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Sanyo and Nippon Oil combine efforts on thin film solar cells
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PV system (256,5 kW) with modules
by SANYO at Alfdorf, Germany
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Nippon Oil Corporation and Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. announced in a press release, that they have reached a basic agreement to explore the possibility of establishing a joint company.
That company should handle the expected expansion and development of the thin-film solar cell market and will move forward with more specific negotiations. Within the rapidly expanding
marketplace for solar power, photovoltaic thin-film solar cells are forecast to be the lowest costing solar cells available, and as such, many companies from varying industries are
rapidly becoming involved, making a departure from standard solar manufacturers. Sanyo manufactures and sells so called “HIT” solar cells, currently the world’s
highest conversion efficiency level for mass-produced panels available, as the company reports in the press release. However, in order to further expand the solar business,
Sanyo has been ever-developing thin-film silicon solar cell technology. While Sanyo will continue to expand and develop its HIT Solar Panel products hereafter, in order to quickly build
the thin-film solar business into a mainstay business, consideration has been given to how to raise the necessary funds and engineering skills. As such, Nippon Oil, which has also been
considering the various options to make thin-film solar cells a part of its core businesses in the future, and Sanyo have decided to further pursue the possibility of establishing a
joint company, as the companies emphasize in the press release.
Both companies aim to build the thin-film solar business into a mainstay business
By its own account Nippon Oil, as a generalized energy provider, desires to make new energy-related products, such as fuel cells, solar power, and other battery-related storage, a
pillar of its business in the future. In order to securely procure the low-cost power generating thin-film silicon solar cells to fulfill its goals to pioneer the technology on a
large-scale for power generation for the Japanese market and public industry, as well as investing in the technology’s benefits for home-use, Nippon Oil made the determination
that it would be necessary to consider a cooperative business opportunity with a company that had already begun development of the thin-film solar cells and was already a
well-recognized name in the solar industry. Based on these various factors, Nippon Oil decided to formally consider establishing a joint company with Sanyo, the company reports in its
press release.
Highly efficient low-cost thin-film solar cells by 2010
Both Nippon Oil and SANYO share similar interests in securing the resources and the technology, and as such, aim to commercialize highly efficient, low-cost thin-film solar cells by
Fiscal Year 2010. Therefore the two companies will enter more detailed negotiations with the intention of establishing a joint company by April 2009.
2008-12-30 Courtesy: Nippon Oil Corporation; SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Donauer Solartechnik
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Suntech to deliver 3 MW of integrated solar systems to World Expo Shanghai 2010
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Suntech Headquarters in Wuxi, China.
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Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., one of the world's leading solar energy companies, announced in a press release that it has won a bid to supply, design and install building
integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV) with a total capacity of 3 MW on the China and Theme Pavilions at the World Expo Shanghai 2010. The projects due to Suntech will be the largest
BIPV installations in China and are scheduled to be completed by September 2009. Centered on the theme "Better city, better life", the Expo will explore global initiatives
that enable sustainable urban development. The China and Theme Pavilions which will be developed by Shenergy Group, one of Shanghai's leading energy companies, will emphasize the
importance of urban harmony with the natural environment, including the sustainable use of natural resources such as water and sunlight. The 3MW building integrated rooftop solar
systems will be designed, developed and installed by Suntech's in-house system integration team, the company reports in the press release. World Expo Shanghai 2010 will be held from May
1 - October 31, 2010 in Shanghai, China.
"Building integrated solar systems, which turn common building materials such as rooftops and facades into power generators, are a logical step for the evolution of the urban
environment. Our selection underscores Suntech's position as a global brand and world leader in the solar industry as well as our leading system integration capability in China. We are
honored to display China's technological expertise in renewable energy to the world at the Expo", said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO.
Suntech expects rapid growth of the Chinese solar market in the next few years
The sustainable theme of the Expo echoes China's broader commitment to renewable energy solutions, Suntech reports in the press release. As part of its Renewable Energy Law in 2005,
China established a target to generate 15 % of its total electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020. China plans to invest 180 billion Dollars in renewable energy over a 15-year
period, fostering the emergence of renewable energy and sustainable development, including solar, wind, hydropower and biomass. "Showcasing two of the world's largest building
integrated solar systems at the World Expo Shanghai 2010 indicates China's growing recognition of solar's ability to play a key role in renewable energy generation and sustainable urban
development. With China's clear commitment to increasing adoption of renewable energy solutions, we are confident that the Chinese solar market will experience rapid growth in the next
few years", Zhengrong Shi continued.
2008-12-29 Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
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LA's Mayor Villaraigosa unveiled largest solar power plan in America
Antonio Villaraigosa, City Council President Eric Garcetti, Councilmember Jan Perry and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at the End of 2008 unveiled Solar LA, the
country’s largest solar power plan, which is to jumpstart the green economy in Los Angeles with the installation of 1.3 gigawatts of solar power. "It is time that we use our most
abundant natural resource to create the electricity and the jobs we need for our future", Mayor Villaraigosa said. "Today, we are turning up the heat and taking the next step to become
a shining example of green growth worldwide." Solar LA, the largest solar project undertaken by any single city in the world, lays out a far-reaching course of action to create a 1.3
gigawatt solar network of residential, commercial and municipally-owned solar systems to replace more volatile fossil fuels during peak energy demand. As cities and countries
worldwide struggle to deal with the devastating effects of climate change and curb their contribution to the global crisis, Solar LA will cut Los Angeles’ carbon emissions and
give the City a steady supply of clean, renewable energy to power its future. Solar LA also represents a major opportunity to turn environmental solutions into economic opportunities
for Angelenos by investing in and stimulating the local economy. With every 10 megawatts (MW) of solar potentially creating 200 to 400 jobs, Solar LA will jumpstart Los Angeles’
cleantech economy by spurring green-collar jobs across a broad range of occupations: research and development, manufacturing, installation, maintenance and repair.
"Los Angeles is becoming greener and cleaner, and now we're launching the nation's most aggressive municipal solar plan. Going solar will not only help clean up our environment, it will
create good jobs and help grow this sector of our economy", said Council President Eric Garcetti.
"Los Angeles is the sunshine capital, making it one of the best solar resources in the nation, if not the world. It makes sense that our City would take the lead in delivering
innovative, environmentally-friendly technology and make job development and training in the field of solar energy a top priority", said Councilwoman Jan Perry, Chair of the City
Council's Energy and Environment Committee.The Solar LA plan consists of three primary components: Programs to boost residential and commercial customer solar systems; LADWP-owned solar
projects in Los Angeles; and large-scale solar projects owned by the LADWP outside of the LA basin.
Customer Solar Programs - Total goal: Installation of 380 MW by 2020
Using 3 million in State funds set aside for solar projects, LADWP will expand its rebate programs to encourage DWP ratepayers to install solar panels on their roofs. In low-income
communities, LADWP will provide free systems to a limited number of customers. LADWP will also extend to residential customers low-interest loans for the installation of solar systems
now available to commercial customers. The terms of the loans will be extended to 10 years at interest rates of 5 to 6 percent. Innovative financing models will be developed, such as
loans made to residential customers that are repaid through property taxes. The goal is to install 130 MW of solar systems by 2020.
New Feed-in Tariff (FiT)
A significant challenge to developing solar projects in Los Angeles has been the long-standing prohibition against non-LADWP entities selling electricity to other customers on the local
grid. A Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) would address this problem by allowing a solar developer in the City to sell power directly to LAWDP through a long-term contract between the private seller
and LADWP. These third-party sellers could take advantage of tax incentives of 30-60 percent of the installation costs, and after 5-8 years could choose to sell the solar systems to
LADWP. The FiT goal is to install 150 MW of solar systems by 2016.
New SunShares Program
For residential customers interested in investing in solar power, but without the means or opportunity to install their own solar systems, SunShares will allow them to purchase shares
of an LADWP solar power plant. SunShares would leverage the collective purchase power of groups of customers to fund commercially-sized solar power plant built and operated by LADWP.
Customers, in turn, would receive their “dividend” through credits on their own energy bills. The goal of SunShares is to install 100 MW of solar systems by 2020.
LADWP-owned Solar Projects in LA - Goal: Installation of 400 MW by 2014
Installing solar systems on rooftops, reservoirs and parking lots on City-owned property, the Los Angeles Green Energy and Good Jobs for Los Angeles Initiative will require LADWP to
install 400 MW of solar systems by 2014 - more than currently operating in all of California. The project will be used as a springboard for the City to attract and cultivate a local
solar industry that includes research and development, manufacturing and warehouse operations.
Large-Scale Solar Projects - Goal: Installation of 500 MW by 2020
Taking advantage of some of the world’s best solar resource areas, such as the nearby Mojave Desert, LADWP will procure 500 MW of utility-scale solar power projects developed
under agreement by third-party solar developers. These projects will feed into LADWP’s two transmission stations in the area, and LADWP will have the option to purchase the plants
after about eight years. By tapping its most abundant natural resource, the City of Los Angeles seeks to create a home-grown solution to an energy and public health problem facing
cities across the country.
"Solar LA serves as more than a blueprint to a greener LADWP", Mayor Villaraigosa said. "By sparking a broad movement to solar energy across a city of 4 million residents, we are
priming the pump for Los Angeles to become a world leader in the solar industry and delivering on the vision of re-making Los Angeles into the cleanest, greenest big city in
America."
GREEN LA
In 2007 Mayor Villaraigosa released the Green LA initiative to reduce the City’s carbon emissions to 35 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 - the greatest reduction target of any
large US city. The cornerstone of the aggressive plan is to increase the renewable energy portfolio at Department of Water and Power to 35 percent by 2020. Under the Mayor’s
tenure, LADWP has more than tripled its renewable energy portfolio reaching 10 percent this year.
Read the full Solar LA plan
2008-12-28 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: mayor.lacity.org
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Photovoltaics: US producer Satcon delivers inverters for 1 MW solar energy project by Suntech Energy Solutions
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Satcon PV inverter Power Gate Plus 500.
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Satcon Technology Corporation (Boston, MA), a provider of utility scale distributed power solutions for the renewable energy market, on December 9th, 2008 announced that it had been
chosen to partner with large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems installer Suntech Energy Solutions (San Francisco, CA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi,
China). Satcon will help to power a one megawatt (MW) solar energy installation hosted at The North Face West Coast Distribution Center in Visalia, California, according to the press
release. This recently completed project is financed, owned, and operated by Recurrent Energy Inc. (San Francisco, CA) and features Satcon’s 500 kilowatt (kW) "PowerGate Plus" PV
inverters.
Growing adoption of large scale solar installations in the U.S.
"We chose the Satcon PowerGate Plus inverter for its performance and reliability", said Johann Niehaus, Senior Director of Engineering, Suntech Energy Solutions. Sateen Bhat, Vice
President of Project Operations with Recurrent Energy added: "Our goal is to create long-term value for our customers by providing clean, onsite power plants right where they’re
needed most. Reliable inverters are a key component to our systems’ performance. We’re pleased to work together with Satcon given their ability to consistently deliver the
quality, expertise, and support we need." Pete DeGraff, Satcon’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing commented: "Today’s announcement further demonstrates the growing
adoption of large scale solar installations in the U.S., and the increased demand for advanced feature, utility grade solutions. We look forward to supporting Suntech Power and
Recurrent Energy in their efforts to deliver clean, reliable and cost effective energy solutions to their customers."
2008-12-28 Courtesy: Satcon Technology Corp. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Satcon Technology Corporation
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San Francisco: Mayor Newsom commends PUC for five MW solar project
Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San Francisco in December 2008 praised the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) for approving a contract with the distributed power company
Recurrent Energy Inc. (San Francisco, CA). According to the press release, the agreement was made on a photovoltaic (PV) installation with five megawatts (MW) of peak solar power atop
the recently seismically-retrofitted Sunset Reservoir. The project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2010, is going to be California’s largest solar PV system and the
nation’s largest municipal solar project, according to the press release. The project will increase total municipal solar generation of San Francisco by more than 300%, from the
current 2 MW to a total of 7 MW of solar power. "This is an exciting day for San Francisco and a major step for solar energy in California", said Mayor Newsom. "With this one
large project on top of our largest City reservoir, we’re going to more than triple the amount of energy we generate from the sun and set a new standard for solar power in
California."
25-year Power Purchase Agreement basis for public-private cooperation
"We applaud the forward-thinking approach of the City, the Mayor, and the SFPUC in making this landmark project possible", said Recurrent Energy’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Arno Harris. "We’re proud to play a part in San Francisco’s path to a clean energy future by building clean, onsite solar power plants exactly where they’re needed
most." The PV system and the solar electricity it will generate will be developed and operated under a "Power Purchase Agreement" (PPA) between the SFPUC and Recurrent Energy. Under the
terms of the contract, Recurrent will finance, design, build and operate solar energy projects and will provide all the energy generated to the SFPUC for a period of 25 years. The solar
panels for the new project will be manufactured and supplied by Suntech Corporation (Wuxi, China).
Solar plant to be operated by Recurrent Energy, not City
The five MW of solar power are stipulated to help power other San Francisco public services and buildings, including streetlights, San Francisco General Hospital, Muni light rail and
city schools. Previously, city-owned solar projects had been developed through a more traditional approach with the City contracting directly to design and build solar projects which
are now owned and operated by the City. The PPA approach will allow the SFPUC to develop large-scale solar projects more rapidly, take advantage of federal tax credits not directly
available to municipalities, and generate solar energy at a more cost-effective rate. "We’ve done a good job developing solar power in the City under more traditional City
contracting methods", said SFPUC General Manager Ed Harrington. "But this innovative approach is an example of our efforts to dramatically accelerate and expand solar energy projects in
the City on both municipal facilities like the Sunset Reservoir and on residential, commercial and nonprofit rooftops through our GoSolarSF solar energy incentive program."
2008-12-27 Courtesy: San Francisco Communications and Public Outreach Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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One megawatt solar farm at SAS headquarter connected to the grid
The business analytics company SAS Institute Inc. (Cary, NC), on December 17th, 2008, announced that its on-campus solar farm had started to provide energy to Progress Energy’s
(Raleigh, NC) utility grid. "In less than a year this plan went from idea to reality", said SAS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jim Goodnight. "I hope people will learn from our
experience that sustainable energy is within reach and makes bottom-line business sense." The utility Progress Energy Carolinas will, according to the terms of the agreement, purchase
all of the energy produced by the SAS’s solar array. "This is an important milestone for our state", said Lloyd Yates, CEO and President of Progress Energy Carolinas.
"Solar power will become a more important part of the diverse energy mix we use to meet our customers’ needs, and we look forward to bringing much more renewable generation online
in the months and years to come."
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,600 tons annually
Covering five acres, the 1-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) solar array was designed by SunPower Corporation (San Jose, CA) and is estimated to generate 1.7 million kilowatt-hours (kWh)
per year, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,600 tons annually. This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from the consumption of more than 167,000 gallons of
gasoline, the announcement concludes.
2008-12-27 Courtesy: SAS Institute Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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SOLPOWER AG guarantees recycling of photovoltaic modules
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European initiative PV Cycle supports
the recycling of photovoltaic modules
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SOLPOWER AG, a German system integrator and planning company in the photovoltaic industry, has committed itself to the acceptance and recycling of returned photovoltaic modules free
of charge. SOLPOWER AG is a member of PV CYCLE (www.pvcycle.org), a European initiative with headquarters in Brussels in cooperation with the European Commission. As a part of this task
force, the solar company supports the concept of polluting the environment as little as possible in the disposal and recycling of photovoltaic plants and improving the reuse of
increasingly valuable components of the modules. The company also advocates the development and implementation of environmentally friendly PV technologies with as high as possible a
proportion of reusable materials. In spring 2009, the practical implementation of the module return is scheduled to begin. The plan is to build up a comprehensive network of
collection points and intermediate storage facilities before the modules are processed in the recycling plants, which are to be located a maximum of 400 kilometres from the end
users.
Establishing an enduring PV life cycle management
Thus far 25 leading solar companies from all over the world are represented in PV CYCLE. However, SOLPOWER AG up to now is the only system integrator and PV plant constructor focusing
on end users which supports the initiative, the company emphasizes. Through its extensive network of tradespeople and partners, the solar company can directly promote its goal of
building up a comprehensive recycling system for modules. "We want to establish an enduring life cycle management in the industry from the production to the customer. Through our
activity with PV CYCLE, we are committed to a functional EC-wide return system which makes efficient and economically sensible management of the PV plants possible", said Chairman
Emanuel Senz.
With the voluntary initiative for building up a recycling system, SOLPOWER AG is assuming a leading role in the German market as a PV plant constructor and offers its customers the
certainty of environmentally friendly disposal of PV plants.
2008-12-26 Courtesy: SOLPOWER AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SOLPOWER AG
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Solar energy embellishes Christmas at the SOS children’s village in Vari, Greece
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A PV system creates a steady income for the
children’s village.
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A special photovoltaic system was installed at the SOS children’s village in Vari (Greece) with the cooperation of BP Solar, RSEnergy, SMA, and PPC Renewables. The system which
will produce more than 2000 kWh of solar electricity per year was installed on the roof of the central administration building. The modules were donated by BPSolar, inverter and
monitoring system by SMA Hellas and design, plan, installation, mounting system and overall project management by RSEnergy Greece. PPC Renewables donated the metering and the connection
to the grid network. During the festivities of the project’s official inauguration, which took place on December 19th, 2008, the official representatives of the four companies
pointed out that such pilot photovoltaic projects can highlight the significance as well as the appreciation of renewable sources of energy for the SOS children. The
photovoltaic system reduces CO2 emissions by 2 tons every year and will bring a steady income to the village for the next 20 years from the energy that it will produce. Most
importantly, it will offer the opportunity to the children to learn and appreciate related issues to renewable sources of energy. The system is equipped with a customized display which
reports the energy produced, as well as the avoided CO2 emissions. The display is placed at the entrance of the administration building.
The children took creative part in a solar quiz game regarding the importance of renewable sources of energy as well as the sustainable energy from the sun. The children’s SOS
village in Vari was the first of the SOS villages that was built in Greece back in 1982. The village hosts nowadays 53 children. SOS villages is the largest philanthropic organization
worldwide for children and is active in more than 124 countries, to help children in need. With a life-span of more than 50 years, it has already helped more than a million children
around the globe, while 70.000 children are fully dependent on the SOS villages for a warm and welcoming family environment.
More information on "A Christmas Charity SOS Vari" is available through the project web portal at The unique solar roof, which emulates the form of a flowing river, can, depending on the strength of the
sunshine, cover 75% of the energy needs of the stadium which can hold 55,000 spectators. On days when no competitions are taking place, the electricity generated is fed into the grid.
The new stadium is the main venue for the competitions of the World Games 2009. International athletes from more than 90 nations will be competing against each other next June under the
impressive roof construction that is simultaneously a solar power station.
Swiss production equipment and experience in the field of integrated photovoltaics
The Taiwanese module producer Lucky Power Technology Co., Ltd. which supplied the special modules for the huge construction project is a longstanding customer of 3S Swiss Solar Systems
AG. The solar modules for the stadium in Kaohsiung were manufactured on a production line comprised of a fully automatic stringer from the Somont company, a manual lay-up station and a
fully automatic laminating line from 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG as well as a fully automatic module tester from the Pasan company. Apart from the production equipment, 3S Swiss Solar
Systems AG also and above all supplied important know-how. "With 3S as our partner, we not only have outstanding production equipment", says Mr. Henry Hu, General Manager of Lucky Power
Technology Co., Ltd., "The Swiss company's in-depth knowledge of module production and their experience in the field of integrated photovoltaics have enabled us to become the leading
Taiwanese module supplier, especially for such demanding projects." The "green" stadium project is enjoying a great deal of positive resonance in Taiwan and the entire Asian region. The
major project combines in an impressive manner the ecological demand, alternative energy production and high architectural quality.
2008-12-24 Courtesy: 3S Industries AG; (pressebox) Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Pressebox
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European solar thermal technology platform specifies research needed to make solar thermal the leading energy source for heating and cooling in Europe
A Strategic Research Agenda of the solar thermal sector was presented in Brussels on December 19th, 2008. The document, developed by more than 100 experts organized in the European
Solar Thermal Technology Platform (ESTTP) describes the research efforts and infrastructure needed to reach the goal of supplying 50 % of the energy needed for heating in cooling with
solar thermal energy. A deployment roadmap shows the non-technological framework conditions that enable the reaching of this goal. "Solar thermal can provide much more than just
domestic hot water", says ESTTP chairman Gerhard Stryi-Hipp. "Already today solar thermal systems combining hot water preparation and support to space heating are in
wide-spread use in Central and Northern Europe. But to reach our goal of 50% of heating to be supplied by solar thermal energy, new applications have to be developed and deployed".
Already in 2006, the ESTTP formulated its 2030 vision for low-temperature solar thermal. Since then, numerous experts from the industry and research sectors have worked on a Strategic
Research Agenda (SRA) to implement this vision. The SRA identifies active solar buildings, active solar renovation, solar heat for industrial processes and solar heat for district
heating and cooling as key topics for the rapid growth of solar thermal usage.
Efficient heat storages, improvements in solar cooling and high temperature solar collectors
Amongst the main research challenges is the development of compact long-term efficient heat storages. Once available, they would make it possible to store heat from the summer for use
in winter in a cost-effective way. The dramatic increase in recent years in the energy-density of electric batteries has led to many new applications, from lightweight portable
computers and communication devices to electric cars. In the heating sector, the use of conventional energy sources could be drastically reduced, once new technologies using
phase-change materials or thermo-chemical processes become widely available at low costs. Basic research is needed also for improvements in solar cooling, high temperature solar
collectors and solar water treatment.
Solar thermal as a key to reaching Europe’s energy and climate goal
The Steering Committee of the European Solar Thermal Technology Platform met on 15 December in Brussels and called on the European Institutions as well as the national governments to
step up funding for low-temperature solar thermal applications. "The benefits of increased solar thermal energy usage are immense", explains Mr. Stryi-Hipp. "Supporting R&D into the
next generation of solar thermal applications must have a high priority for governments everywhere in Europe, because solar thermal is a key to reaching Europe’s goal of 20%
renewable energy by 2020!"
At their meeting, the Steering Committee also discussed the enlargement of the Platform to include in the future also biomass and geothermal energy. Representatives from these
industries and from district heating and cooling discussed the first steps to setting up this Renewable Heating and Cooling Technology Platform.
About the European Solar Technology Platform (ESTTP)
Technology Platforms (TPs) are instruments created by the European Commission to bring together stakeholders in technology to strengthen Europe’s leading position in certain
technological fields. TPs are expected to have a decisive influence on European R&D politics. This vision, deployment road map and research agenda is being developed by the European
Solar Thermal Technology Platform (ESTTP). The ESTTP was set-up by the European Solar Thermal Industry federation (ESTIF) and the European Renewable Energy Research Centres Agency
(EUREC Agency). About 100 leading experts in the field of solar thermal research cooperated to conceive and public this report.
The Strategic Research Agenda is available to download (full version including executive summary in English) at: International demand continues to be strong. "Italy, Belgium, France, Greece, and
the Czech Republic are developing very well," Willers said. aleo solar has observed a shift towards smaller and medium-sized rooftop installations in Europe. Photovoltaic installations
are also becoming increasingly attractive for safety-conscious investors. Further support for investments in solar electricity systems is provided in Germany by KfW Bank's loan
offerings. Just a few days ago, aleo solar announced that it would surpass its 2008 sales target of EUR 330 million. aleo solar AG expects total sales for 2009 to be in excess of EUR
380 million, which is anticipated to go hand in hand with a solid EBIT margin.
2008-12-20 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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New Mexico: Governor Richardson announces Signet Solar to build production facility in Belen creating 600 Jobs
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In June 2008 Signet Solar presented its first
XXL-thin film module.
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Governor Bill Richardson on December 16th, 2008 announced Signet Solar will build the company’s first North American solar panel production facility in Belen. The first phase
of the plant will bring 200 high-wage jobs to the state and is scheduled to begin operations in 2010. Signet’s long-term plans call for expansion and the creation of a total of
600 jobs. "As Governor, I’ve been dedicated to making New Mexico a national leader of renewable energy and the creation of green jobs", Governor Richardson said. "At a time of
economic uncertainty, this project will create hundreds of jobs and reaffirm New Mexico as a clean energy state and major player in our nation’s effort build a new clean energy
economy." The Signet facility will produce large area thin-film silicon photovoltaic modules for commercial rooftop and ground mounted solar power systems. The first phase of
the plant will have an annual production capacity of 65MW - enough to power approximately 20,000 homes. Long-term plans call to increase production capacity to 300MW per year with a
600,000 square foot production facility.
"New Mexico was an obvious starting point for Signet Solar’s expansion into the growing US renewable energy market", said Rajeeva Lahri, Signet Solar’s Co-Founder and CEO.
"Under Governor Richardson’s leadership, New Mexico has demonstrated commitment to renewable energy through public-private partnerships, leveraging its skilled workforce and world
class research institutions."
First plant near Dresden, Germany, began shipping products to customers in October 2008
The 75-acre facility is situated 30 minutes south of Albuquerque on Rancho Cielo, a Coast Range Investments property in Belen. Signet will be the first company to set up manufacturing
in the 6,000 acre Rancho Cielo master planned industrial and residential community. Rancho Cielo plans to use Signet panels on a 700 acre solar farm designed to meet the majority of
power requirements of the Rancho Cielo community. "Partnering with Signet Solar, we are excited about bringing such high quality jobs to Belen and the possibility of creating a
sustainable green city in New Mexico", said Jim Foster, Managing Partner of Coast Range Investment. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Signet is the first mover in large area
silicon thin film silicon PV technology. Signet began shipping product to customers from its first plant near Dresden, Germany in October of this year. The company has already installed
several commercial rooftop and ground mounted systems in the region. Signet’s large-area thin-film silicon PV technology will bring down the cost of solar power and can be used
for solar farms, large commercial installations, building integrated photovoltaics and remote habitation.
2008-12-19 Courtesy: Signet Solar Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Signet Solar
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China Sunergy to provide 22 MW of solar cells to German Solarwatt AG
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Production of solar cells at China Sunergy.
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China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (Nanjing, China), a specialized solar cell manufacturer, on December 10th, 2008 announced that it had entered into an agreement with the German solar module
manufacturer Solarwatt AG (Dresden), to provide solar cells with a total capacity of 22 megawatts (MW) of over the course of 2009. According to the contract, China Sunergy will supply
Solarwatt AG with high efficiency mono-crystalline solar cells at fixed prices, starting in January of 2009 and continuing at a consistent level through out the year, for a total
delivery volume of 22MW. "I am pleased to have signed this agreement with Solarwatt, a leading firm within one of the most dynamic solar markets in the world", remarked Dr.
Ruennsheng Allen Wang, Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of China Sunergy. "Despite the recent uncertain sales environment, we have been successful in securing important sales
agreements with leading companies in key markets, and we remain well positioned to benefit as further clarity returns to the market", Wang added.
2008-12-18 Courtesy: China Sunergy Co., Ltd. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: China Sunergy Co., Ltd.
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Suntech and a+f complete two solar power plants in Spain
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Solar power plant with modules by Suntec in
Spain.
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Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi, China), manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, on December 4th, 2008 announced that it had recently completed two solar power
plants in Spain in collaboration with the German tracker systems manufacturer a+f GmbH (Wuerzburg), a subsidiary of the GILDEMEISTER group. Suntech supplied approximately 50 % of all
modules utilized in an 8.5 MWp solar electric plant in Alange and a 7.4 MWp solar photovoltaic plant in Alconera according to the press release. The modules were installed by
a+f on more than 450 "SunCarrier"-trackers which due to the producer increase the efficiency of the solar systems by up to 32 % compared with fixed PV systems.
Inter-value chain collaboration to provide highly efficient solutions
"Our advanced SunCarrier tracking technology is perfectly matched with Suntech’s internationally acclaimed high output solar modules", said Dr. Rico Wojanowski, Managing Director
of the a+f GmbH. "The combination of these two products enabled us to efficiently use the land available and develop a high power output solar solution that can satisfy the energy needs
of thousands of households", he added. Jerry Stokes, President of Suntech Europe, commented: "These solar projects illustrate the potential for inter-value chain collaboration to
provide highly efficient and completely sustainable energy solutions. Suntech’s dedication to producing premium quality, high power output solar products is a key factor leading
to our strong brand recognition in Europe." Suntech has built partnerships with many solar project developers and distributors in Spain, Italy and Greece. Suntech expects to ship over
230 megawatts (MW) of solar modules to Southern Europe in 2008, according to the press release.
2008-12-18 Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co.
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Australian Government unleashes Renewable Energy Fund while "Sunshine State" Queensland switches to solar
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Prime Minister Kevin Rudd: Renewables
could play a critical role in Australia’s
energy supply.
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The Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Queensland's Premier Anna Bligh inspected progress at the 4.5 million Australian Dollar (AUD) (3.0 US-Dollars, USD) solar power farm at
Windorah, in the state’s remote South-West on December 14th, 2008. This solar plant had been build under Australia’s Renewable Remote Power Generation Program, and Windorah
is said to be the first of many Queensland towns that are expected to "go solar" with sun-powered clean energy. Prime Minister Rudd also announced that the government intends to bring
forward the full amount of Australian’s Renewable Energy Fund (REF), which totals 500 million AUD (334.6 million USD), for investment in the coming 18 months. Rudd
announced that 100 million AUD (66.9 million USD) will be available for the years 2008 and 2009, and 400 million for 2009 - 2010. The Renewable Energy Fund had been established to help
reduce the cost of demonstrating and deploying energy technologies which, according to Rudd, could play a critical role in Australia’s energy supply and security over the coming
years.
Australian government to fund renewable energy projects
The Renewable Energy Fund includes designated programs for energy demonstration purposes, research in bio-fuels and geothermal drilling. Prime Minister Rudd expects that the government
funding will help to increase investments in solar and renewable energy projects, stimulate the economy, create jobs and complement Australia’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
In addition to the REF, federal funding support for major projects under the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program totals more than 50 million AUD (33.5 million USD) and has
stimulated a total investment of more than 107 million AUD (71.7 million USD) in renewable generation projects around Australia.
Large solar dishes supply remote village with clean energy
The new solar farm in Windorah uses five 14-meter (46 feet) diameter solar dishes to capture sunlight, thereby helping to power local homes and businesses. The giant dishes follow the
sun as it tracks across the sky from sunrise to sunset. According to the press release, the installation will be equipped with an innovative cloud monitoring and prediction software,
which detects when a cloud moves in front of the sun, in which case it employs a battery system to maintain the same generation capacity until the cloud moves away. Diesel generators
maintain the continuous flow of electricity at night and when a cloud cover persists during the day. According to the announcement, all five dishes worked together for the first to
create solar power in the previous week. The electricity is fed into the local grid, supplying about 60 homes and businesses.
Solar farm could provide clean energy to entire village during a sunny day
In ideal conditions, such as long sunlight hours and low dust, the solar farm could generate enough electricity to supply the entire day time needs of the town and its 100 residents.
According to the press release, solar energy could revolutionize the way power is produced for remote communities that are not tied to Australia’s electricity grid and rely on
diesel power stations feeding into small local grids. The Queensland Government, through Ergon Energy (Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia), invested more than 3.5 million AUD (2.35 USD)
to build the solar farm at Windorah. The Australian Government had contributed another 1 million AUD (670,000 USD) for this project through the Renewable Remote Power Generation
Program, which is administered by the Federal Environment Department. The Windorah solar plant is expected to produce around 300,000 kilowatt hours (KWh) of electricity annually,
thereby reducing diesel consumption in the town by more than 100,000 liters (26,400 gallons), and greenhouse gas production by 330 tons per year. According to the press release,
engineers will continue testing the system until February of 2009, when the solar power station will officially be commissioned.
2008-12-17 Courtesy: Government of Australia Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Government of Australia
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President-elect Barack Obama announces energy and environment team - Dr. Steven Chu designated as Secretary of Energy
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Dr. Steven Chu designated Secretary of Energy
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"The future of our economy and national security is inextricably linked to one challenge: energy," President-elect Barack Obama said at a Chicago press conference on December 15th.
2008 announcing the leaders who will guide his administration's policy on energy and the environment. "The team that I have assembled here today is uniquely suited to meet the great
challenges of this defining moment. They are leading experts and accomplished managers, and they are ready to reform government and help transform our economy so that our people are
more prosperous, our nation is more secure, and our planet is protected." The nominees include Dr. Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy. The experimental physicist Dr. Steven Chu won the
Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997. As global warming warnings grow more dire, Chu has pushed scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and in industry to develop
technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He has joined the Copenhagen Climate Council, an international collaboration between business and science. Lisa Jackson is nominated as
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator; Nancy Sutley for the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality; Carol Browner will be Assistant to the President for
Energy and Climate Change; and Heather Zichal is designated Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change.
Wind, solar energy and new crops as a foundation of energy independence
President-elect Obama acknowledged that he is not the first leader to promise dramatic efforts on climate change and American energy independence - but "This time must be different," he
said. "This is not a challenge for government alone - it is a challenge for all of us. The pursuit of a new energy economy requires a sustained, all-hands-on-deck effort because the
foundation of our energy independence is right here, in America - in the power of wind and solar; in new crops and new technologies; in the innovation of our scientists and
entrepreneurs, and the dedication and skill of our workforce. Those are the resources we must harness to move beyond our oil addiction and create a new, hybrid economy.
2008-12-16 Courtesy: change.gov Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: change.gov
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Dow Corning announces multi-billion Dollar investments to serve emerging global solar power industry
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Polysilicon, the cornerstone
material used to manufacture
most solar cells.
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Dow Corning Corporation (Hemlock, Michigan, and Clarksville, Tennesse, U.S.A.), on December 15th, 2008 announced several billion dollars of investment to provide critical materials
to the fast-growing solar technology industry. "Dow Corning and our Hemlock Semiconductor joint ventures hope to create a viable solar industry that produces new, high paying jobs,
clean power technologies and a revitalized economy", said Stephanie A. Burns, Dow Corning’s chairman, president and CEO. "We’re committing our resources, know-how and
technology because we are confident that solar technology represents a tremendous opportunity for both clean energy and economic growth." Dow Corning will begin manufacturing high
purity monosilane, a key specialty gas used to manufacture thin-film solar cells and liquid crystal displays (LCD). This investment includes construction of a new monosilane
manufacturing facility in Hemlock, Michigan, adjacent to Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation’s polysilicon manufacturing site.
New investment to increase manufacturing capacity for polycrystalline silicon
"This significant investment to become a leading supplier of monosilane for thin film solar technology will expand our feedstock offering and will further reinforce our position as a
value-added material supplier to the solar industry", said Eric Peeters, global executive director, of Dow Corning Solar Solutions. The investment also includes up to .0 billion at
Dow Corning joint ventures Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation and Hemlock Semiconductor LLC. The companies will expand Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation’s existing Michigan
manufacturing facility and build a new site in Clarksville, Tennessee to increase manufacturing capacity for polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) - the cornerstone material used to
manufacture most solar cells. Construction of both the polysilicon expansions and the new monosilane site will begin immediately, Dow Corning emphasizes.
Options across the entire array of solar technologies
These announcements are to solidify Dow Corning’s significant role in the development of the two most common types of solar cells; crystalline-based and thin-film solar cells, the
company highlights in its press release. Crystalline-based solar cells use sliced polysilicon as its main semi-conducting material. Thin-film solar cells are made by depositing a thin
film of silicon, enabled by monosilane, onto a sheet of another material such as glass. "The opportunity and need for solar energy is so great, there will be a need for many solar
technologies to flourish to meet global demand", said Peeters. "Dow Corning intends to offer options across the entire array of solar technologies, allowing our customers to innovate
freely", he added.
2008-12-16 Courtesy: Dow Corning Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: DOW Corning
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Conergy Asia-Pacific to develop Saudi Arabia’s first large-scale solar power plant
Conergy Asia-Pacific (a regional subsidiary of Hamburg-based Conergy AG) has been awarded a contract for a 2-megawatt solar power plant for Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah
University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Conergy Asia-Pacific is awarded this prestigious project under a consortium agreement with Saudi-based National Solar Systems, a leading
solar systems integrator in the Kingdom, Conergy reports in a press release. Under the agreement, Conergy will manage the design and components supply, while installation and
operational management are implemented by National Solar Systems. The power plant features premium components, combining high-efficiency solar modules from Sunpower Corporation with
Conergy proprietary mounting systems and power electronics.
3,332 megawatt hours of clean energy annually produced on 11,577 square meters of roof space
Located in Thuwal north of the city of Jeddah, the landmark project is managed by the oil giant, Saudi Aramco on behalf of the Saudi Government, and is being executed by several large
construction contractors including Saudi Oger who is managing the photovoltaic portion of the KAUST project. The scope of work consists of two rooftop solar plants with an output of
1-megawatt each, to be installed on the North and South Laboratories of the University. The photovoltaic plant, valued at 11.3 Million Euros, is also the first large-scale solar project
of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It will occupy 11,577 square meters of roof space and produce 3,332 megawatt hours of clean energy annually, while also saving up to
1,666 tons of yearly carbon emissions. This equates to carbon offsets for approximately 11,758 million kilometers of air travel.
"With its arid climate and vast desert landmass, Saudi Arabia is geographically optimal for harnessing solar power", explained Florent Abadie, Director, Development and Technology
Asia-Pacific at Conergy. "We commend the Saudi authority’s remarkable support for cleantech development and inspiring commitment to renewable energy, which we are witnessing in
the Kingdom’s leading policymakers and decision-makers."
Solar park at KAUST to run completely without a feed-in tariff
Currently, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s population is estimated at 27 million with energy demands growing at an annual rate of 5%. Despite being an oil-rich export economy for
decades, the introduction of alternative energy could create significant value for Saudi Arabia’s energy landscape, by ensuring sustainable opportunities for diversified economic
growth. "The solar park at KAUST will run completely without a feed-in tariff. Decreasing prices for solar components as well as high irradiation in our region have made PV become more
and more competitive. Thus, we strive to be one of the first states to reach grid parity for PV systems in the Middle East. As a market leader and major player in the renewable energy
business, Conergy Asia-Pacific will play a key role in responding to the GCC’s growing demand for solar and wind energy. The cooperation between Conergy and National Solar Systems
for KAUST and other future projects is aimed at realising the synergy and complementing the knowledge and expertise of the two partners", Abdulhadi Al-Mureeh, Director, Business
Development of National Solar Systems commented.
2008-12-16 Courtesy: Conergy AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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Bosch expands ersol's solar production: roughly 1100 new jobs to be created
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ersol's "Cell Fab" 2 with a PV plant in front.
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Together with ersol Solar Energy AG, the Bosch Group (Stuttgart) intends to expand its manufacturing capacity for crystalline solar cells and modules in Arnstadt, Germany. Some 530
million euros are to be invested in this project between now and 2012, ersol reports in a press release. The plan, which was proposed by the ersol management board, has now been
approved by the ersol supervisory board. "This investment underscores our strategic objective of strongly expanding our activities in the area of renewable energies over the next few
years", said Dr. Siegfried Dais, deputy chairman of the Bosch board of management and chairman of the supervisory board of ersol Solar Energy AG. In the summer of this year, Robert
Bosch GmbH acquired the majority shareholding in this Erfurt-based photovoltaics specialist, which develops, manufactures, and sells wafer-based silicon solar cells and thin-film
modules.
Construction to start in December 2008
Excavation work is to start in the next few days. It is planned to build a large manufacturing facility for crystalline solar cells in Arnstadt, as well as to construct a module
manufacturing shop and a new administrative building, and to extend the already existing research and manufacturing facilities. Start of production is planned for the beginning of 2010.
According to current plans, this investment will create more than 1,100 new jobs. Even today, ersol employs some 1,200 associates in Erfurt and Arnstadt. "This is an important signal
for the region, especially in difficult economic times such as these", said Dieter Althaus, minister-president of the state of Thuringia. Both the federal and state governments intend
to support the project. Application has been made for subsidies totaling a good tenth of the total investment. This declaration of support means that these subsidies are already a firm
component of investment planning. However, the subsidies still have to be approved by the EU Commission. A decision is expected for the spring of 2009. The investment will be financed
by Bosch Group loans and ersol equity capital.
Tripling manufacturing capacity
With this investment, ersol Solar Energy AG hopes to nearly triple its present manufacturing capacity in the crystalline field to a nominal capacity of some 630 megawatt peak, and in
this way to boost its growth trajectory. In the first nine months of this year alone, it generated sales of 214 million euros, twice as much as in the same period of the previous year.
At the same time, its workforce has increased from 700 to a present total of more than 1,200 at its three locations in Erfurt and Arnstadt. Sales are expected to exceed 300 million
euros this year, and to top 400 million euros in 2009. "With the financial strength of Bosch and our exceptionally dedicated workforce, we have everything we need for an extremely
positive development", said Holger von Hebel, chairman of the management board of ersol Solar Energy AG.
Bosch is further expanding is business with renewable energies
Apart from photovoltaics, the Bosch Group offer many other products for exploiting renewable energies. Bosch Rexroth, for example, supplies gear and drive technology for wind turbines
and develops efficient drive concepts for the still young sector of marine energy generation. With its hydraulic adjusting systems, it provides promising solutions for solar thermal
power stations. As the market leader Bosch Thermotechnology serves the rapidly growing market for electric heat pumps, and is a leading manufacturer of solar collectors for hot-water
generation. Including ersol, Bosch expects to generate sales of some 1.2 billion euros this year with products in the renewable energies field.
2008-12-15 Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG
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Belgian PV project developer Enfinity signs major frame agreement with real estate Company VGP
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1,2 MW PV roof by Enfinity at Leper (Belgium).
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Enfinity Management (Waregem, Belgium) a global developer of renewable energy projects, announced that it has signed a major exclusive framework agreement with VGP, an international
real estate company, so far active in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia, Estonia, Romania and Hungary. According to this agreement Enfinity Management will develop and realize
photovoltaic solar energy projects in the Czech Republic and other countries for a period of 5 years. The PV installations will be built on rooftops and on land sites owned by VGP. The
projects, to be started by January 2009, envisages in a first stage the realization of 300.000 square meters of rooftops and land sites in the Czech Republic with a PV power of
approximately 10 MW. Both parties intend to expand their collaboration by developing approximately 150.000 m2 of rooftops and/or land sites per year in the Czech Republic and
other countries. Enfinity will open a new office in Prague (Czech Republic) in order to supervise with this major project and also to further develop the Czech solar energy market.
"I’m very pleased to announce this framework agreement with VGP, we consider this as a strategic partnership in the further development of Enfinity on the international market and
on the attractive renewable energy market in the Czech Republic", commented Gino Van Neer, CEO of Enfinity.
PV projects with a total capacity of more than 122 MW in the process of financing
"The framework agreement with Enfinity is in many ways interesting – it enables VGP to concentrate on its core business, increase its rental revenue through the extra income
generated from long term lease of our roofs and is a first and important step in our commitment to make our buildings as much as possible CO2 neutral", said Jan Van Geet, CEO of VGP. As
a project specialist, Enfinity develops PV solar plants for electricity generation and is already active in 12 countries being Italy, Belgium, Spain, France, Greece, the US, Canada,
Germany, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, China and the Emirates. Enfinity on own account is in the process of financing PV projects with a total capacity of more than 122 MW and is planning
to finance several hundred megawatts through 2010. In order to realize these plans Enfinity will increase the its equity by the end of 2008, the company announces in a press
release.
2008-12-15 Courtesy: Enfinity Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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CanSIA awards: Canadian solar industry recognizes achievements on energy alternatives
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George Smitherman is the
Canadian "Solar Leader of
the Year".
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The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA; Toronto, Canada), dedicated to developing a strong, efficient, ethical and professional Canadian solar industry, on December 8th,
2008 recognized outstanding achievements in the solar industry in form of an awards ceremony during its annual Solar Conference. "For most in our industry solar holds great promise",
said Dave Egles, CanSIA. Chair. The "Solar Leader of the Year"-award was issued to George Smitherman, Deputy Premier, Minister of Energy & Infrastructure of the government of
Ontario, for his solar leadership and vision on the national stage. "To some it is the environmental solution; to some it is a great business opportunity, to some it is just interesting
technology. Collectively for these reasons and many more, we believe solar should be a greater part of Canada’s energy alternatives. These awards are an effort to recognize those
dedicated to bringing solar to the forefront", Egles added. CanSIA’s Solar Awards recognize those dedicated to bringing solar forward", said Elizabeth McDonald, CanSIA
Executive Director. "The awards recognize those who embody the belief that Solar Energy holds the promise of our future, both here in Canada and around the world."
2008 recipients awarded for bringing down barriers for solar-energy
"Solar Industry Leader of the Year" was awarded to Ken Traynor of the Toronto Renewable Energy Co-op (Toronto, Canada), whose efforts have increased the use of solar technologies in
Canada, CanSIA emphasizes. The title "Solar Public Servant of the Year" dedicated to Al Clark of the official government initiative "ecoENERGY", who worked to bring down barriers to
solar energy, allowing it to be used more broadly in Canada. John Lorinc, author of "SUNPOWER, How Ontario is jump-starting the solar-energy economy" and the publication Canadian
Geographic earned CanSIA’s award for the "Solar News Story of the Year". The "Solar Thermal Project of the Year"-recognition went to the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto,
Canada) for its solar thermal project that due to CanSIA had helped the solar thermal industry become more mainstream. Finally, the "Solar PV Project of the Year" was awarded to the
Carmanah Technologies Corporation (Victoria, Canada) for its Jean Canfield Building project.
2008-12-15 Courtesy: Canadian Solar Industries Association Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Wikipedia
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MIT researchers boosting the power of solar cells
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Research Lab of Electronics post-doc
Peter Bermel.
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New ways of squeezing out greater efficiency from solar photovoltaic cells are emerging from computer simulations and lab tests conducted by a team of physicists and engineers at MIT
(Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Using computer modeling and a variety of advanced chip-manufacturing techniques they have applied an antireflection coating to the front of a
solar cell. Auxiliary a novel combination of multi-layered reflective coatings and a tightly spaced array of lines - called diffraction grating – were added to the back of ultra
thin silicon films to boost the cells' output by as much as 50 percent, MIT reports in a press release. "The carefully designed layers deposited on the back of the cell cause
the light to bounce around longer inside the thin silicon layer, giving it time to deposit its energy and produce an electric current. Without these coatings, light would just be
reflected back out into the surrounding air", said Peter Bermel, a postdoctoral researcher in MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics who has been working on the project.
Thousands of computer simulations
"It's critical to ensure that any light that enters the layer travels through a long path in the silicon", Bermel explains. "The issue is how far does light have to travel (in the
silicon) before there's a high probability of being absorbed" and knocking loose electrons to produce an electric current." The team began by running thousands of computer simulations
in which they tried out variations in the spacing of lines in the grid, the thickness of the silicon and the number and thicknesses of reflective layers deposited on the back surface.
"We use our simulation tools to optimize overall efficiency and maximize the power coming out,” Bermel said.
50 percent efficiency increase in conversion of sunlight to electricity
"The simulated performance was remarkably better than any other structure, promising, for 2-micrometer-thick films, a 50 percent efficiency increase in conversion of sunlight to
electricity", emphasizes Lionel Kimerling, the Thomas Lord Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, who directed the project. According to the press release the simulations were
then validated by actual lab-scale tests. "The final and most important ingredient was the relentless dedication of graduate student Lirong Zeng, in the Department of Materials Science
and Engineering, to refining the structure and making it", Kimerling said. "The experiments confirmed the predictions, and the results have drawn considerable industry interest."
The work is just a first step toward actually producing a commercially viable, improved solar cell, MIT reports in its press release. That will require additional fine-tuning through
continuing simulations and lab tests, and then more work on the manufacturing processes and materials. "If the solar business stays strong implementation within the next three years is
possible", Lionel Kimerling said.
Great potential for savings
The MIT Deshpande Center selected the project for an "i-team" study to evaluate its business potential. According to the press release the team analyzed the potential impact of this
efficient thin solar cell technology and found significant benefits in both manufacturing and electrical power delivery, for applications ranging from remote off-grid to dedicated clean
power. And the potential for savings is great, because the high-quality silicon crystal substrates used in conventional solar cells represent about half the cost, and the thin films in
this version use only about 1 percent as much silicon, Bermel said.
2008-12-14 Courtesy: MIT Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Photo: Donna Coveney
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NanoMarkets announces reports on materials markets for CIGS Photovoltaics and Organic Photovoltaics
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NanoMarkets analyzes CIGS and OPV.
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NanoMarkets, a leading industry analyst based in Glen Allen, Virginia, USA, announced two new additions to its lineup of solar industry research reports. Both new reports will be
released in late January 2009, the company reports in a press release. NanoMarkets tracks and analyzes emerging market opportunities in electronics created by developments in advanced
materials. The company has published numerous reports related to organic, thin film and printable electronics materials and applications. In a recently released report titled "Materials
Markets for Thin-Film and Organic Photovoltaics", NanoMarkets predicted that the 1.5-million market for thin film PV (TFPV) materials in 2008 will grow to.8 billion in 2010 before
climbing to almost .9 billion in 2012 and .8 billion in 2015. The majority of this opportunity will come from a-Si materials, which represent 59 % of the 2008 market.
However, alternative materials' technologies will begin to take a larger piece of the market, representing 51 % by 2015. One of the two new reports deals with "Materials Markets for
CIGS Photovoltaics". According to the press release the copper indium gallium selenide technology (CIGS) offers some of the brightest hopes for the future of thin-film photovoltaics
(TFPV) - and also some of its greatest problems. The major goal of this report is to analyze and quantify the opportunities that are emerging for materials suppliers and device
manufacturers as the result of both established and emerging trends in development of CIGS materials.
The report focuses on the core CIGS absorber materials, but also covers materials for electrodes, encapsulation, dielectrics, etc, since all of these materials are critical to the
performance of CIGS PV, NanoMarkets emphasizes. The report begins with a full review of the state of the art in CIGS materials and manufacturing, but its main focus is on business cases
rather than technical issues. It includes strategic profiles of leading suppliers of materials into the CIGS space and of the materials-related activities of the emerging CIGS panel
makers.
Developments at the material level of OPV
The other report, which also will be released by NanoMarkets in January 2009, is entitled "Organic Photovoltaics Materials Markets: 2009-2016". According to the press release the major
goal of this report is to analyze and quantify the markets for Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) materials of all kinds. The report includes discussions of both "pure" OPV (using small
molecules and primarily polymers) and hybrid approaches to OPV (notably dye sensitive cells). Coverage includes the latest R&D and commercialization efforts in the area of
electrodes, encapsulation and substrates, as well as the core absorber layers, NanoMarkets reports in its press release.
The report focuses on developments at the materials level that are impacting the commercialization of OPV. Due to NanoMarkets it will be invaluable to strategic planners and marketing
managers at materials companies of all kinds, electronics companies, display and lighting firms and, of course, the developers of OPV technology itself, NanoMarktes emphasizes in the
press release.
Details about both reports including tables of contents and previews are available at http://www.nanomarkets.net.
2008-12-14 Courtesy: NanoMarkets Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: NanoMarkets
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aleo solar AG supplies solar modules for Mexico's largest rooftop PV project
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Modules by aleo producing Solar electricity
in Mexiko.
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German aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau) on December 9th, 2008 announced that it has delivered around 450 kilowatts (kW) of solar modules to Mexico. The modules were supplied to a
Mexican project developer and have already been partly installed on a roof in Aguascalientes owned by a supermarket chain, aleo reports in a press release. The facility consists of
1,056 aleo "S_16" 165-watt modules. aleo solar also supplied the inverters. Although there is currently no solar electricity subsidy program in Mexico comparable to the European feed-in
subsidies, the installation of photovoltaic systems is becoming an ever-more lucrative business. Solar electricity for proprietary use makes sense, since electricity prices have
recently risen dramatically in Mexico. Robert Schwarzinger, director of Business Development North America, is confident that business here will continue to grow: "The huge
demand for energy in Mexico is matched by the excellent insolation conditions, meaning that photovoltaic systems for proprietary use make perfect sense. We have prepared our Mexican
customer thoroughly - for instance by offering appropriate training in Germany. We see a lot of future potential in Mexico, especially in the area of industrial rooftop use." The
customer chose aleo solar AG because of its solid expertise in the rooftop systems market and the high product quality such systems require, the company emphasizes in its press
release.
Tax incentives making use of solar energy even attractive in the US
In North America, not only Mexico but also the USA are becoming increasingly attractive for the expansion of aleo solar's business activities. The continuation of tax incentives will
ensure that this market also sees positive development. The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) plan for solar systems has been extended by eight years. The ITC makes it possible for investors
assessed for tax in the US to deduct up to 30 percent of the sum invested from tax dues once the solar plant is operational. Since energy utility companies are now also eligible for
ITC, this has also created an incentive for electricity companies to invest in solar power plants directly. aleo solar believes to be perfectly positioned to accommodate extra demand
from the USA: both the aleo S_16 and aleo S_18 module types have UL certification and are thus already approved for the North American market.
2008-12-12 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG
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Agreement on Renewable Energy Directive creates a positive climate for the long-term development of Solar Heating and Cooling in Europe
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Solar thermal tube collectors at Freiburg.
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For the first time, heating and cooling - responsible for 50% of Europe’s energy demand - will be covered by a European Directive promoting renewable energies. Thus the
Directive creates a positive climate for the long-term development of solar thermal technologies in Europe, The European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) reports in a press
release. The Agreement on a new directive to boost EU renewable energy use to 20 % by 2020 was reached on December 9th, 2008 between the European Parliament and the 27 EU Member
States. Under the new Directive, Member States must stipulate the "use of minimum levels of energy from renewable sources in new buildings and in existing buildings that are
subject to major renovation". In Europe, through its "Solar Ordinance", the City of Barcelona pioneered the mandatory use of renewables in building. ESTIF has long since promoted the
"Barcelona Model" as it accelerates the penetration of solar thermal in the construction sector. Several Member States have already enacted such renewables obligations, and even more
regions and municipalities have adopted this support measure.
Stable policy framework creates investor confidence
"With this Directive, the European Union demonstrates its leadership in Renewable Energies", says ESTIF Secretary General Uwe Trenkner. "It provides a stable policy framework and
creates investor confidence - exactly what our industry needs. The solar thermal sector has high objectives and will work hard to achieve them". The agreed Directive includes, for each
Member State, a legally binding renewables target for 2020 along with a clear trajectory to follow. By June 2010 the Member States shall draw up National Action Plans detailing the ways
in which they are to meet their 2020 targets, which will then be submitted to the Commission for assessment. ESTIF is calling now for strong support policies in the 27 EU countries and
will intensify its work with national associations to help them follow-up on the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive in their country.
2008-12-10 Courtesy: European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
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Agreement on the new EU Directive on Renewable Energy -European Union united for a sustainable energy future
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M. Rothe: " European Union
finally opens the door to
the age of renewables".
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An EU Parliament delegation, the EU Council and the European Commission agreed on, December 9th, 2008 on the EU Directive on Renewable Energy, the European Forum for Renewable Energy
Sources (EUFORES) reports in a press release. The Directive sets ambitious rules to put renewable energy at the top of energy mix. The deal must not be re-opened in European Summit this
week under French EU Presidency, EUFORES emphasizes. Mechtild Rothe, President EUFORES and Vice-President of the European Parliament, welcomes the result: "The compromise paves the way
for a share of at least 20 % of renewable energy in the EU by the year 2020. Doing so, the European Union finally opens the door to the age of renewable energy and a sustainable energy
future." The Renewable Energy Directive sets the goal of increasing renewable energy's share of the market to 20 % by 2020, from around 8.5 % today, by means of binding national
targets. For all countries, 10 % of energy used in transport will have to come from renewables. Member states will have to clearly set out how they will meet those targets
through detailed national action plans. The EU Commission will have full power to monitor these plans and launch infringement procedures against member states not implementing the
directive.
Ambitious drive for renewables in all 27 member to significantly reduce EU's dependency on traditional energy
Commenting on the deal, Claude Turmes, European Parliament draftsman, negotiator and Vice-President EUFORES, said: "This deal on new renewables rules is a source of encouragement at the
beginning of the week in which EU leaders will meet to decide on whether the EU keeps its leadership and credibility on climate policies." Turmes added: "The legislation on renewable
energy is a central plank of the EU's climate package. An ambitious drive for renewables in all 27 member states will also significantly reduce EU's dependency on traditional energy
imports, putting renewables at the top of Europe's energy mix. It will ensure EU leadership in forward-looking green technologies." The final decisions on the Directive will be made on
the EU summit this week and in the plenary vote of the European Parliament in Strasbourg next week.
Creation of many green collar jobs
Fiona Hall, MEP and Vice-President EUFORES, stressed: "At a time when unemployment is rising everywhere, this deal is positive for industry. Member States will now have to invest
seriously in renewable technology to achieve their targets and this will lead to the creation of many green collar jobs." In the light of the EU summit this week, Mechtild Rothe warned:
"The agreement is a great signal for Europe's economy and sustainable energy future. It is of utmost importance that the EU Summit does not re-open the deal with the European
Parliament. This would put this historic piece of legislation for renewable energy and climate policy at risk."
EUFORES - the European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources - is a European parliamentary network and an independent Non-Profit Organization aimed at promoting renewable energy in
Europe.
2008-12-10 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EUFORES
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Masdar PV signs multi-year off-take agreement with COLEXON for delivery of more than 150 MWp solar modules
Masdar PV GmbH (Erfurt, Germany), producer of large-scale PV modules, and COLEXON Energy AG (Hamburg; Germany), a leading system integrator company for large-scale solar power
plants, have signed a binding off-take agreement for the delivery of thin film solar modules. The agreement initially comprises the supply of more than 150 MWp thin film solar modules
from 2009 to 2013, Masdar PV reports in a press release. With expansion of Masdar’s production capacities planned, COLEXON will also be entitled to participate proportionally and
receive 25 % of any extra available output. Masdar PV is currently building its first production site at Erfurt with production rampup scheduled in the third quarter of 2009.
A second factory in Abu Dhabi will start production as early as summer 2010.
Co-operation to boost module efficiencies while lowering material costs
Masdar PV will produce large-scale thin film modules of up to 5.7m2 in size. The company’s innovative thin film silicon-based technology will offer an ideal cost-performance ratio
for customers. This cost advantage is further advanced through an exclusive co-operation between Masdar PV and the Helmholtz Center Berlin (HZB) to jointly develop new processes on
5.7m2 substrates to boost module efficiencies while lowering material costs. Dr. Rainer Gegenwart, Masdar PV’s Chief Executive Officer, explains the reasons behind this new
partnership: "We recognize COLEXON as a market-leading system integrator and strongly appreciate their special expertise in the handling and usage of thin film modules. In addition,
COLEXON will further strengthen its international market position through the recently announced merger with Renewagy A/S, a well established operator of solar power plants. These
factors make COLEXON an ideal partner to ensure the smooth and successful market entry of our innovative products".
Joined forces HZB and one of the world's leading scientists in the area of thin film PV
"Masdar PV is a strong business partner with support from the Government of Abu Dhabi - a very important issue in current markets", comments Thorsten Preugschas, Chief Executive Officer
of COLEXON Energy AG. "Moreover, Masdar recently joined forces with the HZB and its renowned Professor Bernd Rech, one of the world's leading scientists in the area of thin film
photovoltaics. This gave us strong confidence that Masdar PV will be a strong technical partner, as they are planning to become a world leading producer for thin film solar
modules.” By providing Masdar?s products in future, COLEXON is confident that it can offer its customers the most reliable solar modules with the best cost-performance ratios and
thereby further improve the company’s market position. Masdar PV due to won account is in advanced talks with other leading offtakers and expects to announce further contracts up
or during the World Future Energy Summit, taking place in Abu Dhabi from January 19th - 21st, 2009.
2008-12-10 Courtesy: Masdar PV GmbH Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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SEIA: Solar energy poised to put Americans back to work
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Solar energy system in the USA.
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The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA; Washington, DC) on December 3rd, 2008 outlined key policies that it believes President-elect Obama and the Congressional leadership
need to expand the use of solar energy and to help create over one million jobs by 2011. SEIA released a paper entitled "Solar Energy: A Blueprint for Job Creation and Economic
Security", that includes recommendations for specific policies and programs to expand the creation of clean energy jobs in the United States. It will be delivered to each member of
President-elect Obama’s energy and economic transition teams as well as to Congressional leadership, SEIA announced in a press release. SEIA Board Chairman Roger Efird
of Suntech America (San Francisco, CA) comments: "For solar energy to reach its potential as an economic engine and become an important part of our national energy portfolio, we need
government leaders to continue to enact the right policies. These policies, especially in the current economic crisis, will allow companies like mine to grow and create green jobs that
will reverse the trend of sending American jobs overseas. Instead, the U.S. can become a destination for international companies to find the skilled professionals they need to compete
in the global renewable energy economy.
Suggestions span from tax credit improvements to policies aiming to reduce carbon emissions
Some of the immediate and near-term policies suggested by SEIA include the improvement of tax credits for solar energy production in private households as well as increased tax
incentives for corporate- and utility-scale solar projects. The new Administration according to SEIA should increase its procurement of solar power, expand and update the transmission
infrastructure, establish national standards for interconnection and net metering and pass a renewable energy portfolio standard with a solar provision. Improved access to federal lands
to harness the solar resources, a creation of a federal "Clean Energy Bank" and of an office for "Renewable Energy Development" are recommendable, SEIA emphasizes.
Solar industry calls for adequate regulatory framework to induce economic growth and reduce global warming
"President-elect Obama and the new Congress have expressed their commitment to addressing our current economic crisis. Increasing the use of solar energy will create millions of new
jobs and put billions of dollars into the U.S. economy, providing a clean, reliable and domestic source of energy", said SEIA President Rhone Resch. "The growth of solar energy will not
happen quickly enough without the right federal policies to stimulate the market and remove fundamental barriers that prevent solar from competing in the electricity marketplace. We
look forward to working with the new Administration and the 111th Congress to achieve these important goals for growing our economy, improving our energy independence and reducing
global warming", Resch concluded.
2008-12-10 Courtesy: Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Worldwatch Institute
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Photovoltaics: ARISE Technologies announces supplier-contract with Asola
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ARISE plant in Bischofswerda, Saxony,
Germany.
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ARISE Technologies Corporation (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada), on December 3rd, 2008, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, ARISE Technologies Deutschland GmbH (Bischofswerda,
Germany), had signed a four-year contract to supply photovoltaic (PV) cells to Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH (Isseroda, Germany). Under the terms of the four-year
contract, which will be valid through December 31st, 2012, ARISE is to supply solar cells totaling approximately 80 megawatts (MW) capacity to Asola on a take-or-pay basis.
The value of the contract due to ARISE amounts to approximately 200 million Canadian Dollars. ARISE will supply the PV cells from its new manufacturing plant in Bischofswerda,
Germany.
ARISE’s third major, large-volume supply agreement
"Our new four-year PV cell supply agreement with Asola Advanced Automotive Solar Systems is significant for ARISE Technologies in several respects", said Chris Waters, ARISE’s
Vice-President, Business Development and Marketing. "The contract is significant because it is ARISE’s third major, large-volume supply agreement and will account for much of our
remaining production capacity in 2009. Second, Asola has partners in module production and systems integration in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, South Korea, India, Morocco, and the
United States. This supply agreement gives ARISE a very flexible customer base able to deploy cells rapidly into the highest-demand regions around the world", Waters concluded. "We are
looking forward to working with ARISE as a partner with Asola", said Reinhard Wecker, founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asola. "After considering various
potential suppliers of PV cells, we selected ARISE for a number of reasons, including its commitment to working with us for our mutual success, its plant and team in Germany, and its
technology and plans to produce increasingly efficient PV cells during the life of this contract", Wecker added.
2008-12-09 Courtesy: ARISE Technologies Corp. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ARISE Technologies Corporation
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Chinese PV producer Yingli Green Energy signs new sales contracts with German IBC SOLAR for supply of 91 MW PV Modules
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PV modules by Yingli on the roof of
a German soccer stadium.
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Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (BAODING, China), a vertically integrated photovoltaic (PV) product manufacturers, on December 5th, 2008 announced that it has entered
into two sales contracts with IBC SOLAR AG, a German specialist in PV systems acting worldwide, to supply a total of 91 MW of PV modules to IBC SOLAR. Under the terms of these
contracts, Yingli Green Energy is expected to supply 91 MW of PV modules to IBC SOLAR from December 2008 until December 2009, respectively. Supplies under these contracts are agreed to
be made at fixed prices for December 2008 and for the period from January through October 2009, which will be adjusted by mutual agreement if the market price falls below the fixed
prices, Yingli reports in a press release. "The performance, reliability and quality of Yingli’s PV modules, their excellent customer service and their brand recognition
among our customers are the solid basis of our business relationship", commented Mr. Udo Moehrsstedt, president and founder of IBC SOLAR. "We are currently working on a range of
significant projects with a broad range of customers. We believe our business cooperation with Yingli, will help
us to expand our business in the future."
"We are very pleased to announce these significant new contracts, which we believe provide more visibility for our sales in 2009", commented Mr. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Yingli Green Energy. "The majority of our customers are companies with an established track record of successful operations just like IBC SOLAR. We expect that
these new contracts will further strengthen our leading position in the German market and provide a solid foundation for our continued success there in the coming year. In addition, we
believe our competitive PV module pricing and reliable product quality, which are supported by our vertically integrated business model and one of the lowest non-polysilicon
manufacturing cost structures in the industry, will further enhance customer loyalty and extend our market shares in this competitive environment."
2008-12-08 Courtesy: Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited; IBC SOLAR AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar-Energiedach GmbH.
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Photovoltaics: Konarka announces research project to increase lifespan of organic solar cells
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Konarka's "Power Plastic" Photovoltaic thin film.
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Konarka Technologies, Inc. (Lowell, MA), an innovator in the development and commercialization of photovoltaic (PV) materials, on December 2nd, 2008 announced that it was heading a
consortium which had been established for a project called "Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) stability". Its aim is to increase the lifespan of organic solar cells. According to the press
release, the project had recently been granted nearly 3.2 million US-Dollars in funding over the next three years by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF;
Berlin, Germany). The goal of the consortium is develop competitive organic photovoltaics (OPV) for potential commercial use and it consists of renowned academic partners in Germany,
including University Tübingen, University Wuppertal, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and the Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research in
Mainz. "The partners of this BMBF initiative are participating to break through technological and economic barriers in innovation in the field of organic photovoltaics",
commented Christoph Brabec, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at Konarka. "We are expected to make significant contributions to extending the lifespan of organic solar cells, ultimately
delivering future organic photovoltaic technology with increased commercial attractiveness", he added.
Focus on high-quality encapsulation and photoactive materials that feature a high intrinsic stability
Organic solar cells (OSC) are flexible, semi-transparent and relatively inexpensive to produce. However, their existing barrier materials result in a limited lifespan, according to the
press release. Significantly higher life expectancy could only be realized by combining high-quality encapsulation with photoactive materials that feature a high intrinsic stability,
which will be the focus of the BMBF stability project. Recent improvements in OSC technology have mostly been due to improved packaging of cells, rather than on an extension of
materials’ lifespans. The BMBF recently announced that it was also supporting a development project by a consortium of companies, including Konarka, which aims to develop
innovative polymeric solar cells for energy-autonomous systems. This "Efficiency Project" is expected to develop solar cells for specific applications with conversion efficiencies of
more than 10%.
2008-12-07 Courtesy: Konarka Technologies, Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
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Photovoltaic thin-films: Ascent Solar claims efficiency milestone
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Integrated flexible thin film solar modules
by Ascent Solar.
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Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Littleton, CO), a developer of flexible thin-film solar modules, on December 3rd, 2008 announced that it had achieved an efficiency greater than 9.5
% for its flexible CIGS (Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenide) monolithically integrated photovoltaic (PV) modules. According to the press release, the U.S. Department of Energy’s
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) had independently verified that the modules conversion efficiency had been measured as high as 9.64 %. The modules tested at NREL were
produced on Ascent Solar's pilot production line with 1.5 megawatt (MW) capacity, the company reports. "We have been working to achieve these efficiencies during our internal
optimization process, and we view this achievement as a tremendous breakthrough", said Dr. Prem Nath, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing at Ascent Solar. "Our goal continues to be
the commercialization of flexible thin-film CIGS modules using a plastic substrate, which we hope will uniquely position Ascent Solar to provide light weight flexible photovoltaic
material at low cost."
A substantial leap towards high-performance
Lawrence Kazmerksi, Executive Director at NREL, concludes: "This is significant. Many doubted that a thin-film CIGS solar cell-on-plastic technology could be possible. Ascent Solar not
only achieved this, but they now have confirmed efficiencies at NREL on fully integrated, monolithic prototype modules near 10%. This appears to be a substantial leap toward realizing
high-performance, inexpensive thin-film solar photovoltaics."
2008-12-07 Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.
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US PV producer SunPower and German plant integrator City Solar sign agreement over 100 MW solar electric capacity
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T20 Solar tracker by SunPower
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SunPower Corporation (San Jose, CA), a manufacturer of solar cells, solar panels and solar energy systems, on December 1st, 2008, announced that it had signed a customer contract
with German solar power plant integrator City Solar Kraftwerke AG (Bad Kreuznach, Germany). According to the agreement, SunPower over the next three years will provide City Solar with
solar panels as well as commercial rooftop and ground mounted systems. This will include SunPower’s high-efficiency solar panels and its solar roof tiles for commercial rooftop
installations with a total capacity of at least 100 megawatts (MW), and SunPower’s tracking systems for different applications. "Solar continues to grow in Germany and
throughout Europe, and demand for SunPower products remains strong", said Howard Wenger, SunPower’s president, global business units. "We welcome City Solar as a new partner to
deliver SunPower’s high-efficiency solar panels and tracking systems to commercial and power plant customers."
German-American cooperation to boost global growth
City Solar Kraftwerke AG is one of the leading producers of large scale photovoltaic (PV) plants. Since 2003, the company has designed and built turn-key solar power plants at both the
ground level and on rooftops. "With this deal, we can offer our commercial customers SunPower’s high-efficiency solar panels and patented rooftop and ground mounted tracking
systems, which can significantly increase their energy output. We are very pleased and excited to grow our global business using SunPower’s proven technology", said Steffen
Kammler, City Solar's president and CEO. The SunPower T10 Solar Roof Tiles are non-roof penetrating and tilt at a 10-degree angle to increase energy capture. The SunPower Tracker is a
single axis design that enables solar panels to automatically track the sun's movement throughout the day, according to SunPower increasing sunlight capture by up to 25 percent. The
SunPower T20 Tracker minimizes tracking expense relative to the solar power plant capacity factor by increasing sunlight capture by up to 30 percent over conventional fixed-tilt
systems, SunPower emphasizes.
2008-12-06 Courtesy: SunPower Corporation Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corporation
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Inventux starts production of highly efficient micromorph thin-film solar modules in Germany
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Klaus Wowereit (Middle) started the thin film
production of Inventux.
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Inventux Technologies AG (Berlin) launched its full-scale production for micromorph thin-film modules on December 4th, 2008 and has broken new territory in the energy sector, the
company reports in a press release. In a joint, symbolic act the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, and the Executive Board of Inventux Technologies AG took the first micromorph
photovoltaic module from the assembly line. The innovative Inventux modules are of particular interest due to their efficiency. Concurrently the company requires
significantly smaller volumes of solar-grade silicon. The 250 invited guests for the ceremonial opening included representatives from politics and industry, investors and project
partners, and managers from the Swiss high-tech supplier Oerlikon Solar.
Full-scale production run of silicon-based micromorph photovoltaic modules
The Chairman of the Board of Inventux Technologies AG, Volko Löwenstein, commented in his address on the excellent way that all companies and partners had worked together on the
project: "In less than a year we have managed to transform an empty factory into a high-tech production location. And in less than seven months we, Oerlikon and all our equipment
suppliers and partners have succeeded in starting the first European full-scale production run of silicon-based micromorph photovoltaic modules." The company emphasizes that Inventux
specialists were able to considerably raise the module performance above today’s market standard during the ramp-up phase. "On the road towards grid-parity with conventional
energy sources the high-tech company Inventux has advanced the state of development of the solar energy sector significantly", Löwenstein underlined.
Mayor Klaus Wowereit: a symbol for the successful reindustrialization of Berlin
Berlin's Mayor Klaus Wowereit commented: "Thanks to Inventux Technologies AG and its thin-film module production, Berlin is coming to be known beyond the borders of the region for its
expertise in the area of energy." The company that employed a mere ten people when it moved to Berlin in the autumn of last year was now, "with the 120 jobs that it has since created,
without a doubt one of the fastest growing companies in the region and in the solar energy sector as a whole." Wowereit is optimistic: "Inventux has the potential to become a symbol for
the successful reindustrialization of Berlin. Just now, with an economic crisis at hand, it is right to focus on future technologies."
The importance of this consistent focus on high-tech companies that bring pioneer technology to the point where it can be launched on the market was underlined by Jeannine Sargent, CEO
of Oerlikon Solar. At a press conference she declared the strategic partner Inventux to be a lighthouse project in thin-film silicon PV technology: "In the past months, experts from
both companies joined efforts and worked in true partnership to bring the facility into production. During that time Inventux has demonstrated to be a leading new player in the high-end
PV module market", said Sargent.
With Oerlikon Solar’s new micromorph technology, Inventux will be in a position to increase efficiency to more than 10 percent and make solar energy competitive with traditional
energy sources in the near future, states the press reelase. Up to now the technologies used by Inventux have been applied to the production of flat-screen equipment or in the
automotive sector. The technologies have been developed further to enable the industrial-scale manufacture of technologically superior solar modules. The key component combines two
different forms of silicon - amorphous and microcrystalline - in an upper and lower cell. The upper, amorphous cell transmutes the visible part of the light spectrum, while the lower,
microcrystalline cell absorbs the energy of sunlight in the infrared area. This new micromorph technology means considerable improvements in efficiency compared with traditional
amorphous cells.
2008-12-05 Courtesy: Inventux Technologies AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Inventux Technologies AG
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New solar electric plant featuring world novelty: liquid cooled PV inverters from Balingen (Germany)
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Solar power plant to be erected on a landfill
near Hechingen (Germany).
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On a former landfill of approx. 60.000 square meters a solar power plant with a total installed power of 1,12 megawatts is to be built at near Hechingen (Germany). Thin film modules
will produce more than one million kilowatt hours of solar current per year, the company relatio announces in a press release. "Therewith we avoid an anual pollution of around 700 tons
of CO2 to our environment," rejoices Bernd Bodmer, manager relatio PV GmbH and Co. KG, which is responsible for the realization of this project. Bodmer is especially proud of the new
development of his company, which will come into operation the first time: "relatio LC 5000 gti - this is the name of the worldwide first liquid cooled solar inverter, which we
developed together with our partners", Bodmer explains. In the future due to Bodmer this technology will be used more extensively and will present a sensation on the
photovoltaic market - which has been caused by the Balinger innovators several times before - for example with their iBOX. The iBOX is a completely equipped electro-technical
construction which has the size of a garage and which is delivered to the site entirely completed. This reduces the construction time extremely, Bodmer emphasizes.
The photovoltaic plant "Galgenweiher" should be connected to the grid in 2008. In view of the current winter break-in, this will be a challenging exercise. After the area had been
reamed and flattened, the starting spot for mounting frames and modules can be initiated, which are delivered to Hechingen by and by.
2008-12-05 Courtesy: relatio PV GmbH and Co. KG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: relatio PV GmbH und Co. KG
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Olivier Drücke elected new president of the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation - 2008 sector growth estimated at 45 %
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ESTIF pre-
sident Olivier
Drücke.
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The European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF; Brussels) members elected a new Board of Directors on December 2nd, 2008 at their General Assembly in Athens where they
discussed the sector's development. Reports from the development of national markets in 2008 show an increase in new solar thermal installations of 45 – 50 % to around 2,8 GWth of
new capacity. For the first time the total collector area newly installed in Europe could reach the 4 million square meters mark in one year, ESTIF emphasizes in a press
release. And while the industry experts agreed that the short-term effects of the current economic turmoil are difficult to foresee, there was wide-spread confidence that the
medium- and long-term outlook for solar thermal was very positive.
Key priority for the forthcoming Renewable Energy Directive
The ESTIF members elected a new Board of Directors and Mr Olivier Drücke as their new president. Mr Drücke is Head of Sales and Marketing of KBB Kollektorbau GmbH, a Berlin-based
collector manufacturer. His vast industry experience and extensive international contact network will be very useful in his new role as ESTIF president. A key priority of the new Board
of Directors will be to support the member associations in the national implementation of the forthcoming Renewable Energy Directive. This piece of legislation is expected to have a
strong positive impact on the solar thermal market in the coming years. National governments will have to be made aware that solar thermal can make a large contribution to meeting their
national renewable energy target, if the right policy measures are put in place.
"The Directive contains much of what ESTIF has promoted for years", says ESTIF President Drücke. "Once it is agreed, we must work hard to achieve good results from it in the 27 EU
Member States. We will especially try to strengthen solar thermal actors, where national associations do not yet exist." Three other persons were newly elected on the ESTIF Board of
Directors: Alexander Eichwalder of Austria’s GREENoneTEC, Helle Meinertz of the Danish company SolarCAP and Raffaele Piria of Solarpraxis in Germany. Robin Welling of TiSUN and
Richard Loyen of ENERPLAN were re-confirmed.
Nigel Cotton of the European Copper Institute, who continues on the Board as Chairman of ESTIF’s Advisory Council, thanked the outgoing Board members for their excellent work in
the past years. Four Board members, who had served since 2002, did not run for re-election: Teun Bokhoven of ZEN International, Horst Dufner of Solar Promotion, Gerhard Rabensteiner of
Kioto Clear Energy and Gerhard Stryi-Hipp of Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft.
The European Solar Thermal Industry Federation represents manufacturers, service providers and national solar associations. With more than 100 members from 19 countries, ESTIF
represents more than 95 % of the European market for solar thermal products.
2008-12-05 Courtesy: ESTIF Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: KBB Kollektorbau Berlin.
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Danfoss Solar Inverters: String inverters have become a genuine alternative to central Inverters
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"TripleLynx" inverter by Danfoss.
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The new TripleLynx range of string inverters has attracted very high attention, Danfoss Solar Inverters, a 100% subsidiary of the Danfoss Group, reports I a press release. The
performance ranges from 10 to 15 kW and thanks to its unique combination of features it is seen as a very attractive alternative to central inverters, Danfoss emphasizes. "We have had
fantastic response on the introduction of the TripleLynx inverter. There is no doubt the market really sees it as a good alternative in larger systems. String inverters have previously
not had the specifications to match central inverters, now they do", Sales Manager Aksel Jepsen says. The TripleLynx inverters combine 1.000 V input with 3 x 400 Vac and 98 %
max. efficiency, making it suitable for a broad range of installations. Both where the inverters are placed separately near the PV panels as well as installations where the inverters
are collated near the transformer. More PV inputs provide flexibility in the installation as every input has its own tracker, Danfoss higkights. This individual tracking due to the
producer enables a more precise and faster tracking of the optimal performance of every string of modules.
Simplicity makes TripleLynx an alternative to central inverters
The inverters have a weight of 35kg making them easy to install and handle. They can be mounted on the PV tower, on the wall of a building or where convenient. "String inverters are
known to the market and the concept of simple, small, well known 'building blocks' is very appealing to the market. It leaves flexibility in the installation to the end. String
inverters have a short lead time and are often carried as stock item, so expanding a system is no problem", adds Aksel Jepsen.
European coverage
The TripleLynx inverters are available from distributors all over Europe and are carried as an ordinary stock item. The Danfoss Solar Inverters service network offers service by local
service partners and service hotline in five languages.
2008-12-05 Courtesy: Danfoss Solar Inverters Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Danfoss Solar Inverters
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German PV producer aleo solar AG surpasses annual sales target of EUR 330 million
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Management Board of aleo solar AG (from left
to right): Heiner Willers (COO), Uwe
Bögershausen (CFO), Jakobus Smit (CEO).
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aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany) on December 4th, 2008 announced that it already has surpassed its sales target of EUR 330 million for this year. The targeted foreign
share of 40 percent in total sales will also be exceeded, aloe solar reports in a press release. Sales go hand in hand with a solid EBIT margin, the company emphasizes. Aloe solar
produces solar modules using silicon cells in Prenzlau (Brandenburg) and Santa María de Palautordera (Spain). Heiner Willers, member of aleo solar's Management Board, is in a confident
mood: "Business will be brisk until the close of the year. And we are already in a position to forecast that this trend is likely to continue in 2009 even though the larger degression
in the feed-in tariff, which is scheduled to kick in at the turn of the year, will be a challenge for all market participants in Germany. On the other hand, the fact that utility
companies recently raised their prices for electricity to a considerable extent will help to bring about so-called grid parity - i.e. self-generated electricity is not more or less
expensive than electricity purchased from a utility company - in our domestic market sooner rather than later."
Tremendous potential for rooftop systems in Spain
Germany will remain the world leader in photovoltaics in terms of newly installed output per annum yet international demand for PV remains strong as well. "Italy, Belgium, France,
Greece, and the Czech Republic are developing very well", says Jakobus Smit, Chairman of aleo solar's Management Board. "We succeeded in compensating for the expected downturn in the
Spanish market thanks to our strategy of focusing on the European rooftop systems business which, in our view, has tremendous potential." aleo solar AG was well advised to expand its
production capacities from 100 to 250 megawatts and thus will be well equipped to handle growth in the coming years.
2008-12-04 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG
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Conergy completes capital increase: gross issue proceeds of approx. EUR 400m creates a solid foundation for further growth
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Conergy CEO Ammer: ""Now we
can once again concentrate fully
on our core business".
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The Hamburg based solar PV specialist Conergy AG has completed its capital increase, the company reports in a press release. Conergy is to receive gross issue proceeds of EUR
399.3m.This means that, one year after beginning its restructuring, Conergy is gaining a capital structure which provides a solid foundation for the further development of the Conergy
group, the company emphasizes. "I am very pleased that we were able to carry out a capital increase of this size in these turbulent times. It gives us a robust capital structure for our
planned growth and confirms that we are on the right track", says Dieter Ammer, CEO of Conergy AG. "Now we can once again concentrate fully on our core business - selling
state-of-the-art solar solutions." The company will use the proceeds from the issue to reduce financial liabilities, including bridge financing from spring 2008, to push ahead with its
restructuring programme and to support its future growth.
A total of 363m new shares were issued at a subscription price of EUR 1.10 per share. The new share capital stands at EUR 398,088,928. The subscription period began on November 18th and
ended on December 2nd, 2008. 49.5 % of the new shares were subscribed by the market, equivalent to approximately 179.6m new shares. Dresdner Bank has taken up approximately 155m new
shares of the remaining unsubscribed shares and the shares to which subscription rights did not apply. Dresdner Bank intends to sell these shares, albeit without a defined time frame
and possibly as part of a M&A transaction. The remaining shares, which were not subscribed, have been taken up by other investors, in particular Leemaster and Athos, at the issue
price.
2008-12-04 Courtesy: Conergy AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Conergy AG.
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First Solar announces completion of 2MW solar power plant for Southern California Edison
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2MW solar power roof at Fontana (California).
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First Solar, Inc. (TEMPE, Arizona) on December 1st, 2008 announced the completion of Southern California Edison's (SCE) 2 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant installed on
the rooftop of a commercial building in Fontana, California. This is the first project in SCE's announced plan to install 250 MW of solar generating capacity on large commercial
rooftops throughout Southern California over the next five years. First Solar engineered the rooftop system, manufactured the solar modules and supplied the balance-of-system equipment
for this SCE landmark project. Under a formal bid process, SCE announced the selection of First Solar for the second project of its 250 MW rooftop initiative. The second project will be
a 1 MW project installed on a commercial building in Chino, California.
250 MW solar rooftop initiative to bring essential energy sources to the grid quickly
"SCE is leading the energy sector with its innovative strategy to use commercial rooftops in highly populated areas for new solar generation installations, selecting sites where
customer peak demand is highest", said John Carrington, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Business Development. "SCE's 250 MW solar rooftop initiative brings essential
energy sources to the grid quickly, supports California's economy with new green jobs and protects our environment by developing more clean solar energy for Californians."
"This innovative solar rooftop initiative is a natural extension of our industry leadership in renewable energy", said Ted Craver, Edison International chairman and CEO. "We are driving
solar technology forward and identifying creative new ways to integrate solar power into the electricity grid. A program of this scale could transform solar generation, helping bring
costs down and providing us with another important way to meet the environmental challenges of the future."
2008-12-04 Courtesy: First Solar Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Southern California Edison
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First parabolic trough solar field in Egypt is under construction
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Mounting of parabolic trough collector
in Egypt.
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The construction of the first parabolic trough solar field in Egypt has begun in the last days, German Solar Millennium AG reports I a press release. Thus the hybrid power plant,
which is located in Kuraymat south of Cairo and uses both natural gas and solar-thermal energy, is now taking shape. After its completion in summer 2010, the power plant shall
contribute to securing the electricity supply in the Cairo region. Design and construction of the solar field are carried out by the Egyptian general contractor, Orascom Construction
Industries, together with the German technology company, Flagsol GmbH (Cologne), a subsidiary of Solar Millennium AG (Erlangen, Germany). This plant - the first of its kind in Egypt -
shows that more and more countries outside of Europe are making the move towards sustainable energy supplies. As Europe's first parabolic trough power plant, Andasol 1,
prepares to be connected to the grid within the coming days, the significance of solar-thermal power generation in the Middle East and North Africa is also growing. Besides Egypt power
plant projects or public tenders have also been undertaken by the authorities in Algeria, Morocco, Israel and the United Arab Emirates. With this, the first OPEC countries are placing
their stake in this technology, which allows to supply solar power in large quantities, in an economical and a plannable way. The motivation for the worldwide change in energy policy is
the increasing awareness of how limited oil and gas resources are.
Hot spot: annual direct-normal irradiation of over 2,400 Kilowatt hours per square meter
The hybrid power plant with an output of 150 MW currently being constructed in Egypt is a role model project for the region. Egypt plans to build further plants of this kind, thereby
significantly increasing its share of renewable energy. Klaas Rühmann, senior project manager at Flagsol, makes clear the advantages of solar-thermal technology for a sustainable energy
concept: "The location of the hybrid power plant, on the banks of the Nile, 95 Kilometers south of Cairo, with an annual direct-normal irradiation of over 2,400 Kilowatt hours per
square meter, is ideal for using solar-thermal power plants. In hybrid operation, both fossil fuels are reduced and electricity supplies are secured to the highest possible
degree."
Key components produced in Germany by Schott Solar and Flabeg
The solar field consists of parabolic troughs with a total mirror surface area of 130,000 square meters. The collector rows, 6 meters wide and 150 meters long, are assembled on-site,
segment by segment, in a purpose-built assembly facility. The same technology is being used in the Andasol power plants by Flagsol, the world leader in the field. The high-precision
optical collectors consist of a steel frame, onto which the parabolic mirrors and absorber pipes are mounted. The key components are produced in Germany by Schott Solar and Flabeg.
During the 10-month solar field mounting period, a total of 53,000 mirrors will be required.
Solar power for North Africa and Europe; desalination to convert sea water to drinking water
Christian Beltle, Chairman of the Board of Solar Millennium, indicates the strategic prospects of solar power plants in North Africa and the Middle East: "The potential is enormous.
Using a very small part of the North African desert, solar-thermal power plants will not only be able to meet the rapidly increasing power demands of North Africa, but also to export
clean and economical solar power to Europe. Additionally, the plants can be used to convert sea water to drinking water through desalination."
2008-12-04 Courtesy: Solar Millennium AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Millennium AG
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Photovoltaics: United States’ largest installation of solar Meca Trackers half way completed
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Mounting of solar trackers in
Richmond, California.
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Solar installer Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc. (El Dorado Hills, CA) on December 1st, 2008 announced that it had completed 51% of the "Meca Trackers" project being installed on
the West County Wastewater District in Richmond, California. The project is expected to be operational by Jan 15th, 2009. The Richmond water district installation is comprised of 90 of
the US’s largest bi-directional solar tracking arrays that follow the sun for maximum efficiency, Premier Power reports in a press release. The Richmond water district
land is largely comprised of highly corrosive and contaminated wetlands, that may not be disturbed during the installation of the tracker and panel arrays, due to environmental reasons,
Premier Power emphasizes. Specifically designed platforms that can evenly distribute the weight of the trackers are being used to address the problem. Premier’s engineering
solution allows for an installation above ground that does not disturb the property, the company highlights.
Large-sized trackers turn wasteland into an energy-producing terrain
"This is an outstanding milestone for Premier Power and solar energy in general. We are pleased to be on track to complete an installation other solar companies could not achieve. These
are the largest bi-directional trackers in the nation and the idea that they convert previously unusable land into energy producing property is outstanding", said Dean Marks, President
of Premier Power. Miguel de Anquin, Vice President of Premier Power commented: "This is an example of how Premier Power benefits from its international operations. Meca trackers are
made by ET Solar (Nanjing, China) and were first discovered by our Spanish operations and became a perfect solution for an otherwise very challenging job. We must give credit to our
outstanding engineering and project teams as well as our international subsidiary."
2008-12-03 Courtesy: Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc.
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Germany: Sunfilm’s 2nd PV Module production facility reaches
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Thin film PV production line at Sunfilms facility
in Saxony.
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Sunfilm AG (Grossroehrsdorf, Saxony) on December 2nd, 2008 celebrated, almost exactly one year after Sunfilm’s first building, the "Topping-Out Ceremony" (Richtfest) for ist 2
nd photovoltaic module production facility. Construction of the new 20.000 m2 plant will be finalized in early 2009 for production equipment to be moved-in early in 2009, as scheduled,
Sunfilm reports in a press release. This second line, which is situated next to Sunfilm’s first production facility in Grossroehrsdorf, will also receive equipment from Applied
Materials, Inc. (Santa Clara, USA) It will be able to produce thin film silicon modules based on the Tandem Junction technology with a nominal annual capacity of more than 60
MWp. Beginning of pre-production is scheduled for mid 2009 whereas commercial production will start later that year. The two plants together will bring Sunfilm’s annual
capacity to over 120 MWp and set a benchmark for high efficiency thin film silicon modules in an ultra-large format of up to 5.7m².
Important milestone for Sunfilm
Wolfgang Heinze, Sunfilm’s Chairman of the Executive Board stated: "We are pleased to announce this important milestone and it is the right event to thank all contributors who
made this happen. Among others we would like to thank the Saxonian and local authorities for their tremendous support. We also want to thank our design firms, general contractors and
sub-contractors for maintaining the project schedule while providing high quality work. We continue to execute our vision and strategy at full speed even under these changing global
market conditions. We are glad to be able to offer additional new jobs during these difficult economic times", Heinze added.
Up to 200 new workplaces for a wide variety of skill levels
For the ceremony Sunfilm welcomed several officials, among those the former Saxonian Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Milbradt and other guests who were directly involved in the design and
construction work, such as representatives of the general contractors: ib vogt GmbH, IPRO Dresden, Eurovia VBU GmbH, Goldbeck Ost GmbH and Wisag Service Holding GmbH & Co. KG, as
well as Sunfilm’s employees, neighbours and local residents. The second production line will create up to 200 new workplaces for a wide variety of skill levels including ten
additional apprenticeship positions.
2008-12-03 Courtesy: Sunfilm AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sunfilm AG
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SunPower Completes 18-Megawatt Olivenza Solar Power Plant in Badajoz, Spain
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Olivenza Solar Power Plant.
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SunPower Corporation (Sunnyvale, Calif.), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, on November 24th, 2008 announced the completion of the
18-megawatt Olivenza solar electric power plant in Badajoz, Spain. SunPower installed its proprietary "SunPower T20 Tracker" solar tracking system at the site, covering a total of
approximately 70 hectares. The SunPower Tracker follows the sun as it moves across the sky, increasing sunlight capture by up to 30 percent over conventional fixed-tilt systems, the
company emphasizes. "SunPower has extensive experience building solar power installations and the technology to maximize energy production at the site. Their expertise was a key factor
in the successful completion of this project. To date, production performance has exceeded expectations", said Jose Tejada of 360 Corporate, a member of the consortium of equity
investors who financed the project.
"SunPower's innovative solar tracker technology is part of our turnkey solar solution," said Mario Riello, European sales director of SunPower. "The SunPower Tracker solar power system
is a proven and reliable solution for maximizing energy delivery, while optimizing land use and reducing related costs." Construction on the project was completed in the spring, and the
plant was connected to the power grid by the regional government in July.
From the company's Madrid office, SunPower has completed construction of more than 165 megawatts of Spanish power plants, and supports a network of local independent dealers installing
commercial rooftop solar power systems throughout the country. Worldwide, SunPower has installed 500 solar power systems totaling more than 400 megawatts.
2008-12-03 Courtesy: SunPower Corporation Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corporation
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Canada: SonnenEnergy to build solar park projects for ASG Solar Power Income Fund
SonnenEnergy Corp. (Toronto, Canada), integrator of photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems and solar power producer, on November 24th, 2008 announced that it had signed an agreement
with ASG Financial Corp. (Toronto, Canada) and ASG Solar Power Income Fund Limited Partnership (SPIF, Toronto, Canada). The contract grants SonnenEnergy the exclusive right to source,
build and maintain solar parks for SPIF. "We are very pleased to become the exclusive integration partner for ASG Solar Power Income Fund's solar park projects", said Jeff Dennis,
President and CEO of SonnenEnergy. "This agreement could potentially provide our integration business with ongoing solar park construction revenues as well as long-term
service and maintenance agreements. We are currently in the process of conducting due diligence on several potential solar park sites and expect to announce the first project with the
Fund during the first quarter of 2009", Dennis added. Under the terms of the agreement SonnenEnergy is going to identify solar park opportunities and design, build and manage the
projects. Once a solar park is established, it would provide management and maintenance services under long-term contracts, SonnenEnergy emphasizes. Pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement, after the Fund invests solar park projects built by SonnenEnergy, ASG is to earn finders fees.
2008-12-02 Courtesy: SonnenEnergy Corp. Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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US service company CPS Energy collecting proposals for solar electricity unconventionally
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CPS Energy aiming to ex-
pand solar-generated
electricity.
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CPS Energy (San Antonio, Texas), on own account the United State’s largest municipally owned energy service company, on November 25th, 2008, announced that it had received 36
proposals from 24 companies to bring up to 100 megawatts (MW) of solar-generated electricity to San Antonio, Texas. The proposals had been acquired through an innovative national ad
campaign seeking requests for proposals (RFP) in newspapers such as the San Antonio Express-News, the Wall Street Journal, the Houston Chronicle, the Dallas Morning News as well as in
trade publications, CPS Energy reports in a press release. According to CPS Energy, hundreds of companies, individuals and utilities downloaded the RFP forms from CPS Energy’s
website after reading catchy classifieds postings in the disguise of personal ads. "We expect to have our short list of bidders established by early December, then begin
contract negotiations with the goal of signing one or more contracts by spring 2009", said John Bonnin, CPS Energy manager of wholesale power marketing. "Companies we sign contracts
with will probably begin construction of solar power plants starting in late 2009 or early 2010. Energy should begin flowing to CPS Energy customers in late 2010 or early 2011."
Additional 100 MW of solar-generated electricity scheduled
CPS Energy plans to select a technology or combination of technologies best-suited to meet its requirements from the short list of proposals. Suppliers then are to install, own and
operate the solar power plants and then sell the electrical output to CPS Energy. This form of cooperation is already in place with wind-energy suppliers, according to the press
release. CPS Energy ranks no. 1 in the amount of wind energy capacity among the nation’s municipally owned utilities, Bonnin noted. "The addition of 100 MW of solar-generated
electricity will make CPS Energy a leader in solar energy", he emphasized. The company plans to contractually guarantee the purchase of the entire solar electrical output for 15 to 20
years. The two dozen bidders from across the U.S. and Europe had submitted proposals on solar photovoltaic (PV) silicon and thin film, concentrating solar PV and concentrating solar
thermal technologies. One proposed solar plant would occupy more than 1,000 acres in West Texas and serve as a model for other utilities, while another proposed plant, smaller in scale,
would be constructed near San Antonio and also be available for educational tours.
Unconventional ad campaign produced qualified proposals
"Thinking outside the box and putting out the RFP in the form of 'personal ads' was very significant", Bonnin explains. "We have been working on this solar project for about a year, and
we had previously advertised only in trade publications, using formal language, with limited results. This time, our clever ‘personal ads’ produced a lot of inquiries and a
good list of qualified bids to choose from." The ads encouraged solar-electric generating companies to visit CPS Energy’s website for more information and to submit proposals. CPS
Energy’s in-house communications staff produced the mock personal ads with eye-catching titles such as "65-YEAR-OLD LOOKING FOR HOT NEW PARTNER," "MATURE AND SERIOUS-MINDED,
SEEKING COMMITMENT" and "GREEN-MINDED TEXAN SEEKS SIZZLING RELATIONSHIP". These titles were far from the typical messages aimed at utilities. Bonnin explained: "They were meant to be
attention-getters so we could seriously pursue a new source of electric generation that does not produce any greenhouse-gas emissions."
Ambitious plans for increase in green energy
According to the press release, CPS Energy currently obtains up to 501 MW of wind-generated electricity from wind farms near Iraan and Sweetwater. This by itself was enough electricity
to power approximately 115,000 homes. "We have set a very ambitious goal for renewable-energy capacity", said Mike Kotara, CPS Energy’s executive vice president for energy
development, "and we intend to include a healthy amount of solar energy in our mix." Kotara said CPS Energy recently stretched its renewable-energy goal upward in order to achieve a
renewable energy capacity equal to 20 percent of customers’ peak electric demand by 2020, up from 15 percent. "This means we will double our renewable capacity with another 75 MW
wind farm coming online next month", Kotara explained. "By 2020, our 20-percent renewable-capacity goal should be around 1,200 MW, roughly equivalent to the capacity of two large
conventional power plants. Of this 1,200 MW, approximately 100 MW will be derived from non-wind sources such as solar and landfill gas."
2008-12-01 Courtesy: CPS Energy Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: CPS Energy
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![The unique solar roof, which emulates the form of a flowing river, can, depending on the strength of the sunshine, cover 75% of the energy needs of the stadium which can hold 55,000 spectators. On days when no competitions are taking place, the electricity generated is fed into the grid. The new stadium is the main venue for the competitions of the World Games 2009. International athletes from more than 90 nations will be competing against each other next June under the impressive roof construction that is simultaneously a solar power station. Swiss production equipment and experience in the field of integrated photovoltaics The Taiwanese module producer Lucky Power Technology Co., Ltd. which supplied the special modules for the huge construction project is a longstanding customer of 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG. The solar modules for the stadium in Kaohsiung were manufactured on a production line comprised of a fully automatic stringer from the Somont company, a manual lay-up station and a fully automatic laminating line from 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG as well as a fully automatic module tester from the Pasan company. Apart from the production equipment, 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG also and above all supplied important know-how. "With 3S as our partner, we not only have outstanding production equipment", says Mr. Henry Hu, General Manager of Lucky Power Technology Co., Ltd., "The Swiss company's in-depth knowledge of module production and their experience in the field of integrated photovoltaics have enabled us to become the leading Taiwanese module supplier, especially for such demanding projects." The "green" stadium project is enjoying a great deal of positive resonance in Taiwan and the entire Asian region. The major project combines in an impressive manner the ecological demand, alternative energy production and high architectural quality.](http://www.sunnyportal.de/Templates/PublicPageOverview.aspx?plant=e0f2dc2b-d6c9-4898-8b49-a1018844689f&splang=de-DE">www.sunny-portal.com</a> .<br />
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2008-12-25 Courtesy: RSEnergy Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH<br />
Picture Courtesy: SMA <!-- Nachrichtbild-->
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Solar energy for the World Games 2009 in Taiwan - thanks to Swiss know-how
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Photo composition of the World Games 2009<br />
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<b>Before the end of this year, the construction work for the new main stadium for the World Games 2009 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan shall be finished. The new, architecturally impressive
sports arena is also Taiwan){kind=link}