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Solar Magazine

Solar News


 

Applied Materials: Next-generation IEC-certified SunFab module technology cuts customers’ cost of manufacturing

Applied SunFab PECVD Cluster 2
Applied SunFab PECVD
Cluster 2

Applied Materials, Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif.) on October 28th, 2009 announced that it has significantly lowered the cost for customers to manufacture solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on its "SunFab" thin-film line using its next-generation module technology. Executing on its aggressive cost-cutting roadmap, Applied has leveraged economies of scale with leading suppliers and has introduced key process efficiencies that reduce the cost of materials by 22 %, the company reports in a press release. In addition, SunFab panels using these new materials and processes have received IEC certification for aperture area conversion efficiencies of up to 9.7 %, enabling customers to advance panel performance to this level without requiring additional certification.  


5.7m2 panel size standard

"This achievement demonstrates Applied’s ongoing commitment to reducing the cost of manufacturing panels with our SunFab thin-film line to /watt and below", said Tom Lacey, vice president and general manager of Applied Materials’ SunFab Thin Film Solar Group. Applied Materials has a unique ability to accelerate solar PV through its 5.7m2 panel size standard, innovative technology and line performance improvements, and also through its expanding global SunFab footprint that enables economies of scale by aggregating the needs of multiple customers", he added. In order to achieve these cost reductions, Applied worked with leading, high-quality materials suppliers on behalf of its customers to secure lower pricing in key raw materials such as transparent conductive glass and laminating films. Applied also engineered and validated more efficient processes that significantly decrease materials consumption.


IEC certification

Applied’s receipt of advance IEC certification for panels produced on SunFab lines using this next-generation module package of materials and process changes will help accelerate customers’ time to market for their new panels. The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) certification was awarded to both single and tandem junction modules in all panel sizes by TÜV InterCert, demonstrating that, like the original SunFab panels, modules produced with this next-generation technology can meet performance and safety specifications under challenging environmental conditions.

2009-10-30   Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.

 

Soltage names new Marketing and Sales executive to lead market expansion of solar energy stations

Marc Miller, Soltage's Senior VP of Marketing and Sales
Marc Miller, Soltage's Senior
VP of Marketing and Sales

Soltage LLC (Jersey City, New Jersey), a full service renewable energy company that develops, finances, and operates solar energy stations on client structures across the United States, on October 21st, 2009 announced that Marc Miller had joined the company as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. According to the press release, Marc brings over 25 years of combined business development, sales, marketing, procurement and R&D experience in both the energy and utility industries to Soltage's team.   Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Soltage, Jesse Grossman, said: "We are very pleased with Marc joining our firm. In his role Marc will work with our team and partners to accelerate sales growth of our Soltage solar power stations to clients across the US. Throughout his energy career, Marc has directed and engaged in multi-million dollar business development, sales, energy procurement and R&D activities. He brings a diverse industry background to solving energy and environmental challenges." Marc Miller said he was pleased to be a member of the Soltage team: "Soltage's innovative and creative talent and its unwavering commitment to commercializing and scaling solar energy consumption is a mission which meshes directly with my commitment to serving a growing commercial and industrial customer base with clean and affordable renewable energy, while helping our clients achieve their greenhouse gas emission reduction goals." Vanessa E-H Stewart, Soltage's Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO), added: "Soltage is poised for sustainable sales growth, and we are enthusiastic that Marc is helping lead this expansion."

2009-10-30   Courtesy: Soltage LLC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Soltage LLC

 

Thin-film PV: Ascent Solar unveils FlexPower modules at Solar Power International 2009

FlexPower PV module by Ascent Solar
FlexPower PV module by Ascent Solar

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Thornton, Colorado), a developer of lightweight flexible thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules, on October 27th, 2009 unveiled its "FlexPower" photovoltaic (PV) panels. These modules are said to have an industry leading power to weight ratio, achieving the highest power density of any flexible product currently available in the PV market and providing a unique form-fit capability. The company reports that its FlexPower line is available immediately. According to the press release, the FlexPower "Light" modules are manufactured for the building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) market.   The five meter long panel delivers 123 watt and is believed to be the world's largest monolithically interconnected flexible module.






"Mobile" and "Extreme" module line for battery charging and defense PV applications

According to the press release, the FlexPower "Mobile" line is designed for the electronic integrated photovoltaic (EIPV) market. These modules are optimized for 12-volt battery charging applications, providing a seamless integration into consumer electronics. Ascent reports that these modules are available encapsulated or un-encapsulated. Finally, the company introduced its FlexPower "Extreme" line of products that is said to be durable and deployable for defense applications. According to the press release, the Extreme class of modules is designed to provide excellent power density and to match existing battery recharging ecosystems allowing for more supply line independence. "This is an exciting event for Ascent Solar as we unveil our line of products to the public. Our ability to manufacture monolithically integrated flexible CIGS modules provides a unique and enabling solution to various premium market opportunities", said Farhad Moghadam, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ascent Solar.

2009-10-29   Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.

 

President Obama joins FPL for commissioning of nation's largest solar PV power plant; announces 0 million in smart grid funding for FPL's 'Energy Smart Florida'

President Obama. "There is something big
happening in America".

President Barack Obama joined FPL Group and Florida Power & Light Company officials on October 27th , 2009 for the commissioning of the largest photovoltaic solar facility in the nation. At FPL’s DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, the President announced that FPL was awarded 0 million in Recovery Act funds to invest in a stronger, smarter, cleaner and more efficient electrical grid, as part of his Administration’s .4 billion commitment to spurring the transition to the Smart Grid. The new 25-megawatt solar array and FPL’s Energy Smart Florida project position the state of Florida as a leader in developing a clean-energy economy for the 21st century, delivering significant economic and environmental benefits to the area. 

Taking the first step into the new clean energy economy of the 21st century

"For the very first time, a large-scale solar power plant - the largest of its kind in the entire nation - will deliver electricity produced by the sun to the citizens of the Sunshine State. And I think it's about time," said President Obama. "At this moment, there is something big happening in America when it comes to creating a clean energy economy. But getting there will take a few more days like this one and more projects like this one", the President added. "Today we’re taking the first step into the new clean energy economy of the 21st century. It’s high-tech, it’s lowemissions, and it empowers consumers to control their energy usage. The President’s Recovery Act made the largest investment in renewable energy and the smart grid in our nation’s history. And in Florida, the governor, the state legislature and the Public Service Commission all demonstrated a strong commitment to making the state a solar energy leader. Our Florida solar projects are creating good construction jobs when they’re needed most, and in the years ahead they’ll create clean energy when it’s needed most. We’re ready to build more solar in Florida, and with the right public policy support, we will", said FPL Group Chairman and CEO Lew Hay.


90,000 PV panels will avoid 575,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions

The DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, which uses more than 90,000 PV panels that turn the sun’s rays into electricity to power more than 3,000 homes, is generating significant economic and environmental benefits. At a time when Florida is suffering from the worst economy in a generation, the solar project created 400 well-paying construction jobs. In addition, the DeSoto solar array will avoid 575,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the DeSoto plant, FPL is building a 75-megawatt solar thermal facility in Martin County and a 10-megawatt solar PV facility on the Space Coast. FPL’s three solar projects combined are creating more than 1,500 direct jobs and more than 5,000 total jobs for the state of Florida. In addition, they will save 1 million barrels of oil and avoid 3.5 million tons of greenhouse gases.



FPL to invest .5 billion in new renewable energy projects

Energy Smart Florida, which includes a 8 million investment from FPL in addition to the 0 million in federal funding, is expected to create more than 6,000 jobs. The project will install revolutionary new technologies that will help FPL build a more intelligent network that is able to detect potential problems and automatically reconfigure the grid to minimize outages. In addition, smart meters will give customers the ability to see their usage online by the hour, day and month, enabling them to better understand their energy consumption and paving the way for them to make energy efficient, cost-saving choices. As the nation’s largest producer of solar and wind energy, FPL Group is committed to helping President Obama achieve his goal of doubling the nation’s supply of renewable energy in the next three years. This year alone, the company will invest .5 billion in new renewable energy projects and will add approximately 1,200 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity.

2009-10-29   Courtesy: Florida Power & Light Company   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: FPL

 

German Capital Berlin presents Solar Atlas: 500,000 ROOFS FULL OF ENERGY

A sample of the Berlin Solar Atlas
A sample of the Berlin Solar Atlas

How much solar energy can my house harness? By how much could I cut my CO2 output and energy expenditure? And how much would it cost to install a solar array on my roof? These questions can now be answered by the Berlin Solar Atlas, which was presented to a wider audience for the first time in October 2009 by Ingeborg Junge-Reyer, Berlin’s Senator for Urban Development, at the EXPO REAL, a real estate trade fair held in Munich. The pilot project was created by Berlin Partner GmbH, the city's business-promotion and location-marketing company. The Solar Atlas, which currently spans 19 square kilometers of Berlin, Germany (specifically the area around Friedrichstrasse in Mitte and a residential district in Lichterfelde), is to be expanded to include all of Berlin in the near future. 



Flat buildings to appear as "energy skyscrapers"

The Solar Atlas functions as follows: It takes just a few mouse clicks on the online three-dimensional model of the city to find out both whether a particular roof is suitable for the installation of solar panels and how much solar power they are capable of generating. Buildings are no longer represented in their actual height, but rather assigned a height relative to their solar potential. Unassuming flat buildings may therefore appear as "energy skyscrapers". In addition, the program calculates how much CO2 output could theoretically be prevented. It also informs the user what to expect in terms of the cost of investment in solar energy-gathering equipment. All the data is available online and also in two dimensions in the Business Location Center Berlin Business Atlas.


The Solar Atlas helps to find out what effect photovoltaic arrays Berlin roofs would have

"Berlin's aim of becoming a green metropolis means more than simply improving the energy-efficiency of our schools and sports venues as quickly and smoothly as possible with the aid of the Economic Stimulus Package II," says Urban Planning Senator Ingeborg Junge-Reyer. "It's more than working closely together with housing associations to promote the construction of low-energy residential housing. Berlin is famous for repeatedly going down new avenues. The Solar Atlas is entering such unknown territory. Aside from providing information about potential savings for individual houses, this tool will increase awareness of the climate-control measures everyone can take at home. Many homeowners may be wary about hiring a surveyor to assess energy matters or think it won't save them a lot of money. The Solar Atlas now offers them an opportunity to find out with relatively little effort and in a non-binging manner precisely what effect photovoltaic arrays on their own roof would have. By addressing the curiosity of home-owners, it facilitates the difficult step of addressing the issue for the first time. Anyone who decides to increase their energy-efficiency is in the right place in Berlin. Green technology is at home in the German capital. Many of the world's leading companies in this sector are based here, for instance at the Adlershof Science and Technology Park. The Solar Atlas can therefore form an effective bridge between private investment in climate-control and new technologies in the capital."



3D city model visualizes areas that hold potential in terms of solar use

In the second stage of the project, due for completion in the spring of 2010, the Solar Atlas is to be extended to span all of Berlin - that is, some 500,000 roofs. Harald Wolf, Berlin’s Senator for Economics, has already promised support for this subsequent phase: "The ‘Green Economy’ is a key factor for growth and innovation in Berlin", he noted. "Plus, resource efficiency plays a very important role in terms of our competitiveness. Our goal is to use the potential of ‘Green Technology’ to strengthen and expand Berlin’s role as a leading location for solar energy. For the first time, our comprehensive 3D city model makes it possible to visualize areas that hold potential in terms of solar use. In addition, the Business Atlas offers a targeted, 2D and map-based visualization. The pilot project, which grew out of a close collaboration between the Senate Department for Economics and Berlin Partner, will be extended to include all of Berlin in the coming year. This will allow us to give both public and private investors and decision-makers strategic information on the opportunities provided by solar and photovoltaic arrays. In other words, Berlin will continue to invest in renewable energies in the future. The 3D model has received support from the European Regional Fund as well as from the economic administration, and this support will continue as the solar project expands to cover all of Berlin in 2010."


Theoretically almost 100 gigawatt-hours of solar electricity to be generated

The Solar Atlas uses the existing three-dimensional city model of the state of Berlin, which is based on the cadastral plans. As part of the project, nearly all Berlin's roofs were surveyed by laser and photographed from the air. This had a useful side-effect for the Solar Atlas: Roof inclinations, orientation, and shadiness could be calculated with great precision. For example, the nearly one kilometer-long shadow of the Television Tower could be taken into account in calculations for the area along and around Friedrichstrasse. Other data were also processed, including solar radiation and the average efficiency and price of solar cells. This was then used to calculate the solar potential of 14,300 roofs. As a result we now know they could theoretically generate almost 100 gigawatt-hours of solar power. That's about one percent of the electricity consumed by the entire city. According to initial estimates, the roofs of Berlin as a whole could produce two-thirds of the electricity required by the city's private households. However, the Solar Atlas cannot provide any information about whether individual roofs can indeed support solar arrays. Information about which buildings are listed will, by contrast, be added to the Solar Atlas in future.



Extra revenues for home-owners

Berlin Partner Managing Director René Gurka noted, "Berlin's roofs are full of energy. Solar power will in future increasingly be generated on urban buildings rather than in large solar parks in the open countryside. Our Solar Atlas brings supply and demand together. If it can help increase the number of buildings made more energy-efficient and the installation of solar arrays, this will benefit not only the environment but also the Berlin economy. Home-owners can generate extra revenue, tenants can lower their electricity bills, and Berlin's solar power companies, suppliers, and construction firms can sell more of their products and services. That is why, with the support of the Senate Economics Department, we shall be expanding the Solar Atlas to cover all of Berlin."

Michael Geißler, the managing director of Berliner Energieagentur GmbH, says, "It's clear to see that Berlin doesn't just talk about environmental protection and climate control, but takes concrete action and is open to new, innovative ideas. I hope the new Solar Atlas will encourage even more homeowners to consider powering their houses with the aid of renewable energy. Berlin still has a huge potential in terms of photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, geothermal energy, and most importantly decentralized combined heat and power using CHP plants. Numerous projects conducted by the Berliner Energieagentur throughout the city prove that such investment is not only good for climate control but also makes economic sense."

The Solar Atlas was developed by Berlin Partner in association with the Berlin Senate, Osnabrück University of Applied Science, and Dresden-based VirtualcitySystems. It is integrated into the 3D city model developed by Berlin Partner to provide additional information. The Solar Atlas is based on the SUN-AREA research project conducted at the Osnabrück University of Applied Science. To experience the Solar Atlas on Google Earth, please download the relevant file from the following address: www.3d-stadtmodell-berlin.de/solar3D. This also provides installation tips and the latest version of Google Earth. The Business Atlas in the Business Location Center Berlin (2D representation): Center Berlin (2D representation):
www.businesslocationcenter.de/solar2D

2009-10-29   Courtesy:   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Berlin Partner GmbH

 

PV Powered announces collaborative relationships to advance DC-to-DC power optimization technology

Inverter platform for MW-scale solar projects
Inverter platform for MW-scale solar projects

PV Powered, Inc. (Bend, Oregon), a manufacturer of solar inverters, in October 2009 announced a collaborative effort with eIQ Energy (San Jose, California), Tigo Energy (Los Gatos, California), and Phobos Energy (Silicon Valley, California and Boulder, Colorado) to evaluate and advance DC-to-DC technology with an optimized inverter and system solution. DC-to-DC power optimization, which inserts smart electronics between the solar array and the inverter, is an emerging technology that is believed to have the potential to address problems posed by environmental issues like shading and soiling, system design limitations, panel mismatch and degradation.   PV Powered reports that these issues can reduce the maximum energy production and need to be addressed to accelerate solar adoption.




As the solar industry shifts from first cost to lifetime return-on-investment metrics, customers are increasingly aware of the financial value of performance over the operating life of a system, the company notes. "The benefits of DC-to-DC power optimization will be maximized when used with an optimized inverter", said Steve Hummel, Vice President of Engineering for PV Powered. "We see an opportunity to increase energy production for our customers by collaborating with DC-to-DC technology companies to provide a complete system solution." PV Powered reports it will leverage its expertise in power electronics, reliability engineering and grid interaction to identify and develop inverters that work seamlessly with DC-to-DC technology. The company plans to optimize its inverter and data monitoring technology to work with a variety of distributed power management devices.

2009-10-29   Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.

 

SMA America unveils new Sunny Beam PV System Monitor

SMA Sunny Beam with Bluetooth
SMA Sunny Beam with Bluetooth

Solar power system owners looking for a compact, simple-to-use and attractive way to monitor and display their system’s performance can now do so utilizing the SMA Sunny Beam. SMA America, LLC has announced the immediate availability of the new desktop solar power system monitor, which also now features "Bluetooth" wireless technology. The Sunny Beam is compact and lightweight, making it small enough to easily move from room to room. The unit features a modern design and can be wall mounted or placed on a table top. The screen features a large liquid crystal display that shows current, daily, annual and total energy production. It also reports carbon dioxide (CO2) savings. 

Sunny Beam wirelessly connects with up to 12 Sunny Boy inverters

"System monitoring is an often overlooked, but absolutely critical part of any solar power system", said Dave Wojciechowski, director of sales for SMA America. "By tracking performance data, owners can ensure their systems are working at optimum levels, which shortens payback and results in a more satisfied end-user." Setup is simple. Upon activation, the Sunny Beam wirelessly connects with up to 12 Sunny Boy inverters, creating a fast, stable, cable-free monitoring solution. Operators access their system information through an intuitive, single-button rotary control. An audio alarm can be set to notify the user of key changes, such as energy output, allowing them to take corrective action quickly, thereby maximizing their system’s performance and investment.

The unit receives data transmitted from a Sunny Boy inverter via a Bluetooth connection and automatically stores it for later retrieval. Users wishing to record long-term system performance information can upload data to a personal computer through a USB port and included USB cable. The Sunny Beam has a standard range of up to 150 feet but that can be extended or strengthened, in case of obstruction, through the use of the optional SMA Bluetooth repeater. A Bluetooth piggy-back card is required for each Sunny Boy inverter and can be easily installed by a qualified solar professional. The system monitor is powered via an integrated solar module and rechargeable battery, and includes a standard five-year warranty.

2009-10-29   Courtesy: SMA America, LLC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SMA America

 

PG&E to buy 500 MW of solar thermal power capacity from NextEra and Abengoa Solar

Solar field by Abengoa Solar
Solar field by Abengoa Solar

The U.S. utility Pacific Gas and Electric Company (San Francisco, California) on October 26th, 2009 announced that it had contracted with subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources (Juno Beach, Florida) and Abengoa Solar (Seville, Spain) a total capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) of clean solar power.   According to the press release, the agreements are among several solar deals recently signed by the utility with independent developers for a total of 830 MW. PG&E reports that NextEra's proposed "Genesis Solar Energy Project" consists of two 125 MW units to be located on a site managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in Riverside County, California. The project is scheduled to come online in two phases, the first 125 MW in 2013 and the second 125 MW in 2014, and it is expected to deliver about 560 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy per year, as much as the annual consumption of more than 80,000 average homes.




Solar thermal technology to generate clean electricity for utility customers

Abengoa Solar's proposed 250 MW "Mojave Solar" project is to be located at Harper Lake in San Bernardino County, California. The project is expected to deliver more than 600 GWh of energy per year, enough to serve the needs of about 90,000 average homes. The project is scheduled to become fully operational by late 2013. PG&E reports that both projects are to use solar thermal technology to generate renewable energy for PG&E's electric customers. Curved mirrors in the shape of troughs will focus solar energy onto fluid-filled tubes extending the length of each trough. The heated fluid will then be used to create steam for generating electricity. "These projects will serve the critical energy needs of our customers without creating heat-trapping gases that harm our environment", said Fong Wan, Senior Vice President for energy procurement at PG&E. "Projects like these are reinforcing the demonstrated leadership of PG&E and California in clean solar technology."

2009-10-28   Courtesy: Pacific Gas and Electric Company   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Abengoa Solar

 

ATS announces plans to serve Canadian solar energy market

ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. (ATS; Cambridge, Ontario, Canada) and Photowatt, a turnkey solar project developer and integrated solar manufacturer, wholly-owned subsidiary of ATS, in October 2009 announced that the companies will lever their global solar expertise and Ontario presence to advance the Ontario solar market. As part of its comprehensive approach, ATS plans to develop solar projects and to offer complete solutions to installers and developers including modules, balance of system (BOS), technical support, project management, financing and site maintenance.   According to the press release, the company expects to meet and exceed content requirements under the Ontario "Green Energy Act" (GEA). Also, Photowatt is to produce PV modules at its existing Cambridge facilities, as well as through a contract manufacturing arrangement with an Ontario-based partner. ATS believes that the improved regulatory environment, as represented in the GEA, combined with its increasing focus on alternative energy, will support growth in the Ontario solar energy market. "With our very broad capabilities in solar and as a leading equipment, engineering and manufacturing company with over 900 employees and approximately 1 million square feet of facilities in Ontario, we have the capability to meet demand and lead the domestic market," said Anthony Caputo, ATS Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

2009-10-28   Courtesy: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.; Photowatt   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Intertek awarded CBTL accreditation for PV panels

Intertek's testing laboratory in Lake Forest
Intertek's testing laboratory in Lake Forest

Intertek, a global provider of testing, inspection and certification services, on October 21st, 2009 announced that its Lake Forest, California facility has successfully expanded its IECEE CB Scheme Testing Laboratory (CBTL) capabilities. According to the press release, the new capabilities include product safety and conformity assessment testing and certification of photovoltaic (PV) modules to IEC standards. The IECEE CB Scheme is an international system for mutual acceptance of test reports and certificates dealing with the safety of electrical and electronic components, equipment and products.   The company reports that this accreditation allows Intertek to conduct one set of tests to provide manufacturers with market access to more than 40 countries that participate in the scheme. This capability is believed to save manufacturers money and reduce their overall time-to-market.



IECEE accreditation allows to conduct tests and issue IEC test certificates for PV modules

"Since expanding our solar testing capabilities in 2008, Intertek has built a leadership position based on fast project turnaround and our high level of customer service", said Sunny Rai, Program Director, Photovoltaic and Semiconductor at Intertek. "Providing global certifications complements Intertek's portfolio of services for renewable energy manufacturers which includes safety and performance testing, design review, field evaluation and more." According to the press release, the new accreditation allows Intertek to test and issue IECEE CB Scheme Test Certificates to IEC 61730, 61215, 61646, 60891 and 60904 standards for mono- and polycrystalline and thin film PV modules. Intertek reports that its testing laboratory in Lake Forest is equipped with solar simulators, environmental chambers, rain and hail testers, and an impact and mechanical loading apparatus, among other equipment. The laboratory is reportedly also accredited by the California Energy Commission (CEC) for the Solar Home Program, CEC certifications and has mutual agreements with Florida State Energy Centre for data acceptance.

2009-10-28   Courtesy: Intertek   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Intertek

 

Konarka "Power Plastic" integrated into lightest solar energy bag available for powering electronics on-the-go

Neuber's Sun-Bags
powered by Konarka's
"Power Plastic".

Konarka Technologies, Inc. (Lowell, Mass.), an innovator in development and commercialization of Konarka "Power Plastic", a material that converts sunlight to energy, on October 27th, 2009 announced the company's Konarka Power Plastic solar panels have been integrated into German-based Neuber's Energy Sun-Bags, the lightest solar energy bag available on the market. Now available for purchase, the business and leisure bags charge mobile phones, digital cameras, iPods, Mp3 Players and more with solar power. "There is great demand for a versatile, flexible solar bag giving users the ability to charge mobile devices on the move", commented Alexander Valenzuela, vice president of European business development at Konarka.   "Thanks to Konarka's light weight, flexible Power Plastic solar panels, Neuber's bag is the lightest solar bag available in the market."
Sun-Bags weigh only 500 grams including the battery, bag structure and solar panel. Available in 37 colors with optional custom printing, users never have to worry about getting to a power connection to charge devices. Neuber's Sun-Bags are currently available globally. Pricing begins at 99 Euro (under 0 USD). Applications powered by Konarka's "Power Plastic" material, including Neuber's Energy Sun-Bags, are being showcased at Solar Power International 2009, October 27 - 29, 2009 in Anaheim, Calif., booth # 1660.

2009-10-28   Courtesy: Konarka Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Konarka Technologies, Inc.

 

AC Solar Technology introduces 210 W AC solar PV modules

Blue Leaf AC module by AC Solar Technology.
Blue Leaf AC module
by AC Solar Technology.

AC Solar Technology Inc. (Bend, Oregon) on October 23rd, 2009 introduced its "Blue Leaf" 210 W alternating current (AC) solar photovoltaic (PV) modules with factory-installed grid-tied inverters and AC junction boxes. According to the press release, the system uses no direct current (DC) wire or DC components and is entirely AC from the module to the grid. AC Solar reports that it will have their Blue Leaf AC modules working at an offsite location during Solar Power International 2009 in Anaheim, and that it invites those interested in a demonstration to contact the company to schedule an appointment.   Blue Leaf products are to be available starting early 2010 in custom tailored kits that include AC electrical components and mounting systems, or in bulk packs with AC modules only. "Alternating current photovoltaic (ACPV) modules are a natural evolution in solar electric system development and offer many advantages over current solar electric solutions", said Glenn Harris, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AC Solar. "Each Blue Leaf AC module is a complete solar electric system. Consumers can start with one module and expand their solar system whenever they choose. AC modules radically reduce the initial price barrier of solar electric systems and will cost less on a per watt basis." According to the press release, the AC modules qualify for the U.S. federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and allow for an easy and quick installation.



Inverter manufacturer has 20 years experience, serves mission critical applications

AC Solar reports that its inverter partner is Exeltech Inc. (Fort Worth, Texas), which it says is the only TL9000 inverter manufacturer in the United States. The company has reportedly manufactured over 150,000 pure sine wave inverters in their 20 year history, and their inverters are used in mission critical applications such as nuclear facilities, 911 emergency systems, aviation, NASA and the military. "We chose to partner with AC Solar Technology because of their team's deep understanding of the Blue Leaf 210 watt AC module solar industry and their access to new distribution channels," said Gary Chemelewski, President of Exeltech. "We share a common vision and commitment to developing national solar markets and to accelerating consumer adoption of solar electricity through the use of our high performance micro inverters."


2009-10-28   Courtesy: AC Solar Technology   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: AC Solar Technology

 

PHOTON Consulting projects global PV installations will more than double in 2010, expects price crash by 2013

"Solar Annual 2009:
Total Eclipse".

Companies at every step of the solar photovoltaic value chain must prepare for saturation in key markets by 2013, according to the latest research report "Solar Annual 2009: Total Eclipse" from PHOTON Consulting (Boston). While PHOTON’s near-term outlook for sector growth is very positive, PHOTON’s team of analysts, researchers and consultants believe saturation of a key large PV market within the next five years will drive a downturn for PV manufacturers more severe than anything the sector has faced to-date.   Solar Annual 2009: Total Eclipse outlines specific defensible strategies available to companies to prepare for market saturation and highlights leading companies that are best positioned to succeed in an environment where one or more key PV markets ‘turn off.’ Solar Annual 2009: Total Eclipse also includes PHOTON Consulting’s acclaimed five-year sector forecasts, based on PHOTON’s screen of more than 1,500 key and emerging companies and a detailed review of the global PV supply chain, including company-by-company and market-by-market data and analysis of production, prices, costs, profit margins and installation volumes.



PHOTON Consulting: profitable sector growth in 2010-2012 will likely lead to saturation in one or more key markets

Ryan Boas, a co-author of Solar Annual concludes, "Solar Annual 2009: Total Eclipse provides a positive near term view of the sector combined with a critical warning: very rapid, profitable sector growth in 2010-2012 will likely lead to saturation in one or more key markets, with negative consequences for the sector as a whole and particularly for manufacturing companies that are unprepared. Total Eclipse provides companies with the insights and supporting data needed to understand, prepare for and profit from the crash dynamics."

To view a detailed overview of Solar Annual 2009: Total Eclipse and order a copy of this critical solar sector report, please visit http://www.photonconsulting.com/solarannual.



2009-10-28   Courtesy: PHOTON Consulting, LLC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PHOTON Consulting, LLC

 

3TIER expands geographical coverage of most advanced solar map & dataset

Monthly variability of GHI in India.
Monthly variability of GHI in India.

3TIER Environmental Forecast Group, Inc. (3TIER; Seattle, Washington), on Cotober 27th, 2009 announced the geographical expansion of its advanced solar map and dataset, previously available for the entire Western Hemisphere, to now include Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. The added regions now will have access to 3TIER’s state-of-the-art suite of solar assessment products that enable installers, developers, financiers, and governments to identify and fully understand their solar resources to better target investment and guide policy. The new solar map and dataset include the rapidly growing solar power markets of India, Australia, and Japan. 


Tremendous solar potential in India

"As these regions begin developing their abundant solar resource, it is critical that they fully understand both the long-term potential and inherent variability of the resource", said Kenneth Westrick, founder and CEO of 3TIER, the global leader in renewable energy information services. "Our assessment technology provides the solar irradiance and atmospheric information that is required to make solar power a viable alternative."
"India is a good example of a region with tremendous solar potential", Westrick added. "However, there is more spatial variability than one might expect, and the monsoon and other seasonal effects will greatly impact solar power production throughout the year. Our solar dataset captures these variances, and when we integrate wind and temperature data, you start to see significant differences in long-term energy output between locations that are just a few kilometers apart."


REmapping the World"

The geographical additions to the solar map and dataset are another important milestone in 3TIER’s "REmapping the World" initiative, a global effort intended to accelerate the adoption and integration of renewable energy worldwide. In January 2009, the company became the first to map the world’s wind resources at a high resolution and will complete mapping of global small hydro resources in 2010.

"If we want nations to capitalize on domestic and sustainable energy sources, they need information about what renewable energy resources, or combination of resources, exist", said Westrick. "REmapping is a sophisticated mapping technology initiative to show where renewable resources are, and change the way we look at the world’s energy production options.

"It is estimated that there are 80,000 villages in India without access to electricity", Westrick added. "India has good solar potential and this map and dataset provides, for the first time, the information needed to identify the best areas for development. This information shortens the process needed to make sound decisions about where to invest in solar power generation and bring electricity to remote regions of India."


Free access to average wind speed ranges and average annual solar irradiance estimates.

Wind and solar maps are available through 3TIER’s "FirstLook" prospecting tool, a Web-based service providing free access to average wind speed ranges and average annual solar irradiance estimates. The expanded solar regions will be online in early 2010, but 3TIER products based on the dataset are available now. To navigate the maps and accompanying datasets visit: http://firstlook.3tier.com.
3TIER’s full-suite of solar prospecting and assessment products covers applications ranging from small-scale residential installations, to utility scale-development and regional transmission planning.

Product highlights include:

- GIS data layers and an application programming interface (API) that provide average annual values for Global Horizontal (GHI), Direct Normal (DNI) and Diffuse Horizontal (DIF) irradiance.
- 10+ year time-series of all irradiance values available for any location within the dataset.
- Two comprehensive resource assessment products delivering the highest-level of accuracy based on calibration of the dataset against on-site observations (if available) and a high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) model run. They include a 10+ time-series of all irradiance, wind and temperature values, as well as irradiance maps, summary charts, and histograms.
To learn more about REmapping the World visit: http://www.remappingtheworld.com.


2009-10-28   Courtesy: 3TIER Environmental Forecast Group, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: 3TIER Environmental Forecast Group, Inc.

 

Suntech unveils North American partner sales program

On October 27th, 2009 from the Solar Power International conference, Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi; China), the world's leading manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, announced its new North American Partner Program, designed to increase its current network of approximately 200 domestic installers and help dealers generate more sales. Formally launching in January 2010, the Suntech Partner Program will offer selected dealers a co-marketing fund, training and services, financing programs, and priority access to its innovative product line, Suntech reports in a press release.  "We are focused on growing the footprint of solar power across the U.S. and Canada, and to do this, we know we have to effectively collaborate with all of our partners", said Mark McKahan-Jones, vice president, Dealer Sales Division, Suntech. "Our program is built with insights and feedback from solar installers across the country, and we're confident that combined with our high-value solar modules, we will provide the country's best dealers with everything they need to grow their businesses."



State of the art proposal tool/CRM service

With applications open to all North American solar installers, Suntech's Partner Program will feature a proprietary Partner Portal created to simplify the installer sales process. The portal allows Suntech dealers to manage their Suntech account, retrieve and track leads, and access a variety of sales and marketing resources. Additionally, Suntech worked with Clean Power Finance, the nation's leading provider of software and services to renewable energy professionals to develop a state of the art proposal tool/CRM service that allows Suntech partners to produce professional and fully customizable proposals in a few simple steps, to utilize a continuously updated, comprehensive database of utility rates, incentives, and rebates, to track and manage their customers from interest to installation from one central location; and to produce accurate quotes using pre-loaded Suntech solar modules.


2009-10-28   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Skyline Solar begins commercial production of first generation "High Gain Solar" system

High Gain Solar demonstration plant in San Jose, California
High Gain Solar demonstration plant
in San Jose, California

Skyline Solar, Inc. (Mountain View, California), a manufacturer of "High Gain Solar" (HGS) arrays for the commercial, industrial, government and utility markets, on October 22nd, 2009 announced that the company had started commercial production of the racking and structural components of its HGS System with Cosma International, an operating unit of Magna International, Inc. and a leading global metalforming supplier.   Skyline Solar reports that the announcement marks its initial commercial manufacturing agreement and the first step in its effort to help retool American manufacturing, while meeting demand for its first-generation HGS system. Skyline's HGS system uses single-axis tracking and metallic reflector racks that concentrate light onto strips of monocrystalline silicon solar cells. The HGS structural and reflective racking components, supported by Cosma's engineering center located in Troy, Michigan, are to be assembled at a Cosma International metal stamping facility in Michigan.



Shipping to begin in the current calendar quarter

Skyline announced its HGS architecture in May 2009, followed shortly by the completion of the company's first demonstration plant with the Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority in San Jose, California. According to the press release, the company has since been focused on optimizing the design of its first generation HGS system, while finalizing manufacturing and supplier agreements with key partners. The company expects final product to begin shipping during the current calendar quarter. "This is an exciting day for Skyline Solar as we pass another significant milestone for the company," said Bob MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-founder of Skyline.


Collaboration to create green collar jobs utilizing existent automotive manufacturing capacity

Skyline believes that its unique pre-engineered and modular design maximizes the performance of system components while minimizing the use of materials that contribute to solar price volatility, such as silicon. The company's HGS reportedly uses 10 % of the silicon of a traditional flat panel system, while significantly improving energy output per gram of silicon. "Our manufacturing facilities are well-suited to produce structural reflective racking and mounting systems required by a number of today's solar manufacturers", said Horst Prelog, President of Cosma International. "We are excited to be manufacturing the Skyline HGS system and, by doing so, contributing to America's move toward energy independence." Skyline Solar will be exhibiting at the Solar Power International show in Anaheim, California.

2009-10-28   Courtesy: Skyline Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Skyline Solar

 

National Semiconductor expands SolarMagic global distribution network

SolarMagic power optimizer
SolarMagic power optimizer

With the recent addition of 18 new distribution partners, National Semiconductor (Santa Clara) on October 26th, 2009 announced that it has aggressively expanded the worldwide network for its "SolarMagic" power optimizers. According to the press release, the company now maintains regional sales channels on four continents, bringing the total number of distributors and installers to 22 only months after it initially launched this line of products. National Semiconductor reports that its SolarMagic distributors in Europe now include Sunglad in France, Solar del Valle in Spain, VP Solar in Italy and Soleg in Germany.   In the United States, the company entered partnerships with distributors such as InterIsland, Empire Clean Energy and DC Power. "Traditional French architecture with its small rooftops and myriad chimneys and architectural obstructions creates unique shading problems and puts solar system performance at a premium", commented Pierre Aguerreberry, Chief Executive Officer (COE) of France-based Sunglad. "SolarMagic gives the French market unparalleled flexibility in system design and helps us ensure our customers get the most power possible out of their systems."



Company to showcase power optimizer technology at Solar Power International 2009

"SolarMagic provides solar installers and homeowners worldwide with a solution to the real-world conditions, such as shade and panel mismatch, that threaten PV system performance and reliability", said Aaron Thurlow, National Semiconductor's Global Sales and Services Manager. "Our network of respected global partners will help us meet the growing demand for SolarMagic through the continued expansion of our distribution channels." In addition to its distribution channels in Europe and Asia, National Semiconductor reports that it has an expansive installer network for SolarMagic in the United States, including partnerships with Sierra Pacific, Mercury Solar and Alteris Energy. The company will showcase its SolarMagic power optimizers and discuss their global appeal at the Solar Power International 2009 in Anaheim, California. According to the press release, both Thurlow and the company's Director Ralf Muenster will actively take part in the conference.

2009-10-28   Courtesy: National Semiconductor   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: National Semiconductor

 

Adept Technology and Isthmus Engineering to showcase solar cell handling system at Solar Power International 2009

Solar cell handling system by Adept Technology
Solar cell handling system
by Adept Technology

Adept Technology, Inc. (Pleasanton, California), a provider of intelligent vision-guided robotics and global robotics services, announced that it will showcase its solar cell unloading system at the Solar Power International 2009 (SPI) show in Anaheim, California at the booth of Isthmus Engineering (Madison, Wisconsin). The two companies have partnered to demonstrate a high-speed vision-guided solar cell handling system using the Adept "Quattro s650" robot that is programmed using a fully integrated automation control system.   The application is also said to utilize inspection and guidance capabilities. "With the overall growth of the global solar industry the SPI show has become a premier gateway for international companies conducting business in the U.S. solar market", said John Dulchinos, President and Chief Executive Officer for Adept Technology, Inc. "So we are excited to be working closely with Isthmus Engineering who has been providing automation solutions to manufacturers for over 25 years." Steve Kinderman, Sales Director for Isthmus Engineering, added: "In addition to a firsthand look at the exciting solar unloading system, attendees stopping by our booth will have access to our team of automation engineering experts who can address even the most complex of solar manufacturing challenges."

2009-10-28   Courtesy: Adept Technology, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Adept Technology, Inc.

 

Sustainable Energy Technologies to base North American inverter manufacturing in Ontario, Canada

SUNERGY (Paralex) inverter by Sustainable Energy Technologies
SUNERGY (Paralex) inverter by
Sustainable Energy Technologies

Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd. (STG; Toronto, Ontario) announced that it will base the North American manufacturing of its "SUNERGY" line of inverters in the Province of Ontario. First deliveries are planned for the first quarter of 2010. STG reports that its commitment to Ontario reflects the province's emerging leadership of the North American solar PV market resulting from the recently enacted feed-in tariffs (FIT) and the Province's commitment to build a sustainable Canadian solar technology and manufacturing infrastructure.   The company's inverters are said to incorporate patented technologies that it believes to be Canada's most significant contribution yet to expanding the use of solar power around the world. The performance, intrinsic safety, and design flexibility of a "parallel" system architecture is to be available at a competitive price and with the high conversion efficiencies that the solar industry needs to bring down the cost of solar electricity. "Ontario creates an entirely new dynamic for Sustainable Energy, enabling us to fully demonstrate the unique advantages of an innovative Canadian technology for the North American market," said Robert Bucher, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of STG. "We estimate that the Province will see in excess of 500 MW installed in 2010 increasing to as much as 1,000 MW in 2011. Most of this will be in rooftop systems, as major property owners come to fully appreciate the value of owing solar power systems."



Inverters designed to withstand harsh climatic conditions in Canada

In rooftop applications, the extra low operating voltage of the SUNERGY platform is said to enable a system architecture that is inherently safe and that can be installed and maintained by most building trades without the need for photovoltaic (PV) specialists, thereby reducing the installed system cost and increasing investor yields. In ground based applications, STG reports that multiple SUNERGY inverters can offer a higher system yield, less downtime and easier installation and maintenance than larger "central" inverters. According to the press release, the inverter products will meet the Ontario "domestic content" requirements for solar PV systems. They are outdoor rated for Canada's extreme climate conditions. STG targets a 120 megawatt (MW) production capacity by the end of 2010, and plans to expand to 250 MW in 2011 to meet North American demand.

2009-10-27   Courtesy: Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd.

 

Suniva, FLS Energy target Southeast U.S. with high-performance U.S. solar farm

ARTisun series solar cell
ARTisun series solar cell

Suniva, Inc., a U.S. manufacturer of high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells and modules, and FLS Energy, a North Carolina-based solar energy generation company, on October 27th , 2009 announced they will integrate Suniva’s high-power solar modules in a series of installations in the southeastern U.S. The first project is a 550 kW solar farm that will occupy a former landfill; implementation is underway in North Carolina. FLS Energy has a 20 year power purchase agreement to sell the solar generated electricity to Progress Energy. "We’re seeing unprecedented demand in the Southeast for solar”, said Michael Shore, president of FLS Energy.   "In order to address the rapidly expanding market here, FLS is committed to using the most advanced, efficient, and cost-effective solar technology available. Working with Suniva will allow us to address growing demand with technology that combines high-yield solar power with high-quality U.S. manufacturing content."





Driving growth in the southeastern U.S. solar market

Suniva’s UL and IEC certified, CEC listed solar modules on own account contain more than 90 % U.S. content and offer a 25-year performance warranty, representing the highest quality standards in today’s industry. The modules are powered by Suniva’s high-efficiency "ARTisun" series solar cells and deliver peak power output up to 300watts, one of the highest in the industry. High power output is a key factor in reducing installation and balance-of-system costs in all installations. "Working with FLS Energy, Suniva will play a major role in driving growth in the southeastern solar market", said John Baumstark, CEO of Suniva. "Our solar modules powered by 'Suniva'
cell technology will enable FLS’s installations to deliver some of the highest levels of performance and reliability in the industry."

A Suniva module will be on display at the Solar Power International conference in Anaheim, CA.

2009-10-27   Courtesy: Suniva   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suniva

 

Photovoltaics: Sharp announces solar cell with world's highest conversion efficiency of 35.8 %

The Sharp Corporation on October 22nd, 2009 announced that its triple-junction compound solar cell had achieved the world's highest solar cell conversion efficiency of 35.8 % for non-concentrator solar cells at the research level. This efficiency of the approximately one square centimeter small cells was reportedly confirmed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in September 2009, Sharp reports in a press release.  Unlike silicon-based solar cells, the most common type of solar cells in use today, the compound solar cell utilizes photo-absorption layers made from compounds consisting of two or more elements such as indium and gallium, Sharp reports. The company had been advancing research and development on a triple-junction compound solar cell since 2000 to achieve a higher conversion efficiency by stacking three photo-absorption layers. According to the press release, it is important to improve the regularity of the atomic arrangement (crystallinity) in each photo-absorption layer to boost the efficiency of triple-junction compound solar cells.



Indium gallium arsenide bottom layer delivers increase in conversion efficiency

Conventionally, germanium (Ge) is used as the bottom layer of multi-layer solar cells, due to its ease of manufacturing. However, in terms of performance, although Ge generates a large amount of current, the majority of the current is wasted according to Sharp, without being used effectively for electrical energy. The company believes that the key to solving this problem was to form the bottom layer from indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), a material with high light utilization efficiency. Sharp reportedly succeeded in forming an InGaAs layer with high crystallinity despite some problems, by using its proprietary technology for forming layers. According to the press release, the amount of wasted current could be minimized as a result, and the conversion efficiency, which had been 31.5 % in Sharp's previous cells, was successfully increased to 35.8 %. The company reports that it achieved this breakthrough as part of a research and development initiative promoted by Japan's "New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization" (NEDO).



2009-10-27   Courtesy: Sharp Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Helac, Inc. and SkyFuel introduce "OnSun" solar power tracking system at Solar Power International

OnSun: SkyFuel's Trakker combined with a Helac actuator.
OnSun: SkyFuel's Trakker combined with a
Helac actuator.

SkyFuel, Inc. (Albuquerque, New Mexico) and Helac Corporation (Enumclaw, Washington) on October 27th, 2009 introduced their "OnSun" solar tracking system at the Solar Power International Conference in Anaheim, California. According to the press release, the OnSun is a precise and powerful system that includes a proprietary, patent pending design, using a rugged, helical, hydraulic actuator to drive parabolic trough solar collectors through their daily arc.   SkyFuel and Helac report that the companies had entered into an agreement to produce and market the tracking system for utility-grade concentrated solar power (CSP) applications. The combination of SkyFuel's "SkyTrakker" sun-tracking control system with Helac's robust and reliable actuator is now called OnSun.




Pre-fabricated package for simple and fast installation

Under the agreement Helac will assemble and acceptance-test the entire hydraulic drive system coupled with the SkyTrakker controls to be delivered in "pylon-ready" packages. The helical actuator reportedly uses a sliding spline gear to deliver high torque and radial, moment and thrust load capacities needed for today's large-aperture parabolic trough collectors. The actuator is coupled with the SkyTrakker smart controller with advanced health monitoring which, according to the press release, uses 50 % less energy than comparable systems during daily deploy, tracking and stow operations. SkyFuel reports that the OnSun sun tracking system is delivered as a compact, pre-fabricated package which it believes makes the installation in the solar field simple and fast. The sun tracking control system is based on a solar position algorithm, and electronically directs the actuator to precisely position the parabolic trough concentrator for maximum solar energy capture.

2009-10-27   Courtesy: SkyFuel, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SkyFuel, Inc.

 

PV panels by Scheuten Solar UL certified

The PV producer Scheuten Solar was recently certified according to UL1703 and ULC ORD C1703 for its P6-54 solar module in the "Multisol" series. This certification underlines the high quality and the long-lasting performance of the Scheuten Solar modules and opens the way for sales and project activities in the USA and Canada, the company emphasizes in a press release.  Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is an independent product safety certification organization that has been testing products and writing standards for safety for more than a century. Scheuten Solar develops and realizes solar projects worldwide, so far most of them in Europe. The company has been exploring the highly potential US solar market for some time now and looks upon this UL certification as the final step towards a successful introduction of Scheuten Solar in the USA and Canada.

The UL-listing (file E312512) enables the company to start marketing its durable and high quality solar modules. "After a busy year of preparations and intensive contact with potential customers now is the time to really get things going. Scheuten Solar is attending at the Solar Power International Conference in Anaheim, California. Acquiring the UL certification means that our sales team can rely on a first class product which has proven its quality in many successful projects in Europe", emphasizes Dave Johnson, President Scheuten Solar USA.

2009-10-27   Courtesy: Scheuten Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

ASES: Tackling climate change nets 4.5 million new jobs

ASES report
ASES report "Estimating the Jobs
Impact of Tackling Climate Change"

According to a new report by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), tackling climate change can be a major net job creator for the United States economy. An aggressive deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency is believed to net up to 4.5 million new U.S. jobs by 2030, while also providing the greenhouse gas emission reductions necessary to tackle climate change.   The report, entitled "Estimating the Jobs Impact of Tackling Climate Change," was released in October 2009. It the result of a joint effort by the nonprofit ASES based in Boulder and economic research and management consulting firm Management Information Services, Inc. (MISI), based in Washington, D.C. According to the analysis, renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment costs would be revenue neutral or better, as costs to implement the technologies are offset by savings from lower energy bills, making total net costs near zero. "The twin challenges of climate change and economic stagnation can be solved by the same action: broad, aggressive, sustained deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency", said Brad Collins, ASES' Executive Director, "the solution for one is the solution for the other."




Energy efficiency measures could keep CO2 emissions level, renewable energy generation can contribute to emissions reduction

ASES believes that this job report offers the most detailed analysis yet on the potential role of the new energy economy in tackling climate change. According to the press release, among the key findings are that renewable energy and energy efficient technologies could displace approximately 1.2 billion tons of carbon (CO2) emissions annually by 2030, the amount scientists believe is necessary to prevent the most dangerous consequences of climate change. Approximately 57 % of carbon emissions reductions are estimated to result from energy efficiency measures, and 43 % from renewable energy deployment.
Greatest numbers of renewable energy jobs to be generated by solar PV, biofuels, biomass and concentrating solar power


ASES reports that energy efficiency efforts can allow U.S. carbon emissions to remain about level through 2030, while renewable technologies can provide large reductions in carbon emissions below current levels. Industries that are expected to show the largest job gains include construction, farming, professional services, local governments, retail, truck transportation, fabricated metals and electrical equipment. The construction industry is said to directly benefit from almost all the growing renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors, as well as from improvements in overall economic growth due to energy savings. According to the analysis, the greatest numbers of renewable energy jobs could be generated by solar photovoltaics (PV), biofuels, biomass, and concentrating solar power (CSP) sectors.


Job creation dependent on implementation of adequate policies to support renewable energy generation

The report also suggests that policy can play a significant role in both generating jobs and mitigating carbon emissions. "For job growth the status quo is no match for innovation", said Collins. "Congress can help get the economy back on track with smart energy policy - reduce energy consumption in buildings by 50 %, adopt an aggressive national renewable portfolio standard, commit to end dependence on foreign oil by 2025, and implement an upstream cap and auction system to manage greenhouse gases at the points where they first enter the energy economy." According to the press release, the report builds on the findings of ASES' groundbreaking 2007 report, dubbed "Tackling Climate Change in the U.S.: Potential Carbon Emissions Reductions From Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy by 2030."

The new report and the 2007 report can be found online at: http://www.ases.org/climatejobs

2009-10-26   Courtesy: ASES   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ASES

 

SEIA commends House passage of the Solar Technology Roadmap, applauds new PV cost study by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

Rhone Resch: Solar is one of the best values for the American taxpayer
Rhone Resch: Solar is one
of the best values for the
American taxpayer

Rhone Resch, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA; Washington, D.C.), on October 22nd, 2009 released a statement on the U.S. House's passage of H.R. 3585, the "Solar Technology Roadmap". Resch, on behalf of SEIA, applauded the House for recognizing solar as an increasingly essential part of the U.S. energy portfolio. SEIA believes that the Solar Technology Roadmap will help continue technological innovations and breakthroughs in the solar industry, driving down costs even further.   "The roadmap is modeled after a similar program that has helped drive rapid innovation in the semiconductor industry over the past two decades", Resch said. "We can do the same with solar." SEIA especially applauded Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) for being "one of the solar industry's strongest advocates in Congress since her arrival in 2007. We now call on the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation and send it to the President to sign into law."



Solar Leaders commend PV study; cost of going solar in the U.S. declined by more than 30 % from 1998 to 2008

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (California) on October 21st, 2009 released a study named "Tracking the Sun II: The Installed Cost of Photovoltaics in the U.S. from 1998–2008." According to SEIA, this new report found that the average cost of going solar in the U.S. declined by more than 30 % from 1998 to 2008, a trend that is largely attributed to the success of market-building policies at the state and local level. Findings also show that, after a three-year plateau, costs decreased by 3.6 % from 2007 to 2008, marking a pivotal year for the American solar industry. Solar advocates from the Vote Solar Initiative, the Solar Alliance and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) commented on the report. "The bottom line is that affordable solar is no longer a vision for the future, it's very much here now, ready to be a significant part of our nation's energy mix,", said Adam Browning, Executive Director of the Vote Solar Initiative, a national grassroots organization focused on bringing solar energy into the mainstream.


Creating good-paying jobs, while bringing the cost of solar in line with traditional energy sources

Resch added: "This report confirms that as a policy investment, solar is one of the best values for the American taxpayer. This year we've already seen solar PV panel prices drop another 17 %. Congress must prioritize the use of solar in the current energy bill, which will stimulate further investments in manufacturing and installation of solar equipment. This in turn will create good-paying jobs, while bringing the cost of solar in line with traditional sources allowing more consumers to go solar now." Carrie Cullen Hitt, President of the Solar Alliance, said: "Smart solar policies are intended to build self-sustaining, strong markets that drive installed costs down. Berkeley Lab once again shows that these policies can and do work." The full report may be downloaded at http://eetd.lbl.gov/ea/emp/re-pubs.html.

2009-10-26   Courtesy: SEIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SEIA

 

PV Powered announces turnkey DC-to-medium voltage inverter platform for MW-scale solar projects

Inverter platform for MW-scale solar projects
Inverter platform for MW-scale solar projects

PV Powered, Inc. (Bend, Oregon), manufacturer of solar inverters for the residential, commercial and utility markets, announced its turn-key and fully customizable DC-to-medium voltage platform, dubbed "PowerVault". The company reports that this is a fully-engineered and factory assembled inverter power plant with DC inputs on one side and medium voltage outputs on the other, which it believes can provide significant cost savings in multi-megawatt solar installations.   According to the press release, the inverters, switchboard and monitoring system are housed in an enclosure that is listed to the UL QRNZ standard for commercial and industrial buildings, in this case for walk-in electrical equipment. The company reports that the conduit-ready pier-mount configuration saves installation time and eliminates tens of thousands of dollars in engineering design, site preparation and installation costs for commercial and utility customers.


Inverter platform for the North American market and for thin-film solar arrays

The PowerVault platform is said to offer a variety of configurations designed around the 97 % efficient PVP260kW inverter and is believed to offer the reliability and redundancy needed to ensure uptime in large solar power systems. According to the press release, the PowerVault has a standard 295 V DC minimum Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and an optional full-power 265V DC minimum MPPT. The company believes this to be the lowest MPPT voltage of any commercial inverter in the industry, and believes the product to be ideal for use in the North American market and for getting the most power out of the new lower-cost thin-film solar arrays. "The PowerVault provides a new level of efficiency and reliability for utility-scale solar power applications," said Gregg Patterson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PV Powered. "But what is really attractive to large solar installations are the financial benefits they can get by using a factory integrated, tested and configurable solution that eliminates significant field labor costs."

2009-10-26   Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.

 

Solarmer Energy continues to break world records with 7.6% efficient plastic solar cell

Solarmer presents world record plastic solar cells
Solarmer presents world record
plastic solar cells

Solarmer Energy, Inc. (El Monte, California), a leading developer of plastic solar panels, broke the plastic solar cell world record for a second consecutive time, the company reports in a press release. Solarmer on October 23rd, 2009 announced their champion plastic solar cell efficiency of 7.6 %, certified by the Newport Corporation’s Technology and Applications Center’s Photovoltaic (TAC-PV) Lab.   The Newport Corporation is a globally recognized leader in advanced technology products and solutions. Plastic solar panels, the next generation of solar products, will be flexible, transparent, and able to generate low cost clean energy from the sun. Attractive and colorful, customizable shape and sizes, and better low light performance are just a few in a long list of unique characteristics of plastic solar panels. These solar panels will transform the renewable energy industry, because of their ability to drive cost down to 12 - 15 cents/kWh and much less than /Watt, Solarmer emphasizes.

A huge accomplishment for the organic photovoltaic industry


In the process of completing their pilot manufacturing line, this efficiency milestone increases anticipation for Solarmer’s plastic solar panels, which will be available next year. "Breaking the 7 % efficiency barrier for organic photovoltaics is a huge accomplishment for Solarmer and the organic photovoltaic (OPV) industry", said Dr. Gang Li, Vice President of Technology Development. "We are thankful for the contributions of our two primary collaborators, Prof. Luping Yu at the University of Chicago and Prof. Yang Yang at UCLA. We believe that our world class team will ensure that we continue along the path to the commercial success of OPVs."


"We are pleased that Newport’s recently launched certified PV lab is helping Solarmer in achieving outstanding results in efficiency. Our collaboration in material research and certified testing is a great example of how two very different companies can benefit by working together", says Dr. Ruben Zadoyan, Director of Technology and Applications Center of Newport Corporation. Solarmer Energy, Inc. will be speaking more to the public about this achievement at this year’s Solar Power International conference in Anaheim, California. The company will be exhibiting at booth #3073 from October 27th to the 29th.

2009-10-26   Courtesy: Solarmer Energy, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solarmer Energy, Inc.

 

US Solar Alliance takes positive position on feed-in tariffs

Paul Gipe identifies a major policy development regarding feed-in tariffs in the U.S.
Paul Gipe identifies a major policy
development regarding feed-in
tariffs in the U.S.

The Solar Alliance, the US industry trade association for solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers and project developers, recently posted a position paper supportive of feed-in tariffs (FITs) on their web site. According to industry veteran Paul Gipe, outside observers see this as a major policy development in the United States, while the industry is portraying it as a natural evolution of its position. Previously, Solar Alliance board members were split on whether to take a position on feed-in tariffs, Gipe explains. Some key industry players reportedly openly opposed supportive statements on the policy used so successfully in Europe to install thousands of megawatts (MW) of solar PV as well as other renewable energy technologies.  The Solar Alliance's position paper begins with a simple statement: "FITs are often misunderstood but can be useful policy tools." Gipe reports that the document goes on to reiterate the Alliance's continued support for net metering and traditional tax subsidies to reassure readers that their position on feed-in tariffs should, in no way, detract from existing programs. The policy paper also says that the generator should be given a choice of which program to use where feed-in tariffs and other policies are available simultaneously.


Capacity cap of 20 MW for projects to be eligible for FITs seen as problematic

The Alliance then lays out the characteristics necessary for successful feed-in tariff policies. Gipe believes that the paper is as succinct a statement of feed-in tariff best practice as found anywhere. For example, the Alliance states that contracts should be for 20 years, though they acknowledge that some states may offer shorter terms, and that tariffs should be differentiated by technology and project size. The recommendations also include provisions for developing green field sites and not just those by "site owners" or existing utility customers. However, Gipe cautions that the position paper limits the Alliance's support for feed-in tariffs to projects only up to 20 MW. He points out that there are a number of solar PV projects larger than 20 MW currently operating in Europe, and that there are many wind and concentrating solar power (CSP) projects greater than 20 MW as well that have been installed with feed-in tariffs. Gipe also reports that he misses the specific mention that feed-in tariff best practice requires tariff setting based on the cost of generation plus a reasonable profit. Nevertheless, the Alliance's paper is believed to represent the first clear statement by the association that feed-in tariffs would be an acceptable policy in the U.S.

2009-10-26   Courtesy: Paul Gipe   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Paul Gipe

 

Sopogy to unveil first rooftop solar thermal concentrator system at Solar Power International

MicroCSP technology demonstration by Sopogy in California
MicroCSP technology demonstration
by Sopogy in California

Sopogy, Inc. (Honolulu, Hawaii) on October 16th, 2009 announced that it will present its newest "MicroCSP" parabolic trough solar concentrator called "SopoFlare" at Solar Power International 2009 in Anaheim, California. According to the press release, key Sopogy executives will present the new product and answer questions immediately following the unveiling.   The company reports that SopoFlare combines the features and applications of its award-winning "SopoNova 4.0" concentrating solar thermal collector, in a smaller, light-weight unit making it the world's first concentrated solar power (CSP) technology specifically designed for rooftop installation. With its compact design at 8 feet long by 2.5 feet wide, SopoFlare is said to allow for quick and easy installation by HVAC and plumbing professionals.



Compact CSP solution tracks sun, can withstand harsh environmental conditions

The system reportedly incorporates automatic controllers that track the sun as well as the company's proprietary "stow mode," which enables the panel to flip upside down into a parked position in order to protect the optics from rain, hail and strong winds. According to the press release, the new product is designed for use as a thermal energy generator that has the ability to create heat to power an absorption chiller, refrigeration unit, desalination production device and to create process heat or hot water. Darren T. Kimura, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with Sopogy, commented on the new system: "This brings concentrating solar power to the commercial and industrial facility in a cost effective, space efficient, and contractor friendly solution. Our customers receive the fastest paybacks available in solar, helping them save money and reduce their carbon footprint." Sopogy reports that it has been inventing, developing, and testing its MicroCSP technologies since 2002, and is dedicated to incorporating and applying innovative concepts and features to improve its technology.

2009-10-26   Courtesy: Sopogy, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sopogy, Inc.

 

Boosting system profitability: Suntech introduces "Reliathon" utility scale solar PV platform

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi; China), leading manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, announced in a press release "Reliathon", an industry-first integrated solar platform combining product and business-term innovations to lower costs and accelerate the path to grid parity with the development of utility-scale solar plants. Reliathon due to Suntech reduces total system costs as much as 10% and offers increases in revenue potential, with 13.8% more power warranted over the lifetime of the system. Reliathon combines Suntech module innovations, a new utility-grade warranty for the Suntech module, as well as pre-agreed preferential pricing and business terms with industry-leading inverter and tracking companies Advanced Energy, Array Technologies, Satcon, Siemens Industry and SMA, Suntech reports in its press release.   Developed with specific customer feedback gathered from dozens of utility industry experts, Suntech developed Reliathon to combine product and business term innovations, the company emphasizes. Reliathon includes 270-watt modules, self-aligning panels, integrated grounding and wire management, as well as a new "Two-in-One" design, with two 36-cell regions featuring independent circuits that can create better output on fixed tilt systems early in the morning and in the late afternoon. According to Suntech all module innovations result in far less labor time needed to install Reliathon systems as well as significant reductions in material costs.



New terms warrant an 85% power output level at 25 years

Array Technologies' "DuraTrack" system was designed specifically for Suntech Reliathon, and uses of two motors per MW AC versus the typical four motors per MW, further reducing the material costs of the system. The new Suntech Reliathon ground mount system matches Reliathon modules to deliver fixed tilt solutions at lower cost and greater profitability, Suntech reports in the press release. The Reliathon module includes a 25-year utility-grade warranty offering 12-year limited product warranty and a 25-year peak power performance warranty now based on annual degradation instead of 12 and 25-year step-downs. According to Suntech the new annual peak power performance warranty provides Reliathon module buyers with 13.8% more warranted power over 25 years. Overall, the new terms warrant an 85% power output level at 25 years.

"Innovation and simplicity have to be driven into every level of the solar value chain"

"To make the promising utility scale pipeline a reality, innovation and simplicity have to be driven into every level of the solar value chain - especially installation, an area that offers huge opportunities for reduction of Balance of Plant costs", said Steven Chan, Chief Strategy Officer, Suntech. "Reliathon gives our customers exactly what they have requested: greater power output at lower cost, combined with a simplified development process." Reliathon will be on display at this year's Solar Power International conference, from October 27th - 29th at booth #2009 at the Main Hall of the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

2009-10-25   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Market researchers expect Korean PV market to reach 200 MW by 2012

Solar power plant by Conergy in South Korea
Solar power plant by Conergy
in South Korea

Displaybank (Seoul, Korea and San Jose, California), a global market research and consulting company for the solar and display industries, in October 2009 announced that it expects photovoltaic (PV) installations in Korea to reach a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) by 2012. Kenny Kim, Executive Vice President of the solar and energy division at Displaybank, presented some of his research findings at the "2009 Korea Green Energy Show PV Conference." Displaybank reports that the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy recently announced a "PV Market Creation Plan" that would allow the Korean PV market to increase to 200 MW by 2012.   According to the press release, the Korean government recently announced a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in order to expand and secure the domestic PV industry. The Korean government's plan calls for 6 power generation subsidiaries of KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation) to realize 101.3 MW PV capacity by investing KRW 338.2 billion (285 million US-dollars) during 3 year periods in order to newly create the PV market. The 6 power generation subsidiaries of KEPCO are expected to supply 21 MW for 2009, 32 MW for 2010 and 49.8 MW for 2011 through the RPS model business. Considering the PV creation plan from the government, the Korean PV market would see an increase of over 30 % from pre-RPS Model Business to grow to 98 MW in 2009, 132 MW in 2010 and 200 MW by 2012, according to Displaybank.

2009-10-25   Courtesy: Displaybank   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Conergy AG

 

Secretaries Chu and Salazar and Sen. Hagan tour solar PV farm in North Carolina

PV plant at the SAS Headquarters in Cary, North Carolina
PV plant at the SAS Headquarters
in Cary, North Carolina

U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and U.S. Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) on October 16th, 2009 met with employees of sustainable energy company Southern Energy Management (Morrisville, North Carolina), and toured the firm's signature project, one of the largest solar array energy systems in the Southeast. The PV plant is located at the SAS Headquarters in Cary, North Carolina, where Southern Energy Management acted as the primary contractor for SunPower on two 1 megawatt (MW) solar arrays.  The company reports that this project includes a 24-collector solar water heating system and a 1 MW photovoltaic (PV) system of 5,040 solar panels on five acres of land. "This is a company whose mission is to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change and to build a sustainable, triple-bottom-line that values people, the planet and profit," Salazar said during his visit. "Its employees have installed more than 11,000 solar panels, producing about 2.8 million kilowatt hours of clean energy. Their work in 2008 offset more than 74 million pounds of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of planting 5.7 million trees." Secretary Chu added: "By moving to clean sources of energy, we can create jobs and ensure America's competitiveness, while reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Projects like the one we saw today are vital for the future of both our country and our planet."

2009-10-25   Courtesy: SEM   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Southern Energy Management

 

Solarfun appoints Bruce A. Ludemann as Vice President and General Manager of Solarfun North America

Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules in China, on October 22nd, 2009 announced the appointment of Bruce A. Ludemann as Vice President and General Manager of Solarfun, North America. Ludemann will be charged with expanding Solarfun’s North American market presence and accelerating sales of Solarfun’s PV products in the region.   Peter Xie, President of Solarfun, commented: "We are extremely committed to growing our presence in the U.S. market. Bruce’s experience in conventional power generation, transmission and alternative energy along with his knowledge of the power and utility markets in the United States will give a significant boost to our efforts to expand our business in North America."

Prior to joining Solarfun, Ludemann served as senior vice president of sales and marketing for FuelCell Energy in Danbury, Connecticut. In this position, he was responsible for the global sales, marketing and deployment of megawatt-class fuel cells for the use in industrial, commercial, utility, institutional and municipal applications. During his three-year tenure as senior sales VP, Ludemann also played a leadership role in the company’s legislative and policy initiatives to enhance Federal and State incentive programs for fuel cells and distributed generation technologies.

From 1998 to 2006, Mr. Ludemann held various executive positions at Siemens Power (a division of Siemens AG) in Raleigh, North Carolina and in Orlando, Florida. In his last assignment as vice president of sales, he had regional responsibility for sales of power plant and substation equipment to electric utility and industrial clients. Mr. Ludemann also held roles as executive account manager for Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution and business development director for Siemens High Voltage Systems.

Prior to joining Siemens, Mr. Ludemann spent 11 years with ABB Power Transmission & Distribution, Inc. in various sales and service management positions. Prior to ABB, he held the position of vice president of sales for the Square D Company, an electrical distribution, power and control company owned by Schneider Electric. Ludemann obtained an Executive M.B.A. from the Katz School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh, and spent four years in the United States Navy.

2009-10-24   Courtesy: Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Richard Caldwell appointed Executive Chairman of Dyesol Limited

DSC solar cell by Dyesol
DSC solar cell by Dyesol

Richard Caldwell, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dyesol Limited, producer of Dye Solar Cell (DSC) materials and technologies, agreed to accept the role of Executive Chairman. In the proposed role Richard will take executive responsibility for finance, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations and will assist in substantial contract negotiations. Over the next three months he intends to wind-down his existing investment banking responsibilities.   In relation to his appointment, the Board has recommended a remuneration package that includes the issue of incentive options. The terms and conditions of these options will be the subject of a resolution put to shareholders at the AGM for their approval.


Managing Director - Global, Dr Gavin Tulloch, welcomed Richard’s greater involvement with the activities of the Company: "Dyesol is at an exciting stage of its development. Richard has an intimate knowledge of the Company, and he is particularly well placed to assist in achieving our significant growth objectives. I look forward to working closely with him."

Richard said: "I have already invested a significant amount of time with Dyesol, and I believe, more than ever, it has a wonderful opportunity to transform the solar sector to a Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) focus. Of course, with the opportunity comes an enormous challenge and responsibility to closely manage the significant execution risk that comes with the commercialisation of a new and disruptive technology that represents a paradigm shift from conventional solar PV technology."


Sylvia Tulloch withdrawing from operational responsibilities

At the same time, Sylvia Tulloch is withdrawing from operational responsibilities in the existing Dyesol operations. Sylvia has been an executive and alternate Director over the past 18 months, and is now re-appointed as a Director of Dyesol Ltd. Sylvia is an inventor of a technology known as CEGS (Combined Energy Generation and Storage). The board believes this technology has excellent potential and has asked Sylvia to focus principally on that role. Furthermore, it believes that this initiative may significantly enhance shareholder value. Sylvia has accepted the role of managing director of a proposed Dyesol spin-out company, wholly owned by Dyesol, which will undertake this exciting task. As this will require focused commitment and international travel, Sylvia will be reducing her involvement in investor relations, a role she has actively performed since the Company’s successful listing in 2005. "I am delighted to be taking on complementary project at a time when much of the work over the past 15 years is coming together - commercialising technology is my passion", said Sylvia.

2009-10-24   Courtesy: DYESOL Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: DYESOL Limited

 

SEIA announces insurance program for solar energy companies

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA; Washington, D.C.) on October 19th, 2009 released a statement that it endorses an insurance program that provides business and employee coverages that is offered by Kessler Advisors (Santa Monica, California), which it reports is designed specifically to meet the needs of solar energy system manufacturers, distributors and installers. "This new, first-of-its-kind insurance coverage is designed specifically to protect solar energy businesses and their employees at competitive premium rates", said SEIA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rhone Resch.  "It will help solar companies at any level - from local installers to global solar manufacturers and developers - grow their businesses and attract a highly talented workforce to this emerging industry."

Kessler President Ken Kessler added: "Our goal for every client is for them to feel comfortable at night knowing that their business is protected and safe. We have provided a one-stop shopping experience for all SEIA members. From the large manufacturer of PV who has international operations and needs risk management services to the smaller installer who's looking for additional guidance for coverages and assistance in their day to day operation, this program satisfies the needs and wants of all members. According to the press release, the SEIA-endorsed insurance program includes general liability, worker's compensation, group medical and dental, surety, property, professional liability and motor vehicle liability coverage. SEIA members are reportedly offered a number of benefits. SEIA and Kessler said that they will provide detailed information at their booths number 3254 and 239 at Solar Power International, respectively.

2009-10-23   Courtesy: SEIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

MEMC to expand scope of solar business with acquisition of SunEdison

Utility-scale PV plant by SunEdison
Utility-scale PV plant by SunEdison

MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (St. Peters, Mo.), a leading provider of silicon wafers to the semiconductor and solar industries, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire privately held SunEdison LLC, a developer of solar power projects and North America's largest solar energy services provider. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2009, subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of regulatory approvals, MEMC reports in a press release.  The agreement due to MEMC calls for 0 million to be paid at closing to SunEdison security holders, which will be paid 70% in cash and 30% in MEMC stock. The agreement also includes an earn-out provision, should SunEdison meet certain performance targets in 2010, of up to an additional million, consisting of cash and stock. In addition, the agreement calls for employee retention payments of million in cash at closing, plus up to million in stock which is subject to SunEdison meeting certain performance criteria and time vesting, the payment of certain transaction expenses and the assumption of net debt.



Combining upstream and downstream solar business

"This acquisition will provide a third engine of growth for MEMC", said Ahmad Chatila, Chief Executive Officer of MEMC. "MEMC will now participate in the actual development of solar power plants and commercialization of clean energy, in addition to supplying the solar and semiconductor industries with our traditional silicon wafer products."

"SunEdison has successfully built about 300 solar power plants representing approximately 80 MW of generating capacity on the rooftops and grounds of customers in the United States, Canada and Europe", said Carlos Domenech, Chief Operating Officer of SunEdison. "Our business is highly scalable and will be able to grow substantially, capitalizing on our more than 1.5 GW of pipeline, backlog and leads with a financially strong, technically sophisticated partner like MEMC, which also has a competitive cost structure in upstream materials. This combination will greatly accelerate our goal of making solar energy cost competitive with grid prices."



Managing the development, financing, operation and monitoring of solar power plants

SunEdison is based in Beltsville, Maryland and employs approximately 300 people worldwide. It "simplifies solar" by managing the development, financing, operation and monitoring of solar power plants for commercial customers, including many national retail outlets, government agencies, and utilities. In a typical structure SunEdison arranges third-party, non-recourse financing for the facility and the customer has no up-front capital outlay.



Carlos Domenech to continue to lead SunEdison, expected to be named as Executive Vice President of MEMC and President of SunEdison

With one of the strongest brands in solar, SunEdison will continue to operate with the SunEdison name, as a subsidiary of MEMC. Carlos Domenech will continue to lead SunEdison. After the acquisition is complete, he is expected to be named as Executive Vice President of MEMC and President of SunEdison, reporting to Ahmad Chatila.

"By making solar power more affordable and easy to obtain, we expect to tap into a large pent-up demand", added Mr. Chatila. "We believe this strategy will drive revenue growth for our wafer business while producing a recurring revenue stream from solar-generated electricity. This will also allow us to directly benefit from the technological and cost advances that we are helping to create in the solar industry."

Mr. Chatila concluded, "In short, we believe MEMC and SunEdison make a powerful combination, and we are excited about having their talented employees around the world join the MEMC team."

MEMC expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings, subject to purchase accounting adjustments, by the second half of 2010.

2009-10-23   Courtesy: MEMC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunEdison

 

Satcon announces new European Executive, launches accelerated lead time program

Peter Deege, Satcon's General Manager for EMEA
Peter Deege, Satcon's General Manager
for EMEA

Satcon Technology Corporation (Boston, Massachusetts), a provider of utility scale power solutions for the renewable energy market, on October 20th, 2009 announced that Peter Deege will act as General Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). With more than 12 years of experience in the European photovoltaic (PV) industry, the company believes that Deege has the leadership and industry expertise to leverage its strong market position in North America into worldwide growth in regions across the globe.   "Satcon's renewable energy solutions have consistently set the standards in performance, reliability and advanced next generation capabilities, while recent technology innovations such as Solstice and Prism continue to demonstrate our leadership in utility ready solar energy", said Deege. "With now over 170 megawatts of the 'PowerGate' 500 kW units installed on energy grids around the world, Satcon has established itself as the most advanced supplier of large scale solar power solutions in the rapidly expanding EMEA market."



8 week availability lead times for inverter technology in Europe

In addition to the Deege announcement, Satcon also released its "Accelerated Lead Time Program" (ALTP) for Europe, offering what it believes to be the market's most aggressive product availability lead time for large scale commercial and utility solar projects. Under the program, Satcon intends to make its PowerGate 500 kW products available with 8 week lead times. "European expansion is central to our global strategy and we are committed to delivering the same levels of quality and service to our European customers that have allowed us to maintain our market leadership position in North America", said Steve Rhoades, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Satcon. "Peter brings the leadership and industry knowledge that is key to expanding our team, our operations and our brand into the world's most mature solar market."

2009-10-23   Courtesy: Satcon Technology Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Satcon Technology Corporation

 

OPEL Solar and BETASOL complete construction of commercial HCPV installation in Spain

330 kW utility grade solar power plant in Spain
330 kW utility grade solar power plant in Spain

OPEL Solar, Inc., a subsidiary of OPEL International Inc. (Shelton, Connecticut and Toronto, Canada) and global developer and supplier of high concentrating photovoltaics (HCPV) and other solar products, and its Spanish partner, BETASOL, on October 20th, 2009 celebrated the completion of a 330 kilowatt (kW) utility grade solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Spain. The company reports that this solar farm, located in the Tarragona region, is one of the first operable solar grid fields in the world using OPEL's HCPV solar technology.   OPEL Solar reports it will continue to highlight the benefits of its technology by hosting numerous customers at the solar farm, where visitors will have the opportunity to see its solar technology in operation. "The reaction of customers to OPEL's HCPV technology has been nothing but positive", said Robert Pico, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OPEL Solar, Inc. "HCPV delivers scalable electric power to the grid, and visitors can witness this leap in solar technology firsthand." According to the press release, OPEL built the installation with its "Mk-I" high concentration panels mounted on dual axis solar trackers, a combination which the company believes to result in a higher power production per unit of land than possible with silicon or thin-film flat panels.

2009-10-22   Courtesy: OPEL Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: OPEL Solar, Inc.

 

Solarfun and Meridian Neue Energien GmbH sign PV modules supply agreement on 5 MW

Solarfun's PV production
Solarfun's PV production

Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots and photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules in China, on October 20th, 2009 announced that it has signed a contract to deliver five megawatts (MW) of PV modules to Meridian Neue Energien GmbH, a new energy project developer in Germany. The PV modules will be applied to six roof top projects, which are expected to be completed and grid connected in December 2009.  




Henry Bolz, Managing Director of Meridian Neue Energien, commented: "European, and in particular German, companies active in the PV market insist on extremely high quality production standards from their suppliers. Solarfun has demonstrated that it is more than capable of living up to these expectations. They have built a strong track record over the years and we are certain that their 25-year PV module limited warranty will support our anticipated power output and forecasted investment returns. As owner and operator of large PV projects, we insist on comprehensive tests and quality controls. We have found that these can only be passed by manufacturers with a long history in the market, and we certainly believe that Solarfun meets the level of excellence that we expect."

Peter Xie, President of Solarfun, added: "We are pleased to sign this agreement with such a reputable and well established company. Meridian Neue Energien has stringent standards for the PV modules that they use, and we are happy that they selected us for this project."

2009-10-22   Courtesy: Solarfun Power Holdings Co.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solarfun Power Holdings Co.

 

Solar Millennium involves Citigroup and Deutsche Bank in financing US CSP power plant projects

Parabolic troughs.
Parabolic troughs.

Via its US subsidiary Solar Trust of America, LLC, Solar Millennium AG (Erlangen, Germany) has engaged Citigroup and Deutsche Bank to provide advisory services to structure and secure financing for several planned solar thermal power plants (Concentrating Solar Power; CSP) across the south western US. Each power plant has an expected financing volume of more than one billion US dollar, Solar Millennium reports in a press release. Together with Solar Trust of America, the mandated banks are structuring the debt and equity financing and provide support in securing subsidies and loan guarantees granted by the Department of Energy within President Barack Obama's economic stimulus program.  Thomas Mayer, CFO of Solar Millennium: "The fact that these two globally renowned banks are involved in financing our projects is an important factor of success in their implementation. We have thus moved one step closer to their realization. The next task is to attempt integrating government subsidies and guarantees in the financing structure."



Commencement of first solar power plants in California and Nevada as early as at the end of 2010

Uwe T. Schmidt, CEO of Solar Trust of America, adds: "Our aim is to become solar energy market leader in the US and to start realizing the first solar power plants in California and Nevada as early as at the end of 2010. In doing so, we will also be helping these states to meet their renewable energy mandates. At the same time, we will stimulate the regional economy by creating thousands of new jobs in the construction and operation of these solar power plants".

Regarding the advisory mandate by Solar Millennium Group, Simon Wilske, Co-Head Corporate Finance Group, Citigroup, said, "Solar Millennium is one of the leading technological partners in the area of solar thermal power plants, which in turn is one of the most promising segments in the global market for renewable energies. As a longstanding advisor of Solar Millennium and one of the leading banks in this sector, Citigroup is pleased to support Solar Millennium with these significant projects in the US."



Deutsche Bank: "Sustainable supply of electricity for future generations."

Dr. Thomas Rüschen, Global Head Asset Finance & Leasing, Deutsche Bank, pointed out the strategic importance of solar energy for his institution, "Deutsche Bank is pleased to be an advisor to Solar Trust of America and its shareholders in the growth market of Renewable Energies in the US. The financing and advisory of the solar sector is one of our core businesses. Deutsche Bank also collaborated with Solar Millennium Group on the Desertec Industrial Initiative to ensure a sustainable supply of electricity for future generations."

In implementing the projects, Solar Trust of America, can avail itself of the Solar Millennium Group's extensive expertise in the development, financing and technology of solar thermal power plants and MAN Ferrostaal AG's experience in the design, turn-key construction and operation of major industrial plants. The US plants will also feature the proven and efficient parabolic trough technology of Flagsol GmbH, the technology subsidiary within the Solar Millennium Group.


Power purchase agreements with Californian utility Southern California Edison

The Solar Millennium Group already has power purchase agreements (PPA) in place with the Californian utility Southern California Edison (SCE) for two parabolic trough power plants of 242 megawatts each with an option to include a third. The projects, located in Ridgecrest, Palen and Blythe, are in an advanced stage of development. The Group has also concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with Nevada Energy, the utility supplying Las Vegas and other major cities in Nevada and California, for the development of at least one solar thermal power plant in the Amargosa desert (Nevada).


2009-10-22   Courtesy: About Solar Millennium AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Millennium AG

 

SunPower and Bluenergia building 1-Megawatt solar PV power plant in Puglia region of Italy

SunPower T20 Tracker
SunPower T20 Tracker

SunPower Corp. (San Jose, California), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar energy systems, on October 20th, 2009 announced that construction began this month on a 1-megawatt solar electric power plant in Mesagne, Comune di Brindisi, Italy. SunPower designed and is building the plant, which is owned by Bluenergia S.r.l. The project is being financed through a leasing agreement with Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, and is expected to be completed early next year. Across 2.6 hectares, SunPower is installing the proprietary "SunPower T20 Tracker" technology, which follows the sun during the day and due to the company delivers up to 30 percent more energy than fixed-tilt systems.   This is the first power plant in Italy to use the T20 Tracker, Sun Power reports in a press release. SunPower has installed its T0 Tracker technology at other Italian power plant projects, including the 5-megawatt Api Nova plant and the 24-megawatt Montalto plant. The T20 differs from the T0 in that it sits entirely above the ground, requiring no drilling, and on own account can deliver up to 7 percent more energy than the lower profile T0.




Tracking increasing sunlight capture

"We are pleased to partner with Bluenergia to deliver clean, reliable solar power in Italy", said Luca Bandini, general manager of SunPower Italia. "The SunPower T20 Tracker follows the movement of the sun during the day, increasing sunlight capture by up to 30 percent over conventional fixed-tilt systems, while significantly reducing land use requirements. The Tracker sits above the ground, eliminating the need for ground penetration and reducing construction time and environmental impacts."

"SunPower's unrivaled expertise and experience in the design and construction of solar power plants, as well as the company's superior technology, were the primary reasons why we chose SunPower as our partner for this important project", said Mario Rossi, president of Bluenergia. "This project firmly establishes utility scale solar power plants in Puglia and will be an important source of clean, renewable and reliable power." Bluenergia and SunPower have plans to begin construction on an additional 1-megawatt solar power system using T20 technology in Copertino (Lecce), Puglia region, later this year.

2009-10-22   Courtesy: SunPower Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corp.

 

German aleo solar AG supplies 10,000 PV modules for Italian solar farm

PV reference unit of General Building in Italy
PV reference unit of General Building in Italy

aleo solar AG (Oldenburg / Prenzlau, Germany) on October 21st, 2009 announced that it has supplied solar photovoltaic (PV) modules for a 2.3 MW solar farm in Corinaldo, Italy. Around 10,000 aleo S_18 modules have now been installed in this farm in Italy's Marche region. Connected to the national grid in mid-September, the greenfield solar power plant has a fixed mounting system and is designed to produce around 3,000,000 kilowatt hours annually.   The Corinaldo project has been developed and constructed by General Building S.p.A, one of Italy's leading solar energy companies. Based in Ancona, the company has installed photovoltaic plants with a total rated output of more than 3 MW to date. "We have seen excellent yields from facilities built using modules from aleo solar, so we naturally used aleo solar modules again for the Corinaldo project", comments Marco Maracci, CEO of General Building. "The durability and reliability of these premium modules are the very best guarantee that we can give our investors." The project investor is E-Production, a member of the Pohl Group. Active in the renewables industry, the company's planned investments in this sector also include the installation of approximately 25 MW of plants in Apulia and a number of other Italian regions.

"Our modules are not only in demand for rooftop applications but also for large scale installations, where investors take especial care to assess the performance and durability of the plants they invest in", comments Giovanni Buogo, Director Sales, aleo solar Italia S.r.l. Investment security is also ensured by the fact that aleo modules are supplied by one of Europe's largest and most experienced solar module manufacturers.

2009-10-22   Courtesy: aleo solar AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: General Building S.p.A

 

Ormat signs joint venture agreement for 36 MW solar PV power plants in Israel

Ormat Technologies, Inc. (Reno, Nevada), on October 19th, 2009 announced that its Israeli subsidiary, Ormat Systems Ltd., had signed a joint venture agreement (JVA) with the Israeli private company Sunday Energy Ltd. to develop, construct and operate solar photovoltaic (PV) plants in Israel with a total capacity of 36 megawatts (MW). Under the JVA, Sunday will contribute the rights to all of its property and roofs required to develop PV arrays above 1 MW to special purpose entities (SPEs). Ormat reports that it will own 70 % of each SPE and will also have control of them.   Under the terms of the agreement, Ormat and Sunday will act jointly as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor as well as the operator of each plant in accordance with each company's share in the SPEs. Ormat estimates the capital expenditure for 36 MW of solar PV power capacity at approximately 195 million US-dollars. According to the press release, the electricity generated from the projects will be sold to the utility Israel Electric Corporation Ltd. under power purchase agreements (PPA) with a 20 year term, and will generate approximately 30 million US-dollars in annual revenues. The SPEs expect to finance their capital expenditure with 80 % non-recourse project finance debt.


Reduced PV module prices and expected Israeli feed-in tariffs seen as business opportunity

According to the press release, Ormat has more than four decades of experience in the development, construction, financing and operation of hundreds of megawatts of renewable energy projects world-wide. Sunday is believed to be one of the leading developers in the Israeli solar PV market with the required know-how in the design of solar photovoltaic systems and the capability to obtain the necessary regulatory permits for construction and interconnection to the local grid. Prior to entering into this JVA, Sunday built a solar PV system with a capacity of 50 kilowatts (kW) on the roofs of Ormat's manufacturing facilities in Israel. "Ormat's commercial activity in the solar energy market is part of a strategic plan to be a leading player in renewable energy", said Lucien Y. Bronicki, Chairman of the Board and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Ormat Technologies. "We have a long, rich history in renewable energy that includes activity in solar energy that we believe we can leverage to bring unique benefits to this project. We are looking at this joint venture as an attractive business opportunity derived by the reduction in solar PV modules prices and the increase in their supply on one hand and the expected Israeli feed-in tariff for large solar PV systems on the other hand."

2009-10-21   Courtesy: Ormat Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SMA Solar Technology AG generates surge in sales to EUR 559 million in first nine months and increases sales forecast for 2009

SMA photovoltaic inverters in demand in Germany and abroad.
SMA photovoltaic inverters in
demand in Germany and abroad.

In the third quarter of 2009, SMA Solar Technology AG (Niestetal, Germany) again recorded a highly positive business performance, the company reports in an ad hoc disclosure. Due to the fact that the quarterly results exceed the expectations SMA already publishes preliminary key data on October 20th, 2009. On account of the ongoing strong demand for SMA photovoltaic (PV) inverters in Germany and abroad, sales rose by 38 % to c. EUR 312 million in the third quarter (previous year quarter: EUR 226.7 million). Consequently, SMA generated an 8 % surge in sales to c. EUR 559 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 (previous year nine months: EUR 519.3 million). The international markets continued their key contribution to total sales in the first nine months. 


Management increases sales forecast for fiscal 2009 to EUR 760 to 810 million

In the third quarter of 2009, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to c. EUR 86 million (previous year quarter: EUR 63.1 million). Accordingly, SMA improved its EBIT in the reporting period January to September 2009 to c. EUR 120 million (previous year nine months: EUR 131.8 million). The EBIT margin is c. 21.5 % (previous year nine months: 25.4 %). On the basis of the positive business performance in the third quarter SMA management increases its sales forecast for fiscal 2009 to EUR 760 to 810 million (previous forecast: EUR 680 to 730 million). Thus management anticipates an increase in total sales by c. 19 % compared to the previous year (2008: EUR 681.6 million). The EBIT margin is estimated to be 21.5 % to 23.5 % (previous forecast: 18 % to 20 %). On November 13, SMA Solar Technology AG will publish its Quarterly Financial Report for the period January to September 2009.



2009-10-21   Courtesy: SMA Solar Technology AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SMA Solar Technology AG

 

Taiwanese PV producer Motech Solar selects Applied Baccini Esatto Technology for double printing of solar cells

Applied's Baccini Esatto Technology
Applied's Baccini Esatto Technology

Applied Materials, Inc. on October 21st, 2009 announced that Motech Solar, one of the world’s leading producers of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells, has installed and qualified an Applied Baccini back-end line for double printing applications at its volume production facility in Tainan, Taiwan. Applied’s recently announced "Esatto Technology" on the "Baccini" system will be used to manufacture Motech Solar’s new c-Si solar cell design.   Dr. Kuo En Chang, president of Motech’s Solar Division, stated: "We’ve successfully used Baccini systems for cell production for five years. We recently installed Baccini’s new Esatto Technology for double printing our new cell architecture and have had outstanding results. As a long term collaborator with Applied Baccini, we look forward to continuing our close relationship for future development."


Esatto Technology platform to help Motech upgrade Baccini lines

"We are pleased to be collaborating with Motech to further optimize the solar cell configurations in their technology roadmap", said Davide Spotti, vice president and general manager of Applied’s Baccini Cell Systems. "Our Esatto Technology has been specifically designed for multiple printing applications and incorporates numerous proprietary hardware and software innovations, including the integration of high resolution imaging, screen alignment and advanced process control. Baccini’s systems solution, using the Esatto Technology platform, provides a unique capability to help Motech and other customers upgrade Baccini lines to rapidly transition advanced cell designs to full scale production and market acceptance."

2009-10-21   Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.

 

Gartner expects strong growth for India's solar photovoltaic industry

Solar Semiconductor was incorporated in April 2006 in Hyderabad, India
Solar Semiconductor was incorporated
in April 2006 in Hyderabad, India

The information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut) on October 19th, 2009 released a statement on several recent announcements by companies on their solar business endeavors in India. Gartner believes that these proclamations reaffirm the belief that, unlike the much-hyped semiconductor wafer fabrication projects, solar PV fabs will take off strongly in India during the next two years.   Gartner points out that KSK Surya Photovoltaic Venture Private Ltd. (KSK Surya) recently reported that it had signed a purchase contract with Applied Materials (Santa Clara, California) for two SunFab thin-film production lines for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The total project cost is estimated at 500 million US-dollars, and the annual capacity of KSK Surya's facility is expected to be about 150 megawatts (MW) when completed. Also, Solar Semiconductor recently announced the inauguration of the first phase of its PV manufacturing facility, having signed multiyear contracts with Q-Cells and Bosch Solar Energy for the supply of mono and multi crystalline cells for use in its PV module manufacturing facility in India. Finally, Tata BP Solar and North Delhi Power Ltd. (NDPL) have announced their cooperation to set up solar power plants in Delhi, India.


"National Solar Mission" aims at 20 gigawatts installed by 2020

According to the analysis, the key driver for solar PV cell/module manufacturing growth in India is the target to reach a solar power generation capacity of 20 gigawatts (GW) by 2020, as announced by the government of India in its 19 billion US-dollar "National Solar Mission" plan. The three-phased plan aims to install 1 GW to 1.5 GW of solar power by 2012, 6 GW to 7 GW by 2017 and the rest by 2020. Gartner reports that most vendors setting up PV module manufacturing facilities in India are making the export market in Germany their main target, but the announcement of guidelines for grid-connected solar power generation and a growing domestic demand is creating new opportunities for PV cell/module manufacturers in India. According to Gartner, India has 250 to 300 clear sunny days a year, representing a vast untapped solar energy potential. Given the relatively sparse solar deployment in India so far, Gartner expects global solar PV manufacturers and their suppliers to invest in the fast-growing Indian market now. The company believes this trend to continue during 2010 as well, as more and more global solar PV cell/module manufacturers set up their facilities in India.

2009-10-21   Courtesy: Gartner Inc, Ganesh Ramamoorthy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Semiconductor

 

Duke Energy announces 4.6 MW distributed solar generation sites

Duke Energy (Charlotte, North Carolina), a large electric power holding company in the United States, in October 2009 announced that it had selected four sites to have solar energy systems installed on the rooftops of large non residential customer sites. According to the press release, these installations are part of the first phase of Duke Energy's distributed solar generation program in North Carolina. The company reports that the National Gypsum Company in Mount Holly (North Carolina) is to house a 1.2 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) plant which is to include 5,096 rooftop solar panels. Highwood Properties in Greensboro agreed to house a 1.6 MW system and Food Lion, in Salisbury will house a 1,292 kilowatt (kW) system on its roof.   Finally, the company Childress Klein Properties in Charlotte is to house a 532 kW system with 2,314 rooftop solar panels. Duke Energy reports that these sites were selected based on their ready access to the electrical grid and solar productivity potential, in addition to other essential lease agreement criteria. Installations are scheduled to begin immediately, with all phase one systems to be installed by the end of the first quarter of 2010. "This distributed solar generation program remains one of the country's largest programs of its kind and further demonstrates our commitment to renewable energy investment", said Brett Carter, President of Duke Energy Carolinas.



North Carolina utilities to power retail customers with 12.5 % renewable energy by 2021

According to the "North Carolina Solar Photovoltaic Distributed Generation" program, approved by the NC Utilities Commission earlier this year, Duke Energy is allowed to install solar panels on the roofs and properties of manufacturing facilities, commercial buildings and homes in the company's North Carolina service territory. Duke Energy plans to invest approximately 50 million US-dollars to construct and own a total of 10 MW of solar energy capacity in the state, capable of providing electricity to approximately 1,300 homes. The company reports that North Carolina's renewable energy standard requires each public electric utility to meet at least 12.5 % of its North Carolina retail customers' electricity needs through renewable energy sources or energy efficiency measures by 2021. Duke Energy reports that it is committed to providing products and services that enable customers to directly participate in achieving the standard.

2009-10-21   Courtesy: Duke Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

BP Solar announces agreement with Jabil to manufacture solar PV modules in Poland

BP Solar and Jabil to produce solar panels in Poland
BP Solar and Jabil to produce
solar panels in Poland

BP Solar on October 16th , 2009 announced an agreement with Jabil Circuit, Inc. to manufacture BP Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules for the European market in Jabil’s plant in Poland. The agreement calls for an initial capacity of 45 megawatts (MW) in 2009 with the opportunity for expansion as demand increases, BP Solar reports in a press release.   Jabil due to BP Solar is an electronic product solutions company providing comprehensive electronics design, manufacturing and product management services to global electronics and technology companies. Offering complete product supply chain management from facilities in 22 countries. “We have selected Jabil as our partner to help bring down the cost of manufacturing BP’s proprietary solar products, and help continue to deliver the highest lifetime value to our customers", said Reyad Fezzani, CEO of BP Solar. He noted that Jabil has a strong track record of successfully working with customers in Solar and a broad range of similar industries. "We are confident that Jabil’s focus on manufacturing excellence will meet BP Solar’s exacting standards for safety reliability and product quality", Fezzani added.





Fezzani stressed that Jabil will manufacture modules designed by BP Solar and that BP’s quality assurance standards will be integrated into Jabil’s processes. He added that BP Solar is especially pleased to inaugurate the partnership with Jabil in Europe - one of the most important markets for BP Solar. "Jabil is pleased to be working with BP Solar, a longstanding leader in the solar industry. Our services allow businesses to innovate and grow - clearly BP Solar is on that track", said Timothy L. Main, president and CEO of Jabil.

Michael Petrucci, vice president of global operations, BP Solar said, "This partnership with Jabil is part of our overall strategy to become more cost competitive and nimble by moving to a model of regional assembly and demand fulfillment centers, leveraging the scale of materials and production capacity." He added that this is another important step in improving cost competitiveness while remaining fully committed to the quality and higher lifetime value that BP Solar
modules offer.


A significant uptick in the past quarter

Commenting on the market outlook for solar, Fezzani said, "While economic conditions have slowed growth in the past year, we have seen a significant uptick this past quarter. We expect that to continue."

"Jabil’s ability to locate solar panel assembly operations in the major consuming regions of the world to optimize logistics provides a significant advantage to our customers and will afford BP Solar the opportunity to serve their customers more efficiently", said Brain Althaver, vice president, Strategic Development. Althaver heads Jabil’s renewable energy business.

2009-10-20   Courtesy: BP Solar; BP Alternative Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: BP Solar

 

U.S. Army selects ACCIONA to develop its largest-ever solar power project

ACCIONA CSP plant Termosolar Nevada
ACCIONA CSP plant Termosolar Nevada

ACCIONA Energy (Sarriguren, Spain) on October 16th, 2009 announced that its affiliate company, ACCIONA Solar Power (ASP; Henderson, Nevada) was selected together with the Clark Energy Group (Arlington, Virginia) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop a large-scale solar energy plant at the Fort Irwin military complex in the Mojave Desert (California). According to the press release, the first phase of the solar power plant comprises five sites that will have a total capacity of 500 megawatts (MW).  ACCIONA reports that a memorandum of understanding was signed by the Department of the Army, Fort Irwin and the ASP-Clark joint venture during a kick-off meeting at Fort Irwin, which is the U.S. Army's largest training ground and home to NASA's Goldstone Deep Space Communications center. The announcement follows a competitive bid process which was opened in March, 2009 by the U.S. Army's Senior Energy Council. According to a federal mandate, the U.S. Army is required to reduce its energy consumption by 30 % by 2015 compared to 2003, and needs to cover 25 % of its energy needs with renewables by 2025.


Defense Department's largest-ever solar energy project

According to the press release, the joint-project will develop approximately 500 MW, which could be increased to 1,000 MW at a later stage depending on demand and transmission capacity. The project is to utilize concentrating solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) technologies, and it is the U.S. Department of Defense's largest-ever solar project, greatly surpassing the 14 MW solar PV plant at Nellis Air Force Base (Nevada). ACCIONA reports that the facilities are to be installed at five sites on a total area of 5,600 hectares. The project cost is estimated at 2 billion US-dollars, and it is to be financed and developed by both companies. It is currently at an initial stage, and studies are being carried out to identify the most suitable and efficient technological solutions. Construction is scheduled to take place over a relatively long period of time and will be staggered in several phases.


Installations combining CSP and PV

The company reports that a 20 MW PV plant will be producing power by 2013, and the rest of the installations combining CSP and PV technology are scheduled for completion in 2022. The 500 MW project is expected to create about 4,000 local jobs during the construction phase. "To be selected for this project is an indication of the trust that one of the world's most technologically advanced organizations places in ACCIONA's ability to develop renewable projects", said Alberto de Miguel, ACCIONA Energy's Development Director. "It also confirms our position as an active player in the U.S. clean energies market." Fort Irwin, located in the Mojave Desert with the most hours of sunlight in the whole of the U.S. is believed to be an ideal site for solar power technologies. The new 500 MW solar facilities are expected to produce approximately 1 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, far exceeding Fort Irwin's 35 MW peak load.

2009-10-20   Courtesy: ACCIONA Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ACCIONA Energy

 

Morgan Solar secures 4.7 million US-dollar institutional investment, launches manufacturing of CPV panels

"Sun Simba" HCPV panel by Morgan Solar

Morgan Solar Inc. (Toronto, Canada), a solar energy start-up, on October 9th, 2009 announced that the company has completed the first part of its Round A investment, securing 4.7 million US-dollars from Iberdrola Group SA, Nypro Inc., and Turnstone Capital Management LLC. According to the press release, this investor syndicate is to fund Morgan Solar's migration from research and development to manufacturing. Morgan Solar reports that it has spent two years on the development of a high efficiency, low cost concentrating solar photovoltaic (CPV) panel for utility scale electricity generation and large distributed generation applications ("Sun Simba" HCPV).   John Paul Morgan, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Morgan Solar and inventor of the proprietary optics technology, said: "Iberdrola Group is the biggest possible industry partner we could have, and Nypro are global experts in the manufacturing processes we use. That these companies got in early with us makes me realize how big this could be." The company reports that it is now putting together a pilot manufacturing facility to build its new CPV panels, dubbed "Sun Simba HCPV." The plan is to deploy demonstration and evaluation installations soon, while the fine tuning of manufacturing processes and moving toward commercial release is scheduled for late 2010.


Investors take stake in start-up company, expect successful corporate development

Morgan Solar reports that Iberdrola Group, the largest electrical utility in Spain, has taken an early stake in the company by investing 2.5 million US-dollars. Pedro Velasco, Director of Non-Energy Businesses at Iberdrola Group, said: "We have reviewed hundreds of investment opportunities over the last few years and only invested in Morgan Solar and four others. Their CPV technology is revolutionary, highly efficient and simple to manufacture at very low costs. We see a winner in the making, and we took a position as soon as we saw it." According to the press release, Nypro Inc., a global leader in precision injection molding and contract manufacturing, has invested 1 million US-dollars and is to become a key partner in the manufacturing and product assembly by providing the capacity to quickly scale up manufacturing of the Sun Simba HCPV globally. Marc La Magna, Managing Director at Turnstone Capital Management LLC, expressed that he was pleased to have invested in Morgan Solar and that he looks forward to supporting its corporate development.

2009-10-20   Courtesy: Morgan Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Morgan Solar Inc.

 

Spire to expand UNICOR solar module manufacturing for Federal Prison Industries to 75 MW

Spire Corporation (Spire; Bedford, Massachusetts), a global solar company providing turnkey solar factories and capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) modules and systems, on October 14th, 2009 announced that it had entered in an agreement with UNICOR Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (UNICOR) to expand their current 25 megawatt (MW) module manufacturing capacity by the addition of a 50 MW module manufacturing line in Sheridan, Oregon. UNICOR is a wholly-owned government corporation that is authorized to operate industries, such as solar PV factories, in federal correctional institutions throughout the United States.   Spire believes that its module manufacturing allows inmates to gain substantial "green-collar" knowledge that is highly desired by employers. According to the press release, by expanding to a 75 MW capacity nearly 500 jobs have been created by Spire, and they will ultimately provide approximately 300 inmates with marketable job skills.


Cooperation to help facilitate deployment of federal solar systems

"Spire is widely known for putting new companies into the solar PV business, but also known for allowing a company to evolve with the growth of their needs and the growth of the market", said Roger G. Little, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spire Corporation. "UNICOR demonstrated this by transitioning from an entry-level factory, to become an even more successful and higher capacity facility." Spire says that it maintains a strong relationship with UNICOR. Not only does Spire supply UNICOR with solar cells for the Spire-installed turnkey PV module factory in Otisville, New York, but the two companies recently entered into a teaming agreement for Federal Solar Systems. Spire reports that this collaboration will strengthen its presence in the federal market and will provide UNICOR with the engineering support needed to provide quality systems to their customer base.

2009-10-20   Courtesy: Spire Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

eSolar partners with CES to speed solar thermal deployment in Sub-Saharan Africa

CSP plant by eSolar
CSP plant by eSolar

eSolar (Pasadena, California), a provider of modular, scalable solar thermal power technology, on October 9th, 2009 announced that it has partnered with Johannesburg-based Clean Energy Solutions (CES) to open a company to expand sales operations across Sub-Saharan Africa, which is to be named eSolarSA. According to the press release, the agreement grants CES, a South African developer of utility-scale renewable energy projects, the exclusive right to represent and distribute eSolar's concentrating solar power technology (CSP) throughout a seven-country region, including the Republic of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.   "With local partners on three continents and a commercially proven technology, eSolar is ready to expand its global footprint and further its goal of making solar energy competitive with fossil fuels", said Bill Gross, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of eSolar. "Africa boasts one of the highest solar resources on the planet, and eSolar's modular, scalable technology is well-positioned to establish the continent as a leader in the development of low-cost, no-carbon energy solutions."


Agreement to tap solar resources in Sub-Saharan Africa

Working closely with eSolar, CES is to operate eSolarSA as a separate entity responsible for project support and client service in Southern Africa. According to the press release, renewable energy advocate Stuart Fredman, currently Managing Director of CES, will be leading eSolarSA's efforts. Due to eSolar the region has recently made aggressive moves to boost renewable energy capacity, with the South African government notably setting the goal to install a capacity of 10,000 gigawatts (GW) for electricity from renewable resources by 2013. "Sub-Saharan Africa's tremendous solar resource has gone relatively untapped, but now, with eSolar's technology, we can establish Southern Africa as a new hotspot for solar development", said Fredman. "eSolar's CSP technology is the perfect fit for South Africa in its quest to generate affordable, clean energy and develop local jobs, particularly in rural areas." According to the press release, eSolar builds its plants in small 46 megawatt (MW) units sited on 80 hectares (200 acres), leveraging locally sourced, prefabricated components. eSolar's plants are said to overcome the key obstacles facing solar deployment, namely price, speed of deployment and grid impact.

2009-10-20   Courtesy: eSolar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: eSolar

 

Air Products to supply DuPont with gases for thin film PV production in China

Air Products (Allentown, Pennsylvania) on October 13th, 2009 announced that it had signed a turnkey gas supply contract to provide its "SunSource Solutions" liquid bulk and specialty gases, related gas distribution equipment and engineering services to DuPont Apollo Limited (Shenzhen, China) at its new amorphous silicon thin-film photovoltaic (PV) facility in GuangMing New District, Shenzhen. The contract includes the long-term supply of nitrogen, hydrogen, argon, oxygen and specialty gases, such as silane, as well as phosphine mixtures and other dopant gases, Air Products reports.   According to the press release, the company has also installed complete gas distribution systems from its source containers to the point of use within DuPont's Shenzhen facility. "Air Products is very excited to be working with DuPont. We believe our expertise and complete turnkey offerings will enable a fast ramp to meet DuPont's growth plans", said Corning Painter, Air Products' Vice President and General Manager, Global Electronics Division.


Bulk and specialty gases, equipment and engineering set for new Chinese PV production plant

DuPont has long been a leading supplier of PV materials, primarily serving the crystalline silicon (c-Si) cell and module markets, and is building a new research center in Hong Kong and a manufacturing facility in Shenzhen to support the emerging amorphous silicon (a-Si), thin-film PV market. As one of the leading suppliers to the TFT-LCD and other electronics industries, Air Products believes to be ideally suited to supply large PV fabs like DuPont's new facility. Its SunSource Solutions is a portfolio of gases, chemicals, equipment, on-site services and project management offerings that are said to help PV customers lower their costs, get a new PV fab online on-time, and keep it running efficiently.

2009-10-20   Courtesy: Air Products   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Dyesol and Merck collaborate in dye solar cells

Dyesol's DSC production
Dyesol's DSC production

Dyesol Limited (Queanbeyan, Australia) on October 15th, 2009 announced that it had signed an agreement with Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany) to collaborate in the development of electrolytes for use in dye solar cells (DSC). The first phase of the cooperation is to involve the development of new electrolytes, optimization of electrolytes for high performance, refinement of material specifications to assure long life, and scale up for volume production.   Dyesol reports that it will contribute the results of the past 12 years of testing over 400 different proprietary electrolytes that have reportedly resulted in DSC with proven stability of well over 25 years in European conditions. According to the press release, the joint development agreement may be the precursor to potential future commercial arrangements with Merck to manufacture existing and next generation electrolytes for application in DSC.



Companies to ensure worldwide availability of DSC materials

Merck and Dyesol report that they are also discussing the terms for exploitation to ensure that Dyesol's major corporate partners have secure lines of material supply and redundancy to underpin their investments in major DSC product manufacturing facilities, and that third parties worldwide have access to the best possible DSC electrolytes. As a result of their collaboration, both Dyesol and Merck expect to have the capacity and capability to manufacture DSC materials. Dyesol reports that Merck is one of the world leaders in the development and production of ionic liquids which are key raw materials used in DSC electrolytes. Dr. Gavin Tulloch, Global Managing Director of Dyesol, said: "Combining Merck's capabilities as a major world force in chemical production and supply and the technology leader in ionic liquids, together with Dyesol, the leading DSC technology and industrialisation group, adds exceptional potential to the commercialization of the unique photovoltaic technology." Dr. Emil Aust, Senior Manager of Ionic Liquids at Merck KGaA, added: "When used as the main components of DSC electrolytes, Merck's task-specific ionic liquids, partly patented, make it possible to use both solid and flexible DSCs, thus enabling outstanding new applications in the future."

2009-10-19   Courtesy: Dyesol Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Dyesol Ltd.

 

Scheuten Solar to sell solar cell production in Germany to ARISE Technologies

Former Shell Solar plant in Gelsenkirchen
Former Shell Solar plant in Gelsenkirchen

Scheuten Solar announced in a press release that it has entered into multi-faceted agreements with ARISE. ARISE Technologies Corporation, based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, is dedicated to becoming a leader in high-performance, cost-effective solar technology. The agreements will result in ARISE creating a photovoltaic (PV) cell technology center in Germany. The decision is according to the strategic plans of Scheuten Solar, where the focus is on other stages in the solar value chain, the company reports in its press release. Scheuten Solar has signed a lease with ARISE regarding the Scheuten PV cell manufacturing plant located in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. ARISE will use the building as a technology center with a pilot production line to commercialize the company’s high efficiency PV cell technology.   Scheuten has an option to sell the building and property to ARISE in 2012. Furthermore Scheuten Solar sold the assets, including inventory, of the solar cell manufacturing plant.



Jobs of all employees are secured

ARISE will employ all people who are currently employed at the Gelsenkirchen plant, Scheuten emphasizes in the press release. Scheuten’s 4,350-square-metre solar cell plant in Gelsenkirchen was built by Shell Solar and started operation in 2000. "Delivering on our high-efficiency PV cell program is a very important part of our strategy to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace", said Vern Heinrichs, ARISE’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are pleased that we can move forward with this significant step in our technology program at this time. This announcement is the first step of the next phase of our technology commercialization program, and we expect that it will take a number of months to finalize the funding, partners, and other aspects required to ramp up this program."

"The worldwide crisis accelerated our plans. Selling the cell factory fits our business strategy very well but was originally planned for 2010. We are very happy that both parties accomplished to secure the jobs of our employees that are working in the cell factory", stated Frans van den Heuvel, Chief Executive Officer of Scheuten Solar.

2009-10-19   Courtesy: Scheuten Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Scheuten Solar

 

PG&E signs second major solar deal with NextLight

PG&E signed contracts for a total of 830 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power capacity
PG&E signed contracts for a total
of 830 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV)
power capacity

The U.S. utility Pacific Gas and Electric Company (San Francisco, California) on October 15th, 2009 announced that it has contracted with Agua Caliente Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of NextLight Renewable Power, LLC (NextLight; San Francisco, California), for 290 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity to serve PG&E's customers in Northern and Central California. The utility reports that this agreement is one of several recently signed contracts with independent developers for a total of 830 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power.   The Agua Caliente project, to be located in Yuma County, Arizona, will be PG&E's second major contract with a subsidiary of NextLight. In June, the companies announced an agreement for 230 MW of solar power capacity from a project in Antelope Valley, California. Both projects, which are subject to approval by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), are to use photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate clean, renewable power. According to the press release, the Agua Caliente plant will deliver about 700 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy per year, enough to serve the needs of more than 100,000 average homes. Initial deliveries are expected to begin in mid-2012, with the project becoming fully operational by late 2014. Fong Wan, Senior Vice President of energy procurement at PG&E, said: "Our agreements with NextLight will help PG&E, and the state of California, show continued leadership in the development of solar power."

2009-10-19   Courtesy: Pacific Gas and Electric Company   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Pacific Gas and Electric Company

 

German Team wins 2009 Solar Decathlon

TU Darmstadt's award winning "Cube House".

U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Daniel Poneman on October 16th, 2009 announced the winners of the 2009 Department of Energy Solar Competition on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Team Germany, the student team from Darmstadt, Germany, won top honors by designing, building, and operating the most attractive and efficient solar-powered home. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign took second place followed by Team California in third place.   The active competition lasted for a week, with the prototype home designs open to the public through Sunday. Team Germany’s winning "Cube House" design produced a surplus of power even during three days of rain. This is the team’s second-straight Solar Decathlon victory, after winning the previous competition in 2007.




Daniel Poneman: A promise of our future

"This competition to build zero carbon homes has been a tremendous undertaking and we have seen terrific efforts by all the teams", Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman said. "The ingenuity that comes from individual effort is the promise of our future." Over the past two weeks, the 2009 Solar Decathlon challenged 20 university-led teams from the United States and as far away as Spain, Germany, and Canada to compete in 10 contests, ranging from subjective elements such as architecture, market viability, communications, lighting design, and engineering, to technical measurements of how well the homes provided energy for space heating and cooling, hot water, home entertainment, appliances, and net metering.


New to this year’s competition, the Net Metering Contest was worth 150 points towards the final results and was the most heavily weighted contest. It challenged teams to generate surplus energy, above and beyond the power needed to run a house, which they fed into a power grid. Team Germany earned 908.29 points out of a possible 1,000 to win the competition, followed by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with 897.30 points, and Team California with 863.08 points.


Individual Contest Winners Solar Decathlon 2009

Appliances:

In the Appliances Contest, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign earned the most points based on keeping a refrigerators and freezer cold, washing and drying 10 loads of laundry during the contest week, and washing dishes in a dishwasher five times during the competition – all on electricity generated only from sunlight. The team scored 93.53 out of 100 possible points.

Architecture:

Team California took first place in the Architecture contest and earned 98 points out of a possible 100. A jury of architects judged homes on the aesthetic and functional elements of the home’s design; ease of circulation among the public and private areas; integration of various spaces into a holistic design; generosity and sufficiency of space in the house; and the house’s design surprises meant to inspire visitors.

Comfort Zone:

Team Germany topped the contestants in the Comfort Zone contest, with 92 out of 100 points for maintaining indoor temperatures between 72 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity between 40 percent and 55 percent.

Communications:

Team California’s communications efforts, including communications plans, student-led tours, and team Web site, were judged best by the jury of Web site and public relations experts with a score of 69.75 points out of a possible 75 points.

Engineering:

The University of Minnesota won the Engineering contest, which was evaluated by a group of prominent engineers, who determined which solar home best exemplified excellence in energy systems design, energy-efficiency savings, creative innovations in design, and reliability of energy systems. The University of Minnesota scored 96 out of a possible 100 points.

Home Entertainment:

The Home Entertainment contest required students to use electricity generated by their solar houses to run interior and exterior lights, a TV, a computer, and a kitchen appliance to boil water. Teams were also required to hold two dinner parties and a movie night for neighbors. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign earned 92.62 out of a possible 100 points.

Hot Water:

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign earned the maximum 100 points in the Hot Water contest’s "shower tests", which aimed to deliver 15 gallons of hot water in ten minutes or less. Of course, the water was heated by the sun.

Lighting Design:

The University of Minnesota was named the winner of the Lighting contest where teams earned points based on an evaluation by a jury of lighting design experts. Jurors toured each house to evaluate the aesthetics, innovations, energy efficiency, user-friendliness, flexibility, and performance of the teams’ lighting designs. The University of Minnesota earned 72 points out of a possible 75 points.

Market Viability:

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette won the Market Viability contest, which evaluated whether the cost-effective construction and solar technology in a team’s design would create a viable product on the open market. Judges gauged market appeal based on three criteria: livability, feasibility of construction, and marketability. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette earned 97 points out of a possible 100 as judged by the professional jury.

Net Metering:

Team Germany took the top spot in the crucial, 150-point Net Metering contest. Teams were awarded 100 points if the energy supplied to their home’s two-way electrical meter registered zero or less after all of the energy demands of the contest week. Each house in the 2009 Solar Decathlon was connected to a power grid and equipped with a meter that measured both its consumption and production of energy. When a team’s meter showed a negative number, the home had generated surplus energy – worth up to 50 additional points. Team Germany scored a perfect 150 points in this contest.

The application process for the next Solar Decathlon, to be held in fall 2011, has already begun. For full event information, current standings, high-resolution photos and videos, an event schedule, and updates, visit the Solar Decathlon website http://www.solardecathlon.org/




2009-10-19   Courtesy: DOE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: TU Darmstadt

 

GE Energy Financial Services joins 23 million US-dollar funding round for SolarEdge

PV power harvesting and monitoring technology by SolarEdge.
PV power harvesting and monitoring technology
by SolarEdge.

SolarEdge Technologies Inc. (Herzliya, Israel, and Palo Alto, California), whose technology is aimed to increase solar photovoltaic systems' output by up to 25 %, on October 14th, 2009 announced that GE Energy Financial Services, a unit of General Electric Company (GE; Fairfield, Connecticut), had joined a 23 million US-dollar funding round to support growth in residential and large-scale photovoltaic (PV) sites.   SolarEdge reports that its other investors are the U.S. venture capital companies Opus Capital (Menlo Park, Calfornia) and Walden International (San Francisco, California), the Israeli funds Genesis Partners (Herzliya Pituach, Israel) and Vertex Venture Capital, and the Singaporean fund JP Capital Asia. According to the press release, the funding will be GE Energy Financial Services' first investment in Israel. "We will use this financing to further promote our solar power harvesting system, which can be embedded in practically all types of solar photovoltaic panels to maximize power generation while dramatically reducing costs", said Guy Sella, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder of SolarEdge. "By partnering with GE, we benefit from the company's proven R&D capabilities, energy technology expertise and deep commercial market reach."




Technology embedded into solar PV panels to increase output by up to 25 %

SolarEdge reportedly provides a holistic PV power harvesting and monitoring technology to maximize the energy output and cost efficiency of solar PV units. The company says it works with industry-leading partners such as BP Solar and Schott Solar, Isofoton, HaWi Energietechnik, Gehrlicher solar and many others to embed its technology into PV panels to increase their power output by up to 25 % and provide monitoring and control capabilities. "Our investment in SolarEdge reflects our confidence in the company's ability to thrive in the growing global solar industry", said Alex Urquhart, President and CEO of GE Energy Financial Services. "We view this investment as the beginning of a broader collaboration between GE and SolarEdge that could include joint product development and distribution." Details of each investor's contribution to the equity financing were not disclosed. With offices in Boston, Stamford (Connecticut), San Francisco, and Munich, Germany, GE Energy Financial Services' venture capital team has invested in 20 early- and growth-stage energy- and water-related technology companies since January 2006, SolarEdge reports.

2009-10-19   Courtesy: SolarEdge Technologies Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SolarEdge Technologies Inc.

 

SunRay Renewable Energy secured 120 million Euros in project financing for the largest PV plant in Italy

SunRay (Rome, Italy) announced that the company has secured project financing for the construction of a 24 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic plant at Montalto di Castro, located approximately 100 km north of Rome in the province of Viterbo. This project is believed to become Italy's largest PV power plant to date, and SunRay intends to expand the site to 100 MW by the end of 2010.   According to the press release, construction on this project began in February 2009, and the first phase of 24 MW is scheduled to be connected to the grid by the end of 2009. The project financing amounts to 120 million Euros (177 million US-dollars), and it is believed to be one of the largest PV project finance deals closed in Europe this year. SunRay reports that its wholly owned subsidiary Cassiopea PV S.r.l. is the borrower in the deal, the lending banks are Banca Infrastrutture Innovazione e Sviluppo, Société Générale and WestLB AG.


Local contractors, workers recruited for construction of solar power plant

SunRay reports that it had worked closely with all relevant authorities at the commune, province and regional level to ensure that the project design was in line with the community's needs. The company selected a number of skilled local contractors to help build the plant, and over 200 local workers are currently employed on the construction site. "In addition to delivering commercial benefits to the community, Montalto di Castro is designed to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding countryside and to preserve the local ecosystem", said Giora Salita, Head of Business Development for SunRay Group. "We have chosen suppliers with unrivalled global experience in PV plant construction and technology so that the finished project will become the pride of the local community today and for many generations in the future."


Solar power plant first phase of intended 100 MW project

SunRay reports that the current 24 MW plant at Montalto represents merely the first phase of a single development which, when completed at the end of 2010, is intended to be 100 MW in size. SunRay's engineering, construction and procurement (EPC) partner for this first phase of the project is the U.S. company SunPower Corporation (San Jose, California), which supplied high-efficiency back-contact mono-crystalline PV modules and single-axis T0 tracking technology. With a peak power of 24 megawatts (MWp) from the installation of around 80,000 solar panels, the Montalto di Castro plant is expected to be capable of producing over 40,000 MWh of energy per year from renewable sources. The plant will avoid the emission of more than 22,000 tons of CO2 per year, substantially contributing to achieving Italy's targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

2009-10-19   Courtesy: SunRay Renewable Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

DCG Systems and Thermosensorik GmbH collaborate to provide thermography systems for semiconductors and solar cells

DCG Systems, Inc. (DCG; Fremont, California) on October 5th, 2009 announced that the company had signed an exclusive agreement with Thermosensorik GmbH (Erlangen, Germany) to develop and market a line of thermal products based upon its "Focal Plane Array" (FPA) infrared cameras. The joint DCG Thermosensorik products are to be optimized for subsurface defect detection in semiconductor devices as well as in crystalline and thin film solar cells.   Besides marketing Thermosensorik's products ThermoSpector FA and ThermoSpector PV as stand-alone systems DCG plans to incorporate Thermosensorik technology into its new "Enhanced Lock-in Thermal Emission" (ELITE) product. According to the press release, the ELITE utilizes Lock-in Thermography (LIT) to locate line shorts, ESD defects, oxide damage, defective transistors and diodes and device latchups without requiring special light shielding boxes. Lock-in is said to allow defects to be spatially resolved to a narrow area, and LIT data can then be accumulated for as long as necessary in order to resolve thermal emission sites down to the 1 micro-W range. "We evaluated many camera suppliers and found that the Thermosensorik technology was superior to all others", said Dr. Israel Niv, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DCG. "We are very pleased to be working with Thermosensorik and we are proud to start our collaboration with this fine partner in order to provide the semiconductor industry with the most sensitive thermal system in the market. Thermosensorik technology superiority is a great fit with the technology superiority of all other DCG products." Thomas Hierl, Managing Director and Founder of Thermosensorik, said: "We are convinced that this partnership will give Thermosensorik access to the global semiconductor and photovoltaic industry."

2009-10-19   Courtesy: DCG Systems, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Paul Gipe on India's 1.1 billion move to feed-in tariffs

Industry veteran and feed-in tariff (FIT) proponent Paul Gipe published an analysis of the proposed FIT-program in India. As the world's largest single political jurisdiction to date, the country recently made a strategic move to use a comprehensive system of feed-in tariffs to develop its renewable energy potential. India's Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) in New Delhi announced that it was launching new regulations to establish a system of feed-in tariffs for renewable energy, including both wind and solar power.   Gipe reports that China had previously announced FITs for wind energy only, but he expects this country to reveal feed-in tariffs for solar energy later this year. India's 1.1 billion people together with China's 1.3 billion and the bulk of Europe's 300 million inhabitants have, according to Gipe, committed to developing renewable energy with FITs. He is convinced that the move by CERC on FITs strengthens India's position in the run up to the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen.



By introducing FITs, developing world seen to take action to increase renewable energy deployment

According to Gipe, China's introduction of FITs this year and recent pronouncements by the government can also be seen as positioning the developing world, especially Asia's two economic powerhouses, as taking action in regard to what he calls laggards in the developed world, namely the United States, Canada, and Australia. Neither the U.S. nor Canada reportedly have a climate change action plan nor a national goal of renewable energy in either nation's electricity supply. In the case of India, Gipe cautions that it remains uncertain whether CERC would set specific tariffs or whether each project would apply for tariffs individually. In most jurisdictions, feed-in tariffs are specified for each technology or application, he explains. The regulations announced by CERC are believed to be merely a primer on how to calculate tariffs for each technology. The announcement calls for the setting of preferential tariffs for the period of debt repayment while maintaining an "adequate IRR," or internal rate of return.


Lack of specific tariffs in India's proposal, levelized cost of energy to define the rate

Yet there are no tariffs in CERC's published documents, Gipe cautions. According to his analysis, it is interesting that CERC specified the tariffs before tax. Unlike the practice in the United States, where federal tax subsidies play such an important part in project finance, the Indians specify a "normative return on equity" used in the calculations of 19 % pre-tax during the first 10 years, and 24 % after 10 years, which Gipe says is comparable to the method used in Europe. CERC also said that developers can approach the commission for project-specific tariffs as well as take the posted tariffs. Gipe explains that the new regulations spell out what assumptions need to be made to calculate the tariffs. For example, the regulations say that the discount rate used in determining the tariff will be the average weighted cost of capital. Further, the tariffs, defined as the levelized cost of energy, are derived from the specific "useful life" of each technology.


Plan calls for 5 % electricity from renewable sources in India by 2010

Wind projects are only to receive the tariffs if they are located on sites with a minimum of 200 W/m² at 50 m. This is equivalent to a Class 2 or 5.5 m/s wind resource in the Battelle system of wind classes. As successfully used in Germany and France and now proposed in China, India's new regulations will, according to the announcement, vary the tariff for wind energy based on resource intensity. According to Gipe, key elements in the Indian program include tariffs based on cost of generation plus profit (19 % ROE), overall contract terms of 13years (25 years for solar photovoltaic and solar thermal energy), wind tariffs based on resource intensity. The action plan calls for five percent of electricity generation in India to be from renewable sources by 2010 and to increase one percent per year for the next ten years.

2009-10-19   Courtesy: Paul Gipe   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

1BOG chooses HelioPower for solar projects in Coachella Valley

HelioPower solar installation in Rancho Mirage, CA
HelioPower solar installation
in Rancho Mirage, CA

Offering Coachella Valley residents the lowest price per watt for solar electricity, One Block Off the Grid (1BOG; San Francisco, California) selected HelioPower (Murietta, California) to lead its solar group discount program in the desert. The announcement was made on October 11th, 2009 by the desert's leading newspaper, The Desert Sun, in a piece titled "Solar energy marketer kicks off local campaign."   By organizing interested homeowners into a community and selecting an installer partner based on a rigorous vetting process, 1BOG is said to be able to harness the group's solar purchasing power to negotiate winning rates, while eliminating each homeowner's need to shop around for the best deal. "Teaming up with HelioPower for the Coachella Valley solar program will bolster local efforts to reduce the region's energy consumption and reliance on non-sustainable energy sources. By streamlining the process to offer a simple and affordable alternative energy option for local residents, we are lowering the barrier to entry for solar adoption", said Dave Llorens, Co-Founder and General Manager of 1BOG. "Every program we run is a significant step towards our goal of making solar energy widely accessible to create a new norm for powering homes."


Desert valley residents use 150 % more power than average California homes, solar electricity to help offset economic and ecological cost

According to the press release, 1BOG invites local installers to bid for each regional program. After a rigorous, month-long evaluation of local installer companies, HelioPower reports it was selected by 1BOG as partner for this Coachella Valley program. The company is to service the local community with timely installation of quality solar products. 1BOG's strict evaluation process is said to eliminate the need for homeowners to research installers and technology options themselves, while at the same time securing installation costs that can range from 10-20 % below market rates by aggregating local demand. According to the company's press release, HelioPower was also selected as 1BOG's installer partner for the San Diego program that ran in May 2009. "Exposure to extreme desert conditions means that homes in Coachella Valley use 150 % more power than the average home in California, which is incredibly expensive and harmful to the environment", said Scott Gordon, Vice President, Residential Sales for HelioPower. "Being selected as 1BOG's Coachella Valley partner is not only a huge win for HelioPower, but it's a much-needed kick start for the region's health and economic success." According to the press release, the Coachella Valley 1BOG program is available now to local homeowners in the entire Coachella Valley through December 12th, 2009.

2009-10-18   Courtesy: HelioPower   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: HelioPower

 

California: Sharp Solar selected for "One Block Off the Grid" solar group purchase program in Sonoma County

Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group (Sharp Solar; Huntington Beach, California) in October 2009 announced that it had teamed up with solar advocacy group One Block Off the Grid (1BOG; San Francisco, California) to offer greater discounts on solar solutions for Sonoma County homeowners. According to the press release, 1BOG is the United States' largest solar bargaining collective that harnesses the power of collective buying agreements by organizing groups of homeowners who are interested in purchasing solar power.   Leveraging the power of community, 1BOG says it is able to negotiate solar group discounts with installers, and now also with manufacturers. According to the press release, the Sonoma County solar group purchase campaign is 1BOG's sixth active area and tenth program, and it marks the first time that the company has dealt directly with a solar panel manufacturer to aid in further lowering the cost of solar systems for its members.

"Up until now, we've been limited to negotiating lower prices with installers only, but with the Sonoma County group purchase campaign, we've extended our reach and gone straight to the source to obtain even greater savings for our customers", said Dave Llorens, 1BOG Co-founder and General Manager. "We're happy to deal directly with Sharp to offer its powerful and reliable modules as the flagship product for this group purchase."


Property owners to receive group discount from module manufacturer, installer of solar PV systems

According to the press release, the Sonoma County campaign began in October, 2009, and is open to new registrants until November 9th. Residents of the area are invited to log on to the URL http://solarsonomacounty.1bog.org/ for more information. 1BOG is also partnering with installer Real Goods Solar (San Rafael, California) for discounted installation fees, Sharp Solar reports. According to the "Sonoma County Energy Independence Program," homeowners are eligible for increased financing options that help offset the significant upfront cost of going solar. All group participants in the 1BOG Sonoma County campaign are to have their houses outfitted with Sharp's high-grade "ND-216UCI" solar modules. The company reports that these modules offer high performance, high efficiency and durability for reliable and powerful electricity output. "We've been very impressed by 1BOG's grassroots model and support its mission to increase interest and adoption of solar energy in communities across the country", said Ron Kenedi, Vice President of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group. "Ultimately, we share the same goal of accelerating the widespread use of solar energy, and we are pleased to help make solar energy a more affordable choice for residents of Sonoma County."

2009-10-18   Courtesy: Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

National poll shows more than nine out of ten Americans want solar now

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA; Washington, D.C.) on October 8th, 2009 reported that a vast majority of Americans, across all political parties, consistently support the development and funding of solar energy. These and other findings were reported in the 2009 "SCHOTT Solar Barometer," a nationally representative survey conducted by independent polling firm Kelton Research (NYC, New York and Los Angeles, California). According to the press release, the survey found that 92 % of Americans think it is important for the U.S. to develop and use solar energy.   This support for solar power is according to SEIA consistent across political party affiliation with 89 % of Republicans, 94 % of Democrats and 93 % of Independents agreeing that it is important for the U.S. to develop and use solar power. Furthermore, close to eight in 10 (77 %) Americans feel that the development of solar power and other renewable energy sources should be a major priority of the federal government, including the financial support needed. "The SCHOTT Solar Barometer confirms our belief that Americans are ready for solar energy," said Dr. Gerald Fine, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SCHOTT North America (Fullerton, California).


Majority of U.S. citizens admit to a lack information on solar energy

"With controversial debates happening all over America, this isn't one of them", said Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. "Americans overwhelmingly want clean, reliable solar energy for their homes and businesses. It's now time for Congress to listen to the American public and prioritize the use of solar in upcoming energy legislation." According to SEIA, the recent poll also shows that if they had to choose one energy source to financially support if they were President, 43 % of Americans would opt for solar over other sources such as wind (17 %), natural gas (12 %) and nuclear (10 %). According to the poll's findings, almost half of all Americans (49 %) say they're currently pondering solar power options for their home or business, and another three percent already have solar power. SEIA cautions that most Americans feel they lack information. Fewer than one in five (12 %) can claim that they're extremely informed about the subject of solar power in general. What's more, almost three in four (74 %) Americans admit they wish they knew more about solar power options for their home or business.

2009-10-17   Courtesy: SEIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Suntech Collaborates with AEDB to Deliver Solar to Pakistan

Suntech solar cell production.
Suntech solar cell production.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi; China), the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, announced on October 15th, 2009 that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Pakistan's Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) to work towards the widespread use of solar energy technologies to meet the energy shortage in Pakistan. The objective of the MOU due to Suntech is to facilitate cooperation between Suntech and the public sector and private companies in Pakistan to help implement solar programs including the AEDB's Rural Electrification Program; the development of solar power pumping systems with the AEDB and the World Bank; and solar power telecom projects in collaboration with Pakistani telecom companies. 

Solar energy meeting growing demand for electricity in the developing world

"We are proud to collaborate with the Alternative Energy Development Board to bring the latest in crystalline silicon solar technology to Pakistan", said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO. "This is a clear example of the promise of solar energy in meeting growing demands for electricity in the developing world in an environmentally friendly way. With rapid improvements in solar energy technology and operational efficiency, solar energy is establishing itself as a crucial, cost-competitive part of the global energy mix."

"We are very pleased to be working with Suntech towards developing clean renewable energy in our country", said Mr. Masood Khan, Pakistan's Ambassador to China. "Pakistan is committed to using solar power as a way to solve Pakistan's energy shortage, and we are confident in Suntech's reputation as a global industry leader to bring reliable environmentally sustainable solutions to Pakistan's growing energy needs." The MOU sets forth the agreement in principle of the parties concerning the project and related activities, Suntech reports in a press release. Final agreement between the parties is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements among the parties.


2009-10-16   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

 

Start-up BrightView reaches evaluation milestones at Signet Solar thin film PV production facility

An insight on Signet Solar's production in Mochau, Germany.
An insight on Signet Solar's production
in Mochau, Germany.

BrightView Systems (Petach Tikva, Israel) on October 14th, 2009 announced the successful integration and validation of its "Wide Area Metrology" (WAM) process metrology and mapping solution for thin-film photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers at Signet Solar's production line in Mochau, Germany. According to the press release, the WAM tool has successfully demonstrated its contribution to both panel efficiency and line productivity via in-line, true-cell-metrology and measurement capabilities as well as an associated suite of control applications for excursion detection, chamber matching and process window optimization.   Signet Solar embedded the system into its production flow and was reportedly able, for the first time, to implement fully automated continuous full-panel process monitoring and feedback on 100 % of produced panels. The company reports that it was able to greatly reduce its reliance on off-line measurements and special test panel cycles.



WAM in-line process metrology tool to improve efficiency and productivity

"The BrightView solution fills a major gap in the industry's transition from pilot to mass production, providing true 24/7 in-line process monitoring while saving long and tedious off-line cycles and test panels", said Gunter Ziegenbalg, Managing Director of Signet Solar GmbH. "The system has been embraced by our R&D engineers, who are finally generating the data they need for concrete process improvements and optimization, and by our production engineers, who are relying on the continuous automatic alerting of process issues, as well as much quicker turnaround following process tool maintenance."

Benny Shoham, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BrightView added, "Signet Solar has put our system through rigorous testing, allowing us to validate our vision in a high volume production line using actual panel performance data. Their talented team, working with the BrightView state-of–the-art WAM solution, was able to deliver major improvements to line productivity in a very short time."

2009-10-16   Courtesy: BrightView Systems Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Signet Solar Inc.

 

Team California wins the Communications contest at U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon

Team California wins Solar Decathlon communications contest.
Team California wins Solar Decathlon
communications contest.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on October 13th, 2009 announced that Team California had snagged the top spot in the Communications contest at its Solar Decathlon on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. According to the press release, this part was the third out of ten contests that make up the international competition. According to the DOE, Team California was able to impress jurors with the communications strategies, promotional materials, and people skills the team displayed while conveying the technical aspects of household solar energy systems to the public.   "Team California constructed an easy-to-navigate Web site with a user-friendly home page, which encourages further site exploration", said Communications Juror Jamie Van Mourik, U.S. Green Building Council. "On the Mall, it is evident by their elaborate signage and ability to manage crowd flow, their communications plan was well though-out, offering a solid analysis to maximize educational opportunities." Twenty university-led teams from the United States, Canada, Germany, and Spain are currently competing in DOE's fourth Solar Decathlon to design, build, and operate houses powered by the sun.



Solar Decathlon's winners to be announced on October 16th

The DOE reports that the teams that are competing in the Solar Decathlon participate in ten contests that evaluate several aspects of a home's appearance, such as architecture, market viability, and comfort that measure the way it optimizes efficiency and provides energy for space heating and cooling, hot water, home entertainment, lighting, and appliances. For the Communications contest, teams earned points based on a number of subjective criteria, including audience analysis, quality and inventiveness of web site content, presentation of visual aids, and memorable branding. According to the DOE, Team California finished with 69.75 points out of 75 points, followed by Cornell University and Team Ontario/BC, which tied for second place with 66.75 points. Team California reportedly leads in the overall standings with 403.5 points followed by Team Germany (401.2 points) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (392.3 points). An overall winner of the competition is to be announced on Friday, October 16th, 2009.

2009-10-16   Courtesy: DOE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: solardecathlon.org/

 

Solar Power to install solar PV systems at two Ventura County locations

SkyMount racking system atop the STAPLES Center.
SkyMount racking system
atop the STAPLES Center.

Solar Power, Inc. (SPI; Roseville, California) on October 7th 2009 announced that as a result of a unanimous vote by the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors, it had been selected to design and install photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems on two of the County's buildings. SPI plans to install a 328 kilowatt (kW) system on the Fleet Services and Public Works buildings at the Saticoy Operations Yard and a 169 kW system on the County's Vanguard building, located in Oxnard. The company reports that this 497 kilowatt (kW) PV solar power project marks Ventura County's entry into the solar energy field.  The project is said to represent the culmination of a long-term effort on the part of the Ventura County government, which has been working to bring solar energy to the County's facilities since January 2008. "We have always been interested in renewable energy as a viable economic strategy", said Steve Morgan, Chief Deputy Director GSA for Ventura County. "When we began to pursue LEED certification for some of our newer facilities, we became more determined than ever to invest in a solar system that would make economic and environmental sense. This project helps us achieve that goal."


County to host solar energy systems and buy electricity under power purchase agreement

According to the press release, a team of County personnel was formed in 2008 to research opportunities for a solar energy system. Rather than seeking dedicated funding for a solar project, the team decided to seek a structured financing instrument that would allow the County to host the system and purchase the power it produces at a rate that would offer energy savings. SPI reports that it had been able to facilitate the project by introducing Solar Power Partners, Inc. (SPP; Mill Valley, California) to Ventura County. SPP arranged for the financing of the project and will own and operate the solar arrays over the term of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Solar Power Partners is one of the most successful commercial solar PPA providers in the country, SPI reports. The two systems are to be a mix of conventional roof-mount solar and SPI's proprietary "SkyMount" system, which is said to enable minimal roof penetrations, optimized solar module performance, and reduced installation time. According to the press release, the installations will incorporate 2,448 of SPI's 205-watt modules. Bradley Ferrell, President of SPI's commercial sales division, said: "Like many local governments across the state of California, Ventura County has initiated a program to adopt solar at many of its operations. We hope to work with County officials on future projects as they continue their migration to solar in other areas of the County's operations as a cost-saving alternative to traditional utility-sourced electricity."



2009-10-16   Courtesy: Solar Power, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Power, Inc.

 

9.1 MW solar photovoltaic plant puts Ontario in top rank of PV states and provinces in North America

Graphical rendering of the
Graphical rendering of the "First Light"
solar PV park.

With the activation of a 9.1 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in eastern Ontario on October 5th, the Canadian province has rocketed to the top ten solar jurisdictions in North America, industry veteran Paul Gipe commends in a press release. Ontario had reportedly already been one of the leaders in solar energy development in North America with 1.7 MW of solar PV plants operating in the province. With the addition of the 9.1 MW "First Light" project 30 miles (50 km) northwest of Kingston, Ontario's total installed solar PV capacity reached 10.8 MW.  Gipe reports that this puts Ontario in league with Connecticut, Oregon, and Massachusetts, the 8th, 9th, and 10th, jurisdiction in the U.S. with the most installed capacity at the end of 2008. Previously, the largest solar PV project in Canada was the 111 kW system atop the Jean Canfield Building in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, closely followed by the 100 kW system at the Horse Palace in Toronto, Ontario. The First Light project, a joint venture between SunEdison Canada (Richmond Hill, Ontario) and SkyPower (Toronto, Ontario) is scheduled to be formally inaugurated on October 14th, 2009.



Ontario bound to be among top-5 North American jurisdictions regarding installed solar capacity

First Light is expected to generate 10 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year using thin film panels manufactured by First Solar (Tempe, Arizona) and 500 kilowatt (kW) inverters built in Burlington, Ontario by SatCon. Gipe reports that the projects were installed under Ontario's 'Standard Offer Contract' program that pays 0.42 Canadian dollars (CAD) per kWh (0.38 US-dollars/kWh) under 20-year contracts with the Ontario Power Authority. Unlike the U.S., there are no tax subsidies in Canada. First Solar operates an existing 1 MW project near Sarnia that it bought from OptiSolar, and it expects to expand the project to a full 20 MW by the end of the year. If First Solar reaches its objective Ontario will not only jump into the top ten but also be among the top five jurisdictions in North America with a total installed solar PV capacity of 29.8 MW, Gipe reports. According to the press release, there are more than 500 MW of contracts outstanding under the Standard Offer program. If built, Ontario may soon rival California as a leader in solar PV development in North America, far surpassing any other state or province. In addition, manufacturers, dealers, and installers are said to gear up for a boom in rooftop installations under Ontario's new system of feed-in tariffs (FIT) that replaced the Standard Offer program. Currently there are some 700 kW of rooftop solar systems operating in the province, Gipe explains.

2009-10-16   Courtesy: Paul Gipe   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunEdison Canada; SkyPower Corp.

 

Siemens to decisively strengthen its position in the growth market solar thermal power; Acquisition of Solel Solar Systems for about 8 million

Solel produces receivers for parabolic trough power plants.
Solel produces receivers for
parabolic trough power plants.

Siemens AG is to acquire the solar thermal power company Solel Solar Systems Ltd., Siemens announces in a press release. To date, the majority stake has been held by Ecofin Ltd., a London-based investment firm, and another major shareholder, Siemens reports. "After the rapid and highly successful expansion of our wind power business, we now want to continue this success story in the solar sector. With the acquisition of Solel, Siemens can now strengthen its market position in the promising business of solar thermal power plants. We can thus further expand our extensive Environmental Portfolio - and, as already announced, we will become even greener", said Siemens President and CEO Peter Löscher. 


Leading suppliers of solar receivers for parabolic trough power plants

Solel Solar Systems due to Siemens has a workforce of over 500 and is one of the world?s two leading suppliers of solar receivers, which are key components of so-called parabolic trough power plants. The high-growth company, which posted revenue totaling almost million in the first six months of its current fiscal year (January 1 to June 30, 2009), is also a leader in the planning and construction of solar fields. The purchase price is about 8 million (currently equivalent to around €284 million1). The transaction is subject to approval by the responsible authorities. It is anticipated that the closing will take place before the end of this calendar year.


Key parts for solar power plants

Solel is a successful company in the future-oriented solar power sector, with decades of experience in the development and manufacture of solar field equipment and the planning and construction of solar fields. Since 2006, Solel has also been present on the Spanish market, supplying key components for 15 solar thermal power plants with a combined capacity of 750 megawatts. In addition, the company is also active on the important U.S. market. "Siemens and Solel are a perfect match", said René Umlauft, CEO of Siemens’ Renewable Energy Division. "We are the market leader in steam turbines for solar thermal power plants and, with the power block, we can offer a key part for solar power plants - the part that is responsible for power generation. Solel boasts high-efficiency receiver technology and comprehensive expertise in the engineering and construction of solar fields. In the future, we’ll be able to offer the key components for the construction of parabolic trough power plants from a single source and to further enhance the efficiency of these plants."


CSP market to reach a volume of over €20 billion

Until 2020, the market for solar thermal power plants (Concentrationg Solar Power; CSP) will show annual double-digit growth rates and attain a volume of over €20 billion. In the future, the primary focal growth regions will be the U.S., South Africa, Australia, Spain, India, North Africa and the Middle East. "Together, we will utilize our know-how in these core competencies to further optimize the water/steam cycle and to further boost the efficiency of solar thermal power plants. Thus we can accelerate the use of this clean technology", said Avi Brenmiller, CEO of Solel Solar Systems. "Combined with Siemens’ financial strength and its global sales and marketing activities, this will open up promising prospects for our business and hence also for all of Solel’s employees."


Proven utility-scale solar power

Parabolic trough power plants are the solar-based power generation technology with the best track record of all utility-scale solar technologies. They are particularly suitable for regions with high levels of direct insolation. The principle is simple: curved sun-tracking mirrors capture the sunlight and concentrate it on the solar receiver. A heat transfer medium, which is heated by the concentrated solar radiation, flows through the solar receiver. In a heat exchanger, steam is then generated for a steam turbine, which drives a generator, which in turn generates electricity. Together with the electrical and instrumentation and control equipment and the cooling systems, these components form the power block of a solar power plant.

Products and solutions for solar thermal power plants are part of the Siemens Environmental Portfolio, with which the company on own account posted revenue of nearly €19 billion in fiscal 2008 - about a quarter of Siemens’ total sales - making Siemens the world’s leading provider of ecofriendly technologies.



2009-10-15   Courtesy: Siemens AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solel Solar Systems Ltd.

 

PSE&G accepting proposals for 'Solar 4 All' program's third-party-owned segment

The Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G; Newark, New Jersey) on October 12th, 2009 announced that the company is soliciting proposals from developers and third-party-owned sites for the development of 5 megawatts (MW) of roof and ground-mounted solar systems. These projects are to be owned by PSE&G and are said to provide rental income to property owners. Solar developers, together with owners of real estate located in the utility's electric service territory, are expected to propose sites for solar installations.   Owners are to receive rent for roof-mounted, building-mounted, and ground-mounted solar systems installed on their properties and connected directly into the electric grid. PSE&G reports that the company has received approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on August 3rd, 2009 to implement its "Solar 4 All" program for the construction of 80 megawatts direct current (DC) of PSE&G-owned solar generation. The company plans to invest approximately 515 million US-dollars in the program over the next several years to help New Jersey meet its renewable energy goals. The investment is expected to double the installed solar capacity in the state.


Solar energy systems between 500 kW and 2 MW

According to the press release, one of the Solar 4 All program segments allows PSE&G to install, own and operate 10 MW of solar systems on any public or private third-party host site located in the utility's electric service territory. PSE&G is to own the system and its energy output as well as the associated environmental attributes. The area to be used for the solar installations must be able to accommodate a 500 kilowatt (kW) or greater solar system and should be no greater than 2 MW. "We are committed to working with solar developers to increase solar renewable generation in New Jersey", said Al Matos, PSE&G's Vice President for renewables and energy solutions. "Our Solar 4 All program will result in new green jobs for the solar industry and will allow useful solar energy production to be placed on real estate that normally had little economic value." PSE&G reports it will begin accepting applications during an "Open Season" for solar systems located on third-party sites, which will remain open for 60 days until December 11th, 2009. This initial Open Season solicitation is seeking proposals for 5.1 MW of projects, the company reports. "Beginning today developers are encouraged to team up with potential host sites to propose projects to PSE&G," said Susanna Chiu, PSE&G's Director of business development. "The selected host sites will not only earn revenue from the rental payments from PSE&G but may also receive public recognition for taking part in an exciting program to benefit the environment," she said.

2009-10-15   Courtesy: PSE&G   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

PROINSO awarded the supply of a large solar photovoltaic plant in Belgium with a 3 MW output

PROINSO to deliver PV components for für 3 M solar park in Belgium
PROINSO to deliver PV components
for für 3 M solar park in Belgium

The Spanish company PROINSO, specialist in engineering and supply of photovoltaic solar plants, has signed a collaboration agreement with the Belgian engineering company Nizet, for the supply of modules, inverters and fixed structures, which will become the largest solar farm in Belgium, located in Ivarem, PROINSO announces in a press release. PROINSO, part of the OPDE group, will also be responsible for advising on engineering and design optimization, as well as training the qualified staff of the Belgian company. The new plant at Ivarem will have a nominal output of 3 MW and will become the largest in Belgium, a country with a total of 100 MW of solar photovoltaic facilities, which will represent 3% of the entire market.   The total supply operation due to PROINSO will amount to € 5 million and will run from mid October until next December 2009, date for the launch of the new solar plant which will work in combination with a methane plant.



Trina Solar modules, SMA inverters and mounting systems by MECASOLAR

Thus, for the next months PROINSO will provide: 3 MW of Trina Solar TSM-PC05 modules of 235 Wp (with an efficiency of 14.4 %), 270 SMA inverters (SMC11000TL equipment); 266 MECASOLAR fixed structures (model MS-2CFIX) as well as communications and monitoring equipment (SMA). PROINSO is extremely satisfied with the importance of the agreement. "Not only because we will be supplying and advising Belgium’s largest plant, but for the trust Nizet have placed in us by choosing us as a partner for their first incursion into solar photovoltaics of this size", the company emphasizes.

In this regard, PROINSO accentuates that the Belgian company - with an annual turnover of €1,300 million and a history of more than a century in the market - is one of the country's largest engineering companies. Recently, it took charge of building an offshore wind farm with a 300 MW output to the north of British Isles.

2009-10-15   Courtesy: PROINSO   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PROINSO

 

IMEC and BP Solar demonstrate high-efficiency low-cost silicon solar cell

IMEC (Leuven, Belgium), one of the leading European research centers for photovoltaics (PV), and BP Solar, part of BP Alternative Energy, on October 5th, 2009 announced that the companies had demonstrated a 18 % conversion efficiency for silicon solar cells made of BP Solar's newly developed "Mono2" silicon. By combining IMEC's advanced processing techniques with BP Solar's substrates, the companies say they could demonstrate that Mono2 has a good potential to become a new base material for low-cost highly-efficient solar cells.   According to the press release, BP Solar's Mono2 production process delivers a new wafer platform for solar cells that is believed to have the potential to become a low-cost alternative to the more expensive Czochralski silicon substrates. The process due to IMEC and BP Solar combines very low defect densities and high conversion efficiencies with production costs that are comparable to the costs of traditional multicrystalline substrates. The production of Mono2 is said to involve a proprietary growth nucleation process for the casting of ingots used to produce single crystal bricks and wafers whereby preferred crystallographic orientations can be achieved. This feature is believed to allow for further improvement in cell efficiencies. BP Solar's Mono2 was developed with support of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) 'Technologies Pathways Partnership.'


18 % efficiency demonstrated for solar cells with only 130 μm thickness

IMEC reports that the company's cell production process is feasible as an industrial production process, as it only adds three processing steps to the standard industrially applied process of full aluminum back surface field. According to the press release, the company's solar cells cover an area of 156 x 156 mm and are only 130 μm thick. Jef Poortmans, Program Director Photovoltaics, said: "IMEC's photovoltaic research aims towards a sharp reduction in production cost and at the same time an increase of the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells. Our partners can leverage our advanced processing techniques to create high-efficiency low-cost solar cells based on their proprietary high-quality materials and knowhow." Eric Daniels, BP Solar's Vice President, global technology, said: "BP Solar is working to leverage such key technology developments to further reduce the cost of PV electricity. Working with R&D centers such as IMEC and key customers, we are commercializing this technology and seek to provide a better platform for the current and next generation solar cells."

2009-10-15   Courtesy: IMEC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords announces 389,000 US-dollars in federal funding for solar energy projects in Arizona

Gabrielle Giffords.
Gabrielle Giffords.

U.S. House Representative for the 8th District of Arizona Gabrielle Giffords on October 8th, 2009 announced that she was welcoming new federal funds aimed at advancing the use of solar energy in Tucson and making it easier for consumers to get comprehensive information on solar from a one-stop center. According to her press release, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) had announced that Tucson was awarded 389,000 US-dollars for phase two of its solar initiative.   "This award will allow the city of Tucson to continue its leadership in the use of solar energy", said Giffords, also a member of the House Science and Technology Committee. "These federal funds will be put to very good use." The award had been announced by Energy Secretary Steven Chu at the opening of the Energy Department's "Solar Decathlon" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The decathlon is an international collegiate event in which 20 student teams, including one from the University of Arizona, compete to design, build, and operate highly energy-efficient, completely solar-powered houses.


Tucson one of 25 U.S. cities designated as "Solar America City"

According to the press release, Chu's announcement comes one day after the Science and Technology Committee passed and sent to the full house U.S. Representative Giffords' "Solar Technology Roadmap Act." The bill would require the DOE to appoint a group of experts to create a long-term plan to guide solar energy research and its transition into commercial uses. The award to the city of Tucson are to finance research into creative ways for municipalities to pay for solar installations and a study of how solar projects can be integrated into new city buildings from the beginning of planning. Also, the funding is to help establish a "one-stop solar shop" that would provide comprehensive, unbiased information to people interested in installing solar equipment on their homes or other privately owned buildings. Finally, the DOE announcement includes 3.3 million US-dollars for the Arizona Public Service Co. (Phoenix, Arizona) to study the impact of running large amounts of photovoltaic (PV) electricity through the electric grid. According to the press release, Tucson is one of 25 cities designated as a "Solar America City" by the DOE. The city currently has solar PV panels at 14 locations, providing 1.1 megawatts (MW) of power.

2009-10-14   Courtesy: giffords.house.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Gabrielle Giffords

 

SunPower solar panels selected by seven teams competing in the 2009 DOE 'Solar Decathlon' competition

SunPower solar panels.
SunPower solar panels.

SunPower Corporation (San Jose, California), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of solar cells, solar panels and solar energy systems, on October 9th, 2009 announced that seven of the 20 universities participating in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) "Solar Decathlon" have designed their solar homes using SunPower's solar panels. According to the press release, SunPower solar panels are the most popular choice among the competing schools because they offer the highest efficiency rating of any solar panels available on the market today.   "SunPower is thrilled to once again support the talent and passion of the student decathletes as they bring their market-ready solar-energy homes to Washington, D.C.'s National Mall", said Julie Blunden, Vice President of public policy and corporate communications for SunPower.

"The winners of both the 2007 and 2005 Solar Decathlon used SunPower solar panels, which offer the maximum power from a limited roof space, a key design requirement for the decathletes as well as residences and businesses everywhere", Blunden added. The Solar Decathlon is being held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. through October 16th, and challenges each of the 20 teams in 10 contests to design, build and operate the most attractive, energy-efficient, solar-powered home. The first Solar Decathlon was held in 2002, and competitions are to take place every other year.


2009-10-14   Courtesy: SunPower Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corp.

 

New empirical research project on the price of renewable energy policy risk analyzes international wind and solar energy investors

A new project undertaken by the Institute for Economy and the Environment (IWOe) of the University of St. Gallen on behalf of the International Energy Agency (IEA) forms a part of a larger ongoing IEA project, the Global Renewable Energy Markets and Policies Program (GREMPP). The GREMPP focuses on gathering and analyzing data on policy and market conditions development that drive the diffusion of renewable energy technologies (RETs). The objective of this research program is to increase understanding on policy conditions under which renewable energy technologies can achieve full competitiveness with conventional technologies.   An online survey is conducted by IWOe until Dezember 31st, 2009. Investors are invited to participate anonymously. In return for their participation IWOe will share the study results with the attendees, who will thus gain insights that may help to benchmark the decision making process with industry peers.


Identifying significant barriers in scaling up the contribution of renewables

Findings of GREMPP Phase I and other IEA work suggest that specifically non-economic factors such as administrative hurdles (e.g. planning delays and restrictions, lack of co-ordination between different authorities, long lead times in obtaining authorizations), grid access, electricity market design, and social acceptance constitute significant barriers in scaling up the contribution of renewables to a future sustainable energy mix. This corresponds with the results of other research work. In Switzerland for instance, the Swiss Federal Research Program "Wind" has identified a lack of acceptance for new wind energy sites as one of the key bottlenecks for technology deployment in this growing sector (Swiss Federal Office of Energy, 2005). Analyzing the situation in Germany, Spain and Greece, Lüthi and Wüstenhagen (2009a) revealed that the level of return fails to explain the level of installed photovoltaic capacities and highlighted the importance of policy risk.
The objective of the project that is conducted by the Institute for Economy and the Environment (IWOe) and embedded in Phase II of the GREMPP program is to empirically measure the relative importance of such non-economic barriers in private and public renewable energy investment decisions. The overarching goal is to generate conclusions on the price of the non-economic barriers from an investor’s point of view in order to give specific recommendations for the design of effective policy measures and frameworks in general but especially in the following countries: Brazil, Chile, China, Egypt, India, Kenya, Morocco, Thailand, Tunisia, Vietnam. These countries were chosen because of their high future potential in the international renewables market.
Scoping on future market potential of wind energy and solar photovoltaics

As each renewable energy source has its own characteristics and as market conditions vary considerably among each technology this study only concentrates on two predefined types of renewable energy technologies that fulfil specific criteria such as the possibility to be installed in all countries in scope or future market potential - wind energy and solar photovoltaics.
More specifically the researchers aim to answer the following research questions:
- How important are various non-economic barriers in influencing the decision of investors to invest in wind energy/photovoltaics? How do investors trade these barriers off?
- What is the investors' willingness-to-accept a specific non-economic barrier?
- What is the ‘price’ or ‘premium’ that investors request in order to take the burden of a certain barrier?
- What are the actual policy frameworks in the countries of scope?
- How does the change of a specific factor influence the investors’ likelihood to invest in a given country?


Online survey for a conjoint analysis

The project at hand is organized in three parts or modules: The first module comprises qualitative expert interviews on the decision process of international wind and solar energy investors (public and private) and on policy designs in the markets in scope. Module 2 includes a stated choice survey in form of an adaptive choice based conjoint analysis (ACBC) and module 3 contains the simulation of the investment likelihood in country-specific policy designs.
An abstract of the results will be published and the solar energy portal sites www.solarserver.de and www.solarserver.com. A summary of IWOe's study "The Price of Policy Risk – Empirical Insights from Choice Experi-ments with European Photovoltaic Project Developers" is published on the portal site solarserver.com
Participation in the stated choice survey is possible online at http://www.solarinvestment.ch and http://www.windinvestment.ch. For further information and login details for the survey please contact Sonja.luethi@unisg.ch or nina.hampl@unisg.ch

2009-10-14   Courtesy:   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Bergamo Acquisition Corporation receives Sovereign Guarantee for Pakistani energy projects

Bergamo Acquisition Corporation (Las Vegas, Nevada) on October 8th, 2009 announced that the company received a copy of a "Sovereign Guarantee" from the Pakistani government for energy projects in that country. According to the press release, the Sovereign Guarantee includes a clean coal energy plant and a series of solar power generation projects from the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Bergamo E & A. All projects total approximately 1 billion US-dollars, and it is the payment of the energy that is guaranteed by the Pakistani Government in the Sovereign Guarantee.   The terms and conditions of the Sovereign Guarantee are anticipated to be acceptable to the investment group. Bergamo Acquisition Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hillard Herzog, is scheduled to travel to Europe to finalize arrangements for the projects on October 12th, 2009. The company currently expects to close on the Pakistani energy project transaction during Herzog's visit to Europe. Shortly after closing, the investment group is expected to release 1 billion US-dollars to Bergamo E & A, upon which the projects are to commence.

2009-10-14   Courtesy: Bergamo Acquisition Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

DOE announces 87 million US-dollars in funding for solar energy technologies

At the opening of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) "Solar Decathlon" on the National Mall, Energy Secretary Steven Chu on October 8th, 2009 announced that up to 87 million US-dollars will be made available to support the development of new solar energy technologies and the rapid deployment of available carbon-free solar energy systems. Of this funding, 50 million US-dollars will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), he said.   According to the announcement, 47 projects with universities, electric power utilities, DOE's National Laboratories, and local governments had been selected that support the use of solar technologies in U.S. cities, help address technical challenges, ensure reliable connectivity with the electrical grid, and train a new generation of solar workers to install and maintain solar energy systems. These projects are expected to help speed the adoption of solar energy nationwide, while supporting the development of a skilled workforce, and continuing to pursue new scientific breakthroughs to increase the efficiency and lower the cost of solar technologies. "Today's awards are among the many investments made to create new jobs and a clean energy future with solar power", said Secretary Chu. "The projects will help accelerate the use of solar energy by residents, businesses and communities, and promote the long-term viability of solar energy by investing in the technologies of the future."


Projects aim to accelerate adoption of solar energy and develop solar workforce

The DOE reports that the selected projects will help accelerate the commercialization of solar technologies in an effort to achieve cost-competitive solar electricity by 2015, in addition to developing advanced solar technologies for the future. According to the press release, projects focus on both technology improvements and the elimination of market barriers to help make solar electricity accessible to a wide variety of consumers. The projects selected for negotiation of awards are subdivided into four categories. The "High Penetration Solar Deployment"-category involves seven projects that are expected to model, test, and evaluate the impact of large amounts of photovoltaic (PV) electricity on the reliability and stability of the electric power grid. Under the "Solar America Cities Special Projects" category, sixteen cities were selected for projects that are expected to address specific barriers to solar adoption in urban settings and support innovative approaches that can be widely replicated. The DOE reports that nine colleges, universities, and local organizations have been selected to lead regional solar installation "train-the-trainer" programs in the "Solar Installer Training" category. Finally, fifteen research projects at DOE's National Laboratories were selected to improve technologies, devices and processes for both the PV and Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) industry.

2009-10-14   Courtesy: www.energy.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Premier Power signs contract for a 600 kW rooftop PV system in Spain

Photovoltaic rooftop system by Premier Power
Photovoltaic rooftop system
by Premier Power

Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc. (El Dorado Hills, California), provider of solar power systems for commercial, government and utility markets in the U.S., Spain and Italy, on October 5th, 2009 announced that it had recently signed a contract for the sale of a 600 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic (PV) rooftop system in Spain. The PV system, valued as high as 3 million US-dollars, is planned to deploy polycrystalline solar modules provided by General Electric and solar power inverters provided by Ingeteam (Sarriguren, Navarra, Spain).   According to the press release, a private investor group has leased the commercial rooftop for a 25-year term and is funding the system purchase. "With a majority of Spain's rooftop solar energy targets unmet, and increased government support of rooftop solar systems through a revised feed-in-tariff, the commercial rooftop market has become the leading solar market segment in Spain," said Bjorn Persson, Executive Vice President of European operations for Premier Power. "We continue to see a substantial growth opportunity in Spain for rooftop and building integrated solar energy systems, and with our global experience and engineering and design expertise, we feel we are strongly positioned to build on our leadership role in this fast growing market."

2009-10-14   Courtesy: Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc.

 

Pennsylvania: Governor Rendell announces availability of Federal Recovery funding for solar energy projects

Governor Rendell: "PA
Sunshine Solar" program
has more than doubled our
solar capacity".

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that applications are being accepted for funding for large-scale solar projects designed to develop green energy production. According to the announcement, up to 7 million US-dollars in federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will be available through the "Green Energy Works!" solar program, one of four competitive grant programs intended to show that green energy and green jobs are the future of economic development and power production.   "Since we issued our first Recovery Act funded grant in March, we have supplied our citizens with a variety of options to move forward in the green energy industry", Governor Rendell said. "For example, the 'PA Sunshine Solar' program for residential projects which opened in May has more than doubled our solar capacity in the commonwealth." The Governor says that the Green Energy Works! solar program will allow Pennsylvania to fund significant projects that are expected to continue to expand the state's solar industry. These large-scale solar projects are expected to reduce the U.S. foreign oil dependence, put Pennsylvanians to work, stimulate the economy and meet future energy demands in a cleaner, more environmentally friendly and efficient way. The Governor also noted that solar installation costs have declined by about 25 percent since 2008. "As more solar production is built, solar costs will continue to decline," he said. "The national goal is by 2015 to reduce the cost of solar electricity to the cost of electricity from the grid."


Eligibility for funding dependent on potential job creation, completion within 2 years

According to the press release, applications for the program have to be submitted by November 5th, 2009 via the online "Environmental eGrants" system. All proposed projects must create jobs, be able to start work within six months, be completed with 24 months and prior to April 30th, 2012, to be eligible for federal funding. "By using Recovery Act funds to quickly deploy large projects that put Pennsylvania labor back to work, we are striving to utilize local Pennsylvania products to build long lasting green energy generating facilities," said Governor Rendell. "By demanding significant leveraging of additional funds, these projects will help power our economy and our homes in the years to come."

2009-10-13   Courtesy: www.portal.state.pa.us   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: www.portal.state.pa.us

 

SEIA on DOE loan guarantee expansion to 'commercial' projects: a major step in improving the department's program

Rhone Resch, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA; Washington, D.C.), on October 7th, 2009 released a statement regarding the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) expansion of its loan guarantee program to "commercial" projects and the creation of its new "Financial Institution Partnership Program" (FIPP). "Today's solicitation announcement from Secretary Chu is a major step in improving the department's loan guarantee program", Resch said. "By expanding eligibility for the loan guarantee to 'commercial' projects instead of the limited 'innovative' project definition, DOE is making the loan guarantee more broadly available to more solar companies. And the more projects that receive loan guarantees, the more jobs will be created. This is stimulus in action."   Resch believes that the FIPP will not only bring much needed capital back into the solar market, but that it will also streamline the application process allowing projects to be developed sooner. Nevertheless, he cautions that more needs to be done to improve the loan guarantee program. "Most notably, Congress must restore the 2 billion US-dollars that was diverted from the loan guarantee program earlier this year for the Cash for Clunkers program", Resch said. "DOE-guaranteed projects create jobs and a stronger loan guarantee program will help to spur new jobs and investment across the country."

2009-10-13   Courtesy: SEIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

CalSIA feed-in tariff bill becomes law in California, could bring incremental improvement

Industry veteran and feed-in tariff (FIT) proponent Paul Gipe on October 12th, 2009 released a statement on the California state bill SB 32, which was passed in the legislature on September 11th, 2009 and was signed into law by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on October 11th, 2009. According to Gipe, the bill was introduced by Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-District 32) on behalf of the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CalSIA) in December, 2008. SB 32 slightly amends what Gipe calls the largely ineffective feed-in tariff (FIT) introduced by the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) on January 31st, 2008.   SB 32 raises the project size cap to 3 megawatts (MW) from 1.5 MW. Gipe explains that the tariffs introduced by the CPUC are based on avoided cost or the "Market Price Referant" (MPR) in California. This means that there is only one tariff, but it varies by season and time of day. There is no differentiation by technology, size, or resource intensity, Gipe said.



California bill expected to mostly benefit solar PV energy projects

SB 32 does not change the way tariffs are determined except that it directs the CPUC to include environmental and distributed generation attributes in the tariffs. The bill is believed to be an effort in the state legislature to gradually improve existing feed-in tariff policy. Gipe expects SB 32 to primarily benefit commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. He deems it unlikely that it could provide any benefit to wind or other forms of renewable energy. Apart from raising the project cap to 3 MW from 1.5 MW, the bill allows greenfield projects, includes contracts for 10, 15, and 20 years, includes environmental and distributed attributes or values in tariffs, and raises the program cap from 500 MW to 750 MW. "In order to meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and a Renewable Portfolio Standard of 33 % by 2020, we will need to use all of the tools available under our existing programs to get to that goal", said Governor Schwarzenegger in a note addressed at the members of the California Senate. "By increasing the size of projects allowed under the FIT program and increasing the cumulative cap for investor-owned utilities for FIT projects, this bill is a step in the right direction", he added. Craig Lewis, a proponent of the competing bill AB 1106, said: "SB 32 provides a small incremental improvement to the AB 1969-based FITs in California, which have proven to be almost useless due to the pricing mechanism being set at MPR for all technologies."

2009-10-13   Courtesy: Paul Gipe   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

PECO launches 6 MW competitive purchase for solar credits

PECO (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) on October 8th, 2009 announced that the company is looking for current and future solar energy system producers to submit bids as the company seeks to purchase 6 megawatts (MW) of solar power. PECO reports that this action is part of its overall environmental efforts and to support Pennsylvania's "Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards" (AEPS). According to the press release, PECO recently received approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to purchase up to 80,000 solar alternative energy credits, the equivalent of 6 MW, during 10 years.  This would be enough energy to power nearly 1,000 homes, and it would take about eight football fields of solar panels to install this PV capacity. Through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, PECO plans to enter into fixed-price agreements with winning bidders to purchase up to a total of 8,000 credits per year for 10 years. PECO expects to enter into the agreements by February 2010, for delivery beginning immediately for existing projects or up to a year for projects under development. The company reports that it has retained Navigant Consulting (Chicago, Illinois) to serve as the independent RFP monitor. The monitor is expected to oversee PECO's bidder evaluation process, evaluate bid proposals, and report to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) on the results of the RFP process.


Altenative Energy Portfolio Standards require PECO to provide customers with 3.5 % renewable energy

PECO reports that the AEPS legislation requires that by 2011, 3.5 % of the energy consumed by PECO customers be provided through renewable resources such as solar, wind, low-impact hydro, methane, geothermal, biomass or fuel cells. Renewable energy generators sell these credits on a one-to-one basis each time that they produce one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy. In 2008 PECO reportedly launched a 15.3 million US-dollar program, which includes the installation of a green roof and a new Crown Lights system at the company's Center City headquarters, it opened its first 'green building' in West Chester, recently awarded silver certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and it made improvements to secure LEED certification for many other company work sites. In addition to that, PECO reports that it increased the use of hybrid and biodiesel vehicles, supported community environmental projects and enhanced tools and programs to help customers use energy more efficiently.

2009-10-13   Courtesy: PECO   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Dow Corning wins solar award for leadership in photovoltaic materials

Dow Corning Corp. (Midland, Michigan), a global provider of silicon-based technology and innovation, was named winner of the "2009 SOLAR Industry Award" in the photovoltaic material category for its new "Dow Corning PV-6100" Encapsulant Series and manufacturing process, which have demonstrated cost savings and superior protection for solar modules. The SOLAR Industry Awards, presented by Solar PV Management magazine, were created to acknowledge companies across the photovoltaic value chain that have pioneered new or innovative products, systems and manufacturing processes that help promote grid parity. Industry professionals selected Dow Corning to win the award from a group of seven photovoltaic material manufacturers.  The awards were presented by David Ridsdale, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, at the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in Hamburg, Germany.


New Encapsulant Series to provide greater protection for solar cells and modules

"Dow Corning is honored to be recognized as a leading materials provider for the solar industry", said Don Buchalski, senior marketing specialist, Dow Corning Solar Business. "For more than a decade, we have used innovative silicone technology to address critical industry challenges such as availability of raw materials and the cost and performance of solar modules." Dow Corning announced the commercialization of its "Dow Corning" PV-6100 Encapsulant Series last month, which due to the producer outperforms incumbent organics in durability, efficiency, module life and UV resistance, providing greater protection for solar cell modules. According to the Press release a new manufacturing process working in conjunction with the encapsulant series is also proven to reduce the cost per kilowatt-hour of solar power by lowering the total cost of ownership through lower processing temperatures, faster throughput, and lower capital and less factory space needed for the equipment.


Closer to economically competitiveness with traditional energy sources

"Our ultimate goal is to help the solar industry become a viable energy option, able to compete economically with traditional energy sources", said Gaetan Borgers, global solar industry director. "We are closer than we’ve ever been to achieving that goal." Dow Corning Solar Solutions provides materials and services for the entire photovoltaic supply chain, from silicon feedstock for ingots and wafers production to solar module assembly materials. It is leveraging its unique position and global leadership in the silicon value chain to deliver solutions that will make a difference in the photovoltaic industry and help photovoltaic producers fulfill the mid- and long-term promises of solar energy.

2009-10-13   Courtesy: Dow Corning Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Top class production engineering conference at solarpeq 2010 announced

The trade fair solarpeq will be accompanied by an international conference focussed on solar production.
The trade fair solarpeq will be accompanied
by an international conference focussed on
solar production.

solarpeq - the International trade fair for solar production equipment held in Düsseldorf - will be accompanied next year by a top-class specialist international conference focussed on solar production and equipment, the organizers announced in a press release. Photovoltaics International, a renowned specialist journal for photovoltaics, will take the role of organising partner. The conference takes place on 27 September 2010, the eve of solarpeq and the following first day of solarpeq until midday. Venue is the Conference Center Düsseldorf (CCD) East which enjoys direct access to the fairground. Eddy Blokken, former Director of Technology and Standards at the PV Group of the international association SEMI has been appointed as Conference Chairman.  Mr Blokken will be responsible for the content planning of the conference and will be inviting relevant speakers to Düsseldorf to share their experiences and best practice in the solar manufacturing supply chain.



Photovoltaics International to support the conference programme

"The conference complements the range at solarpeq turning it into an extremely attractive, overall B2B package for international experts in the field of solar production engineering", explains Hans Werner Reinhard, Executive Director at Messe Düsseldorf. David Owen, Managing Director at Photovoltaics International, commented: "We are delighted to support the conference programme at solarpeq with our in-depth knowledge and contacts throughout the PV manufacturing supply chain. The solarpeq exhibition with its clear focus on solar production technology suits us perfectly."

The various talks at this English-language conference will focus on themes like innovative approaches to machinery, plants, components and materials for solar production. The aim here is to allow participants to gain innovative and practical know-how from top speakers in the sector. The conference will feature guided tours around solarpeq 2010. Anyone interested in further information regarding the conference programme and registration forms can visit http://www.solarpeq.com from December 2009.

2009-10-12   Courtesy: Messe Düsseldorf   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Messe Düsseldorf

 

IMEC's spray-coating technique holds promise for cheap processed organic solar cells

(a) Schematic build-up of the organic solar cell, (b) SEM and (c) FIB/TEM cross sections of the polymer solar cell with a spray coated top contact.
(a) Schematic build-up of the organic solar cell,
(b) SEM and (c) FIB/TEM cross sections of the
polymer solar cell with a spray coated top contact.

The Interuniversity Microelectronics Center (IMEC; Leuven, Belgium) on October 5th, 2009 announced that it has demonstrated a fully solution-processed organic (OPV) solar cell with a spray-coated active layer and a metal top contact spray-coated on top. The resulting cell is said to show power conversion efficiencies above 3 %, a performance comparable to organic solar cells produced by spin coating of the organic layer and vacuum evaporation of the top contact metal.   This due to IMEC is an important step towards producing organic solar cells with cheap and large-area processes. IMEC believes that its research shows that spray-coating is a suitable deposition technique for solar cell production, and that it can be used to deposit all layers, including the metal top contact. IMEC explains that spray-coating is a high-rate, large-area deposition technique that ensures an ideal coating on a variety of surfaces with different morphologies and topographies. The Belgian research institute demonstrated that spray-coating greatly reduces the damage to underlying layers compared to other techniques. It was also able to sinter the silver nanoparticles at 150°C, a temperature that is compatible with processing on flexible substrates. Tom Aernouts, Teamleader Organic Photovoltaics at IMEC, commented: "R&D on organic solar cells has entered the stage where we can consider low-cost high-volume manufacturing, which is essential for the uptake of this technology by the industry."

2009-10-12   Courtesy: Interuniversity Microelectronics Center   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: IMEC

 

FPL prepares to power up the largest solar PV power plant in the U.S. this month

Aerial view of the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center.
Aerial view of the DeSoto Next Generation
Solar Energy Center.

Florida Power & Light Company on October 7th, 2009 announced that it expects the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Arcadia, Florida, to begin delivering electricity to customers later this month - ahead of schedule. The 25 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) power plant will overtake Nevada’s Nellis Solar Power Plant (14 MW) for the title of largest solar photovoltaic solar facility in the nation and in North America, FPL reports in a press release. Constructed in less than a year, the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center uses over 90,000 photovoltaic panels to turn the sun's rays into electricity to power more than 3,000 homes. The DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center is one of three new commercial-scale, renewable, solar power plants FPL is building in Florida, along with solar energy centers in Martin County and at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Together, these will total 110 megawatts of capacity by the end of 2010 and are expected to make Florida the second largest solar power-producing state in the country.  More clean-energy jobs and millions of dollars in new revenue

"Large-scale solar projects such as FPL’s DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center provide Florida with the opportunity to create and attract more clean-energy jobs and produce millions of dollars in new revenue for local governments while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting the effects of climate change", said FPL Vice President and Chief Development Officer Eric Silagy. "FPL is proud to lead the development of clean, renewable solar energy in Florida, and we are positioned to build even more over the next two to three years if the state’s legislative and regulatory leaders continue to support solar energy."


More than 575,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions to be avoided over the life of the PV plant

Over the past year, the facility benefited the local economy in DeSoto County by creating more than 400 jobs during construction, FPL emphasizes. The county due to FPL will also receive annual tax revenues that will amount to million for schools and other local services by the end of next year. Solar photovoltaic power also provides significant environmental benefits because the facility consumes no fuel, uses no water and produces no waste. Over the life of the facility, the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center will avoid the release of more than 575,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, which is equivalent to taking more than 4,500 cars off the road every year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, the electricity generated by this facility will reduce the use of fossil fuels in Florida by more than 277,000 barrels of oil and 7 billion cubic feet of natural gas.

2009-10-12   Courtesy: Florida Power & Light Company   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: FPL

 

EREC welcomes EU funding proposal for R&D&D

EREC: EU funding proposal has left out renewable energy heating
EREC: EU funding proposal has
left out renewable energy heating

According to a press release the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) welcomes the Communication on Financing of Low Carbon Technologies (LCT) tabled by the European Commission. The long-awaited financing proposal for the SET-Plan estimates additional funding needs for a wide range of energy technologies of about EUR 50 billion over the coming decade, EREC reports in the press release. "The European Renewable Energy Industry welcomes the Communication and the fact that the Commission has finally expressed funding needs for energy research, development and demonstration in numbers", says Arthouros Zervos, President of EREC. "However, EREC regrets that the Commission did not table concrete proposals for the allocation of EU funds", Zervos continues.   The implementation of EU industrial initiatives, evolving from the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan), implies significant co-financing from the industry, together with Member States and the EU. According to the press release by EREC more clarity is needed as to the level of public funding to be made available, given the challenge that the concrete setting of the initiatives represent for the renewable energy industry.



Renewables as the mainstream source of EU energy supply by 2050

"R&D&D investments in the next ten years will have a significant impact on security of energy supply, tackling climate change and boosting economic growth and job creation in Europe", Zervos points out. "Enhanced funding for R&D&D in renewable energy technologies is not only important for meeting the EU?s 2020 commitments, but to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 % and making renewable energy the mainstream source of EU energy supply by 2050". The SET-Plan, as proposed by the Commission in November 2007, identified a number of technological challenges that have to be tackled at EU level, EREC reports in the press release. "We need a common European approach in order to maximize the results of our efforts and to maintain Europe’s leadership on world markets. EREC therefore strongly supports joint action as proposed in today's Communication", says Arthouros Zervos, President of EREC.



The current funding proposal has left out renewable energy heating and cooling

The European Renewable Energy Industry supports the announcement of a new "Smart Cities Initiative". However, EREC emphasizes in its press release the need to clearly strengthen the role of renewable energy in this new initiative. "The integration of renewable energy in the urban environment be it in transportation, in the grid system or in buildings is of utmost importance to tackle energy poverty and to reduce the EU's carbon footprint", Zervos points out. EREC very much welcomes that the Communication includes important renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar, advanced biofuels and other uses of bioenergy. However, the current funding proposal has left out renewable energy heating and cooling as well as certain renewable electricity technologies, underlines Zervos: "Leaving technologies like Geothermal and Solar Thermal or Small Hydropower and Ocean Energy out of the current portfolio is a missed opportunity - both in terms of security of energy supply and diversification of the energy mix."

Finally, the Communication on LCT could prepare the ground for example for both the mid-term review of the EU budget (2011-2013) and the next Framework Program (2013-2020). EREC therefore calls in its press release on the European Parliament and the Council to support the Commission’s approach and make the necessary changes, including an increased budget for renewable energy technologies.

2009-10-12   Courtesy: European Renewable Energy Council (EREC)   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: BUSO Bund Solardach eG

 

enXco and Carrier Clinic break ground on a 1.8 MW solar plant

ground-mounted solar array
ground-mounted solar array

enXco (Escondido, California), an EDF Energies Nouvelles company, (EEN; Paris, France) and Carrier Clinic (Belle Mead, New Jersey) on September 30th, 2009 broke ground to mark the beginning of construction of a 1.8 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) array. enXco reports that the ground-mount fixed tilt solar array will be constructed on nearly 14 acres utilizing First Solar modules.  It is expected to become the largest solar PV system on a New Jersey healthcare system campus, and it is expected to supply 50 % of Carrier's electrical services during periods of peak demand and highest price. C. Richard Sarle, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Carrier Clinic, said: "We are proud to be, at this time, the only hospital or behavioral health system in New Jersey with a ground-mount project of this scope. As we approach our 100th year anniversary, we remain committed to partnering with our community in an effort to meet the clean energy goals of the State of New Jersey." According to the press release, Carrier Clinic, a not-for-profit behavioral healthcare system, signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with enXco earlier this year. Under the terms of the agreement, enXco will own and operate the system and supply the project's output to Carrier Clinic on a net-metering basis. The project is expected to be operational in late 2009.



Solar energy system to advance New Jersey's renewable energy goals

"enXco is pleased to commence construction on this 1.8 MW project for Carrier Clinic", said Peter Solomon, Director of distributed solar for enXco. "Our integrated approach to project development has allowed us to design a high-value, cost-effective energy solution for Carrier Clinic which will provide stable electricity pricing with no operating costs or capital expense." As the fastest growing market for solar PV in the U.S., New Jersey is also believed to be one of the largest in terms of installations, second only to California. New Jersey's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires that 22.5 % of the state's electricity will come from renewable sources by 2021 with 2.12 % or 1,500 MW from solar.

2009-10-12   Courtesy: EnXco   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EnXco

 

Air Products supplies nitrogen to NexPower's new PV facility in Taiwan

Thin-film solar panels manufactured with Air Products materials
Thin-film solar panels manufactured
with Air Products materials

Air Products (Allentown, Pennsylvania) announced that it had signed a long-term contract to provide nitrogen to NexPower Technology Corporation (NexPower; Houli Township, Taichung County, Taiwan) through its subsidiary Air Products San Fu Co. Ltd. Air Products reports that it is supplying nitrogen to NexPower's new thin-film photovoltaic (PV) facility in the Central Taiwan Science Park (CTSP) in Houli, Taichung, Taiwan through its pipeline network in the CTSP.   NexPower is a thin-film PV manufacturer with own product development, research and development (R&D), and manufacturing. By ramping up to 100 megawatts (MW) within only 18 months, NexPower is believed to be one of the first Taiwan companies to achieve successful thin-film mass production. "Air Products is excited to be NexPower's gas supply partner. This new contract demonstrates our leading position in the thin-film PV market and is a testimony to our capabilities to enable a fast ramp up to meet customers' needs", said Corning Painter, Air Products' Vice President and General Manager, Global Electronics Division. "Our expertise in thin-film PV applications and 'SunSource Solutions' help our PV customers to drive down their cost-per-watt through enhanced plant efficiency."


Taiwan government sponsors science parks for high-tech industries

The CTSP, which includes Taichung, Houli, Huwei and Erlin park stations, is one of the two new government-sponsored science parks in Taiwan to attract investments and the development of high-tech industries to the central Taiwan district, Air Products reports. The company had won more than 20 new contracts in Asia last year, serving both the crystalline and thin-film PV markets, and it has signed gas supply contracts with leading PV manufacturers including Best Solar and CHINT Solar in China, Green Energy Technology in Taiwan, and HHV Solar and Jupiter Solar in India since then. The company believes that its long-standing history serving the semiconductor and thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) industries from their inception to current times makes it ideally suited to serving the thin-film PV industry. With the demand for renewable energy and improved efficiency on the rise, Air Products believes to be well positioned to support these developing markets.

2009-10-11   Courtesy: Air Products   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Air Products

 

DEK celebrates prestigious Solar Industry Award at EU PVSEC 2009

Richard Willsher (left) and Darren Brown at the PVSEC 2009
Richard Willsher (left) and Darren Brown
at the PVSEC 2009

The team at DEK Solar celebrated a historic award win, having topped the hotly-contested PV Process Equipment category at the Solar Industry Awards, DEK reports in a press release. The Solar Industry Award was presented to DEK’s Alternative Energy Business Manager, Darren Brown, and Solar Engineering Programme Manager, Richard Willshere, at the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (PVSEC 2009), held in Hamburg from September 21st - 25th. Forming one of the highlights of the show for the DEK Solar Team, the Solar Industry Awards saw the company triumph in the programme’s most fiercely competitive category, DEK emphasizes in the press release.   DEK is a global provider of next-generation technologies and process support to solar cell manufacturers with solutions that include modular metallization platforms, precision screens and materials applications used in back side field coating, current-collector pattern and termination deposition for photovoltaic substrate production.




PV Process Equipment category attracted the highest number of votes

Voted for by members of the public rather than a closed panel, the PV Process Equipment category attracted the highest number of votes, which eventually cast the "PVP1200" as a best-in-class solar production technology, DEK reports in the press release. Delivering the high yields and throughput rates required by the solar processing sector, the PVP1200 screen printer has driven unprecedented high accuracy metallization of crystalline silicon solar cells. Commenting on DEK Solar’s award win, Darren Brown explains: "We’re immensely proud of what we have achieved since our entry into the alternative energies market so it’s extremely gratifying to be rewarded in this way. We launched the PVP1200 at EU PVSEC in 2008 – so to return a year later and collect an industry award for its contribution to the quest for grid parity is fantastic.


EU PVSEC 2009 consolidated the position of DEK Solar

By its own account this year’s EU PVSEC exhibition delivered a fitting platform for DEK Solar to celebrate its successful transition from emerging force to established competitor in today’s solar market. Celebrating the European launch of the company’s highly anticipated PV3000 metallization solution and the contribution of its popular PVP1200 metallization platform, the DEK Solar stand attracted an extremely high number of visitors, DEK reports in its press release. Darren concludes: "As only our second year at the show, EU PVSEC 2009 has consolidated our position in this growing marketplace. Generating substantial interest from high-profile system integrators and turnkey providers, the PV1200 and PV3000 metallization lines look set to continue this success rate through 2010 and beyond."

2009-10-11   Courtesy: DEK Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: DEK Solar

 

Solar advocates see potential boon in plan to explore for energy in Florida waters

PV system in Florida
PV system in Florida

The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FSEIA, Tallahassee, Florida), the premier group representing Florida manufacturers, distributors, contractors and retailers who provide solar water heating and solar electric systems, on October 1st, 2009 said that revenues from offshore oil and natural gas production should act as a bridge to help Florida adopt alternative and renewable energies for the future.   Florida economists Fishkind & Associates project enabling offshore energy exploration in Florida waters could produce public revenues of between 2.3 and 12 billion US-dollars a year, without raising new taxes. "With Florida expected to face billion-dollar budget shortfalls for at least the next three years, revenues from oil and gas drilling could help our state meet its budget needs while providing a permanent, dedicated revenue source for programs that invest in renewable energy technologies", said Bruce Kershner, Executive Director of FSEIA. "We believe the proposal to tap these energy resources, with stringent environmental protections, can help move our state toward renewable energies that will reduce our country's dependence on fossil fuels."


Solar program to benefit from revenues from offshore drilling

FSEIA reports that the organization has long been a vocal supporter of the Florida Solar Energy System Incentives Program to provide rebates to homeowners and businesses on the purchase of solar energy equipment, but due to the state's budget crisis, the program did not receive state funding in 2009. Instead, the program received temporary federal stimulus funds that will disappear in less than two years. Revenues from offshore drilling should be invested in making this program permanent, Kershner said. "The proposal to drill in Florida state waters has the potential to create a cleaner and wealthier future for Florida if it provides a sustainable funding source for the development of vibrant programs that will help Florida become a leader in the solar energy industry", Kershner said. "The economic development potential of providing green employment opportunities and attracting high-tech, high-wage renewable energy companies to Florida rivals any real or perceived threat that state-of-the-art offshore drilling poses to Florida." In March of 2008, a statewide poll by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research found that 85 % of those Floridians believe the Legislature should act to encourage investment in solar energy.

2009-10-11   Courtesy: FSEIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: FSEIA

 

PV system integrator TerniEnergia completed 3 MW photovoltaic plant in Umbria, Italy

PV plant in Umbria
PV plant in Umbria

TerniEnergia S.p.A. (Terni, Italy), a renewable energy company and one of the main system integrators in the photovoltaic (PV) sector in Italy, on September 28th, 2009 announced that a PV plant with a capacity of 3 megawatt (MWp) had been tested for its joint venture company Energie S.r.l. in Umbria. The company reports that it had started the construction of the plant at the beginning of August, 2009, and that it took less than two months to complete it.   TerniEnergia emphasizes that the plant further increases its portfolio for both producing and selling energy deriving from the photovoltaic sources. According to the press release, the plant will be able to produce about 4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, and it is to be one of the largest solar PV facilities in Italy. Energie S.r.l. is a parithetic joint-venture company whose quotaholders are TerniEnergia and EDF EN Italia (Rome, Italy).

2009-10-10   Courtesy: TerniEnergia S.p.A.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: TerniEnergia S.p.A.

 

Energy Conversion Devices announces 4.8 MW solar PV project in Spain

Photo rendering of five buildings at ProLogis Park Sant Boi
Photo rendering of five buildings
at ProLogis Park Sant Boi

Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD; Rochester Hills, Michigan), a global manufacturer of thin-film flexible solar laminates for building integrated and commercial rooftop markets, on October 5th, 2009 announced it had been selected by the distributed power company and provider of solar energy Recurrent Energy (San Francisco, California) to deliver 4.8 megawatt peak (MWp) of solar generating systems for eight separate building rooftops at ProLogis Park Sant Boi in Barcelona and ProLogis Park Alcala in Madrid, Spain.   ECD is expected to supply its "UNI-SOLAR" photovoltaic (PV) laminates and providing development resources through its Solar Integrated (SIT) subsidiary, which is to engineer, procure, and construct the solar PV systems. According to the agreement, these solar arrays will be owned and installed by Recurrent Energy on rooftops leased from ProLogis, a global provider of distribution facilities. Construction on the project is expected to start in October 2009, ECD reports. According to the press release, ProLogis currently has UNI-SOLAR systems installed on facilities in the United States, Spain and France. "We are very pleased to continue our relationship with Uni-Solar and SIT through this project", said Drew Torbin, Director of global renewable energy for ProLogis.

2009-10-10   Courtesy: ECD   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Recurrent Energy

 

EPIA: Solar Europe Initiative funding is positive but incomplete

The European Commission positively recognises the strong potential of solar photovoltaic technology but does not sufficiently reflect industry R&D and demonstration priorities, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) reports in a press release. Furthermore, significant uncertainty remains on the financing model the European Commission (EC) presented recently in its communication on the financing of low carbon technologies, EPIA emphasizes. The financing model proposes an ambitious budget for the Solar Europe Industry Initiative, including photovoltaics (PV), but does not sufficiently address the challenges the European PV industry will have to face until 2020, EPIA accentuates. Technology roadmaps to clarify the way forward are very much awaited, EPIA emphasizes in its press release.   "We are very glad that the EC explicitly acknowledges the strong potential of solar photovoltaic technology. By 2020, provided that the appropriate framework conditions are met, PV could contribute as much as 12% of EU electricity demand", said Adel El Gammal, Secretary General of EPIA. "However we regret that the communication does not properly reflect the current state of development of PV technology", added El Gammal. The technology is evolving extremely fast: with an EU market of 4.5 GW in 2008, PV represented 19 % of new installed power capacity in Europe. Already next year, PV will be competitive with retail electricity prices in some regions of Europe, EPIA reports in the press release.


EC is putting too much emphasis on long-term research

The Solar Europe Industry Initiative will require significant co-financing from the Industry, the EU and Member States, EPIA prognosticates in the press release. But a lot of uncertainty remains on their respective contribution and the level of funds which will be made available from the public sector. In the current context of economical crisis and risk aversion, it is essential to stimulate private investment and the sharing risk with large public funding and ensuring an appropriate European industrial policy framework, EPIA reports in the press release. The EC is putting too much emphasis on long-term research and should better recognise the need for accelerating the development of existing commercial and pre-commercial PV technologies. Of course, long-term research should be carried out in parallel through other instruments.


Creation of 1.4 million jobs in Europe by boosting PV deployment

In addition, the integration of PV in the grid as well as into the urban and building environment is essential. The new initiative on Smart Cities is highly welcomed although it should not only promote energy efficiency measures but also consider the key role of renewable energies in reducing the carbon footprint of cities, EPIA reports in its press release. Solar photovoltaic will play a key role in boosting the development of green buildings and electrical cars. In the recent study "SET For 2020" EPIA concluded that boosting PV deployment to cover up to 12% of EU electricity demand by 2020, in addition to contributing to meet EU sustainability goals, would provide huge macro-economical benefits to the EU society including the creation of an estimated 1.4 million jobs in Europe and saving hundreds millions of tons of CO2 emissions.

2009-10-09   Courtesy: European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA)   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Review of the EU PVSEC 2009: Bystronic glass reports strong interest and positive lead generation

Photovoltaic TPA (Thermo Plastic Applicator)
Photovoltaic TPA
(Thermo Plastic Applicator)

The 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC) 2009 held in Hamburg was a great success for the Bystronic glass group, the company reports in a press release. "A firm order was placed with a number of customers expressing serious intentions to buy", emphasizes Richard Jakob, CEO Bystronic glass. The Swiss-German specialists of glass processing machinery presented a method for efficiently encapsulating and sealing photovoltaic modules. Visitors to the exhibition were able to see the first machine for the application of high-viscous butyl on semiconductor thin-film substrates in operation: the photovoltaic TPA (Thermo Plastic Applicator).  The application of butyl due to Bystronic glass is suitable for sealing of modules based on copper-indium-diselenide (Cis) or copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CaTe). Depending on the film thickness, the application thickness of the butyl according to Bystronic glass varies between 0.5 to 1 millimetres - using the most accurate application. Integration into complete back-end lines and existing plants is possible. Thanks to a dual drum pump system, the machine is able to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The machine is available in both horizontal and vertical options.


A new type of silicon module without lamination

Tobias Neff, Product Manager Solar from the Bystronic Lenhardt Technology Center, was also pleased: "The exhibition was an excellent platform to cultivate our client base. As our customers decision-makers were also among the trade fair visitors, we engaged in detail on the spot discussions." As well as the photovoltaic TPA, Bystronic glass presented a new type of silicon module that attracted considerable public interest. "It became apparent that we are on the right track by developing the new module. Large solar companies have expressed their interest", reports Tobias Neff.

Processing of thin film solar modules using laser technology

At the stand, the Bystronic glass group also presented a machine for laser edge deletion (LED) and laser glass cutting (TLS) of substrates for thin film solar modules. The "first’laser" is a joint development with Jenoptik Automatisierungstechnik. Customers can expect substantial benefits from the liaison of both companies with global interests, Bystronic glass accentuates: "They can install a machine on a small footprint area which deletes glass edges without dust or damage at a previously unknown quality. A laser glass cutting process then allows the production of micro-crack-free edges with increased bending strength."

2009-10-09   Courtesy: Bystronic glass   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Bystronic glass

 

Dow Chemical Company unveils solar PV CIGS roofing shingles

solar shingles
solar shingles

The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Michigan) on October 5th, 2009 unveiled a line of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels in the form of solar shingles, dubbed "DOW POWERHOUSE." The company reports that they can be integrated into rooftops with standard asphalt shingle materials. The systems are expected to be available in limited quantities by mid-2010 and projected to be more widely available in 2011. According to the press release, the technology from Dow Solar Solutions (DSS) integrates low-cost, thin-film copper indium germanium (di)-selenide (CIGS) photovoltaic cells into a proprietary roofing shingle design.   This is believed to reduce installation costs because the conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously by roofing contractors. DSS expects an enthusiastic response from roofing contractors since no specialized skills or knowledge of solar array installations are required, the company emphasizes in its press release. "This is just one example of how Dow's 1.5 billion US-dollar annual R&D investment is allowing us to deliver practical solutions for some of the world's most critical challenges", said Dow Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andrew N. Liveris. "These types of innovative products not only showcase our deep scientific and technical expertise but also demonstrate how our commitment to R&D is fueling Dow's future growth agenda around the world."



Solar roofing shingles add to other products for PV and solar thermal industries

The company reports that its recent announcement is the latest milestone in its solar energy strategy following the formation of its Dow Solar Solutions business unit. In 2007, the company reportedly received 20 million US-dollars in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop "building integrated" solar arrays for the residential and commercial markets. The company's solar shingles are the latest in a series of investments Dow has made to bolster its position within the building and construction industry. According to the press release, the company supplies a wide range of systems and solutions designed to help improve the energy efficiency and overall performance of buildings. Jane Palmieri, Managing Director of DSS, noted that Dow's technology addresses two of the biggest challenges associated with solar power - cost and acceptance. "Consumers reap the benefits of our innovation. This is about providing roof protection and electricity generation all from one product, with lower costs, improved aesthetics, easier installation and long-lasting performance", she said. According to the press release, Dow has a number of additional products for the PV and solar thermal markets.

2009-10-09   Courtesy: Dow Chemical Company   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Dow Chemical Company

 

SunEdison and SkyPower activate "First Light", Canada’s first operational solar energy park

Graphical rendering of the
Graphical rendering of the "First Light"
solar PV park

Joint venture partners SunEdison Canada and SkyPower Corp., on October 2nd, 2009 announced the activation of Canada’s first ground mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system. The 9.1-megawatt (MW) PV plant named First Light, located in Stone Mills, Ontario covers 90 acres of land, about the size of 50 Canadian football fields, the companies report in a press release. SunEdison and SkyPower expect First Light to generate more than 10 million kilowatt hours (kWhs), enough electricity to power almost 1,000 homes in its first year of operation.  Due to the partners the PV plant will remove almost 8,000 metric tons of CO2 from the air in its first year of operation, the equivalent of carbon emissions from almost 1,800 cars. Over 20 years, the system will displace nearly 152 thousand metric tons of CO2, the equivalent of removing almost 33,000 cars from the road.




Ontario's announced Feed-in-Tariff program to stimulate solar development

"This is truly a very proud moment for SkyPower and its joint venture partner SunEdison, together the pioneering architects of Canada’s first and, so far, only operational solar park", said Kerry Adler, Chief Executive Officer of SkyPower. "This is a significant milestone for the people of Canada and will help generate a brighter future for generations to come. It is also a testament to the great things that can be achieved when private enterprise, the Ontario government and the local community work together through innovative public policy."
According to SunEdison COO Carlos Domenech, "As the largest system deployed under Ontario’s RESOP, First Light Solar Park is a first step in our plan to develop more rooftop and ground mount solar systems. Our joint venture in this project with SkyPower is a success and in full operation, delivering the benefits of solar to Ontario. The province’s recently announced Feed-in-Tariff program will continue to stimulate solar development. With the support of the provincial government, municipal leaders and communities, Ontario is an exciting market for solar, and we look forward to building on the foundation we have established with First Light." Commenting on the additional steps taken to protect the Shrike habitat, Domenech added, "Our efforts provide a clear example of how companies can work with government and community organizations to protect endangered species while generating clean renewable energy and delivering greater environmental benefits."

2009-10-09   Courtesy: SunEdison Canada; SkyPower Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SkyPower Corp.

 

German PV producer Solarion AG announces 13.4 % conversion efficiency for solar cells on plastic film

Flexible CIGS solar module by Solarion
Flexible CIGS solar module by Solarion

Leipzig-based Solarion AG reached a new efficiency level of 13.4% for Copper-Indium-Gallium-Diselenide solar cells (CIGS) on a plastic substrate produced on an industrial roll-to-roll system, the company reports in a press release. The record cells do not employ anti-reflective coating, Solarion emphasizes. The result has been independently verified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg, Germany. "This achievement shows that our proprietary ion beam technology for the production of flexible solar cells not only uses less raw materials and energy, but also reaches high conversion efficiencies", commented Alexander Braun, CTO of Solarion AG.   "This result is not only a world record efficiency for flexible CIGS solar cells manufactured on a plastic substrate in an industrial roll-to-roll coating process, but is also the highest efficiency for any thin film solar cell on a flexible polymer substrate from a roll-to-roll process, regardless of the absorber material", Braun explains further.




Ion beam process allows the use of a flexible polymer substrate

The patented ion beam process for producing the CIGS absorber developed by Solarion AG allows the reduction of process temperature and thus the use of a flexible polymer substrate. "The combination of a low-cost polymer substrate, the ion beam technology and a roll-to-roll production process allows us to reduce manufacturing costs significantly", explains Karsten Otte, CEO of Solarion AG. The flexibility and high efficiency of these solar cells opens up new large-volume applications. For example, such solar modules can be integrated directly into building systems for roofing and facade solutions. Moreover, modules with flexible CIGS solar cells can also be used for standard photovoltaic applications.

2009-10-08   Courtesy: Solarion AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solarion AG

 

KSK Surya photovoltaic venture selects Applied Materials’ SunFab solar panel production lines for 150 MW project in India

Executives from KSK and Applied Materials signed a contract on September 28th in Hyderabad
Executives from KSK and Applied Materials
signed a contract on September 28th in
Hyderabad

KSK Surya Photovoltaic Venture, Private Limited (KSK, Hyderabad, India), a subsidiary of KSK Power Ventur plc., a leading independent power provider in India, announced on October 8th, 2009 that it has signed a contract with Applied Materials, Inc. to purchase two Applied "SunFab" thin film Lines for manufacturing high-power output 5.7m2 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The SunFab lines will be installed in a state-of-the-art facility, including an R&D center, which KSK plans to build in the "Fab City" located in Hyderabad at a total project cost (including land and buildings) of approximately USD 0 million, Applied Materials reports in a press release.  When completed, the annual capacity of KSK’s facility is expected to be about 150 MW, making it the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) factory in India. Using Applied Materials’ advanced tandem junction technology, each 5.7m2 SunFab panel will have a power output greater than 500 Wp.



India’s Solar Mission aiming for 20 GW of solar power capacity by 2020

"Since India receives among the highest amount of solar radiation in the world, it must become a leader in solar power-generation technology. Our alliance with Applied Materials will help KSK play a significant part in India’s new Solar Mission to build 20GW of solar power by 2020", Mr. T.L. Sankar, KSK Group Chairman, stated. Mr. S. Kishore, Executive Director of KSK, added: "The large, powerful, tandem junction panels from our SunFab lines will enable us to quickly build our PV capacity and supply clean, renewable energy at an affordable cost." Mr. K.A. Sastry, Executive Director, emphasised that KSK intends to apply its power generation experience to system integration and development of solar farms selling energy into the grid.


Rapidly and cost-effectively deployment of solar farms

"KSK’s selection of Applied’s SunFab production lines and service solution is a strong testament to the value proposition we offer to utility-scale power providers, affirming the manufacturing readiness of our 5.7m2 tandem junction technology and the confidence in our roadmap", said Dr. Mark Pinto, senior vice president and general manager of Applied’s Energy and Environmental Solutions Group. "The fully integrated SunFab lines will enable KSK to rapidly and cost-effectively deploy solar farms to meet India’s fast-growing, energy needs."

KSK also signed a service contract with Applied Materials covering the first five years of production. Applied Materials will support KSK’s lines with preventive and corrective maintenance, spare parts and other services to optimize equipment performance and maximize manufacturing output. In addition, Applied and KSK will work together to develop continuous improvement programs that aim to increase module efficiency and lower operating costs.


More power at high ambient temperatures and under diffused light

"We believe that thin film silicon is the best solar module technology for conditions on the ground in India", said Mr. Anil Kutty, Managing Director of KSK Surya Photovoltaic Venture, Private Limited. "Compared to crystalline silicon technologies, our SunFab thin film modules will be capable of producing more power at high ambient temperatures and under diffused light, maximizing the energy yield from our future solar farms."

Dr. Ravinder Kachru, Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. S. Rao Peddada, Chief Operating Officer of KSK Surya Photovoltaic Venture, Private Limited, said: "We are excited about bringing the advanced thin film panel manufacturing technology to India and working with Applied Materials in developing next generation thin film PV technology."

2009-10-08   Courtesy: Applied Materials Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Applied Materials; Business Wire

 

Austin Energy reduced solar rebate program

Austin Energy supports solar energy systems
Austin Energy supports
solar energy systems

Austin Energy, the 9th largest community-owned electric utility in the United States, on October 1st, 2009 announced that it is revamping its solar rebate program to produce additional energy management benefits and to better leverage available dollars. The utility reports that it had reduced its solar rebate from 3.75 to 2.50 US-dollars per watt (W), effective September 24th, 2009. According to the press release, total rebate dollars will be limited to 15,000 US-dollars per home installation and 50,000 US-dollars per site, as some residential customers build out a home solar energy system in stages.  In addition, the company announced that the installation of key energy efficiency improvements to a home will be a qualifying requirement for future solar rebates. Rebates or zero percent interest loans are to be made available on all key home efficiency improvements to Austin Energy customers. These changes are expected to help keep solar rebate levels in synch with declining costs of solar PV technology and enhanced federal tax credits (FTCs). According to the press release, the goal of Austin Energy is to maintain a rebate that is attractive, but at a level that allows as many customers as possible to participate in the program.



Solar rebate applications exceed available budget

The utility also plans to change how it will assist solar installations by businesses, the apartment community and non-profit customers. The goal is to develop an incentive based on the output of solar installations rather than a rebate based on the size of an installation. New guidelines for businesses are to be developed with the goal of implementation by January, 2010. The combination of an attractive utility rebate, an enhanced FTC and what the company describes as a 50 % reduction in the cost of solar panels in recent time has led to a significant increase of solar rebate applications. Last year, Austin Energy reports, the company received about 150 solar rebate applications. This year the utility has received more than 400, a number that reportedly exceeds the available budget. As a result, rebates are available for all projects that have received an Austin Energy Letter of Intent (LOI), which earmarks funding for approved projects. Other applications must be refiled along with new residential applications. According to the press release, new or refiled residential applications will be accepted beginning November 1st, 2009. The utility reports that it has provided more than 18 million US-dollars in solar rebates since 2004, resulting in the installation of more than 900 rooftop solar installations in Austin totaling more than three MW of solar capacity.

2009-10-08   Courtesy: Austin Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Austin Energy

 

Mitsubishi Electric introduces 100 and 250 kW inverters for large-scale solar PV systems in North America

Prototype rendering of the photovoltaic inverter by Mitsubishi
Prototype rendering of the photovoltaic
inverter by Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. (Cypress, California) on October 1st, 2009 announced that the company will introduce two photovoltaic (PV) inverters for the North American market. A 100 kilowatt (kW) model and a 250 kW model will be made available to North American customers. The company emphasizes in a press release, that there is not only demand from solar industry professionals for improved PV module efficiency, but also for higher efficiency PV inverters to reduce system costs and fulfill maintenance needs for large industrial PV systems.  Inverters convert direct current (DC) electricity as it is generated by solar cells into alternating current (AC) electricity for power grid use. Mitsubishi Electric accentuates that this is the first time that a Japanese manufacturer enters the large-scale PV inverter market in North America. "Solar installation companies and system integrators will benefit from our entry into the North America inverter marketplace", said Gina Heng, General Manager for Mitsubishi Electric's Photovoltaic Division. "Now they will be able to buy both PV modules and high-efficiency inverters from the same manufacturer, making purchasing, installation and maintenance easier."



Solar inverters expected to reach 97.5 % efficiency rate

Mitsubishi Electric recently announced the development of new technologies that are believed to help achieve a CEC weighted efficiency rate of 97.5 %. According to the press release, this would mean the highest rating in 100 kW - 480 V PV inverters currently on the market. The new PV inverters use what the company calls a gradationally-controlled inverter technology and a transformer-less specification which it reports reduces the voltage loss and decreases the weight of the inverter. The products are designed for indoor and outdoor use, including desert environments, areas with limited-access and other locations with severe conditions. The company announces that it will showcase a prototype of the 100 kW type inverter at the Solar Power International 2009 in Anaheim, California.Mitsubishi Electric plans to launch the 100 kW model in October 2010, and the 250 kW model is scheduled to become available starting in April 2011.

2009-10-07   Courtesy: MitsubishiElectricSolar.com.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: MitsubishiElectricSolar.com.

 

Advisory company Gartner: Government policy will drive solar PV market growth in the United States

As with most other renewable energy technologies, photovoltaic (PV) solar energy requires subsidies to offset its higher cost relative to other energy sources. The information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut) on October 5th, 2009 released a statement on the solar rebate environment of the United States, where a variety of incentives at the federal, state and local levels are believed to create a complicated environment for end users to navigate. This situation is in contrast to Europe, where most countries employ a feed-in-tariff (FIT) structure.  Until the U.S. federal government establishes a comprehensive renewable energy policy, PV vendors targeting the U.S. market will be faced with a complex set of incentives and regulations that vary from state to state. Gartner reports that in the U.S. market, successful PV vendors must not only manage their value chain to ensure they have a competitive cost structure, but also develop a sophisticated channel strategy that reaches customers in a tiered structure and actively influences their local policy environment.



Diverse incentive programs impeding market entry of solar vendors

According to Gartner, a variety of implications arise from the situation in the United States. First, because of the strong role that state and local governments play in establishing renewable energy policies, the U.S. PV solar market must be viewed as a collection of state and regional markets, as opposed to a monolithic country market. In addition to that, Gartner believes that more will need to be done to drive widespread adoption of solar energy in the United States. Nevertheless, analysts commend the U.S. federal government for having made a good start in enacting policies that will stimulate the growth of solar energy. According to the press release, California is leading the way in creating an environment in which solar energy can flourish, both in terms of policy development and in the level of funding being committed to support solar energy programs.


Solar vendors need to understand incentive policies that influence the market at federal, state and local level

Gartner believes that the U.S. PV solar market is about to enter a high-growth phase, as various incentives kick in to stimulate demand for solar and other sources of renewable energy. Because solar energy is dependent on subsidies to be economically viable, vendors wishing to capitalize on this market opportunity must possess a working knowledge of the government policies influencing the market at the federal, state and local levels. For more details on this market analysis by Gartner, please refer to "Dataquest Insight: Government Policy Plays a Big Role in U.S. Solar Market," G00170165. This document is said to provide an overview of the major solar energy policies being employed in the United States and recommends strategies for vendors to maximize their opportunity in this environment.

2009-10-07   Courtesy: Gartner Inc., James Hines   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

OPDE Group to build 17 photovoltaic plants totaling 75 MW in Italy

Locations for OPDE solar farms in Italy
Locations for OPDE solar farms in Italy

The OPDE Group (Navara, Spain) announced that the company and the regional government of Piedmont (Italy) will sign a collaboration protocol on October 8th, 2009, under which OPDE will build a total of 17 solar photovoltaic (PV) farms with an installed capacity of 75 megawatts (MW).   According to the press release, the PV plants will be located in the provinces of Cuneo, Asti and Alessandria. Construction and start of operations are scheduled between October 2009 and December 2010. The PV partnership agreement has been approved by the regional executive, who also pledged to speed up the bureaucratic processes for its implementation, the OPDE Group reports. The company hopes to create 125 new jobs, from a total of 375 direct and indirect posts, which will become available from the solar project in the region of Piedmont.





Development of 45 MW installed solar capacity during second phase of project

The project submitted by the OPDE Group involves a three-stage development. During the first phase, planned to be completed in early 2010, the company plans to implement seven solar PV farms with a total installed capacity of 31 MW. According to the press release, these plants will range from 1.9 to 7.3 megawatts peak (MWp) capacity and will together represent a total investment of 150 million Euros (219 million US-dollars). During this first phase of the project, the OPDE Group's RÍOS company is to open an operation and maintenance center. Also MECASOLAR's facility in the capital of Piedmont Turin is to act as a logistics center from where the OPDE Group intends to supply the solar PV market in France, Germany and the Eastern European countries. According to the announcement, the second phase of the project will take place in 2010 with the construction of an additional ten solar power plants with a combined installed capacity of 45 MW, representing a total investment in this second phase of 170 million Euros (248 million US-dollars) in the region. The third phase will focus on collaboration with technology centers and universities to launch a "Centre for Research on Photovoltaic Solar Energy," the OPDE Group reports.

2009-10-07   Courtesy: OPDE Group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: OPDE Group

 

PG&E signs suite of power agreements for clean, reliable energy

The U.S. utility Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E; San Francisco, California), a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation, on October 1st, 2009 announced a suite of new power agreements, totaling more than 2,000 megawatts (MW). The company expects to provide many years of clean, reliable electricity for the 15 million people it serves in northern and central California under these agreements. PG&E emphasizes that it has entered into new contracts to buy more than 830 MW of renewable energy generation capacity from solar developers, enough to meet the needs of more than 200,000 average homes.   In addition, to enable the utility to reliably increase its use of renewable energy, PG&E reports that it has asked the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to approve new agreements for power from highly efficient and flexible natural gas-fired plants that can balance the fluctuating output of wind and solar resources. "Taken together, these agreements reflect PG&E's comprehensive energy strategy to meet our customers' future power needs with clean energy solutions", said Fong Wan, Senior Vice President, Energy Procurement at PG&E.



More efficient natural gas power plants to be used for electricity generation

According to the press release, the agreements sent to the CPUC by PG&E grew out of a competitive solicitation in 2008 to identify long-term power projects with the best customer value. The company reports that they include two proposed new facilities in Contra Costa County and an existing cogeneration plant in Kern County, which is said to efficiently use natural gas for electricity generation and waste heat for industrial processes. One of the proposed new facilities is said to be a flexible and efficient 719 MW peak plant near Antioch to be owned by a subsidiary of Mirant Corporation. It is scheduled to be completed by mid-2013. Separately, Mirant reportedly has agreed with PG&E to shut down its Contra Costa units 6 and 7 in 2013, which are older, less efficient generators that rely on water from the Delta for once-through-cooling. If approved by the CPUC, PG&E plans to purchase, own and operate the other proposed new facility, a state-of-the-art 586 MW plant in Oakley, after it becomes operational as planned in 2014. This plant would be air cooled, PG&E reports.

2009-10-07   Courtesy: PG&E   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Enbridge to acquire Ontario solar photovoltaic plant from First Solar

Aerial photo showing the installation progress at Sarnia last week
Aerial photo showing the installation
progress at Sarnia last week

Enbridge Inc. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) and photovoltaics manufacturer First Solar, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) on October 2nd, 2009 announced that they had entered into an agreement for Enbridge to acquire a 20 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant that First Solar has developed and is constructing near Sarnia, Ontario. The PV plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2009, and it is believed to become the largest photovoltaic facility in operation in Canada, and one of the largest in North America.   With a capacity of 20 MWp, Enbridge expects the PV power plant will generate enough electricity to meet the needs of about 3,200 homes and help to save the equivalent of approximately 7,275 tons of CO2 per year.


337.200 thin-film modules to produce approx. about 30 million kWh annually

First Solar reports that the 337.200 thin-film modules will have a combined surface area of approximately 250.615 square meters, generating about 30 million kilowatt hours (kWh) annually. Under the terms of the agreement, First Solar is constructing the solar project under a fixed price engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract utilizing its thin film PV technology. The company reports that it will also provide operations and maintenance services under a long-term contract. "Enbridge's investment underscores the fact that large-scale solar photovoltaic power generation is becoming a reality", said Bruce Sohn, President of First Solar. He added that this agreement was the first to realize the value of the OptiSolar project development pipeline, which the company had acquired in April, 2009.


Solar power to complement wind-power plants

According to the press release, the power output of the solar PV facility will be sold to the Ontario Power Authority pursuant to a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under the terms of the Ontario Government's Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program. The Sarnia project is to complement Enbridge's four existing wind energy projects, which have a combined capacity of 260 MW. "Enbridge is pleased to invest in infrastructure projects like the Sarnia Solar Project that are creating near term employment in Ontario, as well as advancing Ontario's green energy policy objectives", said Patrick D. Daniel, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Enbridge Inc. "Ontario's Green Energy Act demonstrates the commitment of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Honourable George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure to a diversified portfolio of green energy solutions and to encouraging investment in Ontario."

2009-10-06   Courtesy: First Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: First Solar Inc.

 

Recurrent Energy launches European operations with 4.8 MW photovoltaic rooftop plants in Spain

Photo rendering of five buildings at ProLogis Park Sant Boi
Photo rendering of five buildings
at ProLogis Park Sant Boi

Recurrent Energy (San Francisco, California), a distributed power company and a provider of solar energy systems, on September 29th, 2009 announced rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects with a nominal capacity of 4.8 megawatts (MW) in Spain, which the company says marks its successful entry into the European solar market. The projects are the result of a co-development arrangement with ProLogis (Denver, Colorado), a global provider of distribution facilities, Recurrent Energy reports.   The company was awarded a feed-in tariff by the Spanish government for the projects, which are expected to enter commercial operation in mid-2010. "This is the first of many more to come for Recurrent Energy in Europe as well as an industry first that points the way towards the future of solar power", said Arno Harris, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Recurrent Energy. "We have over 500 MW of distributed-scale projects in development across North America and Europe, and what this project successfully demonstrates is the sizable role commercial and industrial rooftops can play in large-scale solar deployment."


Distribution centers in Barcelona and Madrid to host solar power plants

Under the terms of the agreement between the companies, Recurrent Energy will lease rooftops from ProLogis as solar plant sites. Recurrent Energy is to finance, own and operate the PV systems located on eight of ProLogis' distribution centers in Barcelona and Madrid. According to the press release, the systems will be grid-connected, feeding all power generated back into the local utility grid through a feed-in tariff (FIT), which was awarded to Recurrent Energy in July. "Working with Recurrent Energy brings us their expertise of developing distributed-scale projects which are faster to interconnect and permit, delivering the benefits of solar energy sooner", said Drew Torbin, Director of Global Renewable Energy for ProLogis. "We are a solid match, with more than 450 million square feet of large, flat, unobstructed, permit-ready roof space worldwide, ProLogis is able to solve one of the most basic issues involved in developing large-scale solar projects, the availability of appropriate host sites."

The development of the projects is scheduled to begin in October 2009, using local services within Barcelona and Madrid, including local contractors, engineering firms, and consultants. The completion of all projects is scheduled for mid-2010. "This project is a strong example of the value of rooftop-focused incentives provided by the Spanish government", said Karl Knight, Managing Director of international development at Recurrent Energy.

2009-10-06   Courtesy: Recurrent Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ProLogis

 

Cool Energy demonstrates stirling engine for solar and waste heat applications

SolarHeart Engine by Cool Energy
SolarHeart Engine by Cool Energy

Cool Energy, Inc. (Boulder, Colorado), developer of clean energy heat and electrical power generating systems, on September 30th, 2009 announced the completion and operation of its third stirling engine platform. The engine, called the "SolarHeart Engine," is able to convert low temperature heat into electrical power, the company reports. In addition to the solar application, it is said to be able to utilize waste heat, such as exhaust heat of a diesel generator or industrial facilities, to generate electricity and boost the total power generated by as much as 20 %.  "We are excited to have achieved this major technology milestone", said Sam Weaver, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of Cool Energy. "After our engineers finished assembly of the engine, it ran upon first activation and generated over 600 watts of electrical power. In a short time the engine was producing near 1 kilowatt (kW). Our team will now be using a higher temperature working fluid to simulate a solar application, and we expect to generate power in the 1.5 kW range."




Potential to expand the application of solar thermal products

Michael DiPaolo, President of Regasol USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Paradigma Energie (Karlsbad, Germany) and a system provider of regenerative heating technology, added: "We are very interested in working with Cool Energy as their solution has the potential to expand the application of solar thermal products to include electricity generation." He announced that the company plans to explore ways to partner with the company in the future.

2009-10-06   Courtesy: Cool Energy, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Cool Energy, Inc.

 

Ausra to provide technology for 100 MW solar thermal power plant in Jordan

Solar thermal power plant
Solar thermal power plant

Ausra, Inc. (Mountain View, California) on September 30th, 2009 announced that the company had been selected as the solar steam boiler supplier for the proposed 100 megawatt (MW) "JOAN1" concentrating solar thermal power plant (CSP) currently under development in Ma'an, Jordan. The project is expected to enter operation in 2013 and is believed to become one of the largest CSP plants in the world using direct solar steam generation.   According to the press release, JOAN1 will also include a back-up fossil-fuel boiler to guarantee 24-hour dispatchable electric power. Ausra's selection as the solar boiler provider was announced by Samer Zureikat, Managing Director of Germany-based MENA Cleantech AG, during the CSP industry's largest conference SolarPACES in Berlin, Germany. "Ausra's robust and cost-effective solar boiler technology, its team of experienced power industry veterans, as well as its OEM business model make it the most suitable solar steam boiler company to provide equipment for this landmark project", stated Zureikat.



New manufacturing facility in Jordan planned to support CSP development

Ausra reports that JOAN1 will rely on the company's "Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector" (CLFR) technology to power the plant's solar steam cycle with a capacity of up to 100 MWp. According to the press release, the CLFR solar steam systems are designed for existing fossil-fired plants, new standalone solar and solar/fossil hybrid plants, and a diverse range of industrial customers. The company plans to install an advanced manufacturing facility in Jordan in order to supply JOAN1 with its solar steam boilers. The project is scheduled for financial close in the fourth quarter of 2010, with construction beginning in early 2011. According to the press release, JOAN1 will use dry cooling to conserve water. Regarding the choice of Ma'an as the site for the world's first large-scale direct steam CSP plant, Zureikat noted: "Jordan's modern investment laws and progressive regulatory climate coupled with its unparalleled solar resource make Ma'an one of the best locations in the world to build a Concentrating Solar Power plant."

2009-10-06   Courtesy: Ausra, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ausra, Inc.

 

PV CYCLE members agree to initiate photovoltaic module take-back and recycling program in 2010

Photovoltaic module take-back and recycling to start in 2010
Photovoltaic module take-back and
recycling to start in 2010

The members of PV CYCLE agreed at their Extraordinary General Assembly, held during the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Hamburg (Germany), to initiate photovoltaic module take-back and recycling in 2010. PV CYCLE Members approved the 2010 operating budget, new statutes and by-laws to fund and implement a take-back and recycling program for end-of-life PV modules. "The overwhelming endorsement of the 2010 operating budget, new statutes and by-laws by the Members of PV CYCLE represents a key milestone in implementing the photovoltaic (PV) industry’s voluntary commitment to collect and recycle modules at end-of-life", stated Karsten Wambach, PV CYCLE’s President.  "The PV industry is committed to be “double green” by not only providing clean and renewable energy to address climate change but also to ensure that the solutions to climate change today don’t pose a waste management issue for future generations", he added.




Voluntary collection and recycling of PV products at end-of-life.

Jan Clyncke, Managing Director of PV CYCLE, stated: "The actions taken today are a significant milestone toward the implementation of a voluntary take-back and recycling program for the PV industry. Such an agreement will represent for the first time that an industry sector in Europe has organised itself on a voluntary basis to ensure collection and recycling of its products at end-of-life. I am extremely pleased to lead an industry organization with such foresight and commitment to ‘Making the photovoltaic industry DoubleGreen." PV CYCLE will be issuing requests for tender for both collection and recycling services in advance of its 2010 implementation.

2009-10-05   Courtesy: PV CYCLE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PV CYCLE

 

Concentrating solar plant Starwood Solar I: agreement terminated

Arizona Public Service Co. (APS, Phoenix, Arizona) announced it has received notice from Starwood Energy Group Global, LLC that it is terminating the long-term purchase power agreement the two companies signed in May 2009. This ends plans for "Starwood Solar I", the 290-megawatt concentrating solar plant (CSP), which was to be located in the Harquahala Valley, 75 miles west of Phoenix. "APS remains committed to solar energy and we intend to aggressively respond to this development as we stay on track with our plans to increase the amount of renewable energy we provide to customers", said Don Robinson, President of APS.  Large-scale CSP project Solana continues to move forward

Starwood Solar I was the second large-scale solar project announced by APS in the last 19 months. The first, Solana, continues to move forward, APS emphasizes. Financing for the 280-megawatt CSP plant is expected to be announced in the first half of 2010. Solana will be built 70 miles southwest of Phoenix, near Gila Bend, Ariz.

"APS understands that after the major subcontractor agreements were negotiated, the size and the final risk profile of the engineering, procurement and construction contract, among other factors, were the reasons Lockheed Martin decided not to go forward", the company reports in a press release. Lockheed Martin was the engineering, procurement and construction firm that partnered with Starwood to develop the project. As work begins on replacing the energy from Starwood Solar I, APS expects to announce before the end of the year the results of two current solicitations for renewable energy: one for small-scale generation projects and one for distributed generation.

2009-10-05   Courtesy: APS   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SolarWorld to add PV module assembly in Hillsboro, USA

SolarWorld's facility at Hillsboro, Oregon.
SolarWorld's facility at Hillsboro, Oregon.

SolarWorld’s manufacturing operation at Hillsboro, Oregon, USA, will become the first fully integrated monocrystalline photovoltaic (PV) plant in the Americas - starting with polysilicon and ending with Sunmodules - when the plant adds module assembly in mid-2010, the company announced on October 4th, 2009. The factory - in addition to crystal growing, wafer making and cell production already occurring at the Hillsboro site - will round out SolarWorld’s commitment to Oregon manufacturing and the U.S. market.   A new, 210,000-square-foot building nearing completion next to SolarWorld’s 480,000-square-foot main U.S. factory will house 350 megawatts of annual module-manufacturing capacity. Combined with 150 MW in Camarillo, Calif., the company’s capacity will total 500 MW in the United States and 1.15 gigawatts (GW) worldwide by 2011. Module assembly will occupy half of the new building, logistics the other half.



Adding moduling in Hillsboro as part the long-term expansion goal

Construction of the new building, which employed up to 180 construction workers, has added 44 percent more space to the site just a year after it opened on Oct. 17, 2008. The addition of module assembly is coming sooner and in greater capacity than the company initially planned. "While we always intended to add moduling in Hillsboro as part of our long-term expansion goal, today marks the launch of actual steps to equip, staff and operate a new building for that purpose", said Boris Klebensberger, president of SolarWorld Industries America. "These steps reflect our unwavering determination to use Oregon’s skilled, silicon-savvy work force – in concert with our veteran employees in Camarillo – to manufacture the world’s best PV power technology right here on U.S. soil."

SolarWorld, on own account the largest and most experienced U.S. manufacturer of solar power technology, has begun assembling a management team and work force for the new factory, which will not alter the company’s previous commitment to employ 1,000 workers by 2011. SolarWorld officials announced the milestone in their ongoing U.S. expansion during a first-anniversary celebration inside the new building. The event coincided with a SolarWorld-sponsored bicycle tour to benefit Portland nonprofit Green Empowerment, which undertakes energy and water projects in developing nations.
Also in the event, Solar2World, SolarWorld’s rural-electrification program, launched a project with Green Empowerment to benefit El Corozo, Nicaragua. Solar2World will donate PV modules for a solar water-pumping station that will be implemented by the Portland nonprofit to supply drinking water to 114 residents.

2009-10-05   Courtesy: SolarWorld group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SolarWorld group

 

Making solar heat add up: New study reveals the potential of solar thermal in Europe

New Study "Potential of Solar
Thermal in Europe".

The new study "Potential of Solar Thermal in Europe" examines the growth that can come from the solar thermal heating and cooling sector, the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) announces in a press release. By its own account the solar thermal industry will make a significant contribution to the 20 % target of renewable energy set by the new RES Directive.   The study is authored by Werner Weiss (AEE Intec) and Peter Biermayr (Vienna University of Technology). In order to provide the European Union and its Member States with substantiated information on the contribution, solar thermal can make to the 20 % renewable energy target set by the RES Directive (2009/28/EC), detailed surveys were conducted in five representative countries: Austria, Denmark, Germany, Poland and Spain. The information gathered was then extrapolated to the 27 EU countries and the future heating and cooling demand was calculated for 2020, 2030 and 2050, taking into consideration a decline of the overall energy demand due to energy efficiency measures, ESTIF reports in the press release.



ESTIF: Solar thermal has the potential to cover 47 % of the EU low-temperature heat demand by 2050

Under the most ambitious scenario, solar thermal would make up 6.3 % of the European Union’s 20 % renewable energy target, representing an annual sector growth rate of 26 %. As a footnote, the European solar thermal market achieved a spectacular growth of 60 % in 2008. By 2050 solar thermal has the potential to cover 47 % of the EU low-temperature heat demand, ESTIF emphasizes in the press release.


470.000 full-time jobs in the European Union domestic in 2020

In terms of economic effects, the impact on employment would be considerable. In total, the solar thermal sector would provide 470.000 full-time jobs in 2020, in the European Union domestic market alone, ESTIF reports in the press release. "The solar thermal market is expected to reach huge growth in the coming years as energy and climate policies push renewable space and water heating up the agenda", says ESTIF President Olivier Drücke. Many of the leading manufacturers are already increasing their production capacity and looking to expand into previously untapped markets in anticipation of further growth. By developing new applications such as solar heating and cooling for large buildings and industrial processes, the solar thermal industry is creating new markets and proactively working towards a more sustainable society, ESTIF reports.



Study and summaries online

The study, authored by Werner Weiss (AEE Intec) and Peter Biermayr (Vienna University of Technology) is available for download at:
www.estif.org.
Executive Summaries are available in English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish.

2009-10-04   Courtesy: European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF)   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ESTIF

 

EuPD Research and SEMI PV Group: Memorandum of Understanding to support the worldwide photovoltaic industry

During the 24th PVSEC in Hamburg, Germany, the solar energy market researcher and consulting company EuPD Research signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SEMI, the global industry association for equipment and materials for its global PV initiative PV Group. By signing this memorandum, both parties unite in their support for the global PV industry, EuPD Research emphasizes in the press release. The agreement also lays the foundations for the exchange of market information and membership benefits. The MoU was signed by Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO, EuPD Research and Dan Martin, Executive Vice President, SEMI PV Group.   The first joint project resulted in the EuPD Research study "Thin Film Industry Guidebook", which provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the global PV thin film industry. Based on primary research and a thorough and independent analysis, the report covers the entire thin film PV value chain and provides recommendations for improving companies’ strategies, EuPD reports in the press release. SEMI member companies will receive a 30 percent discount on this study.


Market research for the deployment of solar PV strategies

"The SEMI PV Group is pleased to work with EuPD Research to expand our members’ knowledge and resources in solar PV", said Dan Martin, Executive Vice President, SEMI PV Group. "Our members look for high-quality, detailed market research data as they deploy their solar PV strategies, and our agreement with EuPD Research will advance our ability to meet that goal."

"Since EuPD Research was founded in 2000, we have completed over 400 international research and consulting projects for the solar industry, related associations, chambers of commerce and governments. In cooperation with our consulting unit 360|Consult, our interdisciplinary expert teams shed light on complex questions and analyze markets by using innovative methods. By combining high quality primary data, profound market expertise and a constantly growing expert network, we ensure the provision of essential information and support strategic business decisions in areas such as sales/distribution, pricing, communication, services, products and M&A", said Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO, EuPD Research.


Further Information on the "Thin Film Industry Guidebook" at
eupd-research.com

2009-10-04   Courtesy: EuPD Research   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Siemens wins EUR 40 million service contract for four solar parks in Spain

Three kilometers from Beneixama is one of the largest photovoltaic parks in the world.
Three kilometers from Beneixama is one of
the largest photovoltaic parks in the world.

Siemens Industry, Erlangen, Germany, has won an order from the Madrid-based company Eolia Renovables for the technical operation and maintenance of four photovoltaic (PV) systems with a total power output of over 45 MW. Spanning a period of more than 20 years, the service and maintenance contract has a volume of approximately EUR40 million, Siemens reports in a press release. Close to Beneixama in the Spanish province of Alicante is the location of one of the largest photovoltaic parks in the world. More than 100,000 solar modules supply more than 12,000 Spanish households with electricity.  Eolia Renovables operates three more photovoltaic systems in Mahora, Bonete and Alconchel. Siemens has supplied the entire electrical equipment for all four solar parks and intends to expand significantly its share of the market with a new range of photovoltaic (PV) inverters for medium-sized and large systems. According to the latest study by IMS Research, the market for PV systems is set to grow by at least 30 percent every year to 2013. Photovoltaic systems, products and after-sales service form part of the Siemens environmental portfolio which on own account generated sales of EUR19 billion in fiscal 2008. This represents about a quarter of the company's total sales.

2009-10-04   Courtesy: Siemens AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Siemens AG

 

San Diego Community College District to implement PV program

Solar arrays by Borrego Solar at the community college of Marin.
Solar arrays by Borrego Solar at the
community college of Marin.

Borrego Solar (San Diego, California), a developer, designer and installer of commercial, government and residential grid-connected solar electric systems, on September 25th, 2009 announced that the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) had approved a 20-year agreement under which the company is to construct and maintain photovoltaic (PV) systems with a total capacity of 2.4 megawatts (MWp) across the district.   This project is believed to be one of the largest of its kind for a college or university in the nation. According to the press release, the solar power plant will be financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) which will enable SDCCD to access and use solar-generated energy, without the upfront capital costs or operational expenses. Under the agreement, Borrego Solar will build, operate and maintain the solar energy system, and sell the generated solar energy back to the District at rates approximately 18 % below those of the utility San Diego Gas & Electric. The company reports that this could amount to an annual savings of more than 110,000 US-dollars. The solar energy generated by the District system is expected to be enough to meet 26 % of current peak electrical demand, helping to reduce the increasing demand for power from San Diego's existing utility grid.



Many environmental benefits expected from solar power installations

The photovoltaic program calls for the solar panels to be installed on building rooftops, parking structures and atop new solar panel shade structures on parking lots throughout the District, Borrego Solar reports. The solar energy system is expected to generate a number of environmental benefits, including a reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 111,747,343 pounds, a reduction of fossil fuel consumption that amounts to 159,751 barrels of oil and the reduction of other emissions such as nitrogen- and sulfur oxides. "This is a win-win for the San Diego Community College District, and the community in general", said David Umstot, Vice Chancellor of Facilities. "By taking advantage of modern solar technology and current renewable energy incentives, we are able to promote our environmental commitment by producing clean electricity on site, reducing our carbon footprint, and working to find solutions for meeting the growing energy demands within the San Diego community." According to the press release, SDCCD could realize an additional 2.5 MWp of solar PV capacity if the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) raised the 1 MW cap on the amount of energy that it allows a meter at a single location to generate. Mark Pearson, Senior Energy Consultant for Borrego Solar, said: "The District is setting a great example of how projects of this scale can make significant, long-lasting and positive impacts in their operations and working and learning environment."

2009-10-03   Courtesy: Borrego Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Borrego Solar

 

Atlas introduces new technology for full scale PV module durability testing

Atlas outdoor testing environment.
Atlas outdoor testing environment.

Atlas Material Testing Technology (Chicago, Illinois) on September 29th, 2009 announced a new technology for accelerated exposure testing of complete photovoltaic (PV) modules. According to the press release, the "XR360"-system integrates recent developments in environmental chamber and xenon solar simulation technology. It is the successor to the company's "XR260" which has been extensively used for PV testing by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Atlas reports.   All materials age and lose some functionality over time. That is why it has long been recognized that there is a need for testing solar module components, such as substrates, encapsulants, coatings, metals, glass, sealants, and components like cables, holders, and junction boxes. This testing is typically accomplished in benchmark outdoor testing environments and laboratory weathering instruments.


Modules to be tested under complete and appropriate conditions

The tests are normally performed according to ISO, ASTM, and other industry consensus standard test methods. Atlas believes that just as with material coupons and smaller components, full PV modules should be tested under complete and appropriate conditions to reproduce the synergistic effects of the factors of weathering in end-use conditions. According to the press release, the XR360 represents the largest production offering, capable of testing modules up to 1.9 m x 1.4 m, a capacity that is believed to cover more than 90 % of the modules currently in production. Atlas reports that the system will be available in three different models to accommodate various testing needs. Some of the features of the XR360 include chambers with four water-cooled high-performance long-arc lamps, full climatic functionality and the ability to run IEC tests that do not require light, such as the damp heat test.

2009-10-02   Courtesy: Atlas Material Testing Technology   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Atlas Material Testing Technology

 

SolarCity and U.S. Bancorp double fund to finance solar PV projects to 100 million US-dollars

Residential PV system by SolarCity.
Residential PV system by
SolarCity.

The residential photovoltaics installer SolarCity (Foster City, California) and U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (USBCDC; Minneapolis, Minnesota) on September 29th, 2009 announced that they had doubled the size of their fund to finance solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. The fund, originally announced in June 2009, is to be expanded to finance 100 million US-dollars in solar projects in 2009. The companies report that the partnership backs SolarCity's solar leases ("SolarLease") and power purchase agreements (PPA), which are financing options that can allow homeowners and businesses to put no money down on solar systems and save money from day one on electricity costs. 


Zero-down financing for homeowners and businesses

"Our SolarLease and PPA products save customers money from day one, with no upfront cost", said SolarCity Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lyndon Rive. "We're expanding our partnership with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation to offer more homeowners and businesses zero-down financing to keep pace with the nation's growing appetite for clean power." SolarCity operates in California, Arizona and Oregon. USBCDC is a division of U.S. Bancorp (USB). Lyndon Rive discussed the expansion of the fund and the prospects for scaling the U.S. solar market as part of a panel presentation at the Renewable Energy Financing Forum (REFF) in San Francisco, California.

2009-10-02   Courtesy: SolarCity   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SolarCity

 

E.ON focuses on concentrated solar power, promotes research into heat storage systems

2009 E.ON Research Award.
2009 E.ON Research Award.

E.ON in September 2009 called for applications under the company's international research initiative which focuses on heat storage for concentrated solar power (CSP). This topic is said to be the third key subject area on which E.ON is inviting universities and institutes worldwide to submit proposals for innovative research projects. CSP bundles the sun's rays so that electricity can be produced by steam generators in solar-thermal power stations. E.ON reports that in combination with suitable heat storage devices it is possible to produce carbon-free electricity 24 hours a day at favorable prices, thus reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. 


Ten projects to be funded with a total budget of approximately 6 million Euros

The company is convinced that the future will ultimately belong to solar technology. According to the press release, the call for applications is intended to support research projects which focus on innovative heat storage devices for CSP systems that are later to be used commercially in power stations. E.ON reports that under its research initiative, up to ten projects will be chosen and funded with a total budget of approximately 6 million Euros (8.7 million US-dollars). Applications have to be submitted by the beginning of 2010, and the best projects are to receive the E.ON Research Award in the fall of 2010. The company reports it has made a total of 60 million Euros (87 million US-dollars) available for research projects with differing priorities since 2007, and that it is taking the initiative in the field of energy research in order to contribute towards solving key problems of energy supply.

2009-10-02   Courtesy: E.ON   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: E.ON

 

ENN and Duke Energy to develop clean energy technologies

The Chinese energy company ENN and Duke Energy (Charlotte, North Carolina), on September 26th, 2009 announced at the Clinton Global Initiative's annual meeting that they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate the development of low-carbon and clean energy technologies. The companies plan to launch a series of meetings to share information and to evaluate a potential partnership that could lead to the commercial development of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the United States.   According to the press release, the agreement includes the potential development of commercial solar PV projects as well as joint technology development in coal-based clean energy, biofuels, natural gas, smart grid systems, energy efficiency and carbon-capturing algae.


Clean energy for China and the world

"Climate change may be the world's most serious problem but it's also an opportunity. Our mission is to fix the problem and our agreement with Duke Energy combines the forces of two great energy companies", said Wang Yusuo, Chairman of ENN. "This agreement gives both ENN and Duke Energy the opportunity to share expertise so we can more seriously combat climate change in both China and the United States." ENN reports that the company is committed to clean energy for China and the world. "China is leading the world in investing in clean energy and we can make greater progress by joining forces and working together", said Duke Energy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jim Rogers. "We must move at 'China speed' to combat global warming." He believes that cooperative agreements like this one will enable the two countries to quickly commercialize and drive down the cost of clean energy technologies.

2009-10-02   Courtesy: ENN   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Sierra Nevada Corporation to realize three solar PV plants for Nevada Army National Guard

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC; Sparks, Nevada) President, Eren Ozmen, on September 24th, 2009 announced that Sierra Solar I LCC (SSI) had won the Nevada Army National Guard's "Super Solar Phase I" project to collaborate on solar energy generation at three National Guard sites. SSI is to provide solar photovoltaic (PV) parking lot structures at the Nevada National Guard's Fairview Complex Headquarters in Carson City (Nevada), the Las Vegas Readiness Center, and the Floyd Edsall Training Center in Las Vegas. The combined power generated of all three plants will amount to 3.4 megawatts (MW), SNC reports.   According to the agreement, SSI is responsible for the project financing, design, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance of the solar PV parking lot facilities at each site. The Nevada National Guard pledges to purchase the power produced by the plants at a fixed levelized cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the next 20 to 35 years. Greg Cox, Corporate Vice President at SNC, said: "We are excited to get this project underway with our other Nevada based engineering and construction teammates." According to the press release, the construction of the PV plants is expected to start in November 2009 and all three photovoltaic arrays are to be completed and operational by June 2010. The project is estimated to create 20 development and construction jobs and 2 long term operations and maintenance jobs.

2009-10-02   Courtesy: Sierra Nevada Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Energy Focus to develop high efficiency solar technology using "spectrum splitting" optical approach

"Spectrum splitting" to raise the efficiency of
solar cells and modules.

Energy Focus Inc. (Solon, Ohio), a provider of energy efficient lighting, on September 24th, 2009 announced that it had entered into a 3.1 million US-dollar, two-year contract with the DuPont-University of Delaware's Very High Efficiency Solar Cell (VHESC) Consortium as part of a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)-funded effort to deliver advanced solar research to enable high efficiency, low cost photovoltaics (PV). According to the press release, DARPA recently began the second two-year phase of a four-year program with the VHESC Consortium to raise the system power efficiency of a new class of solar modules to 40 % and to deliver engineering prototype modules that can be readily manufactured.   Energy Focus reports that the modules under development by the VHESC team use a novel optical "spectrum splitting" system that directs light from the sun into different paths corresponding to the color of the light, and concentrates the light onto photovoltaic cells that cover different segments of the solar spectrum.



Off-grid solar modules to supply military bases with electricity

According to the press release, DARPA is developing the VHESC solar module technology for compact solar electricity production to power both permanent and mobile military bases, as well as to reduce the logistical burden of supplying energy to the U.S. forces in the field. Energy Focus reports that it has a long standing relationship with the U.S. Government, and that the projects for the Department of Energy (DOE) and DARPA include creating energy efficient LED lighting systems and the VHESC. Joe Kaveski, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with Energy Focus, said: "A key part of our company's vision is to be able to provide distributed, low cost energy that enables buildings to be completely off grid. It is our hope that this research will make that a reality for the military and for all Americans."



2009-10-01   Courtesy: Energy Focus Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Energy Focus Inc.

 

Cleantech portal site "RE:SEARCH" now free of charge

Cleantech portal site "RE:SEARCH".

The research portal site www.renewable-energy-search.com for market research studies in the area of the cleantech business offers its services now for free. Clients have access to a keyword-driven search engine to find significant information about the green business. Searching significant and up-to-date information on the internet costs a lot of time and work and often leads to unrequested results, RE:SEARCH GmbH (Cologne) emphasizes in a press release. To identify quickly what fits the needs RE:SEARCH developed a keyword-driven search engine for information about all aspects of the cleantech business.  After registering for free, clients have now unlimited access to this helpful and valuable service. The search engine scans hundreds of important sites on the internet. With the added keywords it is very easy and comfortable to identify a report and to download it.

Additionally, RE:SEARCH expands the database with reports like executive summaries. With that service RE:SEARCH is one of the most important sources for information about solar, wind, bio energy and other green and clean high tech products and markets. The service is made especially for analysts, consultants, researchers and sales and marketing specialists operating in the cleantech and renewable energy business.

RE:SEARCH offers a web portal for market research studies in the area of cleantech, energy efficiency and renewable energy. RE:SEARCH cooperates with leading international companies, institutions and analysts for market data and analyses. Clients get a broad overview about developments in the cleantech market from technical reports over M&A deals to market forecasts. The company is eager to offer its customers one of the most comprehensive databases of market reports to provide its customers an excellent overview about the cleantech industry. Besides the keyword-driven search engine, clients may also place individual inquiries according to their special needs. RE:SEARCH helps to identify the right information or consultant.

2009-10-01   Courtesy: RE:SEARCH GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: RE:SEARCH GmbH

 

SEIA releases statement on U.S. House Committee hearing on accelerating solar deployment

SEIA President Rhone Resch.
SEIA President Rhone Resch.

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA; Washington, D.C.) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rhone Resch on September 24th, 2009 released a statement on the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, dubbed "Solar Heats Up: Accelerating Widespread Deployment."   Resch said: "Chairman Markey continues to show tremendous leadership in moving America's clean energy economy ahead. By examining ways to accelerate deployment of solar energy, Congressional leadership is taking concrete steps to address the nation's energy independence and fight the rise in greenhouse gases that is fueling climate change. Widespread solar deployment is not only an important part of the solution to these challenges, it is an economic engine that will create jobs in all fifty states." Resch pledged that SEIA will continue to work with the Committee and the Congressional leadership to enact the right policies to return the Untied States to a leading position in solar energy in the world.



SEIA members offer proposals to spur renewable energy deployment in the USA

During his testimony at the hearing, Frank De Rosa, CEO of SEIA member NextLight Renewable Power of San Francisco (California) said: "The biggest obstacle to the deployment of large volumes of renewable energy is the up-front cost of these capital-intensive projects." To overcome this obstacle, he recommended restoring the 2 billion US-dollar appropriation that was used for the Cash for Clunkers program back to the Department of Energy's (DOE) Section 1705 Loan Guarantee program authorized in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). He also said that an extension of the Treasury Department's (DOT) grant program in lieu of the investment tax credit (ITC) for renewable energy property beyond the current December 31, 2010 expiration date and an effective long-term financing program for renewable energy power projects could help spur deployment of solar energy projects.

Dr. Stephanie Burns, Chairman, President and CEO of Dow Corning Corporation (Midland, Michigan), a SEIA Board Member, also testified at the hearing. She suggested a plan to develop a thriving solar industry in the U.S. The plan includes new federal policies and regulations such as federal tax incentives to spur domestic manufacturing, a robust federal Renewable Electricity Standard, federal interconnection and net metering standards, and an increase in federal funding for research and development. Burns also stressed the need to develop a green-collar workforce and that the federal government should "lead by example" by utilizing clean energy technologies.

2009-10-01   Courtesy: SEIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SEIA

 

RoseStreet Labs Energy demonstrates world's first tandem Nitride/Silicon solar cell

Tandem Nitride/Silicon solar cell by RoseStreet Labs.
Tandem Nitride/Silicon solar cell
by RoseStreet Labs.

RoseStreet Labs Energy, Inc. (RSLE; Phoenix, Arizona), subsidiary of RoseStreet Labs LLC, a supplier of products and services for the renewable energy, semiconductor and life science markets, on September 28th, 2009 announced a breakthrough demonstration of what the company believes to be the first known Nitride/silicon tandem solar cell. Utilizing the same Nitride material technology as solid state lighting and blue lasers, RSLE reports it was able to fabricate and test a working photovoltaic (PV) cell that couples a silicon solar cell with a Nitride thin film.   This is believed to be a major milestone in RSLE's product roadmap to achieve substantially higher solar efficiencies than standard silicon or other thin film solar cells. This Hybrid device is expected to achieve practical efficiencies of 25 - 30 %, and RSLE is planning on production of this technology starting in the fourth quarter of 2010.



Hybrid solar cell marries low cost Nitride thin film with the massive infrastructure of silicon solar cells

The company reports that its latest discovery is on its "Full Spectrum" PV product roadmap. Full Spectrum technology is primarily based on Nitride thin film semiconductors which have excellent robustness to extreme environments including particle radiation, heat and corrosive environments, RSLE reports. Bob Forcier, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RSLE, said: "We are quite excited about this new hybrid solar cell that marries low cost Nitride thin film with the massive infrastructure of silicon solar cells. Our target market for this Hybrid device is the high performance sector for photovoltaics which we estimate to be over 1 % of the 34 billion US-dollar solar cell global market. This high performance market is especially sensitive to applications which have constrained areas such as industrial rooftops and mobile devices."


2009-10-01   Courtesy: RoseStreet Labs Energy, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: RoseStreet Labs Energy, Inc.

 

Record crowds expected to participate in ASES' National Solar Tour

On October 3rd, over 150,000 people are slated to build a new solar landscape for America by participating in the non-profit American Solar Energy Society's (ASES; Boulder, Colorado) 14th Annual National Solar Tour. According to the organization's press release, the National Solar Tour is the world's largest grassroots solar event and provides solar-interested citizens an opportunity to view the real-life energy solutions people in their communities are deploying to save money, assert their energy independence and help the environment.   Last year, 140,000 people in 49 states participated, ASES reports. "After decades of development and growing numbers of installations, solar energy solutions have moved into the mainstream", said ASES Executive Director Brad Collins. "Solar prices are 30 % lower than we saw a year ago. State and federal incentives are gaining steam, and a new awareness surrounding how solar cuts energy costs, creates green jobs and improves property values is emerging", he said.


Open house tours of solar and energy efficiency solutions to educate Americans, spur demand and help save the environment

The National Solar Tour is believed to act as a catalyst to accelerate the use of solar energy and energy efficient practices across the Untied States. According to ASES, those attending this year's tour will discover a surprisingly diverse solar landscape, including solar-powered duplexes, houses, condos, businesses, even solar-powered funeral homes, schools, farms, courthouses and donut shops. Those attending these open-house tours learn how to use solar and energy efficiency tactics to save on monthly utility bills, enjoy big tax incentives, improve property values, create a hedge against rising energy costs and help preserve the environment, ASES reports. "With thousands of practical examples of how solar works in homes, businesses and public agencies similar to theirs, the National Solar Tour demystifies the allure of solar while inspiring people across the U.S. to harness its power and the many economic benefits it brings", noted Charles Hanasaki, President of SANYO's Energy USA Solar Division, a National Solar Tour supporter. ASES, the national organizer of the event, reports that the National Solar Tour is supported by a powerful collaboration of volunteers, industry experts, environmental groups, community coalitions, partner organizations and corporate and government sponsors. Solar tour locations dates and times are listed by U.S. state at http://www.NationalSolarTour.org

2009-10-01   Courtesy: ASES   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ASES

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