University of Texas: Low-cost solar cells to be printed like newspaper, painted on rooftops Researchers apply the nanoparticle "inks" as a spray on the solar cells. Solar cells, according to chemical engineer Brian Korgel of the University of Texas (UT), could soon be produced more cheaply using nanoparticle "inks" that allow them to be printed like newspaper or painted onto the sides of buildings or rooftops to absorb electricity-producing sunlight. UT Researchers are hoping to cut costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells to one-tenth by replacing the standard manufacturing process, namely gas-phase deposition in a vacuum chamber which requires high temperatures and is relatively expensive.   "That's essentially what's needed to make solar-cell technology and photovoltaics widely adopted", Korgel says. "The sun provides a nearly unlimited energy resource, but existing solar energy harvesting technologies are prohibitively expensive and cannot compete with fossil fuels", he adds. According to the press release, Korgel and his team have been working on a low-cost, nanomaterials solution for photovoltaic manufacturing in the past two years. Korgel has been collaborating with professors Al Bard and Paul Barbara, both of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Professor Ananth Dodabalapur of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. They recently showed proof-of-concept in an issue of Journal of the American Chemical Society. "Paintable" solar cell prototypes achieving 1 % efficiency According to the press release, the PV inks could be printed in a roll-to-roll process on a plastic substrate or on stainless steel. And researchers believe that the prospect of being able to "paint" the inks onto a rooftop or building is not far-fetched. "You'd have to paint the light-absorbing material and a few other layers as well. This is one step in the direction towards paintable solar cells", Korgel explains. The new technology uses light-absorbing nanomaterials, which are 10,000 times thinner than a strand of hair, which allow for new physical properties that are believed to help enable higher-efficiency devices because of their microscopic size. In 2002, Korgel co-founded Innovalight, based in California, which is producing silicon based inks. This time, Korgel and his team are using copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), which is both cheaper and benign in terms of environmental impact. "CIGS has some potential advantages over silicon. It's a direct band gap semiconductor, which means that you need much less material to make a solar cell, and that's one of the biggest potential advantages", Korgel says. According to the press release, the Korgel team has developed solar-cell prototypes with efficiencies of one percent. "If we get to 10 percent, then there's real potential for commercialization," Korgel emphasizes. "If it works, I think you could see it being used in three to five years." He also announces that the inks, which are semi-transparent, could help realize the prospect of having windows that double as solar cells. Funding for the research comes from the National Science Foundation, the Welch Foundation and the Air Force Research Laboratory. 2009-08-31   Courtesy: University of Texas at Austin   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH Picture Courtesy: Beverly Barrett, UT Engineering Public Affairs

Suniva reports 18 % efficiency for its solar cells in production, expands manufacturing capacity to 100 MW Solar cell by Suniva Suniva, Inc. (Norcross, Georgia), a U.S. manufacturer of high-power monocrystalline silicon solar cells, on August 26th, 2009 announced that its "ARTisun" series solar cells are achieving conversion efficiencies of more than 18 %. According to the press release, this is a record for screen- printed cells in regular full-scale production. Suniva also announced that the company has started operation of its second manufacturing line at the company's Norcross plant. The new 64 megawatt peak (MWp) line is to triple the production capacity of the facility to approximately 100 MWp, the company reports.   "Our strategy supports both rapid expansion and continual technology advances", said John Baumstark, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Suniva. "Less than a year ago, we opened the doors to our first facility. Today, we have entered our next stage of growth and development with a significant manufacturing expansion"; he added. 20 % efficiency solar cells achieved in lab Through processes initiated by Suniva Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Dr. Ajeet Rohatgi and by further developments in Suniva's research and development (R&D) lab, the company reports it has been able to achieve certified efficiencies of more than 20 % on screen-printed cells in the lab. According to the press release, this result was certified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Suniva plans to steadily raise its commercial cell's efficiencies above 20 % through a series of incremental design and processing innovations. According to the press release, the company's ARTisun series solar cells are manufactured with optimized metallization techniques and proprietary process innovations, both of which are said to maintain low cost while extracting the highest efficiencies possible. "Customers are expecting high-quality, high-efficiency products at lower costs", Baumstark emphasized. "Suniva continues to lead these market requirements, delivering cells and modules from our partners, that strike a sensible balance of power and affordability." 2009-08-31   Courtesy: Suniva, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH Picture Courtesy: Suniva Inc.

China: LDK Solar to partner with Yancheng City on PV projects LDK Solar manufactures and sells multicrystalline solar wafers LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (Xinnyu City, China and Sunnyvale, California) a manufacturer of multicrystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) wafers, on August 25th, 2009 announced that it had entered into an agreement with Yancheng City of Jiangsu Province, China, for the development of PV power plants. According to the agreement, LDK Solar will develop a number of PV power projects, including ground mounted photovoltaic power plants, and roof and building integrated PV systems totaling up to 500 megawatts (MW) over the next five years. According to the press release, the terms, such as financing, design and the specific location of each of the projects will require a feasibility study as well as final approval from relevant state departments prior to initiation.   "Yancheng City is currently one of the most important wind power bases in China. Yancheng City possesses the largest coastal area in Jiangsu Province and is rich in natural resources", stated Li Qiang, Mayor of Yancheng City. "We plan to partner with LDK Solar to build large ground-power stations to take advantage of wind and photovoltaics as complementary power sources. With the support of the Chinese government and their financial subsidy programs, we hope that our partnership with LDK Solar further increases the development of solar resources and promotes growth of the solar PV industry in Yancheng City." 2009-08-31   Courtesy: LDK Solar Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH Picture Courtesy: LDK Solar Co., Ltd.

SolarWorld reports growth in U.S. market with public projects including a PV system for U.S. Air Force base in Colorado "Sunmodule SW 230" by SolarWorld The SolarWorld group (Hillsboro, Oregon) on August 24th, 2009 announced that it had been able to expand its business with new military, school and other public solar photovoltaiv (PV) projects in the United States. According to the press release, SolarWorld is working with project manager AMEC (London, United Kingdom) and partner SolSource Inc. (Denver, Colorado) on a new contract to supply its "Sunmodules" to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for construction of a 1.2 megawatt (MW) solar power plant at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado.  AMEC is an international engineering and project management company and SolSource is a solar engineering, procurement and installation firm. More than 5,000 of SolarWorld's new 220/230-watt modules are to be installed in the Buckley project. According to SolarWorld, its new modules meet the most stringent quality requirements and they are manufactured at SolarWorld's site in Camarillo, California, from photovoltaic (PV) cells made at its site in Hillsboro, Oregon. Several MW-projects drove the company's growth in the United States SolarWorld reports that it has worked with Chevron Energy Solutions and has supplied Sunmodules that were installed in civic projects in California with a total output capacity of more than 15 MW. An example of such a project is a solar power system at Butte Community College in Oroville, California. Another project was the largest U.S. K-12 solar and energy efficiency project, installed at the San Jose Unified School District in San Jose, California. According to the press release, SolarWorld has supplied modules for solar PV plants such as a 1 MW roof-mounted solar installation on the Orange County Convention Center in Florida and a 1.2 MW solar power system for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority in Los Angeles during the first half of 2009. The two projects are believed to be among the biggest not only among U.S. civic facilities of their kind, but also within the regions where they were installed. "As of the fourth quarter of 2009, the public funding of solar power is expected to come to the fore", said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SolarWorld AG Frank H. Asbeck. "With our sites in the USA, we are excellently prepared for the expected positive development in the US market." The company reports that it will have a production capacity of 500 MW each in wafer and cell production until the end of 2010. 2009-08-31   Courtesy: SolarWorld group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH Picture Courtesy: SolarWorld group

SMA America offers solar power system monitoring data that can be acquired by mobile phones SMA Sunny Portal Mobile SMA America (Rocklin, California) on August 25th, 2009 announced that solar power system owners and operators can now assess critical performance data on the go, through the SMA "Sunny Portal" web site that the company has recently optimized for cell phones. Administrators are now able to log in to the new site through any web-enabled phone, the company reports. The Sunny Portal is a free web-based gateway that provides data storage and a visual display of a photovoltaic (PV) system's performance information. Access to the data is available at any time, anywhere, through the Internet, the company reports.  "SMA recognizes that performance monitoring is a crucial component in any solar power system," said Jurgen Krehnke, President and General Manager of SMA America. "The new Sunny Portal mobile web site now allows solar system managers and owners to conveniently access important system information while on the go." SMA America believes that timely and accurate system monitoring is essential to ensuring peak production, discovering unnoticed performance disturbances and ultimately maximizing system payback. The Sunny Portal is said to allow administrators to monitor their systems' output, regardless of configuration or size. Users can monitor the performance of a single system, an entire block of homes or a large PV plant, SMA America reports. Daily system performance data such as energy yield and C02 offset is uploaded to the Sunny Portal via the SMA "Sunny WebBox" at intervals chosen by the user. Selected weather and temperature data can also be viewed on systems configured with the optional SMA Sunny Sensorbox, the company reports. 2009-08-31   Courtesy: SMA America   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH Picture Courtesy: SMA America

Photovoltaics: CPS Energy and juwi Solar to partner in 14 MW project in Texas A rendering of the Blue Wing Solar project CPS Energy (San Antonio, Texas) and juwi solar Inc. (Boulder, Colorado) on August 24th, 2009 announced a 30-year power purchase agreement (PPA) that will lead to the development of the "Blue Wing Solar" project, a 14 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) installation to be built southeast of San Antonio, Texas. juwi solar plans to install 214,500 solar photovoltaic (PV) modules expected to generate an estimated 25,345 megawatt-hours (MWh) of solar electricity each year. According to the press release, this is enough electricity to supply approximately 1,800 homes.  CPS Energy reports that this PPA comes just two months after the company had signed a 20-year agreement to acquire 27 MW from Tessera Solar's new project in West Texas. "Now with 41 MW, CPS Energy has the most solar-generated electricity under contract in the state of Texas",said Cris Eugster, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at CPS Energy. "The Blue Wing Solar Farm further solidifies our state and national leadership in renewable energy. Renewables like solar and wind are part of our overall strategy to meet Greater San Antonio's energy needs with diversified energy sources." U.S. utility aims to provide 20 % of its power from renewable sources "The Blue Wing PPA is another CPS Energy step forward on its commitment announced last summer to acquire up to 100 MW of solar electricity by 2020", said Aurora Geis, Chair of the CPS Energy Board of Trustees. "It's also part of the company's ambitious goal to achieve renewable-energy capacity equal to 20 percent of customers' peak electrical demand by 2020." juwi solar expects to break ground on Blue Wing Solar in the first quarter of 2010 and to begin producing electricity before 2011. The construction of the solar facility is expected to benefit Greater San Antonio and create approximately 100 full-time-equivalent jobs during construction, and several permanent jobs for the project operation and maintenance phase. 2009-08-30   Courtesy: CPS Energy; juwi solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH Picture Courtesy: juwi solar Inc.

Fraunhofer ISE and Badenova present project on electric mobility charging station by Fraunhofer ISE Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Freiburg, Germany) are currently in charge of a project that shall make it possible for large-scale operators to integrate electric vehicles into an existing vehicle fleet. The project "Efficient Mobility" is subsidized by utility Badenova’s Innovation Fund for Climate and Water Protection. On August 25th , the solar energy research institute and the regional utility presented their communal project at Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg synchronous with the visit of the road show of Mitsubishi’s electrical vehicles, showing the first electric vehicles to be mass produced worldwide. Within the project "Efficient Mobility", which runs through the end of 2010, Fraunhofer ISE analyses the existing hybrid vehicle fleet of Badenova, tests the operation of electric vehicles as well as the use of renewable energy to power the vehicles with electricity.  The goal is to determine the potential for the integration of electric vehicles and to optimize the vehicle fleet based on economical and ecological criteria. "First, we will look at Badenova’s hybrid vehicle fleet. Some of the approximately 500 vehicles, which run either on gasoline, diesel or natural gas, will be analysed with regard to capacity utilization and primary energy use. Based on the results of this analysis, any supplements to the existing fleet will be simulated before an actual electric vehicle is put into use", explains Dr. Christof Wittwer, Head of the Working Group "Operation and System Control" as well as the responsible project leader at Fraunhofer ISE. Intelligent controls to provide information about electricity tariffs and billing; demonstration version of a charging station presented In order to guarantee a balanced load management, storage management and energy production management, the researchers at Fraunhofer ISE are developing an intelligent control. Since the regional renewable energy production is dependent on the solar irradiation and the local wind conditions, the charging of the vehicle batteries is to be synchronized with this fluctuating feed-in to the distribution grid. At the same time, the intelligent controls provide important information about electricity tariffs and billing. A demonstration version of the charging station was similarly presented at the informational event. "As a solar research center, it is our intent to make use of as many contact points as possible for the application of renewable energies. Also in the project 'Efficient Mobility', we follow this integrated approach", says Dr. Günther Ebert, Department Head of 'Electrical Energy Systems' at Fraunhofer ISE as he describes the different aspects in the project. At the end, powering the electric vehicles solely with renewable energy is our goal. When a large energy demand occurs on the short term, the intelligent controls shall ensure that the charging procedure be preferably delayed in order to exclusively use electricity from renewable energy sources during the off-peak times. The availability of the vehicles, however, always has priority. "Badenova is participating in this groundbreaking and exemplary project, because it demonstrates a way in which ecology and mobility can be compatible", says Mathias Nikolay, Director of Badenova AG. "As an electric utility operator, we are extremely interested in integrating renewable energy in a sustainable grid management. Badenova’s Innovation Fund provides part of the necessary research funds." Electric mobility at Fraunhofer Fraunhofer ISE is involved in several research projects in the area of electric mobility. The two main focuses of the activities are integrating electric mobility into the electricity grid and providing the electricity through renewable energy sources. Fraunhofer ISE, together with 32 other Fraunhofer Institutes, is participating in the system research of electric mobility. The speciality of Fraunhofer lies in the fact that all of the steps in the value-added chain, along with their interaction with each other, are considered and further developed - from the energy generation, through the transport and distribution of the energy within the electricity grid, the interface between the electricity grid and the vehicle, the energy storage through to new vehicle concepts with a new infrastructure as well as use and billing concepts. 2009-08-30   Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH Picture Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE

Trina Solar records excellent module performance results at Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre Trina Solar Limited (Changzhou, China), an integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products, on August 13th, 2009 announced that its mono crystalline modules recorded one of the highest average outputs in terms of actual electricity generated at the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre (Alice Springs). Based on independent and ongoing test data collected by this center at its demonstration site over a period of eight months, Trina Solar reports that its modules consistently held the top two position compared to modules from several leading European, Japanese and American brands in the harsh Australia desert environment.   According to the press release, the performance comparison was made based on a similar system size operating at full capacity and fixed ground mounted installations. Desert Knowledge is a 3.1 million Australian Dollars (2.61 million US-dollars) public initiative that showcases and demonstrates a range of solar power technologies in commercial-scale installations. Approximately a dozen different manufacturers and suppliers had been chosen to demonstrate their technologies at Desert Knowledge's site, Trina Solar reports. Live data access for different PV systems The Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre is part of the Desert Knowledge Precinct - a hub for the transfer of knowledge and expertise across the arid regions of Australia. It provides a place for the Centre for Appropriate Technology, as part of the Desert Peoples Centre, to train students in the use and maintenance of solar installations. Power production from the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre levels out the peak-load demands from the precinct, particularly during the summer months when high solar resource coincides with higher power demands. Raw live data are available after registration at http://www.dkasolarcentre.com.au/ 2009-08-29   Courtesy: Trina Solar Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH Picture Courtesy: Trina Solar Ltd.

Canadian Solar obtained development rights for a 500 MW PV Project in China 300 kWp reference PV system by Canadian Solar in Jeong Up-si, Korea Canadian Solar Inc. (Ontario, Canada) (Nasdaq: CSIQ) on August 26th, 2009 announced it obtained rights to design, install, operate, and maintain a 500 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant. Under a letter of intent (LOI) with the Administration Committee of Baotou National Rare Earth Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone ("CPT") in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, the solar power plant will be located in CPT. The project is subject to a feasibility study and government approvals and is divided into three phases. The first phase, expected to run from September 2009 to December 2011, calls for the installation of a 100 MW PV system, Canadian Solar reports in a press release. The second and third phases each call for the installation of 200 MW PV systems. There are no binding commitments until the feasibility study is completed and approvals are obtained.  Developping the PV end-user market in China Mr. Fu Ren, the director of the Administration Committee of Baotou National Rare Earth Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, remarked: "I am very pleased to have Canadian Solar, a well-known provider of quality PV products, agree to develop a signature solar project in our city. To have a solar project of such magnitude in Baotou demonstrates our determination to develop the PV end-user market in China, as well as our commitment to cleaner and more sustainable economic development in Baotou. This project also reflects our city's importance as a center of commerce and commitment to further growth." Dr. Shawn Qu, the Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, commented: "We are honored and proud that Canadian Solar has been chosen to design, install, operate and maintain this showcase 500 MW Solar power plant in the City of Baotou. This project clearly shows the Chinese government's determination to develop its domestic PV market. Our successful track record of providing high quality modules to many solar power projects around the world helped us to win the development rights for this major project." 2009-08-28   Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH Picture Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.

SEPA commends megawatt solar projects by First Solar and Southern California Edison The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) on August 18th, 2009 released a statement commending the announcement by Southern California Edison (Rosemead, California) and First Solar, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) to build two large-scale solar power plants in Southern California. According to SEPA, the agreement marks a key milestone in achieving its prediction that electric utilities will quickly become the largest and most important customer for the solar industry. According to SCE and First Solar, the two PV installations will have a generation capacity of 550 megawatts (MW), enough to provide power to approximately 170,000 homes.  "In the past year, we have seen a large and vital shift in solar power development", said Julia Hamm, Executive Director of SEPA. "Especially given the tough financial conditions, we continue to see that not only have utilities become essential partners for the solar power industry, but they are taking leadership positions more every day. The solar industry is rising to the challenge and showing excellent growth." SEPA believes that the announcement illustrates one of the key drivers of the current solar industry: utility-driven projects. Solar power to become more cost-effective than traditional power generation While many of the largest solar power projects announced in the last year have used solar-thermal technology (CSP), the new SCE projects will use thin-film solar photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight directly to electricity. "Innovation from a variety of solar companies is rapidly reducing the cost of solar power, and announcements like this are indicators of the solar industry's scale-up to meet utility-scale needs. Research shows that we are reaching the point at which solar power is as or more cost-effective than traditional sources of power in certain U.S. locations", continued Hamm. According to nationwide data collected by SEPA and reported in its 2008 "Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings Report," Southern California Edison already has a total of 441 MW of solar power integrated in its service area, more than any other utility in the country. The company also installed or interconnected more than 32 MW of new solar capacity in 2008, ranking second in the nation for new solar integration. California utilities among the leading U.S. energy providers "California utilities have been leading the way on utility-driven solar power for years, and Southern California Edison is doing its part both with this announcement and the 500 MW of distributed PV that was recently approved by the California Public Utilities Commission", said Kim Kiener, SEPA's Western Regional Director. "Today's announcement demonstrates how California utilities are working diligently to meet renewable energy goals with solar power and commanding national leadership in the process." The agreement between First Solar and Southern California Edison covers the 250-megawatt "Desert Sunlight" project near Desert Center, and the 300-MW "Stateline" project in northeastern San Bernardino County. According to SCE, the plan will be submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for approval, and both projects are scheduled to be completed in 2015. The state of California aims to generate 20 % of electricity from renewable sources by 2010, and the state is considering legislation to add a goal of 33 % by 2020. SEPA's "Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings Report" is available to download at
A close up at Sunovia's lab

Sunovia Energy Technologies, Inc. (Sarasota, Florida) and its exclusive partner, EPIR Technologies, Inc. (Chicago, Illinois), on August 25th, 2009 announced the expansion of their research and development (R&D) and pilot production facilities in Bolingbrook, Illinois. According to the press release, the facility expansion allows the partners to begin optimization of their high-efficiency, low-cost cadmium telluride on silicon (CdTe/Si) concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) solar cells. Once optimized, pilot-scale production is to commence at the same facility.  The partners report that they have also expanded their materials synthesis and fabrication facility to 26,000 square feet including 4,000 square feet of clean-room laboratory space. According to the press release, the expanded facility also houses R&D and engineering staff, which has doubled over the past year. Dr. Siva Sivananthan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EPIR Technologies, said: "This expanded laboratory and pilot production space will accelerate our already fast-paced R&D efforts. In preparation for our first CdTe/Si product, we have designed this facility in a manner that will allow us transition into pilot production using the same space and equipment." He added that by basing the company's concentrator solar cells on silicon instead of the more commonly used germanium which is used for the production of high efficiency III-V concentrator cells, the company can utilize production equipment that has been optimized by the integrated circuit industry.


500-fold concentration of sunlight for high efficiency solar cells

Sunovia and EPIR report that they have partnered to commercialize a novel approach to photovoltaics that takes advantage of EPIR's expertise in growing high-quality, single-crystal layers of CdTe on silicon. According to the press release, the high efficiency CdTe/Si solar cells and the concentration of sunlight up to 500 times allows for a significantly higher amount of energy harvest at lower cost compared to traditional photovoltaics. Carl Smith, Chairman and CEO of Sunovia, said: "By leveraging the infrared materials and sensor expertise within EPIR Technologies, we have not only expedited the commercialization process for the high-efficiency solar wafers, but have done it at a drastically reduced development cost." According to the press release, EPIR Technologies is currently servicing more than 20 governmental contracts that represent more than 20 million US-dollars, including contracts with the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DOD) and the Missile Defense Agency. EPIR Technologies holds the patent for growing CdTe directly on a silicone readout integrated circuit, Sunovia reports.

2009-08-28   Courtesy: Sunovia Energy Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sunovia Energy Technologies, Inc.

China: Baoding Tianwei starts mass production of thin film solar panels with Oerlikon Solar technology

PV thin film production technology by Oerlikon Solar

As China boosts solar energy to meet growing power demand and reduce dependence on imported fuels, Tianwei and Oerlikon Solar announced the completion of one of the mainland China's largest thin film solar panel factories. The facility was completed ahead of schedule, Oerlikon Solar emphasises in the press release. This first phase of the Tianwei project is scheduled to produce 500,000 modules per year, with a total generation capacity of 46 megawatts (MW).   Thin film solar offers a cost-advantage over traditional crystalline silicon, and is making strong efficiency gains. Tianwei is using Oerlikon Solar's "Amorph High Performance PV technology" for Phase 1. "Oerlikon Solar surpassed its promised completion time and efficiency", said Mr. Ma Wenxue, General Manager of Baoding Tianwei Solarfilms Co., Ltd. "Watching this state of-the-art fab go from an empty room to full production in six months was stunning."



Chinese Ministry of Finance subsidizes half construction costs for solar power plants

Reaching production quickly is essential to allow Tianwei to address the rapidly growing Chinese solar market, the companies accentuate. Under the "Golden Sun" program announced on July 21, China's Ministry of Finance will subsidize half of the construction costs for on-grid solar power plants. The ministry of finance will also pay for up to 70 percent of off-grid installations and cover transmission costs where necessary. In response, analysts have predicted that China could develop more than 500 megawatts of solar power within three years. Just 50 megawatts of solar power were installed in 2008.

"Oerlikon Solar has designed, tested and perfected its methodology for bringing new factories and equipment online on time and on budget", said Jeannine Sargent, CEO of Oerlikon Solar. "This is key in being the leader on the path to grid parity and placing clean renewable solar power on equal footing with traditional fossil fuel sources."

Oerlikon Solar offers the first thin film silicon technology to have IEC certification from TÜV Rheinland for "Amorph Basic", "Amorph High Performance" and "Micromorph". Certification compresses the time to production by reducing administration efforts and guaranteeing durability and performance, Oerlikon emphasises. With more challenging credit markets, certification also makes Oerlikon Solar's customers projects more predictable and bankable. TÜV certification for the Tianwei line is expected in September 2009.

2009-08-27   Courtesy: Baoding Tianwei SolarFilms Co. Ltd.; Oerlikon Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar

Spain: OPEL International and BETASOL completed phase two of a 220 kW commercial HCPV power installation

HCPV panels by OPEL International

OPEL International Inc., (Toronto, Canada) a global developer and supplier of high concentration photovoltaic systems (HCPV) including ground-mounted and rooftop tracking systems, on August 19th, 2009 announced that its Spanish partner BETASOL completed the second phase of a four-phase 440 kilowatt (kW) utility grade solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Spain. The HCPV installation, which is believed to be one of the first commercial installations of this kind in the world, due to OPEL currently achieved a nominal capacity of 220 kW and increases revenue for BETASOL, the companies report.  OPEL unveiled this PV power plant to potential customers from around the world during a four-day preview event in the Tarragona region of Spain, which the companies regard as a prime location for solar development. OPEL reports that the preview event was a demonstration of the first operable solar grid field in the world using the company's HCPV solar technology.



High concentration PV expected to supply 350 households with electricity

OPEL reports this installation is employing its "Mk-I" high concentration panels (HCPVs) mounted on dual axis trackers. According to the press release, the combination of OPEL's HCPV panels and precision dual axis trackers results in a higher power production per unit of land than what can be achieved with silicon or thin film flat panels, and it is believed to have the potential to increase PV yields by up to 40 %. When the project is fully completed, it is expected to supply electricity for more than 350 households. "We are pleased to have hosted potential customers enthused to see OPEL's HCPV system because they can experience first-hand HCPV and its ability to have a major impact on the future of solar technology across European, African and other global markets", said Robert Pico, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OPEL International. Jesus Cabetas, Managing Director of BETASOL, added: "Our partnership with OPEL is an outstanding success. Visitors can see the system's efficiency using HCPV panels on dual axis trackers, thus making the rate of return provided by the Spanish feed-in tariff structure even more attractive to investors."

2009-08-27   Courtesy: OPEL International Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: OPEL International Inc.

COLEXON concludes framework contract for the construction of solar power plants in France with a peak capacity of 15 megawatts

COLEXON PV reference system (4,64 MW) at Hassleben, Germany

COLEXON Energy AG (Hamburg, germany), project developer of high-performance thin-film rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants, and tnp Mitteldeutsche Fonds Beteiligungs GmbH (tnp MFB GmbH), a fully-owned subsidiary of tnp Mitteldeutsche Anlagen Leasing AG, have concluded a framework contract for the planning and the turnkey construction of solar power plants with a peak total capacity of approximately 15 megawatts (MWp). The power plants are to be built in France by the end of 2011, COLEXON reports in a press release. The framework contract due to COLEXON has a volume as high as eight figures and is the largest investor contract in the history of COLEXON.  On January 27, the company had previously reported a framework agreement with tnp for the construction of solar power plants in Germany. With this contract, COLEXON and tnp continue their cooperation in one of the industry's most promising growth markets. The projecting of the solar power plants will be covered by the closed investment fond “tnp Neue Energien 1”. The placement is scheduled to start in the beginning of September 2009.


Project and property rights secured for at least 25 MWp

COLEXON announced on August 21st that the company had the project and property rights for a solar power plant of at least 25 MWp in the French wine-growing region of Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux. The investor contract constitutes a successful counterpart to the newly acquired land, COLEXON emphasizes. Whether the investor contract will represent part of the solar power plant in Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux, or whether it will involve other projects that are in a concrete realization process in France will be determined in separate project contracts between the companies.

2009-08-27   Courtesy: COLEXON Energy AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: COLEXON Energy AG

ReneSola signs letter of intent with Wuzhong Government to develop 150 MW on-grid PV power plant

Xian Shou Li, CEO: China transforms into a significant end-user market

ReneSola Limited (Jiashan, China), a manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) wafers, on August 20th, 2009 announced that it had been granted the exclusive right in a letter of intent (LoI) with the Taiyangshan Development Zone in Wuzhong city, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, to develop a 150 megawatt (MW) on-grid solar power project with a budgeted total investment of 4.8 billion RMB (approximately 706 million US-dollars). The solar power plant which is subject to a feasibility study, government permits and approvals, has a four-year, four-phase construction period that is expected to begin in 2010, ReneSola reports.  "We are pleased to announce our new 150 MW on-grid solar project in Wuzhong, which adds to our track record of partnering with local governments to develop sustainable solar projects", said Xianshou Li, ReneSola's Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "We are excited by China's transformation from a manufacturing hub of solar products into an important and increasingly significant end-user market", he added. The 150 MW on-grid solar project in Wuzhong is expected to bolster ReneSola's downstream project portfolio. Li added that this project is strategically located to fully take advantage of the abundance of natural sunlight which the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region offers as one of the sunniest regions of China.

2009-08-27   Courtesy: SOLAR ENERGY SOURCE CO.,LTD   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SOLAR ENERGY SOURCE CO.,LTD

New solar power world record by UNSW researchers: 43 % of sunlight converted into electricity

Record-breaking Professor Martin Green.

Solar cell researchers of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have played the key role in achieving the highest efficiency for solar power, setting a new world record of 43 per cent of sunlight converted into electricity, UNSW reports in a press release. The UNSW team, led by Scientia Professor Martin Green, Research Director of the UNSW ARC Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence, combined with two US groups to demonstrate a multi-cell combination which has set the new benchmark for converting sunlight into electricity by any possible approach.   "Because sunlight is made up of many colours of different energy, ranging from the high energy ultraviolet to the low energy infrared, a combination of solar cells of different materials can convert sunlight more efficiently than any single cell", Professor Green said.




Multi-cell combination reaches 43 per cent efficiency

Professor Green, with colleague Dr Anita Ho-Baillie, led the team that developed a silicon cell optimised to capture light at the red and near-infrared end of the spectrum. That cell was able to convert up to 46 per cent of light into electricity, UNSW emphasizes. When combined with four other cells, each optimised for different parts of the solar spectrum, the five-cell combination converted 43 per cent of the sunlight into electricity, bettering the previous world record by 0.3 per cent.

"Our group’s silicon cell was the key contributor to the new result", Professor Green added. Professor Stuart Wenham, Director of the ARC Centre, said the new record was not directly comparable to the 25 per cent efficiency world record for an individual solar cell set by UNSW last year. However it was an important pointer for the future potential of solar photovoltaic power. "This latest record involves an expensive combination of cells and the sunlight was focused to produce a much higher intensity than standard sunlight for these measurements. It does show, however, what eventually may be practical", Professor Wenham said.

2009-08-26   Courtesy: UNSW   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: UNSW

Steel roofing BIPV project by Dyesol and Corus moves ahead

An insight on Dyesol's DSC R&D

Dyesol Limited (Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia), a manufacturer and supplier of dye solar cell products (DSC), comprising equipment, chemicals, materials, components and related services, on August 10th, 2009 announced that the joint building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) project of its subsidiary Dyesol UK Limited with steel producer Corus to commercially manufacture DSC on steel has achieved its 5th milestone. According to the press release, the DSC technology can be described as an "artificial photosynthesis" that uses a layer of a special pigment coated with a dye and filled with an electrolyte that is deposited on glass, metal or polymer substrates. Light striking the dye excites electrons which are absorbed by the titania to become an electric current that can then be harvested.  According to Dyesol, the project is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) with a total of five Million United Kingdom Pounds (8.2 million US-dollars; 5.82 million Euro). On August 5th, the company held a milestone review meeting at the joint photovoltaic (PV) "Accelerator" facility on the Shotton site of Corus, which houses the 30 person technology team to bring this building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) product to market. According to the press release, the milestones were achieved ahead of schedule and on budget, and the Welsh government commended the teams' progress as exemplary.



Pilot manufacturing line to be ready in 2010, tests at demonstration sites

Corus and Dyesol announce that they have progressed to the next phase of production development, which is scheduled for completion in May 2010, coinciding with the start of the industrialization phase of the WAG project. During this period, the companies plan to undertake extensive production trials on the pilot production line at Shotton, and to subject the product to rigorous acceptance testing and placement on demonstration sites. Dyesol provided the DSC technology design for the project and is the exclusive supplier of DSC materials to Corus. The companies plan to collaborate on the worldwide commercialization. Based on the existing coated steel market of over one billion square meters per year, the annual addressable market is forecasted by the companies to be over 200 million square meters of photovoltaic products.

2009-08-26   Courtesy: Dyesol Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Dyesol Ltd.

Tata BP Solar and NXP Semiconductors co-operate on development of solar solutions

NXP Semiconductors (Eindhoven, The Netherlands) in August 2009 announced a development partnership with Tata BP Solar India Ltd. (Bangalore), a joint venture of BP Solar and Tata Power, under which Tata BP intends to use various electronic solutions for solar photovoltaic (PV) applications developed by NXP. According to the press release, NXP has developed these solutions to meet the requirements of Tata BP.   K. Subramanya, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tata BP Solar, and Rene Penning de Vries, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of NXP Semiconductors also disclosed that the two companies had signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to roll out the electronics control products starting 2010. Both companies are looking at a long-term partnership and expect to see the development of a range of products. "Given the high level of sunlight all over India and in view of the country's ever increasing power demands, solar power is an economically efficient and environmentally sustainable source of energy for India. We look forward to introducing these products to a substantial number of households over the next three to five years", Subramanya said.

2009-08-26   Courtesy: NXP Semiconductors   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Trina Solar to supply PV modules for solar power project at Colorado State University

Trina Solar Limited (Changzhou, China), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products, in August 2009 announced that it had been selected by Renewable Ventures, Fotowatio's (Madrid, Spain) U.S. global business unit, to supply modules for a two-megawatt (MW) PV project in Fort Collins, Colorado.  According to the press release, shipments under this agreement have already commenced. AMEC (London, UK), an international engineering and project management company, plans to construct a 15-acre solar array on the Foothills campus of Colorado State University, and it is expected to become one of the largest solar installations at a U.S. university. Trina Solar reports that the system is being developed under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Renewable Ventures, and is projected to generate sufficient solar power to provide more than 10 % of electricity needs for the university's Foothills campus.


Colorado State University solar installation first project to be financed by 200 million US-dollar fund

According to the press release, this project is the first to be financed under Renewable Ventures' "Solar Fund V," a 200 million US-dollar fund designed to finance and develop around 35 megawatts (MW) of solar projects in the next year. The fund is structured to include both debt from John Hancock (a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation) and equity from Renewable Ventures and Wells Fargo, and it is expected to enable the construction and permanent financing of around 35 MW in 2010. Arturo Herrero, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Trina Solar, said: "We believe Colorado State University's large solar installation and commitment to green campus efforts will further encourage solar adoption at other universities throughout the United States." Matt Cheney, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Renewable Ventures commented the selection of Trina as a panel provider: "Trina Solar has a proven track record, and their demonstrated experience and commitment to their customers made them an excellent choice."

2009-08-26   Courtesy: Trina Solar Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Gartner: Core foundation of funding and contracts forms a strong basis for PV growth starting in the second half of 2010

Gartners PV market forecast 2009 and 2013

The information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut) on August 24th, 2009 commented First Solar's (Tempe, Arizona) new major contracts with two California utilities. One of the agreements had been reached with Southern California Edison (SCE; Rosemead, California) on the construction of two solar power plants with a combined photovoltaic generation capacity of 550 megawatts. First Solar in addition announced a contract with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to build a 55 MW solar power project which is scheduled for completion in 2011.   According to the analysis by Gartner, these First Solar announcements follow several funding announcements by solar power purchase agreement (PPA) companies, such as SolarCity, SunPower, Borrego Solar Systems and Renewable Ventures. Given these signals, Gartner sees a core foundation of funding and contracts being laid for the U.S. market, which is not expected to materially drive the U.S. market in 2009. However, Gartner believes that it forms a strong basis for growth starting in the second half of 2010.


Several hurdles to be taken, a significant number of additional utility PV projects anticipated

According to the analysis, the recent demand foundation will drive significant expansion of the PV market in the United States through 2013, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 74 % from 2009 through 2013. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing availability of financing, especially from solar PPA firms, as well as factors such as lower pricing for panels, the balance of systems (BOS) and installation as well as clearer government incentives. Gartner cautions that First Solar will need to cross two hurdles regarding the two contracts: First, the company needs to ensure that it can get the network upgrades to transmit the power through the transmission grid, which tend to be complex issues due to their technical and political nature. Second, Gartner notes that First Solar still needs approval from the CPUC (California Public Utilities Commisison) and from the mayor and council of Los Angeles to go through with the projects, which could also be accompanied by complex political issues. Gartner expects to continue to hear about a significant number of additional utility projects in the United States, as the utilities and PV vendors continue their dialogue. In particular, Gartner expects a significant number of solar PPA project announcements in the next 12 to 18 months as the utilities start to buttress their renewable-energy-generation portfolios.

2009-08-25   Courtesy: Gartner Inc.; Alfonso Velosa   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Gartner (August 2009)

Teanaway Solar Reserve submits official permit application for 75 MW solar PV project

Projected site for the 75 MW solar PV plant

The project leaders of the Teanaway Solar Reserve, LLC (Cle Elum, Washington) on August 19th, 2009 announced that they are a critical step closer to bringing one of the world's largest photovoltaic (PV) solar projects to Washington State. According to the press release, the company has submitted a permit application to Kittitas County to locate a 75 megawatt (MW) project on privately-owned timber land about four miles northeast of Cle Elum.  The application due to Teanaway Solar Reserve includes hundreds of pages necessary for county land use and environmental review. Teanaway reports that comprehensive environmental studies suggest that the site is ideal for a solar PV project, which is believed to be able to generate positive benefits for the climate with little impact to wildlife and wetlands.


Millions of dollars to be injected into the local economy

Teanaway also released preliminary results from an economic study estimating that the project will create up to 225 jobs every year during a three-year construction period, and at least 35 jobs on a permanent basis. The overall private investment is expected to exceed 300 million US-dollars. The company believes that this will translate into an injection of millions of dollars into the local economy in spending on the project and in ongoing tax revenues that will support local schools, roads and hospitals.

2009-08-25   Courtesy: Teanaway Solar Reserve, LLC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Teanaway Solar Reserve, LLC

Rooftop solar PV power plant on Bosch parking structure in Germany soon to supply 250 households

Photo composition of the PV power plant atop the Bosch parking structure

August 24th, 2009 marks the start of construction on a 955 kWp rooftop photovoltaic plant on the Bosch parking structure at New Trade Fair Centre, Stuttgart, by ersol Solar Energy AG (ersol), a member of the Bosch Group, and Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH (Airport Management Company). Soon 4,247 monocrystalline solar modules extending over an area of about 7,000 m² will be generating 870,000 kW/h of "green" electricity per year. This will cover the annual energy needs of about 250 four-person households, ersol reports in a press release. For the first time, the Thuringia-based company is acting as general contractor for large-scale photovoltaic projects, being responsible for the construction of the power plant from the planning stage to turnkey handover.   An exceptional reference project for the future Bosch Solar Energy AG

With the pilot project ersol is at the same time heralding in the Bosch era. The decision to rename the company was finalized at its annual general meeting only a short time ago. "This is an exceptional reference project for the future Bosch Solar Energy AG", said Holger von Hebel, CEO of ersol. "Bosch acquired the rights to display its name on the parking structure, thus supporting the construction of the New Trade Fair Centre, Stuttgart. Europe’s largest Bosch logo, with a width of 55 metres and a height of eight meters, already embellishes the sides of the parking structure. This will be accompanied by a rooftop solar plant consisting of Bosch modules which can contribute to the power supply for illuminating the lettering", von Hebel explains.


Pv on challenging roofs

The ersol planning team will be faced with special construction challenges, as the roofs of the six-storey car park are aligned three-dimensional and thus, not straight. Roof gradients of up to 12.6 percent in a longitudinal direction and seven percent in a transverse direction place increased demands on the overall planning and implementation of the solar plant, whose foundations must be brought into a horizontal position. The roads running beneath the structure require additional safety precautions.

As the most distinctive building of the New Trade Fair Centre, Stuttgart, the Bosch parking structure spans the A8, one of Germany’s busiest highways. In the future, eight rows of solar modules will stand on each of the structure’s two fingers. Special foundations with specifically designed holders will give the plant the required stability and guarantee long life.

The Bosch parking structure is in close proximity to Stuttgart Airport. "We are playing an exemplary role", explained Walter Schoefer, Director of Flughafen GmbH, "With the construction of the photovoltaic plant we want to set a visible sign for an environmentally-friendly energy policy. We are delighted to have the support of a strong partner out of the Bosch Group for this pioneering project." The solar power plant is scheduled to be connected to the grid until December 2009. It is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 575 tons annually.

2009-08-25   Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG

Progress Energy Carolinas plans 2.3 MW solar power plant in Laurinburg, North Carolina

Progress Energy Carolinas, a business branch of Progress Energy (Raleigh, North Carolina), in August 2009 announced that the company had signed an agreement with MP2 Capital (MP2; San Francisco, California) in which MP2 will build and operate a 2.3 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) array in Laurinburg, North Carolina. According to the agreement, Progress Energy Carolinas will buy the electricity output of this power plant and will distribute it to its customers.  The proposed solar PV array is expected to be grid connected within the next six months, Progress Energy reports. MP2 plans to develop the project together with groSolar (White River Junction, Vermont), a national solar installer and distributor, and together with local development partner Birdseye Renewable Energy of Charlotte, North Carolina. According to the press release, the project, which has yet to be approved by the Laurinburg Planning Board and City Council, is the sixth and largest solar array project planned by Progress Energy Carolinas, and brings the total amount of solar-generated electricity scheduled to be purchased by the company to more than seven megawatts. A final location for the array has not yet been decided. Lloyd Yates, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Progress Energy Carolinas, said: "This project will be the largest solar power array on our system and is a significant addition to our growing portfolio of renewable energy projects."

2009-08-25   Courtesy: Progress Energy Carolinas   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Japan: Toshiba awarded major order for multi-MW PV project for Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

Toshiba Corporation (Tokyo) on August 19th, 2009 announced that it has won a major contract to develop a multi-MW photovoltaic (PV) project for Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. The order is the first that Toshiba has secured for a multi-MW PV project, and the company's systems will be installed in the Taketoyo Thermal Power Station in Taketoyo, Aichi prefecture, Toshiba reports in a press release. The multi-MW PV project will have a 7.5 MW capacity and will be the first industrial-use photovoltaic power generator operated by Chubu Electric. The plant is scheduled to come on line in autumn 2011.   Toshiba was selected as prime contractor for development of the plant, and will be responsible for all engineering work prior to the start of construction, procurement of major equipment and components, and plant construction. The variable output of the photovoltaic cells will be converted to clean alternating current (AC= by integrated power conditioners developed by Toshiba Group. Their conversion efficiency of 97.5 % due to the producer places them in the world's highest class of power conditioners.


Rapid expansion of PV scheduled, both in Japan and overseas

Driven by a growing awareness of the need to counteract global warming, the global solar photovoltaic systems market for utilities and industrial plants is expected to reach 2.2 trillion yen (approximately US.4 billon) in fiscal year 2015, Toshiba emphasizes. In this market environment, Toshiba made its full-scale entry into the solar photovoltaic systems business on January 1st, 2009, when Toshiba's Transmission Distribution & Industrial Systems Company established the Photovoltaic Systems Division. The division is charged with taking the initiative in system integration, particularly in system technology for high efficiency photovoltaic inverters and microgrids, and in deploying large plant system engineering capabilities.

Toshiba will aim to secure further contracts for multi-MW PV projects and achieve a rapid expansion of the business, both in Japan and overseas, by focusing on renewable energy and energy-saving products and technologies. Toshiba's ultimate goal is a business expansion that addresses customers' needs and makes progress alongside the company's long-term contributions to a better environment.

2009-08-24   Courtesy: Toshiba Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Massachusetts DPU approves WMECo's first utility-scale solar program in New England

The U.S. utility Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo; Berlin, Connecticut) in August 2009 announced that the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) had approved its large-scale solar energy facilities in its service territory. According to the press release, the company plans to install up to six megawatts (MW) of solar facilities, which could power about 6,000 homes.   "The support for WMECo's solar plan from the DPU, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Attorney General's office means the state will take a major step toward fulfillment of the Commonwealth's goals under the Green Communities Act to develop 250 MW of installed solar by 2017", said Peter J. Clarke, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of WMECo. Under the Green Communities Act, WMECo is allowed to own up to 50 MW of solar facilities, the company reports. According to the press release, WMECo and the Attorney General had reached an agreement on the company's plans to develop a solar energy program for its service territory in June, 2009, which has now been approved by the DPU. Under the agreement, WMECo will focus exclusively on facilities larger than 200 kilowatts (kW) to achieve economies of scale and to deliver the most cost effective product for customers. WMECo reports that the scope of its program will be 6 MW, with no more than 3 MW constructed in any single year.


Solar power plants to be built on landfills and brownfields in the Sprinfield and Pittsfield areas

WMECo reports that its plan focuses on developing solar capacity on landfill, brownfield, city-owned and utility-owned sites located in the Springfield and Pittsfield areas. The company plans to move forward to issue a request for proposal for the first 3 MW of facilities in September, and hopes to complete site and vendor selections in the fourth quarter of 2009. Construction of the first project is expected to be completed in 2010. "WMECo is fully committed to helping the Commonwealth meet its aggressive policy goals for the development of large-scale solar energy that will help the state reduce its carbon emissions and diversify its energy sources away from fossil fuels," Clarke said. According to the press release, additional efforts to increase the number and size of solar installations and an increased rate at which they are developed is required to reach Massachusetts' goal of 250 MW installed solar capacity."

2009-08-24   Courtesy: WMECo   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

SMA America offers specially configured solar inverter for residential retrofits in the United States

SMA Sunny Boy 4000US

SMA America, Inc. (Rocklin, California), the U.S. subsidiary of the German SMA Solar Technology AG, in August 2009 announced the immediate availability of specially configured "Sunny Boy 4000US" solar inverters for use on homes with 100 ampere (amp) electrical service. According to the press release, this solution was initiated through customer feedback and is designed to provide installers with greater flexibility on residential retrofit projects.   SMA America reports that the electric current output of the custom Sunny Boy 4000US inverter has been factory-reduced to 16 amps to comply with National Electric Code (NEC) standards, while providing installers additional system sizing options. "This solution was developed at the request of our customers and it offers installers a custom solution to a common challenge in retrofit systems", said Jürgen Krehnke, President and General Manager of SMA America. "Now installers have access to a larger range of system sizing options in homes with 100 amp service."


Inverter caters to older homes' 100 amp electricity configuration

SMA America reports that while 200 amp service is the current standard, many older homes only have a 100 amp configuration, creating array sizing challenges in systems between three and four kilowatts. Previously, installers were either faced with upgrading a home's service to 200 amps, which can be costly and time consuming, or restricting the solar system to 3 kilowatts (kW). The new current-reduced inverted by SMA America will be pre-configured with 16 amp current output, the upper limit for 100 amp service, and will provide installers with additional power, SMA America reports. According to the press release, listening to customer feedback and providing innovations based on installer project experience are fundamental components of SMA's product development. Demonstrating this commitment, the company reports that its entire Sunny Boy inverter line of products had recently been updated at the request of its customers to accept 20 amp fuses in the AC disconnect as a UL-approved configuration.

2009-08-24   Courtesy: SMA America, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SMA America

Lieberose solar farm becomes Germany's biggest, world's second-biggest PV power plant

Inauguration of the Lieberose PV plant with Federal Minister Tiefensee and Brandenburg Minister President Platzeck

The "Lieberose" solar farm under construction in Brandenburg on August 18th, 2009 became the world’s second biggest solar power plant and Germany’s biggest, Wörrstädt, Germany-based juwi Group and First Solar Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) announced. The announcement followed the placement of the 560,000th solar panel in the project by German Infrastructure Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee and Brandenburg Minister President Matthias Platzeck. The solar farm still under construction in Turnow-Preilack, near Cottbus, is in several ways a landmark project for the solar industry. Despite the current economic and financial crisis, the two companies are building a utility-scale PV project with a total investment volume of more than €160 million. With an output of about 53 megawatts and with a size of more than 210 football fields, it is the second-largest PV installation in the world.  "The Lieberose project demonstrates the success of Germany’s strategy of combining local production of renewable energies with other strengths, including the knowledge and expertise that resides in local companies, networks, research organizations and universities. It’s the combination that makes German competitiveness", German Infrastructure Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee told 300 invited guests at the official inauguration.


Making solar electricity a significant force in the local economy

"Lieberose is a model not just in terms of power and financing, but also in the conversion of military and other unused land", said Platzeck. "Land that was contaminated and off limits for years is being cleared of munitions and other pollution without any financial burden on the owner of the land, the state. The Lieberose solar park is an important step toward making solar electricity a significant force in the local economy", he added. The project is being developed on the largest former military training site of the Soviet army in Germany. Due to the relatively low investment and operating costs, it is possible to pay Brandenburg an attractive lease that finances the restoration of the site, including the removal of metal and soil contaminated by leftover grenades, shrapnel and munitions. After the end of the lease period, the solar farm can be removed, restoring the land to its natural state.

"We aim to enable a global power supply with clean and cost-efficient solar energy. The Lieberose project alone will help save about 35,000 tons of CO2 per year", say First Solar Managing Director Stephan Hansen and juwi Head Matthias Willenbacher. "We are especially proud of this project, because it is also ‘clean’ in another sense of that word. It is not only generating clean energy, but also ensures the removal of dangerous munitions."



Solar farms such as Lieberose contributing to significantly lower prices and to accelerating the advent of competitive solar electricity

As general contractor, juwi partner juwi Solar GmbH is responsible for planning, logistics, supervising construction and delivering the finished solar farm, which is expected to be sold to an investor upon completion. "Solar farms such as Lieberose are very important for the future of all of the renewable energies", said Willenbacher and Hansen. "By their size and the efficiency with which the solar panels are produced, they contribute to significantly lower prices and to accelerating the advent of competitive solar electricity. This clearly increases the acceptance of solar energy", they said.

Lieberose is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of this year. Upon completion, about 700,000 thin film modules, predominantly from First Solar’s nearby Frankfurt/Oder factory, will produce enough climate-friendly electricity to cover the equivalent electricity needs of about 15,000 households. In addition to producing the solar panels, First Solar helped finance the project.

2009-08-24   Courtesy: First Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: juwi group

Solade Concepts announces 1 kW solar PV structures for private and commercial use

Solar structure by Solade

Solade Concepts (Corona, California), a U.S. company specializing in renewable energy products, on August 15th, 2009 announced that it had developed a line of 1 kilowatt (kW), photovoltaic (PV) solar structures. Implementing PV solar panels to their patent pending structures allows residents, businesses and municipalities to cost-effectively join the green revolution, Solade Concepts emphasizes in a press release. The company plans to deliver highly efficient PV systems that can be installed wherever the need arises, at what it believes to be a significantly lower cost than current solar projects.  According to the press release, the product line includes solar charging and so-called "comfort" stations, solar palapas, cabanas and solar mounting stations. Over the past several months, the company reports it has developed and tested a completely new concept in solar structural technology that is believed to allow Solade Concepts the entry in the renewable energy arena on a broad scale. "Our product line allows everyone in the country to be a part of the solution", Andrew Ferrick, President of Solade Concepts, said.

2009-08-23   Courtesy: Solade Concepts   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solade Concepts

Sun Light & Power has installed 1,000 solar power systems in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1976

SLP PV installation the Berkeley Bowl West (Oakland, California).

Sun Light & Power (SLP; Berkeley, California), founded in 1976 as one of the first solar installation companies in California and the U.S., on August 17th, 2009 announced that the company had achieved the milestone of more than 1,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in the San Francisco Bay Area. According to the press release, those 1,000 installations with a capacity of more than 8 megawatts (MW) are producing electricity to power homes and businesses.   Sun Light & Power's Founder and President Gary Gerber, with more than 30 years of experience in the solar industry, having started at a time when solar technology was still new and there weren't any solar incentive programs, is one of the solar pioneers in the U.S. SLP's installations include the Crescent Park affordable housing project with a peak capacity of 907 kilowatts (kW) in Richmond, California, a recently announced 111 kW installation at the Berkeley Bowl West (Oakland, California) grocery store and the Iron Horse multifamily building PV project with a total capacity of 142 kW, which had been installed alongside 32 solar hot water heating systems. SLP reports that the new 2008 Bay Area Solar Installations (BASI) Report finds continued strong solar growth in the Bay Area region. Over 31 MW of solar PV had been added here in 2008, representing 28 % of state total and a 26 % growth over 2007.

2009-08-22   Courtesy: SLP   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SLP

First Solar and Southern California Edison sign contracts for 550 MW photovoltaic power plants

Locations of planned Desert Sunlight and Stateline solar power projects

First Solar, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) and the U.S. utility Southern California Edison (SCE; Rosemead, California) on August 18th, 2009 announced that they had signed agreements to build two large-scale solar power projects in Riverside and San Bernardino counties in Southern California. According to the press release, the installations will be among the largest of their kind and are expected to have a photovoltaic generation capacity of 550 megawatts (MW), enough to provide power to approximately 170,000 homes. The agreements are subject to approval by the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC).   "Southern California Edison is always looking for innovative ways to deliver clean power from renewable sources. First Solar is an excellent partner in helping us achieve our goals", said Stuart Hemphill, SCE's Senior Vice President, Power Procurement. First Solar pledges to engineer, procure and construct the two solar facilities, using its thin-film photovoltaic solar modules. According to the press release, the projects in question are the 250 MW Desert Sunlight (Desert) project near Desert Center, California and a 300 MW Stateline project in northeastern San Bernardino County. Pending network upgrades and receipt of applicable governmental permits, construction is scheduled to begin in 2012 for Desert Sunlight and 2013 for Stateline. Both projects are expected to be completed in 2015. According to the press release, several hundreds of jobs are going to be created during construction at each site. When completed, the solar projects are expected to produce 1.2 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean solar electricity per year.



Solar power plants to help reach California's renewable energy goals

"Supplying solar power to Southern California Edison and its customers advances our mission of providing clean, affordable and sustainable solar electricity", said John Carrington, First Solar's Executive Vice President, Marketing and Business Development. "These projects will help California reach its renewable energy goals, and are powerful examples of large-scale photovoltaic solar generation becoming a reality in the United States." California currently has a goal of covering 20 % of electricity needs from renewable sources by 2010 and is considering legislation to increase the goal to 33 percent by 2020. SCE is believed to be the nation's leading purchaser of renewable energy and in 2008, delivered 12.6 billion kWh of energy to its customers from renewable resources, which accounted for about 16 percent of its total energy portfolio. In addition, the utility delivered more than 65 % of the solar energy produced in the United States for its customers in 2008.

2009-08-21   Courtesy: First Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: First Solar, Inc.

Photovoltaics: Zebasolar's Indian subsidiary awarded 10 MW project in Gujarat

Zebasolar, Inc. (Bedminster, New Jersey), a company engaging in developments and operations of solar independent power plants (IPP), on August 17th, 2009 announced that its Indian subsidiary had been chosen as one of the allotted companies for India's first major allocation of solar farms in the State of Guajrat. According to the press release, the 743 megawatt (MW) award of solar concessions is the largest in India thus far, and one of the largest allocations in the world to date by a government. Zebasolar reports that the Gujarat PV project involves an investment of 35 million Euro (49.8 million US-dollars) on the part of Zebasolar PVT Limited India, a 85 % subsidiary of Zebasolar, Inc. USA.  The solar plant is expected to produce 16.37 million kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, and will have a franchised operation term of 25 years. This win, the first for Zebasolar in India, comes on the heels of more than 500 MW of solar plant applications the company has made in various Indian states in early 2009, Zebasolar reports. "The project is expected to start construction within 5 months and has to be completed within the 6 following months. Coming online estimated in mid-2010 and supplying the State with clean and efficient solar power," commented Majid Khan, Director of Zebasolar India. The company reports that it is in the process of setting up a Gujarat joint venture and confirming the EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) contract. According to the press release, all systems will be ground-mounted PV tracker panels.


Company wins open call for tender among 70 competitors

In late January 2009, The Gujarat State Energy Agency (GEDA) had planned an open call for tender to confirm the on-grid electricity price and technical solutions. Zebasolar reports that an estimated total of 70 international and domestic energy players had bid with over 5,400 MW worth of tendered applications. "We are very proud to have won our concession in the State of Gujarat, we commend the Honorable Chief Minister of the State, Mr. Narendra Modi as well as the Secretary of Energy Mr. Jagdeesan, for their vision and foresight. Zebasolar will bring its partners and technology to ensure that the state succeeds in its plans and initiatives and helping India become a renewable energy leader", stated Shahal Khan, Founder and President of Zebasolar.

2009-08-21   Courtesy: Zebasolar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Veeco introduces optical profiling system for three-dimensional surface measurements during PV cell production

Veeco Instruments Inc. (Plainview, New York), a leader in scientific and industrial metrology, on August 17th, 2009 announced the release of its "NT9100S Optical Profiler System" that had been specifically designed to optimize the photovoltaic (PV) cell production. According to the press release, the NT9100S combines the renowned performance of Veeco's "NT Series" of white light optical profilers with new features and options that are said to enable rapid, three-dimensional surface measurements of 6-inch crystalline silicon PV cells.   "Veeco has a very strong presence in the solar market", said Dr. Mark R. Munch, Executive Vice President of Veeco Metrology. "Now, with our customized NT9100S, we can offer unprecedented capability to monitor and control surface texture and, more importantly, to match specific surface measurements to solar cell efficiency early in the manufacturing process."


Broad range or analyses and parameters said to enable process control and monitoring

Veeco reports that the NT9100S is based upon the company's NT Series product line, adding a custom 156-millimeter programmable stage for edge-to-edge measurements on a 6-inch PV cell. According to the press release, other standard features include a porous vacuum chuck that securely and safely affixes a standard PV cell, automation software, field stitching software, and patent-pending, ultra-uniform dual-LED illumination. Running on the "Vision" software platform, the NT9100S is said to be able to provide access to over 200 distinct analyses, and over 1000 critical parameters for process control and monitoring. "We are excited to deliver an affordable, feature-rich metrology platform that can enable such a wide scope of efficiency-enhancing applications in solar cell research and production", Andrew Masters, Veeco's Vice President of Segment Marketing and Business Development, added.

2009-08-20   Courtesy: Veeco Instruments Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Tokuyama Corporation to build polycrystalline silicon factory in Malaysia for mass production of solar cells

Tokuyama to date has manufactured polycrystalline silicon mainly for semiconductors

Tokuyama Corporation ("Tokuyama";Tokyo, Japan) on August 11th, 2009 announced that the company had decided to build a new factory in Malaysia to manufacture polycrystalline silicon, the raw material for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. According to the press release, the new 65 billion Japan Yen (675 million US-dollar) factory will be constructed at the Samalaju Industrial Park in the sate of Sarawak, and construction is will begin in early 2011. The start of operations is scheduled for the spring of 2013. Tokuyama reports that the factory will be using the Siemens method for production, with an annual production capacity target of 6,000 tons.  In preparation for this project, the company plans to establish a new entity in August 2009, dubbed Tokuyama Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., which is to be headquartered in Kuching, Malaysia. According to the press release, about 300 jobs will be created by the new company at the time of the start-up of operations, about 280 of which the company intends to fill with local workers.



Site for new polysilicon factory offers electricity, water, a skilled workforce and other related resources

Tokuyama reports that the company has manufactured and sold polycrystalline silicon mainly for semiconductors to date, and the company's factory in Shunan City, Yamaguchi has been the only manufacturing base. According to the press release, the Samalaju Industrial Park had been chosen as the candidate site for the second manufacturing base in November of last year. The manufacture of polycrystalline silicon is electricity intensive and requires industrial water, quality workers, and other resources, all of which are available at the selected site. Tokuyama reports that it had designated the polycrystalline silicon business as a strategically growing business in its "Centennial Vision" and is actively strengthening to expand related operations. By mass-producing polycrystalline silicon at the two manufacturing bases of the Tokuyama Factory and the Malaysia facility, Tokuyama expects to maintain its presence in the industry by focusing on getting new customers in addition to retaining existing ones.

2009-08-20   Courtesy: Tokuyama Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Tokuyama Corp.

U.S. Department of Energy announces funding for clean energy projects on tribal lands and Alaska villages

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu on August 13th, 2009 announced up to 13.6 million US-dollars in multi-year funding for new clean energy projects on tribal lands. According to the press release, 36 Native American tribes and Alaska villages have been selected to receive awards that are expected to advance renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency and conservation projects on tribal lands and rural Alaska villages. "The Department of Energy is committed to helping Native American tribes meet their energy needs through clean energy technologies," said Secretary Chu.   "These projects will create jobs and economic opportunities on tribal lands, while protecting our planet and reducing our dependence on foreign oil." The DOE reports that it had selected the projects through a competitive process and that it plans to provide financial assistance to the tribes for weatherization training, feasibility studies, and development and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. The DOE funding is expected to be matched by up to 27 million US-dollars in public and private investment, for a total value of up to 41 million US-dollars.


Projects to be funded include renewable energy developments and energy efficiency measures

In Alaska, many rural Native villages face the special challenge of paying high retail fuel prices to meet basic survival needs. Heating oil and diesel fuel is expensive, and the situation becomes even more burdensome for rural communities with the increased costs for transportation and storage, the DOE explains. For those Alaska Native communities and many other tribes struggling in the current economy, renewable energy and greater efficiency could provide reliable power supplies while reducing heating and electricity costs. The DOE reports that of the 36 Native American tribes and villages whose projects have been selected for negotiation, 8 projects will provide weatherization training and resources to tribal members, 17 projects will focus on assessing the feasibility of renewable energy development and energy efficiency deployment on tribal lands and 11 projects will fund the development of renewable energy resources and the deployment of energy efficiency measures on tribal lands and villages. According to the press release, the Department of Energy has provided 16.5 million US-dollars for 93 tribal energy projects since 2002.

2009-08-20   Courtesy: DOE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Photovoltaics: Suntech achieves world record conversion efficiency for multi-crystalline PV modules

Suntech's CTO Wenham believes that there is still room for improvements in Pluto

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (WUXI, China), the world's leading manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules, on August 19th, 2009 announced that it has achieved a new world record conversion efficiency of 15.6 % on a commercial grade multi-crystalline silicon PV module. This conversion efficiency surpasses the previous record of 15.5 % (aperture area only) set by Sandia National Labs 15 years ago, Suntech reports in a press release. The multi-crystalline module conversion efficiency was independently tested by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Germany, Suntech emphasizes. Suntech's world record breaking multi-crystalline silicon module is powered by Pluto PV cells utilizing solar grade silicon with each PV cell having a conversion efficiency well over 17 %.  The previous record was based on an aperture area or frameless module. In contrast, Suntech's new world record efficiency includes the framed area, without which Suntech believes it would achieve a conversion efficiency of well over 16 %.


Professor Martin Green confirms the 15.6 % conversion efficiency world record

The world record conversion efficiency was accepted by the scientific journal Progress in Photovoltaics (PIP), which offers a prestigious forum for reporting advances in the PV industry. Professor Martin Green, Research Director of the ARC Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence at the University of New South Wales, Australia, and member of the PIP committee, said, "Improving the conversion efficiency of multi-crystalline silicon modules has proven particularly challenging and this is a very impressive achievement for such a large module from a commercial supplier. I can confirm that the 15.6 % multi-crystalline module result is the highest known conversion efficiency measured by a PIP-recognized test center."


CTO Wenham: World record demonstrates the power and versatility of Suntech's Pluto technology

Dr. Stuart Wenham, Suntech's Chief Technology Officer, commented: "This is a tremendous result for Suntech and clearly demonstrates the power and versatility of the Pluto technology, which can be applied to both mono and multi-crystalline wafers. The fact that this module was produced on our commercial scale production lines using regular solar grade silicon is of particular note. The best news is that we believe there is still room for plenty more improvement in Pluto as we push the boundaries of technology development to bring more powerful and reliable solar products to market."

Suntech on own account has initiated commercial shipments of Pluto powered modules and currently expects to ship 10MW to 15MW of Pluto products in 2009.

2009-08-19   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

Obama Administration awards more than 119 million US-dollars of ARRA funding for state energy programs

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu on August 14th, 2009 announced that more than 119 million US-dollars in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was granted to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Alabama, American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, North Dakota, and Wyoming. According to the press release, states and territories had proposed statewide plans that prioritize energy savings, create or retain jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce carbon pollution under DOE's state energy program (SEP).   "This funding will provide an important boost for state economies, help to put Americans back to work, and move us toward energy independence", said Secretary Chu. "It reflects our commitment to support innovative state and local strategies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while insisting that taxpayer dollars be spent responsibly."



DOE announces strong oversight over states to meet SEP funding criteria

The ARRA appropriated 3.1 billion US-dollars to the SEP to help promote energy efficiency and clean energy deployment, as well as to support local economic recovery. According to the press release, the states and territories that were granted the funding will now have received 50 percent of their total ARRA SEP funding. The initial 10 percent of total funding had previously been made available to states to support planning activities, the DOE reports. The remaining 50 percent of funds will be released once reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the act are met. The DOE plans to provide strong oversight at the local, state, and national level, while emphasizing with states the need to quickly award funds to help create new jobs and stimulate local economies throughout the program's implementation. Activities eligible for SEP funding include energy audits, building retrofits, education and training efforts, transportation programs to increase the use of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles, and new financing mechanisms to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy investments.


Seven U.S. states and territories receive SEP funding

Illinois was awarded the largest amount of funding at the day of the DOE announcement, namely 40,528,400 US-dollars. The state plans to use this money for the improvement of energy efficiency and to promote the biofuels industry. Alabama was awarded with 22,228,000 US-dollars, which is to be used to promote energy efficiency of businesses, schools, and correctional facilities and to develop renewable energy resources in the state. Alabama plans to work closely with the automotive supplier industry to improve the energy efficiency of their processes, and it plans to also use funds to create a new energy revolving loan fund to stimulate the installation of renewable energy systems as well as for the implementation of energy efficiency measures. The 20,708,880 US-dollars the DOE awarded to Maryland are to be used to promote clean and efficient energy usage in the transportation, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The state also plans to use the ARRA funding to support educational and workforce training efforts to help Maryland's workforce familiarize itself with important sustainable energy approaches. American Samoa, the District of Columbia, North Dakota received between 8 and 10 million US-dollars for their SEPs, the DOE reports.

2009-08-19   Courtesy: DOE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

First Solar: Contract for 55 megawatts of Solar Electricity by LADWP

PV power plant by First Solar in Nevada

First Solar, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) on August 18th, 2009 announced a contract with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to build a large-scale solar photovoltaic power project in Imperial County, California. The installation will have a generation capacity of 55 megawatts (MW), First Solar reports in a press release. First Solar will design, engineer and construct the 55 MW Niland project using its advanced thin film solar modules.  Construction is expected to begin next year and to be completed in 2011. The contract is conditioned on approval by the Los Angeles City Council and the mayor of Los Angeles. The solar arrays will require building permits from Imperial County.

2009-08-19   Courtesy: First Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: First Solar, Inc.

Photovoltaics: Joint Venture orders 120 MW end-to-end production line from Oerlikon Solar for factory in the Chuvash Republic, Russia

Oerlikon Solar's headquarters in Trübbach, Switzerland

Oerlikon Solar (Truebbach, Switzerland) on August 17th , 2009 announced that Nano Solar Technology Ltd. (NST), a newly formed Russian high-tech company, has ordered a 120 MW end-to-end "Micromorph" line for production of thin film solar modules. NST is a Joint Venture between Renova Group and the Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies (Rusnano). With the envisaged production capacity of one million solar modules annually, this is the largest equipment order in the worldwide thin film silicon photovoltaic (PV) market in 2009 to-date, Oerlikon Solar emphasizes.  The order includes Oerlikon Solar's "Micromorph" technology which due to the producer raises module efficiency by up to 50 percent over prior generation technologies. The equipment will be delivered in 2010 to the new site currently under construction in Novocheboksarsk (Chuvash Republic). The start of production is scheduled for 2011. The order also encompasses a comprehensive multi-year service agreement, provided by Oerlikon Solar's global customer support team.




Thin-film modules made in Chuvash Republic

Establishing production of thin film solar modules in the Chuvash Republic is part of Rusnano's strategy to develop the high tech economy in Russia by co-investing in nanotechnology industry projects. Through acting as a catalyst for private co-investments, Rusnano aims at creating conditions favourable to developing cutting edge nanotechnology in Russia, the joint venture with Renova being a good example. "Oerlikon Solar emerged from a thorough evaluation process to identify the best technology partner for our project, because of its leading technology", said Yaroslav Kuznetsov, CEO of NST. "This is a win-win situation for all parties involved. Oerlikon Solar can establish a strong presence in the Russian market and the Russian economy has made another step as a state-of-the-art production site", continued Yaroslav Kuznetsov. In addition to the planned production line from Oerlikon, Rusnano plans to set up a major research center that will focus on increasing the effectiveness of the solar modules in cooperation with the Ioffe Physical Technical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.


PV target markets in Spain, Italy, Greece and Germany

The Joint Venture of Rusnano and Renova will be the latest "Micromorph" end-to-end line customer for Oerlikon Solar to take advantage of the company's proven high-performance low cost PV module production solution. It will deliver "Micromorph" PV modules to serve the growing market for solar PV applications. The company will address PV markets such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Germany.

Oerlikon Solar's leading edge production solutions are having a major impact on the market as more and more companies launch their production. "Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States offer great market potential for Oerlikon in the medium and long-term", said Oerlikon's CEO Dr. Uwe Krueger. Already today, the Oerlikon Segments Coating, Vacuum, Textile and Drive Systems are conducting business in Russia. With the substantial order from NST, Oerlikon Solar established itself in this important economic zone as well. "The contract confirms our leading edge technology and our unique ability to quickly implement and scale up commercially successful mass production of thin film solar modules. The 120 MW 'Micromorph' end-to-end production line will position NST as a key player among thin film PV manufacturers", continued Dr. Uwe Krueger, CEO of OC Oerlikon.


Oerlikon Solar's technology gaining momentum

In addition to expansion into new markets, several existing Oerlikon Solar customers have recently announced new off-take agreements to deliver PV panels manufactured on Oerlikon Solar's end-to-end lines, the company accentuates. HelioSphera (Greece) announced the signing of a long term supply agreement with Techno Spot, a major Italian distributor of photovoltaic modules and components. Under this agreement, HelioSphera will supply a minimum of 9 MW of "Micromorph" thin film modules between 2009 and 2010. German based Sinosol AG has announced agreements with two Taiwanese Oerlikon Solar customers for a total of 68 MW. "We clearly see improving market conditions for the solar PV industry at mid-year showing a mid- to long-term growth trend in demand for overall renewable energy and especially for solar PV applications", stated Oerlikon CEO Uwe Krueger.

According to a recently published study by New Energy Finance, new investments in clean energy worldwide rallied in the second quarter of 2009, reaching USD 24.3bn, almost double the amount invested worldwide during Q1 2009. According to New Energy Finance, this improving trend in Q2 was led by investments in asset finance for large solar and wind energy projects.

2009-08-18   Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar

FlexTech Alliance awards contract to Solarmer Energy to enhance performance and efficiency of organic photovoltaics

OPV panel by Solarmer.

The FlexTech Alliance (Adelphi, Maryland), a collaborative effort of private industry and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory that focuses on developing the electronic display and the flexible, printed electronics industry supply chain, on August 12th, 2009 announced that it had awarded a 450,000 US-dollar contract to Solarmer Energy, Inc. (El Monte, California) to design and synthesize high efficiency donor polymer materials for use in organic photovoltaics (OPV). Solarmer is a developer of transparent, flexible plastic OPV panels. Technology developments such as this are expected to support improved renewable energy resources and are a focus worldwide due to environmental, economic and national security concerns.   Potential applications for Solarmer's new photovoltaic (PV) technology are in portable electronics, building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and smart fabrics, FlexTech reports. "The current state of the art efficiency for OPV is about 6.8 % for lab scale cells and 3.9 % module efficiency for 6 x 6 square inch modules"; explained Gang Li, Vice President of technology development for Solarmer Energy. "We plan to demonstrate high performance OPVs with efficiency up to 8 % for lab scale cells, and up to 6 % efficiency for 6 x 6 square inch solar panels, an over 30 % improvement."


Synthesis of new active layer materials to improve OPV technology

OPV is believed to have many advantages over most other solar cell technologies, including a broader color range and tunability, better performance in low intensity and indirect light, low raw material costs, light weight, ease of manufacturing through high-throughput printing and coating processes, easy scalability, and a low initial capital investment. "Although the efficiency of OPVs is low compared to other solar cells, Solarmer's development work will enable the industry to address this challenge in order to deliver the necessary higher efficiency devices", explained Mike Idacavage, Principal Research Fellow at Cytec Industries Inc. and a member of FlexTech's Technical Council. "The technical approach for this project builds on a design to synthesize new active layer materials that can be used in polymer solar cells. This new generation of active materials is targeted to deliver improved key properties, such as a low band gap, appropriate molecular energy levels, good mobility, and excellent processability."

2009-08-18   Courtesy: FlexTech Alliance   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solarmer Energy, Inc.

IPC to develop standards for solar PV industry

Jack Calderon wants to address the need for additional standards in the solar industry

The Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC; Bannockburn, Illinois) on August 13th, 2009 announced that an "IPC Solar Standards Committee" has been formed and has begun work on standards for the polysilicon photovoltaic (PV) industry, specifically the assembly of solar panels. According to the press release a standards committee was formed at a meeting on July 17th, 2009 in San Jose, California. IPC reports that committee members include representatives from Jabil, Flextronics International, Celestica, 3M Company, Bürkle North America Inc., Christopher Associates Inc, DEK, Indium Corporation, EFD Inc., Vitronics Soltec and Lincoln International. "IPC facilitated the birth of standards for both the printed circuit board (PCB) and electronics assembly industries, so it's only natural that IPC address the need for additional standards in the solar industry," explained Jack Calderon, Managing Director at Lincoln International, and a member of IPC's Board of Directors. 


Seven areas of standardization for the production of PV panels

IPS's committee members identified seven areas of standardization that will be addressed. They include acceptability guidelines for solar panel lamination, specification for materials and acceptability criteria for tabbing and stringing, in-process test methods for solar panels, visual acceptance criteria for final solar module assembly, guidelines for final tests and design guidelines for tabbing and stringing. "It's interesting how many of the solar assembly processes, from tabbing and stringing to lamination, have some commonality with the manufacture and assembly of PCBs", said Thomas Cipielewski, Technical Director clean technologies at Jabil. He went on to explain that the IPC currently has acceptability and performance standards that are known and used by many technologists worldwide. "It's exciting that we can develop much-needed standards for this segment of the solar industry", Cipielewski said. The next meeting of the IPC Solar Standards Committee is scheduled for Friday, October 30th, 2009, in Anaheim, California. Companies wishing to participate are invited to contact the IPC.

2009-08-18   Courtesy: Association Connecting Electronics Industries, IPC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: IPC

MAN Ferrostaal and Solar Millennium start up new company in USA

Parabolic trough power plants "Andasol 1 and 2" in Spain by Solar Millennium.

MAN Ferrostaal and its partner Solar Millennium AG are repositioning in solar power market in the USA. The two companies are reacting to the marked increase in demand for solarthermal power generation in the country, MAN Ferrostaal reports in a press release. All activities on the US market will in future be concentrated in a new joint venture, the Solar Trust of America LLC (STA). Through affiliated companies, Solar Millennium will have a majority share in this company, while a minority share will be owned by MAN Ferrostaal Inc., Cleveland (Ohio), a subsidiary of MAN Ferrostaal AG, Essen. Solar Millennium will also integrate the American project development subsidiary Solar Millennium LLC, Berkeley, as a future subsidiary of STA. 

Power Purchase Agreements for up to 750 MW

Solar Millennium LLC already has long-term power purchase contracts, known as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), for up to three parabolic trough power plants in California, each of which will generate just under 250 MW and is cooperating with Nevada Energy on the development of projects in the Amargosa Desert. Further projects are also under development. STA will intensify the development of projects in the southwestern states of the USA, and with its business segments Project Development, Project Financing, Power plant Construction and Power plant Operation it will cover the entire value chain for solarthermal power plants in the USA.


Solar Trust of America to take over a major role in the construction of solar thermal power plants in the US

Christian Beltle, CEO of Solar Millennium AG, comments: "We already cooperate with MAN Ferrostaal in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. By bundling our activities and expanding our collaboration with MAN Ferrostaal we are additionally strengthening our position in the US market. At the same time we are putting the speedy and reliable implementation of our projects on a firm footing. Solar Trust of America is to take over a major role in the construction of solar thermal power plants in the US and build the first solar power plants of this capacity."

According to Uwe T. Schmidt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of STA, "The expansion of the previous activities around power plant construction opens up new sales potential. We offer our customers the entire range of services in the development, financing, technology, construction and operation of solar thermal power plants from a single provider. Adequate capitalization should make it possible to simultaneously develop and realize several large projects with investment volumes of more than one billion US dollars each." To finance solar thermal power plants, the Company might also turn to public grants and loan guarantees as well as to the possibilities of tax credits.

2009-08-18   Courtesy: MAN Ferrostaal AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Millennium AG

NV Energy and Renewable Ventures agree on Power Purchase Agreement for 26 MW PV Array in Nevada

The U.S. utility NV Energy, Inc. (Las Vegas, Nevada) and Renewable Ventures, a Fotowatio (Madrid, Spain) company, on August 13th, 2009 announced that they had entered into a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for the sale of electricity produced from a 26-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant that is to be constructed near Apex, Nevada.  The project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2010, will be the second solar PV agreement that NV Energy has announced in the past month, following the agreement with American Capital Energy (ACE) for energy from a 20 MW DC array in Searchlight, Nevada. "Continuing to add clean energy resources to our portfolio is a core element of our company's three-part energy supply strategy", said Michael Yackira, NV Energy President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "We are working diligently to keep Nevada at the forefront in use of solar energy by continuing to tap into the abundant resources that our state is blessed with."


Solar power project expected to help NV Energy meet Nevada's energy portfolio standards

The terms of the PPA, which is subject to approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, were not disclosed. The agreement is expected to help NV Energy in meeting Nevada's portfolio standard, which after the recent update by the state's legislature now requires that 25 % of energy be generated by renewable resources and energy efficiency and conservation programs by 2025. The companies report that all of the electricity produced by the solar power plant will be used by customers of NV Energy's southern service territory. The project is expected to create approximately 200 jobs during construction and is expected to produce enough energy during operations to power an estimated 5,000 homes annually.

2009-08-18   Courtesy: NV Energy, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Commerzbank extends credit facility for working capital of PV producer ARISE Technologies

ARISE produces solar cells using a proprietary technology.

ARISE Technologies Corporation (Waterloo, Ontario), producer of photovoltaic (PV) cells at its manufacturing plant in Bischofswerda, Germany and developer of a proprietary technology on August 7th, 2009 announced that it had reached an agreement with the German Commerzbank AG to extend a 10 million Euro (14.3 million US-dollar) secured bank-credit facility to December 31st, 2009. According to the press release, the facility is available to provide working capital to the company's manufacturing operations in Germany.  ARISE reports that this 10 million Euro credit facility combines two previously available banking agreements with Commerzbank. One agreement had provided the financing for the start-up of the company's plant in Bischofswerda, the second facility was used for the purchase of silicon wafers. ARISE also announced that the remaining 2 million Euro (2.85 million US-dollars) secured bank-credit facility with Commerzbank intended for the pre-financing of VAT refunds in Germany related to the construction of the German PV cell manufacturing plant matured on June 30, 2009. It was repaid as the VAT refunds were received, ARISE reports. According to the press release, Commerzbank has also agreed to defer by one year the quarterly repayments of the company's 12.55 million Euro (17.9 million US-dollar) long-term debt facility. "These agreements are a further indication of how fortunate ARISE is to have Commerzbank as our partner and the strength of the relationship that we have maintained with them", said Dave Chornaby, ARISE's Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

2009-08-18   Courtesy: ARISE Technologies Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ARISE Technologies Corp.

DisplaySearch: Global solar cell manufacturing capacity to Surge 56 % in 2009 despite falling end-market demand

Charles Annis: Manu- facturing capacity for solar cells to grow by 56 %.

DisplaySearch (Austin, Texas), part of the NPD Group and a globally active company specialized in display market research and consulting, on August 11th, 2009 announced that the company was expanding its business to include solar market research. DisplaySearch reports that it had been tracking the solar industry since 2006, covering photovoltaic (PV) solar cells in its newsletters and blogs, providing PV-related custom consulting, and presenting at solar conferences. With the release of its first edition of the "Quarterly PV Cell Capacity Database & Trends Report" the company makes its proprietary solar cell capacity database and unique analysis available to clients around the world. According to the current report that covers the third quarter of 2009, solar cell manufacturing capacity will likely grow by 56 % in 2009 to 17 gigawatts (GW).   The ramped capacity, which had only been 2.3 GW in 2005, is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 49 % to more than 42 GW in 2013. Using solid research methodologies and a holistic supply chain approach, DisplaySearch plans to expand its solar research offerings and to support clients as they evaluate growth opportunities in the long-term solar industry, the research and consulting company announced.



Over-supply is causing rapid price erosion; demand to recovers 2010 and takes off in 2011 and beyond

"Despite PV module demand shrinking 17 % in 2009, so much cell manufacturing equipment was ordered and installed over the past year that capacity is still expected to grow 56 % this year", said Charles Annis, DisplaySearch's Vice President of Manufacturing Research and author of the report. "With demand and capacity moving in different directions, the PV industry is currently experiencing an enormous over-supply that is causing rapid price erosion and potentially setting the stage for the failure of multiple cell manufacturers, particularly companies pursuing a-Si thin film solar cells. The PV industry will begin working through this excess capacity as demand recovers next year and takes off in 2011 and beyond". Annis explains.


FirstSolar, Q-Cells and Suntech on the top

Some of the highlights of the report are that China is expected to become the main region for solar cell production in the future, and that thin film solar cells will account for as much as 30 % of solar cell capacity by 2013, compared to 20 % estimated for 2009. DisplaySearch names FirstSolar as the currently largest solar cell manufacturer, with a capacity of more than 1 gigawatt (GW) ramped. According to the study, Q-Cells and Suntech are not far behind and essentially tied for second place. DisplaySearch expects these and other leading PV cell manufacturers to invest at the highest rates over the next four years. By 2013, these three companies plus JA Solar, Motech, REC, SunPower, Yingli, Showa Shell Solar (assuming it moves forward with a planned 1 GW CIGS fab) and Sharp are forecast to be the top 10 producers, with more than 16 GW or 38 % of the capacity reached in 2013.

2009-08-17   Courtesy: DisplaySearch   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: DisplaySearch

Vermont State parks going solar, creating jobs: 0,000 to be invested in solar energy systems

The Douglas Administration on August 12th, 2009 announced that Vermont State Parks are going solar as part of the state’s strategy to fight back against the recession, create jobs and grow the economy. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is planning to install solar hot water systems at its toilet buildings and bathhouses in state park campgrounds statewide. The Department has designated 0,000 for these solar hot water conversions.   "The potential to tap renewable energy in more locations throughout the park system is a high priority for my administration", said Governor Jim Douglas. "This project puts people to work, helps the state parks save money and is another small smart step in addressing climate change", he added.


20-year history of using alternative energy, including solar heated hot water showers as well as photovoltaic panels

As part of the 2010 capital bill, the Legislature approved the funds specifically for energy efficiency and alternative energy systems in the parks. Vermont State Parks has a 20-year history of using alternative energy, including solar heated hot water showers at Little River, Molly Stark and Smugglers Notch State Parks, as well as a unique water system at Underhill State Park that is powered by photovoltaic panels. FPR is seeking proposals and will contract with one or more firms or individuals who can coordinate and oversee the installation of these solar hot water systems. A request for proposals and submission requirements can be found online at http://www.vermontbidsystem.com.

2009-08-17   Courtesy: governor.vermont.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Energy Conversion Devices and Mercury Solar Systems sign multi-year supply agreement for PV laminates

Photovoltaic laminates by Energy Conversion Devices/ United Solar Ovonic.

Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD; Rochester Hills, Michigan), a manufacturer of thin-film amorphous silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) laminates, on August 12th, 2009 announced that the company had signed a multi-year direct supply agreement with Mercury Solar Systems (Mercury; New Rochelle, New York), one of the leading solar integrators on the East Coast. Under the terms of the agreement, ECD will sell its "UNI-SOLAR" laminates to Mercury and will provide technical training and aid in the design of future solar PV systems installed by Mercury's team. According to the press release, Mercury will become a direct integrator of ECD's UNI-SOLAR brand products, and expects to purchase approximately 15 megawatts (MW) of laminates over the term of the agreement.  Mark Morelli, ECD's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said: "This agreement expands the distribution of our UNI-SOLAR brand products in the eastern United States, a market which we think has a tremendous growth potential." Jared Haines, President of Mercury Solar Systems, added, "We have consistently been attracted to UNI-SOLAR products because of their flexibility, light weight, ease of installation, durability, and real-world performance. Our partnership with ECD is just further validation of Mercury's unwavering commitment to provide our customers with the highest quality products at the most affordable prices."

2009-08-17   Courtesy: Energy Conversion Devices/United Solar Ovonic   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Energy Conversion Devices

EU Commission supports ersol Group's PV investments at the Arnstadt site

Ground breaking ceremony at the ersol facility with German chancellor Angela Merkel.

ersol Solar Energy AG (ersol, Erfrut, Germany) on August 12th, 2009 received the anticipated approval of EU Commission subsidies towards investments in the crystalline sector, the photovoltaics (PV) producer reports in a press release. The Free State of Thuringia and the Federal Republic of Germany had already accepted this support subject to the approval of the European Commission. With an investment volume of € 530 million ersol will be expanding the factory site at Arnstadt as planned. This will include the expansion of the nominal capacity in the solar cells sector to 630 MWp over the next few years, together with the establishment of its own module production capacities.   The grants now approved will cover more than 10 percent of the overall investment and are a fixed element of the investment planning. The expansion is to be financed with Bosch Group loans and internal ersol funds.

"We are delighted about the approval of subsidies from the European Union. This will enable us to invest over half a billion euros at our Arnstadt manufacturing facility in the next few years. We would like to thank in particular the respective Departments of Trade and Industry of the Free State of Thuringia and the Federation, who lobbied for this important support", said Holger von Hebel, CEO of ersol Solar Energy AG upon hearing the positive news from Brussels.

2009-08-16   Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG

Mayor Wowereit and SolarWaterWorld launch Berlin's fist solar-powered passenger ship

Solar catamaran C60.

Berlin’s mayor Klaus Wowereit sent a clear signal supporting the expansion of climate-friendly mobility at a ceremony to launch the "SOLON", the capital city’s first passenger ship that is driven solely by solar energy. The Berlin-based solar company that the ship is named after also supplied the 24 solar modules with a capacity of 5.6 kWp that are fitted to the ship’s roof and supply its drive energy.   SolarWaterWorld AG, the manufacturer and operator of the SOLON, also operates the world’s first solar charging station for solar-powered boats in the Köpenick district of Berlin. The company has more than seventeen years’ experience in the research and development of solar shipping.



Long-term operating costs of solar-powered ships and boats can be calculated more reliably


The C60 solar catamaran can accommodate up to 60 passengers and will sail on Berlin’s waterways providing tours of the city and cruise trips. The ship offers a tangible sign that emission-free mobility is advancing also for inland shipping. A prototype of this craft completed its first Atlantic crossing to New York in 2006/2007. SolarWaterWorld now sells production-built C60 catamarans worldwide. The company also offers a smaller solution in the form of the SunCat23, which can be sailed without a license in Germany and is therefore also suitable for use by boat hire companies. Another advantage of solar-powered ships and boats is that they are unaffected by future fuel price increases. Effectively the owner of a solar boat also acquires a 25 year supply of fuel with the craft. The long-term operating costs of these types of boats and ships can therefore be calculated more reliably.

SolarWaterWorld AG was set up in March 2001 in Hameln, Germany. The company has its origins in the Institute for Solar Shipbuilding (Institut für Solarschiffbau). The institute’s knowledge and expertise in building solar-powered ships was integrated into SolarWaterWorld AG Berlin which is based in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin. SolarWaterWorld AG aims to combine the environmentally friendly use of solar energy sources with shipbuilding and to market solar-driven water vehicles around the world.

"We are pleased that in SOLON SE we have a strong partner that is involved in the wide-ranging expansion of climate-friendly solar mobility", says Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Meyer, CEO of SolarWaterWorld AG and an expert in flow-optimized solar-propulsion catamarans. "The future belongs to solar mobility, whether on roads, rails or water and 'SOLON' is one of the main drivers of this development", says Thomas Krupke, CEO of SOLON SE, on the occasion of the launch.

2009-08-15   Courtesy: SolarWaterWorld AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SolarWaterWorld AG

ersol Solar Energy AG: Absence of turnaround in photovoltaic market impacts earnings in first six months of 2009

Solar module production at ersol.

ersol Solar Energy AG (ersol; Erfurt, Germany), a company of the Bosch Group, increased its consolidated revenue to € 72.9 million in the second quarter of 2009. Compared with the same period of the previous year (€ 129.9 million), consolidated revenue was thus down by 43.9 percent, the PV producer on August 14th, 2009 reports in a press release. The main reasons for this dramatic slump are the generally adverse market situation - particularly in international business - the general slackening of demand, combined with a significant drop in solar PV module and solar cell prices and the weaker project business due to the financial market crisis. Accordingly, the distribution of the ersol Group's revenue by region shows a significant downturn in its international business.   The Company's export ratio decreased by 55.4 percentage points, from 72.6 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year to 17.2 percent in the first six months of 2009.



Significantly lower operating result (EBIT)

Germany thus accounted for an 82.8 percent share of revenue in the first six months of 2009 (6 months 2008: 27.4 percent). The rest of Europe accounted for 9.6 percent of revenue. Spain's decision to limit its subsidisation of photovoltaic plant expansion to 0.5 GWp in 2009 led to a decrease in its share of revenue to 0.1 percent (6 months 2008: 17.7 percent). The operating result (EBIT) of € -10.6 million was significantly lower than that achieved in the same period of the previous year (€ 22.4 million). Upon separate review of the second quarter of 2009, EBIT amounts to € -13.7 million, thus the decline in this result is mainly attributable to the persistently negative market trend. The EBIT margin decreased in the same way, from 17.2 percent in the year-ago period to -14.5 in the first six months of 2009.


Significant increase in solar module inventories due to the poor demand

Earnings before taxes (EBT) fell significantly compared with the previous year, from € 18.6 million down to € -13.4 million. Net cash flow from operating activities (operative cash flow) amounted to € 70.3 million in the first six months of 2009, corresponding to an increase of € 57.8 million, compared with € 12.5 million in the same period of the previous year. The change compared with the first six months of 2008 is mainly attributable to the negative operating result and to the significant increase in inventories due to the poor demand for solar modules. Conversely, there was a substantial reduction in interest expenses, which almost halved due to the fall in interest rates.


CEO von Hebel expecting a negative operating result

The current market situation has not left ersol unscathed. Sustained price pressure due to surplus capacities and a change in the market to a buyers' market are reflected in short-term forecasts. "Our company's figures for 2009 will show significantly less growth than originally anticipated. We are now expecting revenue of less than € 300 million and a negative operating result (EBIT). This decline is mainly attributable to the slump in the overall market compared with 2008, due in particular to massive cuts in the Spanish photovoltaic market, the worst global economic crisis for decades and the considerable surplus of solar modules and cells this resulted in, which led to extreme price pressure and, ultimately, to a considerable drop in prices of up to 30 percent in the first six months of 2009. Furthermore, the credit crunch that persists due to the financial crisis is curbing the global project business", says ersol's CEO, Holger von Hebel, describing the current market situation and the outlook for the financial year as a whole.


Secured financing for expansion plans through group loans and approved EU subsidies

Nevertheless, the medium-term and long-term outlook for the sector remains positive, since regenerative energies, and thus photovoltaics, will play an important role in the future energy mix. In addition to Southern Europe, future markets include in particular North America and Asia, above all China, which is aiming to drive forward the expansion of renewable energies with substantial government support. "There is no doubt that we face major challenges; but, as a highly innovative company with an integrated value chain, ersol will play a key role in the future photovoltaic market. We are essentially holding firm to our current expansion plans; only the run-up of the new capacities will be adjusted in line with the short-term demand situation. We have secured financing for our expansion plans through group loans, and our application for EU subsidies has been approved," von Hebel added.

Further information on the figures for the first six months of 2009 is available in the Interim Report as of 30 June 2009 of ersol Solar Energy AG, published on the website.

2009-08-14   Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ersol Solar Energy AG

SMA Solar Technology AG reports positive business development in the second quarter and gives a guidance for fiscal year 2009

SMA's Managing Board is looking optimistically to the overall year 2009.

The results of the first half year give SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA; Niestetal, Germany) reason for a positive outlook to the overall year 2009, the producer of solar PV inverters reports in a press release. The half-yearly financial report January to June 2009 published on August 14th, 2009 shows clear recovery of the demand for SMA photovoltaic (PV) inverters in the second quarter. In the months April to June, SMA recorded an increase in sales of 85 % to € 160.5 million as compared to the first quarter. Sales are within the expectations for the second quarter that the Managing Board had specified with € 145 to 165 million on May 15, 2009.   The second quarter contributed 65 % to the total sales of the first six months of € 247.1 million (previous year: € 292.6 million). Total sales in the first half year correspond to a sold inverter power of 792 MW.


Demand dominated by USA, Australia, Belgium, France and Italy

In the reporting period January to June 2009, SMA has again benefited from the international presence and the broad product range, the company accentuates. Thanks to this positioning, SMA has been able to quickly react to regional and product-related demand changes. In the reporting period, the foreign share was 43 % (previous year: 47 %). Basically, demand was dominated by USA, Australia, Belgium, France and Italy. While in the first quarter, particularly inverters of the Sunny Boy product group with low power classes were sold, demand shifted in the second quarter increasingly to the Sunny Mini Central product group and thus to higher power classes. The large-scale project business has also picked up speed again in the second quarter.


In the second quarter, SMA achieved an EBIT of € 29.0 million and thus improved the EBIT in the reporting period January to June 2009 to € 35.0 million (previous year: € 68.7 million). Amounting to 14.2 %, the EBIT margin is back in the two-digit range (previous year: 23.5 %). In the first half year, the consolidated net profit amounted to € 26.0 million (previous year: € 48.2 million). With 34.7 million shares as of the balance sheet date June 30, 2009, SMA achieved earnings per share of € 0.75 in the reporting period (previous year: € 1.39).


Investments in the new inverter factory

As of June 30, 2009, the net working capital ratio increased to 17 % (Dec. 31, 2008: 11.4 %) and thus marked the middle of the corridor of 16 to 18% that was aimed at. As of the end of the reporting period, the balance sheet structure is constantly solid. As of the balance sheet date June 30, 2009, the stock of liquid funds and securities amounts to EUR 179.3 million (Dec. 31, 2008: EUR 261.0 million). The reduced cash position is among other things attributable to cash outflows amounting to € 30.4 million for investments in fixed assets, particularly for the new inverter factory.


Managing Board expects 2009 sales in a range from € 680 to 730 million.

Due to the noticeable recovery of the photovoltaic market, the attractive promotion conditions in many countries and the considerably reduced prices for solar modules, the SMA Managing Board is looking optimistically to the overall year 2009 and expects a market growth. Considering the reduced specific prices for SMA inverters, the Managing Board expects sales in a range from € 680 to 730 million. The lower end of the guidance corresponds approximately to the sales of the previous year (previous year: € 681.6 million), the upper end is 7 % higher. Due to the change in the product mix and changed cost structures, the Managing Board expects an EBIT margin between 18 and 20 % for 2009.

"Due to the global promotion programs, the photovoltaic industry has been largely able to separate from the development of the global economic cycle. We hold fast to our estimate that on the long-term, the photovoltaic industry is a growth market. The financial and economic crisis does only decelerate this growth in partial markets", explains Chief Executive Officer Günther Cramer. "For 2009, we expect growth of the photovoltaic market as compared to the 5.7 GW of the previous year – despite the crisis. Recovery of the global demand for photovoltaic systems is already clearly noticeable. Due to our technology leadership, our complete product range, our flexibility and our global presence, we are perfectly positioned to benefit from this growth."

2009-08-14   Courtesy: SMA Solar Technology AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SMA Solar Technology AG

PV producer aleo solar AG’s business picks up strongly in Q2

aleo solar's CFO Bögershausen: Strengths in sales and marketing are paying off in a buyer’s market.

aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau) generated revenue of EUR 118.1 million in the first six months of 2009 (H1/2008: EUR 159.4 million), the German producer of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels reports in a press release. The positive EBIT of EUR 2.6 million in the second quarter shows that the company has reached a turning point, aleo solar emphasizes. At EUR –2.2 million (EUR 11.4 million), EBIT in the first six months reflected non-recurring inventory remeasurement losses of around EUR 5 million. "Without these one-time losses, aleo solar would have been profitable again, thus underscoring its flexible cost structures", the PV producer accentuates in its press release.  Earnings per share were EUR –0.27 (EUR 0.60). Production output totalled 38.6 megawatts (60.7 megawatts). "Deliveries picked up significantly in the course of the first six months", said Uwe Bögershausen, member of the Management Board and CFO of aleo solar AG. "Although the first quarter fell behind the figures for the previous year, in the second quarter we were able to significantly exceed the previous quarter (25.6 megawatts), at 31.5 megawatts. We are gaining market share in a highly competitive but intact market. Our strengths in sales and marketing are paying off in this buyer’s market", Bögershausen added.


Aiming for further organic growth in 2010

"aleo solar AG is aiming for organic growth and is convinced that it will reach its planned sales targets. However, it is very difficult at the moment to predict the revenue that this volume target will achieve at the end of 2009 on account of the continuing price erosion. The company can manage gross profit well because cell prices - the most important cost factor - are also falling. Against the backdrop of the financial crisis, concrete earnings forecasts continue to depend to a large extent on macroeconomic developments. If, as some experts expect, conditions gradually improve in the second half of the year, the company is anticipating a relatively solid EBIT margin", aleo announces in the press release. aleo solar AG is aiming for further organic growth in 2010. However, it will only set concrete goals in the course of the second half of 2009.


Subsidiary aleo solar North America established

The aleo solar Group will continue its focus on internationalisation. The company will generate around half of its revenue outside Germany by the end of next year. It has established a subsidiary, aleo solar North America Inc., to accelerate its business in North America and to significantly expand sales activities there.

2009-08-14   Courtesy: aleo solar AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG

Manz Automation AG downturn in results due to the current situation in the solar sector

Manz Automation AG (Reutlingen, Germany) technology provider for the photovoltaic and LCD industries, recorded revenues of € 28.28 million in the first six months of 2009 (previous year: € 101.6 million). At the same time, total operating revenue totaled € 38.11 million compared to € 102.44 million in the first six months of 2008. The substantial downturn in results is due, in particular, to the current situation in the solar sector, Manz emphasizes. This is caused by the financial crisis, since the fall of last year almost all of the scheduled new investments in and extensions to production facilities have been put on ice. However, there were positive signals from the LCD industry in the second quarter of 2009.   Positive factors such as the Chinese economic program enabled demand to pick up perceptibly in this segment. Capacity uptake in this division will thus grow again significantly in the second half of the year.

In this time period consolidated EBIT fell to € -12.56 million (previous year: € 12.02 million). Pre-tax earnings (EBT) sank to € -12.11 million after € 11.38 million in the same period of the previous year. At the same time, a consolidated net loss for the first half of 2009 of € -9.82 million was generated compared to net income of € 8.82 million last year. This corresponds to earnings per share for the first six months of 2009 of € -2.08 (previous year: € 2.41). During the same period, the cash flow from operating activities fell to € -2.89 million (previous year: € -1.21 million).

After the first half of 2009, the company continues to enjoy a very solid balance sheet as of June 30, 2009. Its equity ratio of 77% and its cash and cash equivalents of around € 59 million put Manz Automation into an excellent position to be able to implement its long-term strategy in a target-oriented manner even in the current market phase. Therefore, the group is able to continue to drive its R&D activities resolutely in future, in order to develop the innovations required for the next generations of machines for the solar and LCD industries.


Difficult financing for production lines and solar systems; significantly increased inventories

The current difficult situation on the market for the photovoltaic industry is due, in particular, to the financial crisis and the thus significantly more difficult financing for production lines and solar systems. At the same time, customers’ inventories have increased significantly as a result of the lack of demand for solar modules. As a result, Manz Automation is being confronted with customers postponing orders during the current year, however only very few orders have yet been cancelled. The order book on June 30, 2009 totaled € 87.5 million.


"Upswing in the solar sector is difficult to forecast"

As the timing of the upswing in the solar sector is difficult to forecast, there are various scenarios for Manz for fiscal year 2009. If the current order book is fully called up by customers this year, the previously published target of recording balanced EBIT in fiscal year 2009 remains realistic. However, this is subject to a strong upturn in the solar industry in the second half of the year, and the probability of this happening has fallen over the past few weeks. If this upswing fails to materialize, the company can no longer expect to record balanced operating results over the year as a whole.

In spite of this, Dieter Manz, Manz Automation AG’s CEO, is still optimistic about the future: "We recognized the signs of the times at an early stage, and reduced our costs by introducing short-time work and adjusting capacity. The investments that we made last year in new production facilities in Slovakia, Taiwan and China will help us to cut costs significantly and to further expand our competitive position. The focus for 2009 is on research and development. Our innovations enable us to provide our customers with highly efficient, low-cost production processes, allowing them to compensate for the lower module prices. This means that Manz Automation is excellently equipped for manufacturers' next innovation cycle, making it possible for us to benefit substantially from the coming upswing."

The diversification into production technology for Li-Ion batteries for electric cars which was started at the beginning of the year is already bearing its first fruit and will already make a positive contribution to revenues and earnings in the second half of 2009, the company accentuates.

The full report for the first six months of 2009 can be downloaded from in the Investor Relations section on the company's website.

2009-08-14   Courtesy: Manz Automation AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Q-Cells announces comprehensive set of measures after decline in business performance

CEO Milner feels the pressure on prices that comes from overcapacities and the financing of major projects which remains sluggish

The photovoltaics company Q-Cells SE (Thalheim, Germany) has presented its half-year report up to 30 June 2009. Following the considerable decline in business performance for Q-Cells SE in the first six months of the current year, the Board of Management is introducing a comprehensive set of measures to fundamentally improve the company’s performance. As already stated, sales in the first half of the year fell from 579.5 million Euro in the previous year period to 366.2 million Euro. A profit in business operations (EBIT) of 119.1 million Euro in the first six months of last year is countered by an operating loss of -47.6 million Euro over the same period in 2009.  Influenced by a further write-down in connection with the sale of its share in Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (REC) in May, the period loss incurred for the first half of 2009 was 696.9 million Euro. The production volume has remained almost constant at 272.2 MWp in comparison with the first half of 2008.


Markets have changed quickly and dramatically

Q-Cells’ business was harmed by negative pricing trends in the industry and reduced customer volumes, the company emphasizes in a press release. Q-Cells International, a fully consolidated subsidiary of Q-Cells SE, performed generally better and continued to grow rapidly building solar parks. The company achieved an EBIT of 8.0 million Euro during the half-year on sales of 128.0 million Euro and, amongst other projects, is currently erecting Germany’s biggest ever solar park in Strasskirchen in Bavaria with a capacity of around 54 MWp. "The business performance shows how quickly and dramatically the markets have changed for us. In order to take rapid and comprehensive countermeasures, we have developed Q-Cells Reloaded, a three-tier set of measures with which we will adapt Q-Cells to market conditions which have structurally changed. The aim is to grow profitably at a sustainable rate again in the medium term", says Anton Milner, CEO of Q-Cells SE. Milner further says: "Of course we feel the pressure on prices that comes from overcapacities and the financing of major projects which remains sluggish because of the financial crisis. We will tackle these and other issues most resolutely in the context of Q-Cells Reloaded." In addition, operating profit has been affected by long-term contracts with wafer suppliers which have been working to the company’s disadvantage, by manufacturing partly at too high costs by international comparison and also by comparatively high overheads.


The set of measures dubbed "Q-Cells Reloaded" comprises the following:


1. Adjust capacity and lower costs; 500 jobs will be cut permanently

As a result of the oversupply of silicon wafers, the market price for this preliminary product in the short-term has, since the beginning of the year, been below the price level that Q-Cells agreed with its suppliers in its contracts for 2009. In the first half year alone this resulted in a competitive disadvantage of around 50 million Euro. In 2010 the contracts will be brought into line with the market price so that this disadvantage will largely be eliminated. In addition, the cost structure of the older generation production lines at the Thalheim location lies around 30 % above the usually accepted level in international competition. This is mainly the result of substantial scale effects which could be achieved with larger production lines and the technical condition of the old equipment. For this reason the Board of Management has decided to shut down these production lines. Together with the necessary reduction in overheads in all areas, around 500 jobs will be cut permanently. Short-time work will continue to be in operation at the Thalheim plant depending on the market development. Altogether a reduction of production cost of 25% will be achieved with these measures.

2. Strengthening of technology position; thin-film companies gaining importance

Q-Cells is focusing its research in the solar cell sector on projects that are marketable and where success can be expected in the short to medium term. Most recently an efficiency of 18.3 % was achieved for monocrystalline cells. "On this basis, we will achieve a 20 % efficiency in our R&D lines by the end of 2011", explains Gerhard Rauter, Member of the Executive Board and responsible for production. Within its technology portfolio Q-Cells will in the future concentrate on the thin-film companies Solibro (CIGS) and Calyxo (CdTe), where it controls these companies. The Executive Board of Qcells has requested that Calyxo proves its technological potential in mass production by the end of 2009. The efficiency of Solibro’s best thin layer modules has most recently been 11,7 %. Solibro started mass production in 2008 and has since then produced about 9 MWp of thin-film modules. For its other investments, Q-Cells will continue working with partners to further expand these companies.


3. Securing medium-term liquidity reserves

In order to create sufficient room to manoeuvre for the transitory phase until the beginning of 2011, Q-Cells’ in-house financing is to be reinforced. All investment projects, especially those for 2010, will be reviewed again and the capital commitment in projects and stocks reduced. In contrast to the original plan, Q-Cells expects a reduced outlay of up to 300 million Euro. "We are able to reduce the cash requirement by around 200 million Euro through tight working capital management in production and in the project business. We can avoid a further cash outflow of up to 100 million Euro through a reduction in our investment programme", says Dr. Nedim Cen, CFO of Q-Cells SE.


Anton Milner: "measures, including a cut in personnel, are unavoidable"

"After the great successes in the start-up period, for which we also have to thank a unique team, we now face some big challenges. To steer Q-Cells safely through the crisis and give the company a long-term perspective at the Thalheim location, these measures, including a cut in personnel, are unavoidable. We appreciate that this is a very painful step to take. At the same time we are even managing to create new positions in the Research & Development, Sales & Marketing and thin-film companies so that in future we will be able to differentiate ourselves from our competitors even more strongly by having a technological edge", Milner concludes.

With the change in the photovoltaic markets, new sectors and regions will also open up, Q-Cells accentuates. In addition to its core business Q-Cells will in future engage more in systems integration by building on the project business of Q-Cells International which is already a well-known player in the market. Milner: "We will be offering our own system know-how to selected markets."

2009-08-13   Courtesy: Q-Cells SE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Q-Cells SE

Sunfilm and Sunova to install more than 1 MWP of thin-film tandem junction modules on roofs in Germany and Spain

Installation of-thin-film modules by Sunfilm.

Sunfilm AG (Grossroehrsdorf, Germany) and Sunova AG (Grasbrunn; Germany) on August 11th, 2009 announced that Sunova is completing photovoltaic projects with a combined capacity of over 1 MWp of Sunfilm’s Model Q in various projects in Germany and Spain. Model Q is Sunfilm’s tandem junction silicon thin film module, manufactured in Grossroehrsdorf in a 1.1 x 1.3m2 format. Sunova has developed special mounting systems, connecting to the back bars of Sunfilm’s Model Q for installations on certain membrane or trapezoid industrial flat roofs.  These mounting systems, called "Quick Fix" (applied for patents) are designed to have superior mechanical stability as well as fast installation times and minimal material requirement. "We believe that with Sunfilm’s modules in combination with our proprietary mounting solutions we are supplying an excellent and competitive product to the market", says Werner Innerhofer, CEO of Sunova. "During the development of our mounting system, the collaboration with Sunfilm has been very constructive and we are now pleased to see the positive response from our customers to this product combination."


Higher energy efficiency in near-parallel roof orientation and at lower irradiation

In addition to the Model Q installations, Sunova on own account has already realized over 850 kWp in projects with Model SN2 modules out of Sunfilm’s facility in Thalheim. Sunfilm’s tandem junction thin film technology is particularly well suited for commercial roof installations, because they maintain their excellent energy efficiency, even when installed in near-parallel roof orientations. In this almost horizontal orientation, the modules can be installed much closer together while avoiding the negative effects of shadowing by adjacent rows of modules. "In addition to this orientation advantage, our modules also maintain their efficiency at lower irradiation conditions, such as for most regions in Germany", according to Dr. Sicco Westra, Chief Business Development Officer at Sunfilm, "Finally, their low temperature coefficient makes these modules a perfect choice for installations in hotter climates such as Spain or other Mediterranean countries. Therefore, we expect this market segment to continue as one of Sunfilm’s key areas of business focus."

2009-08-13   Courtesy: Sunfilm AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sunfilm AG

US research company iSuppli expects massive build-up of solar panel inventory

Previous and current global solar panel production forecast in gigawatts (crystalline and thin film).

According to a recent market study that was announced on August l0th, 2009 by the technology value chain research and advisory services supplier iSuppli Corporation (El Segundo, California), there is a massive oversupply of solar modules combined with disappointing demand. In the study, dubbed "Inventory Levels Threaten Suppliers," iSupply forecasts that the total photovoltaic (PV) panel production in 2009 will grow by 14.3 percent to 7.5 Gigawatts (GW), up from 6.5 GW in 2008. However, only 3.9 GW of installations are expected this year, which means that almost one out of every two panels produced in 2009 will not be installed but stored in inventory, iSuppli cautions.   "The solar industry in 2009 has been undermined by collapse in demand due to the decision by Spain, which accounted for 50 percent of worldwide installations in 2008, to change its feed-in-tariff policies", said Henning Wicht, Senior Director and Principal Analyst for photovoltaics at iSuppli. "This demand drop led to a massive buildup of inventory throughout the supply chain, from the raw material polysilicon, to photovoltaic cells, to complete solar systems. Despite this, solar panel makers have continued to increase capacity and production, exacerbating the inventory buildup."




Fast growing demand expected to absorb global PV panel production and inventory beginning 2013

"This inventory glut will have a long-term impact on the solar business, with panels set to remain in a state of oversupply until 2012", Wicht said. After that year, a fast growing demand for solar installations is expected to be able to absorb global panel production and inventory. iSuppli reports that its updated forecast now shows supplier production flattening for the years from 2011 through 2013. Despite the global economic recession, most of the leading producers of solar panels, such as Suntech, Sharp and JA Solar, are expected to continue to grow in concert with the overall PV industry, while they have no intention of slowing production of cells and panels. "Even in the face of the downturn, many panel and cell producers have continued to ramp up their capacities as if a recession had never occurred", Wicht said. "Most companies are doing this in order to maintain their share in the market." iSuppli predicts that Suntech will push Q-Cells aside and become the No.- 1 producer of crystalline cells in 2009. Sharp, Yingli and JA Solar are also expected to defend their Top-5 positions this year by not reducing their solar-cell production increases. According to the market study, suppliers that have reduced or made adjustments to their production of cells and panels as a result of the softening demand have seen their short- and mid-term strategies falter. According to iSuppli, the suppliers which have significantly reduced their production capacity include Q-Cells, SunPower and BP Solar. The original announcement was published at http://www.isuppli.com/news.aspx.

2009-08-13   Courtesy: iSuppli Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: iSuppli Corp.

Italy's largest photovoltaic plant completed in Montalto di Castro (Viterbo)

Enels photovoltaic plant completed in Montalto di Castro.

With 10 hectares of photovoltaic panels, a capacity of 6 MW, a expected annual production of over 7 million kWh, a new PV plant in Montalto di Castro (Viterbo) will be able to meet the power needs of 2,700 households while avoiding the emission of 5,000 tons of CO2 per year, Enel, Italy's largest power company, reports in a press release. The photovoltaic plant in Montalto di Castro with 6 MW of installed capacity, due to Enel it is currently the largest photovoltaic plant in Italy and among the largest in Europe.   The panels used to construct the power station were supplied primarily by Sharp. The plant in Montalto di Castro joins Enel’s 3.3 MW plant in Serre Persano (Salerno), Italy’s first large-scale photovoltaic plant, inaugurated in 1993 and still fully operational.

The Montalto di Castro plant was designed and completed by Enel.si. In the last three years, Enel.si, a subsidiary of Enel Green Power, the Enel Group company fully dedicated to the operation and development of renewables, has led the installation of more than 80 MW of photovoltaic plants for industrial and domestic customers as well as utilities, the company emphasizes.

2009-08-13   Courtesy: Enel SpA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Enel SpA

SEIA Congratulates New Jersey on its 4,000th Solar Installation

SunPower plant "Johnson & Johnson", New Jersey; 739 kW.

Solar Energy Industries Association President and CEO Rhone Resch on August 12th, 2009 commented the announcement by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) that the state has achieved its 4,000th solar installation: "We congratulate New Jersey leaders on the state’s 4,000th solar installation. By enacting policies like the state’s advanced renewable portfolio standard and strong incentives for solar, New Jersey has become the second largest market for solar in the country. In fact, New Jersey has more solar photovoltaic installations than Florida, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada combined and is second only to California in total solar capacity." 


"If he were alive, New Jersey native Thomas Edison would be proud of N.J. leaders’ innovation and foresight in advancing electricity generation and providing a better way to power our light bulbs and our HDTVs", Resch added. The foresight of the BPU, the State Legislature and the Governor’s office due to Resch has positioned New Jersey as a center of economic opportunity in the new, green economy. "And since New Jersey is ahead of the rest of the country, they are already benefiting economically with new, high-quality jobs, lower electricity costs and cleaner air", Resch emphasizes.

The SEIA President continued: "New Jersey and the entire Mid-Atlantic region have emerged as a fast-growing and important market for solar demonstrating that solar energy is one of the best policy investments around. With solar energy, consumers are lowering their energy bills, adding value to their properties and cutting pollution. And the entire region benefits from a smarter electricity grid that is less susceptible to brown outs and black outs during the heat of the summer. Distributed solar helps keep the lights on for all of us. Another bonus is that N.J. is helping to create good-paying jobs across the supply chain from manufacturing and system design to installation. Solar energy is expected to create 440,000 permanent jobs nationwide by 2016.

2009-08-13   Courtesy: SEIA; Solar Energy Industries Association   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corp.

Spire Solar taps into India's solar market by establishing Spire Solar India

Spire Corporation (Bedford, Massachusetts), a global company that provides capital equipment for the manufacture of photovoltaic (PV) modules, turnkey manufacturing lines and solar PV systems, on August 10th, 2009 announced the expansion of its international presence by establishing the wholly-owned subsidiary, Spire Solar India, LLC (Spire Solar India), a Delaware limited liability company that had been formed to take advantage of the growing solar PV market in India. Spire Solar India plans to open a representative office in New Delhi to aid in sales, provide customer communications, provide after-service capabilities, and serve as a regional headquarters for equipment service operations.  Roger G. Little, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Spire said: "India has been taking great strides to become a major competitor in the world PV market and Spire Solar intends on promoting this. With about 80 % of India's year consisting of clear, sunny days, the solar energy equivalent is greater than the country's total energy consumption." The new office is expected to enhance the company's reach and ensure Indian customers to put them in the PV business. "India is expected to be among the fastest growing markets for PV demand and has recently introduced the Solar Power Policy 2009, which promotes generalization of green and clean power through solar energy and promotion of local manufacturing facilities," Little said. "There is a sizable amount of uncultivated land which is ideal for massive production of solar energy."

2009-08-12   Courtesy: Spire Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

PV Powered launches new commercial inverter to target unique demands of North America's solar market

PV inverter "PVP260kW" by PV Powered

PV Powered, Inc. (Bend, Oregon), manufacturer of solar photovoltaic inverters, on August 6th, 2009 announced the first customer shipments of its new commercial PV inverter "PVP260kW". With the announcement, PV Powered intends to solidify its position as a center of innovation in the grid-tied solar market. The lifetime cost of solar systems per kilowatt hour (kWh) is as important as the initial cost per watt in today's highly competitive photovoltaic industry, PV Powered emphasizes in its press release. PV Powered reports that its US designed and manufactured PVP260kW inverter increases reliability by building on the same proven architecture, iterative time-dependent modeling and validation processes used to develop the company's successful PVP75kW and PVP100kW inverters.  The company announces that it has achieved performance and reliability breakthroughs, including an industry-leading 97 % CEC (California Energy Commission) efficiency at 295 volts direct current (VDC). The PVP260kW inverter is also said to advance the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) voltage performance barrier with a standard 295 VDC input and an optional 265 VDC minimum tap, and with its ability to operate at full name plate power output across the entire input voltage range.


PV Powered expects inverter to operate at full power for more than 20 years in temperatures from –30 to +50 °C

"The engineering team at PV Powered has delivered another commercial product with significant innovation and market leading performance. The PVP260kW delivers more energy production on a daily basis, across a wider operating temperature range and input voltage than any other product on the market", said Gregg Patterson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PV Powered. According to the press release, a further refinements in the company's "Smart Air Management" system delivers an unprecedented level of thermal operating margin, resulting in a commercial inverter than is expected to be able to operate at full power for more than 20 years across a -30 to +50 °C operating temperature range even if a fan fails in the field. PV Powered reports that the company backs all commercial inverters with a 10-year nationwide warranty and what it believes to be the industry's first 20-year extended warranty.

2009-08-12   Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.

eSolar unveils 5 MW solar tower plant in California

eSolar's "Sierra SunTower" in Lancaster, California.

With 24,000 mirrors glimmering under the summer sun, eSolar (Pasadena, California), a provider of modular, scalable solar thermal power technology, on August 5th, 2009 unveiled the "Sierra SunTower", a solar power plant with a capacity of 5-megawatts (MW) in Lancaster, California. According to the press release, the full-scale power plant is the only power tower of its kind in the U.S. It is expected to produce enough electricity to power more than 4,000 homes in California's Antelope Valley, which is to be distributed by Southern California Edison (SCE; Rosemead, California).  eSolar's technology uses software algorithms to focus thousands of mirrors on a single point to efficiently harvest the sun's energy and to achieve economies of scale with a smaller footprint. "Today, we unveil a new blueprint for solar energy; one that leverages Moore's law rather than more steel," said Bill Gross, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of eSolar. According to the press release, the Sierra SunTower power plant was constructed in less than one year, marking the first of several developments in the Antelope Valley region to use eSolar's technology. Over the course of construction, this project created 300 jobs, the company reports.


Siting for solar power plants exclusively on privately owned land to protect wildlands

eSolar reports that it had received the support and cooperation of the City of Lancaster throughout the construction process of the Sierra SunTower plant, which was built on private land that had been designated for heavy industrial use. According to the press release, eSolar develops all of its California projects on parcels of previously disturbed private lands, thereby reducing the impact on the surrounding environment and avoiding many of the permitting and environmental pitfalls of development on pristine desert lands. This practice is believed to be unique within the utility-scale solar industry, and has garnered support from local environmental advocates. "eSolar demonstrates that pristine wildlands do not have to be sacrificed in order to keep the lights on with clean energy", remarked David Myers, Executive Director of the Wildlands Conservancy (Oak Glen, California).


Three solar tower plants in California and New Mexico to provide 465 MW of clean electricity

According to the press release, the Sierra SunTower was fully financed and developed by eSolar and proves that the pre-fabricated method the company has patented and pioneered allows for rapid deployment. In February, eSolar had announced an agreement with NRG Energy, Inc. (Princeton, New Jersey) to develop three plants in California and New Mexico with a capacity of up to 465 MW using eSolar's technology. Additionally, in March, eSolar licensed its technology to the ACME Group (Gurgaon, India) for approximately one gigawatt (GW) of eSolar solar thermal capacity. California's Governor Schwarzenegger commented: "With today's historic plant opening, eSolar is proving that California's energy and environmental leadership are advancing carbon-free, cost-effective energy that can be used around the world."

2009-08-12   Courtesy: eSolar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

DisplaySearch expands market research offerings to cover solar & photovoltaics

Building upon its expertise in providing market research within the flat panel display market for more than 13 years, DisplaySearch (Austin, Texas), on August 10th, 2009 announced that it will roll out a new suite of reports to cover the rapidly growing solar and photovoltaics markets. As the photovoltaics market takes off, it becomes increasingly important for the industry to have the tools they need the most to help businesses understand and capitalize on developments within this market, DisplaySearch emphasizes in its press release. DisplaySearch on own account has been tracking the solar industry since 2006, covering photovoltaic (PV) solar cells in its newsletters and blogs, providing PV-related custom consulting, and presenting on solar at conferences. The release of the first issue of the Quarterly PV Cell Capacity Database & Trends Report makes DisplaySearch’s proprietary solar cell capacity database and unique analysis available to clients around the world.   "Using best-of-class research methodologies and a holistic supply chain approach proven in the display industry, DisplaySearch will expand its solar research offerings and support clients as they evaluate opportunities in the long-term solar growth industry", the company announces.


Annual PV growth rate of 49 % forecasted

"The photovoltaics market is poised for significant growth, with capacity forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 49 % from 2009 to 2013", noted Paul Semenza, DisplaySearch Senior Vice President. "We have covered solar as part of our display-related research for more than three years, and now that our FPD clients are expanding their business operations into solar, they’re demanding greater coverage in this market segment. We’ve built our reputation by demonstrating our expertise and quality in the FPD supply chain and look forward to expanding our reach into solar to further help our customers make smart business decisions by providing them with the data they need the most."


Utilizing the supply chain analysis developed for the flat panel display market

Based on its reliable methodologies, DisplaySearch’s planned reports will cover global data, and cover a breadth of data including market share and market forecasts, based on technology, equipment and capacity. In addition, DisplaySearch will utilize the supply chain analysis developed for the flat panel display market, from equipment and raw materials to end-product shipments, to analyze supply-demand relationships. The company can also leverage research capabilities of its parent company, The NPD Group. With analysts in all major regions around the globe, DisplaySearch is well positioned to collect information from every manufacturer in every country, simplifying the research for solar manufacturers and suppliers.

2009-08-12   Courtesy: DisplaySearch; NPD Group, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

PV producer Canadian Solar announces cooperation with Chinese power generation company

392.645 kWp reference project by Canadian Solar at Visalia, CA.

Canadian Solar Inc. (CSI; Toronto, Ontario, Canada), a vertically integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules and other solar energy applications, on August 7th, 2009 announced a broad strategic cooperation with one of China's largest utilities, the Guodian Power Development Co., Ltd. (Guodian, China). Under the agreement, Canadian Solar and Guodian Power will design, invest in, build, operate and maintain photovoltaic (PV) power plants in China. As specified in the agreement, the two parties will first work together as strategic partners in Gansu, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia, and will work to develop new markets in other provinces in the future.   Guodian Power Development Co. Ltd. is a subsidiary of the state-owned China Guodian Corporation, which has power plants in 29 Chinese provinces, employing over 110,000 people. According to the press release Guodian's total installed capacity reached 7,490 megawatts (MW) by the end of June, 2009, including 6,687 MW thermal, 471 MW hydro, and 325.6 MW wind power.


Chinese utility targets 510 MW of installed PV capacity by 2012

According to the agreement, Canadian Solar and Guodian Power Development will initially form a joint venture focusing on PV power plants. Canadian Solar reports that it will have the first right to sell modules and EPC services (engineering, procurement, construction) to the joint venture at market pricing. The agreement initially calls for two grid-connected PV power plants in Ningxia. One project targets 50 MW of total installed PV capacity, with a first phase of 10 MW. According to the press release, a second project will also have a first phase of 10 MW, with further expansions planned for later. Canadian Solar reports that the Ningxia PV power plants are designed to establish a scalable model for future business development between the two companies. Jun Miu, Vice President of Guodian Power Development, commented: "Guodian Power Development Co.'s target is to achieve 510 MW of installed PV capacity in China by 2012. We also have a strong interest in overseas expansion. Today's announcement with Canadian Solar is critical to our successful achievement of that goal." Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canadian Solar, commented: "Our target is to become the leading supplier for Guodian Power Development's anticipated 400 MW to 500 MW of PV projects in China and support its overseas expansions."

2009-08-11   Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Canadian Solar

Amtech announces 6 million US-dollars in solar orders from two new customers

Tempress supplies PECVD tools for solar cell production.

Amtech Systems, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona), a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, semiconductors and silicon wafers, on August 6th, 2009 announced that its solar subsidiary Tempress Systems, Inc. had received approximately 6 million US-dollars in solar orders for its diffusion processing systems from two new customers in Asia. According to the press release, the orders are for multiple systems to each customer and are expected to be shipped within the next six to nine months.  J.S. Whang, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amtech, commented: "We are pleased to further expand our global solar customer base with these two new customer orders, which demonstrate the continued acceptance and demand for our solar products we are seeing despite these difficult economic times. We continue to be optimistic about the long-term growth opportunities in the solar market and our ability to capture that growth by offering multiple solar production tools and becoming a technology turnkey product supplier to the diffusion, PSG, and PECVD markets." Amtech reports that its wafer handling, thermal processing and consumable products currently address the diffusion, oxidation, deposition, PECVD (plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition), and PSG (phosphosilicate glass) removal steps used in the fabrication of solar cells, semiconductors, MEMS (micro-electro mechanical systems) and the polishing of newly sliced silicon wafers.

2009-08-11   Courtesy: Amtech Systems, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Tempress Systems, Inc.

Clariant launches solar thermal heat transfer fluid in North America

Clariant Corporation (Charlotte, North Carolina), a producer of specialty chemicals, on August 7th, 2009 announced that its solar thermal heat-transfer fluid, dubbed "Antifrogen SOL HT," was now available in North America. According to the press release, this new product offers excellent thermal stability while providing the corrosion inhibition required for maintaining system performance. The company believes that because of Antifrogen SOL HT's properties, solar-thermal system manufacturers can now expand their design parameters and open up a broader potential market for solar-thermal technology.   The heat transfer fluid is said to be able to withstand short-term stagnation temperatures of greater than 260° C without breaking down and forming insoluble residues. In addition to enhanced thermal stability, the product offers excellent corrosion inhibition in combined-metal environments, Clariant reports. "The typical heat-transfer fluids in use today can break down in a high-temperature environment and cause equipment to malfunction. By contrast, Antifrogen SOL HT allows solar thermal systems to operate at higher temperatures without the worry of fluid degradation", said Jeff McManus, Regional Account Manager for Engineering.

2009-08-11   Courtesy: Clariant Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

NREL names director for National Center for Photovoltaics

Dr. Ryne P. Raffaelle.

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) announced that it had named Dr. Ryne P. Raffaelle Director of its National Center for Photovoltaics (PV). According to the press release, Raffaelle had most recently been Academic Director for the Golisano Institute for Sustainability and Director of the NanoPower Research Laboratory at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in New York. "Dr. Raffaelle's experience in scientific research and development in the private and academic sectors brings critical leadership to DOE's and NREL's solar program," said Robert Hawsey, NREL Associate Director of renewable electricity and end use systems.   "With Dr. Raffaelle on board, we expect to build on our leadership position in solar research and accelerate photovoltaics technology research, development, and deployment to make solar energy a significant part of our energy future." NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL is operated for DOE by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.



New Director with more than 20 years experience in academic engineering, research and business

According to the press release, Raffaelle brings more than 20 years experience leading laboratory research teams to his new post. While directing the two institutions at RIT, he also served as a professor of physics, microsystems engineering and sustainability and was responsible for more than 20 million US-dollar in research grants in photovoltaics, thin-film processing, and nanomaterials research, NREL reports. He co-founded two PV and power system start-up companies and his career includes working as a visiting scientist at the NASA-Glenn Research Center, the NASA Lewis Research Center, and at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He was an associate professor of physics and space sciences at the Florida Institute of Technology from 1992-1999. According to the press release, Raffaelle has authored or co-authored over 100 refereed publications and books, is co-editor of Progress in Photovoltaics and has served on the organizing committee for the past four IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conferences and the last World Conference.

2009-08-11   Courtesy: NREL   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: NREL

Entech Solar unveils concentrating photovoltaic and thermal (CPVT) module

CPVT module by Entech Solar.

Entech Solar Inc. (Fort Worth, Texas), a developer of renewable energy technologies for commercial and industrial markets, on July 31st, 2009 announced significant progress with its development programs for concentrating solar products. According to the press release, Entech had suspended manufacturing operations for its previous generation of concentrating solar energy systems in March 2009, and has been fully dedicated to the design and development of its next-generation products since then. Entech reports that the company has successfully completed the preliminary design phase of its next-generation panel in the "ThermaVolt" product line, dubbed "ThermaVolt II," including the construction and operation of a prototype that produces both electricity and thermal energy.   Dr. Frank W. Smith, Entech Solar's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), commented: "ThermaVolt II's combined output of electricity and thermal energy produces four to five times the amount of energy compared to traditional photovoltaic systems." In addition to its previous concentrating solar energy patents, Entech reports that it has filed a number of new provisional patent applications associated with the ThermaVolt II design and manufacturing process to ensure appropriate protection of the intellectual property and to allow public disclosure of certain product features and benefits.



Standard sized PV-solar-thermal-module for ground and roof-mounted solar energy systems

According to the press release, ThermaVolt II leverages Entech Solar's optical technology by using its proprietary arched Fresnel lens to provide about 20 times concentration of sunlight onto the solar cells (concentrated photovoltaics, CPV), saving about 95 percent of the relatively expensive silicon cell material. The product's design is said to be applicable for both ground and roof-mount applications. Entech reports that the ThermaVolt II module's size and shape are similar to those of a standard flat-plate PV module, which in effect means that the company can now address the market of rooftop applications. The standard size is expected to allow for a more conventional installation approach, thereby increasing the potential dealer and installer channels to market. In addition to its improved design, ThermaVolt II is said to leverage well-known, existing semiconductor manufacturing processes using proven, off-the-shelf equipment that are believed to be readily outsourced to low-cost, sub-contract manufacturers.

2009-08-10   Courtesy: Entech Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Entech Solar Inc.

Gartner: More Money Flows into the US Solar PPA Market

On August 3rd, 2009 two companies announced funding for solar power-purchase agreement (PPA) funds, the information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut) reports. Renewable Ventures announced the completion of Solar Fund V to finance more than 0 million in U.S.-based solar PPA projects. Design and integration firm Borrego Solar introduced a solar PPA, with million backing from a PPA fund launched by Walsin Lihwa. Borrego is positioned to develop and finance solar projects worth a total of more than 0 million. 


Money spigots are starting to flow

The second half of the 2009 is shaping up to be a far different year than the disastrous first half of 2009, Gartner emphasizes. Money, lower pricing and clearer government incentives due to Gartner are combining to clear the ramp up for the solar PPA market. The money spigots are starting to flow, as financial firms return to the market. Although in the first half of 2009 funding was severely restricted, Gartner now is seeing funding announcements with Tier 1 financial institutions such as Wells Fargo, John Hancock Financial, Banco Santander, Accel Partners and U.S. Bancorp.


Better pricing on PV panels, arrangements on financing for panels

Photovoltaic panel vendors are overloaded by inventory and continued sales sluggishness, Gartner accentuates. As a sign of their desire to drive business and connections to the government, not only are they providing much better pricing on panels, they are even willing to arrange financing for the panels and the construction via their own or government funds. Finally, the US government incentive programs have started to appear, providing a clearer roadmap to lower costs via the grants and the loan guarantees. These two deals, following a recent series of funding announcements, reflect the improved strength for the foundations of the solar PPA industry, Gartner emphasizes. Between Renewable Venture and Borrego’s funding announcements, Gartner estimates this will result in about 50 to 55 MW worth of enterprise projects over the next twelve to eighteen months.


Forecast: 0.23 gigawatts to be established by the solar PPA industry in 2010

Gartner expects to continue to hear a significant number of additional solar PPA funding announcements in the next few months as the U.S. stimulus effort finally starts to release funds and application requests. However, the average commercial project in the United States has a sales-to-completion cycle of well over a year, so with the exception of a few projects already in the pipeline for the major solar PPA firms, Gartner expects a significant amount of the funds announced to drive solar PPA projects in 2010 and 2011. Gartner expects the solar PPA industry to establish PV systems with a power generation capacity of 0.23 gigawatts in 2010, at an installed cost of approximately .2 billion.

2009-08-10   Courtesy: Gartner, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Suntech to deliver 5 MW solar modules to Recurrent Energy for PV system in San Francisco

Computer simulation of the 5 MW solar power project on the roof of the San Francisco's covered reservoir.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi, China), the world's largest manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, on August 5th, 2009 announced that it had been selected to supply more than 25,000 PV modules for Recurrent Energy's (San Francisco, California) five megawatt (MW) municipal solar power project atop the Sunset Reservoir in San Francisco, California. According to the agreement, all modules are scheduled for delivery during the fourth quarter of 2009. The project, contracted by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) in late 2008 and signed into law by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom in May 2009, is expected to more than triple San Francisco's total municipal solar power output from currently 2 MW to 7 MW upon completion in 2010. According to the SFPUC, it will be California's largest solar photovoltaic (PV) system to date. "Suntech America and Recurrent Energy are both San Francisco-based companies and we are proud to jointly participate in bringing a green energy future to this wonderful city", said Steven Chan, President global sales and marketing and Chief Strategy Officer with Suntech. 



Solar modules expected to perform well in San Francisco weather

Suntech reports that its high-efficiency solar modules had been selected by Recurrent Energy to help maximize the energy production, considering the site's urban setting and finite usable roof space. According to the press release, Suntech's modules are effective in converting the sun's rays into electricity in low and indirect light, which is believed to be an important factor given the site's wide variety of weather conditions during the year. "The combination of the system design and Suntech modules will help us to deliver the maximum amount of solar energy and environmental benefits over the lifetime of the Sunset Reservoir project", said Arno Harris, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Recurrent Energy. ''This PV system is expected to produce enough renewable energy to provide for 1,000 typical city residents, avoiding the release of more than 109,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions." According to the press release, Recurrent Energy will own and operate the system and sell all the renewable electricity to the City and County of San Francisco under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA). The anticipated production for the 5 MW project is 6,560,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in the first year. Under the agreement, Recurrent Energy assumes all financing, construction, and operating obligations for the project.

2009-08-09   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Recurrent Energy

Navigant Consulting releases analysis of worldwide PV-markets: Accelerated growth expected for grid applications

Navigant expects PV market revival in 2011.

Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Navigant; Washington, D.C.) on August 5th, 2009 announced that its "Photovoltaic Service Program" has released an analysis of the global demand for photovoltaic (PV) products and a five year application forecast, dubbed "Application Forecast 2008/2009." According to the press release, the report includes a detailed analysis of the market for PV technologies and products by selling channels, application segments, module size and regional markets. Navigant reports that the report's global coverage includes analyses of developed and industrialized countries in North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.  The description of regional markets is said to include relevant incentive programs and a breakdown into five major application categories, namely grid-connected, remote habitation, remote industrial, consumer power and consumer indoor. "2009 is proving a challenging year for the photovoltaic industry, with its first decrease in overall demand volume in thirty-five years," said Paula Mints, Associate Director and Principal Analyst with Navigant Consulting's PV Services Program. "We are also seeing significant module price decreases due to slower demand worldwide, which increases affordability of the technology, and may translate to more affordable system prices."



Grid-application largest and fastest growing PV market segment

According to the press release, the 350 page solar market report includes more than 170 charts and graphs as well as detailed sections including how investment models affect the PV market. Navigant analysts point out that the grid application is the largest and fastest growing of all of the PV market segments, with an 80 percent share of global volume in 2004, an 82 percent share in 2005, an 86 percent share of total volume in 2006, and a 94 percent share of total volume in 2008. The fastest growing sub-segment of this application is identified as commercial applications, primarily investor owned fields and roofs with a capacity of more than one megawatt peak (MWp). Always dynamic in terms of changes and growth, the grid connected application is believed to be in a particularly dynamic stage, with business and financial models maturing, special technology form factors developing, and business entities (manufacturing and selling channel) starting up to serve it. Accelerated growth is expected to resume for this application segment as it is expected to take many years before it matures. In the meantime, Navigant believes that the industry volume is currently reliant on a healthy, maturing grid connected application. The full report can be purchased through Navigant Consulting.

Click here for a full-size chart of Navigant's Revenue forecast.

2009-08-09   Courtesy: Navigant Consulting, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Navigant Consulting, Inc.

Solarfun announces 5 % efficiency boost with full-square monocrystalline solar cells

Full-square solar cells to improve module efficiency.

Solarfun Power Deutschland GmbH ("Solarfun") on August 6th, 2009 announced the introduction of "SF2", a line of full-square monocrystalline solar cells and modules. SF2 cells are a full square shaped to take advantage of the entire module's surface, recapturing the surface area losses of pseudo-squares, Solarfun reports in a press release. This innovative development due to the producer increases the overall light-absorbing surface of monocrystalline cells, resulting in higher power output and up to 5% higher module efficiency.   "This increase in module efficiency and output is part of Solarfun’s extensive R&D program dedicated to continuously improving cell and module efficiency and decreasing degradation", the company emphasizes.

2009-08-08   Courtesy: Solarfun Power Deutschland GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solarfun Power Deutschland GmbH

Canadian Solar becomes member of PV CYCLE

Large-scale PV system by Canadian Solar.

Canadian Solar Inc. (CSI; Toronto, Canada), a vertically integrated manufacturer of solar cells, solar modules and custom-designed photovoltaic applications, on July 21st, 2009 announced that it had become a member of PV CYCLE, an organization based in Brussels, Belgium that promotes voluntary take-back and recycling of end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) modules, including seeking to define collection and recycling targets for the PV industry. Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canadian Solar, said: "Our equipment and services deliver solar power at the best possible environmental, economic and social outcomes for our customers. We continue to proactively take responsibility for developing effective recycling programs. To us PV CYCLE is the ideal platform to concurrently develop trendsetting industry standards by working with other like-minded global companies."   PV CYCLE was founded in 2007 with the specific purpose of implementing the PV industry's commitment to set up a voluntary recycling program for waste solar modules. Jan Clyncke, Managing Director of PV CYCLE, explains: "We are honored that Canadian Solar has joined our organization, which now covers around 85 percent of the European photovoltaic market with its 37 member companies spread around the globe. Canadian Solar shares our commitment to producer responsibility and environmentally friendly policies, as we strive to develop a profitable and sustainable PV solar industry. Doing so will make the photovoltaic industry truly Double Green."

2009-08-07   Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.

SMA America announces availability of 500 kW solar inverter in the United States

SMA Sunny Central 500U.

SMA America, Inc. (Rocklin, California), the U.S. subsidiary of SMA Technology AG (Niestetal, Germany), on August 5th, 2009 announced that the company's next-generation utility-scale central inverter "Sunny Central 500U PV" is now available on the U.S. market. According to the press release, the updated unit delivers an industry leading efficiency, namely 97 percent by California Energy Commission (CEC) weighting standards, along with an integrated isolation transformer and an updated user interface.   "The Sunny Central 500U embodies the world-class engineering SMA has delivered for more than 25 years", said Jürgen Krehnke, President and General Manager of SMA America. According to the press release, the UL-listed Sunny Central 500U can act as the heart of large-scale PV systems, turning the raw electricity from solar cells into usable, grid-quality power. With its updated user interface, the Sunny Central 500U is said to offer a graphical readout of daily plant production, as well as the status of the PV array, inverter and utility grid. SMA America reports that its new inverter is compatible with industry-standard building management and energy service software protocols, and that it can be easily integrate into energy-aware infrastructures.

2009-08-07   Courtesy: SMA America, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SMA America, Inc.

Fotowatio's Renewable Ventures completes 200 million US-dollar fund for solar energy projects in the United States

Renewable Ventures, Fotowatio's (Madrid, Spain) U.S. global business unit with an exclusive focus on the development of commercial and utility-scale solar energy projects throughout the United States, on August 3rd, 2009 announced the completion of its "Solar Fund V" to finance more than 200 million US-dollars for new solar energy projects across the country. According to the press release, the fund's first project is a 2 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project located in Fort Collins, Colorado that plans to sell energy to Colorado State University and renewable energy credits to one of the state's utilities, Xcel Energy (Minneapolis, Minnesota).  Renewable Ventures reports that Solar Fund V is the fifth fund organized by the company and the first as Fotowatio's U.S.-based subsidiary. The fund is to focus on the development and acquisition of commercial, public sector, and utility-scale solar projects from one to ten MW in size. "With this new infusion of capital, we stand ready to work with businesses, utilities and others to immediately finance, develop, or acquire megawatts of large-scale solar projects in the U.S.", said Renewable Ventures Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Matt Cheney.


Fund expected to finance about 35 MW solar projects in 2010

Renewable Ventures reports that the Solar Fund V is structured to include both debt from John Hancock, a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (Toronto, Ontario) and equity from Renewable Ventures and Wells Fargo (San Francisco, California), and it is expected to enable the construction and permanent financing of around 35 MW in 2010. The combination of debt and equity is believed to enable the fund to seek a broader range of federal government incentives, improving project economics for prospective customers such as municipalities, universities, electric utilities and companies. "Wells Fargo's and John Hancock's continued commitment to investing in renewable energy will allow us to replicate the success of our previous relationships," added Cheney. "Solar Fund V has been designed to use capital and incentives available under the stimulus program in a way that can accelerate the development of more solar projects and quickly create jobs in the U.S. renewable energy sector."

First project under the fund to be installed at Colorado State University

According to the press release, the first project financed by Solar Fund V at Colorado State University will generate enough solar power to provide more than 10 percent of the electricity needs on the University's Foothills Campus. The 15-acre solar power plant is expected to be one of the largest solar installations at a U.S. university when it is completed in 2009. Fotowatio on own account is one of the world's largest independent solar producers, and has financed, owns, and operates 130 MW of photovoltaic (PV) projects in the United States and Europe. Renewable Ventures finances and operates solar projects of all sizes, from one to 50 megawatts and larger. The company reports that, among others, the photovoltaic system at Denver International Airport, and the largest solar PV project in North America at Nellis Air Force Base are part of its portfolio.

2009-08-07   Courtesy: Fotowatio   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Gartner comments on First Solar's Q2 results and proposed rebate program for PV installations

On July 30th, 2009, the U.S. manufacturer First Solar Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) announced its financial results for the second quarter that had ended on June 27th, 2009. The information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut), on August 3rd, 2009 published its evaluation of First Solar's results, summarizing the highlights for the quarter as an increase in revenue by 26 percent, an increase in production volume by 32 percent to 290 megawatts (MW), a slight increase in efficiency to 10.9 percent and a decrease in manufacturing costs by 6.5 percent to 87 US-cents per watt. During the conference call to discuss the company results, First Solar Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mike Ahearn announced a rebate program that focuses on the core markets of free-field and commercial rooftop photovoltaic projects in Germany.   The rebates are intended to remove price constraints to installations resulting from aggressive c-Si (crystalline silicon) photovoltaic (PV) module pricing tactics and limited financing availability.


Thin-film manufacturer responds to pricing pressure from c-Si solar modules

Gartner believes that First Solar continues to execute very well because all four of the company's plants in Malaysia achieved full production by the end of the second quarter, and because the company is realizing continuous improvement in manufacturing costs through reduced material cost, shifting production to the low-cost location and increased line throughput. According to the press release, First Solar has increased its annual manufacturing capacity to more than one gigawatt (GW), and the company continues to expand beyond the German market. It is building a project pipeline in the United States and is establishing an important strategic alliance with EDF Energies Nouvelles in France, Gartner reports. However, the volatile pricing environment is expected to have an impact on First Solar, which expectedly is responding to increasing pricing pressure from c-Si competitors.

According to Gartner, collapsing prices throughout the c-Si PV supply chain continue to eat away at the price advantage First Solar has enjoyed with its cadmium telluride (Cd Te) thin-film technology. Research Director Jim Hines reports that prices for bankable Chinese c-Si modules approaching the 2-US-dollar-per-watt level, and he believes that they are likely to reach 1.80 US-dollar per watt or lower by year-end. The company's announced rebate program, although very focused in its scope, is an acknowledgement of the pressure First Solar is facing in the current market environment, Garnter finds.

2009-08-06   Courtesy: Gartner, Inc.; Jim Hines   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Spire delivers solar module manufacturing line to Sova in India

Spire offers turnkey photovoltaic production lines combined with robotics by KUKA.

Spire Corporation (Spire; Bedford, Massachusetts), a global solar company providing turnkey factories and capital equipment for the production of photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules, and solar energy systems, on July 30th, 2009 announced that it had delivered a PV module assembly line to Sova Power Limited (Sova) located in Durgapur, West Bengal, India. Stepping up into the green and renewable energy sector, Sova, part of the Sova Group (Kolkata, India) along with Spire's industry expertise and equipment line, plans to provide a state-of-the-art PV module assembly line in India. Spire reports that the company has provided Sova with a semi-automated crystalline silicon module manufacturing line capable of producing up to 12 megawatts (MW) of solar modules per year.  According to the press release, Spire provides key interconnect, lamination, and testing machines, along with intermediate tooling stations. The company plans to supply the process technology and training to operate the factory, as well as assistance in qualifying the factory's modules to international standards and certification.




India's solar market is expanding rapidly

Spire reports that the line is designed to be easily expandable at a later date. Roger G. Little, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spire Corporation commented: "Spire's ability to deliver a complete solar factory, as well as the training needed to succeed in the solar market, enables companies with limited exposure to the industry to efficiently add solar module manufacturing to their business portfolio." Sajal Das, CEO of Sova Power Limited, said: "We are excited to work with Spire, the industry leader, on this important new venture. The solar market is expanding rapidly in India and Spire offers the quickest, most efficient path to joining the industry. We are confident that Spire's industry expertise and superior manufacturing equipment position us for success as we integrate solar manufacturing into our existing business."

2009-08-05   Courtesy: Spire Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Spire Corporation

Illinois Governor signs renewable energy bill, facilitates financing

Governor Pat Quinn signed a financing bill for renewables.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn on July 29th, 2009 announced that he had signed a financing bill that provides a state-backed guarantee supporting construction of renewable energy and clean coal projects that he expects will create jobs across Illinois. "SB 1906" clarifies the self-financed Illinois Finance Authority's (IFA) existing bonding authority for renewable energy and clean coal projects. The IFA principally engages in issuing taxable and tax-exempt bonds, making loans, and investing capital for businesses, non-profit corporations, agriculture and local government units in Illinois. Under the new law, the U.S.-state and the IFA will work in partnership to make available up to 3 billion US-dollars in guaranteed energy project financing for qualified renewable energy and clean coal efforts.   In addition, the law also increases the state and IFA's loan guarantee from 75 million US-dollars to 225 million US-dollars for agricultural businesses. According to the press release, it also provides guarantees to back qualified renewable energy projects such as wind, biodiesel or biomass initiatives that are related to agriculture. The new law is also expected to position Illinois to compete for federal stimulus loan guarantees designated for the new green projects.


Investment boost for renewable energy projects expected from legislation

"Illinois leads the way at protecting our environment while developing new green jobs for the 21st century", said Governor Quinn. "This legislation boosts investment in clean energy and sustainable practices that reduce our carbon footprint while generating greater employment opportunities." The legislation is also expected to help Illinois companies to take a leading role in the green energy industry and to create new jobs. "It is an important day for clean, renewable energy throughout Illinois, which will protect our environment and power our economy"; said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center in Chicago.

2009-08-05   Courtesy: www.illinois.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: www.illinois.gov

California: Clark Energy Group and Acciona selected to develop solar power project at DOD's Fort Irwin

Clark Energy and Acciona to develop solar power project at Fort Irwin.

Clark Energy Group LLC, an affiliate of Clark Realty Capital (Arlington, Virginia), on July 30th, 2009 announced that the company had been selected to develop the largest solar power project (CSP and PV) in the Department of Defense's (DOD) history at Fort Irwin, California. According to the press release, Acciona Solar Power (Henderson, Nevada), an affiliate of Acciona Energy North America Corporation, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acciona Energia S.A. (Madrid, Spain), will be joining Clark Energy Group in the efforts to construct and manage the Fort Irwin solar energy project.   The selection of Clark-Acciona was made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Enhanced Use Leasing (EUL) program in partnership with Fort Irwin and the Department of the Army. "This partnership with the Army will leverage abundant, clean sources of renewable energy to transform Fort Irwin's energy security", said Francis Coen, Managing Director of Clark Energy Group. "This visionary initiative demonstrates the Army's commitment to environmental stewardship while promoting economic growth."


500 MW solar power capacity with combined PV and CSP technologies

According to the press release, the Fort Irwin solar energy project will entail a flexible, phased, multi-technology approach to delivering up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of power generation. The Clark-Acciona proposal features the development of both photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar thermal (CSP) technologies at an industrial scale. Clark Energy Group reports that the proposed development will ultimately include more than 500 MW capacity of solar power that is expected to produce 1,250 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy per year. "Fort Irwin is proud to host this groundbreaking effort by the Department of the Army in partnership with Clark and Acciona", said Fort Irwin garrison Commander, Colonel Jim Chevalier. "The proposed solar technology generating plant is the largest solar project in the state, and it illustrates the commitment of Fort Irwin and the Army to incorporate environmental stewardship at all levels of operations." Fort Irwin is located in the California High Mojave Desert, midway between Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California.


Task force seeks to increase U.S. Army's energy security by tapping renewable sources

According to the press release, the Fort Irwin solar energy pilot project is based on an initiative by the Secretary of the Army's Senior Energy Council. The council is tasked with coordinating and promoting energy security and policy for the Army by utilizing measures to conserve and use energy wisely while also encouraging the production of alternative sources of energy from the Army's substantial land holdings across the United States. "The Army is aggressively exploring opportunities such as this to leverage renewable energy alternatives and improve our energy security posture, in close partnership with other government agencies and the private sector," said Jerry Hansen, Army Senior Energy Executive.

2009-08-05   Courtesy: Clark Energy Group LLC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Clark Energy Group LLC

BP Solar to supply PV modules for 2.42 MW rooftop PV system to at FedEx Ground's distribution hub

FedEx goes solar.

FedEx Ground (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), the small-package shipping unit of FedEx Corporation, on July 30th, 2009 announced that the company plans to install the nation's largest rooftop solar-electric system at its distribution hub in Woodbridge, New Jersey. According to the press release, this is the corporation's fifth solar power project and the third of a FedEx operating company with BP Solar. The photovoltaic system with a nominal capacity of 2.42 megawatts (MW) will cover approximately 3.3 acres of rooftop space with approximately 12,400 solar panels, FedEx reports.   When completed, the system is expected to produce approximately 2.6 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of solar electricity a year and could cover up to 30 percent of the hub's annual energy needs. "Our commitment to our customers and the communities in which we operate extends far beyond delivering packages on time and intact", said David F. Rebholz, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FedEx Ground. "We want to identify and implement ways that we can reduce energy use and shrink our carbon footprint. This project is a giant step forward in those efforts."


PV plant to reduce carbon footprint, secure energy supply

According to the agreement, BP Solar will install and operate the solar power system and FedEx will purchase the solar electricity. "FedEx Ground is a valued customer of BP", said Reyad Fezzani, President and CEO of BP Solar. According to the press release, the installation of the project is scheduled to begin in August 2009, and it is expected to be completed by November. When the system is fully operating, the project is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,867 metric tons annually. FedEx reports that the company also strategically works together with BP Solar to identify, develop and implement a range of solutions to increase FedEx's security of energy supply while improving its environmental performance. FedEx Freight on own account has two solar power systems in operation, one with a capacity of 282 kilowatts (kW) in Whittier, California, and another in Fontana, California (269 kW). Also, FedEx reports that it had activated a 904-kW system at its Oakland, California, hub facility in 2005 and that the company is currently constructing its Central and Eastern European gateway at the Cologne/Bonn, Germany, airport, which will include a 1.4-MW solar power system.

2009-08-05   Courtesy: BP solar; FedEx Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: FedEx Corporation

Evergreen Solar signs manufacturing agreement with Jiawei Solar

PV module production at Evergreen Solar's facility in Devens (USA)

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Marlboro, Massachusetts), a manufacturer of solar panels and products, on July 30th, 2009 announced that it has finalized agreements with Jiawei Solarchina Co., Ltd. (Jiawei; Shenzhen, China) and the Wuhan Government's investment company Hubei Science & Technology Investment Co., Ltd. (HSTIC). Under the terms of the agreements, Evergreen Solar will manufacture "String Ribbon" wafers at a leased facility being built by Jiawei in Wuhan, China, and Jiawei will convert these wafers into Evergreen Solar-branded panels on a contract manufacturing basis. Evergreen Solar reports that it will reimburse Jiawei for its cell and panel conversion costs, plus a contract manufacturing fee.   The actual price paid to Jiawei will be negotiated annually. Also, Evergreen Solar pledges to invest 17 million US-dollars in cash and equipment in the Wuhan operation, and HSTIC is expected to provide Evergreen Solar with 33 million US-dollars of 7.5 percent financing, which Evergreen Solar has to repay no later than July 2014. Jiawei pledges to make a similar investment for its cell and panel operations with the support of HSTIC. According to the press release, the initial production capacity is estimated at 100 megawatts (MW). The construction of the factory has already begun, and the parties expect that wafer, cell and panel production will begin in the spring of 2010, Evergreen Solar reports in its press release.


Production capacity to be expanded to 500 MW; manufacturing costs to be in the range of 1.40 to 1.50 US-dollar

According to the agreements, the participating parties intend to expand the production capacity of their respective manufacturing operations to approximately 500 MW by 2012, with the timing and extent of any potential expansion to be determined in 2010. Richard M. Feldt, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Evergreen Solar, announced: "As we reach the 25 MW quarterly capacity by the end of 2010, we expect total manufacturing costs of our String Ribbon panels produced in China to be in the range of 1.40 to 1.50 US-dollar per watt with both companies working aggressively to further improve technological performance as well as reduce manufacturing costs. Our mutual goal is to drive conversion efficiency and manufacturing performance so that panels are produced at the 1.00 US-dollar per watt level by no later than 2012."

2009-08-05   Courtesy: Evergreen Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Evergreen Solar Inc.

U.S. Departments of Energy and Treasury accepting applications for funding for renewable energy projects

Chu: "Encouraging private capital to invest in clean energy"

With the goal of expanding development of renewable energy projects throughout the United States and creating new jobs, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (DOT) on July 31st, 2009 announced that they are now accepting applications for a program that will make direct payments in lieu of tax credits to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities. The two Departments estimate to distribute at least 3 billion US-dollars in financial support to approximately 5,000 bio-mass, solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy production facilities.   According to the press release, the funding for this effort is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu commented: "This program will play a major role in encouraging private sector capital to invest in clean energy development, creating new jobs that can't be outsourced. It is an investment that will continue to help our economy grow and ensure advancement in clean and renewable energy development."


Instant reimbursement of property expense for renewable energy improvements in lieu of tax credits

The ARRA authorizes the DOT to make direct payments to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities beginning January 1st, 2009. Previously, these companies could file for a tax credit to cover a portion of the renewable energy project's cost, the Departments report. Under the new program, applicants need to agree to forgo future tax credits in favor of an immediate reimbursement of a portion of the property expense. The DOE plans to assist the DOT in implementing this program by reviewing the technical merits of the applications. According to the press release, the Departments expect a fast acceleration of businesses applying for the direct cash payment in lieu of the tax credit, allowing for an immediate stimulus in local economies. "As we move quickly to get our economy back on track and to repair the financial system, we must make investments that lay the foundation for a stronger economic future", said Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. "Too many renewable energy projects have stalled due to a lack of financing. The Recovery Act program will lead to investment in our long-term energy needs, move us towards energy independence, increase jobs at energy-specific businesses, and protect our environment."

2009-08-04   Courtesy: www.energy.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: doe.gov

Evergreen Solar cooperates with Export-Import Bank of the United States to offer low-interest loans for solar PV projects abroad

PV module production at Evergreen Solar's facility in Devens (USA).

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Marlboro, Massachusetts), a manufacturer solar photovoltaic products, on July 28th, 2009 announced that it is working with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank; Washington, D.C.) to provide low-interest financing for solar PV projects using Evergreen Solar panels outside of the United States. According to the press release, the program is intended to spur the export of U.S.-made renewable energy products and is part of a mandate in Ex-Im Bank's Congressional Charter. Evergreen Solar reports that its customers are currently applying for PV projects with a combined capacity of almost 90 megawatts (MW) in varying stages of the loan process with the Ex-Im Bank.   The bank offers U.S. Dollar denominated loans with a 4.9 percent fixed interest rate over an 18-year period for PV project developers or project owners that will cover 85 percent of the U.S.-made product cost and up to an additional 30 percent to cover installation, design, engineering, inverting, racking and other installation-related expenses. Remaining project costs can be financed with separate bank loans as needed, Evergreen Solar reports.


A significant financing tool for international partners

"At a time when many companies are struggling to attain credit for capital expenditures in a difficult financial market, the Ex-Im Bank's office of renewable energy has been extremely helpful in offering a significant financing tool for our international partners which greatly assists us in our continued business success outside of the U.S.", said Terry Bailey, Evergreen Solar's Senior Vice President of sales and marketing. "Our international customers have been very enthusiastic about this added benefit we can offer them as a U.S. manufacturer." According to the press release, the Ex-Im Bank will also provide guarantees for loans which can be issued in any currency. To apply for a loan as part of the Ex-Im Bank program, customers are asked to work directly with Evergreen Solar's Ex-Im Bank support specialist. The final approval process due to the press release can range from a few weeks up to three months depending on the loan type, Evergreen Solar reports.

2009-08-04   Courtesy: Evergreen Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Solar Energy Initiatives secures land to build a 300 MW solar PV park in West Texas

Commercial PV system by Solar Energy Initiatives.

Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. (Ponte Verda Beach, Florida), on July 29th, 2009 announced that the company had signed a contract securing land for the design, construction and operation of a solar photovoltaic park in West Texas. According to the press release, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) will be formed to own, finance and operate the PV power plant. Solar Energy Initiatives plans to sell the solar panels and balance of system to the LLC, thereby generating as much as 750 million US-dollars in revenue within a 6 year time period. During the first year of development the project is expected to generate over 100 million US-dollars in sales of solar panels alone. The company believes that the construction of the 300 megawatt (MW) system represents the largest non-utility owned solar park to be created.  Preliminary work, including zoning, permitting, EPA approvals and other activities are scheduled to begin immediately, with construction set to begin in the coming 18 months. At full capacity, the solar park is expected to generate enough solar electricity for approximately 60,000 homes, thereby displacing about 700,000 metric tons of carbon emissions annually. "Solar Energy Initiatives is thrilled to have secured such a monumental contract", stated David Fann, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solar Energy Initiatives. "The size and scope of this venture represents a significant milestone in establishing the company as a true market leader within the rapidly expanding solar deployment sector."

2009-08-04   Courtesy: Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc.

ACCIONA opens its first CSP plant in Extremadura, Spain

Alvarado I uses the same technology as Nevada Solar One (picture).

ACCIONA Energy S.A. (Spain) reported on July 27th, 2009 that the company has opened its first Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant in the Spanish municipality of Alvarado (Badajoz). According to the press release, the 50 megawatt (MW) facility represents an investment of 236 million euros (332 million US-dollars) and uses the same parabolic cylinder technology as in ACCIONA's "Nevada Solar One'" CSP plant.  According to the press release, the "Alvarado I" CSP plant spreads out over more than 130 hectares (321 acres), where 184,320 mirrors and 768 solar collectors are aligned in rows with a total length of about 74 kilometers (46 miles). An average of 350 people worked throughout the 18-month construction period which began in February 2008, and a team of 31 will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the plant. Guillermo Fernández Vara, the President of the Extremadura Regional Government, José Manuel Entrecanales, ACCIONA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Miguel Celdrán , the Mayor of Badajoz, and a number of regional and local officials were in attendance at the opening ceremony of the solar power plant.



Annual production of over 100 million kWh expected of first CSP facility in the Extremadura

"Alvarado I" is expected to generate 102 million kilowatthours (kWh) of clean, renewable electricity a year, thereby offsetting about 108,000 tons of CO2-emissions and generating enough energy to supply 28,000 households. Parabolic cylinder energy uses rows of mirrors to concentrate sunlight on to collector tubes, in which a heat-transfer fluid is heated to a temperature of up to 400ºC (752 F). The fluid is used to produce steam, which drives a conventional turbine connected to a generator to produce electricity. ACCIONA reports that one of the main advantages of CSP plants is that they are at the peak of their production during the central hours of the day, when the demand for air conditioning in nearby cities is at its highest. As a result, they are believed to make an important contribution to covering demand at peak load. In addition to its Alvarado I plant, the company has three other plants currently under construction in Spain: one in Majadas de Tiétar (Cáceres) and two in Palma del Río (Cordoba). Each one is designed to have an installed capacity of 50 MW, which means that ACCIONA expects to have a total of 200 MW in CSP operating in Spain, in addition to the existing 64 MW installed capacity in the USA.

2009-08-03   Courtesy: ACCIONA Energy S.A.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ACCIONA Energy S.A.

PSE&G to install 80 MW of PV capacity by 2013, doubling New Jersey's solar capacity

PSE&G lineman Ryan Lucas adjusts a solar panel.

New Jersey's largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G; Newark, New Jersey) on July 29th, 2009 announced that it had received approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to invest 515 million US-dollars in solar projects with a capacity of 80 megawatts (MW), doubling the state's solar PV capacity and creating green jobs. Under an agreement reached in its "Solar 4 All" filing, the utility expects to complete the installations by the end of 2013.   PSE&G reports that the program has two segments, each 40 MW in size. The first segment consists of installing 200 watt capacity solar units on 200,000 utility poles in PSE&G's service territory which are to be connected directly with PSE&G's electric distribution system. According to the press release, this will be the largest pole-attached solar installation in the world. The second segment will focus on centralized solar, with PSE&G developing solar gardens and roof-top installations on facilities it owns and at third-party sites.



200,000 pole-attached solar units to be manufactured by New Jersey company Petra Solar

"Our program will effectively double the size of New Jersey's installed solar capacity", said Ralph LaRossa, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PSE&G. "That is more solar capacity than currently exists in any state other than California. We have worked with New Jersey regulators and the solar community to develop a program that brings the benefits of solar to all of our customers." PSE&G also announced that it awarded the contract for the supply of the 200,000 pole-attached units to New Jersey-based Petra Solar (South Plainfield, New Jersey), which committed to produce the solar units in New Jersey and expects to hire more than 100 employees to meet the needs of the contract. Shihab Kuran, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Petra Solar said: "Our pole-mounted, grid-connected system delivers true technological innovation. The interaction of solar generation and smart grid technology will enable PSE&G to enhance the reliability of its delivery of electricity to customers." LaRossa added: "It is great to see the promise of green jobs becoming a reality, especially in these rough economic times. PSE&G programs approved by the BPU to promote energy efficiency, develop renewables and accelerate infrastructure investments are putting hundreds of New Jersey residents to work at a time when it is most needed."


Centralized solar projects with 500 kW plus capacity

The centralized solar segment of the "Solar 4 All" program, which involves projects of 500 kilowatts (kW) or more, will consist of several sub-segments, PSE&G reports. The largest will be the development of 25 MW of solar gardens or rooftop installations at PSE&G-owned sites. The company also plans to work with solar developers to install 10 MW of solar on third- party sites and five MW in municipalities that have New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zones (UEZs) within PSE&G's electric service area. PSE&G reports that it will receive federal tax credits and solar renewable energy credits, which can also be used to offset the cost to customers. It is estimated that the Solar 4 All program will cost the company's average residential customer about 10 cents a month in the first year of the program.

2009-08-03   Courtesy: PSEG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Mark Lovretin/PSEG

Bosch announces planned takeover offer for PV producers aleo solar AG and Johanna Solar Technology GmbH

aleo Solar's PV module production in Prenzlau.

The Management Board of the German PV module producer aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau) on August 3rd, 2009 announced in a press release that some of the key shareholders, which together hold almost 40 percent of aleo solar AG's share capital, have signed agreements with Robert Bosch GmbH to sell their shares to the latter. The selling shareholders comprise a group of investors around Marius Eriksen, the company's initiator and co-founder, as well as a company closely associated with HANNOVER Finanz, a financial investor who has invested in aleo solar since 2005. This transaction is subject to the formal proviso that antitrust authorities approve it and that the minimum acquisition threshold of possibly 75 percent (which shall be fixed in the voluntary public takeover offer) is reached.   The purchase price is EUR 9.00 in cash per aleo share and thus 33 percent above the closing price of EUR 6.78 per share on Friday, July 31, 2009, and 43 percent above the weighted average price of one aleo share in XETRA® trading during the three months preceding publication of this transaction (EUR 6.31).


Aleo CEO Smit: An ideal supplement for Bosch's activities in photovoltaics

Bosch intends to submit a suitable voluntary public takeover offer to the shareholders of aleo solar AG with the aim of acquiring the latter's remaining shares in connection with its acquisition of close to 40 percent of the shares of aleo solar AG. The Management Board of aleo solar AG welcomes the proposed transaction and considers Bosch to be an excellent partner. Jakobus Smit, also co-founder and Chairman of aleo solar AG's Management Board, emphasizes: "We consistently positioned ourselves as a premium brand and built up a strong, own sales organization. Hence we are pleased that in Bosch's view, we are ideally suited for supplementing its current activities in photovoltaics, which are essentially rooted in its acquisition of ersol Solar Energy AG in 2008. As part of this network, we will successfully continue to move along the growth trajectory we launched in recent years."


Excellent news for Prenzlau and Oldenburg

The co-founder and chairman of the Supervisory Board of aleo solar AG Marius Eriksen adds: "This confirms the strategy we've been pursuing for years. Bosch's decision to continue expanding the Prenzlau production site, as well as the Oldenburg location for both the German and international sales organization and marketing, under the present management constitutes a special recognition of the performance of all our employees and Management Board members. It also is excellent news for the cities of Prenzlau and Oldenburg."


Bosch also to acquire a majority stake in Johanna Solar Technology GmbH

Bosch simultaneously entered into an agreement with the shareholders of Johanna Solar Technology GmbH to acquire a majority stake in Johanna Solar Technology GmbH. aleo solar will no longer pursue its plan to purchase additional shares in Johanna Solar Technology GmbH if the voluntary public takeover offer and the acquisition agreements are executed. In aleo solar's view, Bosch will be an excellent majority shareholder for Johanna Solar Technology GmbH. Bosch's technological expertise will enable it to provide the support that Johanna Solar Technology GmbH needs in taking its sophisticated production processes to the level of optimized mass production.


Bosch entered the photovoltaic industry by acquiring ersol Solar Energy AG in June 2008

The Bosch Group entered the photovoltaic industry by acquiring ersol Solar Energy AG in June 2008. It established a separate division - Solar Energy - for its photovoltaic business and has been consistently expanding it ever since. Acquiring aleo solar AG is the next logical step in its quest to position itself as an integrated provider. Besides photovoltaics, the Bosch Group also offers numerous additional systems for utilizing regenerative energies. Bosch Rexroth delivers gears and drive technology for wind turbines, as well as hydraulic actuators for solar thermal power stations, besides developing drive concepts for the emerging field of marine power generation. Bosch Thermotechnology is a leading supplier of electrical heat pumps and of solar collectors for hot-water generation.

2009-08-03   Courtesy: aleo solar AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG

Pike Research study: U.S. solar demand is improving but financing remains a roadblock

PV growth until 2015 US (blue) vs. all other Countries.

The appetite for solar projects in the United States has lagged market leaders like Germany and Spain, however increased federal and state subsidies have begun to take effect and demand for solar in certain markets like New Jersey and California is heating up. This is the key finding of a new report by market research and consulting company Pike Research (Boulder, Colorado), which was announced at the End of July 2009. Analysts expect the U.S. solar market to surpass Spain in 2009 and to top Germany by 2013. However, the report points out that financing for solar projects remains elusive.  "The weak supply of tax equity combined with heightened credit requirements has led to numerous project cancellations and delays nationwide, with over 75 MW, totaling 450 million US-dollars, of idle projects in New Jersey alone", says Industry Analyst George Kotzias. "But the tide is beginning to turn as evidenced by Wells Fargo and U.S. Bancorp - both of which have established tax equity funds for solar projects."



European solar players attracted to U.S. solar market

In Pike Research's analysis, solar companies that stand to benefit most from a U.S. boom include First Solar, SunPower, Suntech, Yingli, Akeena, and Real Goods Solar. "As soon as financing picks up, the demand is there", says Kotzias. "In addition to the increase in subsidies, module prices have dropped by as much as 50 percent and installed costs have dropped over 30 percent over the past year", he adds. According to the analysis, a combination of drivers has attracted the market entry of established developers from Europe as well as many domestic start-ups. Pike Research reports that its new report, dubbed "U.S. Solar Energy Demand Dynamics," analyzes government incentives, financing structures, and internal rates of return on a state-by-state level. According to the press release, cost components for solar project development are quantified in detail, and the report also includes solar PV market forecasts that provide a clear and actionable view of the size and timing of market opportunities. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the company's website: http://www.pikeresearch.com/research/us-solar-energy-demand-dynamics

2009-08-03   Courtesy: Pike Research   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Pike Research

Paul Gipe: Britain's feed-in tariff program will put a stamp of approval for this policy mechanism to develop renewable energy

Paul Gipe.

Paul Gipe, renowned advocate for feed-in-tariffs for renewable energies (RE) and author of numerous articles and books on the subject, on July 23rd, 2009 released his stance on the recent announcement by Ed Miliband, Britain's Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, detailing the Labour Government's proposed feed-in tariff policy. According to Gipe, Miliband has done what had once been unthinkable, namely to put a British stamp of approval on feed-in tariffs as a policy mechanism for developing renewable energy.   Gipe believes that this move can have potentially far reaching ramifications in the English speaking world, where there has been reluctance to use full-fledged systems of feed-in tariffs, sometimes on ideological grounds. According to the analysis, there may now be less reticence towards implementing sophisticated feed-in tariff programs, now that Britain, Ontario, and South Africa have definitively moved in this direction. The program's designers apparently took their task seriously and didn't opt for a system of faux or false feed-in tariffs, what North American campaigners have begun derisively calling FITINOs, feed-in tariffs in name only.


Promising new features of feed-in tariff put "UK-stamp" on proposed policy

The British proposal, according to Gipe, has contributed several innovative new twists on feed-in tariff design that will mark the program as "made in the United Kingdom." New features include tariffs for Combined Heat & Power (CHP), a distinct tariff for small solar PV systems on new homes, and a separate tariff for existing homes. Most significantly, program designers have included a mechanism to encourage homeowners and small businesses to reduce their electricity consumption, Gipe reports. For example, solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays will be paid for all their generation. However, they will receive a bonus, currently at 0.05 Pounds Sterling per kilowatt hour (kWh; 0.08 US-dollars/kWh, 0.09 Canadian dollars /kWh), for electricity delivered to the grid over and above their domestic consumption. Thus, if homeowners are able to cut their domestic consumption, and sell more electricity to the grid as a result, they are paid the bonus on top of the posted feed-in tariff.


Target of 2 percent believed to be insufficient

The proposed program, like the successful programs it was modeled after, was designed to "set tariffs at a level to encourage investment in small scale low carbon generation," Gipe reports. This is in contrast to what he calls "faux" feed-in tariffs that set the tariffs on the "value" of renewable energy to the system as in the California Public Utility Commission's program, which is believed to be largely ineffective. Unfortunately, Gipe remarks, the program's targets are timid at best, namely two percent of Britain's electricity consumption by 2020, and the tariffs are limited by law to projects that have less than 5 megawatts (MW) capacity in order to protect the country's stumbling "Renewable Obligation," the preferred mechanism for developing larger projects. The two percent target requires the generation of only 8 billion kWh (8 Terawatt hours; TWh) per year, which compared to Germany's 40 TWh generated wind energy and 4 TWh generated solar energy seems very small. "For community-scale or larger on-site projects," says David Timms, a senior campaigner with Friends of the Earth (UK), "the rates are inadequate." Britain's feed-in tariff program is expected to begin in early April 2010 after an extensive consultation. Gipe concludes: "While limited in scope, Britain's proposed feed-in tariff program is as sophisticated, if not more so, as any proposed in the United States, and will put the country on the world map of innovative renewable energy policy." For more information on FITs and other policies regarding renewable energy generation, visit Paul Gipe's homepage
http://www.wind-works.org.

2009-08-02   Courtesy: Paul Gipe   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: http://www.wind-works.org

DOE-funded research projects win 46 R&D 100 Awards for 2009

U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu at the End of July 2009 announced that Energy Department-funded researchers have won 46 of the 100 awards given out this year by R&D Magazine for the most outstanding technology developments with promising commercial potential. The coveted awards are presented annually in recognition of exceptional new products, processes, materials or software developed throughout the world and introduced into the market the previous year.   "The Department of Energy's national laboratories are incubators of innovation, and I'm proud they are being recognized once again for their remarkable work," said Chu. "The cutting-edge research and development being done in our national labs is vital to maintaining America's competitive edge, increasing our nation's energy security, and protecting our environment. I want to thank this year's winners for their work and congratulate them on this award."


12 of the 17 DOE National Laboratories win R&D 100 Awards

According to the Department of Energy (DOE) announcement, the R&D 100 Awards highlight some of the successes made by the Department's national laboratories in technology transfer, moving forward basic research results into commercial products. This year, scientists and engineers from 12 of the 17 DOE National Laboratories as well as the "Nevada Test Site" received the renowned awards, which are selected by an independent panel of judges based on the technical significance, uniqueness and usefulness of projects and technologies from across industry, government and academia. Among the award-winning DOE-sponsored institutions were the Ames Laboratory (Ames, Iowa) which was recognized for a virtual engineering software to design next-generation plants with high efficiencies and near-zero emissions, the Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne, Illinois) for a novel lithium-ion battery technology that can be used in plug–in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV)and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley, California) for nanocrystal solar cells that had been developed jointly with Solexant (San Jose, California). The DOE reports that this novel technology performs the same function as conventional solar cells at one-fifth the cost. Because of this dramatic cost savings, the technology is believed to have the potential to be the first photovoltaic (PV) cell to achieve widespread use in the energy market.


Carbon capture, testing and solar technologies recognized

Among some of the other facilities recognized with R&D 100 Awards is the Los Alamos National Laboratory (Los Alamos, New Mexico), which received one of its five awards for the "SIMTECHE Carbon Dioxide Capture Process" which is said to be able to capture and compress the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide emitted by fossil fuel power plants and other industrial operations. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL; Golden, Colorado) was recognized with three awards, one of which was for its ultra-accelerated weathering system, which is a multifaceted, ultraviolet solar concentrator used to speed up the exposure of coatings, paints and other materials to determine their durability and resistance to weathering. Industry applications of this technology include coatings used for solar panels as well as paints or finishes used on homes, cars or even bridges, the DOE reports. This testing method, which had been developed jointly with Atlas Material Testing Technology and the Institute of Laser Optical Technology, is said to provide results 12 times faster than other accelerated weathering systems, and can replicate years of sun damage in just a few weeks. Also, the NREL was recognized for the joint development of the "SkyTrough" parabolic trough solar concentrating collector with SkyFuel, Inc. (Albuquerque, New Mexico). This technology uses a lightweight and weatherproof reflector to create a low cost system for utility-sized power generation, which is believed to allow for 35 percent lower installed cost.


Awards reconfirm investments in National Laboratories

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Oak Ridge, Tennessee) was in part awarded for fire-resistive phase change material that can be used to insulate buildings to improve the heating and cooling efficiencies. Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque, New Mexico) won five R&D 100 Awards, one of them was issued for the development of high-temperature silicon carbide power modules which convert electrical energy from one form to another and which are said to reduce the size and volume of power electronic systems. Applications are being examined for hybrid and electric vehicles, renewable energy interfaces, and aircraft. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that its 17 world-class National Laboratories are working to make scientific breakthroughs to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including energy and environment, national security and U.S. competitiveness.

2009-08-02   Courtesy: http://www.energy.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

Chinese Producer Solarfun to supply Czech Nobility Solar projects with 14.2 MW of high efficiency modules

Solar cell production at Solarfun.

Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. Shanghai, China) a vertically-integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots and photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, on July 29th, 2009 announced that Nobility Solar Projects a.s. ("Nobility") has agreed to purchase 14.2 MW of high efficiency PV modules from Solarfun during the second half of 2009. Nobility, due to Solarfun a leading distributor of solar products in Eastern Europe, is Solarfun's distribution partner in the region.   Peter Xie, President of Solarfun, commented: "Eastern Europe, and specifically the Czech Republic, is a good new developing market for solar products. Our agreement with Nobility demonstrates our ability to not only penetrate new markets, but also quickly increase high quality, high efficiency PV module shipment volumes. Nobility is the leading distributor of solar products in Eastern Europe and we are pleased to be a part of this growing business relationship. This agreement also reflects an improvement in demand that we see for our business in the second half of the year."

"This agreement secures Nobility a strong bankable partner for module deliveries. Through this partnership, Solarfun gains a significant market share in the Czech Republic and other Eastern European countries, which would be very hard to achieve without a strong local partner", declared Lubomir Bures, Vice President of Nobility.

2009-08-01   Courtesy: Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

Pennsylvania Governor announces availability of tax credits for alternative energy projects

Governor Edward G. Rendell.

Pensylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell on July 27th, 2009 announced the availability of a new tax credit to help Pennsylvanians to create renewable sources of clean, alternative energy and to battle high energy costs. "When I signed the 'Alternative Energy Investment Act' last July, the goal was to make available a number of funding options to assist Pennsylvania's residents and businesses seeking to battle rising energy costs by developing projects that generate clean, renewable energy, reduce energy consumption and save money", said Governor Rendell. "Pennsylvania has established itself as a leader in developing and deploying clean renewable energy sources. This tax credit gives us another tool that we can use to continue that trend."   According to the Governor's press release, the Alternative Energy Production Tax Credit Program provides a tax credit of 15 percent of the net cost of alternative energy production projects incurred between July 9th and December 31st, 2008. Types of eligible projects include solar, wind, geothermal, biologically derived methane gas, fuel cells, biomass and coal methane. The program sets a limit of 1 million US-dollars per applicant and 5 million US-dollars for the program total. In the case that the amount of approved tax credits exceed the limit, all tax credits will be pro-rated, Rendell explains. Interested parties are asked to apply for the tax credit by September 15th, 2009.


Tax-credits and solar program in place to fund Pennsylvania's renewable energy projects

"Every day, more and more Pennsylvanians continue to develop alternative energy projects. By doing so, they are investing in their financial futures and the future of our state," said Governor Rendell. "The 'Tax Credit Program', along with the Pennsylvania 'Sunshine Solar' program that provides rebates up to 35 percent for residential and small business solar projects, are two examples of how we can continue to work toward energy independence." The application package including guidance, instructions and application forms is made available electronically at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: "Alternative Energy Tax Credit." The application package is also available by contacting the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

2009-08-01   Courtesy: http://www.governor.state.pa.us   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: www.governor.state.pa.us/