•  
Solar Magazine

Solar News


 

Photovoltaics: German SOLON SE to enter the Israeli market via cooperation with Pretium Renewable Energy Ltd.

PV tracking system
PV tracking system "SOLON Single Axis"

SOLON SE (Berlin), one of the largest solar module manufacturers in Europe and a supplier of solar power plants, has signed an agreement with Israeli company Pretium Renewable Energy Ltd. aimed at cooperating in the Israeli photovoltaic (PV) market. This strategic move is intended to capitalize on the attractive feed-in tariffs for greenfield solar power plants that are expected to be introduced shortly, SOLON reports in a press release. Under the cooperation agreement, the two companies will jointly implement large-scale greenfield PV installations, predominantly in the southern part of Israel.  Pretium will be in charge of project development and financing, and SOLON will carry out construction of the turnkey power plants. Various locations are already being evaluated, with implementation of the initial projects expected for 2010. At the new installations, single-axis photovoltaic tracking systems (SOLON Single Axis) will be used primarily. These are particularly suited to erecting large-scale power plants on level sites under the geographic conditions in Israel.



Expansion of feed-in tariff on large-scale greenfield installations with an installed capacity of up to 5 MWp announced

Pretium will also represent and promote Solon's EPC services in Israel and together the parties will offer a unique whole solution for renewable energy investors willing to participate in the Israeli photovoltaic market. The announced expansion of the existing feed-in tariff for rooftop installations on large-scale greenfield installations with an installed capacity of up to 5 MWp opens up major market potential in Israel. The agreement with Pretium - a locally established partner with outstanding connections - puts SOLON in an excellent position to move into the Israeli market for large-scale greenfield installations.

2009-09-30   Courtesy: SOLON SE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SOLON SE

 

Suntech Brings utility-scale solar to China: First 10 MW ground mounted photovoltaic system connected to the grid

Suntech powers Chinese PV plant with 37,000 solar panels.
Suntech powers Chinese PV plant
with 37,000 solar panels.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., the world's leading manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, on September 30th announced the completion and grid connection of the first 10 MW utility-scale solar photovoltaic project in China. Located in Shizuishan, Ningxia Autonomous Region, the 10 MW ground mounted PV plant is the first phase of a 50 MW solar plant that is targeted to be completed by 2011 in conjunction with Suntech's strategic partner, China Energy Conservation Investment Corporation (CECIC). In addition to supplying high quality solar modules for the system, Suntech designed, installed and managed the development of the solar system and holds a minority share of the project.   The 10 MW PV system, which was approved by the Ningxia Autonomous Region Development and Reform Commission in June, 2009, is powered by more than 37,000 Suntech solar panels and is projected to displace approximately 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.



A major milestone in the development of China's renewable energy industry

Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO said: "Suntech is very pleased and honored to play a leading role in the development of the first on-grid 10 MW solar PV power plant in China, which represents a major milestone in the development of China's renewable energy industry. We applaud the decisive steps taken by China's central government and local government to support sustainable energy development and establish a greener economy in China. With closer cooperation between strategic energy investors, power developers and solution providers, I am confident that solar energy will become increasingly cost effective and achieve grid parity in many locations over the next few years."

Mr. Longsheng Li, Deputy General Manager of CECIC commented: "We believe that plentiful, large-scale solar resources, powered by Suntech's premium quality solar systems and system integration capabilities, can deliver decades of clean, renewable electricity throughout many regions in China. We will continue to actively promote the adoption of large-scale solar PV projects and solutions for reducing carbon emissions and solving problems associated with climate change."

Under a strategic agreement announced in 2009, Suntech and CECIC plan to focus on the development of large scale on-grid solar projects, urban building integrated PV projects, rural off-grid solar projects, and wind-solar hybrid projects. For such projects, CECIC will primarily be responsible for project investment and solar project development and Suntech will supply solar products, system design, installation and technical support.


2009-09-30   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

 

Dye solar cell producer Dyesol technology wins Australian Chief Minister's 2009 Export Award

Dye solar cells.
Dye solar cells.

Dyesol Limited (Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia), manufacturer and supplier of a range of dye solar cell (DSC) technology and products on September 22nd, 2009 announced that it had won the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Chief Minister's 2009 "Export Award" for the "Small to Medium Manufacturer's Category". Established in 2004, Dyesol reports it has fast-tracked the development of DSC in 2005 by partnering with established companies in key markets, forming alliances with global giants in the energy and construction materials sectors to develop and commercialize DSC on strip steel produced on a coil coating line.   According to the press release, Dyesol is now represented or has subsidiaries in 17 countries and regions with major initiatives being in Europe and the Asian regions of Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. Australia is said to remain the center for new technology development and initial scale up studies, while products and materials will be manufactured wherever the market demand is strong.



Solar technology that mimicks photosynthesis recognized with award

Dyesol reports that the winners of the State and Territory Export Awards are automatically entered into the Australian National Export Awards. The national program, the Australian Export Awards, is to select winners from 12 categories to recognize the best Australian exporters. One of these winners will then receive the highest accolade, which is to be selected as the Prime Minister's Australian Exporter of the Year. Ross MacDiarmid, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dyesol Australia, said: "Winning the Chief Minister's 2009 Export Award is enormously satisfying. Our success can be attributed to many things, not least of all the support and commitment of the Dyesol team, the support of federal, state and territory governments and importantly, our sheer determination to continue to be the world leader in the commercialization of DSC technology." The company reports that unlike other photovoltaic (PV) cells that require direct sunlight, Dyesol's DSC nanotechnology works in all light levels, does not have to directly face the sun for photosynthesis to operate, and can operate in the shade. According to the press release, the technology can be used in many applications that would be impossible for conventional PV technology because it mimics the photosynthesis process, meaning the voltage is virtually independent of light levels.

2009-09-30   Courtesy: Dyesol Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Dyesol Limited

 

Spire opens Taiwan branch office, expands customer service operations in Asia

Spire Corporation (Bedford, Massachusetts), a global solar company providing capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) modules and turnkey PV manufacturing lines, on September 25th, 2009 announced that it has established the wholly-owned subsidiary, Spire Taiwan LLC, with an office in Hsinchu County, Taiwan.   "Spire Taiwan will provide rapid customer communications and will enhance its growing position within the region", said Roger G. Little, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spire Corporation. "It is a headquarters for equipment service operations and will support customers throughout China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines, as well as others in the region." According to Little, the branch is to be staffed with multilingual sales and service engineers to allow the company's customers to receive immediate care. Spire also plans to establish a regional spare parts inventory warehouse in Taiwan. "And of course, Taiwan itself is a major player in solar manufacturing, having recently established the Taiwan PV Standards Committee and has initiated government incentives to stimulate the industry", said Little.

2009-09-30   Courtesy: Spire Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SunEdison receives its first grant under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

SunEdison identified close to 200 megawatt (MWp) of solar energy projects to be accelerated by US grant program.
SunEdison identified close to 200 megawatt
(MWp) of solar energy projects to be
accelerated by US grant program.

SunEdison (Beltsville, Maryland), North America's largest solar energy services provider, on September 22nd, 2009 received its first grant in lieu of investment tax credit (ITC) under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The company reports that this 992,000 US-dollar grant was issued for a 443-kilowatt (KW) photovoltaic (PV) system at Owens Corning's facility in Kearny, New Jersey.   Following the award notification by the Department of Treasury (DOT), Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Energy Secretary Steven Chu invited Carlos Domenech, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SunEdison, to participate in a White House roundtable meeting of select industry executives to discuss expanding development of clean, domestic sources of energy. Speaking of the event, Domenech noted: "We were honored to participate in the roundtable discussion. SunEdison's initial application was approved less than 3 weeks after we submitted our request. Given the streamlined application process, we expect to submit new projects from our pipeline almost weekly."



Up to 200 MW of solar energy projects considered for Section 1603 of ARRA

"The 1603 grants will accelerate our efforts to reduce our customers' energy costs, create installation and integration jobs and deliver measurable environmental benefits", Domenech said. In light of the changes brought about by Section 1603, SunEdison reports that it has identified close to 200 megawatt (MWp) of distributed solar energy projects that could be accelerated by the grant program. Created as part of the ARRA, Section 1603 provides a cash payment in lieu of the Investment Tax Credit of up to 30 % of qualifying project costs. These payments are expected to improve the project viability and enhance liquidity for projects by attracting new investment, thus enabling companies to create and retain jobs and contribute to the administration's goal of doubling renewable energy generation capacity within three years.

2009-09-30   Courtesy: SunEdison   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunEdison.

 

ARISE Technologies produces first solar cells using own high-purity polysilicon

Solar cell by ARISE.
Solar cell by ARISE.

ARISE Technologies Corporation (Silicon Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and Bischofswerda, Germany), manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, on September 24th, 2009 announced that it had produced its first photovoltaic cells at its manufacturing plant in Bischofswerda, Germany using the company's own high-purity polysilicon. ARISE reports that its silicon feedstock development project is being partially funded by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). According to the press release, the project is to develop a new approach for refining high-purity silicon needed for high-efficiency PV cells.   The proprietary process that ARISE is developing is intended to produce 7N+ high-purity (99.99999 % purity level) silicon for PV applications using a simplified chemical vapor deposition process.

ARISE believes that its ability to produce 7N+ high-purity silicon will enable it to meet its target of more than 20 % efficiency for PV cells. Jeff Dawkins, Vice-President and General Manager, PV Silicon Division of ARISE, said: "This marks the first time that we have used our Silicon Refining Furnace ('SiRF') to produce 7N+ high-purity silicon in a quantity that could be used to manufacture PV cells with an efficiency level comparable to those being produced at our German plant. Our current cell manufacturing process uses silicon wafers that we have purchased from other suppliers."


Ontario's FIT program expected to start surge of clean-energy projects

Ian MacLellan, President of ARISE's Systems Division believes that the September 24th, 2009 announcement by the Government of Ontario that it is proceeding with the Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) program as an element of its "Green Energy and Green Economy Act" will launch a surge of clean-energy projects ranging from small, residential installations to industrial and utility-scale generating systems. ARISE expects to benefit from the new FIT program, which replaces the government's previous Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP). As outlined in the government's announcement, the FIT are to improve payback and make the economics for solar systems more attractive in Ontario. "As the first FIT program in North America, we expect that Ontario's program will prove to be a model for other provinces, states, and municipalities to follow. We also expect the program to pave the way for an increase in development and innovation, leading to green job opportunities", MacLellan said. Vern Heinrichs, the company's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), added that there were numerous commercial and residential solar projects currently under consideration, and that the FIT program could stimulate demand for PV solar-power projects across all segments, from community-based rooftops and commercial installations to large utility-scale solar farms.


2009-09-30   Courtesy: ARISE Technologies Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ARISE Technologies Corp.

 

Statkraft acquires 8 solar power projects from Italian solar utility

Solar Utility SpA, a 50/50 joint venture between Pirelli Ambiente and Global Cleantech Capital which invests in photovoltaic plants destined to owners of public, commercial and industrial buildings, on September 24th, 2009 signed an agreement with Norwegian state-owned energy company Statkraft AS at the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (EU PVSEC) in Hamburg, on the development and transfer of eight solar power projects totaling almost 20 megawatts (MW) in the Italian region of Puglia.  According to the press release, this first transaction signals an ambition to develop a powerhouse in renewable energy in Italy between the parties. Statkraft reports that the first phase is a joint development of photovoltaic (PV) plants in Italy where Statkraft intends to initially acquire approximately 20 MW of solar power projects with license from Solar Utility. Work on establishing an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the construction of the solar plants is said to start immediately. The agreement is expected to allow Statkraft to grow faster in the Italian market, where a combination of high solar radiation levels and strong market outlook set the scene for a top solar market for renewable players. For Solar Utility, the agreement represents an opportunity to strengthen its business as a co-developer of projects in cooperation with a solid industrial partner, Statkraft believes. The cooperation is also expected to set free significant synergies between Solar Utility and Statkraft.

2009-09-30   Courtesy: Statkraft AS   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Ascent Solar signs multi-year supply agreement with TurtleEnergy for up to 67 MW

Ashu Misra, Senior VP of Operations at Ascent Solar.
Ashu Misra, Senior VP of Operations at Ascent
Solar.

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Thornton, Colorado), a developer of flexible thin-film solar modules, on September 23rd, 2009 announced that it had signed a multi-year direct supply agreement with TurtleEnergy LLC, a photovoltaic (PV) systems integrator headquartered in Linden, New Jersey. Under the terms of the agreement, Ascent Solar expects to deliver up to 67 megawatts (MW) of its high efficiency flexible CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-(di)selenide) PV modules during the five year contract period.   Ascent Solar is scheduled to begin shipping products to TurtleEnergy from its Thornton, Colorado manufacturing plant early 2010. John Millard, Founder of TurtleEnergy, said: "Ascent Solar is well positioned to reduce the cost of PV systems and enable introduction of innovative product solutions to the marketplace with its lightweight, flexible and high efficiency PV modules. This is a perfect compliment to our company as a leader in introducing new and unique value added solutions for clients." Ascent Solar President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Farhad Moghadam added: "We believe that this order will help establish Ascent Solar in one of the fastest growing markets in the United States. We are focused on enabling companies like TurtleEnergy to address new market opportunities, add value to existing lines of business and set a higher performance standard for flexible PV."

2009-09-29   Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.

 

EU PVSEC: Manz Automation AG draws positive balance from successful trade fair presence

Laser scribing of thin-film solar cells.
Laser scribing of thin-film
solar cells.

Manz Automation AG (Reutlingen, Germany), one of the world's leading technology providers for the photovoltaic and LCD industry, has acquired a large number of new orders at the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Hamburg, the company reports in a press release. EU PVSEC is one of the most important events in the solar PV industry, and during the fair the company on own account acquired orders and declarations of intent with a volume of more than EUR 5 million. These will mostly be recognized in revenues and earnings in the coming fiscal year.   The solar sector showed its dynamic nature at the trade fair, setting initial positive signals after the weak first half of 2009. Together with its strategic alliance partner Roth & Rau, Manz Automation had one of the largest stands at the exhibition. The company attracted a huge number of interested, expert visitors with its presentation of high-tech machines in action. In particular the new equipment and system solutions underlined the company’s innovation leadership in direct comparison with its competitors.


Dieter Manz, Manz Automation AG’s CEO, drew a positive balance: "We are still the world’s leading technology provider for the photovoltaic sector – and the Hamburg trade fair showed this once again. We proved our position as an industry innovation driver yet again by presenting three new thin-film and three new crystalline products." In particular, Dieter Manz highlighted the advantages this equipment offers solar-sector manufacturers: "Using our machines allows major increases in efficiency to be achieved for both technologies. In particular given the current market, state-of-the-art - and thus cost-efficient - product lines are a key competitive advantage." The focus was on new features that both increase the solar cells’ efficiency and can cut operating costs for solar cell manufacturers. The state-of-the-art line for PSG etching for crystalline solar cells (cSi), for which the process technology was developed together with Frauenhofer ISE, yet again due to Manz significantly decreases the breakage rates for wafers in the line. In addition, this line has been designed so that a significantly lower amount of chemicals are needed compared to competitors' equipment. That cuts the ongoing costs for running the line, Manz emphasizes. The new machine already allows throughput rates of more than 3,000 wafers per hour.


Live demonstration of a laser process to generate selective emitters

Manz Automation presented a particular highlight in the form of its Laser Multi Tool (cSi), which is also used for crystalline solar cells. This laboratory machine allows various laser processes for high-efficiency cells to be evaluated quickly and reliably, thus accelerating the development of new cell processes. Manz provided a live demonstration of a laser process to generate selective emitters at the trade fair. This process due to Manz allows a 0.5 percentage point improvement in the efficiency of solar cells to be achieved. Many customers showed great interest in this process - which can also be retrofitted to existing lines. As a result, a significant increase in the profitability of older lines is achieved.

The Reutlingen-based engineering company also presented new equipment for thin-film technology (tfs), in particular new features for laser scribing. An innovative control system allows significantly greater precision in the process, which generates an increase in the solar modules’ efficiency. Manz on own account is currently the only provider to offer this solution, and is thus confident that it will be able to further increase its leading position on the market for laser scribing equipment in future.

The company has succeeded in making key progress with yet another first - its system solution to laser-cut glass substrates. In addition to the utmost in precision, an increase in process speed and the lowest breakage rates, laser-cut substrates are significantly more stable than their predecessors, which were produced using mechanical processes. This is due to the avoidance of micro cracks at the cut edges. The increased stability makes a major contribution to reduce the failure rates from breakages in installed solar modules.

In addition, Manz also presented new equipment for TCO texturing (tfs). This roughens the glass substrates by etching them, thus increasing the surface area of the solar module. As a result, efficiency is improved. In developing this line, Manz again benefited from its expertise in and synergies with the LCD sector. "These new technical milestones underscore the company’s technology leadership for production equipment for thin-film solar modules", Manz accentuates in the press release.


New order by Malibu GmbH & Co. KG

Another trend which is accelerating in dynamism is the niche market for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV). Here too, Manz is able to fulfill manufacturers’ requirements in the thin-film sector with its system solutions. Manz Automation has acquired a new customer in this segment - Malibu GmbH & Co. KG. This company stems from a joint venture between E.ON and Schüco.


Moreover, another key customer has ordered a line to automate the loading of thin-film substrates.

Furthermore, customers are asking, in particular, for solutions to make their existing equipment more competitive for the next few months. Manz is thus adapting to the market’s current requirements and is offering its customers the possibility of exchanging individual machines within a production line, or to expand their lines. This allows production costs to be cut and the efficiency of the solar cells and modules produced to be increased. These upgrades cost between EUR 1.5 and EUR 3.0 million, and give solar-sector manufacturers the latitude they need for a transitional period.

Dieter Manz also stated that in future the company will continue the course it has taken to date. It will further enhance its research activities this year. "We have made in-depth preparations for the next wave of investments. Our engineers have set new standards in developing highly-efficient and highly-integrated machines", commented the CEO, explaining the progress that Manz has made. "This means that we have laid the technology foundations required to further increase our position on the market."



2009-09-29   Courtesy: Manz Automation AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Manz Automation AG

 

SolFocus to provide 8.5 MWp solar CPV power to Portuguese utility

CPV system by SolFocus.
CPV system by SolFocus.

SolFocus Inc. (Mountain View, California), a developer and manufacturer of a concentrator photovoltaic technology (CPV) that combines high-efficiency solar cells and advanced optics to provide scalable solar energy solutions, on September 24th, 2009 announced that, in partnership with Dreen Europe (Portugal), it had reached an agreement with Portuguese utility Águas de Portugal (ADP; Lisbon) on the installation of a 8.5 megawatt peak (MWp) CPV plant at ADP's facilities.   The project is said to be part of ADP Group's plan to invest over 830 million Euros (1.2 billion US-dollars) by 2014 in renewable energy projects. According to the press release, the group's goal is to cover 3 % of the electrical needs from renewable sources, and avoiding the emission of 724,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) at the same time. SolFocus reports that it had partnered with developer Dreen Europe Re-energy on the project and had provided a test array to allow the utility to gain experience and understanding of the SolFocus CPV technology. Project deployment is scheduled to begin in early 2010 for the first 2 MW, with the balance of the project deployed in phases over the next four years.



Solar power plant to showcase potential of CPV technology in light of Copenhagen climate summit

"As global delegates consider climate goals at the upcoming Copenhagen climate discussions, this agreement comes at a critical time for delivering low-cost solar energy to progressive markets like Portugal", said SolFocus Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President Mark Crowley. "The high energy generation capability of the iconic SolFocus CPV systems, which convert sunlight to electricity at over 25 % efficiency, result in a good solution for ADP today." SolFocus reports that its CPV design employs a system of reflective optics to concentrate sunlight 650 times onto small, highly efficient triple junction solar PV cells. The CPV panels are integrated with a tracking system that continuously aligns the solar array with direct sunlight throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky, the company reports. The tracking capability is said to result in energy generation ideally matched to peak demand periods. Antonio Branco board member for ADP, said: "We believe that investing in new and disruptive technologies such as SolFocus CPV is key to driving the global initiative for higher renewable energy usage."




2009-09-29   Courtesy: SolFocus Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SolFocus Inc.

 

PSEG Solar Source and juwi solar announce three large-scale solar photovoltaic projects totaling 29.2 MW

3.4MW solar farm by juwi in Germany.
3.4MW solar farm by juwi in Germany.

PSEG Solar Source, a subsidiary of the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG; Newark, New Jersey) on September 23rd, 2009 announced that the company had acquired two utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects to be located in Florida and Ohio from juwi solar Inc. (Boulder, Colorado). Under the agreement, juwi solar will provide the engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) and initial operation and maintenance services for the PV plants, which are to be owned by PSEG Solar Source. The company also announced that it had developed a third solar project located in New Jersey, all of which are said to have a total capacity of close to 30 megawatts (MWp).   According to the press release, the solar projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2010. PSEG reports that the three projects are a 2.2 MW direct current (DC) facility, dubbed "Mars Solar Garden," which is to be built on 18 acres adjacent to Mars Snackfood's U.S. headquarters in Western New Jersey. Also, the company plans to develop a 15.0 MW DC solar farm on 100 acres in Jacksonville, Florida for the Jacksonville municipal utility JEA, and a 12.0 MW DC solar farm on 80 acres in Wyandot, Ohio. For this project, American Electric Power Co. (AEP) Ohio has contracted for the output of the system and the renewable energy credits, PSEG reports.


380,000 thin-film panels, 100 million US-dollar investment

According to the press release, all three projects are to utilize ground-mounted thin film PV panels provided by First Solar (Tempe, Arizona). The projects together are to include 380,000 solar panels and represent approximately 100 million US-dollars of investment by PSEG. The company reports that it has been active in promoting renewable energy, including the development of a 350 MW wind farm off the coast of New Jersey and a compressed air energy storage project being developed through its partnership in Energy Storage & Power, LLC (ES&P; Bridgewater, New Jersey). "The sale of these Florida and Ohio projects and the construction of the Mars Solar Garden were the result of hard work by the juwi solar and PSEG Solar Source teams, as well as the various utilities, local communities and state agencies", said Michael Martin, Managing Director of juwi solar Inc. "We look forward to the timely completion of these projects and to the continued growth of utility-scale solar energy across North America." Diana Drysdale, who heads PSEG Global's solar business, added: "PSEG Solar Source will continue to seek opportunities throughout the U.S. to help address climate change and help states meet their solar and renewable targets." In addition to its utility-scale renewable energy projects, PSEG reports that its regulated gas and electric utility in New Jersey, PSE&G, has launched two solar initiatives. They are a 105 million US-dollar solar loan program and an 80 MW "Solar4All" program that involves attaching solar panels to 200,000 utility poles.

2009-09-29   Courtesy: PSEG Solar Source   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: juwi solar inc.

 

24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition closes with new Record Figures

Welcome by the Executive Conference Director, Peter Helm.
Welcome by the Executive Conference Director,
Peter Helm.

With the official Closing Session, the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Hamburg (24th EU PVSEC) ended on September 25th, 2009 after five very busy days. Until Thursday on account of the organizer, 943 international manufacturers, suppliers and service providers covering every aspect of photovoltaics took part as exhibitors, attracting over 40,000 visitors. The share of international visitors amounted to more than 50%. During the 24th EU PVSEC, many new trends and developments in photovoltaics were presented and up for discussion. Among the many topics covered, the debate centred on new cell concepts for the future, increased automation in production, and standardisation.   New manufacturing processes and production machinery for silicon and thin-film technology were showcased on the 65,000 sqm exhibition area. Numerous exhibitors even displayed entire production lines, some of them operating. Cutting-edge measurement and control equipment for quality assurance in cell manufacturing was also unveiled. Production samples of large panels of glass with a photovoltaic finish illustrated the rapid advances being made in the field of thin-film solar technology. The 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition is the largest trade show in the photovoltaics industry, and also the one with the highest number of operational exhibits.


Sustainability in architecture still harbours immense potential

The international scientific Conference of the 24th EU PVSEC, which ran from September 21st to 25th, 2009, attracted 4295 delegates. A broad spectrum of topics spanning every area of photovoltaics was on offer on each of the conference's five days. The keynote speech by David Nelson, Senior Partner and Head of Design at Foster + Partners, London, UK, was among the event's highlights. In his speech entitled "Sustainability and the Future of the City", David Nelson presented his thoughts on the objectives of responsible architectural planning. Making reference to the new zero-emissions Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, he illustrated how the idea of sustainability in architecture still harbours immense potential.


Study envisions a PV market share of up to 12 % in the electricity sector in Europe by 2020

The PV Policy Debate focusing on the "EU Renewable Energy Directive" on Tuesday, September 22, marked another highlight of the 24th EU PVSEC. The international panel discussed the impact of the "EU Renewable Energy Directive" on the European PV industry and on PV markets. A lively debate including high-ranking specialists from throughout the European Union and the USA was chaired by Roger Harrabin, Environment Analyst for BBC News, UK.

In the course of the 24th EU PVSEC, the 6th European PV Industry Forum presented on Wednesday, September 23, the results of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association’s and AT Kearney’s study ‘SET for 2020’. The study establishes a vision for the industry to achieve a market share of up to 12 % in the electricity sector in Europe by 2020. Michael Splinter of Applied Materials gave the industry perspective on this goal and Hans-Josef Fell, Member of the German Bundestag, discussed the feed-in-tariff’s decisive contribution to the development of PV. Interesting presentations on the topic were also given by the key stakeholders outside of the PV community. Moving towards smart cities, designing smart grids, the role of energy storage and the breakthroughs in electric vehicles were all emphasized as areas where the PV industry should work together in close collaboration with the other relevant industries to achieve this 2020 goal.


PV solar energy is crucial for the transition to a sustainable energy system

All areas of photovoltaics were covered in more than 1,300 plenary and specialist presentations as well as visual poster presentations. Papers on the new organic photovoltaic cells generated particular interest. Prof. Wim Sinke, from the ECN Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands, acted as General Conference Chairman, comments: "This 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition was held at the right moment in time and has generated important messages for the PV sector itself, for governments working on their national action plans to reach the EU 2020 targets and for society as a whole. There is not a trace of doubt that PV solar energy is crucial for the transition to a sustainable energy system. Globally, on a European level, and on country level. It is not just a long term option, but a short term reality which should have a clear position in these action plans. To contribute to the 2020 targets and to lay the foundation for much bigger contributions after that. I am convinced that the problems the PV sector faces at this moment are no more than ripples on a robust trend of growth for decades to come."

Dr. Peter Helm, Executive Conference Director stated: "Photovoltaics has ample scope for development. In fact, it is still in its infancy. Over the next few years we will see the appearance of cell concepts offering much higher performance. The research results are quite clear about that. The 24th EU PVSEC is the most important international platform for presenting and discussing such developments."

In his speech to the Closing Session of the 24th EU PVSEC, Dr. Heinz Ossenbrink of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, and Technical Programme Chairman, emphasized the progress PV technologies have demonstrated during this Conference. "The costs will continue to decrease with the results achieved in terms of processing, material consumption, high and volume manufacturing equipment. There also is a very dynamic and innovative community presenting entirely new concepts and announcing new technology start-ups. In the upcoming 12 months until the next EU PVSEC many unknowns of this week, such as the impact of Europe’s Renewably Energy Directive, the financial crisis, commitment to CO2 reductions or even changed governments will have a major impact on the progress of PV solar energy."


Follow up conferences in September 2010 in Valencia

The Conference Executive Committee of the 24th EU PVSEC announced during the event that next year's 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition will be a joint Conference with the 5th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion. The 5th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion will unite 3 scientific and strategic conferences for the global PV solar sector: the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, the 36th US IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference and the 20th Asia/Pacific PV Science and Engineering Conference. This event will take place in Valencia, Spain, from September 6-10, 2010 (Conference: September 6-10, 2010 - Exhibition: September 6-9, 2010).


2009-09-29   Courtesy: 24th EU PVSEC; MetaCom Corporate Communications GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: 24th EU PVSEC

 

Takeover offer for aleo solar AG: Bosch waives minimum acceptance condition, EU Commission gives green light

In its ongoing takeover offer to the shareholders of PV producer and distributor aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany), the Bosch Group has now waived its condition that it should hold at least 75 percent of aleo solar AG stock when the public takeover offer expires. This change in offer terms prior to the end of the acceptance period, which up to now would have ended on September 28, 2009, means that the acceptance period is now prolonged by a further two weeks, and now ends at midnight (CEST) on October 12, 2009. The European Commission has now given regulatory approval to the takeover, Bosch reports in a press release.   Bosch is offering all aleo shareholders 9.00 euros per share in cash. The offer is thus 43 percent above the weighted average "Xetra" price of the aleo share over the three months prior to the announcement of the offer on August 3, 2009. In August, Bosch and the Eriksen Group, including related parties and other investors, signed agreements relating to the purchase of 39.43 percent of the shares in aleo solar AG. The purchase price for these shares is the equivalent of 9.00 euros per share. Including additional acquisitions and tendered stock, Bosch has now secured 63.58 percent of aleo stock. With this deal, Bosch is further extending its photovoltaics activities and complementing its value-added chain.

2009-09-29   Courtesy: Bosch Group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Sustainable Energy unveiled second generation SUNERGY solar PV power inverter in Hamburg, Germany

PARALEX combines a low voltage inverter with both crystalline and thin film PV modules.
PARALEX combines a low voltage inverter with
both crystalline and thin film PV modules.

Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd (Calgary, Canada) during the PV Conference and Exhibition in Hamburg, Germany, unveiled its second generation SUNERGY extra low voltage power inverter. This next-generation solar PV inverter is now commercially available to power solar rooftop applications for alliance partners, distributors and thin film and crystalline manufacturers looking to develop high yield, low cost systems and solutions for the commercial and institutional market, Sustainable Energy reports in a press release. SUNERGY breaks the traditional inverter mold by offering high efficiency power conversion at safe voltages, the producer emphasizes. SUNERGY facilitates wiring of solar panels in parallel, improving performance and flexibility while simplifying system design.   "With SUNERGY, solar rooftop power systems harvest the full power from each module without adding costly, complex on-module electronics", Sustainable Energy accentuates in its press release and highlights the following key benefits: Higher energy yield per rated kW by eliminating mismatch losses; Elimination of hazardous voltages for the safest PV systems, Easy design and installation that achieves 100% coverage for any surface by eliminating string sizing Requirements and low cost of ownership through reliable low voltage commercial components that extend the life of each module.


Modular design enables high volume manufacturing of a single power electronics module to support multiple product applications and power ratings

The SUNERGY second generation inverter technology builds on patented core technologies, electronic circuits and software control algorithms that have been tested and proven in the field over the past two years. The new platform introduces a unique modular design philosophy that enables very high volume manufacturing of a single power electronics module to support multiple product applications and power ratings, ranging from 2.5kW to 20kW. SUNERGY is available now for European customers. Sustainable Energy intends to release the North American version upon receipt of UL 1741 certification by the Canadian Standards Agency.

Sustainable Energy is aiming to change the way the world installs solar power through PARALEX, its unique line of solar energy products and systems for commercial and public sector markets. PARALEX due to the producer is based on a patented extra low voltage high yield inverter, with both crystalline and thin film PV modules, which enables a parallel architecture to increase total system yields while also addressing emerging safety concerns. Sustainable Energy’s technologies are the subject of multiple patents issued by the US Patent Office with further patents pending.

2009-09-29   Courtesy: Sustainable Energy Technologies   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sustainable Energy Technologies

 

Ontario launches comprehensive system of feed-in tariffs

On September 24th, 2009 Ontario announced the launch of the province's long-awaited program of feed-in tariffs (FIT) in response to its ground-breaking "Green Energy Act." Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman, and Minister of the Environment John Gerretsen made the announcement. Minister Smitherman had revealed a 2.3 billion Canadian dollar (CAD; 2.1 billion US-dollars) plan to build new transmission and distribution lines in the province to rapidly develop Ontario's renewable energy potential on September 21st, 2009 during the opening of the Canadian Wind Energy Association's (CanWEA, Ottawa, Ontario) annual conference in Toronto.   On September 23rd, 2009, Smitherman announced a special fund to aid the development of renewable energy projects by Ontario's indigenous people and then announced the feed-in tariff program after a months-long series of public consultations. The program is scheduled to go live on October 1st, 2009. Industry veteran and FIT-expert Paul Gipe published his stance on the Ontario program, which he says follows successful practice in Europe because it is based on the cost of generation from each different technology. For example, there are different tariffs for solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind energy, Gipe explains.



Surge in small rooftop solar installations expected as result of FIT-scheme

According to Gipe, the Ontario feed-in tariffs are precedent setting in North America not only for the number of different technologies listed, but also for the prices offered. Ontario is expecting a boom in rooftop solar installations as a result of the program. The province pledges to pay 0.80 CAD per kilowatt-hour (kWh; 0.69 USD/kWh; 0.51 Euro/kWh) for electricity from small rooftop solar systems less than 10 kilowatts (kW) for a period of 20 years. Through the feed-in tariff program, Ontario is also expected to pay the highest prices for wind energy, and biogas in North America. Gipe continues to explain that in a first for North America, the new program includes feed-in tariffs specifically for offshore wind energy amounting to 0.19 CAD/kWh (0.16 USD/kWh; 0.12 Euro/kWh). Unlike programs in the United States, there are no subsidies from either the federal or local government used in the feed-in tariff program.


Electricity grid to be upgraded to accommodate decentralized energy generation

In a survey earlier this year, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) found a huge interest in the feed-in tariff program. OPA estimated as much as 15,000 MW of potential projects being weighed by project proponents. In early 2009, the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) had suggested that solar PV alone could make up 10 % of Ontario's electricity supply by 2025. Gipe estimates that such a contribution, about 16 TWh per year, would require the installation of 16,000 MW of solar PV under Ontario's climatic conditions. To tap that potential, Ontario has embarked on an ambitious program to develop new transmission and distribution lines, including so-called "enabler" lines. According to Gipe, the enabler lines are to be built in areas where there is more renewable energy potential than the current system can transport. Ontario plans to close all its coal-fired power plants by 2014. It is the only jurisdiction in North America to make such a commitment.





2009-09-28   Courtesy: Paul Gipe   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Sunovia researchers shatter world record open circuit voltage for CdTe thin film solar cells by over 45%

PV R & D at Sunovia.
PV R & D at Sunovia.

Sunovia Energy Technologies, Inc. (Sunovia; Sarasota, Florida) and partner EPIR Technologies, Inc. (EPIR; Chicago, Illinois) on September 24th, 2009 announced that they have fabricated single-junction and double-junction cadmium telluride (CdTe) based solar cells that have far surpassed the long-standing open circuit voltage (Voc) world record for thin film CdTe solar cells. The single-junction and double-junction solar cells are said to have exceeded the highest Voc values ever reported publicly by research institutions on thin film CdTe cells by over 45 %.   The partner companies believe that the Voc breakthroughs are significant because the amount of electric power generated by a solar cell is proportional to its open circuit voltage. So doubling the Voc of a solar cell results in a doubling of power output, if all other characteristics remain the same, the companies emphasize.



CdTe solar cells expected to realize 35 % efficiencies with new technology

According to the press release, producers will now be able to create solar cells with much higher efficiencies than other CdTe-based solar cell technologies. Dr. Michael Carmody, Senior Director for Development of Photovoltaic Materials at EPIR Technologies, said: "These are by far the highest Voc measurements ever exhibited by a CdTe-based solar cell. There is no data in the literature that comes close to what we have achieved, and we believe that our two-junction device also represents the first ever high efficiency monolithic, two-junction solar cell using CdTe or any other II-VI material." He added that he expects the company's two-junction II-VI on silicon cells to reach production efficiencies of over 35 %, and that they will cost only a small fraction of the cost of three-junction III-V solar cells. Three-junction II-VI on silicon cells will have even higher production efficiencies without much added cost, Carmody explained.


Single-junction CdTe cells to reach more than 95 % of theoretical upper limit Voc value

Sunovia reports that open circuit voltage has traditionally been the most difficult performance metric to optimize in CdTe solar cells. According to the press release, the new CdTe-, or II-VI materials- based solar cells achieved open circuit voltages of 1.34 V and 1.75 V in the single-junction and double-junction configurations, respectively. The 1.34 V value in the single-junction configuration is believed to be more than 95 % of the theoretical upper limit for the II-VI alloy used by Sunovia and EPIR. In contrast, the highest reported Voc for a CdTe solar cell is said to be 0.91 V, representing about 76 % of the theoretical maximum for CdTe. By fabricating II-VI solar cells with open circuit voltages close to the theoretical upper limit for the materials utilized, the partner companies accentuate that they have developed next-generation, high efficiency CdTe-based solar cells, which could accelerate the push of clean solar-generated electricity towards grid parity. Dr. Siva Sivananthan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EPIR Technologies thanked Senator Dick Durbin for his support and commitment.



2009-09-28   Courtesy: Sunovia Energy Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sunovia Energy Technologies, Inc.

 

Atlas establishes PV module durability testing program

Module durability testing by Atlas.
Module durability testing by Atlas.

Atlas Material Testing Technology (Atlas; Chicago, Illinois) in September 2009 introduced the Atlas "25Plus" test program. It is designed to determine the durability of photovoltaic (PV) modules, combining state-of-the-art instrumental and outdoor exposure testing. According to the press release, existing test standards such as the IEC (International Electro Technical Commission) module design qualification tests do not address long term durability issues and they are not intended or able to predict the longer term degradation or failure modes resulting from the accumulated damaging effects of climate related stresses. The new tests are designed to reveal potential design or manufacturing defects resulting in early "infant mortality" failures, Atlas reports.  




PV testing services for performance, durability and reliability of solar modules

Drawing on over 90 years of experience in weathering test methods and equipment, the company developed the Atlas 25Plus PV module durability testing program that consists of a comprehensive battery of accelerated tests integrating both laboratory and outdoor environmental exposures. The goal is to determine the long-term product "wear-out" period that can result in declining module performance or outright failure. Atlas 25Plus is said to complement the IEC test protocol to determine longer term durability, with realistic climate based parameters. The company reports that it can simultaneously deliver key environmental stresses of temperature, moisture and solar radiation, as they appear in the real world. Also included in the testing regimen are targeted accelerated environmental tests including UV exposure, salt corrosion and condensing humidity. Modules are light-exposed forward-biased under resistive load at the maximum power point. According to the press release, module performance characteristics are measured at intervals with I-V curves, visual inspections, digital photography and infrared thermography. Additional measurements, such as leakage current and IEC design qualification tests, are said to be available as options. Modules aged under the program are subsequently available for additional tests such as UL safety or IEC performance tests, Atlas reports.



2009-09-28   Courtesy: Atlas Material Testing Technology   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Atlas Material Testing Technology.

 

Honeywell launches new coating material to improve efficiency and power output of solar panels

PV R& D at Honeywell's "Star Center".

Honeywell Electronic Materials (Morris Township, New Jersey) on September 21st, 2009 announced the availability of a new material to improve the efficiency and power output of photovoltaic (PV) panels. The new product, called "SOLARC", is a transparent coating material that improves the light transmittance through the glass that covers PV panels, thus increasing the PV module efficiency and power output, Honeywell reports in a press release.   The coating is said to significantly reduce glare from the glass, allowing the PV panels to better blend with its surroundings. "SOLARC has already demonstrated the highest efficiency of any anti-reflective coatings, or ARCs, commercially available today", said Dmitry Shashkov, Marketing Director for Honeywell Electronic Materials. "This is another example of Honeywell applying its materials expertise, developed from 50 years of innovation for the semiconductor industry, to meet the challenges of the PV industry."



Anti-reflective coating for solar module glass cover improves light transmittance, reduces glare

Honeywell reports that most commercially available PV panels today lose approximately 4 % of their potential power output due to light reflection from the front surface of the cover glass. In addition to the decreased electricity generation, the glare from the reflection light is considered aesthetically undesirable, especially in residential rooftop installations. SOLARC coating is said to reduce reflection significantly, resulting in more light reaching the solar cell, which is said to translate into higher electricity output. Honeywell reports that the coating is compatible with many coating processes, including spray, roller, curtain, slot-die and spin-on coating. Unlike other commercially available ARCs, Honeywell SOLARC does not require mixing of two components prior to deposition, and has more than a six month shelf life.


4 % increased transmission at 550 nanometers, good results across whole solar light spectrum

According to the press release, Honeywell's SOLARC has demonstrated a 4 % increase in transmission at 550 nanometers and a very good response across a broad solar spectrum that is relevant for PV cell operation, from 350 nanometers through 1,100 nanometers. SOLARC coating is also said to have demonstrated superior durability in a broad variety of accelerated tests designed to imitate harsh environmental conditions to which a PV panel is likely to be exposed during its lifetime. The company reports that environmental testing of SOLARC coating has shown that it provides additional protection to the glass, especially under hot and humid conditions that may lead to gradual glass deterioration. Honeywell reports that the coating has been optimized to enable anti-soiling and self-cleaning functionality that prevents dust accumulation. This is believed to represent another valuable property of SOLARC, as solar panels lose on average 7 % of their power output due to particulate contamination, according to the California Energy Commission (CEC) .


Anti-reflective coating believed to become broadly implemented in solar industry

While the use of such anti-reflective coating is relatively low in the PV industry today, it is widely expected to become the industry norm over the next few years, according to PV manufacturers. Honeywell reports that SOLARC, which is a liquid-based coating, can be used by all common types of PV modules. However, it is said to provide the most benefits to rooftop installations, where space is limited and any increase in efficiency is critical. According to the press release, the release of SOLARC coating further broadens Honeywell's portfolio of materials for the PV industry, which already includes backing sheet laminates, dopants, solar-grade electronic chemicals, and precision thermocouples.



2009-09-28   Courtesy: Honeywell Electronic Materials   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Honeywell Electronic Materials

 

Yingli Green Energy wins global renewable energy award

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Ltd. (Baoding, China), a vertically integrated photovoltaics (PV) manufacturer, announced that the company had received an Euromoney and Ernst & Young "Global Renewable Energy Award." According to the press release, the awards, dubbed the "Green Oscars," were founded in 2004 to recognize the projects, companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the global renewable energy sector.   Awards were given in nine categories, from "Lender of the Year" to "Climate Change Investment Program of the Year," Yingli reports. Bryan Li, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Yingli Green Energy, was present on behalf of the company to accept the "Equity Deal of the Year - Technology" award in recognition of the company's successful June 2009 equity follow-on offering of 18,390,000 ADSs which helped to raise investors' confidence in the renewable energy sector. "We are honored to be the first Chinese company to receive the most prestigious financial award in the renewable energy industry," commented Li.

2009-09-28   Courtesy: Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

United States: ASES annual National Solar Conference 2010 is coming to Phoenix, Arizona

SOLAR 2010 scheduled May 17th-22nd, 2010.
SOLAR 2010 scheduled
May 17th-22nd, 2010.

The American Solar Energy Society (ASES; Boulder, Colorado) reported that it had selected Phoenix, Arizona, as the location of its "National Solar Energy Conference" in 2010. Commonly known as SOLAR 2010, this event is believed to be the premier conference on renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States, and one of the largest. SOLAR 2010 is expected to attract more than 6,000 people to downtown Phoenix, with participants traveling from across the U.S. and internationally.   "There is a tremendous amount of interest in renewable energy across the nation", said Becky Campbell-Howe, Director of Professional Education at ASES who oversees the annual conference. "But we were particularly impressed by the excitement about renewable energy in the Phoenix region." According to ASES, the reasons for selecting Phoenix included the passionate support for renewable energy by local leaders, the recent economic development within the region and the opportunity to partner with policy-makers to expand the use of renewable energy. SOLAR 2010 is scheduled to take place at the Phoenix Convention Center during May 17th-22nd, 2010. ASES reports that it will mark the 39th year of this annual conference. SOLAR 2010 is forecasted to pump 3-6 million US-dollars to the Phoenix region, benefiting local businesses, boosting the economy, and generating tax revenue.

2009-09-28   Courtesy: ASES   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ASES

 

OPDE US to build 24 MW solar power plant in California using MECASOLAR single axis tracker systems

MECASOLAR trackers.
MECASOLAR trackers.

OPDE U.S. Corporation (OPDE US), a subsidiary of the OPDE Group (Spain), on September 21st, 2009 announced that the company had entered into an agreement with the Sacramento-Yolo Port District in September 2009 to facilitate the development of a 24 megawatt (MW) solar power generation facility on 160 acres of land in Yolo County, California. MECASOLAR (Navara, Spain), also part of the OPDE Group, is to provide 1,800 "MS-1E TRACKER 10" seasonal one axis azimuth tracking arrays for the project. OPDE US reports that it will own and maintain the solar equipment and facilities.  In addition to the MECASOLAR trackers, the project is said to include 3,598 "6000 US" inverters by SMA America (Rocklin, California), and 104,348 high-efficiency 230 Watt peak (Wp) photovoltaic (PV) modules produced by Trina Solar (Changzhou, China) and/or REC (Oslo, Norway). The total project capital investment is estimated at 175.2 million US-dollars and it is expected to generate 100 full time jobs during the 18 month construction phase and 15 full time permanent facility maintenance jobs. OPDE US estimates that the project's energy production will provide renewable power generation for approximately 6,000 typical California homes. It is expected to offset 34,472 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2).


Current land use to be continued, area to remain a natural environment

According to OPDE US, the project is to be built on public land leased from the Sacramento-Yolo Port District, a public entity of the State of California. The company reports that interconnection applications, the site environmental review, and county use permits are underway. The site is currently used for grazing and for the storage and drying of dredge material from the port's deep water channel. According to the press release, both of these uses will continue after the development of the solar project. In order to prevent shading between arrays and to preserve the natural environment, the arrays will be separated by 50 feet of open space, OPDE US reports. The actual physical equipment footprint of the project is said to cover less than 5 % of the surface area of the site. The site is expected to remain native vegetation with limited permanent disturbance. OPDE US says that it is excited to have the opportunity to work with the staff of the City of West Sacramento and the port, who are said to have shown a very progressive and entrepreneurial spirit in considering the merits of this project.

2009-09-28   Courtesy: OPDE U.S. Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: MECASOLAR

 

SunRay and SunPower to partner on 24 MW solar power plant in Italy

SunPower Trackers.
SunPower Trackers.

SunPower Corporation (San Jose, California), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar energy systems, and SunRay Renewable Energy (SunRay; Floriana, Malta), on September 22nd, 2009 announced an agreement under which they are building a 24 megawatt (MW) solar electric power plant in Montalto di Castro, Italy. SunPower reports that the 80-hectare Montalto di Castro solar project is being financed by a consortium of primary international and Italian banks. The project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2009 and it is expected to become the largest operating solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Italy.  According to the press release, construction began earlier this year and has created more than 200 local jobs. The solar electricity generated is to contribute to Italy's national electric grid. SunPower reports that the site will also have a fully equipped visitor center focusing on the education of the local community and school children about renewable energy.


First phase of a planned 100 MW development

According to the press release, SunRay is the developer and owner of the project, which is to be designed, constructed, operated and maintained by SunPower. The solar power plant is to include SunPower panels and the company's proprietary "SunPower Tracker" technology. The Tracker follows the sun during the day and is said to help deliver up to 25 % more energy than fixed-tilt systems, while significantly reducing land use requirements. SunPower reports that this project is the first phase of a planned 100 MW development that is scheduled to be fully operational in 2010. "In addition to delivering commercial benefits to the community, Montalto di Castro is designed to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding countryside and preserve the local ecosystem", said Giora Salita, Head of Business Development for SunRay. According to the press release, SunPower has installed more than 200 MW of solar power plants globally, including a 5 MW plant in Tolentino, Italy, and the 18 MW Olivenza plant in Spain.



2009-09-27   Courtesy: SunPower Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corp.

 

U.S. Treasury, Department of Energy surpass 1 billion US-dollar milestone in awards for clean energy projects

Secretary Geithner: Recovery dollars benefits renewable energy industry and economy alike.
Secretary Geithner: Recovery
dollars benefits renewable energy
industry and economy alike.

At the end of September 2009, U.S. Treasury Department (DOT) Secretary Tim Geithner and Energy Secretary Steven Chu hosted a group of clean energy developers and manufacturers at the White House to discuss how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act; ARRA) is creating jobs and helping expand the development of clean, renewable domestic energy. At the meeting, Secretaries Geithner and Chu announced 550 million US-dollars in new awards through ARRA's 1603 program, bringing the total to more than 1 billion US-dollars awarded to date to companies committed to investing in domestic renewable energy production.   Section 1603 of the ARRA provides cash assistance to energy producers in place of tax credits, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports. The payments are expected to improve project viability, enabling companies to create and retain jobs, and establish sufficient financing bases for projects that may otherwise not be possible. According to the DOE, a dramatic expansion and acceleration of the development of renewable energy projects is expected throughout the country. Under the program, the federal government provides a cash payment in lieu of a tax credit totaling 30 % of the qualifying cost of the project.




Treasury unleashes additional 550 million US-dollars under ARRA 1603 program

"This Recovery Act program is an example of a true federal partnership with the private sector" said Geithner. "Not only are our Recovery dollars meeting an immediate funding need among innovative companies, they are also jumpstarting private sector investment in communities across the country, with benefits for the renewable energy industry and our economy alike." The Treasury Department announced that it will make the second round of awards, providing 550 million additional US-dollars for qualifying projects. The 1603 program is believed to have an immediate effect on the renewable energy industry by increasing the availability and liquidity of project capital. According to the press release, project developers receiving awards through this program participated in the White House meeting included Ameresco, First Wind, Horizon Wind, and Sun Edison. Also participating were several renewables manufacturers who supply these developers, including Cardinal Fastener, GE Energy, Gamesa, Solyndra, and Vestas Americas. Secretary Chu said: "These investments are crucial to ensuring America can compete and win in the race for the clean energy jobs of the future. With American workers and American innovation, we can and must lead the world when it comes to the new Industrial Revolution in clean energy."

2009-09-27   Courtesy: www.energy.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: www.energy.gov

 

MAN Ferrostaal donates solar roof for school in Palestine

MAN Ferrostaal is financing a solar thermal power plant for warm water and heating as a donation for Talitha Kumi school near Beit Jala, Palestine. In a public private partnership, the project is co-financed by the Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology and co-ordinated by the German Energy Agency (dena) within the framework of its Solar Roofs Programme for Foreign Market Development. MAN Ferrostaal contributes the major part of the funding for the solar plant, which has a value of about 170.000 EUR, the company reports in a press release.  The German school Talitha Kumi is situated in the Palestinian West Bank close to the Israeli border. Currently, 900 boys and girls from various religious denominations make up the pupil body of the school. Talitha Kumi relies on donations. The considerable operating expenses for the facilities, especially costs for heating and warm water, are a particular burden on the school’s budget.


Initiative "Future for Palestine" of German Federal Foreign Minister Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad

The donation provides MAN Ferrostaal with the opportunity to show social commitment where it has an immediate effect", explains Dr. Matthias Mitscherlich, Chairman of the Executive Board of MAN Ferrostaal, the decision to donate the plant. "Talitha Kumi enables children and young adults to live a normal life in a difficult region, to receive a good education, vocational training, and even to enrol in university later on. The practice of mutual respect, tolerance and of coming together, play an especially important role in that." At the same time, the donation gives MAN Ferrostaal the chance to make its solar power division visible to the public in the Middle East. The idea for the project itself originated with the "Future for Palestine" initiative of Federal Foreign Minister Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad.


Ideal preconditions for solar technology

In the opinion of Stephan Kohler, Executive Director of the German Energy Agency, the Middle East is of particular interest for solar technology projects: "Many countries have ideal preconditions: growing economies, a growing population, an increasing energy demand and an intensive solar radiation around the year. The plant for Talitha Kumi shows clearly what can be realized with solar solutions in the region. The dena Solar Roofs Programme is an ideal platform to showcase and communicate the positive effects of the use of solar energy from an economical, environmental and social point of view. It also demonstrates the immense potentials for the creation of new employment opportunities in these countries."

The installation of the solar plant at Talitha Kumi is to take place on schedule in September and October 2009. The plant will go into operation in early December. An event at Talitha Kumi, celebrating the new plant going into operation, will be attended by faculty members of the school and the board of MAN Ferrostaal, the Managing Director of the German Energy Agency, representatives of the two German Federal Ministries, the Palestinian National Authority and members of the Berlin Mission.

2009-09-26   Courtesy: MAN Ferrostaal AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Auswärtiges Amt.

 

USA: Equity Solar formed to finance solar opportunity, announces emerging solar PV technology

Equity Solar, Inc. (San Francisco, California), a company specifically established to commercialize an undisclosed solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, on September 17th, 2009 announced its formation. The company reports to have identified a groundbreaking technology that can be implemented in the solar cell manufacturing process, and it plans to commercialize this technology.  The company expects an exploding demand in the solar PV industry due to three factors that are believed to combine to boost the market: The economics of solar electricity are becoming increasingly attractive as solar power costs decline and the price of fossil fuels increases. Also, renewable energy is receiving substantial government support as a means of mitigating the impact of climate change, and energy security has become a critical issue as nations seek to make themselves less vulnerable to energy politics and volatile markets.

"The alignment of these three critical factors makes this a perfect time to invest in solar PV", stated Chester Aldridge, Chairman of Equity Solar. "With this in mind, Equity Solar was created to capitalize on an exciting new solar technology." While growing at a rapid pace, solar electric energy still accounts for significantly less than 1 % of primary global energy demand. According to the press release this means that relatively small increases in market penetration by solar energy can lead to very rapid growth rates in the solar PV industry. "We are pleased to announce that we have obtained the initial funding required to secure the rights to a leading-edge patented solar PV technology that we will announce shortly", said Aldridge.

2009-09-26   Courtesy: Equity Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

EPIA: Photovoltaic power is poised to join European energy mainstream by 2020

EPIA study "SET for 2020".

Photovoltaic solar electricity is poised to become a significant and competitive supplier to the European electricity market, concludes a comprehensive study conducted by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) with the strategic management consultancy A.T. Kearney. The "SET For 2020" study explores different deployment scenarios: Under business-as-usual conditions, photovoltaic power should supply between 4 % and 6 % of Europeans’ electricity needs by 2020. However, photovoltaic power could supply as much as 12 % of EU electricity demand by 2020 - up from less than 1 % at present - if more favourable conditions are established by European policy makers, regulators and the energy sector at large. 


12 % photovoltaic electricity by 2020

"Photovoltaic electricity generation will already be competitive in parts of southern Europe by next year", said Dr. Winfried Hoffmann, EPIA president. "The study shows that under the 12 % scenario, photovoltaic electricity will be competitive with other power sources in as much as 75 % of the EU electricity market by 2020, without any form of external price support or subsidy." Providing a unique combination of facts, figures and analysis, the study shows that boosting the share of photovoltaic electricity will yield huge benefits to European society and its economy. Photovoltaic electricity is the fastest-growing renewable energy technology, and costs are expected to drop faster than those of other electricity sources.

"Europe now needs to recognise the important role photovoltaic power can play in meeting its energy sustainability goals", said Adel El Gammal, EPIA secretary general. "The photovoltaic industry is committed to delivering energy technology that is sustainable and competitive on a large scale. We are calling on political and regulatory decision makers and on the energy sector to support photovoltaic deployment without delay."

Further information: http://www.setfor2020.eu



2009-09-25   Courtesy: EPIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EPIA

 

Becquerel Prize for ISE’s Andreas Bett for development of photovoltaic concentrator technology

Becquerel Prize for Dr. Andreas Bett (2nd from left).
Becquerel Prize for Dr. Andreas Bett
(2nd from left).

The European commission has awarded the Becquerel Prize to Dr. Andreas Bett, Head of the "Materials - Solar Cells and Technology" department and one of the deputy institute directors at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy ISE (Freiburg) at the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (PVSEC). One of the most prestigious solar awards, the Prize is named after French scientist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel, who discovered the photovoltaic effect in 1839. The prize committee especially praised Bett’s contributions in photovoltaic concentrator technology (CPV), especially his pioneering role in the development of monolithic cascade solar cells.   In January 2009, Bett’s team reached a world record efficiency of 41.1 percent employing a method of metamorphic crystal growth. His work in the field of characterization techniques and the development of simulation tools for concentrator solar cells was also praised. Most of all, the jury was impressed with the FLATCON principle, with which Andreas Bett brought photovoltaic concentrator technology closer to the market. Bett is a co-founder of Concentrix Solar GmbH, an ISE spin-off that successfully markets this technology today.



Research at Fraunhofer ISE since 1987

Born in Furtwangen, Germany in 1962, Andreas Bett got his masters in physics and mathematics at the University of Freiburg and his doctorate at the University of Constance. He has been a part of the Fraunhofer ISE staff since 1987. In 1993, he took over the III-V Epitaxy and Solar Cells Group; in 2007, he took over the helm of the Materials - Solar Cells and Technology department. Since July 2009, the new Becquerel prize winner has also been one of two deputy institute directors at Fraunhofer ISE. In his research, Bett focuses on the development and epitaxy of stacked solar cells made of III-V semiconductors, the development of concentrator modules and concentrator systems, and the analysis and characterization of cells and modules.

Bett has a great international reputation as a researcher of III-V semiconductors and concentrator system development. He and his team at Fraunhofer ISE have posted several records for tandem solar cells in numerous international collaborations. Bett is a member of the IEC TC82 WG7 committee, which draws up standards for concentrator technology. As a member of the European Photovoltaic Platform's Working Group 3, he helped draw up the strategic research agenda and implementation plan for photovoltaic technology.

This year's Becquerel Prize was the seventeenth one awarded. After Fraunhofer ISE founder Prof. Adolf Goetzberger and Prof. Joachim Luther (Institute director up to 2006), Dr. Andreas Bett is the third Fraunhofer ISE researcher to receive this award.


2009-09-25   Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE

 

Solar modules production world-wide almost doubled in 2008

World photovoltaic cell/module production from 1990 to 2008.
World photovoltaic cell/module production
from 1990 to 2008.

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has published its eighth "Annual Photovoltaics Status Report" in September 2009. Photovoltaics (PV) production in the world due to JRC increased to about 7.3 GW in 2008. An 80 % rise on the previous year. Europe's production of solar cells rose from 1.1 GW to 1.9 GW, while the installed capacity increased threefold to 4.8 GW, mainly led by Spain, where figures multiplied almost five times from 560 MW in 2007 to 2.5–2.7 GW. The cumulative installed PV electricity generation capacity in the world was around 15 GW, with Europe accounting for more than 60 % of this (9.5 GW).   PV production is the manufacturing of solar modules, whereas PV generation is the amount of electricity produced by the installed PV modules. "Capacity" is the certified measured peak capacity.

The study, conducted by the JRC Institute for Energy (IE), gives an overview of current activities in research, manufacturing and market implementation in this sector. The report shows that European PV production has grown on average by 50 % per annum since 1999 and its market share has increased to 26 % in 2008. In terms of electricity generation, photovoltaics contributed in 2008 for about 0.35 % of Europe's final electricity consumption.

Global investment in renewable energies and energy efficiency was hit by the financial crisis in late 2008 and early 2009, but is now showing signs of a strong recovery. The report notes a significant slowdown in investment in the second half of 2008 (-10 % in the third quarter; -23 % in the fourth), that continued in the first quarter of 2009 (-47 % compared with the fourth quarter of 2008), but started to reverse in the second quarter (+83 % compared with the first quarter of 2009).

Other key findings of the report:

- In 2008, China became the leading producer of solar cells with an annual production of about 2.4 GW, followed by Europe with 1.9 GW, Japan with 1.2 GW and Taiwan with 0.8 GW. If this trend continues, China might have about 32 % of the world-wide production capacity by 2012.

- An increasing number of producers are entering the market, therefore, the market share of the ten largest PV manufacturers decreased from 80% in 2004 to 50% in 2008.

- In 2008, thin-film solar modules have reached 12-14% of the market share.

- Concentrating photovoltaics (CPV) is an emerging market with approximately 17MW cumulative installed capacity in 2008.


The eighth Annual Photovoltaics Status Report is available for download at http://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/refsys/


Large-scale chart




2009-09-25   Courtesy: JRC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Navigant [Mint 2009], PV News [Pvn 2009] and JRC analysis.

 

Applied Materials awarded multi-year service contract from ENN Solar Energy

SunFab thin film line.
SunFab thin film line.

Applied Materials, Inc. (Santa Clara, California) on September 22nd, 2009 announced that it had signed a five-year contract with large-size thin film photovoltaic (PV) module producer ENN Solar Energy Co., Ltd. (ENN; Langfang, China) to support ENN's module manufacturing facility in Langfang, China, which features a "SunFab" thin film line by Applied Materials. Through its "SunFab Performance Service" program, Applied plans to provide ENN with continuous operating cost reductions while enabling optimal performance from the production line at a predictable cost that scales with factory loading.   The company reports that its performance service program has been selected by all of Applied's customers currently producing single and tandem junction modules on SunFab lines. "ENN sees joining with Applied Global Services as a powerful strategy to optimize the return on our investment in our SunFab line", said Dr. Rick Wan, General Manager of ENN Solar. "This agreement will allow us to replace much of our fixed cost infrastructure with a variable alternative that can flex as the market changes. This flexibility will free us to focus on successfully delivering high-performance, low-cost modules to our customers, helping them win in the marketplace."


Local customer support to help lower production costs, improve process

Under the agreement, Applied Materials is to leverage its service infrastructure to provide ENN's SunFab thin film line with preventive and corrective maintenance, spare parts management, and analytical services. According to the press release, experienced local support experts will optimize equipment performance, maximize manufacturing output and assure consistent cell characteristics using a range of engineering, logistics and automation software technologies. In addition, Applied and ENN plan to work together to develop continuous improvement programs that aim to increase module efficiency and lower operating costs. "We believe the combination of the revolutionary SunFab thin film line and SunFab Performance Service delivers the fastest path to the lowest cost-per-watt and maximized megawatt output", said Charlie Pappis, Vice President and General Manager of Applied Global Services. "The fact that all of our SunFab customers producing modules have selected SunFab Performance Service for ongoing support is a strong testament to the value proposition we offer."

2009-09-25   Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.

 

Opel Expands its European Solar Offensive; 13 MW PV plant for Rüsselsheim

Together with partners Tauber-Solar and SOLON SE Opel expands its solar electricity initiative.
Together with partners Tauber-Solar and
SOLON SE Opel expands its solar electricity
initiative.

Opel (Rüsselsheim, Germany) expands its initiative to promote solar electricity production by building a photovoltaic (PV) power plant on the roof of its Rüsselsheim and Kaiserslautern manufacturing sites. Together with partners Tauber-Solar and SOLON SE, Opel will install 13 megawatts of PV capacity, thereby reducing CO2 emissions by about 7,500 tons per year at the Rüsselsheim plant. Work on the 225,000 square-meter solar modules began in July; the first solar panels will be mounted in late fall. The solar panels will encompass a total of 225,000 square meters.   Opel has partnered with Tauber-Solar-Energie und Wärmetechnik GmbH to build the power plant in Rüsselsheim and SOLON SE to plan, deliver components and run it. When paired with the solar power plant that sits on the roof of the Opel site in Zaragoza, Spain, Opel has a large network of solar rooftop PV plants in Europe. The Opel solar project will continue with the manufacturing site at Kaiserslautern. Opel energy experts are examining the viability of building solar roof power plants at various sites in Europe.



Efficient and environmentally sound: Solar energy for Insignia production

"Our experience with the first solar rooftop power plant in Zaragoza was thoroughly positive, so we decided to expand the program. With the next step of our solar initiative we are showing our commitment to sustainable energy and environmentally friendly mobility", says Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Carl-Peter Forster at an opening ceremony. Hessen State Premiere Roland Koch was also present. The first harbinger of the Opel solar offensive can already be seen in front of Adam Opel Haus: A so-called "SOLON Mover", a photovoltaic system that rotates on two axles, directing the solar cells to the sun’s rays regardless of the time of day in order to obtain the highest yield of solar energy.

The city of Rüsselsheim, Tauber Solar, roof companies and suppliers are collaborating on the building of the roof power plant. Tauber has many years of experience with solar energy and solar power plants. "There are so many roofs which can be used for solar power", says Leonhard Haaf, Managing Director of Tauber Solar. Anke Hunziger, a member of the executive board at SOLON, says: "The project shows the advantages of photovoltaic energy. The electricity will be produced where it is needed. We are happy to have Opel as a part for renewable energy. We are convinced that this will become a lesson for anyone wishing to learn about the uses of large flat roofs."

The solar elements and the mounting technology are supplied by SOLON. Later the power plant also will be operated by the Berlin based company. The planning and project management will be led by Tauber. The output of the solar cells, which are made in Germany, are highly efficient, producing an 18 percent energy output. The efficiency of the SOLON module and the intelligent concept of the photovoltaic cells mean an optimal use of the widest available useable space. The production site in Rüsselsheim is expected to produce 12.35 million kilowatt hours of energy from sunlight. Any unused electricity - for example energy produced on weekends or during factory holidays - will flow into the local network.

"For us, this latest solar project unites three important elements. It is efficient, provides an environmentally friendly energy source and provides a further decisive step forward toward green electric mobility"says Carl-Peter Forster.



2009-09-25   Courtesy: Adam Opel GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Organic photovoltaics: Konarka announces availability of solar panels for portable charging applications at EU PVSEC

Portable battery charger OPV solar panel by Konarka.
Portable battery charger OPV solar panel by
Konarka.

Konarka Technologies, Inc. (Lowell, Massachusetts), an innovator in development and commercialization of Konarka "Power Plastic," an organic material that converts light to energy, on September 21st, 2009 unveiled a line of solar panels for use in a variety of portable charging applications that are scheduled to be available worldwide in the fourth quarter of this year.   According to the press release, commercial products incorporating Konarka Power Plastic 20 Series material, which include battery chargers for lighting, mobile phones and devices, carry bags and café umbrellas, will be available through the company's qualified resellers and partners program. "As a world leader in organic photovoltaic technology, Konarka has been working to meet the growing demand for personal and commercial solar energy solutions", commented Rick Hess, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Konarka. "We are delighted to see manufacturers from new and existing markets integrating our solar panels into their products, creating energy-capturing devices, and making them available for commercial use."



Solar panels integrated in consumer products

Konarka reports that its Power Plastic 20 Series includes the Power Plastic 120 (1-watt), Power Plastic 320 (3-watt) and Power Plastic 620 (7-watt) products. The panels vary in size and are available with and without integrated connectors, and are said to be ready to be used or integrated into a manufacturer's device or product. According to the press release, some manufacturing partner products including battery chargers, café umbrellas and carry bags that are to be equipped with Konarka Power Plastic and to be available by year's end. The company reports that its solar panels are available for delivery in the fourth quarter of this year. Next year, the company plans to increase its portfolio with additional products for both higher and lower voltage applications.



2009-09-25   Courtesy: Konarka Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Konarka Technologies, Inc.

 

EMCORE enters into a long term supply agreement for space solar cells with Northrop Grumman Corporation

EMCORE Corporation (Albuquerque, New Mexico), a provider of compound semiconductor-based components, subsystems and systems for the fiber optic and solar power markets, announced that the Aerospace Systems Sector of Northrop Grumman (Redondo Beach, California) had entered into a long term supply agreement with EMCORE's Solar Photovoltaics Division, which is to manufacture and deliver high-efficiency, multi-junction solar cells for Northrop Grumman's satellite programs. EMCORE solar cells are expected to help provide power for Northrop Grumman's space-based global climate monitoring capabilities and other satellite missions.   According to the press release, the period of performance for the supply agreement is 2009 through 2012, with a potential value of more than 17 million US-dollars. The company reports that the production of the solar cells will take place at its manufacturing facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "Our proven manufacturing capabilities and unsurpassed reliability heritage make EMCORE the supplier of choice for demanding spacecraft power systems", said Christopher Larocca, EMCORE's Chief Operating Officer (COO). "We look forward to working with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems to power their satellite missions for many years to come."

EMCORE reports that it manufactures highly efficient radiation-hard solar cells for space power applications. With a beginning-of-life (BOL) conversion efficiency of 30 % and the option for a patented, onboard monolithic bypass diode, EMCORE's multi-junction solar cells are believed to provide the highest power to interplanetary spacecrafts and earth orbiting satellites.



2009-09-24   Courtesy: EMCORE Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Photovoltaics: Suntech sets another world record for multi-crystalline module conversion efficiency

Suntech's Chief Technology Officer Dr. Stuart Wenham.
Suntech's Chief Technology Officer Dr. Stuart
Wenham.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi, China,), the world's leading manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, on September 23rd, 2009 announced that it has beaten all previous records for multi-crystalline silicon module conversion efficiency, including its own record achieved last month. The new world record conversion efficiency (aperture area only) was measured at 16.53% by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE. 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 %.  In August, Suntech surpassed the previous record of 15.5 % set by Sandia National Labs 15 years ago. The latest record is well above previous records and is a reaffirmation that Suntech's Pluto powered multi-crystalline modules have the highest conversion efficiency in the world, the company emphasizes in a press release.



Dr. Martin Green: A new benchmark for the highest performance multi-crystalline module

"We are very pleased to announce that our Pluto technology has been recognized as the most efficient multi-crystalline silicon technology in the world", said Dr. Stuart Wenham, Suntech's Chief Technology Officer. "This shows that it is possible to combine both first class R&D and low cost manufacturing into a commercially viable business model that will bring clean alternative energy to the world's growing energy demands." Dr. Martin Green, Research Director of the ARC Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence at the University of New South Wales, Australia, and member of the Progress in Photovoltaics Committee added: "The 16.53% conversion efficiency Suntech module has a clear margin over other multi-crystalline silicon photovoltaic technologies. It has set the new benchmark for the highest performance multi-crystalline module."


2009-09-24   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

 

Oerlikon Solar customer Tianwei SolarFilms signs one of the largest deals in thin film silicon PV history

Just three weeks after production officially began, Oerlikon Solar’s Chinese customer Tianwei SolarFilms has signed one of the largest deals in thin film silicon PV history with Thailand Green Energy Co., Ltd., Oerlikon Solar reports in a press release. Under the terms of this agreement, Tianwei SolarFilms is to provide 70 MW of thin film solar panels to rapidly emerging markets across Southeast Asia. "We are already seeing significant market opportunities for our cutting-edge solar PV modules. Our decision to go with the clear market leader, Oerlikon Solar, is already paying dividends", explained Mr. Ma Wenxue, General Manager, Baoding Tianwei SolarFilms Co., Ltd.  "We congratulate Tianwei on securing this landmark agreement, which demonstrates both the rapidly-growing market for solar energy in the Asian market and the advantages offered by our own fast-ramp thin film PV production technology", comments Jeannine Sargent, CEO, Oerlikon Solar. "This deal is just the latest milestone on the journey towards making solar power economically viable and we look forward to working together with our customer’s rapid development", she adds.


At Tianwei SolarFilms, Oerlikon Solar has installed its "amorph HIGH PERFORMANCE", a technology using a special high-performance front and back contact method in its production lines. A Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD) process is used to generate a Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) layer, which is superior to conventional methods. The light transmission and scattering properties of this layer are very important to achieve the efficiency with which the solar module is able to convert sunlight into electrical energy.

2009-09-24   Courtesy:   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Merck introduces innovative edge isolation to improve solar cell efficiencies

The global pharmaceutical and chemical company Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany) and Schiller Automation GmbH & Co. KG (Sonnenbühl-Genkingen, Germany), on September 21st, 2009 announced the official start of construction of a new system for edge isolation of crystalline silicon wafers. According to the press release, the "SolarEtch SiD" from the "isishape" etching paste program developed by Merck will be used in the novel process.   The concept aims to increase overall solar photovoltaic (PV) cell efficiency. Merck reports that laboratory tests on several thousand wafers have confirmed the increase in efficiency through the use of innovative SolarEtch materials. The process designed by Merck and Schiller is said to offer numerous advantages over traditional edge isolation methods, in particular comprehensive wet chemical isolation and laser isolation. With the newly developed application concept, isishape SolarEtch SiD can be applied to the back of the wafer quickly and selectively, Merck reports. "The success of environmentally friendly photovoltaics ultimately depends on solar cell production costs. The edge isolation process we have developed significantly improves the ratio of efficiency to production costs," said Dr. Ingo Köhler, Head of R&D Structuring Solutions at Merck.



Volume production of custom wafers already possible on pilot line

Merck reports that the new concept has been laboratory tested together with various partners from industry and academia. Due to the promising results, the company is currently construction a prototype of the production equipment for a pilot production line. According to the press release, Merck is already able to produce customer-specific wafers under mass production conditions in the pilot phase. The development of mass production equipment with a throughput of approximately 3,600 wafers per hour is planned for the next phase. "Through the cooperation with Merck, we can offer companies in the photovoltaic industry a lower-cost, future-oriented solution," stated Karl-Heinz Bahnmüller, Director of the Customer Center at Schiller Automation. "The new plant holds great potential for the entire silicon cell production process beyond edge isolation."

2009-09-24   Courtesy: Merck KGaA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Advanced Energy Industries introduces 500 kW PV inverter to the European market

Grid-tie PV inverter Solaron 500E.
Grid-tie PV inverter Solaron 500E.

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (Fort Collins, Colorado), a manufacturer of power and control technologies, on September 15th, 2009 introduced the "Solaron 500E," a European model of its high-efficiency, transformerless, grid-tie photovoltaic (PV) inverter.  Operating at 500 kilowatts (kW), the Solaron 500E is said to enable European commercial and utility-scale PV installations to achieve the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE) in the industry by increasing energy harvests and by reducing balance-of-system (BoS), operating and maintenance (O&M) costs. According to the press release, the Solaron inverter is rated at 97.5 % CEC-weighted (97.7 percent European-weighted) efficiency and it is believed to enable higher energy harvests through its robust controls and patented soft-switching technology.



Extended warranties and customer support available

The company reports that the inverter's transformerless design eliminates the need for a step-up transformer and makes it smaller and lighter than competitive products. The design of the Solaron inverter is also said to allow for multiple inverter connections to a single medium-voltage transformer. The company reports that it comes in an outdoor-ready IP45 enclosure that eliminates the need for and the cost of additional heating and cooling systems. To reduce O&M costs, Advanced Energy offers service, support and extended warranties up to 20 years. "Following the successful rollout of the Solaron platform in the U.S. market, we are pleased to now offer the same industry-leading, high performance features to the European market," said Dr. Hans Betz, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. "We believe our Solaron product delivers the most effective inverter solution and allows customers to achieve maximum power and cost performance from their systems."

2009-09-24   Courtesy: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

 

Nanotechnology provides advances in solar energy

Chemical engineers at OSU are using extraordinarily small films at the nanostructure level to improve solar energy devices.
Chemical engineers at OSU are using
extraordinarily small films at the nanostructure
level to improve solar energy devices.

Chemical engineers at Oregon State University (OSU, Corvallis, Oregon) have invented a new technology to deposit "nanostructure films" on various surfaces, which may first find use as coatings for eyeglasses that cost less and work better. Ultimately, the technique may provide a way to make solar cells more efficiently produce energy. The films reduce the reflectance of light, and in the case of eyeglasses would capture more light, reduce glare and also reduce exposure to ultraviolet light. Some coatings with these features are already available, but the new technology should perform better at a lower cost, and be able to be applied on-site in a dispenser’s office. 


Making make almost any type of solar energy system work more efficiently

"There’s really a whole range of things this technology may ultimately be useful for", said Chih-hung Chang, an associate professor in the OSU Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering. "They should be able to make almost any type of solar energy system work more efficiently, and ultimately could be used in cameras or other types of lenses", Chang emphasized. A patent has been applied for on the new technology, and the first commercial products may be ready within a year, Chang said.

The key to the process is use of a chemical bath, controlled by a microreactor, to place thin-film deposits on various substrates such as glass, plastic, silicon or aluminum. In this case, the technology will create a type of nanostructure that resembles millions of tiny pyramids in a small space, which function to reduce the reflectance of any light that strikes the material. The scientists are now working on the application of this thin film to polycarbonate, the type of plastic most commonly used in eyeglass production, and also plan to create a small unit that can apply the films inexpensively in an office setting.

The final product should be faster to apply, less costly, reduce waste of materials and perform better than existing technologies, the researchers said.

The OSU College of Engineering is among the nation’s largest and most productive engineering programs. In the past six years, the College has more than doubled its research expenditures to .5 million by emphasizing highly collaborative research that solves global problems, spins out new companies, and produces opportunity for students through hands-on learning.

2009-09-24   Courtesy: Oregon State University   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: OSU; Image by Seung-Yeol Han.

 

Europe-wide standardised outdoor tests for photovoltaic modules

The Fraunhofer IWES in Kassel, Germany and the association DERlab e.V. are presenting for the first time Europe-wide standardised outdoor tests for PV modules at the world's largest solar energy conference EU PVSEC. Module manufacturers sell their products all over the world. And yet, since unified standards are lacking, a location-specific, direct product comparison has not been possible. This will change at the end of September. The Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology (IWES) from Kassel, Germany, and its European project partners of the Network of Excellence DERlab have developed standards and measuring methods for long-term tests of solar modules.   For the first time the researchers present this new service for module manufacturers within the world's largest solar energy conference EU PVSEC (European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition) from 21 to 24 September in Hamburg, Germany.


Measurements not only examine the location-specific yield, but also the influence that ambient conditions have on the module output

The quality standard developed by the DERlab partners (stands for European Distributed Energy Resources Laboratories) is based on standardised test procedures and data formats as well as evaluation services and uniform reports. "We have harmonised our long-term measurements for solar modules all over Europe", explains Dr. Philipp Strauss, Division Director of Systems Engineering and Grid Integration at the Fraunhofer IWES and spokesman of the board of DERlab e.V. "For our measurements, we do not only examine the location-specific yield, but also the influence that ambient conditions have on the module output." In field tests, running in parallel, the researchers measure the solar modules under real conditions at the most diverse European locations. A further module serves as a reference and is stored in the dark.


Very High Measuring Accuracy

The Fraunhofer IWES has developed the measuring card ISET MPP meter for the automated measurements, which should last at least a year. "Every 15 seconds, it records the short-circuit current and the open-circuit voltage as well as the current and voltage at the maximum power point (MPP) of the solar module", explains Dr. Norbert Henze, Group Manager of Engineering and Measuring Technology at the Fraunhofer IWES. "In addition, it measures the irradiation intensity needed for the exact comparison, as well as the module temperature." In a one minute cycle the measuring card captures the entire voltage/current characteristic. The measuring inaccuracy lies at much less than 1 percent. The DERlab partners also offer further measurement services according to customers' wishes.

Visit us in Hamburg from 21 to 24 September!

Along with the outdoor measurements and the measuring card ISEP MPP meter, the Fraunhofer IWES is presenting at its stand a three-phase, grid-connected module-integrated inverter for high-voltage solar modules. This inverter was developed within the project PV- MIPS that is coordinated from Kassel and is funded by the European Commission (DG-TREN).

Fraunhofer IWES at the EU PVSEC: Hall B7, booth 64a, at the Messe Hamburg, Germany

2009-09-23   Courtesy: Fraunhofer IWES   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SMA America to display new products, services at Solar Power International 2009

Sunny Boy 3000HF.
Sunny Boy 3000HF.

SMA America, Inc. (Rocklin, California), the North American subsidiary of global solar technology leader SMA Solar Technology AG (Niestetal, Germany), on September 17th, 2009 announced that the company will unveil new residential and commercial products, as well as professional services, at the Solar Power International conference, scheduled for October 27th-29th at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.  In addition to exhibiting its high-efficiency Sunny Central 500HE-US commercial solar inverter, the new Sunny Boy 8000US and slim-line Sunny Boy 3000HF-US residential inverters, SMA America also plans to preview its Sunny Boy 8000/9000/10000TL inverters, a future line of transformerless products. The company also will debut expanded professional service offerings through its "Sunny PRO Club," a professional partnership designed to assist installers through marketing support, and the "Solar Academy," an educational endeavor that provides installers with hands-on training. "The solar industry will be on display at Solar Power International and SMA is excited to unveil yet another set of world-class inverters and professional services at this year's show." said Jürgen Krehnke, President and General Manager of SMA America.


2009-09-23   Courtesy: SMA America, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SMA America, Inc.

 

Fraunhofer ISE develops new photovoltaic technologies; New concepts for n-type silicon solar cells with great efficiencies

Four-inch wafers with seven highly efficient 4 cm² n-type silicon solar cells that reach efficiencies of up to 23.4%.
Four-inch wafers with seven highly efficient
4 cm² n-type silicon solar cells that reach
efficiencies of up to 23.4%.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Freiburg, Germany) have developed new methods and cell concepts for the manufacture of n-type silicon solar cells. As a result, higher efficiencies and power production levels are also possible for commercial solar cells. The prototype exceeded an efficiency of 23 %, ISE reports in a press release. "Most commercial silicon solar cells are currently p-types", Fraunhofer ISE’s group manager Dr. Martin Hermle explains the difference between the new technology and current products.  "But the new n-type silicon used for the novel solar cell structures developed at ISE has better properties for photovoltaic electricity production, such as greater tolerance for most impurities. In practice, there are two options: either greater efficiency, or lower manufacturing costs because you can use less expensive silicon", he explains. In addition, p-type Czrochalski (Cz) silicon suffers from light-induced degradation, which does not occur with n-type silicon.


Silicon solar cells consist of two areas with different thicknesses for different conduction: n stands for negative, p for positive. The thicker layer, the substrate material, is considered the base and determines the cell's type – such as p-type for conventional solar cells. Such cells have a p-type base and a thin n-conductive layer – the emitter, or the charge carrier. In n-type solar cells, the emitter is p-doped, either through boron diffusion or the addition of aluminum.


Problem of front passivation solved through the use of aluminum oxide Al2O3

For some time, experiments have been conducted on n-type silicon as a base material, but production technology was very complicated. For instance, the main problem in using n-type solar cells, in which the emitter is on the side facing the sun, was the passivation of the emitter, which was usually doped with boron. Such surfaces cannot be optimally passivated with conventional layers, such as silicon oxide SiO2 or silicon nitride SiNx. In collaboration with the Technical University of Eindhoven, the problem of front passivation was solved through the use of aluminum oxide Al2O3. Jan Benick, who is working on his doctorate in the group for high- efficiency silicon solar cells, managed to develop a highly efficient cell process especially for n-type cells that uses boron diffusion to make the emitter; the efficiency is 23.4 % on 2x2 cm² – the highest efficiency ever reached for this cell type. Christian Schmiga, project leader in the group for high-efficiency silicon solar cells, has also reached 18.2 % efficiency on 12.5x12.5 cm² by using much simpler process stages close to industry practice, including a screen printing process to apply the aluminum alloy emitter. Fraunhofer ISE continues to further develop process technology for n-type solar cells so that industrially manufactured silicon solar cells can reach efficiency rates exceeding 20 % quickly.

2009-09-23   Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE

 

NYPA partners with MEUA and NYAPP to lower electricity costs through Solar Incentive Program

NYPA's incentive covers 50 % of installation cost for PV systems up to 10 kW.
NYPA's incentive covers 50 % of installation
cost for PV systems up to 10 kW.

Richard M. Kessel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Power Authority (NYPA; White Plains, New York), and officials from the Municipal Electric Utilities Association (MEUA) and the New York Association of Public Power (NYAPP) on September 15th, 2009 announced a new clean energy initiative to position New York State as a leader in the solar industry and to help lower energy costs for many residents and businesses throughout the state.  NYPA reports that it will partner with the MEUA and NYAPP to establish a Solar Incentive Program for customers served by the state's municipal electric systems and rural cooperatives. It is expected to encourage more residents and businesses to participate in renewable energy projects by helping to reduce the capital investment necessary for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. "In these difficult economic times, it is critical to do everything possible to alleviate the burden on New Yorkers coping with high electricity costs", Kessel said. "We commend both MEUA and NYAPP in taking a leadership role in promoting clean energy technologies."



Incentive program to be combined with state and federal tax credits

According to the press release, NYPA is offering an incentive to its municipal and rural cooperative customers for the installation of solar PV systems. The program is said to be available to residential, commercial and municipal facilities and it will cover solar projects up to 10 kilowatts (kW). NYPA pledges to pay for approximately 50 % of the installed cost. In addition, residential and commercial owners may be eligible to receive significant state and federal tax credits (FTC), the company reports. In lowering the capital cost for consumers and businesses, NYPA's Solar Incentive Program is expected to encourage investment in solar projects, decrease dependence on foreign fossil fuels and advance efforts to grow the clean energy economy in New York State. NYPA anticipates that it can provide funding for approximately 50 to 80 PV systems statewide under the program. The company reports that the program advances New York Governor David A. Paterson's "45 by 15" plan for 45 % of the state's electricity needs to be met through improved energy efficiency and clean renewable energy by the year 2015.

2009-09-23   Courtesy: New York Power Authority   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: New York Power Authority

 

PV producer Canadian Solar selects Camstar software suite to improve solar cell efficiency and enable operational growth

Camstar Systems, Inc. (Charlotte, North Carolina) on September 15th, 2009 announced that Canadian Solar Inc. (Ontario, Canada), a vertically integrated provider of ingots, solar wafers, solar cells, and solar modules, had selected Camstar's "SolarSuite" software platform to help reduce cell and panel cost per watt and create a more effective manufacturing process environment.   Camstar is a developer of software solutions to advance product quality in the manufacturing industry throughout the product lifecycle, from design to planning to supply to manufacturing in a closed-loop learning process that is believed to allow future products to be designed better and manufacturing processes to be leaner and more efficient. Camstar reports that Canadian Solar plans to deploy its special software solution for the solar industry, which is based on the Camstar Enterprise Platform.


Software platform to be used to improve production processes for cell and module manufacturing

According to the press release, Canadian Solar plans to employ the software at its cell manufacturing site in Suzhou and at its module manufacturing site in Changshu, both in Jiangsu Province, China. "In order to create optimal efficiency and deliver top quality while growing and innovating, Canadian Solar strives to continuously improve its processes and methods," said Dacheng Fang, Vice President of Business Integration at Canadian Solar. "The platform will help us improve manufacturing control, visibility and traceability of cell and module processes and materials, and consistent application of operational standards. Reliable, timely information will help us more quickly resolve issues and make fact-based decisions." Benny Zhang, Corporate IT Director for Canadian Solar, added: "Standardizing on one platform for both cell and module production is key to support growth."

2009-09-23   Courtesy: Camstar Systems, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

EREC and Greenpeace: Saving the climate equals 8 million jobs in the renewable energy industry

Report ""Working for the Climate".

The renewable power industry could support 6.9 million jobs by 2030 if world leaders seize the opportunity to invest in a greener future by securing a strong treaty at December's Climate Summit in Copenhagen, according to a report launched on September 14th, 2009 by Greenpeace International and the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC). The organizations emphasize that a switch from coal to renewable electricity generation will not just avoid 10 billion tons of CO2 emissions, but will create 2.7 million more jobs by 2030.   Conversely, the global coal industry, which currently supports about 4.7 million employees worldwide, is expected to contract by more than 1.4 million jobs by 2030, due to rationalization in existing coal mines. According to the press release, the report, dubbed "Working for the Climate: Renewable Energy & The Green Job [R]evolution," is based on Greenpeace's "Energy [R]evolution" studies and research from the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia.


Jobs gained in renewable energy sector by far outweigh jobs lost in coal industry

The report shows that by 2030, 6.9 million people could work for the renewable power industry, and another 1.1 million jobs would be created due to higher efficiency in electrical applications. "There are already 450,000 people working in the renewable energy industry in Europe, representing a turnover of more than 45 billion Euros (66 billion US-dollars). This research proves that renewable energy is key to tackling both the climate and economic crises", said Christine Lins, Secretary General of the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC). "Global leaders can tackle the twin crises of global economic recession and climate change head on by investing in renewable energy", added Sven Teske, Greenpeace International's Senior Energy Expert and lead author of the report. "For each job lost in the coal industry the 'Energy [R]evolution' creates three new jobs in the renewable power industry. We can choose green jobs and growth or unemployment, ecological and social collapse." A full copy of the report is available to download at http://www.greenpeace.org/international/press/reports/working-for-the-climate



2009-09-22   Courtesy: EREC; Greenpeace International   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EREC; Greenpeace International

 

Wall Street Journal names SolarMagic power optimizer runner-up for 2009 Technology Innovation Award

SolarMagic power optimizer.
SolarMagic power optimizer.

National Semiconductor Corporation (Santa Clara, California) on September 17th, 2009 announced that its "SolarMagic" power optimizer had been named a runner-up in the Energy category for the Wall Street Journal's 2009 "Technology Innovations Awards." According to the press release, the Wall Street Journal received 500 nominations for this year's competition, a record for the nine year running award program. A panel of judges was assembled to evaluate products that were truly revolutionary, and this year considered their value in a down economy, National Semiconductor reports.   Judges had noted SolarMagic power optimizers and their ability to generate more power when panels are in the shade. The company explains that shade, debris and other forms of panel mismatch affecting just a single solar panel can cause an entire solar photovoltaic (PC) array to underperform. For example, as little as 10 % shade on one panel could result in as much as 50 % energy loss, the company reports. However, with SolarMagic power optimizers, an array owner is said to be able to recoup over 50 % of the lost power. National Semiconductor reports that SolarMagic had received the prestigious "Intersolar Award 2009" in the "Photovoltaics" category in May 2009. According to the press release, the Wall Street Journal's recognition marks the latest milestone for SolarMagic as industry experts begin to note the power optimizers' success in maximizing the energy output of solar arrays when affected by real-world conditions. National Semiconductor reports that it will display the SolarMagic power optimizer on its booth in Hall B7, stand # 50, at PVSEC in Hamburg, Germany (September 21st – 24th, 2009).

2009-09-22   Courtesy: National Semiconductor Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: National Semiconductor Corp.

 

Suntech Launches 60 Cell Module for residential and commercial photovoltaic rooftop systems

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (WUXI, China), the world's leading manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, announced the introduction of a 60 cell multi-crystalline PV module to be marketed under the product name "Wd". The new Wd module series features positive peak power tolerance of 0/+5 watts, which will assure that all Wd modules will produce at, or outperform, the nominal power rating, Suntech reports in a press release. "The new 60 cell module, which weighs about 20kg, will be ideal for customers that have plenty of roof space, but want to avoid the challenges of mounting a heavier 72 cell module", said Andrew Beebe, Suntech's VP of Global Product Strategy.  "With high quality components and extensive vetting through our 52 step quality control process, we believe this will be one of the most reliable modules on the market and well-suited to operate in extreme weather conditions. This new product reflects our commitment to developing products to suit our customers' evolving needs through close collaboration and consideration of customer feedback.


Presentation at Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Hamburg

The 60 cell Wd module series will be available in two power ratings, 220 watt or 225 watt, and is designed to complement Suntech's 54 cell and 72 cell multi-crystalline modules to provide customers with a powerful and light weight option for residential and commercial rooftop applications. In addition to positive peak power tolerance of 0/+5 watts, the new modules will also feature the latest IP67 rated junction box with enhanced thermal isolation, 4mm thick glass and a durable and easy to install 50mm aluminium frame.

Illustrating Suntech's commitment to producing the most reliable modules in the industry, the Wd module series will be backed by Suntech's 25-year power output warranty, and has also received IEC 5400Pa certification that verifies the modules' ability to withstand high wind-pressure and snow load. The Wd module series is already available for purchase and will be on display at this year's European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition from September 21-24 at booth B7/75, CCH Congress Centre and International Fair, Hamburg, Germany. Interested customers can also contact their local dealerships or visit Suntech's website for additional information.

2009-09-22   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

EU PVSEC: Bosch Solar Energy presents new module prototype

Crystalline solar module on the basis of black monocrystalline silicon solar cells.
Crystalline solar module on the basis of
black monocrystalline silicon solar cells.

Following its recent change in company name, Bosch Solar Energy AG, formerly ersol Solar Energy AG, is attending a major photovoltaics trade fair for the first time in its new Bosch look. It will present its high-efficiency crystalline and thin-film products at the fair. Commenting on the current trade-fair appearance in Hamburg (September 21 to 24), Holger von Hebel, chief executive of Bosch Solar Energy AG, says: "After the renaming and change of corporate design at the beginning of September, we will be appearing for the first time as a Bosch subsidiary in the appropriate corporate design." At EU PVSEC (European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition), Bosch Solar Energy AG will present three prototypes of new crystalline and thin-film modules.   Bosch Solar Energy's thin-film product portfolio is to be supplemented in the medium-term by a micromorphous product with a frame. With its thermally toughened front glass panel, it has a mechanical strength of 2400 pascal. Weighing in at only 16 kilograms, it is substantially lighter than conventional thin-film glass-glass laminates, which weigh around 25 kilograms. Furthermore, it can be mounted using the assembly systems that are already well established in the market.


Completely black module for special requirements

A "low voltage concept" is also in preparation. This low voltage means less wiring work for installers. "This concept takes account of our customers’ requirements, and we plan to have it ready for series production in the medium term. Due to its special properties, this module type is highly suitable for steeply sloping roofs and roofs that do not face full south", said Peter Schneidewind, the management board member of Bosch Solar Energy AG responsible for sales. The new module prototypes also include a crystalline solar module on the basis of black monocrystalline silicon solar cells. With a black anodized frame and black backing foil, this model has been given a completely monochromatic design to satisfy the strict demands made on appearance in special architectural settings.


Demonstration of a MWT module

Bosch Solar Energy will also be unveiling its first monocrystalline "MWT rear-side contact cells" (metal wrap-through cells), developed together with ISE, the Fraunhofer institute for solar energy in Freiburg, Germany. In this cell, which is integrated in a high-performance panel, the front bus bars have been shifted to the back of the panel. This means that the areas of the solar cell that were hitherto "shaded" are now available for converting sunlight into electrical power, and the solar cells’ efficiency is enhanced. "We are quite proud of this successful project work. After all, no other company has so far been able to implement the MWT cell concept with monocrystalline wafers", says Dr. Hans-Joachim Krokoszinski, Head of Engineering Crystalline Cells, describing the first results of development in the field of MWT rear-side contacts. Work has now started on the final project phase, in which the contact structure and process parameters will be optimized.

2009-09-22   Courtesy: Bosch Solar Energy AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Bosch Solar Energy AG

 

Applied Materials dramatically reduces cost and increases productivity of solar ingot squaring with new HCT squarer system

New Applied HCT Diamond Squarer.
New Applied HCT Diamond Squarer.

Applied Materials, Inc. on September 21st, 2009 extended its leadership in pioneering solar wafering technology with its new "Applied HCT Diamond Squarer"system. This innovative new system can reduce the cost of squaring silicon ingots by up to one-third while offering at least twice the cutting speed of conventional squaring processes, the company emphasizes. Key to the HCT Diamond Squarer’s high performance is its novel diamond wire technology that eliminates the need for abrasive slurry and cuts electricity consumption in half.   The compelling benefits of diamond wire are also available for Applied’s currently-installed HCT Squarer systems as a cost-effective, easily deployable upgrade kit.


Diamond particles bonded to a metallic wire

In the conventional squaring process, a rapidly moving wire, carrying abrasive slurry, is used to cut monocrystalline or multi-crystalline silicon ingots into standard size bricks which are then sliced into wafers for photovoltaic (PV) applications. The HCT Diamond Squarer system uses diamond particles bonded to a metallic wire core to cut the ingot faster. In addition to increasing machine capacity and lowering energy consumption, this technology simplifies the squaring process by eliminating the complexity and expense of slurry management.


Doubled solar ingot squaring capacity at wafer producer Silicio Solar

The performance of the new HCT diamond wire process has been validated by multiple customers. Maxim Vediankin, general director at high-quality wafer producer Silicio Solar, commented, "We are very impressed with HCT’s Diamond Squarer technology since it doubled our solar ingot squaring capacity. We’ve also seen a 50% reduction in energy use which is vital to our roadmap for reducing the carbon footprint of our wafering operations."

"We are continuously working on advanced technologies such as diamond wire to drive down the cost-per-watt of solar electricity", said Jean-Maurice Imbert, general manager of Applied Materials’ Precision Wafering Systems division. "Integration of the squarer and the diamond wire is critical, requiring an in-depth understanding of the interaction between the two components to optimize the process and environmental advantages." The Applied HCT Diamond Squarer system is the latest addition to Applied’s production-proven suite of solutions for manufacturing silicon wafers for solar PV cells, which includes the market-leading "Applied HCT MaxEdge" wire saw for slicing ingots into ultra-thin wafers.

2009-09-22   Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Business Wire

 

California: Governor Schwarzenegger signs Executive Order to advance state's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard to 33 % by 2020

Governor Schwarzenegger to increasing the state’s renewable energy target.
Governor Schwarzenegger to increasing
the state’s renewable energy target.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 15th, 2009 signed an Executive Order (EO) directing the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to adopt regulations increasing the states' Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 33 % by 2020, a plan that had first been established by the Governor's directive in 2008. According to the press release, the EO builds on AB 32 goals and is to ensure that California will have the flexibility needed to use renewable energy sources for 33 % of the state's energy consumption by 2020. "  Three years ago, I signed AB 32 and committed California to roll back our greenhouse gas emissions a nation-leading 25 percent by 2020. We've made a lot of progress since then, but we still have a lot of work to do to reach our goals", said Schwarzenegger. "So I am taking action today to make sure California remains a pioneer in clean energy and clean jobs and directing the California Air Resources Board to enact regulations to reach our 33 % renewable energy standards by 2020."



Renewable Energy target of 33 % leading in the nation

The California Governor's order places the highest priority on renewable resources that are expected to provide the greatest environmental benefits and can be developed quickly. Working with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the Independent System Operator (ISO) and the California Energy Commission (CEC), CARB must adopt these regulations by July 31st, 2010. According to the press release, Governor Schwarzenegger had signed Executive Order S-14-08 to streamline California's renewable energy project approval process and to increase the state's RPS to the most aggressive in the nation at 33 % renewable power by 2020 in November 2008. The Governor also called on the legislature to pass legislation increasing the state's RPS to meet that target. According to the press release the bills the legislature recently passed are unfortunately unnecessarily complex, and would substantially increase costs on Californians and California's businesses and, if passed, the state standard could be held up in legal battles because the bills violate the U.S. Constitution's commerce clause by restricting the sale of energy across state lines. For these reasons, the Governor took action administratively to increase California's RPS to 33 % by 2020.


2009-09-22   Courtesy: www.gov.ca.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: www.gov.ca.gov

 

SolarEdge opens European headquarters in Dresden, Germany

PV energy conversion system by SolarEdge.
PV energy conversion system by SolarEdge.

SolarEdge Technologies Inc. (Hertzlia, Israel), an innovative solar power harvesting provider, on September 18th, 2009 announced the opening of a new office in Dresden, Germany. The company reports that it is to become its European headquarters to provide sales and technical support for the company's solar photovoltaic (PV) harvesting and monitoring systems.   "Germany has long played a pioneering role in the development of the European solar industry and has been an early adopter of SolarEdge's breakthrough power harvesting technology. It is a natural fit for SolarEdge to open our European headquarters within the world's largest PV market", said Zvi Lando, Vice President of sales at SolarEdge. The company reports that its distributed power harvesting and monitoring system tackles common solar performance problems, such as lost electricity production from partial shading and other glitches in the electronic equipment that transports power between the panels.


Power optimization on panel-level to maximize system output

According to the press release, SolarEdge is different from centralized architectures because it optimizes the power of each solar panel in an array. The company reports that its system performs MPPT (maximum power point tracking) for each panel while communicating across existing power lines for granular visibility and control. SolarEdge maintains a strategic alliance with SCHOTT Solar AG (Mainz) and a partnership with Gehrlicher Solar AG (Neustadt / Coburg), both in Germany. "This location will allow us to quickly and thoroughly execute an aggressive distribution strategy with dedicated support for customers and partners in key markets like Germany and throughout Europe" Lando added.


2009-09-22   Courtesy: SolarEdge Technologies Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SolarEdge Technologies Inc.

 

3S presents innovations for solar module production at the EUPVSEC in Hamburg

The 3S solar group (Lyss; Switzerland) comprising the three companies Somont, 3S Swiss Solar Systems and Pasan is presenting its latest developments at the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (21st – 25th September, 2009): highly automated turnkey production lines, the CERTUS string soldering machine, automatic laminating lines and a new process. "All of the 3S group’s products allow top levels of cost-effectiveness to be reached in the production of solar modules thanks to a unique combination of process reliability, rapid cycle times and maximum uptime and the excellent quality of the finished product", the company emphasizes in a press release. 

3S provides solar module manufacturers with turnkey production lines in various degrees of automation from one single source. New fully automated solutions replace and simplify previously used production techniques. The result are production lines using the most modern technology with high availability rates and low levels of maintenance, 3S accentuates. 3S has developed new automated solutions for edge cutting, frame setting and junction box mounting. The automatic measuring and marking of the glass means that production processes are simplified and the modules can be precisely traced.

The new Somont stringing system CERTUS due to the producer is the choice for production capacities from 50 – 100 MW per year. The CERTUS features a modular concept to match the desired capacity requirements. CERTUS integrates all elements needed at the front-end of the module production line with new, state-of-the art technology for the stringer, in-line string testing, matrix lay-up, interconnection, matrix testing and matrix lay-up on the glass plate.

Pasan has developed the new string tester HighLIGHT SIC (String inline control) in close cooperation with Somont for the new Somont CERTUS system. The flasher will perform a quality check for each string prior to its lay-up in the string matrix. The HighLIGHT SIC is the answer to cost-saving inline control of the module manufacturing process.

The 3S NG Laminator Series is based on the highly successful and proven 3S technology for encapsulation of solar modules. It combines highest technical availability, user friendliness and lowest total cost of ownership. The 3S Duplex Process features above state of the art cycle times for processing of crystalline and thin film modules. Output rises by more than 200% compared to standard lamination process due to faster heating up of the solar module and precise temperature control.


First ever mobile solar laboratory to be presented

The EKZ (Electricity Works of Canton Zurich) and the ZHAW (Zurich University of Applied Sciences) will be displaying the world’s first ever mobile solar laboratory. This is fitted with a highly accurate module tester by Pasan. The new measuring bus means that solar panels with dimensions up to 1.90 x 2.00 m can be measured on site with tried and tested Pasan measuring technology, before being finally integrated into a solar installation. The innovative concept supports the quality assurance of photovoltaic installations, in order to improve their cost-effectiveness. It also reduces logistic processes and increases flexibility.

Trade fair visitors will find 3S Industries AG at stand 40 in hall B5 from 21st to 24th September.

2009-09-22   Courtesy: 3S Industries AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

New record efficiency PV panel with solar cells produced by Q-Cells

PV panel with solar cells produced by Q-Cells
PV panel with solar cells produced by Q-Cells

Just as the PVSEC approached, Q-Cells SE shows what their cells are made of: The technologists in the Solar Valley Thalheim (Germany) have succeeded in designing a photovoltaic (PV) module with an efficiency of 15.9 % using the next generation of polycrystalline cells. This is a world record for mass produced cells manufactured according to common industrial standards; Q-Cells emphasizes in its press release. The module, which has an output of 249 W, has already been tested and certified by an independent institute, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg. It was created in Q-Cells’ own module test centre in Thalheim, where a team has been researching the interaction at the interface between the solar cell and the module for almost a year.   In 2008, Q-Cells invested around €50 million to construct a pilot plant, the so-called "Technikum", in which the module test line was set up. The findings obtained there were bundled and provided to the customers.



2010 market launch of the new-generation polycrystalline cells

As a result, the customers can further benefit from the potential contained in cells manufactured by Q-Cells, thus increasing the competitiveness of cell and module manufacturers. Q-Cells is therefore adding another significant component to its existing range of services, which is already distinguished from competitors by a unique after-sales service. With an efficiency of up to 17 %, the cells, produced in Q-Cells' existing production lines, are among the best polycrystalline cells currently available. The high-performance cell is expected to be launched on the market in 2010 after the development phase has been finished. Q-Cells foresees further increases in the efficiency rating by then. "The efficiencies already achieved are only the beginning. We are of course delighted with this achievement, which is after all a world record. Particularly in such difficult times as the present, this is evidence that we should continue to focus strongly on technology. That demonstrates the technological capabilities and advantages that we at Q-Cells and more generally in a country such as Germany have, which are increasingly important to ensure competitiveness, and especially compared to more commoditised producers using standard technologies in low-cost countries. We intend to build on these advantages going forward", commented Anton Milner, Chairman of the Executive Board at Q-Cells SE.

2009-09-21   Courtesy: Q-Cells SE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

DuPont and Applied Materials collaborate to boost solar cell efficiency

DuPont "Solamet" metallization paste increases
solar cell efficiency and electrical output.

DuPont (Willmington, Del.) and Applied Materials, Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif.) on September 18th, 2009 announced a collaboration to advance multiple printing technology that is expected to increase the absolute efficiency of crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) solar cells. By increasing the efficiency and yield of solar cells and modules, PV power can become more cost effective versus other forms of energy, the companies emphasize in a press release. "We’re working with innovative suppliers like DuPont to integrate highly customized material formulations with our leading-edge solar manufacturing systems to drive down the cost per watt of solar energy", said Charles Gay, president of Applied Solar at Applied Materials.   "By using our Baccini back end systems equipped with 'Esatto Technology' and DuPont 'Solamet' photovoltaic metallization paste, customers can achieve the precision alignment, repeatability and process control that enables successful multiple printing", he added. "This collaborative technology will optimize the efficiency of solar cells and meet the needs of the market by ultimately lowering total system cost", said Marc Doyle, global business director - DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions. "By working together, we can deliver photovoltaic materials and technologies to our customers better and faster." The collaboration reflects DuPont’s recently announced commitment to focus on meeting four emerging global trends, one of which is decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.


Narrower and taller grid lines to be precisely printed in two or more layers

Photovoltaic metallization pastes are screen printed onto the surface of solar cells in a pattern of grid lines which serve to collect electricity produced by the cell and transport it out. To maximize efficiency in the solar cell, the multiple printing technology will reduce the shadowing effect of wide grid lines on solar cells and improve electrical conductivity. Applied's "Baccini Esatto Technology" together with DuPont's "Solamet" photovoltaic metallization pastes enables narrower and taller grid lines to be precisely printed in two or more layers. In addition to demanding precise alignment of the patterning system, multiple printing requires the paste to be finely tuned to perform consistently during all printing passes.

2009-09-21   Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.; DuPont   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: DuPont.

 

24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition opens its Doors in Hamburg, Germany

WIP (Munich), organiser of the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (21st – 25th September, 2009) and Exhibition (21st -24th September, 2009) welcomes the international Photovoltaic Community in Hamburg, Germany. The PV Solar Conference is expected to attract some 4,000 participants, and the accompanying industry exhibition around 40,000 visitors. 943 exhibitors will be presenting new products and technical solutions from the field of photovoltaics.   Peter Helm, Executive Conference Director, states: "The high number of bookings by exhibitors from all over the world reconfirms that PV Solar has developed into a viable future-oriented industry with substantial growth potential. PV solar power will represent an important and competitive part of the European and also the international power market."


Scientists from 72 countries submitted papers

A new record number of 1,580 papers has been submitted for the Conference of the 24th EU PVSEC, which represents a 20 % rise compared to the number of papers submitted for 2008. An international Scientific Committee, comprising 135 experts in their respective fields, has evaluated the submitted papers and decided for 1,300 Plenary, Oral and Poster Presentations. The global interest in the 24th EU PVSEC is evident in the number of 72 countries from where the submitted papers originated: All European countries, North and South America, Asia and Australia, as well as Africa have contributed. This international exchange on the highest professional level authenticates the 24th EU PVSEC’s status a world leading PV solar event for a specialist audience.

The Conference Programme covers e.g. PV Markets and Deployment; PV Systems and Power Plants; Advanced Photovoltaics, including new Cell and Module Concepts; Thin Film Solar Cells, including Cells on Glass and Flexible Materials; Silicon Solar Cells and Silicon Feedstock; Components for PV Systems, Engineering and System Integration and PV Manufacturing. Prof. Wim Sinke, ECN Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands, is the General Conference Chairman of the 24th EU PVSEC. Dr. Heinz Ossenbrink, European Commission, DG JRC, Ispra, Italy, is Technical Programme Chairman. Dr. Peter Helm from the organiser WIP – Renewable Energies, Munich, is Executive Conference Director.


The 24th EU PVSEC - An International Networking Platform for Photovoltaics

During the Opening Session on Monday, September 21st, 2009, David Nelson, Senior Partner and Head of Design, Foster + Partners, London, UK, will present his thoughts in his keynote speech "Sustainability and the Future of the City" on the overall responsibility of architectural planning. Remarkable examples of Foster + Partners' projects worldwide will be part of the speech, amongst those the Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Another highlight during the 24th EU PVSEC will be the PV Policy Debate about the "EU Renewable Energy Directive" (Tuesday, 22 September 2009, 10:30-12:00). For the first time, the EU Renewable Energy Directive defines a pan-European binding approach to speed-up the implementation of Renewable Energies within the European Energy Mix. Representatives from the European Commission, Germany, France, UK, USA and international industry associations will discuss the EU Renewable Energy Directive`s impact on the European PV industry and PV markets.


EPIA study: The USA will emerge as one of the top PV markets worldwide by 2013

During the 24th EU PVSEC, Europe’s leading position in the Deployment of Solar PV Energy will be discussed as well as the fact, that a diversification of the market is taking place with countries adopting appropriate support policies. The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) reports in the 2013 study that the USA will emerge as one of the top PV markets worldwide by 2013. The immense potential of USA territory and strong commitment of President Obama, the USA could represent a multi GW market by 2010 already. The expected growth of Solar PV Energy in India and large PV projects in China are further examples. Experts believe that even with the currently difficult market environment the total worldwide market could reach up to 6.8 GW in 2009.

Until 2013, EPIA foresees the global market to reach 22 GW by 2013 under the policy-driven scenario which would mean a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 32 % over the period 2008-2013. For the moderate scenario, the annual market is expected to range just above 12 GW with a CAGR of 17 % over the period 2008-2013.

Further Information: http://www.photovoltaic-conference.com



2009-09-21   Courtesy: 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Canadian Solar signs technology agreement with Energy Research Center of the Netherlands

ECN, Petten (Netherlands).
ECN, Petten (Netherlands).

Canadian Solar Inc. (Ontario) on September 15th, 2009 announced that it had signed a joint technology development and transfer agreement with Energy Research Center of the Netherlands (ECN; Petten, The Netherlands) to apply the technology for metal wrap-through (MWT) cells to Canadian Solar's production lines. MWT cells eliminate the need for front side bus-bars and therefore increase the effective surface and conversion efficiency of a solar photovoltaic (PV) cell, the company reports. A more advanced version of this technology, emitter wrap-through (EWT) structures, is believed to be able to further eliminate the front surface grid and therefore further increase the cell conversion efficiency.  CSI reports that both of these wrap-through technologies also increase module conversion efficiency by enabling back-side interconnection technology in module production. The company plans to develop and manufacture specialized module assembly equipment in co-operation with Eurotron (Bleskengraaf, The Netherlands), a manufacturer and supplier of handling equipment for module assembly. Canadian Solar believes that higher conversion efficiency cells will allow the company to produce more powerful solar modules, while potentially reducing manufacturing costs. The transfer of MWT cell technology is expected to take approximately 6 months.


Novel cell structure to be developed to achieve increased conversion efficiency, reduced manufacturing cost

According to the press release, this agreement is part of Canadian Solar's comprehensive high-efficiency research program. The company expects to begin commercially introducing a new cell structure which combines a modified selective emitter process and better texturization, precise state-of-art screen printing and several other improvements. The new structure is scheduled to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2009, and it is expected to raise the conversion efficiency of monocrystalline cells to 18.5 % and multicrystalline cells to an estimated 16.8 %. Longer-term objectives for Canadian Solar's research program include researching on hetero-junction intrinsic thin-layer cells and tandem junction cells. These activities are expected to take several years and could result in cells with conversion efficiencies in excess of 20 % to as high as 25 %. Canadian Solar's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shawn Qu, said, "We are very pleased to have the Energy Research Center as a technology partner. ECN is a leading institute for high-efficiency cell and module technologies such as MWT. Working together will help us to improve the higher-powered modules currently preferred as a premium product by Canadian Solar's customers."


Novel cell technology to be developed for global solar market

ECN's Chairman of the Board, Ton Hoff, said, "Canadian Solar is an ideal partner for us. Its long-term commitment to leveraging R&D to provide higher quality, more cost-effective PV products has made it an industry leader. By working with ECN, Canadian Solar now has created an opening to achieve a better competitive edge in the PV market. We are excited to be working together because Canadian Solar has the financial strength, global reach and scale needed to move our technology from a laboratory environment to real-world, commercial applications that can help increase the use of environmentally friendly, solar energy systems." Bram Verschoor, commercial director of Eurotron, said: "We are very eager to make this a successful project. We have collaborated with ECN for several years now and developed the technology to a level that it can be taken out of the research phase. We foresee that this project will be the launch of back-contact module technology into the PV market. We will support Canadian Solar in making this happen."

2009-09-21   Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands

 

Laboratory Consortium highlights NREL's research for tech transfer excellence e.g. the "SkyTrough" parabolic trough solar concentrator

Solar concentrating collector "SkyTrough".

The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on September 16th, 2009 announced that the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer's (FLC) Mid-Continent Region recently recognized the NREL and its partners with two awards for excellence in technology transfer. The "SkyTrough" parabolic trough solar concentrating collector received one of the awards. It uses a reflector material which had been developed by NREL and its collaborative research partner, SkyFuel Inc. (Albuquerque, New Mexico), to create a ground-breaking and low-cost system for utility-sized solar power generation.   According to the press release, the SkyTrough parabolic trough solar concentrator uses "ReflecTech" mirror film, a glass-free, slide-in mirror that is said to be lightweight and weather proof. NREL reports that this innovation coupled with improvements to items such as the hydraulic-based rotational system and the sun-tracking controller enables SkyTrough to reduce the installed cost of a parabolic trough field by more than 30 % and it is believed to substantially improve the return on investment. NREL reports that Gary Jorgensen, Tim Wendelin, Allison Gray, Mark Mehos, Frank Burkholder and Kent Terwilliger had worked on the project.




Rechargeable thin-film lithium microbattery recognized for long life cycle and broad temperature tolerance

FLC is a U.S.-wide network of federal laboratories that provides the forum to develop strategies and opportunities for linking laboratory mission technologies and expertise with the marketplace. The second recognition was awarded by FLC for the "PowerPlane UX Microbattery", which is said to be a safe, rechargeable, deep-cycle thin-film lithium microbattery. NREL reports that its ideal applications are remote wireless sensors, smart homes, smart cars and medical sensing devices. Unlike traditional batteries, the PowerPlane UX microbattery is said to have a long cycle life even if it is frequently and fully discharged. It uses a solid glass electrolyte, lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON ), to give the battery a longer cycle life and improve its tolerance to high temperatures. NREL reports that it had developed the buried-anode architecture used in the microbattery. According to the press release, this innovation involves lithium being intercalated, or chemically trapped within, the cathode layer and plated out as the anode during the first charge cycle. This removes at least one process step in manufacturing and provides improved shelf life, NREL reports. Researchers Roland Pitts, Ed Tracy and Dane Gillaspie had worked together with partner company Planar Energy Devices (Orlando, Florida) on the project.


FLC's awards add to others issued for NREL research projects

"These awards showcase NREL's efforts to reduce the cost of renewable energy technologies and help commercialize them", said NREL Director Dan Arvizu. "This recognition also bolsters our ongoing record of R&D accomplishments." According to the press release, the FLC recognition follows a number of other such awards that had been issued to NREL during the summer. In July, both the SkyTrough parabolic trough solar concentrating collector and the PowerPlane UX microbattery had been named as top 100 innovations for 2009 by the R&D Magazine, NREL reports. Also in July, the World Technology Network named the PowerPlane UX microbattery as its Corporate Award Winner in Energy at the 2009 World Technology Summit.

2009-09-21   Courtesy: National Renewable Energy Laboratory   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: NREL; SkyFuel Inc.

 

iSupply expects continued growth of California's solar PV market

PV Installations in California compared to the entire world.
PV Installations in California compared
to the entire world.

According to the technology value chain research and advisory services supplier iSuppli Corporation (El Segundo, California), installations of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems in California are set to more than double in 2009 compared to 2008. This development is expected because of incentives from the U.S. stimulus package, with the California solar marketplace defying a major downturn in the global PV market.   Installations in California, measured in terms of megawatts (MWp) of electricity production capacity, are believed to rise by 120.1 % in 2009, compared to a 26.9 % decline for the entire world. California's outperformance is expected to continue in 2010 even as global installation growth will resume. "The market for PV solar energy systems has been severely impacted by the ongoing economic crisis gripping the world", said Dr. Henning Wicht, Senior Director and Principal Analyst for PV at iSuppli. "The debt financing of solar plants for commercial customers and investor syndicates has slowed dramatically across Europe, the United States and other regions that had been steadily growing in solar installations prior to the fourth quarter of 2008."



The new "Sunshine State": PV installations increased to 77 MW, up from 38 MW in 2008

Wicht is convinced that those looking to install PV systems in the country have been helped by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as the stimulus program, as well as by the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) of 2008. These government programs allow 30 % of a project's cost to be rebated and also created loan guarantees for commercial projects. Market researchers believe that these initiatives to a limited degree will help offset the negative factors that have impacted the U.S. PV market. iSuppli believes that California has in particular taken advantage of these incentives, causing installations in the state to rise even during the worst phases of the economic downturn. At the height of the credit crunch in the first quarter, California's installations had increased to 77 MW, up from just 38 MW during the same period in 2008. According to the analysis, applications for rebates continued to increase, reaching 65 MW in the second quarter, with only half the quarter counted in this data. "This is a very encouraging sign for the solar market", Wicht said. "It's extremely beneficial for those investors wishing to take advantage of the new federal tax credit. It's also a boost for those wanting to install residential household systems using the higher incentives from the California Solar Initiative (CSI) program" Overall, iSuppli expects 350 MW of photovoltaic systems to be installed in California during 2009, which would be by far the most of any state in the United States. The rest of the country is expected to install only 132 MW in 2009.



Forecast for Italian solar PV market increased to 580 MW

According to iSuppli, California isn't the only region still pushing ahead with plans for PV installations. The Italian electricity administration authority, Gestione Servizi Electriche (GSE), in April 2009 announced that 338 MW had been installed in 2008. This exceeds the 220 MW that iSuppli originally forecasted for Italy by far. Because of this, the company is increasing its Italian forecast for 2009 to 580 MW, up from the previously announced 350 MW. According to iSuppli's latest figures and feedback from companies, about 4 Gigawatts (GW) worth of new PV systems will be installed worldwide in 2009, with the majority of these installations in Germany (1.5 GW), Italy (580 MW) and another 300 MW to 400 MW expected tin Spain, California and Japan each. To learn more about the trends shaping the PV market, interested parties are invited to refer to the iSupply study dubbed "Photovoltaic System Installation Demand in California, Italy Bolster Forecast." The original announcement can be obtained by visiting http://www.isuppli.com/news.aspx.



2009-09-20   Courtesy: iSuppli Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: iSuppli Corporation

 

Saft partners with Schneider Electric to deliver off-grid solar PV system in rural Madagascar

Diagram of the solar PV solution deployed in Madagascar
Diagram of the solar PV solution deployed
in Madagascar

The Saft group (Paris, France), a specialist in the design and manufacture of hightech batteries for industry and defense applications, on September 10th 2009 announced that the company was cooperating with Schneider Electric (Ratingen, Germany), the global specialist in energy management, to deliver a solar photovoltaic (PV) energy solution in rural Madagascar. According to the press release, this project is the first step in Schneider Electric's energy access program, known as "BipBop." The term stands for "Business, Investment, People at the Bottom of the Pyramid" and the program aims to create a virtuous circle combining business, innovation and social responsibility.   Saft is to supply the battery technology for the off-grid electrification of Marovato, a village on Madagascar's east coast. The new facility is to provide Marovato's 120 residents with clean, safe energy for about six hours per day. Saft reports that so far, residents have been using kerosene and handgathered wood to fulfill their energy needs. According to the press release, the solar system generates peak power of 1,400 W, which is a lot compared to the 490 W currently used by the village. The 24 V battery system for the solar power plant by Saft is comprised of 18 specialized "Sunica.plus" 920 Ah cells, which store the energy generated in the daytime by 24 BP Solar PV panels with an average output of 7 kilowatt hours (kWh), Saft reports.


Solar power plant first step in program to provide electrification to disadvantaged communities

The Sunica.plus batteries are based on Saft's pocket plate Ni-Cd technology, and they are optimized for use in PV and wind energy applications, the company reports. The robust Sunica.plus design is said to ensure 20 years of reliable operation, even in the harshest conditions, with only minimal maintenance. "We are very proud to be involved in this important initiative in bringing green energy to people around the world who have no access to electricity," said Xavier Delacroix, the General Manager of Saft's IBG division. "Saft is well positioned to support such off-grid rural electrification schemes through our safe, reliable and efficient battery technology." Gilles Vermot Desroches, Senior Vice President, Sustainable Development at Schneider Electric, commented: "Our BipBop program brings together forward-thinking partners like Saft to create solutions that disadvantaged communities can take ownership of. By including not just efficient technologies, but also training, knowledge transfer and well-targeted funding, the program provides a truly sustainable business model." He added that the Madagascar project represents a first step in what he expects to become a very successful program of providing the world's poor with safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green electricity.


2009-09-19   Courtesy: Schneider Electric; Saft group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Photovoltaic power plant to help make 1 billion Crayola crayons annually

PPL Corporation (Allentown, Pennsylvania) on September 3rd, 2009 announced plans to help Crayola (Fork Township, Pennsylvania), a manufacturer of children's art and stationery products, make 1 billion crayons next year with power from the sun. The company reports that an agreement has been signed with Crayola and UGI Energy Services Inc. (UGI; Reading, Pennsylvania), to build a state-of-the-art 15-acre solar panel park at the Crayola facility in Forks Township (Pennsylvania).   Construction is expected to begin in October with a portion of the park generating electricity by early 2010. According to the press release, more than 26,000 fixed photovoltaic (PV) solar panels will be installed on Crayola's property to convert sunlight into electricity, with a generation capacity of 1.5 megawatts (MW). The solar facility is expected to cover 10 % of Crayola's total annual energy consumption and about a third of the energy required to make 3 billion crayons annually. Generating the same amount of electricity with fossil fuels would produce about 1,900 tons of greenhouse gases per year, PPL reports.


1.5 million US-dollar ARRA grant contributes to finance the solar project

As part of the agreement, PPL and UGI will lease 15 acres of property adjacent to Crayola's manufacturing facility and provide the funding and resources to design, build and operate the park. According to the press release, Crayola has agreed to purchase the generated power. PPL and UGI report that the companies will share the renewable energy credits provided by Pennsylvania to the developers and operators of environmentally sustainable projects that provide new renewable energy. The commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided a 1.5 million US-dollar grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to fund a portion of the solar park. "The Stimulus Act funding powers along with the sun and Crayola crayons, creates jobs right now to build this large solar facility, protects the jobs already at Crayola, and produces pollution-free electricity for years to come,” said John Hanger, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.


Educational PV power plant display to educated visitors about solar energy potential in Pennsylvania

As part of the project, a solar energy educational display will be developed at The Crayola Factory in downtown Easton, which attracts nearly 300,000 visitors annually, PPL reports. The exhibit will showcase the accomplishments of the solar partnership and demonstrate solar energy's potential in Pennsylvania. The company Crayola reports that it had reduced its natural gas usage by 19 percent, electricity by 11 percent and waste reduction by 40 percent over the last 10 years at its Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania) manufacturing facilities. PPL reports that it has already developed renewable energy projects that total more than 40 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity, enough to power 30,000 homes. "This is a great partnership of local companies working together to provide alternate sources of energy and help Crayola provide 'greener' products to our consumers," said Pete Ruggiero, Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Crayola.

2009-09-19   Courtesy: PPL Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

TEP unveils plans for 25 MW solar PV array and new CSP power plant

CSP systems by Bell IPC.
CSP systems by Bell IPC.

The U.S. utility Tucson Electric Power (TEP; Arizona) on September 16th, 2009 announced that the company is working with partners to develop two new solar power systems that would rank as the Tucson-area's largest renewable power plants. According to the press release, a 25-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) array and a 5 MW concentrating solar thermal (CSP) plant are to be built, with a completion scheduled for January 2012.   TEP reports that it had agreed to purchase power from both systems, which are to be privately owned and operated. The utility expects to be able to supply more than 6,000 Tucson homes with clean energy generated by the two new solar energy plants. "These new systems will exponentially expand our community's solar energy resources, helping us reduce our use of fossil fuels while taking a significant step toward achieving our renewable energy goals", said Paul Bonavia, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TEP and its parent company, UniSource Energy.


PV array to provide 4,600 utility customers with clean energy, offset 48,000 tons of CO2 emissions

TEP reports that the planned 25 MW PV array will be owned and operated by the global solar company Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (Madrid, Spain), and will feature ground-mounted PV panels that rotate along a single axis to track the sun's movement through the sky to increase the system's energy output. The PV power plant will be nearly twice as large as the 14 MW PV array at Nevada's Nellis Air Force Base, that currently ranks as the United States' largest solar electric power system and is also owned and operated by Fotowatio. The new PV array is expected to produce enough energy to power more than 4,600 typical Tucson homes while avoiding the production of more than 48,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year.


CSP-plant to use novel heat-storage technology to provide energy more efficiently and economically

According to the press release, the second solar project will be a 5 MW CSP plant, and the first system of its kind in the Tucson area. TEP reports that the facility will use rows of parabolic troughs and a heat-transfer and storage system to create pressurized vapor that will be used to drive a turbine. The system is expected to produce enough energy to power more than 1,500 typical Tucson homes while offsetting more than 16,000 tons of CO2. According to the press release, Bell Independent Power Corporation (Bell IPC; Pittsfort, New York) will develop, own and operate the CSP plant. TEP reports that this system had been designed to make concentrating solar technology operate more efficiently and economically. The proprietary thermal storage system is said to be capable of storing the sun's heat for several hours, allowing the CSP plant to generate power into the early evening or after the sun ducks behind clouds.


Solar power harnessed to meet renewable energy standards provisions

TEP reports that the company had signed contracts to purchase the energy produced from both new systems over 20-year terms. Fotowatio Renewable Ventures and Bell IPC plan to use those agreements to help secure financing of their projects. The contracts are pending on approvals by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), and they are expected to be funded in part by an ACC-approved surcharge that is intended to support the state's Renewable Energy Standard (RES). The RES calls on utilities to increase their use of renewable energy each year until such resources represent 15 % of their power by 2025. The output of the new systems is expected to represent a significant addition to TEP's growing renewable energy resources, the company reports. With funding provided by customers, TEP has developed nearly 10 MW of company-owned renewable energy generating capacity and is on track to add another 3.4 MW in company-owned capacity and 31.5 MW through power purchase agreements (PPA) in coming years.

2009-09-18   Courtesy: Tucson Electric Power   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Bell Independent Power Corporation

 

New Mexico: Governor Bill Richardson announces new solar project at Belen airport

Bill Richardson.
Bill Richardson.

The Governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, on September 11th, 2009, took part in the ceremony to officially unveil Belen's plans to be a carbon neutral city, announcing the creation of the Solar Testing and Research Center (STAR) and the Belen Energy Park. According to the press release, the STAR Center and the Energy Park will be located on 160 acres at the Belen airport. Construction is expected to create 80-100 jobs with 40-50 permanent full time jobs expected to be created by the operation of the facilities. The STAR Center will be a testing facility to set energy rating standards for solar products and is expected to attract business from national and international companies seeking to have their products tested. The Belen Energy Park will be a facility dedicated to solar education for students and teachers from across the state.  "I applaud the City of Belen for their efforts to become carbon neutral and to lead by example," Governor Richardson said. “As Governor, I've made becoming a leader in energy innovation a priority for our state. By taking advantage of our abundance of natural resources, we are not only creating a clean future for our state, but a brighter one as we develop a whole new clean energy industry in New Mexico." Both projects are said to be a collaborative effort between the City of Belen, Integrative Solar and Inifinia Solar. According to the Governor's press release, the ceremony event also showcased three new solar discs placed at Belen's City Hall that are expected to provide 40 percent of the city offices' energy. The solar discs had been made possible by a 100,000 dollar grant form the Governor's Innovation Fund.

2009-09-18   Courtesy: http://www.governor.state.nm.us   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: www.governor.state.nm.us

 

Applied Materials introduces multiple printing capability for producing higher efficiency solar cells

Esatto Technology enables the fabrication of advanced contact structures to increase the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells
Esatto Technology enables the fabrication of
advanced contact structures to increase the
efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells

Applied Materials, Inc. (Santa Clara, Kalifornien) on September 17th, 2009 announced its "Baccini Esatto Technology", a high precision, multi-step screen printing capability for Applied’s market-leading Baccini back-end solar cell processing systems. Featuring proprietary hardware and software innovations, the Esatto Technology is designed to increase the efficiency of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells by enabling the fabrication of advanced contact structures. The first of several applications of the Esatto Technology is for double-printed metal line deposition where it has been shown to raise absolute cell efficiency by as much as 0.5%, Applied Materials reports in a press release.  "Currently being used in customer production, Esatto Technology demonstrates our commitment to rapidly advance crystalline silicon technology by providing comprehensive solutions that enable higher efficiency", said Davide Spotti, vice president and general manager of Applied’s Baccini Cell Systems division.


Deploying advanced cell patterns in production environments

"Working with leading suppliers to optimize consumable materials and printing techniques, we’ve created a unique capability to help customers quickly deploy advanced cell patterns in production environments and bring their higher value products to market", Spotti added. The Baccini Esatto Technology provides customers with a cost-effective upgrade to their current and future Baccini back-end systems with proven reliability and high repeatability. The result of several proprietary hardware and software innovations including high resolution imaging, screen alignment, and advanced process control, the Esatto Technology allows multiple layers of different materials to be overlaid with better than ±15μm repeatability.


Taller, narrower grid lines reducing shadowing effects

Esatto Technology was designed to enable advanced contact formation techniques such as double-printed frontside metal lines and the multiple process flows required to create selective emitter structures. The first application of Esatto Technology in production is for double-printed metal lines. This application enables manufacturers to print taller, narrower grid lines, thus reducing the shadowing effect caused by wide grid lines while improving electrical conductivity. In a production environment, Esatto Technology allowed the replacement of single 120μm wide lines with two-layer, double-height lines less than 80μm wide on the finished cell.

2009-09-17   Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.Business Wire

 

Global Solar Energy reports 15.45 % efficiency of CIGS solar cell materials

CIGS thin film solar cell by Global Solar Energy.
CIGS thin film solar cell by Global Solar Energy.

Global Solar Energy, Inc. (Tucson, Arizona), the manufacturer of Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CIGS) thin film solar products, on September 16th, 2009 announced that the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the nation’s primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development, confirmed 15.45 percent total area efficiency for Global Solar’s production level CIGS material. Adding to this news, Global Solar announces a peak efficiency of 11.7 percent for production CIGS solar cell strings manufactured at its 35-megawatt German and 40-megawatt U.S. plants.  


A significant achievement for such rapid deposition on a metal foil substrate in a manufacturing environment

With these benchmarks, Global Solar continues to advance the thin film photovoltaic market and underscores its leadership as the only manufacturer of CIGS cells on a flexible substrate in full scale production, the company emphasizes in its press release. "The 15.45 percent total-area conversion efficiency, independently verified by NREL for a thin film CIGS solar cell fabricated by Global Solar Energy, is a significant achievement for such rapid deposition on a metal foil substrate in a manufacturing environment", says Dr. Harin S. Ullal, National Center for Photovoltaics, National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO. This research was supported in part by the Thin Film PV Partnership Program at NREL.


2009-09-17   Courtesy: Global Solar Energy, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Global Solar Energy, Inc.

 

JA Solar to develop next-generation solar products using Innovalight's silicon ink technology

Innovalight's silicon to be combined with JA Solar's high volume solar cell manufacturing.
Innovalight's silicon to be combined with
JA Solar's high volume solar cell manufacturing.

JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China), a manufacturer of high-performance solar cells, on September 15th, 2009 announced that it was working to commercialize a new generation of high-performance solar products using the silicon ink technology by Innovalight, Inc., a privately held firm based in Sunnyvale, California. JA Solar reports that it is currently developing silicon ink-based high efficiency solar cells at its R&D pilot line in Yangzhou, China, and that initial commercialization is scheduled for 2010. Innovalight recently announced that it had demonstrated a record 18 percent conversion efficiency using silicon ink technology and conventional silicon wafers.   According to the company, these results had been independently certified by two of the world's recognized solar cell testing centers, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Germany.




A promising solution to enhance conversion efficiency utilizing existing solar cell manufacturing lines

"Innovalight's silicon ink in conjunction with JA Solar's leadership in high volume solar cell manufacturing with demonstrated yield, conversion efficiency, and low production costs, provides a very promising solution to enhance the conversion efficiency of solar cells utilizing our existing solar cell manufacturing lines", said Qingtang Jiang, JA Solar's Chief Technology Officer. Conrad Burke, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Innovalight, added: "JA Solar's leadership in manufacturing and Innovalight's silicon ink technology offer a very powerful platform for producing solar cells."

2009-09-17   Courtesy: JA Solar Holdings Co.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Innovalight, Inc.

 

Evergreen Solar launches 80, 120 and 125 W solar panels for off-grid applications

"ES-C" solar panels by
Evergreen Solar and
Jiawei Solarchina.

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Marlboro, Massachusetts), a manufacturer of "String Ribbon" solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with its proprietary silicon wafer manufacturing technology, on September 11th, 2009 introduced its new "ES-C Series" solar panels for off-grid applications. According to the press release, Evergreen Solar will supply the cells for this new line of 80, 120 and 125 W panels, which will be produced by its contract manufacturing partner, Jiawei Solarchina Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong, China). The ES-C Series is said to be suitable for direct 12, 24 or 48 V battery charging in a wide variety of off-grid applications, and they are said to deliver more electricity with the less environmental impact compared to other silicon based solar panels currently available. 


Differentiating performance characteristics to provide better battery charging capability

"Like all Evergreen Solar products this product line has been designed with differentiating performance characteristics to distinguish them from commodity-like competitors and provides better battery charging capability than other major brands. At the same time, we are proud to lead the industry in environmental credentials with the smallest carbon footprint and the quickest energy payback of any silicon-based panel available today", said Dr. Terry Bailey, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales at Evergreen Solar. The company reports that the ES-C Series panels are constructed with conduit-ready, multi-configuration junction boxes that allow for easy, flexible installation. The panel's double-walled, high-strength frame is said to withstand the harshest of wind or snow conditions. Evergreen Solar reports that it has designed the panels to fully comply with UL 1703 and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards. According to the press release, a five-year workmanship and 25-year power warranty is offered for the new panels, which are scheduled to be shipped from the beginning of October, 2009.

2009-09-17   Courtesy: Evergreen Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Evergreen Solar, Inc.

 

Arizona: Atlas establishes solar test center in Phoenix

Atlas test site.
Atlas test site.

Atlas Material Testing Technology (Chicago, Illinois) in August 2009 announced that the company offers a complete portfolio of testing services to evaluate the performance, durability and reliability of solar cells and modules. According to the press release, Atlas' ISO 17025 accredited laboratory in Phoenix (Arizona) offers testing programs for full-scale photovoltaic (PV) arrays, building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), complete modules and individual PV cells. Atlas reports that it has testing capabilities for durability, reliability, and performance, and that it can perform many elements of qualification testing to industry standards such as IEC 61215, IEC 61646 and UL 1703.   The company offers its clients testing services for their research and development (R&D) processes to validate performance and durability. It is believed that as product development projects expand in scope and expense, testing during this phase is becoming increasingly necessary. Atlas reports that it can perform many of the individual tests required to meet industry standards or custom, proprietary tests to help companies understand their products prior to initiating a costly and time consuming certification program.



Range of testing capabilities available for solar cells, modules and systems

According to the press release, Atlas has acquired strong expertise in weathering testing of materials and that it offers ISO accredited test services to understand the impact of long-term exposure of systems in almost any environment. The Solar Test Center provides proprietary R&D testing and exposure in secure and confidential settings, the company reports. According to the company, services include accelerated artificial weathering and durability testing using fluorescent, metal halide and xenon light sources, ultra-accelerated solar exposure (100x optical) which is believed to be ideal for concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) materials and testing and solar radiometric measurements. The company reports it has the capability to perform accelerated outdoor testing and that it has "SolarClimatic" chambers for solar loading and temperature as well as moisture cycling testing. The Solar Test Center also offers a range of testing options for in-situ testing of complete systems, the company reports. According to the press release, solar arrays can be tested grid-tied, under fixed load with periodic performance testing, measurement and evaluation as well as continuous data collection via data acquisition systems. Some of the other resources of Atlas include a custom designed "SolarConstant" source six luminary solar simulator, I-V curve tracing measurements, spectroradiometric measurements, UV pre-conditioning chambers and FLIR thermal imaging and analysis. Optical property measurements including hemispherical solar reflectance, transmittance and emissivity are also available, the company reports.

2009-09-16   Courtesy: Atlas Material Testing Technology   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Atlas Material Testing Technology

 

PVSEC 2009: Q-Cells announces the world’s most powerful series-produced thin-film module

Production of Solibro SL1.
Production of
Solibro SL1.

Q-Cells (Thalheim, Germany) has built up an impressive portfolio in thin-film technology. The company will be exhibiting what on own account is currently the world’s most powerful series-produced thin-film module, an enhancement of the "SL1" from Solibro, at the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (PVSEC), taking place from September 21st to 25th, 2009 in Hamburg. The modules achieve a unique efficiency of 12 % ex-works, Q-Cells emphasizes. In addition, the "SL2" prototype will be presented to the trade public for the first time.   Q-Cells also has a new product for the solar cell market. The full-square monocrystalline 6-inch cell, the "Q6LMX3", due to Q-Cells delivers an impressive efficiency boost up to 5% inside the module and an attractive dark homogeneous colour.


New brand strategy

A national marketing campaign has recently doubled the company’s brand awareness, Q-Cells reports in its press release. Ahead of the industry event at Congress Center Hamburg, Q-Cells announces its intention to rigorously pursue the new brand strategy. As part of this strategy, the thin-film modules produced by the company’s subsidiaries, such as Solibro GmbH, will be marketed as "Q-Cells Modules" in future. This move will bring the successful thin-film technologies of Solibro and Calyxo under the umbrella brand of Q-Cells and, with that, into the company’s core business. The project developer Q-Cells International presents at the PVSEC for the first time its product range and current major projects under the new "Q-Cells Systems" brand. Visitors can find Q-Cells in Hall B6, Booth 72.


2009-09-16   Courtesy: Q-Cells SE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Q-Cells SE

 

SunPower Foundation launched supporting the next generation of solar advocates

Solar id project in Mzuzu, Malawi.
Solar id project in Mzuzu, Malawi.

SunPower Corporation (San Jose, California), a manufacturer of solar cells, solar panels and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, on September 9th, 2009 announced that it had launched the "SunPower Foundation", a nonprofit organization focused on empowering, inspiring and motivating a new generation of solar leaders in communities around the world. According to the press release, this is the first organization of its kind entirely funded by a major solar company.   "In the past few years, SunPower Corporation has grown to include operations on four continents", said SunPower Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Werner. "We work with more than 600 SunPower dealer partners installing SunPower systems on homes and businesses in North America, Europe and Australia, and directly developed more than 550 large-scale solar power systems worldwide. We established the SunPower Foundation to 'give back' through education and building stronger communities. It is our hope that the Foundation will encourage more people to consider how the electricity they use is generated, and the global potential of reliable, emission-free solar power to reduce the effects of climate change."



140 schools in 39 countries participate in solar educational program

As its first initiative, the company reports that the SunPower Foundation partnered with the 100 People Foundation to create "100 People Under the Sun," a program that provides classroom lesson plans to guide students to identify the ways they use energy every day and investigate the use of solar energy in their local communities. According to the press release, a series of 12 videos was also developed as part of the program which are available online. SunPower reports that 140 schools in 39 countries are participating in the program to date, and the videos have been downloaded for viewing approximately 11,000 times. "Today's young people are concerned about the real threat of global warming, and are looking to solutions such as solar power to reduce the damage brought on by over-dependence on fossil fuels", said Greg Holman, a 6th-grade teacher in Paradise, California. "I'm using The 100 People Under the Sun curriculum to help my students become energy leaders through education, awareness and community participation."

Other partners of the SunPower Foundation include Winrock International, Solar Electric Light Fund, Black Rock Solar, Grid Alternatives, and the American African Nuru Foundation, the company reports. In addition to working with these partners to promote the use of solar power and develop and distribute solar power education tools, the SunPower Foundation is also partnering with them to provide SunPower employees opportunities to support community-based solar power initiatives around the world, the company reports.

2009-09-16   Courtesy: SunPower Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Foundation

 

SCHOTT Solar opens two regional sales offices, increases US market presence

PV Panel with Albuquerque Plant in background.
PV Panel with Albuquerque Plant
in background.

SCHOTT Solar (Albuquerque, New Mexico) on September 10th, 2009 announced that it was streamlining its North American sales operations and that the company will be opening regional sales offices in San Jose, California and Elmsford, New York to better serve the North American market. The regional sales offices are expected to support SCHOTT Solar's newly-opened manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which has effectively become the North American headquarters for SCHOTT Solar, Inc.   SCHOTT Solar reports that the company is relocating its Sales Administration, Sales Operations and Customer Service departments from its Roseville, California office to the company's production site in Albuquerque. The company's existing office in Roseville will be closing at the end of September, the company reports.


According to the press release, SCHOTT Solar's new east coast sales office just outside of New York City is strategically positioned to address the rapidly emerging markets in the region, while the new San Jose sales office is believed to be to well positioned at the heart of Silicon Valley. "By repositioning our U.S. sales operations we are creating a footprint that we believe will best meet the market, and our customer's needs", said Mark Finocchario, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SCHOTT Solar, Inc. The company reports that its U.S. sales offices are responsible for bringing the products manufactured at the company's Albuquerque facility to the North American market.

SCHOTT Solar’s Poly modules are manufactured in Albuquerque, New Mexico from domestic and foreign components. Modules from SCHOTT Solar qualify as a domestic end product and comply with the Buy American Act (BAA), the Trade Agreement Act (TAA), and the America Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA), SCHOTT Solar reports in its press release.



2009-09-16   Courtesy: SCHOTT North America, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SCHOTT North America, Inc.

 

Spire & UNICOR team up to deliver solar energy systems to Federal Government of the United States

Spire Corporation (Beford, Massachusetts), a global solar company providing capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) modules, turnkey manufacturing lines and solar PV systems and UNICOR, a wholly-owned government corporation authorized to operate industries in federal correctional institutions throughout the United States (U.S.), on September 10th, 2009 announced the signing of a non-exclusive Teaming Agreement to bring PV systems to the Federal Government.   According to the press release, UNICOR - Federal Prison Industries, Inc., is a self-sustaining corporation, that provides voluntary, real-world, work programming for federal prison inmates. Spire Solar recently announced the expansion of Spire Solar Systems, a division of the company that has broadened its services to the U.S. federal market. As a full-service organization, Spire Solar Systems is to offer systems design and project management to accommodate federal organizations required to achieve the mandated renewable energy goals of 7.5 % by 2013, as required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT).

Spire Solar reports that the company is continuing its efforts to penetrate the federal market by combining its resources with UNICOR. "Spire Solar and UNICOR teaming will strengthen Spire's presence in the federal market as well as provide UNICOR with the engineering support they need to provide quality systems to their customer base", said Roger G. Little, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spire Corporation. Julie Rozier, Public Information Officer for UNICOR, said: "We look forward to working with Spire to deliver PV systems to the federal marketplace."

2009-09-15   Courtesy: Spire Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

German PV plant manufacturer Bürkle supplies three laminators to solar module manufacturer Calyxo

Photovoltaik-Laminator "Ypsator".

Calyxo GmbH (Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany) procures three Bürkle laminators for enlarging its thin film module production. Besides an "Ypsator" with seven openings supplied in July, the Black Forest plant manufacturer Robert Bürkle GmbH (Freudenstadt; Germany) has already delivered two single-opening laminators to Saxony-Anhalt in June. Via the seven openings on top of each other Calyxo combines a minimum space requirement with a high productivity which is reached in the three-stage lamination process, Bürkle emphasizes in a press release.  The single Ypsator reaches thus the capacity of seven large single-opening laminators. The useful area of an opening is with 2000 x 2200 mm.



3-stage processing raises capacity, optimises quality

Using the large-scale line, the Q-Cells subsidiary Calyxo relies on technology from Freudenstadt that has been proven for decades: Bürkle lines laminate using heating platens heated with thermal oil. The novel, 3-stage processing of glass-glass modules sets trends with this; the producer accentuates. The capacity of the line can be more than doubled through the partitioning of the process into pre-lamination (with vacuum), final lamination and cooling. At the same time the quality of the produced thin film modules is optimised as glass breakage is almost excluded.

2009-09-15   Courtesy: Robert Bürkle GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Robert Bürkle GmbH

 

Canadian Solar announces 10 MW cooperation memorandum of understanding with LG in Korea

Canadian Solar Inc. (Toronto, Ontario), a vertically integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules and other solar applications, on September 9th, 2009 announced that the company had entered into a second memorandum of understanding (MOU) with LG CNS Co. Ltd. (Seoul, South Korea), a subsidiary of the LG Group, to implement a minimum of 10 megawatts (MW) of PV power plants in Korea in 2010, in which Canadian Solar modules are to be used. According to the press release, this non-binding memorandum expands on the first MOU between Canadian Solar and LG CNS signed in April of this year and confirms the parties' desire to strengthen the existing close business partnership between the two companies.   Canadian Solar reports that the Korean government recently announced the details of its 2010 PV programs, which include a Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program and the pilot stage of a renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) program. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canadian Solar said: "South Korea has been a good market for Canadian Solar this year and our agreements with LG CNS have played an important role in this success. We believe that combining the strength of both companies will allow us to offer our high-quality, one-stop services to many more project owners in Korea." Michael Park, Vice President of LG CNS added: "We are happy to expand our relationship with Canadian Solar, which will allow us to provide long-term superior solutions to the attractive solar market in Korea, especially to our important local power utility customers."

2009-09-15   Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

GT Solar opens new Asia headquarters in Shanghai

GT Solar International, Inc. (Shanghai, China), a global provider of specialized production equipment, process technology and turnkey manufacturing services for the solar power industry, in September 2009 formally opened its new Asia Headquarters in Shanghai. GT Solar’s new facility makes it easier for Asian companies to conduct business with GT Solar by reducing the time it takes to obtain products, spare parts and service, the company emphasizes. The new facility will also be used to provide product demonstrations and training to customers in the region. The facility represents a significant expansion of GT Solar’s presence in Asia, which was first established in 2006.   "This is an exciting day for GT Solar". said Tom Zarrella, GT Solar’s president and chief executive officer. "Our company has experienced tremendous growth in Asia over the past several years, developing a leading market position in polysilicon reactors, specialized furnaces, and engineering and integration services for the photovoltaic industry."


Expanded presence to enhance quality, timeliness and responsiveness of services and products in Asia

"The opening of our Asia Headquarters underscores our commitment to the region and to further strengthening our relationship with our large customer base in Asia", said Jeff Ford, general manager of GT Solar’s Asia region. "Our expanded presence will enhance the quality, timeliness and responsiveness of our services and products in Asia, and enable us to help our customers further lower the cost of producing solar energy." GT Solar’s four-story Asia Headquarters is strategically located in the Gaodong Industrial Park between the Waigaoqiao Terminal Port and Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone. The facility comprises more than 50,000 square feet including a state-of-the-art customer demonstration and training center, an area dedicated to light manufacturing and assembly, spares warehousing, and office space.

2009-09-15   Courtesy: GT Solar International, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Mitsubishi Electric introduces high-output solar panels for Europe, the United States and Asia

News solar cells by Mitsubishi with four bus bars.
News solar cells by Mitsubishi with four bus bars.

The Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) on September 10th, 2009 announced the launch of ten new models of photovoltaic (PV) modules, five for the European market and five for North America and Asia. According to the press release, the new lineup comprises modules with outputs of 210, 220, 225, 230 and 235 watts. Shipments are scheduled to begin on January 15th, 2010. Mitsubishi reports that the new high-output modules use lead-free solder and incorporate PV cells with four instead of two bus bars.   Using the new cells in combination with an increased module size allows for a power output of up to 235 watts per module, means that fewer modules are needed to build a PV array which reduces the total system cost, Mitsubishi emphasizes. The new panels will be on display at the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (PVSEC) starting on September 21st, 2009 in Hamburg, Germany, and also at Solar Power International 2009 in Anaheim, California.




New modules: safer, more efficient and more durable

According to the press release, the new modules by Mitsubishi have five main distinguishing features: four instead of two bus bars for each PV cell, a larger module size, a more durable frame design, a 4-layer junction box and the use of lead-free solder. Mitsubishi reports that the company could reduce the internal resistance in each PV cell by increasing the number of bus bars from two to four, which resulted in a 3 % increased output compared to the cells in the company's previous solar modules. 60 instead of previously 50 solar cells comprise the new modules. The company claims that its modules have a 14.3 % conversion efficiency and have passed the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) static load test of 5400 Pa. The module frame is also said to facilitate a wider variation of installation methods. Mitsubishi reports that the 4-layer junction box is able to increase the module's overall safety and reliability by adding an extremely heat-resistant and flame-retardant sheet as a 4th layer to the company's previous three-layered box. Finally, the use of 100 % lead-free solder is more environmentally friendly, the producer accentuates.

2009-09-14   Courtesy: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

 

Optomec's seed and plate systems for PV wafers supported by leading suppliers of process materials

Aerosol jet 40 nozzle print head.
Aerosol jet 40 nozzle print head.

Optomec (Albuquerque, New Mexico), a provider of additive manufacturing systems for high-performance applications in the electronics, photovoltaic (PV), biomedical, and aerospace and defense markets, on September 9th, 2009 announced that leading PV suppliers are providing material for the company's "Aerosol Jet" printing process solution. According to the press release, established material vendors Cabot Corporation, DuPont Microcircuit Materials and Heraeus, along with market newcomer Five Star Technologies, have worked closely with Optomec over the past year to optimize their front-side metallization materials for the Aerosol Jet process.  With the availability of source materials from these companies, Optomec and its partners believe to be fully prepared to meet mutual customers' increased cell efficiency requirements. According to the press release, materials will initially be available for the seed and plate application for crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers.



Materials optimized for PV wafer production, process to improve solar cell efficiencies

The Aerosol Jet system is said to be capable to print front-side collector lines (bus bars) with a width of 40 microns or less at production speeds of up to 2400 wafers per hour. Optomec reports that the print material has been optimized for etching through the silicon nitride layer and meets series resistance requirements. The printing step is followed by a plating process to build-up the conductivity of the collector lines. Optomec reports that the company is working in close conjunction with its materials partners with the goal to further enhance the seed and plate process. Also, a fully printed front-side metallization solution that includes a multi-material capability is to be delivered, to allow for a separate optimization of contact resistance and conductivity. Dave Ramahi, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Optomec said: "We are pleased that leading and emerging material suppliers have partnered with Optomec to fully enable the benefits of the Aerosol Jet process for solar cell applications. This will allow our customers to readily implement the Aerosol Jet solution for printing front-side collector lines and to meet emerging backside metallization requirements."


Fraunhofer IKTS purchases front side metallization system to develop new non-contact printing processes for increased solar cell efficiencies

Optomec announced earlier that the Fraunhofer IKTS (Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems) had selected the company's "Aerosol Jet Solar Lab" system to be part of their Energy Systems Department. According to the press release, the system will be installed at the IKTS facility in Dresden, Germany, where it will primarily be used to develop front side collector line printing solutions to increase solar cell efficiencies. Professor Dr. Alexander Michaelis Director at the Fraunhofer IKTS, explained: "Photovoltaics is one of the hottest R&D fields in our institute. We specialize in materials and tool development for PV back end-of-line processes and collaborate with leading PV companies. We are convinced that Aerosol Jet printing is one of the most promising technologies for future PV wafer processing and we are happy to work with Optomec on this issue." According to the press release, the Aerosol Jet system is ideally suited to be part of the IKTS facility because it can increase the efficiencies of silicon solar cells by producing narrower, higher integrity collector lines with reduced shadowing effects. The technology is said to enable fine feature, non-contact printing of advanced PV materials onto non-planar surfaces without the need for masks or resists.

2009-09-14   Courtesy: Optomec   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Optomec

 

aleo solar AG’s Management Board and Supervisory Board back takeover offer from Robert Bosch GmbH

The Management Board and Supervisory Board of aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany) on September 11th, 2009 issued a joint statement pursuant to Section 27 of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (WpÜG) on the voluntary public takeover offer submitted by Robert Bosch GmbH on August 31, 2009. Robert Bosch GmbH has made an offer to the shareholders of aleo solar AG for the acquisition of all shares of aleo solar AG at a cash price of EUR 9.00 per share. After examining the offer document, the Management Board and Supervisory Board deem the consideration of EUR 9.00 per share offered by Robert Bosch GmbH fair, aleo solar reports in a press release.   This view is supported by the fairness opinion prepared by SUSAT & Partner OHG, the independent audit firm engaged by aleo solar AG. The Management Board and Supervisory Board were also advised by the investment bank Jefferies International Ltd. and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.


A sound basis for successfully continuing aleo’s growth course

"The Management Board and Supervisory Board consider the offer to be in the interests of aleo solar AG as a business. aleo has positioned itself as a premium brand and built up strong sales. The Bosch Group believes these activities ideally complement its current activities in the field of renewable energy", aleo solar emphasizes in its press release. "In the opinion of the Management Board and Supervisory Board, this alliance will provide a sound basis for successfully continuing aleo’s growth course of recent years. The Management Board and Supervisory Board welcome the offeror's declared willingness to contribute its financial strength, resources for the development of new technologies, experience in high-precision mass production, international distribution channels and, last but not least, its reputation, and expect these factors to strengthen aleo solar AG."


Management Board and Supervisory Board recommend to accept Bosch's offer

In this context, the Management Board and Supervisory Board refer to the offer conditions set out in the offer documentation released by Robert Bosch GmbH. Among other things, these include clearance of the takeover under merger control regulations and a minimum acceptance threshold of at least 75%. Please refer to section 12.4 of the offer document for more information on the offer terms. The Management Board and Supervisory Board believe that the consideration offered by Robert Bosch GmbH is fair within the meaning of Section 31 (1) WpÜG and that the offer is in the interests of the company. They therefore unanimously back the offer and recommend that the shareholders of aleo solar AG accept it.

It is at the sole discretion of the shareholders of aleo solar AG to accept or reject the offer, taking into account the overall circumstances and their individual circumstances and their assessment of the potential for the future performance of the company’s shares. Both the acceptance and the rejection of the offer may have disadvantages for the shareholders of aleo solar AG that are explained in the joint statement of the Management Board and Supervisory Board.

The joint statement issued by the Management Board and Supervisory Board of aleo solar AG is available on the Company's website. It can also be requested free of charge by phone (+49 (0) 441 – 21988 – 770), fax (+49 (0) 441 – 21988 – 690), or email (invest@aleo-solar.de).

2009-09-14   Courtesy: aleo solar AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

MECASOLAR supplies 500 kW of 2-axis trackers for solar photovoltaic project in California

Trackers by MECASOLAR
Trackers by MECASOLAR

The Spanish company MECASOLAR- solar trackers and fixed structures manufacturer for solar photovoltaics, is taking part in a project in California for which they have provided a total of thirty-four 2-axis trackers. The "MS-2E TRACKER" will provide some 500 kW of power, MECASOLAR reports in a press release. This is the first in a series of U.S. projects involving MECASOLAR; the company integrated in OPDE group, which in the coming months will open a new factory in San Francisco and is already supplying its products to the U.S. market. According to MECASOLAR, the project for which they have already provided trackers is currently being developed in Reclamation District 108 near the town of Yolo (California) with completion expected in early October.   The aim is to reduce energy costs of pumping water from the area. This is common practice in California, and contributes to increasing the price of water for users; hence the interest in lowering the pumping costs.


Yolo project formalized during the Intersolar USA

Apart from providing trackers, PROINSO engineering -also part of the OPDE - is responsible for the complete supply of the TRINA modules with an output of 230 Wp (230Wp Model TSM Poli) and the logistics of the project. Additionally, the company has advised local engineering on the configuration and execution of the project. "Continuing its commitment to the U.S. market, MECASOLAR will participate in the International Solar power fair to be held from 27 to 29 October in Anaheim (California. Booth 111). The company took part beforehand in the Intesolar USA fair. "Noteworthy is that this project in Yolo, was formalized during the Intersolar USA Fair, held in San Francisco during the month of July", MECASOLAR emphasizes. On this occasion for the Solar Power Expo fair the company will present its 2-Axis Trackers, Seasonal Azimuth 1-Axis Trackers, and the Fixed Structures.

Currently MECASOLAR on own account has some 30 MW in their order books which they intend to formalize during the Solar Power Expo fair. The supply will take place between late 2009 and early 2010. These projects, of varying sizes and mostly located in California, will be delivered from the manufacturing plant opening soon in the San Francisco area, MECASOLAR announces. The arrival of MECASOLAR in the U.S. market is supported by its experience in the solar photovoltaic markets in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece, where it is the leader in turnover and production, having reached the manufacturing figure of 180 MW for these markets. MECASOLAR has production centers in Spain, Greece and now in California-USA and is currently studying opening a new factory in Italy.

2009-09-14   Courtesy: MECASOLAR   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: MECASOLAR

 

Solectria Renewables adds advanced, innovative features to commercial PV inverter product line

Smart user navigable display by Solectria
Smart user navigable display by
Solectria

Solectria Renewables (Lawrence, Mass,) on September 9th, 2009
announced that it has released an array of new standard and optional features that set a new benchmark for commercial photovoltaic (PV) inverters. Features include a standard, smart, user-navigable, low energy LCD display, standard RS485, MODBUS RTU, Ethernet jack and pre-configured ports for revenue-grade monitoring options. Solectria Renewables now offers a choice of web monitoring services that are plug-and-play ready including SolrenView, sub-array current monitoring & external PV weather monitoring  "The day after Labor Day marks an opportune time to highlight Solectria Renewables’ industry-leading position with American-made inverters for the US and export markets", said Marty Aikens, Business Manager of IBEW Local 103. "Their feature full inverter product line is the right choice for Solar PV installations."


Integrated modules available for string and weather monitoring

Standard on-board Ethernet & pre-installed wiring for various advanced monitoring functions means these web based services can be provided at revolutionary prices and remarkable ease of installation, Solectria emphasizes in its press release. The on-line configuration tool and phone/email support combined with a user navigator LCD display has simplified monitoring to a new level, the company accentuates. Separate, integrated modules are available for String monitoring and weather monitoring. These also include the same user navigator LCD display to facilitate very simple installation of web-based services. Solectria Renewables has been providing reliable SolrenView web monitoring since early 2008 and providing compatibility with third party integrated systems for 5 years, with a robust and proven communication protocol.

Solectria Renewables, LLC, of Lawrence, Massachusetts develops and manufactures a range of inverters for renewable power applications including 1.8kW to 100kW grid tied PV inverters for systems from 1kW to multi-Mega Watts. Solectria Renewables on own account has a 20-year background in inverters and other electronic power systems for harsh environments.

2009-09-14   Courtesy: Solectria Renewables, LLC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solectria Renewables, LLC

 

Solar "fab2farm" model offers a blueprint for affordable clean energy and local economic development

"fab2farm" model by Applied Materials.

To help meet the world’s critical need for renewable energy, Applied Materials, Inc. (Santa Clara; California) has developed an innovative "fab2farm" business model for solar deployment designed to bring cost-effective, utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation capability to local areas and stimulate economic development. The fab2farm model represents a complete regional ecosystem, bringing together communities, utilities and solar panel manufacturers to drive down the cost of solar electricity, create green jobs, and spur local economic activity - while delivering a supply of clean energy for decades to come, Applied Materials reports in a press release.  Key to the fab2farm model is a locally-sited solar panel factory built by a solar module manufacturer using Applied’s "SunFab" thin film production line. The SunFab line produces the world’s largest and most powerful solar PV panels, which are optimally suited for utility-owned solar farms, Applied Materials emphasizes. Since electricity generation is sited for distribution near load centers, a solar farm can be quickly deployed without the need for extensive, costly transmission lines. This utility-scale solar farm would not only generate cost-competitive, clean, renewable energy for the community, it can help the utility avoid up to 170,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year.



A significant share of solar PV investment dollars to remain in the community; more than 2,500 jobs to be generated

"Applied’s fab2farm model unlocks a low-risk, cost-effective opportunity to integrate solar PV electricity into a community’s energy portfolio", said John Antone, vice president, Energy and Environmental Solutions, Applied Materials. "This approach enables a significant share of solar PV investment dollars to remain in the community, in contrast to fossil fuel based power generation sources. It would create a regional economic engine generating a steady supply of skilled jobs and a path to achieving the lowest installed solar energy cost."

The Applied SunFab production line, a cornerstone of the fab2farm model, is designed to produce solar panels with a nominal capacity of 80 MW per year or enough to power 35,000 homes during peak energy use hours. Applied estimates that this factory could generate more than 2,500 jobs and account for 0-0 million of local economic activity per year.

"Optimized for utility-scale applications, Applied’s SunFab line produces the world’s most powerful thin film modules with approximately six times the output of conventional glass solar panels", said Dr. Randhir Thakur, senior vice president and general manager of Applied’s Display and SunFab Solar Products Group. "With an installed cost of less than .00/watt, SunFab panels cost less per unit area to manufacture and fully install than conventional glass panels. Over time, manufacturing efficiencies are expected to reduce these costs even further - while the price of electricity from conventional sources is forecast to continually rise."

Applied Materials presents an interactive "fab2farm" model online at http://fab2farm.appliedmaterials.com/fab2farm_model.htm



2009-09-13   Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.

 

Freight ship "Auriga Leader" completes seven months of voyages assisted by solar power

Freight ship "Auriga Leader".

NYK Line (Tokyo, Japan), a multinational shipping and logistics company on September 8th, 2009 announced that the solar-power-assisted vessel "Auriga Leader" had completed seven months of voyages in its scheduled two-year experiment on how solar photovoltaics (PV) can assist powering a freight ship. According to the press release, the vessel with a gross tonnage of 60,213 tons, was jointly developed by NYK and Nippon Oil Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) and had set out on its maiden voyage on December 19th, 2008.  NYK reports that Auriga Leader has completed its fourth voyage on July 13th, 2009, and that the solar-panel system had operated for 2,600 hours. It was able to generate a total of 32,300 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity during that time, about 1.4 times more than that generated on land in Tokyo, NYK reports. Stronger and more vertical sunlight during the voyages and the wind chill on the vessel improved the generating efficiency and power output, the company emphasizes.


Solar power system withstood harsh weather conditions

According to the press release, the solar power was able to provide 0.05 % of the ship's propulsion power and 1 % of the electricity used on the vessel. The PV system due to NYK reduced about 13 tons of fuel usage and prevented the emission of about 40 tons of CO2. NYK reports that another purpose of the project was to verify the endurance of solar panels in the harsh conditions of actual navigation. Through the four voyages the vessel encountered rough conditions such as three straight hours of rain and lightning, 20 straight hours of strong wind, and 48 straight hours of waves with an altitude of 3-4 meters, but the company reports that the solar system continued to operate well. NYK and Nippon Oil Corporation plan to continue this experiment so that the use of clean solar power can be applied to powering seagoing vessels and thus help to reduce the carbon footprint of this form of transport.

2009-09-13   Courtesy: NYK Line; Nippon Oil Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: NYK Line

 

Thin films developed at Ben-Gurion University show promise for solar energy applications

Researchers at BGU (Israel) have developed thin films that exhibit carrier multiplication (CM), the university reports in a press release. This development is of great interest for future solar cells, BGU emphasizes. The films were synthesized by Prof. Yuval Golan and PhD student Anna Osherov of the Department of Materials Engineering and the Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology. One of the important factors limiting solar-cell efficiency is that incident photons generate only one electron–hole pair, irrespective of the photon energy. Any excess photon energy is lost as heat. Carrier multiplication has been thought to be enhanced significantly in nanocrystalline materials such as quantum dots, owing to their discrete energy levels and enhanced Coulomb interactions. In a letter recently published in Nature Physics, the BGU team demonstrated that contrary to this expectation, for a given photon energy, carrier multiplication occurs more efficiently in bulk PbS and PbSe films than in nanocrystalline films of the same materials.  

Films developed at BGU show CM, in which each incoming photon (tiny quantity of sunlight) creates more than one electron-hole pair. This can potentially be used for making more efficient solar cells,” Prof. Golan explains. "The new physics behind this work are that while CM has been mostly demonstrated in nanocrystalline materials ("quantum dots"), we now show that CM can be obtained also in single crystal ('bulk') films of lead sulfide and lead selenide", he added. Notably, the films were prepared using chemical solution deposition, an attractive, inexpensive deposition technique for which the Golan group at BGU has received considerable recognition. The research was carried out as part of an international collaboration with counterparts in France and the Netherlands.


The abstract of the paper can be found at http://www.nature.com/nphys/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nphys1393.html

2009-09-12   Courtesy: Ben-Gurion University   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Oerlikon Solar joins US companies to establish one of the Nations's largest renewable energy parks

Oerlikon Solar offers production lines for amorph and micromorph thin film silicon PV modules.
Oerlikon Solar offers production
lines for amorph and micromorph
thin film silicon PV modules.

A group of renewable energy companies has joined forces with Ford and the State of Michigan on a bold plan to convert the 320-acre Wixom Ford Motor Co. assembly plant outside Detroit into a renewable energy manufacturing park, Oerlikon Solar (Trubbach; Switzerland) reports in a press release. This historic Wixom facility will be refurbished and upgraded with new manufacturing lines for solar panels and advanced energy storage. In case the now announced plans will be executed, Oerlikon Solar USA Inc. has been selected by Clairvoyant Energy of Santa Barbara, Calif., as its preferred equipment partner for the thin film solar panel manufacturing line. 


Versatile technology suited for large-scale projects, industrial installations and smaller rooftops

Oerlikon Solar on own account leads the thin film solar equipment sector with 10 factories in production around the world and the fastest time to market. The company's "Micromorph" technology delivers the highest performing thin film silicon solar products in the world, Oerlikon Solar emphasizes in its press release. Thin film silicon solar technology offers cost and performance advantages over traditional crystalline silicon and each year is gaining a greater share of the global solar panel market. "Micromorph" technology is quite versatile and well-suited for large-scale projects such as "solar farms" and industrial installations as well as for smaller rooftop applications.


Project expected to generate numerous Michigan Jobs

"Oerlikon Solar is considered for this project because of our leading 'Micromorph' technology and our clear track record for bringing new thin film solar factories to the market, on time and on budget all over the world", said Jeannine Sargent, chief executive officer of Oerlikon Solar. "With a strong local workforce and the support of Wixom and the state we are confident that in partnership with Clairvoyant Energy, we can help Michigan leverage its extensive manufacturing infrastructure for clean renewable energy." Clairvoyant Energy plans to hire 300 employees for their production facility, which will use Oerlikon Solar equipment, starting in late 2011 and add another 700 later depending on demand. If the project is approved, Oerlikon Solar USA will establish a regional sales and support center at the Wixom site.

"Oerlikon Solar has the experience and capability we needed from a technology partner for this highly visible and ambitious project," said David Hardee, chief executive officer of Clairvoyant Energy. "Oerlikon Solar will provide us with a technology strategy to remain at the cutting edge at relatively low risk with the goal of producing a high efficiency solar panel at the lowest cost in the market."


Certification makes projects more predictable and bankable

Oerlikon Solar is the first thin film silicon technology provider to have IEC/TUV Rheinland certification for its entire family of thin film silicon solar technologies, including both Amorphous and "Micromorph" . The certification ensures that modules produced by Oerlikon Solar customers are manufactured to the highest quality standards and can endure the most challenging real world environmental conditions. With more challenging credit markets, certification also makes Oerlikon Solar projects more predictable and bankable, the company accentuates.


2009-09-11   Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar

 

Nanosolar completes panel factory, commences serial production in Luckenwalde near Berlin

Nanosolar produces CIGS solar cells in a roll-to-roll process.
Nanosolar produces CIGS solar cells in a
roll-to-roll process.

On September 9th, 2009 Nanosolar Inc. demonstrated the completion of its European panel-assembly factory as part of an inauguration event attended by Germany's Minister of the Environment, the Governor of the State of Brandenburg, and a host of other leading public officials. Located in Luckenwalde near Berlin, the fully-automated factory processes Nanosolar cells into finished Nanosolar panels using innovative high-throughput manufacturing techniques and tooling developed by Nanosolar and its partners. The panel factory is automated to sustain a production rate of one panel every ten seconds, or an annual capacity of 640MW when operated 24x7, Nanosolar reports in a press release.   Nanosolar also announced that serial production in its San Jose, California, cell production factory commenced earlier this year.


Production presently set at approximately one MW per month

"Getting to the point of serial production with the unusual cost reduction involved in our technology is an accomplishment due to the incredible work and perseverance of our team", said CEO Roscheisen. Due to Nanosolar Production is presently set at approximately one MW per month. As Nanosolar's customers attain project financing from commercial banks for the new panel product, the company will increase its monthly production rate to deliver on its contractual customer commitments totaling .1 billion to date. "With almost all large solar installations credit financed, broad based product bankability is our key next commercial goal. We have long prepared for this, including through the technology choices we have made, the strong balance sheet we have maintained, the quality of customers we have secured, and the local production we have built", said CEO Roscheisen.

2009-09-11   Courtesy: Nanosolar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Nanosolar Inc.

 

China: Solarfun signs letter of intent with Hohhot City Government for 600 MW PV projects

Solarfun's cell production.
Solarfun's cell production.

Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, on September 8th, 2009 announced that Jiangsu Linyang Solarfun Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Solarfun, had signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the government of Hohhot City, the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, to develop two solar photovoltaic power plants with an aggregate capacity of 600 megawatts (MW). Solarfun reports that the company also intends to construct a 100 MW PV module production facility in support of these two projects.  Peter Xie, President of Solarfun, commented: "This agreement demonstrates our solid market position in China and our commitment to the development of China's PV market. Hohhot City has been approved to be one of the pioneer cities for using PV systems by the National Development and Reform Commission and it is a key junction that connects to the North China grid." He added that it is the city with currently the largest wind power generation capacity in China, and that it is generally known for its extensive sunshine and commitment to renewable energy projects. Vice Mayor of Hohhot City, Wu Wenyuan, said: "Hohhot City has a number of advantages in developing PV projects, including abundant sunshine and national support." According to the press release, the project is subject to feasibility studies, financing and further government approval.


2009-09-11   Courtesy: Solarfun Power Holdings Co.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solarfun Power Holdings Co

 

Atlantic Wind and Solar to install first "Solar Rooftop Micro Energy Park" in Canada

Atlantic Wind and Solar Inc. (AWSL; Miami, Florida) on September 8th, 2009 announced that it started the installation of its first "Solar Rooftop Micro Energy Park" in the rural township of Minden, Ontario, Canada. According to the press release, the 9.5 kilowatt (kW) project represents the first of a series of "Micro Energy Parks" to be implemented by AWSL in the near future. The company reports that it will directly own and operate the new solar rooftop park, and generating a long-term stream of revenues through the Ontario Government's new Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) program by feeding the electricity generated at the plant to the grid.  

Advantage of Ontario's generous feed-in tariffs

"Today's milestone announcement represents the first of several revenue-generating Micro Energy Parks that will be owned and operated through a series of lease agreements being negotiated by Atlantic Wind and Solar Inc.", explained Brent O'Connor, Atlantic Wind and Solar Investor Relations Director. "Through AWSL's Micro Energy Parks, in conjunction with the Ontario Government's generous Feed-In-Tariff, property owners and landlords all across Ontario can now capture previously unavailable long term revenue and profit streams from the rooftops of their real estate investments." AWSL reports that the Ontario Power Authority (Toronto) has instituted the FIT program which offers to buy electricity generated by rooftop PV solar arrays at the highest price through contracts running approximately 20 years. The company believes that tens of thousands of suitable rooftops are presently underutilized in Ontario. AWSL is convinced that they represent a huge target market for its advanced "Micro Energy Park" rooftop solar systems.




2009-09-11   Courtesy: Atlantic Wind and Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

LDK Solar to cooperate with Best Solar on downstream PV projects

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (Xinyu City, China and Sunnyvale, California), a manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers, on September 8th, 2009 announced that it has entered into a framework agreement with Best Solar Co., Ltd. (SuZhou and NanChang) to cooperate on downstream photovoltaic (PV) projects. Under the terms of the agreement, LDK Solar will supply the solar photovoltaic (PV) wafers to Best Solar, which is to manufacture solar modules.  According to the press release, Best Solar is wholly owned by LDK New Energy Holding Limited, which is LDK Solar's controlling shareholder, and has agreed to provide the solar manufacturing services to LDK Solar at comparable pricing to independent third parties for similar quantity and quality.


Engagement in downstream businesses, such as s manufacturing, solar panel assembly and solar utility services

"Although we have established a PV engineering company to construct solar power stations in and outside China, we have not yet engaged in any substantial downstream PV businesses, such as solar cell or module manufacturing, solar panel assembly or provision of certain solar utility services", said Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LDK Solar. "Best Solar, on the other hand, is a large manufacturer of solar modules and a significant provider of solar panel solutions. Additionally, Best Solar is in possession of the relevant product certifications in several jurisdictions." Peng added that LDK Solar and Best Solar had agreed to cooperate and to take advantage of the companies' respective complementary strengths in the different sectors of the PV industry.

2009-09-11   Courtesy: LDK Solar Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

First Solar secures 0 million revolving credit facility

First Solar Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) on September 9th, 2009 announced that it has entered into a 0 million senior secured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of nine leading financial institutions. The facility, which was oversubscribed, has a three-year term and is intended to be used for general corporate purposes, including the issuance of letters of credit, First Solar reports in a press release.   J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Bank of America/Merrill Lynch served as Joint Lead Arrangers and Book Runners for the facility.

2009-09-10   Courtesy: First Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Oerlikon Solar customer Astronergy seals major 2 megawatt PV contract

Astronergy Production in Hangzhou (China).
Astronergy Production in Hangzhou (China).

Oerlikon Solar's (Trubbach; Switzerland) customer Astronergy (also known as Chint Solar), a Chinese manufacturer of thin film PV modules, has demonstrated the growing momentum behind this technology by securing a deal to deliver a two-megawatt rooftop PV installation for the Huangzhou Energy and Environment Industrial Park in Zheijang, Oerlikon Solar reports in a press release. Following a competitive bidding process, Astronergy was selected to provide high-efficiency thin film PV modules for the Hangzhou industrial park's Green Science and Technology Hall and Energy Conservation Hall.   Astronergy will design and install the whole project with a combination of crystalline silicon-based modules and high-efficiency tandem thin film PV modules. The project is expected to be completed by 30 September 2009, demonstrating the efficiency advantages offered by Oerlikon Solar's manufacturing technology.


China's renewable energy industry poised for expansion

Oerlikon Solar on own account leads the thin film solar equipment sector with ten factories in production and the fastest time to market. Thin film solar offers cost advantages over traditional crystalline silicon and is demonstrating increasingly impressive efficiency gains. Astronergy is using Oerlikon Solar's "Micromorph" high-efficiency tandem PV technology for this latest project. "Oerlikon Solar is a proven world-leader in delivering thin film production equipment to the fast-growing solar energy industry", said Jeannine Sargent, CEO, Oerlikon Solar. "With China's renewable energy industry poised for serious expansion, we are delighted to be supporting Astronergy with this high-profile new contract win and we look forward to our best-in-class technology playing a lead role in this exciting marketplace," she added.


"Golden Sun" program subsidizes 50 percent of the construction costs for on-grid solar power plants and up to 70 percent of the construction costs for off-grid installations

"The Hangzhou project will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase Astronergy's revolutionary new thin film modules, which will help us to differentiate ourselves and establish our position in the industry", commented Liyou Yang, CEO, Astronergy. "Because demand is growing so strongly for cost-effective solar power, we valued Oerlikon's ability to get our plant up and running quickly." Under the "Golden Sun" program, announced on 21 July 2009, China's Ministry of Finance will subsidize 50 percent of the construction costs for on-grid solar power plants and up to 70 percent of the construction costs for off-grid installations, plus transmission costs where necessary. Industry analysts predict that, under this government-led policy, China could be equipped to generate more than 500 megawatts of solar power within three years, compared with just 50 megawatts in 2008.

2009-09-10   Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Astronergy

 

Showa Shell Solar K.K. to build company's third CIS PV module plant in Japan

PV panels by Showa Shell for residential applications.
PV panels by Showa Shell for residential
applications.

Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. (Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo) and its full subsidiary Showa Shell Solar K.K. on September 7th, 2009 announced that the companies have decided to construct their third CIS (copper-indium-gallium-diselenide) photovoltaic (PV) plant in the Miyazaki Prefecture, which is scheduled to start operations in 2011. According to the press release, the third plant will cover an area of approximately 400,000 square meters and will have an annual production capacity of 900 megawatts (MW), with an investment of approximately 100 billion yen (1.1 billion US-dollars).   The companies expect the photovoltaic market to grow significantly with improvements in subsidy programs for residential PV systems in Japan and with the launching of "Green New Deal Policy" in the United States. Including the first plant and the second plant that are already in operation, Showa Shell's total annual production capacity is expected to reach approximately 1 gigawatt (GW; 1,000 megawatt). Showa Shell reports that it will purchase the Miyazaki Plant owned by Hitachi Plasma Display Ltd. located in Kunitomi-cho, Higashimorokata-gun, Miyazaki, and install equipment there to quickly construct the new plant.


Award-winning thin-film technology believed to be most promising for the future

Showa Shell reports that with this investment decision, the company steps forward in pursuing its medium term business vision, dubbed "EPOCH 2010: Conquer the Change, Pioneer the Future," in which expansion of the solar business is said to be a key priority. According to the press release, the company's CIS PV modules had been awarded the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Prize sponsored by the New Energy Foundation and the "Prize for Excellence" in the manufacturing and technology development category by the Japanese Ministry of Economy. CIS modules are believed to be the most promising thin-film PV technology, having achieved the highest efficiency levels among the thin-film PV applications. Compared to crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV modules that are the current mainstream, Showa Shell reports that CIS modules can be produced at lower cost with less raw materials required and approximately half the manufacturing process steps.

2009-09-10   Courtesy: Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.

 

Moser Baer to develop a one MW solar farm in Maharashtra, India

Moser Baer India Limited (New Delhi, India), a global technology company, on September 3rd, 2009 announced that it is developing a one megawatt (MW) solar power plant in the Indian district of Chandrapur, Maharashtra. According to the press release, the company has been has been awarded an EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) contract to this effect by Maharashtra State Power Generation Co. Ltd. (Mahagenco), after having won a global bidding process in which 20 companies had participated.   Moser Baer reports that the project will be commissioned in consortium with the specialized photovoltaic (PV) system integrator SunEnergy Europe GmbH (Hamburg, Germany). The Chandrapur solar farm will be using amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film photovoltaic (PV) technology. "It is a matter of pride for us that Moser Baer is pioneering the setting up of large scale solar farms in India. This project, I am sure, will herald the widespread deployment of such solar farms in the country", Ratul Puri, Executive Director of Moser Baer India Limited, said.


India to install a solar generation capacity of 20,000 MW by 2020

Rajiv Arya, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Moser Baer's PV business, added: "This project provides a significant opportunity towards showcasing our EPC and project development capabilities. It is heartening that solar energy is being seen as an affordable source of energy in India and Moser Baer has been instrumental in bringing about this change." The agreement terms include commissioning of the project by January 2010 and maintenance of the project thereafter, Moser Baer reports. Being a densely populated region in the sunny tropical belt, the Indian subcontinent is believed to have the ideal combination of high solar insolation, a big potential consumer base density and government-led subsidy schemes. Apart from the 50 MW Government of India incentive scheme, the forthcoming National Solar Mission aims to make India a global leader in solar energy and envisages an installed solar generation capacity of 20,000 MW by 2020. Moser Baer believes that the key long term solar industry variables continue to be strong with countries that implement solar-friendly incentive and feed-in tariff (FIT) programs.

2009-09-10   Courtesy: Moser Baer India Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Tower Automotive to supply Stirling Energy Systems with mirror facets for SunCatcher solar dishes

The SunCatcher dish includes 40 mirror facets
The SunCatcher dish includes 40 mirror facets

Stirling Energy Systems (SES; Scottsdale, Arizona) and Michigan-based Tower Automotive LLC (Livonia) on September 1st, 2009 announced that the companies have signed a long-term supply agreement for production and assembly of the mirror facet component of SES's "SunCatcher" concentrating solar power (CSP) system for North American applications. Tower Automotive is believed to be one of the largest independent global suppliers of automotive metal structural components and assemblies and is to leverage its experience in designing and manufacturing structural and exterior auto stampings to fulfill this clean energy contract.  "By leveraging the capabilities and experience of Tower Automotive, SES is establishing a high-quality, low-cost supply chain that is strategically aligned with the company's goals of achieving rapid and scalable production of SunCatchers," said Jeff Collins, Stirling Energy Systems' Vice President of global supply chain. "Automotive suppliers are experienced and proven in high-volume production, and we benefit from their design, engineering and manufacturing expertise while delivering an aggressive cost down roadmap."

Automotive manufacturing experience to be used for CSP technology

According to the press release, Tower Automotive is investing its engineering expertise, capital and facilities for the production of the SunCatcher mirror facets. Each SunCatcher dish includes 40 mirror facets, with each facet comprised of three major components, the rib support, metal substrate and mirrors. SES reports that the mechanical support structure for each mirror facet is similar to an automobile hood, which has a ribbed support under the sheet metal with shaped sheet metal over the top. According to the press release, the rib support and the metal substrate are stamped and attached, and the mirrors are then assembled to the structure. SES reports that when the 40 mirror facets are assembled to form the parabolic-shaped SunCatcher dish, the mirror surfaces reflect the sun's energy onto the power conversion unit (PCU) at the end of a metal boom. A Stirling engine inside the PCU then converts the sun's heat to drive a 25 kilowatt (kW) generator.


60,000 CSP modules with a generating capacity of more than 1,500 MW

According to the press release, a first commercial-scale solar plant utilizing the SunCatcher technology is currently under construction in Peoria, Arizona, and is to be operated by SES' sister company, Tessera Solar (Houston, Texas). The 1.5 megawatt (MW) is designed to feed power into the grid from 60 SunCatcher units. Tessera Solar is the exclusive developer of utility-scale projects using the SunCatcher power system, and it is said to have signed contracts to build more than 1,500 MW of new power projects, deploying more than 60,000 SunCatcher units in California, Texas and Arizona. Mark Malcolm, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tower Automotive, said: "We are excited and proud to help SES deliver its highly efficient and utility-scale solar technology."

2009-09-10   Courtesy: Stirling Energy Systems   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Stirling Energy Systems

 

PlanetSolar chooses SunPower's solar cells to power the world's largest solar trimaran

A rendering of PlanetSolar's new trimaran
A rendering of PlanetSolar's
new trimaran

SunPower Corporation (San Jose, California), a manufacturer of solar cells, solar panels and solar energy systems, on September 2nd, 2009 announced that its solar cells will power PlanetSolar's new solar trimaran. The solar boat, a multihull vessel topped by a large array of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels is being constructed by Knierim Yacht Club in Kiel, Germany, and is expected to be the largest of its kind. SunPower reports that the boat will be powered exclusively by its high-efficiency solar cells.  According to the press release, the vessel was designed by an international team of engineers, and the construction of the solar trimaran is expected to be completed in February 2010. It is then to embark on a round-the-world tour. "We are excited to partner with SunPower, as we build the world's largest solar boat", said Raphael Domjan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PlanetSolar SA (Geneva, Switzerland). "We chose SunPower's solar cell technology because of its high-efficiency and proven results."


Solar boat to be powered by 38,000 high efficient solar cells

According to the press release, approximately 38,000 of SunPower's next generation cells will be incorporated into the skin of the trimaran, with each cell offering an efficiency of approximately 22 %. It is expected to be the fastest solar boat to cross the Atlantic Ocean and the first to cross both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Stopovers include Hamburg, London and Paris in Europe, New York and San Francisco in the U.S., and Singapore and Abu Dhabi, SunPower reports. The solar boat will be available for public display during each of its stops, offering an educational opportunity to all visitors. "SunPower is proud to be involved with such an ambitious project as the design, launch, and round-the-world tour of this solar trimaran", said Manuel Brachet, General Manager of SunPower's , International Business Development Group. "Our cells offer the level of performance that will enable the solar vessel to successfully achieve its goal to circumnavigate the globe."

2009-09-10   Courtesy: SunPower Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corporation

 

Innovalight achieves record 18 % efficiency silicon ink solar cell

Innovalight's silikon ink for solar cells
Innovalight's silikon ink for solar cells

Innovalight, Inc. (Sunnyvale, Califorina), a privately-held company providing printed silicon-ink solar cell technology, on September 8th, 2009 announced that it has demonstrated a record 18 % conversion efficiency with silicon-ink processed crystalline solar cells. According to the press release, the industry standard size solar cell results were independently certified by two of the world's most recognized solar cell testing centers, namely the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg, Germany.  Innovalight reports that the company's proprietary silicon ink and processing technologies allow crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cell manufacturers to dramatically boost output capacity and solar cell performance as well as reduced costs with a simplified additional step to already installed manufacturing lines. Crystalline silicon solar cell technology accounts for 86 % of the commercial solar panel market today, according to Paula Mints, principal analyst for Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Washington, D.C.).


Silicon inks aimed to increase c-Si solar cell efficiencies to over 20 %

"Recently, NREL verified 18 % efficiency which is a very significant achievement", said Martha Symko-Davies, Senior Program Manager at NREL. "We also are pleased that Innovalight has recently been awarded a 3 million US-dollar 'Technology Incubator' subcontract through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, funded under the Department of Energy", she added. Innovalight reports that the company is currently working together with a number of solar cell manufacturers, and that it is ramping production of silicon ink at it's site in Sunnyvale, California. According to the press release, the company is developing technologies based on silicon ink to ultimately bring conversion efficiencies of crystalline silicon solar cells to over 20 %. "Innovalight's silicon ink and processing technologies provide a compelling solution in an otherwise undifferentiated marketplace for solar cells", said Homer Antoniadis, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Innovalight. "Optimized for use with industry standard deposition tools, Innovalight's solution improves the economics of solar cell manufacturing", he added.

2009-09-09   Courtesy: Innovalight, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Innovalight, Inc.

 

PV producer Solyndra receives 535 million US-dollars loan guarantee through DOE Recovery Act funding

Vice President Biden announced loan guarantee for Solyndra.
Vice President Biden announced
loan guarantee for Solyndra.

Vice President Joe Biden, appearing via satellite from Washington D.C., on September 4th, 2009 announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) had finalized a 535 million US-dollar loan guarantee for Solyndra, Inc. (Fremont, California), which manufactures innovative cylindrical solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. According to the DOE press release, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding will finance construction of the first phase of Solyndra's new manufacturing facility.   The company estimates that the new plant will initially create 3,000 construction jobs, and lead to as many as 1,000 permanent jobs once the facility opens. "This announcement today is part of the unprecedented investment this Administration is making in renewable energy and exactly what the Recovery Act is all about", said Vice President Biden. "By investing in the infrastructure and technology of the future, we are not only creating jobs today, but laying the foundation for long-term growth in the 21st-century economy."


ARRA to help create 'green' jobs, transform U.S. energy production and usage

According to the DOE, the ARRA is changing America's economy by making significant investments that are believed to catalyze private funding sources, thereby creating sustainable green jobs and transforming how America produces and uses energy. U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu has made it his priority to accelerate important DOE investments under the ARRA, helping move America's energy policy forward. Finalizing this agreement with Solyndra, which had been issued a conditional commitment earlier this year, is believed to solidify DOE's focus on expediting loan guarantees and other funding opportunities. According to the press release, Solyndra is the first recipient of a loan guarantee under the ARRA and Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. In addition, the loan guarantee issued to Solyndra is the first issued by DOE since the 1980s. "It is time to rev up the American innovation machine and reclaim our lead on clean energy," said Secretary Chu. "This investment is part of a broad, aggressive effort to spark a new industrial revolution that will put Americans to work, end our dependence on foreign oil and cut carbon pollution."

2009-09-09   Courtesy: www.energy.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: whitehouse.gov

 

French Casino Group signs 14-Megawatt solar panel supply agreement with US PV producer SunPower

SunPower's high efficiency panel 315.
SunPower's
high efficiency panel 315.

The French retailer Casino Group and SunPower Corp. (San Jose, Calif.) on September 8th, 2009 today announced that SunPower will supply 14 megawatts of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic panels to the supermarket conglomerate by the end of this year. Casino Group will use the panels to install solar power systems ranging from 900 kilowatts (kWp) to 5 megawatts (MWp) on rooftops and parking structures on supermarket locations in mainland France and the islands of Mayotte and La Reunion. "This is the first step of a major new renewable energy initiative for Casino, which includes a pipeline of projects to be developed over the next several months", said Casino Chief Real Estate and Development Officer Jacques Ehrmann.   "SunPower's proven high-efficiency technology generates the most power in space constrained areas. This will allow us to maximize the amount of clean, renewable solar power that will be produced at our facilities, and reinforces our commitment to sustainable development."


A contribution to a significant expansion of the French rooftop solar market

"As a successful business leader with one of the largest retail networks in France, Casino understands that solar power today offers a great return on investment. We are delighted to partner with Casino in significantly expanding the rooftop solar market in France", said SunPower Senior Director Jorn Jurgens. SunPower will supply Casino with its "SunPower 315" solar panels and "SunPower 305" solar panels, offering 315-watts and 305-watts per panel, respectively. These panels are comprised of 96 SunPower solar cells that deliver more energy production per square meter than conventional panels. The 315-watt SunPower solar panel currently offers the industry's highest conversion efficiency of 19.3 percent, SunPower emphasizes. Some of the systems will be considered building-integrated photovoltaic systems under the French feed-in-tariff program. With its European headquarters in Geneva, SunPower systems have been installed on facilities operated by the Bon Preu Esclat supermarket chain in Spain, and on multiple rooftops for US-based retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart Stores, Macy's and Lowe's.

2009-09-09   Courtesy: SunPower Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corp

 

China: First Solar to team with Ordos City on 2 GW solar photovoltaic power plant in the Desert

Thin film solar panels by First Solar in a power plant near Trier, Germany
Thin film solar panels by First Solar
in a power plant near Trier, Germany

First Solar (Tempe, Arizona, USA) on September 8th, 2009 announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chinese government to build a 2 gigawatt (GW) solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, China. Pursuant to the MOU, signed in the presence of Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, the solar project in Ordos will be built over a multi-year period, First Solar announced in a press release. Phase 1 will be a 30 megawatt demonstration project that will begin construction by June 1, 2010 and be completed as soon thereafter as practicable. Phases 2, 3 and 4 will be 100 megawatts, 870 megawatts, and 1,000 megawatts. Phases 2 and 3 are scheduled be completed in 2014 and Phase 4 will be completed by 2019.  The MOU sets forth the agreement in principle of the parties concerning the project and related activities. Final agreement between the parties is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements among the parties.


An impetus for a long-term market for solar in China

"This major commitment to solar power is a direct result of the progressive energy policies being adopted in China to create a sustainable, long-term market for solar and a low carbon future for China", First Solar's CEO Mike Ahearn said at the signing ceremony. "We’re proud to be announcing this precedent-setting project today. It represents an encouraging step forward toward the mass-scale deployment of solar power worldwide to help mitigate climate change concerns", he added.


Feed-in-tariff will be critical for large-scale PV project

The project will operate under a feed-in-tariff which will guarantee the pricing of electricity produced by the power plant over a long-term period. "The Chinese feed-in tariff will be critical to this project", Ahearn emphasized.. "This type of forward-looking government policy is necessary to create a strong solar market and facilitate the construction of a project of this size, which in turn continues to drive the cost of solar electricity closer to ‘grid parity’ - where it is competitive with traditional energy sources."


Possibility of module and supplier manufacturing sites in Ordos to be deliberated

The MOU contemplates that during the implementation of the initial phases of the project First Solar will actively review the possibility of module and supplier manufacturing sites in Ordos, and other considerations required to support a First Solar investment. First Solar also intends to facilitate expansion of the supply chains in China for thin film photovoltaic module production and for the recycling of photovoltaic modules after use.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with one of the solar industry’s global technology leaders in a project of such significance to Ordos’s low carbon future", said Cao Zhichen, vice mayor of Ordos Municipal Government. "Discussions with First Solar about building a factory in China demonstrate to investors in China that they can confidently invest in the most advanced technologies available."

2009-09-09   Courtesy: First Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: First Solar, Inc.

 

aleo solar AG to supply Australia with solar PV modules

PV module
PV module "aleo S_16"

aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany) on September 8th , 2009 announced its entry into the highly promising Australian photovoltaics (PV) market. The first modules have already been delivered, with orders including polycrystalline solar modules for a school in the state of Victoria. A total of 24 "aleo S_16" modules are shining from the roof of the German Rudolf-Steiner School building in Mansfield. The scope of the order includes inverters and the mounting system.   Remtron Automation, a Melbourne-based authorized aleo partner, completed the installation of the four-kilowatt rooftop project. "Our customers are showing great interest in German solar modules", comments Adrian Matthews, Remtron's Managing Director. "aleo solar offers outstanding quality, many years of experience in the rooftop systems business and is an excellent partner in terms of both service and marketing." Other installation projects are already underway.

As a sun-soaked continent, Australia offers excellent conditions for photovoltaic plants. Annual yields can reach 2,000 kilowatt-hours per kilowatt of rated output, which is about twice as much as in Germany. In August 2009, the Australian Government announced plans whereby at least 20 percent of its power needs should be sourced from renewable energies by 2020. The Government's launch of the "Solar Credits" scheme is part of this strategy and is aimed primarily at encouraging private households to install solar rooftop plants. Small installations in particular will receive excellent incentives. The Government aims to earmark some AUD 4 million for subsidy programs and major projects in this field.

2009-09-09   Courtesy: aleo Solar AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG

 

Johnson Controls completes solar heating systems for seven El Paso pools

Solar thermal collectors
Solar thermal collectors

Johnson Controls, Inc. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), on September 2nd, 2009 announced that the company had recently completed the installation of solar heating systems at seven indoor pools in El Paso, Texas. The new systems, which are expected to save more than 1.5 million US-dollars in energy costs from pool operations over the next 10 years, are believed to be ideal for one of the United States' sunniest cities, which averages more than 300 days of sunshine per calendar year. According to the press release, more than 700 solar thermal collectors covering nearly 32,000 sq. ft. are now converting solar rays into hot water for municipal pools across the city.   The solar heating upgrades are said to be part of an overall Energy Savings Performance Contract developed by Johnson Controls to help the El Paso reduce escalating utility costs and improve the aging infrastructure while improving air quality in the region. "Renewable energy solutions will help the city more effectively manage energy usage while reducing costs and environmental impact", said Don Albinger, Vice President of Renewable Energy Solutions at Johnson Controls. "The ideal climate and days of sunshine make the project a win for both city officials looking to realize cost savings, and for residents seeking a fun, environmentally friendly place to cool off."


14.7 million US-dollar project expected to avoid 11,300 tons of emissions

According to the press release, pools heated by the new solar systems include those at the Marty Robbins Recreation Center, Armijo Park Recreation Center and Pool, WW Cowan Recreation Center, Leo Cancellare Recreation Center, Hilos de Plata Senior Center and Pool, T & I Recreation Center and Veterans Recreation Center. Johnson Controls reports that in addition to the pools, the contract with El Paso includes energy efficiency upgrades to 53 El Paso facilities and the conversion of 6,600 traffic lights to LED technology. The 14.7 million US-dollar project is expected to deliver operating and energy cost savings of 20.3 million US-dollars over 10 years. It is also expected to eliminate nearly 11,300 tons of air pollutants, reduce electricity consumption at facilities by 29 %, and decrease electrical consumption by traffic lights by 84 %.

2009-09-09   Courtesy: Johnson Controls   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Johnson Controls, Inc.

 

iSuppli: First Solar to become the world’s largest producer of photovoltaic (PV) cells

First Solar's production at Frankfurt/Oder, Germany.
First Solar's production at Frankfurt/Oder,
Germany.

Leveraging its low-cost thin-film process, U.S.-based First Solar Inc. is set to surpass its crystalline competitors to become the world’s largest producer of photovoltaic (PV) cells in 2009, according to iSuppli Corp. (El Segundo, California). First Solar due to iSuppli in 2009 is set to produce 1,100 megawatts (MW) worth of solar cells, more than double the 503MW it made in 2008. This will give First Solar nearly twice as much production of total solar cells as its nearest competitor, Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. As iSuppli noted in an Aug. 10 release, SunTech in 2009 is set to become the leader of the crystalline segment, which is a subset of the total solar cell market.   "First Solar is leveraging its cost leadership to achieve market-share leadership in the global PV solar cell business", said Dr. Henning Wicht, senior director and principal analyst for iSuppli. "The company’s proprietary thin-film process is giving it an edge over the competition amid challenging solar market conditions", he added.


Low-cost production combined with well-established sales channels

"First Solar sells its products at very competitive prices, always undercutting crystalline cells", Wicht said. "With its capability to produce cells at a cost of 89 cents per watt in the second quarter, First Solar is generating stable operating margins, while its competitors are struggling to stay profitable. Despite global oversupply of PV modules, First Solar is continuing to expand and is able to sell nearly all of its finished goods." Beyond low-cost production, First Solar’s success is also being driven by its well-established sales channels in Europe and its own installations for U.S. utility projects, iSuppli emphasizes. First Solar will be the only company among the Top-4 solar cell suppliers able to gain market share in 2009, iSuppli predicts. The company’s portion of global solar cell MW production will rise to 12.8 percent in 2009, up from 7.5 percent in 2008. No.-2 SunTech, No.-3 Sharp and No.-4 Q-Cells all will suffer contractions in total solar cell market share, iSuppli predicts.

First Solar expected to sell all of its production in 2009

Due to iSuppli First Solar also holds the lowest levels of inventory in the global solar cell industry. Because of this, iSuppli expects the company to actually sell all of its production in 2009, rather than stockpiling it. With inventories throughout the PV supply chain soaring, this gives First Solar a significant competitive advantage. With 3.92GW worth of solar capacity set to be installed in 2009, First Solar’s cells will account for as much as 28 percent of the total, according to iSuppli. The company’s share will be even higher in ground installations and large rooftops, where its products find the strongest acceptance. Its share will be lower in other types of installations, such as small rooftops.


Dr. Henning Wicht: No "Second Solar" yet on the horizon

Because of its cost advantage, thin film PV will grow to account for 34.5 percent of worldwide solar production in terms of MW in 2013, up from 14.2 percent in 2008. Despite the strong rise of thin-films, iSuppli doesn’t believe that the technology will surpass crystalline in the foreseeable future. "The rise of thin-film is due to the success of First Solar and its unique thin film process", Wicht said. "There’s no new First Solar yet on the horizon. With only one supplier, thin film’s progress will be limited."
First Solar employs a patented process using cadmium telluride (CdTe).

2009-09-08   Courtesy: iSuppli Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: First Solar Inc.

 

Gartner expects growth for California's solar market

CSI California Photovoltaic Project Sector Analysis, 2009.
CSI California Photovoltaic Project Sector Analysis,
2009.

On September 7th, 2009, the U.S. information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut) issued a statement on the California photovoltaic (PV) market, the largest PV market in the United States. With newly installed PV systems costing approximately 1.4 billion US-dollars in 2008 and with an electricity generation capacity of approximately 175 megawatts (MW), California's PV market has been driven by a proactive set of government incentives centered on the California Solar Initiative (CSI; www.GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov), Gartner reports.   According to the analysis, the pipeline for 2009 is shaping up well, but the PV business pipeline belies the central issue that most of this set of completed PV systems and even major parts of the PV system business pipeline were started in 2008 and actually completed in 2009. This situation was created because most enterprise projects have sales-to-completion timelines of 12 to 18 months.


Solar companies should consider a market segmentation

Although the market is large, Gartner cautions that a variety of challenges loom for the California and, by extension, the U.S. PV market. PV value chain companies that are establishing their go-to-market strategies and resource allocations are urged to consider key parameters such as local partners, local government and utility support or hindrance, the limited financing opportunities, the PV project time period and the limited sales forces. Given these parameters, Gartner suggests PV value chain members to segment the opportunities in California to optimize their revenue potential and allocate their scarce resources. According to Gartner, they should consider a market segmentation by utility and municipality, with regions such as greater Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and the San Diego area meriting further segmentation. For further information on Gartner's view of the California solar market and perspective on success criteria, interested parties are invited to refer to the Gartner report "Dataquest Insight: California Highlights the Challenges and Opportunities of the U.S. Solar Market."

2009-09-08   Courtesy: Gartner Inc.; Alfonso Velosa   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: CSI and Gartner (August 2009)

 

Australia's largest solar photovoltaic power system opened at Adelaide Showground

PV panels atop the Adelaide Showground.
PV panels atop the Adelaide Showground.

Solar Shop Australia on September 4th, 2009 announced that the Hon. Mike Rann, Premier of South Australia, had officially opened Australia's largest solar power plant at the Adelaide Showground. According to the press release, the 1 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system was installed atop of six separate buildings and it is expected to cover approx. 40 % of the Showground's typical power needs.   The company reports that the system is comprised of 12.500 solar panels, covering 9.000 square meters of rooftops and building facades. The expected annual output of the solar electric system is 1,400 MW-hours (MWh), which is enough electricity to power approximately 250 homes. The installation of the solar panels and associated systems was managed by building and engineering company Built Environs in partnership with Solar Shop Australia.


Solar project introduces a number of construction innovations

Solar Shop Australia reports that a special rack-loading system was devised in the project, in which solar panels were stacked on pallets, lifted onto the roof by crane and then distributed via trolleys on framing rails. Another innovation, according to the press release, included a clip-on extrusion framing system that is said to minimize the number of holes that needed to be drilled in the roofs. To install the panels, drilling rigs were custom-made for each of the major roofs, while cloth and mesh screens prevented drilling waste from entering the stormwater collection system, the company reports. All of the work was performed while the Showground remained open to the public and the project could be completed within three months. Solar Shop Australia's Managing Director, Adrian Ferraretto, said that the company was extremely proud to have played an important role in the design and installation of the solar power system. "Having now installed the largest solar power system in Australia, we are hoping that more Australians will realize the benefits of solar energy and what it can do for the environment", Ferraretto said.

2009-09-08   Courtesy: Solar Shop Australia   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Shop Australia

 

Photovoltaics: SkySentry receives CIGS array from Ascent Solar Technologies

Holding the module are U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, Ascent Solar Founder Mohan Misra and U.S. Senator Mark Udall Pictured (f.l.to r.).
Holding the module are U.S. Senator Michael
Bennet, Ascent Solar Founder Mohan Misra
and U.S. Senator Mark Udall Pictured (f.l.to r.).

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Thornton, Colorado), a developer of flexible thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules, on September 3rd, 2009 announced that SkySentry LLC, a high altitude vehicle developer headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, received its first flexible copper-indium-gallium-(di)selenide (CIGS) PV array for an upcoming aerostat test in Sandusky, Ohio, scheduled for mid-September, 2009. The aerostat is part of an Army Space and Missile Defense Command's High Altitude, Long-Endurance Testbed, Ascent Solar reports.   Charles Lambert, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SkySentry, stated: "Power production and storage are the most difficult challenge of operating stationary vehicles for lengthy periods in the stratosphere. This test will use an aerostat, a tethered blimp, to characterize performance of a solar array on a dynamic platform, understand the performance of thin film arrays on a buoyant vehicle in terms of temperature and impact on an inflated substrate, determine the consistency of solar output for high altitude applications and quantify the effect of clouds and variable weather on performance of an aerostat-mounted array."


Testing of photovoltaics on an aerostat

According to the press release, corollary benefits include comparing high efficiency solar array deployments on aerostats as primary or supplementary power generation with other technologies such as off-shore power generation with wind turbines. "This shipment represents our first delivery of flexible monolithically integrated CIGS PV specifically for airship experimentation", Ascent Solar's President and CEO Farhad Moghadam commented. "SkySentry's testing of our photovoltaics on the aerostat, along with advanced power management, will demonstrate their approach towards an important application for national security and surveillance applications."

2009-09-08   Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.

 

Tucson Electric Power seeks federal stimulus funding for "Bright Tucson" solar project

Solar power system at the Clements Center, developed through a partnership with the City of Tucson
Solar power system at the Clements Center,
developed through a partnership with the
City of Tucson

The U.S. utility Tucson Electric Power (TEP; Arizona) on September 1st, 2009 announced that the company and a team of energy industry leaders are seeking federal stimulus funding for a demonstration project intended to boost the effectiveness of Tucson's solar energy resources. TEP reports that it has requested 25 million US-dollars in stimulus funds from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help fund the "Bright Tucson" project, which would employ energy storage systems and a "demand response" program to optimize the output of a new 1.6-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) array.   "We're looking for the best way to get the most out of the solar energy that surrounds us here in Tucson", said Paul Bonavia, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TEP and its parent company, UniSource Energy Corporation (UniSource; Tucson, Arizona).


Lithium battery bank and compressed air energy storage system expected to provide on-demand power

If funding is approved, project team members plan to develop a lithium battery bank and a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system adjacent to the new PV array on a 20-acre site leased from the Tucson Airport Authority. The batteries are expected to store solar electricity as direct current (DC). The CAES system, meanwhile, would use solar power to create pressurized air that could be used later to drive a turbine, creating electric power on demand. According to the press release, the project team also plans to recruit TEP customers to participate in a newly developed demand response program that would allow the utility to shut down their air conditioners and other equipment when additional power is needed elsewhere. Like batteries and the CAES system, such programs are expected to help utilities manage the intermittent nature of solar energy. Unlike the output of traditional, fossil-fueled generators, the company reports, solar power is subject to frequent fluctuations due to weather conditions and other variables. Utilities must immediately compensate for those fluctuations, typically with energy from other resources, to avoid brownouts, blackouts and equipment damage. Solar energy also would be more valuable to utilities if it could be stored and deployed as needed.


Renewable energy companies to provide technology and product support

"Solar energy is going to play a big part in TEP's future, so we need to find some bright solutions to the challenges that currently limit its utility and cost-effectiveness", Bonavia said. "The Bright Tucson project will help us develop a strategy to make the sun an even more valuable resource for our community." According to the press release, the "Bright Tucson" team members will develop software, communication and control systems and analytical tools to gauge the effectiveness of the various strategies employed as part of the five-year project. "We cannot allow the challenges associated with solar energy to eclipse its potential as a clean, green energy source," said David G. Hutchens, Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Resource Planning for TEP and UniSource Energy. "Bright Tucson will help utilities find the best way to let the sun shine a little brighter in their resource mix." The utility reports that a number of companies will contribute and provide key technologies to make the project work. "With a remarkable team of energy industry leaders pledging significant resources to this project, Bright Tucson will pave the way for utilities across the country and around the world to reap greater benefits from solar energy at a lower cost to customers," Bonavia said.


DOE funding to be supplemented by in-kind contributions from project partners

According to the press release, Bright Tucson's success depends on securing a 25 million US-dollar share of the 615 million US-dollars in "Smart Grid Demonstration Grants" that are expected to be awarded by the DOE beginning in November under the federal stimulus legislation. TEP reports that the federal funds will be supplemented by significant in-kind contributions from project partners and resources provided by TEP, including the proceeds of surcharges approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to help utilities fund energy efficiency and renewable power programs. Joe Simmons and Ardeth Barnhart, co-directors of the Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy (AzRISE) of the Arizona State University, said the project represents a big step forward in the development of both utility-scale and distributed solar energy systems. "It combines the most effective components that would go into such systems: components like single-axis tracking photovoltaic panels, lithium-based batteries, underground compressed air energy storage and demand-response load management," they said. "The project, the first of its kind in the world, will be evaluated for technical performance and economic value, cost and benefit, and it will serve as a model for future solar energy developments."

2009-09-08   Courtesy: Tucson Electric Power   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Tucson Electric Power

 

Evergreen Solar supplies PV panels for a solar power showcase system at TPC Boston

Solar PV installation at TPC Boston
Solar PV installation at TPC Boston

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Marlboro, Massachusetts), a manufacturer of solar power products, on September 3rd, 2009 announced that a solar photovoltaic (PV) system using Evergreen Solar panels has been installed on the grounds of the Tournament Players Club (TPC Boston) in Norton for the 2009 Deutsche Bank Championship, a PGA TOUR playoff event. The goal of incorporating solar energy into the Deutsche Bank Championship is to highlight the importance of solar energy and its potential to help meet the United States' energy needs while addressing concerns about the environment and global warming, Evergreen Solar reports.   The solar installation is part of the Deutsche Bank Championship's overall greening initiative. The tournament is said to be the only carbon-neutral event on the PGA TOUR for the second consecutive year. "We're thrilled to be involved with the Deutsche Bank Championship and the PGA TOUR on its biggest stage, the PGA TOUR Playoffs", said Dr. Terry Bailey, Evergreen Solar's Senior Vice President of marketing and sales.


Solar power system donated to help offset energy consumption of golf tournament, demonstrate PV technology to public

According to the press release, the solar system on the TPC Boston course is meant to demonstrate to the public a typical photovoltaic (PV) system that produces enough energy to power the average American home. The energy produced by the installation will be fed into the local power grid to help offset some of the power used throughout the Championship, Evergreen Solar reports. Eric Baldwin, Deutsche Bank Championship Director, said: "We're excited to partner with Evergreen Solar in order to not only offset our power consumption throughout Championship Week but also demonstrate the benefits of solar power." Evergreen Solar reports that it had donated all of the solar panels for the installation. According to the press release, the solar installer Alteris Renewables (Wilton, Connecticut) donated and oversaw the system design and installation materials and services.

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

 

Trina Solar launches PV "Center For Excellence" to provide testing and quality assurance solutions

Trina Solar Limited (Changzhou, China), an integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products, on September 3rd, 2009 announced that it had launched the "Trina Solar Center For Excellence" (Center) to ensure a high level of quality assurance and precision testing of its photovoltaic modules. According to the press release, the Center is located at Trina Solar's headquarters in Changzhou and covers an area of approximately 7,200 square meters of indoor and outdoor testing space.   The Center is said to be able to support a comprehensive range of tests including product certification processes, material reliability tests for module products, highly accelerated stress tests and material evaluation and research. "The launch of the Center For Excellence reflects our commitment to producing the highest quality solar modules while ensuring excellent product performance over their lifetime", said Jifan Gao, Trina Solar's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).


Testing equipment for solar modules to ensure quality, longevity

According to the press release, the Center is equipped with advanced testing equipment and is comparable to recognized world-class independent testing centers. Trina Solar reports that it features diverse testing capabilities, including an impulse simulator, steady state simulator and silicon material testing equipment. The Center also houses chambers which can assess the effects of damp heat, thermal cycle, humidity freeze, thermal shock and UV exposure to solar modules. The company reports that it can thereby simulate the effects of prolonged exposure in extreme climate conditions on its modules. Equipment and testing procedures are said to accord with the rigorous standards of UL1703, IEC61215 and IEC61730. The operational features and scale of the Center is expected to allow Trina Solar to continuously perform in-house quality assessments which include a Highly Accelerated Stress Test (HAST) to evaluate modules and material performance after certifications are received from independent product certification organizations.

2009-09-07   Courtesy: Trina Solar Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Manz Automation AG plans to fully acquire Intech Machines Co. Ltd.

Manz Automation AG (Reutlingen, Germany), one of the world’s leading technology providers for the photovoltaic and LCD industries is planning to acquire a 100 % interest in its subsidiary Intech Machines Co. Ltd. (Taiwan). At present, the Reutlingen-based company holds 75.6 % of Intech’s shares. The investment volume for the purchase of the remaining interest is expected to total around € 6 million, Manz reports in a press release. The company intends to conclude the acquisition, which will be based on Taiwanese legislation, by the start of 2010. The Managing Board believes that the transaction will offer the Manz Group a large number of opportunities. For example, a later delisting of the subsidiary will allow administrative costs for the existing stock market listing to be cut.   Moreover, Manz will secure additional income by increasing its interest. Acquiring the whole of Intech gives the company the latitude to take decisions that it needs to be able to implement corporate strategies, sales structures, production processes and product innovations in a target-oriented manner. It will also bolster the company’s consistent use of the cost advantages that Asia offers. Manz believes that the acquisition significantly improves its competitive position.


Coverin major production stages for the LCD and solar industries

Dieter Manz, Manz Automation AG’s CEO, explained the reasons for this strategic step: "Acquiring Intech Machines last year gave us access to the technology used in the production of wet-chemical equipment. Therefore we are able to cover major production stages for the LCD and solar industries. Taking over the remaining interest will allow us to secure this expertise in its entirety. At the same time, it will enable us to improve our opportunities to further reinforce our position on the high-growth Asian market."

Based on the decision of the Arbeitskreis Aktienindizes on September 3, 2009, the company’s international visibility is further strengthened. Accordingly, the shares of Manz Automation AG will be included in the TecDAX as of September 21, 2009. The index contains the 30 largest technology companies in terms of the free float market capitalization and the average trading volume.

2009-09-07   Courtesy: Manz Automation AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SunWize empowers neighborhoods to go solar, offers discounts of up to 15 percent for homeowner groups

SunWize solar program offers discounts for neighborhoods.
SunWize solar program offers
discounts for neighborhoods.

SunWize Technologies, Inc. (Kingston, New York) in August 2009 reported that its Residential Power Systems solar installation division has introduced a "Neighborhood Solar Program" to support communities, towns and counties with their renewable energy initiatives. According to the press release, the SunWize Neighborhood Solar Program is designed to promote solar energy by encouraging people to band together and realize a volume discount on their systems.   Through the program, SunWize reports that the company teams with neighborhoods, homeowner associations, and municipalities to organize meetings and provide education to interested homeowners. The SunWize program offers discounts off of market price ranging from 5 % for 5 homes, 10 % for 10 homes, and 15 % for 15 homes or more. Coupled with existing state rebates and the the U.S. federal tax credit (FTC), this program is expected to reduce the total cost of a SunWize solar electric system by over 50 %.


Groups of homeowners to receive discounts for solar systems

SunWize reports that the launch of a program is simple. A group representative contacts SunWize to schedule a kick-off meeting. Once a group initiates a program, it runs for a period of 60 days, during which time the participants enter into contract and receive their discount. "We often encounter enthusiastic solar champions and wanted a way to empower them to energize their friends and neighbors. The SunWize Neighborhood Solar Program gives these advocates resources to host an educational kick-off meeting conducted by one of our SunWize experts and financial incentives through the program's group discounts", said David Kaltsas, Executive Vice President at SunWize. "SunWize makes it easy for forward-thinking communities and neighborhood groups to go solar", he added. The SunWize Neighborhood Solar Program is expected to encourage homeowners to come together to ensure local initiatives are successful in bringing solar to their communities.

2009-09-07   Courtesy: SunWize Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunWize Technologies, Inc.

 

SCHOTT Solar extends "POLY" PV module warranty to 25 years

Warranty extension reinforces SCHOTT’s position as a reliable manufacturer
Warranty extension reinforces SCHOTT’s
position as a reliable manufacturer

SCHOTT North America, Inc. on September 3rd, 2009 announced that it is extending the performance warranty on its solar photovoltaic (PV) "POLY" Modules from 20 years to 25 years. SCHOTT "POLY" modules are among the industry leaders in power output tolerances and provide high-energy output with unparalleled stability, the company emphasizes in its press release. The SCHOTT "POLY" module includes power classes of 225, 220, 200, 217, and 210 watts. The output performance tolerance of SCHOTT Solar’s high quality modules due to the producer is minus zero watts (as measured at the end of the production process). This means every module will meet or exceed the minimum power specification, thus ensuring every watt paid for is delivered.  "This warranty extension further reinforces SCHOTT Solar’s position as a high quality manufacturer of photovoltaic modules", said Mark Finocchario, President and CEO of SCHOTT Solar. "We are able offer our customers a 25-year performance warranty because of our strict manufacturing controls. Independent tests have proven time and again the excellent longevity and performance stability of SCHOTT Solar’s quality modules", he added.




Expanding production to meet growing demand in U.S. market

In July, SCHOTT Solar expanded production at its state-of-the-art U.S. manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico by starting production on the facility’s second concentrating solar power (CSP) receiver line. With the launch of the second production line, the facility can produce enough receivers to meet the demands of up to 400 megawatts (MW) of CSP power plants per year.

SCHOTT Solar’s Albuquerque facility is the first in the U.S. to produce receivers used in parabolic trough, utility-scale, concentrated solar power plants (CSP), and the first in the world to produce both receivers for CSP along side photovoltaic modules.

SCHOTT Solar also announced in July that it had received CSA International Certification for its SCHOTT "POLY" photovoltaic (PV) module produced in Albuquerque, NM, opening up a new product line for the company to sell into power projects both in the United States and Canada. CSA International tests products for compliance to national and international standards, and issues certification marks for qualified products. It is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and one of North America’s leading centers for testing and certifying solar energy equipment.

2009-09-07   Courtesy: SCHOTT Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SCHOTT Solar, Inc.

 

Sinosol AG to build a 7,4 MWp PV plant close to Augsburg, Germany

PV plant with components by Sinosol
PV plant with components by Sinosol

Sinosol AG (Frankfurt, Germany) is realizing a 7,4 MWp photovoltaic (PV) plant in Southern Germany for an institutional investor from India, Sinosol as the project developer and EPC contractor for the large PV park close to Augsburg announces in a press release. The project in Nordendorf is a pilot project for further joint activities of Sinosol and the institutional investor from India which due to Sinosol is planning to build an international PV portfolio of 200 megawatts (MWp) until the end of 2010. Both parties have agreed on the take-over of a power plant portfolio in Europe with a total size of 65 MWp, Sinosol reports.  The agreement is covering PV plant that will still be grid connected in 2009 as well as power plants that will be erected in 2010 by Sinosol Group.




More than 35.000 PV-modules on a surface of approx. 17 ha

Industry standard Due Diligence assessments shall be completed within the next few months, Sinosol announces. Construction for the project in Nordendorf has already started on August 4th, 2009. After a scheduled construction period of only four months the PV-plant will be finished and grid connected before the end of 2009. On a surface of approx. 17 ha more than 35.000 poly-crystalline PV-modules will be starting to produce energy out of sunlight. The annual production due to Sinosol will be approx. 7,8 Mio. kWh, which represents an avoidance of CO2 emissions of approx. 5.000 t.

2009-09-06   Courtesy: Sinosol AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sinosol AG

 

PV Power Plants: Conferences 2009/2010 in Prague and Las Vegas

Large solar power plant
Large solar power plant "Lieberose"
(53 MW), Germany

Solarpraxis AG, headquartered in Berlin (Germany) announces, that the PV Power Plants Conferences 2009/2010 will take place from December 10th to 11th 2009 in Las Vegas (Nevada, USA) and in January 2010 in Prague (Czech Republic) According to the press release PV Power Plants are the world's first conferences focusing exclusively on the large solar power plant market for systems requiring very high capital investment. For the first time in the market for solar power plants from 500 kWp upwards "PV Power Plants" will address the crucial issues in a single event: the technology, project development and implementation, quality assurance, legal frameworks, financing, markets for large-scale facilities and their development, security and insurance.  Since many international players are active in this market and because of the mushrooming importance of large-scale solar systems worldwide, the conference will take place as well in Europe as in the USA/Canada - each with a focus on the specific market conditions of the two regions, Solarpraxis reports in the press release. Plenary sessions will be offered together with workshops in parallel sessions and discussion forums. The conference language will be English.


Focus exclusively on Large Solar Power Plants

Target groups are chief executives, product managers and project developers from the module and cell manufacturers, the producers of inverters and power components and the suppliers of foundations, substructures, cabling and other components. Other groups who will benefit from this conference include planners, contractors, installers and engineers from involved engineering, construction and utility companies. Additionally the conference will address issues relevant to investment companies, banks, insurance companies, brokers and agencies, political representatives, attorneys and journalists.

The world of small solar PV systems has developed into one of huge projects

For many years photovoltaics have been a prime technology to use for decentralized energy supplies. Up to the turn of the millennium there were no installations over 1 MWp on the open market. However, with falling costs, technical advances and the opening of new application areas this situation has now changed radically, Solarpraxis emphasizes. The largest plant at the moment has a generating capacity of 60 MWp, plants with three-digit MWp values are in the planning stage and GWp plants are already being evaluated. The world of small solar systems, having capital investments of a few thousand dollars, has developed into one of huge projects, requiring several hundreds of millions to be invested.

The conferences will provide a platform for meetings and discussions with suppliers, partners and project investors. They will be prime locations for forming new business ventures. Please find further information on www.solarpraxis.de

2009-09-06   Courtesy: Solarpraxis AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: juwi group

 

U.S. Department of Transportation awards 100,000 US-dollar research contract to Solar Roadways

Solar Roadways prototypes the first ever
Solar Roadways prototypes the
first ever "Solar Road Panel"

Solar Roadways (Sagle, Idahoe) in August 2009 announced that it had been awarded a Department of Transportation (DOT) contract that is expected to enable them to prototype the first ever "Solar Road Panel." According to the press release, the solar roadways may consist of structurally-engineered solar panels that are driven upon and that will collect solar energy to power businesses and homes. The panels are to be placed in parking lots and roadways in lieu of petroleum-based asphalt surfaces.  Solar Roadways reports that its panels will contain embedded light emitting diodes (LEDs) which "paint" the road lines from beneath to provide safer nighttime driving, as well as to give up to the minute instructions to drivers via the road. According to the plans of the company, the system would be able to sense wildlife on the road and could warn drivers to "slow down." Embedded heating elements are to be built in the surface to prevent snow and ice buildup, providing for safer winter driving. The inventors of the system believe that it will become an intelligent highway that can double as a secure, intelligent, decentralized, self-healing power grid which could enable a gradual weaning from fossil fuels. It is estimated that it will take roughly five billion 12' by 12' Solar Road Panels to cover the asphalt surfaces in the U.S. alone.

2009-09-06   Courtesy: Solar Roadways   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Roadways

 

PV testing center TÜV Rheinland PTL named a finalist in Arizona Governor's Celebration of Innovation awards

TÜV Rheinland's testing center in Phoenix, Arizona
TÜV Rheinland's testing center
in Phoenix, Arizona

TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC (Phoenix, Arizona), a solar and photovoltaic (PV) testing center, on September 1st, 2009 announced that the company will be among three finalists in the Arizona Technology Council's "2009 Governor's Celebration of Innovation" (GCOI) awards in the "Innovator of the Year - Start-Up Company" category. According to the press release, finalists in this category are chosen for achieving significant business success as well as technical innovation or scientific achievements in the past calendar year.  TÜV Rheinland PTL is a partnership of its German parent company with the Arizona State University (Phoenix, Arizona). With its more than 50 years of research on solar energy and extensive solar testing know-how, TÜV Rheinland PTL tests and certifies renewable energy products including solar, wind, hydrogen and storage technologies. According to the press release, the test lab in tandem with TÜV Rheinland's global network of photovoltaic testing labs holds about 60 % of the global PV testing market.


From University research to a member of the world's largest photovoltaic testing network

The Arizona Governor's "Celebration of Innovation" was established in 2003 by combining two technology award ceremonies, namely the High Tech Industry Cluster's 17-year Innovator of the Year awards ceremony and the Arizona Software and Internet Association's 10-year "Celebration of Innovation," TÜV Rheinland PTL reports. With the addition of the Governor's support, the celebration is believed to have become the premier technology community gathering of its kind in Arizona. This year's winners will receive Arizona's highest honor for technology innovation on November 19th, 2009 at the Orpheum Theatre, in Phoenix, Arizona. "It's been exciting to see the evolution of this test center from a highly credentialed University research facility to an important member of the world's largest photovoltaic testing network," said Stephan Schmitt, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TUV Rheinland North America Holding Company (Newtom, Connecticut).

2009-09-05   Courtesy: TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: TÜV Rheinland PTL, LLC

 

New Detroit Edison program to enable customers to cut the cost of installing solar energy systems

DTE Energy promotes photovoltaic technology
DTE Energy promotes
photovoltaic technology

Detroit Edison has introduced a new program to make installing a solar energy system 50 percent more affordable for homes and businesses, the company reports in a press release. Called "SolarCurrents", the pilot program is intended to encourage Detroit Edison customers to purchase and install a solar energy system, and at the same time help the utility meet renewable energy targets contained in comprehensive energy legislation approved last year. "SolarCurrents provides a significant financial incentive for Detroit Edison customers interested in installing a solar energy system on their home or business", said Trevor F. Lauer, vice president of retail marketing for DTE Energy, parent company of Detroit Edison.  "Customers will receive a payment when the system is installed, then will receive monthly payments over the next 20 years for the renewable energy credits associated with their solar system."


One-time payment and monthly credits on electric bills

Solar energy systems generate electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) technology, which turns the sun's light energy into electricity. After passing through a component called an inverter, the direct current electricity generated by the solar panels is converted to alternating current - the type of electricity accessed through standard electric outlets. A solar energy system for a typical 2,000 square foot home or business can cost about ,000 to install. Under SolarCurrents, customers will receive a one-time payment when their system is installed, Detroit Edison emphasizes. They then will receive monthly credits on their electric bill for the next 20 years for providing Detroit Edison with renewable energy credits associated with the system.


Upwards of 1,500 customers expevted to take part in SolarCurrents

"When all is said and done, SolarCurrents can help reduce the cost of purchasing and installing a qualified solar energy system by 50 percent or more", Lauer said. Solar Currents was developed following passage of the Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy Act of 2008 - legislation that requires Michigan's electric utilities to provide 10 percent of their electricity sales from renewable resources by 2015. Detroit Edison expects upwards of 1,500 customers to take part in the SolarCurrents program. Detroit Edison also plans to introduce a second-phase of the SolarCurrents programs in which the company will place large-scale solar energy panels it owns on customer rooftops or property. In return, Detroit Edison will pay long term leasing or rental fees to the property owners. Further details on the next phase of the SolarCurrents program are expected in the coming months.

Detroit Edison is an investor-owned electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a subsidiary of DTE Energy, a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide.

2009-09-04   Courtesy: Detroit Edison   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: DTE Energy

 

LDK Solar partners with Suqian City to develop up to 300 MW PV projects

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (Xinyu City, China and Sunnyvale, California), a manufacturer of multicrystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) wafers, on August 31st, 2009 announced that it had entered into an agreement with Suqian City of Jiangsu Province in China for the development of photovoltaic power projects. According to the agreement, LDK Solar will develop PV power projects in buildings, plants and integration systems, totaling up to 300 megawatts (MW) by 2015.  The terms of each of the projects, such as financing, design and specific location, will require a feasibility study as well as final approval from relevant governmental departments prior to initiation, the company reports. "Suqian City has unique advantages in developing PV projects, with average annual sunshine of up to 3,000 hours as well as strong support from the government for growing the solar energy industry", stated Xu Huiming, Vice Mayor of Suqian City. Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LDK Solar said that he was excited to support the local economy of Suqian City and the Chinese solar industry as a whole. "We are encouraged by the continued support from our government for PV projects and pleased with the enthusiasm for this partnership demonstrated by Suqian City", he said.

2009-09-04   Courtesy: LDK Solar Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

PV producer First Solar announces Robert J. Gillette as CEO

First Solar, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) on September 3rd, 2009 announced that Robert J. Gillette has been appointed chief executive officer, succeeding Mike Ahearn. Gillette will assume his duties as CEO and join the Board of Directors effective October 1, 2009. As previously announced, Mr. Ahearn will continue to serve in the full-time position of executive chairman.  Gillette brings a wealth of experience to this position, having spent the last four and a half years as the CEO and president of Honeywell Aerospace, Honeywell International’s most profitable business group with current sales of more than billion annually, First Solar emphasizes in its press release. In this role, Robert J. Gillette led more than 40,000 associates at nearly 100 worldwide manufacturing and service sites. In welcoming Gillette to First Solar. Ahearn said: "I compliment the Board of Directors and the search committee for identifying and bringing to First Solar an executive possessing a unique combination of skills and experiences that make him an ideal leader for First Solar in the next wave of our growth."

Robert J. Gillette joined Honeywell in 1996 and has served in a number of senior management positions, including president and CEO of Honeywell Transportation Systems and president of Honeywell Turbo Technologies. Prior to joining Honeywell, Mr. Gillette spent over 10 years at General Electric where he served in numerous senior management positions. "Rob has a track record of fostering innovation and bringing new technologies and products to market. He has built organizational capability to enable businesses to scale in complex and geographically diverse markets and he has worked extensively in global markets, including Europe, Asia and South America", said Ahearn. "He has demonstrated a leadership style that meshes well with our core values and will enable him to form strong working relationships with our management team."
"This is a unique opportunity to join a leader in what promises to be one of the most important industries of the 21st century", accentuated Gillette. "I am excited to lead First Solar through the next phase of its growth.

2009-09-04   Courtesy: First Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Kyocera Sakura Solar Energy Center marks 25 years of R&D, training and promotion of solar energy

Kyocera's Sakura Solar Energy Center
Kyocera's Sakura Solar Energy Center

Kyocera Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) on August 28th, 2009 announced that its "Sakura Solar Energy Center" just outside of Tokyo was celebrating its 25th anniversary. According to the press release, the center had been established in 1984 for the research, development and promotion of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The company had established the center to create a comprehensive facility at which to conduct research into solar power products and to facilitate understanding of the benefits of solar energy by introducing it to the world.   At the time of its establishment, use of solar power generating systems was limited to special applications such as unmanned lighthouses, satellites and wireless repeater stations, Kyocera reports. "The Sakura Solar Energy Center will continue to strive for the enhancement of solar technology in order to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society", said Junichi Honda, Manager of the Sakura Solar Energy Center. "We believe that solar energy can play a large role in helping to solve the world's energy and environmental issues."


Pioneering work in grid-tied PV installations developed at solar center

Kyocera reports that it had focused particular attention on experiments and research and development (R&D) with PV installations for real-life examples of housing, agricultural pumps, and village electrification that are typically found in areas without electricity in developing countries in Africa and Asia. According to the press release, the technology and experience cultivated at the center is presently being put to work around the world in mainstream grid-connected PV systems. In 1991, Kyocera reports, that it had been the first company to provide commercial grid-connected systems in Japan. The center is equipped with a 43 kilowatt (kW) PV system that was installed in 1984, and which to this day continues to provide power for the facility's indoor and emergency lighting. This solar electric system was a unique and unprecedented experimental system at a time when few other large-scale solar power plants existed.

Solar energy and social contributions

Kyocera reports that as part of its corporate social responsibility activities, the company has been donating solar power generating systems since 1983 to locations around the world that do not have electricity. According to the press release, Kyocera has also made donations of solar power generating systems for school facilities in Tanzania, Nepal and Uganda in recent years in order to help contribute to the education of children. The solar modules developed at the solar center are being installed all over the world, the company reports, as part of the Japanese government's Official Development Assistance (ODA) program.

2009-09-04   Courtesy: Kyocera Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Kyocera Corporation

 

Xantrex PV inverter box chosen for Canada's largest solar PV installation

"Box Solar Power Conversion Substation",
by Xantrex.

Xantrex Technology Inc. (Vancouver, Canada), a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, on August 25th, 2009 announced that the company had been chosen to supply the inverter technology for what the company believes will be the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Canada. According to the press release, this is the first installation of the Xantrex and Schneider Electric one megawatt (MW) PV "Box Solar Power Conversion Substation", a complete solar electric solution that includes two Xantrex GT500 inverters, system monitoring, security detection, and lighting in an integrated solution.   Xantrex reports that EDF EN Canada, an EDF Energies Nouvelles company, had selected the units for use in its 23.4 MW "Arnprior Solar Project" which is scheduled to start operating in December 2009. The project is being developed as two installations under the Government of Ontario's Standard Offer Program, the company reports.


Electrical solution to reduce solar plant installation costs

"We are excited to be part of the largest Canadian solar installation to be completed this year", said Ted Campbell, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Xantrex Technology Inc. "The PV Box designed and built by Xantrex and Schneider is another industry first and we are pleased to offer our global customers a comprehensive electrical solution which dramatically reduces solar plant installation costs." EDF EN Canada's President and CEO, Tristan Grimbert, added: "This project is a great advancement in Ontario's long-term commitment to solar power energy. We are confident that the PV Box combined with EDF EN's expertise in project design, development and management will result in a successful installation."

2009-09-03   Courtesy: Xantrex Technology Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Xantrex Technology Inc.

 

Ohio announces availability of 14 million US-dollar Recovery Act funding for wind and solar energy projects

Lisa Patt-McDaniel, interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development, and Mark Shanahan, energy advisor to Governor Ted Strickland, on August 25th, 2009 announced that the Ohio Department of Development's Ohio Energy Office is accepting applications for 14 million US-dollar in funding available through the "Deploying Renewable Energy: Wind and Solar" (DWS) grant program. According to the press release, this announcement marks the first set of renewable energy grants to be funded through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) in Ohio.   The grant program is part of Ohio's 96 million US-dollar proposal for the State Energy Program that had been accepted on June 26th, 2009 by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This had prompted the release of Recovery Act funds to the state for direct funding of eligible energy projects. "These grants are a great opportunity to meet the growing interest and use of wind and solar energy across the state", Shanahan said. "By investing in these new technologies, we will create jobs in a growing industry and position Ohio for economic development and future success."



Solar and wind projects in Ohio to benefit from ARRA funding

The 14 million US-dollar Ohio DWS program seeks eligible applicants that meet the requirements listed in the request for proposal for the installation of qualified solar electric, solar thermal and wind electric technologies. Projects that involve third-party ownership and financing arrangements are also eligible to apply, the Department of Development reports. According to the press release, awards will be selected through a competitive process and will range between 250,000 US-dollars and 1 million US-dollars. Eligible projects must be located within the State of Ohio, include a match investment of a minimum of 50 % of total costs, demonstrate completion within 12 months, and provide direct economic impacts in Ohio. "Ohio has demonstrated a potential to realize significant job growth by deploying renewable energy derived from wind and solar installations", Patt-McDaniel said. "Combined with the aggressive pursuit of energy efficiency through the Recovery Act, Ohio is well-positioned to meet the goals set forth in Governor Ted Strickland's Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard." Interested applicants are asked to submit a one-page project proposal by September, 21st, 2009, at http://recovery.ohio.gov/opportunities/state

2009-09-03   Courtesy: development.ohio.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Unirac announces enhancements to PV mounting solutions

PV mounting solution by Unirac
PV mounting solution by Unirac

Unirac Inc. (Albuquerque, New Mexico), a manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting solutions, on August 25th, 2009 announced a new dark anodized finish option and Enphase Energy microinverter mounting kit for its "CLICKSYS" mounting system. The dark anodized version of CLICKSYS is designed to complement dark framed modules, providing installers with increased choices and homeowners with improved aesthetics, Unirac reports.   The company also introduced a custom-designed installation solution for Enphase Energy microinverters, which according to the press release has been engineered to quickly and easily mount them directly to CLICKSYS beams. "CLICKSYS is not just a product, it is a complete solution. Unirac continues to innovate by working closely with customers to define the needs of the PV mounting industry, and apply technology already proven in solar and other industries", said Juan Suarez, Unirac Director of Engineering and Program Management.



Wire management solution to reduce installation time, minimize errors and improve aesthetics

Unirac also introduced a stainless steel wire management clip that the company reports can be used with any module and Unirac mounting system to secure module wires to the module frame. According to the company, the wire management clips reduce installation time, minimize errors and deliver a clean professional look to the project. With no drilling required and "click and secure" connections eliminating the need for nuts and bolts, CLICKSYS is believed to halve the time for a solar installation. Bruce Bosworth, Owner of San Diego Solar Install, said: "It installs almost 80 % faster than the systems I'd worked with before, which saves us a significant amount of time and money. I welcome the introduction of these new solutions, and look forward to working with Unirac as they continue to deliver the best in PV mounting technology.”

2009-09-03   Courtesy: Unirac Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Unirac Inc.

 

BIPV in China: Astronergy wins bid for a 2 MW photovoltaic rooftop system

A rendering of the Hangzhou PV project
A rendering of the Hangzhou PV project

Astronergy (Chint Solar, Hangzhou, China) on August 27th, 2009 announced that the company has won a competitive bidding process for the development of a 2 megawatt (MW) rooftop photovoltaic (PV) project located in the "Hangzhou Energy and Environment Industrial Park." According to the press release, this project is financed by the government-run China Energy Conservation Investment Corporation (CECIC) and is expected to become Zhejiang Province's first large-scale on-grid PV plant.   Astronergy reports that the rooftop of the Green Science and Technology Hall in the industrial park will be among the first to incorporate the company's building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technologies, namely its tandem thin film PV modules which will be used on the Hall's 58 square meter (625 square foot) sunroof. The Energy Conservation Hall on the other side of the industrial park will also employ Astronergy's thin film PV modules on its 265 square meter (2,850 square foot) curved building wall, the company reports.



Government support from "Golden Sun" program

Astronergy plans to design and install the entire project with a combination of crystalline silicon (c-Si) based modules and high efficiency tandem thin film PV modules. The project is expected to be completed by September 30th, 2009. The Chinese government has put forth the "Golden Sun" program to financially support the growth and development of the domestic PV market and industry. "This program will create many excellent opportunities such as this project to showcase Astronergy's revolutionary new thin film technology, which will help us to differentiate ourselves and to establish our position in the industry", said Dr. Liyou Yang, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Astronergy.

2009-09-03   Courtesy: Astronergy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Astronergy

 

SRP and Tessera Solar announce 1.5 MW solar thermal plant in Peoria, Arizona

The SunCatcher system uses a parabolic dish to concentrate the sun's energy onto a high efficiency Stirling Engine
The SunCatcher system uses a parabolic dish
to concentrate the sun's energy onto a high
efficiency Stirling Engine

Tessera Solar (Houston, Texas), and Salt River Project (SRP; Phoenix, Arizona), the third largest public power utility in the United States, in August 2009 unveiled plans to partner on a 1.5 megawatt (MW) solar project in Peoria, Arizona. The project, dubbed "Maricopa Solar" is to be the first commercial scale solar facility using the concentrating solar thermal technology by Stirling Energy Systems (SES; Scottsdale, Arizona).   Tessera Solar reports that it is the exclusive developer, owner and operator of utility scale solar power facilities using the "SunCatcher" solar power products by SES. According to the press release, the project will consist of 60 SunCatcher dishes and will serve as a milestone for the nationwide deployment of the larger commercial projects that had previously been announced in California and Texas totaling more than 1,600 MW. The solar plant is expected to break ground in September, and the companies plan to employ 40 to 50 workers during the construction of the project.


Concentrating solar thermal technology to help meet renewable energy goals

Under the terms of the agreement, Tessera Solar will lease the land from SRP, which will purchase the solar energy generated at the site. The plant is expected to help fulfill SRP's sustainable portfolio goal, which calls for the utility to meet 15 % of its retail energy needs with sustainable energy by 2025. In addition, the 1.5 MW plant is expected to give SRP first hand experience with this technology, its performance and integration into the grid. According to the press release, the SunCatcher system uses precision mirrors attached to a parabolic dish to concentrate the sun's energy onto a high efficiency Stirling Engine. Each dish is said to have the capacity to generate up to 25,000 watts of power. Tessera Solar reports that the SunCatcher requires no water for heating or cooling, and only a minimal amount to wash the mirrors and for on-site personnel.

Solar thermal power plant to showcase dish technology

The Maricopa Solar project is expected to be completed in January 2010, and Tessera Solar reports that it will be responsible for the operation of the plant under a 10 year agreement. "This commercial scale reference plant, with our partner SRP, is an essential step for the future development, construction and operation of our large scale power plants breaking ground in 2010", said Tessera Solar North America Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bob Lukefahr. SES' CEO Steve Cowman added: "We considered several sites across the Southwest, but our future growth plans and the plant's proximity to our headquarters will allow us the opportunity to showcase the SunCatcher to our stakeholders."

2009-09-03   Courtesy: Tessera Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Tessera Solar

 

Fronius USA offers increased service reimbursements

Grid-connected PV inverter Fronius IG Plus
Grid-connected PV inverter
Fronius IG Plus

Fronius USA, LLC Solar Electronics Division (Brighton, Michigan) announced an increase in service reimbursements to 0.00 per qualifying RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) effective September 1st, 2009. Fronius USA will be offering these service reimbursements on all qualifying RMA’s to dealers and installers, the company reports in a press release. The reimbursements will continue to be in the form of credits to Fronius distributors, and direct check reimbursement to dealers and installers who qualify as corporate entities with a valid Federal Tax ID number.   This increase in service reimbursement is in response to feedback from Fronius customers that service costs have increased, the company reports in a press release.

"At Fronius, we are committed to continue to offer the highest level of quality and service support available to all customers. Our RMA service process continues to be paperless, user friendly and industry leading", Fronius emphasizes. More information on the Fronius USA Premium Warranty Statements and the "Gold Quality" Guarantee is published at the company's website.

Fronius International GmbH is a world market leader in energy conversion technologies and solar PV inverters, headquartered in Wels, Austria. Fronius has over 60 years of experience and employs over 2800 globally. Fronius was founded in 1945 and has developed a revolutionary inverter concept that is used for both grid-tied as well as European stand-alone solar systems. Over 150,000 Fronius solar inverters have been installed worldwide. Fronius Solar Electronics Division is supported through an international network of sales partners.

2009-09-03   Courtesy: Fronius International GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fronius International GmbH

 

Photovoltaics in Greece: aleo solar AG continues to grow in Greece

PV plant in Argos (Greece)
PV plant in Argos (Greece)

aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany) on September 2nd, 2009 announced that it has already delivered more than 2,000 kilowatts (kW) of solar modules to Greece in 2009. Most recently, the company implemented two projects in cooperation with RSEnergy Hellas Solartechnik EPE: a 100 kW greenfield solar PV power plant in Argos in the north-eastern Peloponnese using aleo S_16 modules and a 20 kW solar power plant erected on the roof of an industrial building in Velestino using aleo S_17 modules.   "The Greek solar power market is very interesting for us because it offers great potential", explains Norbert Schlesiger, director Sales at aleo solar. "We are benefiting from our strong brand and our close collaboration with local partners. Our partners value the high quality of our products and the comprehensive range of services we offer as part of the aleo power network."

Rooftop applications subsidized as well as greenfield power plants

The young solar power market in Greece is supported primarily by the attractive conditions established by the Greek feed-in law. Just recently, the Greek government passed a special program to promote rooftop installations. George Gerovasilis, CEO of RSEnergy, adds: "We benefit in particular from the fact rooftop applications as well as greenfield power plants with an output of up to 100 kW are subsidized in the Greek solar power market. Thanks to our more than 40 years of experience in architecture and construction, we can offer all the services required for the erection of photovoltaic systems."

2009-09-02   Courtesy: aleo solar AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: RSEnergy

 

Paul Gipe comments Indianapolis Power & Light's proposed feed-in tariff program

FIT proponent Paul Gipe
FIT proponent Paul Gipe

Indianapolis Power & Light (IP&L; Indianapolis, Indiana), a U.S. electric utility that provides retail electric service to 470,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in and around Indianapolis, proposed a pilot feed-in tariff (FIT) program in a regulatory filing to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) earlier this year. Policy expert and FIT proponent Paul Gipe on August 26th, 2009 issued comments on IP&L's proposal, which the IURC is expected to rule on later this year.   Several U.S. utilities in the Midwest either have feed-in tariffs in place or have proposals before state regulatory commissions, Gipe explains. He believes that all these voluntary programs are extremely limited in the maximum capacity that they permit, and none of the programs in Wisconsin and Michigan conform to best practices of successful policies elsewhere, which is why they have not resulted in any significant renewable energy development to date. Gipe reports that the IP&L proposal includes a series of tariffs that include solar PV wind and biomass generation. This is believed to be an advantage over other such programs, that target solar PV exclusively. Further, IP&L's proposal caps total capacity of the program to one percent of retail sales, which, for example, greatly exceeds that of the Consumers Energy program in Michigan, which is limited to only 2 megawatts (MW).


Proposed FITs believed to be too low, contract terms too short

IP&L delivers 15 terawatt hours (TWh) per year to retail customers, which means that under the utility's proposal, the program would be limited to some 150 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year. Under the conditions in Indiana, that's equivalent to 75 MW of wind or 150 MW of solar PV, Gipe estimates. While that's 75 times greater than the Consumers Energy program, German farmers and homeowners install that much solar every month, he adds. According to his analysis, the tariffs were derived using the problematic "Discounted Cash Flow" model that is highly reliant on federal tax subsidies. As a consequence, the proposed solar PV tariffs are one-third less than those in the much sunnier city of Gainesville, Florida. The wind energy tariffs are also substantially less than those recently implemented in Vermont. Thus, according to Gipe, the tariffs are not particularly attractive, notably in light of the short contract term of only 10 years. He adds that most successful programs internationally have contract terms of 20 years or more, such as the programs in Ontario or Vermont. "When you do the math," commented Renew Wisconsin's Michael Vickerman, "there's not enough [money] there to get you over the hump. The tariffs, by themselves, are simply not high enough."


FIT-program's participation threshold believed to prevent broad deployment of renewable energy technologies

Gipe thinks that another problem with the feed-in tariffs by Midwestern utilities are the high lower thresholds, which are believed to limit development. He notes that IP&L's proposal is no exception in this regard, with a 50 kW lower threshold for wind energy and 20 kW for solar PV, both of which could severely limit the deployment of renewable energy projects. IP&L says in its filing that this severe limitation on the program is intentional, because the utility claims that it doesn't have sufficient resources to read the meters if there was any substantial uptake of the program. Gipe explains that successful feed-in tariff policies have no lower thresholds for participation, welcoming all participants, even the smallest generators. Gipe commends the IP&L's FIT proposal for having a far greater program limit than that in California. Current California FIT policy as well as proposed legislation limits total contribution to only 500 MW, which is well below the one percent cap in the I&PL proposal, Gipe explains. Though IP&L's proposal is another marker in the development of feed-in tariff policy in North America, the program is believed to not result in any significant renewable development outside a few "show case" projects.

2009-09-02   Courtesy: Paul Gipe   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Paul Gipe

 

Cleantech America breaks ground on "CalRENEW-1" solar farm

Groundberaking for
Groundberaking for "CalRENEW-1"

Cleantech America Inc. (San Francisco, California), a developer of utility scale photovoltaic (PV) plants and other renewable energy projects, on August 24th 2009 broke ground on a utility-scale PV project, the first of its size approved under California's Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) program. Named "CalRENEW-1," the solar farm is located in the city of Mendota in California's Central Valley and is expected to have a capacity of 5 megawatts (MWp) for production of emission-free solar electricity for the utility Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E; San Francisco, California) under a long- term power purchase agreement (PPA).   The facility is scheduled to begin operation before the end of 2009 and when completed to be one of the largest photovoltaic solar projects in California, Cleantech America reports. CalRENEW-1 is believed to represent a successful collaboration between the plant's developer, PG&E and the city of Mendota and it is to demonstrate the viability of large-scale PV solar to help California meet its renewable energy goals. "As a zero emission, solar facility, CalRENEW-1 will move the San Joaquin Valley one step closer toward cleaner air and create dozens of green jobs in a city embracing the new clean energy economy", said Bill Barnes, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cleantech America.


Solar farm expected to become one of the most advanced in the world

Cleantech America has recently been acquired by Meridian Energy Ltd., the largest electricity generator in New Zealand, which generates power entirely from renewable resources. According to the press release, CalRENEW-1 is the company's first U.S solar project and serves as a model for its U.S growth strategy. It is expected to become one of the most advanced PV solar facilities in the world, avoiding the emission of an estimated 6.3 million lbs of CO2, 6,905 lbs of NOx and 5,451 lbs of SO2 annually. In addition to environmental benefits, the solar farm is anticipated to provide economic benefits. According to the press release, Quanta Services (Houston, Texas) will provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the project, in which thin film modules by the Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group, based in Huntington Beach, California will be utilized. Mendota Mayor Robert Silva commented: "The City of Mendota is proud to be a leader in the new clean energy industry."

2009-09-02   Courtesy: Cleantech America Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Cleantech America Inc

 

Gartner: Constellation Energy's solar projects highlight the importance of the solar PPA model

The information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut) on August 31st, 2009 commented the recently announced solar power purchase agreements (PPA) by U.S. utility Constellation Energy (Baltimore, Maryland). Gartner believes that these announcements from Constellation Energy highlight the importance of the solar PPA model to the PV industry and for its growth in the United States. The market analysts emphasize that these announcements also reflect the trajectory the PV market has taken in the United States, especially when looking at the market's potential for 2009.  The Baltimore based utility has announced three projects, namely a 478 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system operating at East Lyme High School in Connecticut, a 215 kW PV solar system operating at a Parker Hannifin production site in New Britain, Connecticut, and a 400 kW PV solar system operating at materials supplier Majilite in Dracut, Massachusetts. Gartner reports that many PV projects were started in the last part of 2008 as the investment tax credit (ITC) was approved and a backlog of U.S. projects was able to confirm funding and proceed from design into engineering, procurement and construction. Most of these projects sold in late 2008 have been completed in 2009.



U.S. PV market forecast: growth about 33 % over 2008

Between these projects and those residential projects driven by the government's stimulus program, Gartner forecasts that in 2009, the U.S. PV market will grow about 33 % over 2008. Yet the PV pipeline for the remainder of 2009 is expected to shape up to be far different. The credit market contraction in the midst of the economic crisis and the time to develop the process to release funds from the stimulus programs, according to Gartner, severely restricted PV project sales in the first half of 2009, with the PV business pipeline effectively shutting down until recently.

Additional PPA announcements expected to drive the U.S. solar market in 2010 and 2011

Market analysts are now seeing increasing signs of optimism as solar PPA firms announce funding agreements with Tier 1 U.S. and European financial firms and international private equity groups. In addition to money, lower pricing and clearer government incentives are combining to clear the ramp up for the solar PPA market, Gartner reports. The research company has been hearing, and expects to continue to hear, a significant number of announcements about additional solar PPA funding, as well as new solar PPA projects in the pipeline, in the next few months. However, with a sales-to-completion cycle of average commercial projects in the United States of well over a year, a significant amount of the announced funds is expected to drive the solar PPA project business in 2010 and 2011. Gartner predicts that the solar PPA industry will establish PV systems with a power generation capacity of one-quarter of a gigawatt (GW) in 2010, exceeding one-half of a GW in 2011.

2009-09-02   Courtesy: Gartner Inc.; Alfonso Velosa   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

News York State PSC kickstarts renewable energy projects, federal matching funds possible

Noble windpark in Wyoming County, NY.
Noble windpark in Wyoming County, NY.

The New York State Public Service Commission (Albany, New York) in August 2009 authorized that approximately 95 million US-dollars will be made available under its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program to develop large-scale renewable energy projects, including wind, biomass, and run-of-river hydroelectric projects. As an added incentive, the RPS funding being made available is expected to enable renewable energy developers in New York to leverage federal grants available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).   PSC believes that this leverage could result in a significant increase in the amount of federal funding coming to New York state, providing an even greater building boost of renewable energy projects. "Our decision to make money available for renewable energy projects reaffirms the important value we place on the development of the clean energy sector of New York's economy," said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. "Backed by the potential for significant public and private financial investments, we look forward to a brighter, cleaner energy future in New York."


Target of 25 % renewable electricity for New York state residents by 2013

PSC reports that the RPS program is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), with the goal of increasing the amount of renewable electricity retail consumers in New York use from 2 % to 25 % by 2013. According to the press release, NYSERDA is currently administering 30 contracts for procured main tier RPS resources including wind, hydroelectric and biomass facilities associated with more than 2.8 million megawatt hours (MWh) of generation in 2013. Other renewable energy projects that could be eligible to bid into the solicitation include biogas, solar, liquid biofuels, fuel cells, ocean thermal, and wave or tidal energy, among others. PSC reports that the RPS program has resulted in more than 1,500 applications for photovoltaic (PV) installations in the Customer-Sited Tier, resulting in an expected installed capacity of more than 15 megawatts (MW). Based upon PSC's recent decision, NYSERDA is authorized to conduct a new solicitation for RPS Main Tier resources.

2009-09-02   Courtesy: News York State PSC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PSC Staff

 

Applied Nanotech to receive funding for the development of solar technology

copper ink printed on glass with line resolutions from 0.025 to 2mm.
copper ink printed on glass with line resolutions
from 0.025 to 2mm.

Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc. (Austin, Texas), a research and commercialization company focused on solving problems at the molecular level, in August 2009 announced that it had been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to receive a contract of approximately 750,000 US-dollars for the development of non-contact, printable metallic inks for silicon solar cells. According to the press release, Applied Nanotech will focus on improving methods for the application of metallic electrodes to silicon photovoltaic (PV) substrates using its unique metallic nanoparticle-based inks during this two year Phase II Small Business Innovation Research program.   Electrical contacts are a critical part of PV technology and represent a difficult and costly area for solar cell production, Applied Nanotech emphasizes. The development program is expected to exploit advances in nanotechnology to lower manufacturing costs and improve solar cell efficiency. The program is believed to be particularly important because using very thin silicon wafers in an effort to reduce silicon usage has resulted in wafers that are susceptible to breakage when utilizing traditional contact printing methods such as screen printing. "Our company is just beginning our foray into renewable energy. This funding will allow us to continue to build upon our expertise in development of nanoparticle-based technical inks for applications of global significance with strong commercial potential", said Douglas Baker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.

2009-09-02   Courtesy: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.

 

ET Solar Group to supply 1 MW solar modules for a large ground mounted solar plant in India

Solar tracking systems by ET Solar
Solar tracking systems by ET Solar

ET Solar Group Corp. (ET Solar; Nanjing, China), a system integrator and integrated manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) products including ingots, solar wafers, modules and tracking systems, on August 20th, 2009 announced that the company had signed an agreement to supply 1 megawatt (MW) of its high efficiency modules to a large system integrator for an Indian project. The project, which is being developed by a commercial and utility solar project developer, is believed to become one of the largest on-grid solar farms on the Indian subcontinent so far.  According to the press release, shipment of the modules was completed in July, 2009 and more sizeable volumes are currently being planned for. Dennis She, Vice President and Global Sales Officer of ET Solar, said: "India has a very ambitious plan for the development of renewable energy, especially solar energy. We see a great growth potential in this burgeoning market thanks to the government's strong resolution to be a world leader to fight global warming and the very attractive radiation conditions in the geography. We are very pleased to play a very contributive role on the country's way to becoming one of the largest clean energy users in the world." ET Solar reports that according to the Indian government's 11th five-year plan, the nation is targeting to supply its citizens 20 % of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020, where at least 10 gigawatts (GW) capacity is to be achieved through solar power generation, including PV and solar thermal sources.

2009-09-01   Courtesy: ET Solar Group Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ET Solar Group Corp.

 

Fluor to design 46 MW eSolar CSP plants

Fluor provided engineering, procurement, and construction services for a large-scale photovoltaic power plant in Carrisa Plains, California
Fluor provided engineering, procurement, and
construction services for a large-scale
photovoltaic power plant in Carrisa Plains,
California

Fluor Corporation (Iving, Texas) on Augst 25th, 2009 announced that the company was awarded an engineering services contract by eSolar, Inc. (Pasadena, California), for the design of a 46 megawatt (MW) concentrating solar power (CSP) plant. Under the agreement, Fluor will provide design optimization to rapidly scale eSolar's 46 MW power plants. Fluor's southern California operations center will lead the effort on this project, which the company reports will start immediately. Fluor is expected to perform detailed studies focused on optimizing performance, constructability and cost.  According to the press release, this will include basic engineering for a reference plant design that will be used to provide a scalable design package to potential developers worldwide. "Fluor is well-positioned to play a leading role in the global EPC renewable energy market", said Dave Dunning, President of Fluor's Power Group. "Our proven expertise in designing and building power generation facilities will further validate and strengthen eSolar's technological advancements and bolster their ability to deploy their unique design worldwide to meet their business agenda."


Expertise in renewable energy sector to be leveraged for solar application

Fluor reports that its experience over the last three decades in the renewables sector included work in the solar, wind, nuclear, geothermal and air quality improvement sectors. Earlier this year, Fluor's Power Group reports it has created a dedicated business line to specifically address the needs of the global renewable energy market. "We believe that Fluor's superior engineering strength will lead to faster and broader deployment to meet the rising global demand for renewable energy. With our first 5 MW power plant in the ground and delivering electricity to the grid, we are thrilled to have Fluor onboard to help scale this new breakthrough in solar technology to meet customer demand", said Bill Gross, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of eSolar.

2009-09-01   Courtesy: Fluor Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fluor Corporation

 

Spire Solar offers new and foreign PV companies help with DOE tax credit and loan applications

CEO Little offers offers support for Tax Credit applicants
CEO Little offers offers
support for Tax Credit
applicants

Spire Corporation (Bedford, Massachusetts), a global solar company providing capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) modules and turnkey PV manufacturing lines, on August 27th, 2009 announced that it is also offering technical and financial modeling support to companies applying for the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit 48C (MTC) and that it can help with Manufacturing Line Loan Applications. The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA) authorized the Department of Treasury (DOT) to award 2.3 billion US-dollars in tax credits for qualified investments in advanced energy projects to support new, expanded, or re-equipped domestic manufacturing facilities.  Spire Solar reports that it could provide specific factory designs, factory management assistance, analyses of job creation from factory installations, plant and facility design, factory siting guidance, and manufacturing cost analysis for business plan input in support of the ARRA applications. The time-critical preliminary application is due to the Department of Energy (DOE) by September 16th, 2009, and the final application is due October 16th, 2009. According to the legislation, all applicants will be notified of their respective tax credit award by January 15th, 2010.


Company offers to help new, expanding, and foreign companies set up manufacturing in the United States

Spire Solar believes that its input is valuable for companies newly pioneering this sector in America, those aiming to enhance their present manufacturing lines and for foreign companies wishing to contribute to the rapidly expanding US PV market. "Spire Solar offers a great advantage to applicants of the MTC", said Roger G. Little, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spire Corporation. "We have compiled dynamic factors needed to support applicants wanting to successfully achieve approval for the 2.3 billion US-dollar tax credits." According to the press release, Spire Solar has participated in numerous DOE programs over the company's 40 year history, much of which have addressed the development of advanced PV equipment and technology. With this experience, Spire Solar believes that it is able to continuously provide the leading edge manufacturing technology to its extensive customer base. For more information on the MTC and using Spire Solar's expertise, interested parties are invited to visit http://spirecorp.com/spire-solar/spire-services-and-support/succeed-in-america.php.

2009-09-01   Courtesy: Spire Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Spire Corp.

 

Meridian to explore solar power potential for New Zealand

Visualization of the solar facility
Visualization of the solar facility "CalRENEW-1"
in Mendota, California.

Meridian Energy Limited, the largest state-owned renewable electricity generator in New Zealand, on August 20th, 2009 announced that the company has purchased a US-based solar power facility, to give a boost for the potential of solar power in New Zealand's future electricity supply. Meridian Chief Executive Tim Lusk believes that the potential of solar power has long been recognized and Meridian's purchase of Cleantech America (San Francisco, California) represents a serious step towards exploring its possible role as a renewable option in New Zealand.   "New Zealand is blessed with a wonderful suite of renewable energy options. Hydro has formed the backbone of our electricity supply for the best part of a century, and we are now seeing wind taking an ever-increasing role", Lusk said. "It is a natural progression from there to start looking seriously at how this country can harness its solar power resources, and our purchase of Cleantech America is a first step towards this."


5 MW solar facility in California to serve as toehold for New Zealand energy company in U.S. market

Meridian reports that the company is already exploring solar opportunities in the Pacific Islands, where power systems are dominated by expensive diesel generation, against which solar already represents an economically attractive option. "The experience we gain from this involvement in the US will assist enormously with the options we are exploring in the Pacific and Australia, and ultimately of course we will be bringing the technology to the New Zealand market", Lusk added. The acquisition of Cleantech America is believed to not only add solar to Meridian's renewable portfolio, but to have added benefit of providing Meridian a toehold from which it can leverage its renewable energy credentials and seek opportunities to invest in renewable energy projects in the United States. With the 5.4 million US-dollar purchase Meridian takes ownership of the five-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) solar facility in Mendota, California, dubbed "CalRENEW-1". This facility is believed to be the first utility-scale project to be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) under the state's Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) program. The emission-free electricity will be sold to Pacific Gas & Electricity Company (PG&E; San Francisco, California) under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA). "Cleantech America already has a strong team on the ground. It has extensive market knowledge and is ideally positioned to benefit from Meridian's input. We will be providing additional resources for the company's growth in renewables", Lusk concluded.

2009-09-01   Courtesy: Meridian Energy Limited,   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Cleantech America

 

Yingli Green Energy to supply PV modules to Czech commercial property developer CTP Invest

Yingli Green Energy Holding, Ltd. (Baoding, China), a vertically integrated photovoltaic (PV) product manufacturer, and CTP Invest spol. s r.o. (CTP; Humpolec, Czech Republic), a commercial property developer, on August 26th, 2009 announced that they had signed a letter of intent (LOI) regarding the supply of PV modules by Yingli Green Energy to CTP. Under the terms of the LOI, CTP is expected to purchase approximately 5 megawatts (MW) of PV modules from Yingli in the fourth quarter of 2009, which are expected to be used for several on-grid rooftop photovoltaic systems in CTP's industrial parks and office centers located in the Czech Republic.  "We expect to enter into binding contracts with Yingli based upon this letter of intent in the following weeks and we look forward to pursuing additional cooperation opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe", commented Remon L. Vos, Managing Director of CTP. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yingli, added: "We have delivered more than 10 MW PV modules to customers in the Czech Republic this year, and we believe the cooperation with CTP further demonstrates our strong ability to capture market share in emerging markets. With the gradually improving financing conditions and recovering market demand in Germany and other European markets, we are excited about the upcoming new growth cycle for solar in Europe."

2009-09-01   Courtesy: Yingli Green Energy Holding, Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

aleo solar AG supplies PV modules for Germany's highest-located solar power station on Zugspitze

Solar panels on the topmost station of the Zugspitze cogwheel train
Solar panels on the topmost station of the
Zugspitze cogwheel train

aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau) on August 31st, 2009 announced that it is supplying premium photovoltaic (PV) modules for the highest solar power station in Germany. The first aleo modules have now been installed on the topmost station of the Zugspitze cogwheel train. ILIOTEC Solar GmbH, one of aleo solar AG's longstanding customers, is the general contractor for installation and maintenance. The Zugspitze facility is just one of 30 projects covered by the "Solarfonds Garmisch-Partenkirchen 2011" fund. The overall project, to be installed on rooftops throughout the Garmisch-Partenkirchen region, will include around 1,000 kilowatts of aleo modules.  Partner for the project is welivit new energy GmbH, a subsidiary of KarstadtQuelle Versicherungen and thus part of Munich Re's ERGO Insurance Group. aleo solar AG will be supplying the overall project with aleo "S_16", aleo "S_18" and aleo "S_24" modules. The scope of delivery also includes inverters.



Solar panels exposed to heavy snow, temperature fluctuations and severe winds

"This project is extremely challenging for the solar modules," comments Stefan Dobler, managing partner at ILIOTEC Solar GmbH. "Conditions such as heavy snow, temperature fluctuations and severe winds can only be handled by using premium modules - which is why we brought aleo on board."

"We value ILIOTEC Solar GmbH as one of our very first specialist dealer partners," says Norbert Schlesiger, director Sales at aleo solar. "We have now completed many projects together and can draw on this experience to master this kind of demanding assignment quickly and efficiently." The overall project will be complete by September 2010. Initiators of this landmark project include the skier duo Christian Neureuther and Rosi Mittermaier. Both are supporting the project as "solar ambassadors". The World Ski Championships 2011 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen should thus be an almost entirely CO2-neutral event.

2009-09-01   Courtesy: aleo solar AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: welivit AG

|More
2010 © Heindl Server GmbH
Print this Page Top