaic market forecasted to reach a volume up to $US 30 billion in 2008. In addition to increasing its manufacturing capacity in Queanbeyan Dyesol has also established a
facility in North Wales (United Kingdom). These facilities will enable Dyesol to effectively service its collaboration partners and subsidiary companies operating in UK, Italy,
Switzerland, Korea, and Singapore, Dyesol emphasizes in it's press release. Dyesol’s Dye Solar Cell (DSC) technology is sometimes called artificial photosynthesis because it uses
a dye analogous to chlorophyll to capture the energy from light, releasing electrons which are captured and conducted as electricity in a nanoparticulate titanium dioxide layer.
Dyesol by own account is the leading supplier of all the input materials, test, and manufacturing equipment and related technology to leading research institutes, developers, and
major corporate moving to the manufacture of 3rd generation DSC solar panels.
"Dyesol will continue to be part of technical collaborations and business partnerships in those countries where companies, research institutes and governments recognise and foster an
environment that promotes the rapid commercialisation of DSC technology", Dyesol’s Global Managing Director Dr Gavin Tulloch said at the opening. "Fortunately for Dyesol, DSC is
the only third generation technology ready to be scaled up", he added. Dyesol Chairman Mr Richard Caldwell went on to say that "DSC is the technology for our times."
Electricity generating glass facades or steel roofs
"As governments around the world legislate to meet the consequences of global warming, significant new opportunities and new applications are emerging as Dyesol continues to work with
more organisations to develop new products including Defence and security applications, the 3Cs market and buildings facades", Caldwell added. The advantage of Dyesol’s technology
over conventional silicon based photovoltaic technology is its lower cost, greater output of electricity in real and low light conditions, and the ability to directly incorporate it
into buildings as active electricity generating glass facades or steel roofs", the company accentuates.
In addition to the opening of new facilities in Queanbeyan the facilities in Wales will be officially opened later this month. The Welsh facility is to support the Dyesol/Corus
collaboration that has also been awarded an assistance package by the Welsh Assembly Government, to accelerate the commercialisation of DSC technology onto steel sheeting. Corus is the
world’s fifth largest steel producer. Dyesol Italia srl recently announced it will partner with Italian utilities giant ERG Renew and the world’s leading façade company,
Permasteelisa to develop and commercialise next generation solar panels for buildings.
Similarly, Dyesol has established a joint venture company with Timo Technology in Korea (called Dyesol-Timo) to commercialise DSC products in in Seong Nam city in Gyeonggi
province.
2008-10-12 Courtesy: DYESOL Limited Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Dyesol Ltd.
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VDE Institute and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems establish corporation in Singapore
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Calibrating solar photovoltaic modules at
Fraunhofer ISE.
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In September 2008, the VDE Institute and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE opened the joint Test Center for Photovoltaic Modules, TZPV in Freiburg (Germany). Now
they are strengthening their partnership on an international level. At the beginning of October in Singapore, the official kick-off ceremony for a new corporation which offers testing
and certification for photovoltaic modules was held. The goal of the new center, VDE-Fraunhofer ISE Pte. Ltd. New Energy Technology (NET), is to support the spread of solar technology
throughout Asia. By founding this corporation, the VDE Institute and Fraunhofer ISE offer local services to their growing group of customers in Asia. When their products are tested
according to international norms and standards, it is easier for the manufacturers to find entry into the international market. The new Center cooperates with the Solar Energy Research
Institute of Singapore SERIS.
Precision measurements for highest quality standards
Fraunhofer ISE has many years of experience in calibrating solar photovoltaic modules. Since fifteen years, module manufacturers world-wide have been making use of the precision
measurements carried out by ISE CalLab. The researchers in Freiburg also hold a leading position in the area of lifetime analysis for photovoltaic modules. The VDE Institute is a
nationally and internationally accredited, independent institution which tests and certifies electrical appliances, components and systems with the highest quality of standards for the
safety of the consumer and the general public. Both partners are working intensively on further developing international testing standards and norms within the framework of the
International Electro Technical Commission (Technical Committee 82, Working Group 2: Modules) and the DKE, German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies of
the DIN and VDE.
Solar energy research in Singapore
SERIS, the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, commenced operations in April 2008 under the guidance of its CEO Prof. Joachim Luther, who was previously the Institute Director
of Fraunhofer ISE. SERIS is closely linked to the National University of Singapore (NUS) and carries out industry-oriented research and development.
2008-10-12 Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme
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Konarka opens world’s largest roll-to-roll thin film solar manufacturing facility
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Konarka's "Power Plastic" Photovoltaic thin film.
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Konarka Technologies, Inc. (Lowell, Massachusetts) an innovator in PV development and commercialization of "Power Plastic", a material that converts light to energy, on October 7th,
2008 announced the company has opened the largest roll-to-roll flexible thin film solar manufacturing facility in the world. Konarka thus prepares for the commercialization and mass
production of its patent-protected thin film solar material, Power Plastic. Located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the 250,000 square foot building was previously the location for
Polaroid Corporation’s most advanced printing technologies. "This facility has state-of-the-art printing capabilities that are ready for full operation, with the future potential
to produce over a gigawatt of flexible plastic solar modules per year," commented Howard Berke, executive chairman and co-founder of Konarka. "Our technical leadership and
innovation in flexible thin film solar, along with this facility’s capabilities of producing in excess of 10 million square meters of material per year, will allow us to produce
Power Plastic for indoor, portable, outdoor and building integrated applications", Berke added.
With this U.S. based manufacturing location, Konarka further expands its presence in Massachusetts and accelerates its aggressive plans to develop and commercialize its polymer-based
organic photovoltaic (OPV) technologies worldwide. In addition to acquiring the fully automated roll-to-roll manufacturing line, the company has also hired the leading technology and
process engineering teams from Polaroid, with plans to hire over 100 additional employees as production increases toward capacity over the next two to three years.
Technology based on the work of Nobel Prize winner Alan Heeger
Konarka’s advanced photovoltaic technology started with the work of the late Dr. Sukant Tripathy, an internationally known polymer materials scientist, provost at UMASS Lowell and
founder of the Plastic Innovation Center and Dr. Alan Heeger, Konarka’s chief scientist, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2000. The ground-breaking discoveries from
both founding scientists led to Konarka’s underlying technology leadership, including a manufacturing process at relatively low temperatures, which enables the use of low-cost
plastic substrate films. As a result of these pioneering innovations, the company has secured over 0 million from leading venture capital and private equity funds, as well as
million in government agency research grants from the U.S. and Europe.
Lightweight, flexible and more versatile solar cells
Constructed and further expanded in the 1990’s for Polaroid’s advanced technology development and large-scale manufacturing, Konarka’s New Bedford facility has been
retrofitted to immediately begin initial production of Power Plastic. Using multiple in-line processing stations with precision multi-layer manufacturing processes that are adaptable to
a variety of printing and coating technologies, the facility will enable the company to further develop and advance nano-enabled polymer photovoltaic materials that are lightweight,
flexible and more versatile than traditional solar materials.
2008-10-09 Courtesy: About Konarka Technologies, Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
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USA: Federal Solar Tax Credits Extended for 8 Years - US Poised to Become Largest Solar Market in the World
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Megawatt Solar Power Plant at Nellis
Air Force Base (Nevada).
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On October 03rd, 2008 by a vote of 263 to 171, the U.S. House of Representatives passed historic legislation that extends the 30-percent federal investment tax credit for both
residential and commercial solar installations for 8 years, the United States Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports in a press release.This landmark legislation is part of
H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, designed to address the U.S. financial crisis. It is the most significant federal policy ever enacted for the solar
industry, SEIA emphasizes. President Bush has vowed to sign the bill into law. The Senate passed the bill on Wednesday night. "This bill is a major step in our long journey toward
energy independence and ensures that solar energy will be a significant part of America’s energy future", said SEIA president Rhone Resch. "This long-term extension of
the solar tax credits will create a domestic solar industry with hundreds of thousands of jobs while providing clean, affordable, carbon-free energy to millions of American families,
businesses, and communities."
Solar energy to become the least expensive source of electricity for consumers by 2016
"On behalf of the 60,000 Americans employed by the solar energy industry, we would like to thank Leaders Reid and McConnell and Senators Baucus, Grassley, Cantwell and Ensign for their
dogged support of the solar tax credit extension. In the House we are thankful to Leaders Pelosi, Hoyer, Boehner, and Blunt, and Chairman Rangel, Ranking Republican McCrery and Rep.
Camp among many others who have long worked to bring solar energy to the mainstream. These leaders have broken through partisan politics and have provided a bright future for solar
energy in the United States", said Resch. "By passing this bill, Congress has finally given the solar energy industry 'policy certainty' that will attract investment, expand
manufacturing and lower the cost of solar energy to consumers,” said Roger Efird, SEIA chairman and president of Suntech America, a leading Chinese solar power manufacturing
company. "This will allow companies like mine to move forward with expansion plans to serve the growing U.S. market. This bill puts the sun to work for every American", added Resch.
"And by 2016, we expect solar energy to be the least expensive source of electricity for consumers."
The solar investment tax credit (ITC) provisions will:
- Extend for 8 years the 30-percent tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations
- Eliminate the ,000 monetary cap for residential solar electric installations, creating a true 30-percent tax credit (effective for property placed in service after December 31,
2008)
- Eliminate the prohibition on utilities from benefiting from the credit
- Allow Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) filers, both businesses and individuals, to take the credit
- Authorize 0 million for clean energy bonds for renewable energy generating facilities, including solar
The solar tax credits were originally enacted in the 2005 and have created unprecedented growth in the U.S. The amount of solar electric capacity installed in 2007 was double that
installed in 2006. "Over the last 2 years, these tax credits have turned the solar industry from a small, cottage industry into an economic engine for America. Electricians, plumbers,
roofers and construction workers can now get back to work. These jobs are the backbone of the American economy and the solar industry is creating them at a time when they are needed the
most", said Resch.
440,000 permanent jobs and 5 billion in private investment
According to a new economic study by Navigant Consulting, Inc., the 8-year extension of the ITC will create 440,000 permanent jobs and unleash 5 billion in private investment in the
solar industry. This study did not factor in elimination of ,000 monetary cap on the residential credit, so the actual job creation and investment could be even greater. "This is a
big boost for the residential market in particular, allowing homeowners to contribute to our nation’s energy independence", said Efird. "It also opens the floodgates for building
large, utility-scale solar power projects that need longer timeframes to complete."
27 utility-scale solar power projects; economic boost for the nation
To date, there are 27 such utility-scale solar power projects totaling 5,400 megawatts of power in various stages of development; most were on hold due to uncertainty surrounding the
expiring tax credits. Because solar energy components are manufactured near their markets, this extension will create manufacturing and installation jobs in all 50 states. The states
that will enjoy the largest economic boost are California, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Similarly, the economies of
Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and the rest of the Great Lakes region will grow significantly as a result of the extension. This area of the country has suffered greatly from a huge
decline in jobs in the automotive and traditional manufacturing industries.
Solar energy for more than 7 million homes
According to the same study, more than 28 gigawatts of electricity will be produced from solar energy by 2016 - enough to power more than 7 million homes. "Success has not come easy. It
required a strategic campaign that included dedicated SEIA staff, a committed board, and active membership all focused on one goal. It took seven votes in the House and 10 votes in the
Senate, but in the end, Congress came through. This effort has established SEIA as a major energy player on Capitol Hill", said Resch. "We have a lot of opportunity in front of us and
will be back next year to work on critical issues such as transmission infrastructure, renewable electricity standards, and combating global warming."
2008-10-06 Courtesy: SEIA Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: U.S. Air Force
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REC ASA: Scope change to further pursue silane gas market
REC ASA (Sandvika, Norway) has decided to change the scope of the new expansion project ("Plant IV") initially announced in April 2007. The decision was mainly driven by the
favorable market conditions for silane gas and the internal need for silicon based on the final scope of the Singapore Phase I expansion, REC announces in a press release. Additional
silane volume will enable REC to potentially double the allocation to the merchant market by adding around 2,300 MT annually, while still securing all internal and external polysilicon
commitments. Over the last number of quarters, the improved attractiveness of the silane gas market has become more evident, REC emphasizes. From a market primarily driven by the demand
from integrated circuits and flat panel displays, the market share of photovoltaics has increased fast and is expected to set the pace for future growth. In this segment,
silane gas has historically mainly been used in the production of traditional wafer-based solar cells, but will in the future increasingly be influenced by the development in
crystalline based thin-film market (i.e. amorphous- and tandem micro crystalline/amorphous-silicon). Further confirmation of this development was made in June 2008 when REC secured
long-term agreements for the supply of silane gas to major gas distributors worth close to USD 1 billion (~NOK 5.5 billion), average sales price under these contracts was around 15%
higher than current.
Future opportunities within thin-film PV
"This scope change makes a lot of sense - not only from a pure financial perspective, but also ensures improved product hedging as well as positions REC to potentially take advantage of
future opportunities within thin-film, all while supporting a fast growth of REC's silicon wafer based technology platform", says Erik Thorsen, President & CEO of REC. The scope
change according to REC will allow an additional 2,300 MT availability of silane gas per annum that can be allocated to the fast growing merchant market for silane gas. On the other
hand, this change will reduce the polysilicon production from approximately 6,000 MT in the original investment case to approximately 4,000 MT per annum. The 2,000 MT reductions is
justified based on the final scope of the Singapore Phase I expansion announced in June 2008. "We are today, and will remain for the foreseeable future, the largest producer of silane
gas in the world. This decision will additionally enable us to maintain our position as the leading marketer to the merchant market of silane gas", added Erik Thorsen.
2008-10-04 Courtesy: REC ASA Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: REC ASA
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Growing solar PV market in Italy: aleo solar AG signs new contracts
German aleo solar AG (Oldenburg) on October 1st, 2008 announced that it is continuing to expand its photovoltaic business in Italy by signing two supply contracts for a total of
5,500 kilowatts with the Italian project developer ERIC Group S.p.a. (www.ericgroup.eu). Of this total, 500 kilowatts will be delivered this year, with the remaining 5 MW to follow in
2009, aleo reports in a press release. Giovanni Buogo, Sales Director of aleo solar Italia S.r.l., sees a continually positive development in Italy: "In the first six months of 2008,
aleo solar has recorded a four-fold year-on-year increase in sales in Italy. Customers especially appreciate our expertise in rooftop installations."
Marcello Navanteri, Managing Director of the ERIC Group, explained why his company chose the aleo modules: "The modules' quality, reliability and yield is critically important to the
success of our projects, as is the support and service provided by the local aleo solar subsidiary. We are looking for long-term relationships with our partners and we believe that we
can best pursue this sustainable approach with aleo solar at our side."
The Italian feed-in law provides operators of photovoltaic systems with a sound basis for making investment decisions. The Management Board of aleo solar expects the market to show
strong growth in 2009. aleo solar believes that it is well positioned through its Treviso office and continues to expand its customer base in Italy. The company has a broad sales
presence throughout the country.
2008-10-02 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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![Light system weight and low wind loading Solyndra's proprietary thin film PV systems are said to generate significantly more solar electricity on an annual basis from typical low-slope commercial rooftops combined with lower installation costs than conventional PV flat panel technologies. "Solyndra's light system weight and low wind loading enables our firm to install solar on a large number of rooftops that otherwise could not support traditional PV systems," said Steve Gyoerffy, CEO and co-founder of GeckoLogic. "Additionally, the non-penetrating mounting system gives my customers piece of mind that the roof will never leak", Gyoerffy added.](http://www.erec.org/fileadmin/erec_docs/Documents/Publications/energy__r_evolution_-_a_sustainable_energy_outlook_2009-lr.pdf">www.erec.org.</a>
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2008-10-27 Courtesy: EREC; Greenpeace International Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH<br />
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PV producer Solyndra Inc. signs sales contract with German GeckoLogic GmbH
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Solyndra offers greater rooftop coverage<br />
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<b>Solyndra, Inc. (Fremont California), manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) systems, on October 23rd, 2008 announced that it had signed a new long-term sales contract with the solar
system design and engineering company GeckoLogic GmbH, based in Wetzlar (Germany). The contract value was negotiated in Euros and equates to approximately 0 million, extending
through 2012, Solyndra reports in a press release. The GeckoLogic contract is part of Solyndra){kind=link}