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Solar Magazine

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Concentrating solar power: THE WALL AG and FLABEG Holding join for research and development

Solar mirrors by FLABEG
Solar mirrors by FLABEG

According to a press release THE WALL AG and FLABEG Holding have set a goal to reduce costs through progressive research and development and increase the efficiency of Concentrating solar power plants (CSP). CSP offers the greatest potential of winning power from solar energy, FLABEG reports in the press release. Their enormous voltage is faced with similar costs of investment: One power-station with a yearly capacity of 50 MW needs an investment volume of nearly 300m Euro. Due to the reason mentioned previously, investors usually only offer capital for a power-station project with state subsidies. FLABEG, headquartered in Nuremberg, Germany, is a pioneer in the field of solar mirrors: the first CSP plants established in the Californian Mojave Desert in the eighties are equipped with FLABEG mirrors, and are still operating commercially, the company reports.   The concern was and still remains to be considered the leader in the field of solar mirrors all over the world. "Always a step ahead, that is the basis of our philosophy and our success. The pioneer spirit connects us with THE WALL AG", states FLABEG-CEO Axel Buchholz on the cooperation between both companies.



SwissCell is suitable for extreme desert climate

THE WALL AG, headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is the producer of the patented SwissCell, FLABEG reports in the press release. It deals with an innovative material, amazing through its agility and endurability: one quartermeter SwissCell with a weight of 3 kg endures a weight of over 200 tons. In addition, the material is inflammable, it is resistant to wind, rain, and changes in temperature. These are all qualities that make it suitable for extreme desert climate, FLABEG emphasizes in the press release. It is composed of resin-covered cellulose, which is pressed in a special process under great pressure and high temperature into a honey-combed structure.

Solar mirrors and SwissCell as carrier material

The honey-comb cores will be covered permanently by a certain layer, to be used as such with the solar mirrors. According to the press release the idea behind this is that solar mirrors and SwissCell as carrier material will get united in a self-carrier collector unit. The advantage: much lighter steel constructions will be needed in comparison with the actual mirrors in use, so that great savings will be possible concerning material and construction, FLABEG reports in the press release.

"Through the complete area of the composed material we can set thinner glass”, as Axel Buchholz says. “The thinner the glass is, the higher the reflection of energy, and thus the more efficient the collectors are. This possible increase of efficiency is possible for all types of collectors and solar mirrors."

2010-01-31   Courtesy: FLABEG Holding GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: FLABEG Holding GmbH

 

Maryland Governor releases clean energy agenda to promote jobs, sustainability

Maryland's Governor Martin O'Malley in January released his "2010 Energy Agenda" that focuses on increasing the renewable energy production and tax credits in Maryland. This energy package is expected to support the state's economy by increasing clean energy and green jobs. Key legislation includes an acceleration of the solar Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), as well as a specific wind legislation to create an effective regulatory framework for off-shore wind energy development.   Additional proposed legislation calls for extending renewable energy tax credits for businesses interested in going green, as well as tax credits for families to purchase plug-in electric vehicles as they may become commercially available.



Accelerated solar Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to help job creation, meet renewable energy goals

The legislation to accelerate Maryland's solar RPS requirements is expected to result in more residential and commercial solar installation and greater job creation in support of the state's solar industry. Additional solar energy is expected to decrease peak load electricity prices in the summertime, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create new green jobs, and help Maryland meet its renewable energy goals. The O'Malley-Brown Administration is to reauthorize the renewable energy production tax credit that is currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2010. According to the press release, the existing program cap of 25 million US-dollars will remain. Eligible taxpayers are to receive a state income tax credit for electricity generated by qualified resources of 0.85 cents per kilo-watt hour (kWh), and 0.50 cents per kWh for electricity generated from co-firing a qualified resource with coal.

Energy agenda to place Maryland at the forefront of renewable energy states


Incentives for the purchase of plug-in electric vehicles in the form of tax credit would be capped at 2,000 US-dollars per vehicle. Electric vehicles are expected to provide far-reaching environmental, economic, and health benefits to citizens. Governor O'Malley reports that supporting the state's efforts to lead in the clean energy sector also includes the creation of an effective regulatory framework for offshore wind energy development. "Energy touches every aspect of our lives from the cost of heating our homes to sustaining our resources for future generations," said Governor O'Malley. "Each element of our energy agenda is structured to provide resources and incentives for our families and workforce, create jobs, and fuel innovation as we continue to strive for a Maryland that is truly Smart, Green and Growing."

2010-01-31   Courtesy: governor.maryland.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Mercury Solar Systems partners with SunRun to offer affordable home solar power in New Jersey

9.6 kW solar electric ground mount system (Pelham, NY)
9.6 kW solar electric ground mount system
(Pelham, NY)

Mercury Solar Systems Inc. (Port Chester, New York), a solar integrator on the East Coast, in January 2010 announced that it partners with SunRun (San Francisco, California), a residential solar company, to deliver New Jersey homeowners affordable solar power. According to the press release, homeowners will be able to get solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed for as little as 500 US-dollars with SunRun. They are then to pay a low fixed rate every month for the solar power, allowing them to save money while enjoying clean electricity.   Mercury Solar reports that the monthly solar payments for a typical three- or four-bedroom home in New Jersey start at 50 US-dollars per month. All SunRun customers reportedly receive an annual money-back performance guarantee in addition to professional-grade monitoring, maintenance, repairs, and insurance.


Generation of 2,164 GWh annually targeted by 2020

Jared Haines, President of Mercury Solar Systems, said: "New Jersey homeowners can now make a minimal upfront investment to enjoy clean electricity. We believe this partnership is a breakthrough approach to making solar very affordable and hassle free for any homeowner and are honored that SunRun has selected Mercury to design and install its customer systems." Mr. Haines continued: "The signing of the Solar Energy Advancement Act into law on Monday reaffirms New Jersey’s long-term commitment to solar power, and we look forward to helping the state generate 2,164 GWh of solar power by 2020, or about 3% of its total electricity needs."

2010-01-30   Courtesy: Mercury Solar Systems Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Mercury Solar Systems Inc.

 

Quantum announces solar system supplier agreement with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Quantum; Irvine, California), a fully integrated alternative energy company, in January 2010 announced that it had entered into a professional services agreement with the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). According to the press release, Quantum was one of 12 companies selected as a "qualified supplier" among 109 bid participants. The agreement sets forth the terms by which LADWP would procure the materials and services necessary for solar power projects.   These projects are expected to help fulfill Los Angeles' mandated Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which targets 20 % of the energy for the city from renewable energy sources by 2010, and 35 % by 2020. The Board of Directors of LADWP passed a resolution authorizing the agreement with Quantum, and the other 11 qualified suppliers, for the procurement of materials and professional services for the initial three year effort in support of the RPS. At a maximum cost of 455 million US-dollars, the project's goal is to install 200 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity by 2012.



Solar power projects to help achieve RPS goals, creating jobs in the process

The LADWP plans to issue individual "Task Order Proposals" to the qualified suppliers for competitive procurement of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, all associated materials, tools, and equipment, and for professional services which include solar power system design and solar power system related training for LADWP personnel, for LADWP facilities and other Los Angeles City properties. "We applaud the city of LA and the DWP for their progressive vision and strategic plan to expand the role of clean renewable energy in the largest municipal utility in the nation", said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Quantum. "This project will help to create much needed jobs in Los Angeles, as Quantum draws employees from the Southern California region."


Company acquisition part of strategy to establish renewable energy powerhouse

Quantum recently announced that it had signed a definitive business combination agreement with Schneider Power Inc. (Toronto, Canada and New York City, New York), to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Schneider Power, to form a leading North American alternative energy company with significant expertise in delivering fully operational renewable energy projects, and a pipeline exceeding 1 gigawatt (GW), which subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, is expected to close late in the second quarter of 2010. Quantum and its German affiliate, asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH, are to supply solar roofs for the Fisker Karma, a plug-in hybrid car that is being developed by Fisker Automotive, Inc., an American car company co-founded by Quantum in 2007. Fisker Automotive recently announced that it had been awarded a conditional 528 million US-dollar loan by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

2010-01-30   Courtesy: Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Dye solar cells: Dyesol partners with IntertechPira for 2010 industrialisation conference

FSC production at DYESOL's facility
FSC production at DYESOL's facility

Dyesol Limited (Queanbeyan, Australla) has partnered with international conference organiser IntertechPira to stage the 4th International Conference on the Industrialisation of Dye Solar Cells (DSC-IC 2010). The conference will be held in Denver, Colorado from the 25th to 28th of October 2010 and has been designed to attract companies that could develop new photovoltaic products based on dye solar cell (DSC) technology, as well as companies that could become suppliers to the industry. This is the 4th in a series of conferences organised by Dyesol to help advance the DSC industry. 


Discussing breakthroughs in materials, R&D and progress of commercialisation

The conferences are held in strategic locations around the world - in Australia, Switzerland, Japan, and now USA, where Dyesol continues to lead the progress towards industrialisation of this important renewable energy technology. The event will feature innovators discussing the latest breakthroughs in materials, R&D and progress of commercialisation projects. It will also enable delegates to network with scientists, engineers, industrialists, investors, brand owners, materials and equipment suppliers from around the world. More information about the 4th International Conference on the Industrialisation of Dye Solar Cells will be available on www.dyesol.com and an event website in the coming weeks.

2010-01-29   Courtesy: DYESOL Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: DYESOL Limited

 

California Public Utilities Commission establishes incentives for installation of solar water heating systems

Solar water heating system
Solar water heating system

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC; San Francisco) in January 2010 established a California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Program. It is to provide incentives to promote the installation of solar water heating systems in new and existing homes and businesses in the territories of the utilities Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). The goals of the CSI Thermal Program are to increase the size of the solar water heating market in California, to support reductions in the cost of solar water heating systems and to engage in market facilitation activities to reduce market barriers to solar water heating adoption, such as high permitting costs, lack of access to information, and lack of trained installers. 


Solar water heating systems to displace natural gas and electricity usage

CPUC reports that the expansion of the California solar water heating market involves the installation of natural gas-displacing systems to displace 585 million therms and the installation of electric-displacing solar water heating systems to displace 275.7 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually by the end of 2017. The aim is also to expand the market for other solar thermal technologies that displace natural gas and electricity use, in addition to solar water heating. "Today's decision will increase consumer confidence and understanding of solar water heating technology and its benefits", said CPUC President Michael R. Peevey. "We've structured the incentives so they are based on the performance of solar water heating systems in order to promote the adoption of high-performing systems."


Funding for CSI Thermal Program to be covered by ratepayers and by existing incentive grants

The CSI Thermal Program is subdivided into incentives for natural gas displacing and electric displacing, both of which are to be paid up-front based on a system's estimated first-year amount of therms or kWh displaced. The program is to run for 8 years or until the program funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first. According to CPUC, the program will be funded by 250 million US-dollars in collections from natural gas ratepayers, as well as up to 100.8 million US-dollars in funds already authorized and currently being collected through the general market CSI photovoltaic (PV) program. Monies collected from natural gas ratepayers are to fund incentives to solar water heating systems that displace natural gas usage, while funds collected through CSI from electric ratepayers are to fund electric displacing solar water heating systems.


Utilities responsible for CSI Thermal Program's administration

The CSI Thermal Program is to be administered by PG&E, SCE, SoCalGas, and by the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) in the SDG&E territory. PG&E and SDG&E, in coordination CCSE, are to disburse incentives to both electric and natural gas ratepayers who install eligible solar water heating systems in their territories. SCE is to disburse incentives through the CSI Thermal Program to customers who install electric displacing solar water heating systems, and SoCalGas is to disburse incentives to customers in its territory who install natural gas displacing solar water heating systems. "The dispersion of solar heating systems can play an important role as we strive to achieve the goal of zero net energy in residential and commercial buildings by 2020 and 2030 respectively, as outlined in the California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan", said Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich. "These systems can be cost-effective for ratepayers, while helping to displace both electricity and natural gas usage in new and existing homes and businesses. Thus a focused, cost-effective program to improve the market for this technology can serve as a key step in our path to zero net energy."

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

2010-01-29   Courtesy: CPUC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Wagner & Co Solartechnik GmbH

 

Duke Energy acquires first commercial solar power project

Blue Wing will consist of 214,500 ground- mounted First Solar panels
Blue Wing will consist of 214,500 ground-
mounted First Solar panels

Duke Energy (Charlotte, North Carolina) on January 25th, 2010 announced the acquisition of a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) project under development in San Antonio, Texas, adding solar power to its commercial renewable energy portfolio. Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS), a Duke Energy Commercial Businesses unit that owns and develops renewable power assets, reportedly plans to purchase the "Blue Wing" solar project from juwi solar Inc. (Boulder, Colorado).   The 14 megawatt (MW) PV plant is to consist of 214,500 ground-mounted First Solar thin film panels. Duke Energy reports that the acquisition includes a 30 year power purchase agreement (PPA) to sell all of the output from the solar farm and associated renewable energy credits (RECs) to San Antonio-based CPS Energy, one of the largest municipality-owned utilities in the U.S.



Company enters commercial solar power industry

According to the press release, Blue Wing will be the first commercial solar power project to be owned and operated by Duke Energy. The construction of the PV plant is to follow the close of the acquisition, which is expected in the first quarter of 2010. The 139-acre project is expected to be completed and energized by the fourth quarter of 2010. "Demand for power from renewable resources continues to rise", said Keith Trent, Group Executive and President of Duke Energy's Commercial Businesses. "Our entry into the commercial solar power industry reaffirms Duke Energy's commitment to generating emissions-free electricity for customers." Although Duke Energy plans to wholly own the Blue Wing project, the company reports that it continues to look for opportunities to jointly develop commercial solar power projects in the U.S. with China-based ENN Group (Langfang, China), pursuant to an agreement signed in October 2009.


Solar power to be added to 733 MW installed wind power capacity

Duke Energy on own account owns and operates 733 MW of commercial wind power generation, a figure that is expected to rise to nearly 1,000 MW by the end of 2010. In total, the company has committed more than 1 billion US-dollars since 2007 to build its wind energy business. "Duke Energy's acquisition of the Blue Wing solar project adds an exciting new dimension to our renewable power business", said Wouter van Kempen, President of DEGS. "We took our wind energy business from zero megawatts to more than 730 megawatts in under three years, so I'm very confident we can grow our solar power business." The company reports that Duke Energy Carolinas, part of its regulated business, is installing solar panels on select business and residential customers' rooftops as part of a 50 million US-dollar program.

2010-01-29   Courtesy: Duke Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: juwi solar Inc.

 

Advanced Energy signs strategic service agreement for Colorado State University's new 2 MW PV plant

CEO Dr. Hans Betz
CEO
Dr. Hans Betz

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (Fort Collins, Colorado), in January 2010 announced that the international engineering and project management company AMEC has engaged Advanced Energy for a multi-year agreement to provide "SiteGuard" services for Colorado State University's (CSU) two megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Fort Collins, Colorado.   AMEC is a focused supplier of high-value consultancy, engineering and project management services to global natural resources, nuclear, clean energy, water and environmental sectors. The new solar facility at CSU started producing power in early December and is expected to be fully commissioned in early 2010.



Solar system services to increase uptime, reduce LCOE

Advanced Energy reports that its SiteGuard program is designed to increase uptime and reduce levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for entire PV solar array sites. According to the press release, LCOE takes into account system performance, costs, and ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M). The SiteGuard service program is said to provide comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) for entire PV system sites. Advanced Energy reports that its support program is compatible with all industry brands of inverters, modules and tracking equipment.


Company's service to optimize ROI on solar PV systems

Dr. Hans Betz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advanced Energy, noted: "Customers can rely on one source, Advanced Energy, to provide the most comprehensive service offering and optimize the return on their investment. This agreement demonstrates our commitment to delivering solutions that reduce LCOE at customer sites as well as providing world-class services that span the complete lifecycle of those sites." Tim Gelbar, President of AMEC's Power and Process Americas business, said: "We are delighted to enter into this agreement with Advanced Energy and look forward to delivering enhanced cost and performance efficiencies to our customer."

2010-01-29   Courtesy: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

 

Gartner: Germany's plans to cut its solar subsidy again will put downward pressure on prices

The German government recently announced reductions in the solar photovoltaic (PV) feed-in tariff (FIT), the rate at which utilities are commited to purchase electricity generated from solar electric systems installed in the country. The U.S. information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut) on January 25th, 2010 issued a press release commenting on the FIT reductions in Germany and on their impact on the solar markets.   Utilities currently pay 39 Euro cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for solar electricity, which is approximately eight times the rate for conventional electricity. The recently announced reductions come on top of a 9 % cut for small rooftop projects and an 11 % cut for large rooftops and ground installations that took effect on January 1st, 2010. Gartner reports that the FITs are to be reduced by 15 % for rooftop systems in April, and at the beginning of July by 15 % for free-field systems and by 25 % for farmland sites.



German policy change to impact global solar markets

Germany is the largest market for PV solar electric systems, and the feed-in tariff is the primary subsidy to stimulate the development of renewable energy projects. Gartner believes that a cut in the German feed-in tariff was widely anticipated, although the magnitude of this reduction was slightly less than analysts had expected. The German government has been under increasing pressure to reduce the subsidy in view of a steep drop in the cost of PV systems in 2009 due to an oversupply of global manufacturing capacity. Because Germany represented half of the market for PV systems in 2009, the FIT reductions are expected to have repercussions throughout the PV industry.

Pricing changes to cause pressure for improved rates of return of solar systems

Gartner believes that the first area impacted by the German policy adjustments will be prices. During the first and second quarters, analysts anticipate some stabilization of prices as large projects are rushed into completion. However, Gartner notes that the main effect of the lower tariff rate will be to put downward pressure on prices as project developers seek acceptable rates of return with a 15 % to 25 % lower future revenue stream. The effect on pricing is predicted to have a ripple effect on other PV markets, including Italy and the United States. This change is expected to lead to increased margin pressure throughout the PV value chain as the market realigns to the new pricing realities. Analysts believe that vendors with the lowest cost structure will be in the most-favorable position to adapt. Those with adequate resources may step up investment in research and development (R&D) aimed at improving rates of return through higher system performance and lower manufacturing cost. Gartner notes that inverters and power optimization technologies could benefit because they have the potential to increase the overall energy production of these systems, thereby contributing to higher returns.


Industry shakeout and consolidation accelerated by German policy change

Gartner believes that because Germany is globally the largest PV market, its policy change could be a catalyst for an industry shakeout and consolidation. Analysts point out that there are a large number of "walking wounded" companies that had been launched during the recent solar boom. Many of these companies are thin-film PV startups that may face stiff headwinds resulting from collapsing module prices, high fixed-cost structures and "bankability" concerns. Germany's incentive change may have just accelerated the consolidation and restructuring of these firms, Gartner concludes.

2010-01-28   Courtesy: Jim Hines and Al Velosa; Gartner Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

UL forms alliance on photovoltaic technologies with 'State Grid Electric Power Research Institute' of China

An insight on a UL PV test facility
An insight on a UL PV test facility

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global provider of product safety testing and certification services, in January 2010 announced that the company had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the 'State Grid Electric Power Research Institute' (SGEPRI; Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China) to advance research and development in China's renewable energy and power distribution industries. According to the agreement, UL will work with SGEPRI to conduct necessary research and help support the advancement of photovoltaic (PV) technologies and power distribution, including inverters and converters.   The organizations will also partner to help pursue and advance standards development practices throughout China while providing training to industry on safety certification, components testing, and equipment calibration and measurement.



Global certification company to share testing and safety know-how with Chinese research institute

"Underwriters Laboratories understands that safety and reliability issues play a critical role in the way renewable energy systems perform and ultimately influence the continued development of renewable energy", said Weifang Zhou, Vice President and General Manager, UL Greater China. "UL is honored to share our experience in standards development and product safety testing with SGEPRI, and to help advance renewable energy technology in China." Zhou added that collaborating with a leading Chinese institute within the power industry allows UL to participate in the effort of developing China's renewable energy and provide technical support to local PV inverter manufacturers.


Anticipated growth in Chinese renewable energy market mandates addressing interconnection safety issues

China is developing its renewable energy infrastructure rapidly and ranks number one on installed capacity of hydropower, solar water heater collector area and photovoltaic (PV) power generation capacity, UL reports. In 2007, the Chinese government mandated that at least 10 % of its energy capacity be generated from wind, solar and other renewable energy sources, and this number is to reach 15 % by 2010, proving the potential of the China renewable energy industry. "The application of renewable energy in China is coming to a critical point, so determining how to safely connect photovoltaic (PV) systems to the grid is critical for China. By leveraging UL's expertise in product testing and standards development, SGEPRI can further solidify our role as China's primary scientific research and development organization for power grid connections", said Yi Hu, Vice President, SGEPRI. Authorized by National Energy Administration, SGEPRI is to establish a National Solar Energy R&D Center, and undertake responsibilities including standards development, testing capabilities, technical evaluation and certification, and training.

2010-01-28   Courtesy: Underwriters Laboratories (UL)   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: UL

 

Chinese PV producer Suntech unveils plans for first U.S. factory in Goodyear, Arizona

Suntech henceforth to produce in the U.S.
Suntech henceforth to produce in the U.S.

From the AZ4Solar Symposium on January 27th, 2010 Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi, China), the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer announced that the company's first U.S. manufacturing plant will be located in the City of Goodyear, Arizona. The Suntech Goodyear factory will initially employ more than 70 local residents and is designed as a showcase for the company's latest-generation solar electricity manufacturing technologies and equipment.  It will begin with a production capacity of 30 MW and have the potential to expand to over 120 MW, giving Suntech the ability to respond to the rapidly growing demand for solar throughout the United States. As the first China-based cleantech company to bring manufacturing jobs to the United States, Suntech carefully reviewed communities across the country to find the best possible location for its first domestic plant, the company reports in a press release. Suntech selected Goodyear based on several factors, including the State of Arizona's progressive renewable energy standards and solar policies for both utility-scale and rooftop installations, the Greater Phoenix Area's supportive business climate, and the availability of local manufacturing-ready facilities.


Governor Brewer: establishing Arizona as a leader in the renewable energy sector

"I am pleased to welcome Suntech to Arizona, and commend the company for choosing Goodyear as the site for its solar manufacturing operation", said Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. "I am very serious about establishing Arizona as a leader in the renewable energy sector -- we offer a strategic location with a highly skilled workforce, low payroll taxes, and, now, the right incentive program to make business sense."


A showcase for solar electricity manufacturing technologies

Suntech's Goodyear plant will serve as a showcase for the company's latest solar electricity manufacturing technologies, facilitating collaboration with similar efforts ongoing at nearby Arizona State University. In addition the company will deploy state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing equipment that will ensure the highest levels of efficiency and output of Suntech's module manufacturing process. Plans also include constructing solar parking structures on the site that will generate electricity for use in the plant as well as provide shaded parking for employees.

"I'm thrilled that Suntech, one of the world's leaders of innovative energy solutions, has chosen to establish its first North American plant here in Goodyear", said James M. Cavanaugh, Mayor of Goodyear. "Suntech will bring new employment opportunities in this emerging industry to Goodyear and all of Arizona."


Strategic move to North America

"Taking the step to bring manufacturing to the U.S. is a strategic move for our North American business, and we're focused on making the most of our investment", said Steven Chan, Chief Strategy Officer, Suntech. "With our Goodyear facility, we have the opportunity to design a truly innovative module manufacturing center that can accelerate innovation, allowing us to deploy new products designed to meet the burgeoning U.S. solar market. Having a facility here in the US will also reduce the time, costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with shipping panels from overseas." Manufacturing in Suntech's Goodyear plant is scheduled to begin in September 2010.

2010-01-28   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

 

Solar advocates applaud Southern California Edison's solar rooftop program approval

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC; San Francisco) in January 2010 granted final approval to Southern California Edison (SCE) for an ambitious new solar rooftop program. It is expected to help SCE meet the state's renewable energy goals with distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, primarily located on large rooftops throughout SCE's service territory. In total, the five-year program is to add 250 megawatts (MW) of utility-owned solar capacity and an additional 250 MW of competitively sourced solar PV capacity from private developers. Solar advocates recently applauded the SCE program in a press release as one important piece of a comprehensive suite of policies being pursued throughout California to build a strong, self-sustaining solar energy market.   Sara Birmingham, West Coast Policy Director for the Solar Alliance, a state-focused association of solar equipment manufacturers, integrators and financiers, said: "It's exciting to see a utility affirm the value of rooftop solar generation in this way. It's even more exciting to see SCE's leadership in adopting a model for growth that includes open, competitive participation from the state's solar industry, a prospect that will help drive further green job creation and deliver lower costs to ratepayers."



Distributed rooftop solar program to help renewable energy goals

Adam Browning, Executive Director of the Vote Solar Initiative (Vote Solar), a grassroots non-profit organization working to combat climate change, said: "This program opens an exciting new market opportunity for quick and cost-effective growth in the solar sector, creating new jobs and eliminating carbon emissions. We believe this is just the tip of the iceberg, we are working to expand similar programs, targeted to solar wholesale distributed generation, throughout California and in other states as well." Most California utilities, including SCE, are required to procure 20 % of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2010. Governor Schwarzenegger recently issued an Executive Order to increase the RPS to 33 % by 2020, Vote Solar reports.


Program targets growth in 1 - 2 MW capacity distributed solar rooftop installations

To date, utilities have primarily focused on central-station solar power plant development with a generating capacity of 10 - 500 megawatts (MW) to meet their renewable requirements. While large-scale solar progress continues, smaller systems that fit into the existing distribution grid offer another path for bringing solar quickly online. SCE's program is specifically designed to spur growth in that distributed market, primarily through rooftop projects of 1 - 2 MW in size. Northern California's largest utility, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E; San Francisco, California), reportedly also submitted a similar program that is currently undergoing final review by the CPUC.

2010-01-28   Courtesy: Vote Solar Initiative   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

More than 200 international experts pave the way for photovoltaic module recycling

1st International Conference on PV module recycling
1st International Conference on PV module
recycling

More than 200 specialists in photovoltaic (PV) energy, waste management and recycling participated on January 26th, 2010 in the 1st International Conference on PV module recycling organized by PV CYCLE and EPIA in collaboration with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Attendees had the opportunity to learn first-hand from different solar industry associations and companies what is currently being done to implement recycling mechanisms and to minimise the environmental impact of end-of-life solar panels. "Since the early years of photovoltaics, in the 1990s, customers and industry alike have shown their dedication for protecting the environment and finding a reliable solution for the adequate disposal of modules", explained Eleni Despotou, EPIA Deputy Secretary General.   "An increasing number of manufacturers are working on the development of new and more effective recycling processes. However, the quantities of PV modules available for recycling are still too low to make any private scheme 100% commercially viable. This is why initiatives such as PV CYCLE can really make a difference for the industry."



About 130,000 tonnes of end-of-life PV modules will be disposed of in Europe by 2030

According to the forecast presented in a study commissioned by EPIA and the founding members of PV CYCLE, approximately 3,000 tonnes of PV modules will be disposed of in Germany during 2010, which represent close to 50 % of all the PV waste that will be generated in Europe this year. Although this figure will remain relatively stable for the next two decades, the study shows that by 2030 about 130,000 tonnes of end-of-life PV modules will be disposed of in Europe. "Because solar panels have a very long life span, the volumes of end-of-life PV modules will not start growing considerably for at least another 20 to 25 years from now. However, the industry has proactively begun to prepare. The take-back and recycling scheme that is being set up by PV CYCLE, which this month has become operational in Germany, will be fully operational by the time that significant quantities of modules start being disposed of. This scheme will be implemented gradually across the European Union and EFTA countries", stated Jan Clyncke, Managing Director of PV CYCLE.

Representatives from related industry sectors also shared their experiences regarding the processes their companies have successfully implemented for TV monitors, electronic appliances, as well as glass recycling. The last part of the conference was dedicated to learning about recycling and collection activities in the USA as well as to discussing issues regarding the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of photovoltaics and the mathematical model of PV recycling infrastructures.

2010-01-27   Courtesy: EPIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EPIA

 

Solar EnerTech receives UL certification, appoints new CTO and CSO

Solar cell production at Solar Enertech's facility
Solar cell production at Solar Enertech's facility

Solar EnerTech Corporation (Mountain View, California), a solar cell manufacturing enterprise, in January 2010 announced that it had received Underwriters Laboratories' certification for a wide range of its crystalline photovoltaic (PV) modules. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is a global provider of energy product testing and certification services. The focus of the UL solar technology standards is to provide requirements for materials, construction and the evaluation of the potential electrical shock and fire safety hazards.   Solar cells and solar cell assembly, polymeric materials, junction boxes, connectors and connecting cables are regarded as critical components of PV modules. Their compliance with established UL standards is crucial for entry into the North America market. Solar EnerTech reports that the UL certification ensures that the company's "SolarE" PV products fully comply with all safety, environmental and other performance requirements established by UL.



UL certification facilitates entry into U.S. solar PV market

"Achieving our UL certification is a notable accomplishment for our company and will provide us with the ability to more easily penetrate the market in North America", commented Leo Young, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solar EnerTech. "Having already completed certification for IEC, VDE and TUV in the European markets, we are also setting our sights on the rapidly growing U.S. and Canadian markets focusing on grid-tied utility-scale installations and roof top projects." Young points out that the company's internal quality control requirements are actually stricter than some of the UL standards. They were reportedly implemented to ensure the durability and dependability of Solar EnerTech's modules in different environmental conditions. Young explained that the company's damp-heat tests, for example, are more strict than the UL requirements: "Solar EnerTech sets its testing facilities at the same environment, but doubles the testing duration to 2,000 hours, which further enhances our reputation and product quality among our growing customer base", Young said.


Company appoints new CTO and CSO

Solar EnerTech also announced the appointment of Ms. Y.H. Zhang as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Prior to joining Solar EnerTech in 2006 as its Associate CTO, Zhang worked for China's national space program on space solar applications. She brings extensive knowledge and experience in high-efficiency cells and applications to the company, where her main responsibility will be to oversee the solar cell production. She also intends to work with the company's joint lab partnership with Shanghai University for ongoing research and development (R&D) projects. According to the press release, Dr. Z.Q. Ma had been appointed as Solar EnerTech's new Chief Science Officer (CSO). A specialist in semiconductor material physics, Dr. Ma was previously the company's CTO and in charge of the R&D lab with the Shanghai University. Dr. Ma is a professor of microelectronics and condensed matter physics at Shanghai University and is also a researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC) and at the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI), Solar EnerTech reports. Dr. Ma recently introduced a new technology to produce high-efficiency cells at a lowered manufacturing cost.

2010-01-27   Courtesy: Solar EnerTech Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar EnerTech Corp.

 

Torresol Energy secures 760 million US-dollars in loans for solar thermal power plants

Building site for the solar power plants
Building site for the solar power plants "Valle 1"
and "Valle 2", in Andalucía, Spain

Masdar (Abu Dhabi, UAE), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mubadala Development Company, and SENER, an international multidiscipline engineering company with offices in Abu Dhabi, in January 2010 announced that their joint venture Torresol Energy had secured 760 million US-dollars in project finance loans for the construction of twin concentrating solar power plants (CSP), dubbed "Valle 1" and "Valle 2", in Andalucía, Spain.   According to the press release, the total investment for the two plants amounts to 1 billion US-dollars. The work on the two 50 megawatt (MW) solar plants reportedly began in March 2009, and they are to use parabolic trough technology. This is believed to be the first time that twin thermo solar plants have been built simultaneously. Masdar reports that both plants incorporate energy solutions developed by SENER, including molten salt thermal storage capacity of up to 7.5 hours, allowing the plants to generate electricity at night and through periods of poor sunlight. This is to ensure a continuous supply of electricity and to overcome intermittency, one of the drawbacks of some renewable technologies.


Three solar thermal power plants to provide clean and safe energy for 80,000 homes, offsetting 90,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually

According to the press release, Valle 1 and 2, together with the Gemasolar Central Tower Plant currently under construction with a generating capacity of 17 MW, represent a total investment by Torresol Energy of 1.4 billion US-dollars over the past 12 months. Enrique Sendagorta, Chairman of Torresol Energy, said: "We are very proud that Valle 1 and Valle 2 solar plants secured this important financial support, which allows us to continue on schedule with our strategic plans. With a combined production of 340 GWh per annum, which equates to the clean and safe energy for over 80,000 homes and a saving of 90,000 tons of CO2 emissions every year, Valle 1 and 2 will be leaders in the delivery of concentrated solar power and a major contribution to the region's power supply."


Construction of solar thermal power plants to create about 3,200 jobs in the region

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Masdar, said: "The CSP projects currently under construction in Spain will introduce and test new technologies, which will help promote CSP as an economically competitive and viable alternative to traditional power sources. Through Torresol Energy, we are actively promoting the development and operation of large-scale CSP plants throughout the world and hope to implement additional projects across Southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Southwest United States." The construction of the new plants is expected to create an estimated 3,200 new direct employment opportunities, with a total 150 specialized professionals required to manage operations after completion. In the medium term, Torresol Energy plans to build at least two CSP plants each year.

2010-01-27   Courtesy: Torresol Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SENER

 

German PV production supplier Bürkle aims at growing again

Bürkle manager Bender focuses on PV
Bürkle manager Bender
focuses on PV

In the year one after the beginning of the economic crisis, the plant manufacturer Robert Bürkle GmbH from the Black Forest wishes to "rise” again: The company plans to grow as regards the turnover and also as regards the development of new business sectors, Bürkle emphasizes in a press release. Manager Hans-Joachim Bender looks into the future with more optimism again. After a record sales of 115 million Euros in 2008, Bürkle had to face a decrease of the turnover of more than one third last year. The group of companies with works in Paderborn, Shanghai and Hangzhou as well as with sales and service companies in the USA, Hong Kong, Poland, Slovakia, Taiwan and Brazil plans to grow by 30% in 2010. The plant manufacturer especially counts in the photovoltaics (PV) sector established two years before.  Being a pioneer in the development and manufacture of multi-opening laminators, Bürkle has reached the top point among the manufacturers of the solar market with their brand Ypsator. All in all, companies such as Solarwatt, Q-Cells, Day4Energy, Scheuten Solar and others ordered around 50 single and multi-opening laminators in the last 2 years. Last year the plant manufacturer invested around 5 million Euros for tool machines, computer systems and office equipment. This year they will invest again 1 million Euros only for information technology. Further investments are currently talked over. The production facility in Shanghai will be extended from an assembly surface of 4500 m² to 7500 m². Currently 488 staff members work in the head office in Freudenstadt as well as in the branch in Mastholte. Bürkle employs 680 staff members worldwide.

2010-01-27   Courtesy: Robert Bürkle GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Robert Bürkle GmbH

 

BrightView unveils in-line process control and optimization tool for thin-film solar cell manufacturing

InSight M Series, In-line Wide Area Metrology System for Process Optimization of Thin-Film PV Panel Manufacturing
InSight M Series, In-line Wide Area Metrology
System for Process Optimization of Thin-Film
PV Panel Manufacturing

BrightView Systems (Tel Aviv, Israel) in January 2010 unveiled what it believes to be the world's first in-line process control and optimization tool that was developed specifically to address the challenges faced by thin-film solar cell manufacturers. The Wide Area Metrology (WAM) system, dubbed "InSight M Series", is said to provide continuous monitoring and whole-panel mapping of critical material and process parameters at full production throughput and for 100 % of manufactured panels. BrightView reports that this system can easily be integrated at key steps in any thin-film production line, including single-junction and multi-junction silicon.   The system reportedly allows panel producers to implement process optimization solutions that enhance average panel efficiency, improve line productivity and verify full compliance with the strictest durability and quality requirements.


In-line process control solution improves efficiency, durability and bankability of PV panels

The in-line process control system architecture allows for easy integration into the design of new production lines or insertion into existing ones, including Gen 5 and Gen 8.5 lines, BrightView reports. With its "True Cell" technology, the InSight is said to be able to measure and map critical layers on-the-fly within the actual product stack, providing continuous process fingerprinting that drives production improvement, excursion detection and line productivity. An intuitive operating interface and state-of-the-art software modules are believed to allow easy implementation and customization of intelligent line monitoring recipes, spanning all production stages, from process integration, through pilot and multi-location volume manufacturing.


100 % in-line inspection and monitoring capabilities

The methodology provides users with 24/7 visibility into their manufacturing processes, allowing them to realize the value of in-line monitoring within days of InSight installation. "By combining an in-line metrology technology and matching spatial data analysis solutions that are driven by in-depth knowledge of thin-film PV process and volume production, the InSight M Series is the integral solution for improving thin-film PV panel efficiency and long-term reliability", said Benny Shoham, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BrightView Systems. "Thin-film manufacturers are now able to differentiate their products, and optimize their production lines in order to boost productivity, and profitability."

2010-01-26   Courtesy: BrightView Systems   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: BrightView Systems

 

FLS Energy completes second commercial solar photovoltaic plant powered by Suniva

PV rooftop system with Suniva's solar cells
PV rooftop system with Suniva's solar cells

Suniva, Inc. (Norcross, Georgia), a U.S. based manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, and FLS Energy (Asheville), a North Carolina-based solar energy generation company, in January 2010 announced the completion of a 240 kilowatt (kW) solar PV installation on a retail center in Cary (North Carolina). According to the press release, the PV module array on the rooftop of the Mayfair Plaza Shopping Center is one of the state's largest rooftop PV plants.   It is the second system built by FLS Energy with Suniva modules. In October 2009, FLS Energy had announced that a 550 kW solar farm in western North Carolina was also powered by Suniva panels. According to the press release, the entire output of both projects will be sold to the utility Progress Energy for use by its customers. "The continued demand for solar in the Southeast is increasing at an exceptionally fast rate", said Michael Shore, President of FLS Energy. "The advantages of using Suniva's high-powered solar modules are twofold: it enables us to address the expanding market at an affordable price while using high-quality content made in the USA."



High-power solar panels boost performance in space-constrained rooftop application

Suniva reports that the company's UL listed and IEC certified solar modules contain more than 90 % U.S. content. They are powered by the company's high-efficiency "ARTisun" series solar cells and deliver peak power output up to 300 watts. This high power output is a key factor in reducing installation and balance-of-system (BOS) costs in all PV systems. "We look forward to continuing our great relationship with FLS as the Southeast continues to be recognized as a huge opportunity for the solar market", said John Baumstark, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Suniva. "Our solar modules, powered by Suniva, will enable FLS's installations to deliver some of the highest levels of performance and reliability in the industry by using the most advanced, efficient and cost-effective solar cell technology available." The Cary solar PV array, which began operation on December 22nd, 2009, is expected to generate approximately 325,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in the current year. This is roughly the equivalent of the annual energy demand of 22 average homes. The PV array is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately 230 tons.

2010-01-26   Courtesy: Suniva, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suniva, Inc.

 

Samsung C&T to help build world's largest wind, solar panel cluster in Ontario

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty

On January 21st, 2010, the Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Brad Duguid, the province's Premier Dalton McGuinty, Samsung C&T Corporation's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sung-ha Chi and Korea Electric Power Corporation's (KEPCO) Executive Vice President Chan-Ki Jung officially announced a green energy investment agreement, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. Due to the press release a consortium led by Samsung C&T and KEPCO is to invest 7 billion Canadian dollars (995 million US-dollars) to generate a total of 2,500 megawatts (MW) in wind (2000 MW) and solar power (500 MW) capacity by 2016.   The renewable energy projects are to be built at several locations throughout the province and are expected to provide clean electricity to more than 580,000 households over the next 20 years, producing energy equivalent to 4 % of Ontario's total electricity consumption. The investment is also expected to create more than 16,000 new green energy jobs to build, install and operate the renewable generation projects.



First renewable energy cluster to generate 500 MW of electricity by 2013

The first stage of the project is scheduled to be completed by the first quarter of 2013 and is to include a 500 MW cluster, consisting of 400 MW wind and 100 MW solar capacity. The power plants are to be built in the Chatham-Kent and Haldimand County regions of Southern Ontario. "This project is a good example of Samsung C&T receiving recognition in developed markets for its ability to manage and carry out projects, from planning and financing to execution", said Sung-ha Chi. "With rapidly expanding expertise in the renewable energy sector, this project marks the forging of a win-win partnership where Samsung C&T will provide optimal solutions to assist the Government of Ontario in reaching its goal to increase the amount of renewable energy produced in the province."


Company to encourage others to invest in Canadian province

Samsung C&T and KEPCO pledge to support the development of the local infrastructure for the renewable energy industry by constructing production facilities to provide key components, such as blades, wind towers, solar modules and inverters. Samsung C&T reports that it will also work to encourage component suppliers to build manufacturing facilities in the province, thereby creating new green energy jobs. Samsung C&T is to facilitate all project operations and will oversee the entire process of establishing the wind and solar power cluster, procuring equipment and financing. KEPCO, with its expertise in power generation technology, is to be responsible for designing and connecting the transmission and distribution system in operating the plant facilities.


Ontario to shut down all of its coal-fired power plants by 2014

The Ontario government pledged to provide assistance in securing the land for the construction of the cluster installations and to provide administrative assistance for the project while also purchasing the produced electricity. According to the press release, Ontario plans to shut down all of its coal-fired power plants by 2014 and to increase its ratio of renewable power generation. With the passing of the "Green Energy Act" in May 2009, Ontario is believed to be a North American leader in the adoption of green energy policies. Minister Duguid said: "By executing this project, the Ontario government will be one step closer to taking the lead in the North American green energy industry by securing the industrial infrastructure for low-carbon growth, creating new jobs and establishing a renewable energy cluster."

2010-01-26   Courtesy: www.premier.gov.on.ca   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: www.premier.gov.on.ca

 

PV Powered inverters used in Portland Water Bureau solar power plant

Four PV Powered commercial inverters being installed in the Portland Water Bureau project
Four PV Powered commercial inverters being
installed in the Portland Water Bureau project

PV Powered, Inc. (Bend, Oregon), a manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters, on January 21st, 2010 announced that its commercial solar inverters had been selected for use by the Portland Water Bureau as part of its 2.2 million US-dollar solar photovoltaic installation near the Portland Airport. According to the press release, EC Company (EC) of Portland is to build the 267 kilowatt (kW) solar power plant. The installation is challenging because it is located in a field with high groundwater.   "The water table is right at the surface", said Robin Rabiroff, EC's Renewable Solutions Manager. "We had to take into account the drainage and settling of the site." This is the second installation that EC Company has done for the Portland Water Bureau and it is believed to be a clear example of the Bureau's commitment to protecting the environment.



Online system performance data available to ratepayers

To enable the Water Bureau to track energy production of the site, the four commercial inverters are outfitted with performance monitoring systems from DECK Monitoring (Eugene, Oregon), PV Powered reports. The monitoring data is accessible to ratepayers via the Water Bureau's website. "We've been using PV Powered commercial inverters for more than a year on various projects", said EC's Rabiroff. "Their product quality is top notch, and their service and support has been excellent. Plus, we like dealing with an Oregon-based company." Erick Petersen, VP of Sales and Marketing at PV Powered, said: "For our part, PV Powered ensures that our customers get maximum energy harvest by delivering inverters with the highest reliability over a 20+ year operating life." Among the other commercial projects that EC Company has installed with PV Powered commercial inverters is a 107 kW rooftop plant that was recently built at the Portland Community College.

2010-01-26   Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.

 

Tejados Industriales de Fotovoltaica to deliver 10 MW SUNERGY inverters to European solar markets

SUNERGY inverter operating at extra low operating voltages (ELV)
SUNERGY inverter operating at
extra low operating voltages (ELV)

Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd. (Calgary, Canada and Barcelona, Spain), a manufacturer and distributer of power inverters for grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, on January 20th, 2010 announced that it had entered into an agreement with Tejados Industriales de Fotovoltaica, S.L. (Tejados; Benissa, Spain), an engineering procurement and construction company focused on solar PV projects, to supply Sustainable Energy's next generation "SUNERGY" inverters for solar power projects in Spain and other European markets during 2010.   First deliveries under the Tejados contract, with a total volume of at least 10 megawatts (MW), are expected to begin during the latter part of the current fiscal quarter. SUNERGY inverters are said to enable a superior performance, intrinsic safety, and design flexibility of Sustainable Energy's PARALEX system architecture that connects thin film solar modules in a massively parallel array.



Parallel system architecture well-suited for solar power plants in Europe

"We are convinced that the PARALEX massively parallel system architecture using Sustainable Energy's SUNERGY inverters is by far the best solution for connection of thin film modules in the world today", said Klaus Müller, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tejados. "At Tejados, we are dedicated to bringing massively parallel thin film systems to our customers in all of our markets, and this agreement forms the cornerstone of what we see as a giant step forward for our business and for thin film solar in general. The performance advantages and ease of installation for thin film systems are far superior to anything else available", added Müller. Tejados is part of a network of solar PV engineering procurement and construction firms affiliated with Signet Solar GmbH (Mochau, Germany), offering comprehensive solar power solutions throughout Europe.


Contract believed to signal revival in Spanish solar market

The Tejados decision to use the new SUNERGY inverters for its 2010 projects follows the installation of first generation SUNERGY inverters last year as part of a 1.8 MW solar PV project in the Czech Republic. "We are very excited about our relationship with Tejados and its other partners in Europe," said Robert Bucher, President and CEO of Sustainable Energy. "Not only is this agreement an endorsement of the value of the SUNERGY technology and PARALEX massively parallel system architecture, but it is also a strong signal of the renewal of the Spanish solar PV market."

2010-01-26   Courtesy: Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd.

 

Trina Solar commences module supply to Australia's largest distributor, RFI

Trina Solar Limited (Changzhou, China), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from the production of ingots, wafers and solar cells to the assembly of PV modules, on January 21st, 2010 announced that initial shipments were made to RF Industries Pty Ltd. (RFI; Sydney), a renewable energy distributor in Australia. According to the press release, the shipments are in conjunction with the Trina Solar's intention to finalize a national distribution agreement with RFI to supply up to 10 megawatts (MW) of PV modules in 2010.   "We are excited to partner with RFI, Australia's largest distributor of solar modules to supply the market with best-in-class products from Trina Solar", said Jifan Gao, Trina Solar's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "This partnership will bring Trina's high performing modules to the promising new Australian market while enhancing Trina Solar's brand and presence in the region." Scott Magee, Managing Director of RFI's solar division, said: "Trina's focus on high quality manufacturing processes delivers a truly world class, competitive offering to our market. This new partnership is a natural fit with RFI's business model, providing exceptional value to our customers. We are looking forward to developing the Trina Solar brand in Australia over the coming years."

2010-01-26   Courtesy: Trina Solar Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

IMS Research: World market for photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing equipment to grow by approx. 80%

The world market for PV manufacturing equipment - more than bn in 2008 - is projected to exceed bn in 2013, IMS Research (Austin, Texas), a supplier of market research and consultancy services on a wide range of global electronics markets, reports in a press release. Asia, China in particular, is expected to be a key growth driver, accounting for over half of photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing equipment revenues through to 2013. Suppliers of photovoltaic manufacturing equipment largely see the market moving to Asia in the near future, IMS emphasizes. Minimising labour cost due to the market researchers is a key goal; and relocating equipment production to Asia is an obvious way to achieve this. Further, since photovoltaic manufacturing equipment users are increasingly based in Asia, this will also help to reduce shipping costs. 


Lower Asia Pacific labour costs combined with factory automation

One of the top priorities of photovoltaic equipment end users is minimising the cost per watt of solar cells and PV modules. Equipment manufacturers taking advantage of lower Asia Pacific labour costs are taking one way to reduce overall equipment cost and increase equipment efficiency. Increasing factory automation is another, IMS accentuates. Increasing automation of photovoltaic production processes is at the forefront of reducing cost and breakage, whilst increasing efficiency and throughput.


Photovoltaic manufacturing equipment market appearing as a ray of light


The automation component market for photovoltaic manufacturing equipment was estimated to be worth just over 0m in 2008; it is projected to grow to over .2bn in 2013. With the traditional industrial markets, such as automotive and machine tool production, currently bottoming out as the world recession continues to bite, the market for photovoltaic manufacturing equipment can be seen as a ray of light, IMS emphasizes.

2010-01-25   Courtesy: IMS Research   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Solland Solar and AT&S to build prototype production line for PV modules with back-contacted solar cells

back-contacted solar cell (BSC) by Solland Solar
back-contacted solar cell (BSC)
by Solland Solar

Solland Solar (Heerlen, The Netherlands) a Dutch-German developer and manufacturer of solar cells and photovoltaic (PV) modules, on January 19th 2010 announced a technology partnership with Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft (AT&S; Vienna, Austria).   According to the press release, the overall goal of this partnership is to jointly develop and put into industrial production the innovative back-contact module technology for Solland Solar's multi-crystalline silicon "Sunweb" cells. The technology reportedly utilizes processes and materials that are considered standard in the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, but are not yet applied in photovoltaics (PV).



Solar cell technology to be tested on prototype volume production line

During the first year of the partnership, Solland Solar's basic idea of the Sunweb back-contacted solar cell was combined with new interconnection and switching technology from AT&S. According to the press release, all components and production processes have been developed for use in volume production, and extensive tests have been completed to establish that the project satisfies all the necessary reliability, safety and performance requirements. The next phase in the project, the construction of a joint prototype production line at AT&S's Leoben-Hinterberg plant in Austria, is scheduled for completion by the summer of 2010, and is to incorporate the results achieved during the last year into the industrial production process. Additional objectives reportedly include further optimization of the production process and certification under IEC 61215 and IEC 61730. The innovative module concept is believed to offer ample scope for further developments to increase efficiency and lower cost of solar energy. Solland Solar and AT&S plan to work together to exploit this potential.

2010-01-25   Courtesy: Solland Solar Energy Holding B.V.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solland Solar Energy Holding B.V.

 

Saflex launches 2nd generation encapsulant for photovoltaic panels

Saflex announces commercial availability of PVB based encapsulant
Saflex announces commercial availability of
PVB based encapsulant "Saflex PA41"

As solar module manufacturers strive to realize cost structures meeting grid parity, Saflex, a unit of Solutia Inc. (St. Louis, Missouri), recently announced the commercial availability of a new thin gauge polyvinyl butyral (PVB) based encapsulant designed specifically for photovoltaic (PV) applications. The new product, dubbed "Saflex PA41," is said to significantly reduce encapsulant usage while maintaining module durability and processing performance. Solutia reports that Saflex PA41 is the company's second generation PV product designed specifically to reduce encapsulant thickness by 33 % (from 1.14mm to 0.76mm).   To accomplish this, properties of the Saflex PA41 formulation were reportedly optimized to improve encapsulating flow around bus bars and other critical components. "A primary objective throughout the development process was to ensure that a thin gauge encapsulant could provide the same performance and long term durability of thicker gauge encapsulants while maintaining high encapsulation yields", said Francois Koran, Saflex Photovoltaic Development Manager.



Thin gauge encapsulant reduces material use, yet delivers reliability and durability

"We developed a robust PVB-based encapsulant that passed a rigorous reliability and durability test program including tests that went beyond standard industry testing", said Matt Rose, Saflex Market Development Manager. "Module manufacturers can continue producing high quality photovoltaic modules with significantly reduced encapsulation usage. For over 80 years, Saflex has driven PVB-based product and process advancements in the automotive and architectural markets. We're now leveraging that expertise to develop innovative solutions for photovoltaic applications." According to the press release, the product successfully completed the IEC and UL certification testing. Saflex reportedly partnered with module manufacturers to confirm that handling, processing and throughput of Saflex PA41 met or exceeded expectations compared to thicker gauge PVB encapsulations. To that end, Saflex provided on-site education and trial processing guidance to fine-tune the encapsulation process and ensure that high yields were realized. "With eight decades of experience in manufacturing PVB products for glazing applications, we understand that testing, education, and technical support are as critical as producing a high quality product", said Rose.

2010-01-25   Courtesy: Saflex; Solutia Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Saflex; Solutia Inc.

 

Iberdrola Renovables signs largest renewable energy sale contract in the United States

A U.S. subsidiary of the leading wind power company Iberdrola Renovables S.A. (Iberdrola; Valencia, Spain), on January 15th, 2010 announced that it had signed its largest ever renewable energy sale contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The company is to sell the output from its 300 megawatt (MW) Cayuga Ridge wind farm to the TVA under a 20 year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).   According to the press release, TVA plans to add a total of 2,000 MW of wind capacity to its energy portfolio. The construction of the Cayuga Ridge at a site south of Chicago (Illinois) reportedly created more than 330 direct jobs. It is scheduled to be completed during the spring of 2010. Iberdrola reports that the Cayuga Ridge wind farm is currently being built with turbines manufactured by a Pennsylvania-based company. Upon completion, the facility is to be able to meet the average electricity consumption of about 100.500 U.S. households.




Government support for renewable energy projects key reason for interest in U.S. wind market

Iberdrola reports that the construction of the Cayuga Ridge wind farm is being financed with renewable energy stimulus funds provided by the U.S. government. According to the press release, regulatory support of renewable energies is one of the main reasons Iberdrola is interested in the United States market. The company has so far received 577 million US-dollars in US Treasury Department grants offered as part of the government's incentive package for renewable energies to encourage companies to invest in the country. Iberdrola hopes to receive an additional 430 million US-dollars in 2010 as its wind farms go online. The company pledges to reinvest all current and future grants in the U.S., where it has reportedly become the second-largest wind farm operator with nearly 3,600 MW of installed capacity spread over 39 farms. The company reports that it has activity created more than 14,200 indirect jobs in the U.S. since 2006.

2010-01-25   Courtesy: Iberdrola Renovables S.A.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Iberdrola Renovables S.A.

 

GT Solar (USA) signs more than 40 million US-dollars in new contracts with GCL-Poly (China)

GT Solar International, Inc. (Merrimack, New Hampshire), a global provider of specialized production equipment, process technology and turnkey manufacturing services for the solar industry, on January 19th, 2010 announced that it had signed contracts in excess of 40 million US-dollars with two wholly owned subsidiaries of China-based GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Limited (GCL-Poly; Hong Kong, China).   The first agreement, with Jiangsu Zhongneng Polysilicon Technology Development Co., Ltd., is for GT Solar's Trichlorosilane (TCS) production technology solution, the company reports. The second, with Jiangsu GCL Silicon Material Technology Development Co. Ltd., is for GT Solar's Directional Solidification System (DSS) furnaces and ancillary equipment. Tom Gutierrez, GT Solar's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said: "Our relationship with GCL-Poly further strengthens our market position in China and reinforces our role as a technology leader. We believe GT Solar’s DSS furnaces are the system of choice for leading PV manufacturers around the world. And, our TCS production technology solution represents another win for this leading technology that should help to significantly lower the production cost of polysilicon."



Chinese solar company purchases equipment, technology and know-how for the production of polysilicon and PV wafers

According to the press release, the TCS production solution includes all of the technology and basic engineering services required to produce TCS, one of the primary raw materials used to manufacture polysilicon. GT Solar's DSS furnaces are used to melt polysilicon and grow multi-crystalline ingots, which are utilized to produce solar wafers and, ultimately, solar cells. "GCL-Poly is committed to providing high-quality and cost-competitive solar raw materials by adopting the best-in-class technologies and equipment", said Zhu Gong Shan, Executive Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GCL-Poly. "We chose to purchase the TCS production solution and DSS units from GT Solar because of their proven expertise in both polysilicon production and ingot crystallization." Shan expects GT Solar's TCS production solution to help improve the quality and lower the cost of GCL Poly's polysilicon operations. The DSS furnaces are expected to help ensure that the company's new ingot and wafer production facility can be up-and-running in 2010.

2010-01-25   Courtesy: GT Solar International, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

DuPont completes 295 million US-dollar expansion for PV market

DuPont is a leading supplier of materials and technology to the photovoltaic industry
DuPont is a leading supplier of materials and
technology to the photovoltaic industry

DuPont (Wilmington, Delaware) in January 2010 announced an investment of 175 million US-dollars to complete a multi-phase expansion of its "Tedlar PV2001" series oriented film production line. This investment is in addition to the 120 million US-dollar capacity expansion which the company had announced in August 2009 for raw materials used to make the film, bringing the total commitment of these two phases to 295 million US-dollars. DuPont reports that Tedlar films serve as the critical component of photovoltaic (PV) backsheets, providing long-term durability and performance for PV modules in all-weather conditions.   According to the press release, the film line expansion will be located at the DuPont Circleville (Ohio) facility using existing and retrofitted assets. This expansion is to provide the company's film production capacity the necessary volume to support an anticipated global demand of over 10 gigawatts (GW) of PV module production.


Expansion includes production capacity at company's monomer and resin facilities

The production expansion is to reflect the company's recently announced commitment to focus on meeting four emerging global trends, one of which is decreasing dependence on fossil fuels. The film production is scheduled to start up in September 2011. "The photovoltaic market increasingly demands materials that enable modules to reliably deliver power for decades", said David B. Miller, President of DuPont Electronics and Communications. "This major expansion underscores our commitment to maintaining DuPont leadership in the photovoltaic industry and specifically in the backsheet materials market for solar panels." DuPont reports that the manufacturing steps for Tedlar oriented film include producing vinyl fluoride (VF) monomer, which is converted into polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) polymer resins, and extruded into the Tedlar film. DuPont plans to increase its monomer and polymer resin production capacity by more than 50 %. According to the press release, the construction for these new monomer and resin facilities is under way at the DuPont Louisville (Kentucky), and Fayetteville (North Carolina) sites, respectively. These facilities are scheduled to start up in mid-2010.


Anticipated growth in global PV industry key reason for expansion of backsheet film production

DuPont anticipates the PV market to grow rapidly over the next several years. This growth is expected to drive the demand for Tedlar and other new materials that increase the lifetime and efficiency of solar cells and modules. DuPont expects that overall sales of its family of products into the PV industry will exceed 1 billion US-dollars by 2012. The Tedlar PVF films are reportedly recognized as the industry standard for solar PV backsheets due to their strength, weather resistance, ultraviolet resistance and moisture barrier properties. As a result, Tedlar is said to enable solar modules to achieve long-life performance providing a long-term sustainable energy source for the marketplace. This is believed to result in improved economic returns for investments in solar energy projects and therefore a lower cost of solar electricity to consumers. DuPont is a science-based products and services company that was founded in 1802. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food, building and construction, communications, and transportation.

2010-01-24   Courtesy: DuPont   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: DuPont

 

REN21 publishes Renewables interactive map

The Renewable Energy Policy Network REN21 (REN21; Paris, France), a global policy network that provides an international forum on renewable energy, in January 2010 announced the launch of the beta-version of its "Renewables Interactive Map" (Map). This global map is said to contain a wealth of information on renewable energy, including support policies, expansion targets, current shares, installed capacity, current production, future scenarios, and policy pledges of different countries.   According to the press release, the Map is designed to be a central access-point to renewable energy information. Its value is dependent on the knowledge contributions of many organizations and individuals in the renewable energy community, which REN21 strives to cite as sources for the information presented so that users can directly access further information.



Tracking the dynamic development of renewable energy policy-making and market development more closely

The REN21 Secretariat has been collecting the information for the Map from various reports, databases, news announcements, specific enquiries, and other sources. The Map is a new tool for the organization's knowledge management and was designed to track more closely the dynamic development of renewable energy policy-making and market development. The REN21 Secretariat wishes to thank the network partners for their support in producing the Map's content, and invites all experts to provide data contributions and comments. The Renewables Interactive Map is available on the organization's website, at www.ren21.net/map.

2010-01-24   Courtesy: REN 21   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ren21_map.jpg

 

NextPower 1 connects two solar PV power plants to the Italian grid

solar farm by ENERQOS
solar farm by ENERQOS

Zouk ventures, manager of the €52m solar project investment vehicle "zouk Solar Opportunities" (zSOL), and NextEnergy Capital, the European merchant bank specialising in renewable energies, are announced through their joint company NextPower 1 (NP1) the successful completion of two photovoltaic (PV) power plants of 1 MWp each, in Puglia - Southern Italy. Both plants are already benefiting from the premium tariff paid on the solar electricity they produce, NextPower 1 reports in a press release.   NP1’s solar power plants have been engineered, designed and constructed by Enerqos, one of Italy’s leading EPC contractors, and were connected to the national electricity grid on December 23rd, 2009.



Overall investment amounts to €14.5m

The first power plant, situated in the municipality of Gravina in Puglia (Bari province), uses a dual-axis tracker technology developed by Enerqos. The second site is located in San Pietro Vernotico (in the Brindisi province) and was built using a traditional ground-mounted, fixed axis system. Both sites benefit from close proximity to the local power grid connection point. The overall investment amounts to €14.5m. The two power plants will make a significant material contribution to the local communities: they will jointly produce nearly 100 million kWh, providing sufficient energy to meet the requirements of approximately 1,200 families each year, and reducing CO2 emissions by approx. 53,000 tons during their operational life, an amount equal to the pollution generated by 10,000 cars travelling the entire circumference of the earth. The total amount of tax paid to local governments is expected to be in the range of €1.6m.



Puglia authorities received over 4 GW peak of applications in 2009

"This is a testimony to the value of our initiatives in terms of local development, in a market dominated by elaborate initiatives, yet very little concrete progress. This achievement further demonstrates that we are among the most active players in the solar market in Italy", said Stefano Sommadossi, Co-founder of NextEnergy Capital and Chairman of NextPower Development. In 2009, Puglia authorities received over 4GW peak of applications, while the constructed projects were very few, raising serious concerns about the quality of the development projects undertaken. NP1 is a special purpose vehicle founded by NEC, through its NextPower Holding platform, whose principal line of investment is in solar power plants. zSOL invested in May 2009 with an initial 49% stake, later raised to 65%.


Construction of a total of 17MW peak launched

The NP1 plants are among the first projects to be developed and promoted by NextPower Development - NEC’s fully owned development company. NextPower Development has launched the construction of a total of 17MW peak for the same clients, including two additional power plants in Puglia (NextPower 2) currently under construction and due to be connected to the grid by June 2010. The plants will be managed by WiseEnergy, the leading Italian solar asset management company controlled by NEC. Project financing has been provided by the Italian bank Centrobanca.

2010-01-24   Courtesy: zouk ventures; Next Energy Capital; ENERQOS   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ENERQOS

 

ARISE awarded 150 kW PV system contract by region of Waterloo

Burlington Rooftop System (closeup)
Burlington Rooftop System (closeup)

ARISE Technologies Corporation (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada), a manufacturer of solar technology products, on January 19th, 2010 announced that it had been awarded a contract to supply a 150 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic (PV) rooftop solar system to the Region of Waterloo in Ontario. The system is to be installed on the Regional Operations Centre in Cambridge, Ontario.   According to the press release, ARISE had been chosen as a supplier for the contract as a result of a public tender, in which approximately 20 bids competed. The ARISE system is to meet all Ontario content requirements as outlined in the Ontario "Green Energy Act" and is expected to be installed and operational by mid-2010. "We are pleased to announce this significant agreement with the Region of Waterloo under the new Ontario Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program",said Vern Heinrichs, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ARISE.




FIT program surges in interest in the Ontario market

"The system will be installed in our home region, close to our head offices in Waterloo. Since the launch of the Ontario FIT program, we have seen a surge in interest in the Ontario market, as our requests for feasibility studies have increased significantly, and the average size of systems being considered has also grown considerably." ARISE reports that it is dedicated to becoming a leader in high-performance, cost-effective solar technology. The company operates through three divisions, manufacturing PV cells, producing the raw material silicon at 7N+ high-purity (99.99999% purity) and is providing PV solutions for solar farms and rooftop installations throughout North America. ARISE plans to expand its systems business in Ontario under the Ontario feed-in tariff (FIT) program.

2010-01-23   Courtesy: ARISE Technologies Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ARISE Technologies Corporation

 

DEK Solar and Heller develop state-of-the-art drying technology for solar cell metallization

Drying technology for solar cell metallization
Drying technology for solar cell metallization

DEK Solar and Heller Industries unveiled in a press release the results of a recent collaboration: a pioneering drying system that enhances the state-of-the-art PV3000 metallization line even further. The alliance between the market-leading screen printing and thermal technology specialists has enabled a significant breakthrough in solar cell production, incorporating precise thermal control, improved VOC management and reduced power consumption – all on a compact footprint. DEK Solar and Heller Industries initially joined forces in a bid to create a technology-leading Metallization line which offered a distinct competitive advantage to customers manufacturing solar cells. The result is the enhanced PV3000, a high throughput metallization line delivering six-sigma repeatability for capability in advance of current solar cell requirements, DEK Solar reports in the press release.   Offering the most compact footprint available today, the platform benefits from Heller’s experience in the field through the recent addition of a solar cell dryer, the PVD3000, equipped to handle increased product throughput over a reduced footprint and with reduced maintenance, the companies emphasize.





Based on the principles of hot air convection drying

Heller’s pioneering dryer concept is based on the principles of hot air convection drying, a process which is conducive to precision thermal control at lower drying temperatures, DEK reports in the press release. Offering a significant advantage over conventional IR-based dryers, the PVD3000’s drying technology creates improved air exchange within the process chamber which enables the dryer to manage the increased VOC volume associated with raised throughput. In addition, the specialist catalyst incorporated within the process chamber converts the VOCs to simpler compounds such as carbon dioxide and water. According to the press release an important by-product of the catalyst conversion is heat which, in turn, is used to enhance the drying process and reduce overall power consumption.


Green in manufacture as well as in end product

Commenting on the new addition to the PV3000, DEK’s Alternative Energy Business Manager Darren Brown explains: "Our ongoing collaboration with Heller is a great example of our commitment to working with industry-leaders to deliver our customers the best possible competitive advantage through technology. Equipped with state-of-the-art drying capabilities, the PV3000 achieves this. Not only can we deliver one of the smallest, most compact footprints available today, but we can also deliver a novel approach to VOC management which actually benefits the overall drying process. The resultant reduction in power consumption proves that you can be green in manufacture as well as in end product!"



A breakthrough solution for solar cell producers

Heller Industries’ European Sales Manager, Joe Balackyi, adds: "Here at Heller Industries, we’re continually looking to develop and improve our systems for the benefit of our customers. By teaming up with DEK, we’ve been able to offer a breakthrough solution for solar cell producers; cost-efficiency, improved thermal process, increased system uptime, reduced maintenance and lower power consumption are just a few of the benefits the industry can expect from the enhanced PV3000. Plus, both ourselves and DEK have spent years building up a comprehensive global infrastructure; so our customers can count on dedicated support – wherever they are in the world!"

2010-01-23   Courtesy: DEK Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: DEK Solar

 

German PV producer AVANCIS achieves 15.1 % efficiency

CIS thin-film module by AVANCIS
CIS thin-film module by AVANCIS

The solar module manufacturer AVANCIS (Torgau, Saxony, Germany) has recorded a new international efficiency peak value with a 30 x 30 cm², fully encapsulated copper indium selenide (CIS) solar module.   Based on the aperture area of 668 cm², an efficiency level of 15.1 % has been confirmed by the independent National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL, Col. USA), the company reports in a press release. "With this result, AVANCIS heads the list of independently certified world records in the field of thin-film solar modules published in the 'Progress in Photovoltaics' journal, AVANCIS accentuates.




Efficiency of standard production modules increase to 11 %

"This world record is testimony to the fact that CIS boasts the best performance of all thin-film technologies and, with our patented, two-stage manufacturing method, we have an unrivalled production process at our disposal", explained Dr. Franz Karg, CTO of AVANCIS. "Since start of production in October 2008, we have been able to increase the efficiency of standard production modules from an initial 9 % to 11 %", continued Dr. Karg. In order to turn the records achieved by the research department into an industry standard as quickly as possible, the department only uses processes and materials that are also used in series production.


Second generation of CIS technology

AVANCIS develops and produces thin-film photovoltaic modules on the basis of CIS (copper indium selenide). The innovative production process is based on the second generation of CIS technology, developed in the AVANCIS research & development department in Munich. The production capacity of the first factory at the company headquarters in Torgau on own account is 20 megawatt peak per annum (MWp/a).

2010-01-22   Courtesy: AVANCIS GmbH & Co. KG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: AVANCIS GmbH & Co. KG

 

Canadian PV producer Day4 Energy completes 2.4 Megawatt solar power plant for Günther Heiss Solar GmbH in Germany

Rooftop PV plant by Day4 Energy in Portland, Oregon, USA
Rooftop PV plant by Day4 Energy
in Portland, Oregon, USA

Day4 Energy Inc. (Burnaby, Canada), a supplier of high performance, cost-effective solar electric solutions, announced in a press release that the company has completed the delivery of a turn-key 2.4 megawatt (MW) roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) power plant for Günther Heiss Solar GmbH & Co. KG in Emmingen, Germany. The project was financed by a local Volksbank, backed by Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank, Frankfurt am Main. Day4 Energy was responsible for the design, engineering and construction of the PV power plant together with one of its leading Germany based channel partners. The plant includes 12,600 48MC modules, Day4 energy reports in the press release. The energy produced at this solar PV plant will be sold to the local grid provider under the German feed-in-tariff (FIT) Law (EEG).   "The successful completion of this project adds to our track record and will be another excellent project to demonstrate the value of our turn-key solutions and the Day4 technology", said George Rubin, president of Day4 Energy.




Combined investment in roof infrastructure and solar power generation

"We are extremely pleased with the final product and look forward to further collaborations with the Day4 Team", said Günther Heiss, president of Günther Heiss Solar GmbH & Co. KG. Heiss Solar, located in Emmingen, is a German company focused on the business of tree nurseries. According to the press release Heiss has developed a concept to cultivate ginseng plants that prefer shading to sunlight for optimal growth and therefore require extensive roofs. The combined investment into the roof infrastructure and its power generation capability is a unique solution to the project.

Day4 Energy Inc. is a Canadian company dedicated to providing high performance photovoltaic (PV) solutions for residential, commercial and utility scale installations.

2010-01-22   Courtesy: Day4 Energy Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Day4 Energy Inc.

 

Solar Knights retrofits residential building in California to meet 'Passive House' energy efficiency standard

Solar Knights Construction Inc. (Napa, California), a company that specializes in sustainable buildings, passive housing and grid-tied photovoltaics (PV), in January 2010 announced that the company is retrofitting a home in the city of Sonoma that, upon completion, would be the first certified "Passive House" retrofit in California. The term Passive House refers to a blending of architecture, technology and solar to reduce the energy needs of residential and commercial buildings.   These buildings are carefully designed systems that use an orientation to the south, proper window sizing, seasonal window shading, extra insulation and properly sized internal mass to supply most of its heating and cooling requirements. Solar Knights reports that these buildings' shell collect or reflect the right amount of heat needed for the season simply by having the proper form in relation to the sun. Backup heating or cooling is reportedly only needed on extremely hot or cold days. Radiant heat is believed to assure comfort and quiet for the building's occupants. A Passive House replaces the traditional "active" heating and cooling system of standard buildings with a "fresh air furnace" and a minimal supplemental heating and cooling system, hence the name "Passive."


Retrofit to reduce energy usage and green house gas emissions

Solar Knights reports that the planned retrofit of this existing building and its conversion to a passive home could result in energy savings of 70 – 80 %. It is to take advantage of natural day-lighting to reduce the need for artificial light. According to the press release, there are many advantages of what is called a "Passive House" approach: The architecture need not be compromised, comfort levels are reportedly higher, lifecycle costs lower, the indoor air is healthier and energy needs are more predictable. Passive House solutions have been tested and in practice for 18 years since the construction of the first "Passivhaus" in Darmstadt, Germany in 1991, Solar Knights reports. The State of California is the 12th largest emitter of carbon despite leading the United States in energy efficiency standards. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has mandated that all new residential buildings be net zero energy by 2020, and that all new buildings be net zero energy by 2030. Solar Knights believes that the Passive House standard is the only currently viable method to achieving the state's environmental goals.

2010-01-22   Courtesy: Solar Knights Construction Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

AC Solar Technology to present its AC photovoltaic module at Photon's "Solar Terawatt-hours Conference" series

"Blue Leaf" PV panel by
AC Solar Technology

AC Solar Technology Inc. (Bend, Oregon) announced that the company will be presenting at the Photon Start-up Conference on February 3rd, 2010 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. AC Solar Technology is commercializing its "Blue Leaf" 210 W alternating current (AC) photovoltaic (PV) module. According to the company's press release, each Blue Leaf AC panel has a grid-interactive inverter and generates alternating current (AC) electricity. The system uses no direct current (DC) wire or DC components and is entirely AC from the module to the grid.   "We are pleased to be invited to speak at such a prestigious event", said Glenn Harris, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AC Solar Technology. "AC modules will play an important role in expanding solar electric markets and we appreciate the opportunity to discuss our activities and build awareness about the benefits of our product at this high level industry gathering."


AC solar PV panels for flexible system design, easy system expansion

Alternating current photovoltaic (ACPV) modules are believed to represent a "natural evolution" in solar electric system development. AC Solar reports that they offer many advantages compared to other solar electric solutions, because each Blue Leaf AC module is a complete solar electric system. Consumers can start with one Blue Leaf AC module and expand their solar system whenever they choose. AC modules are said to cost less on a per watt basis for certain systems, while their design and installation is comparatively simple. AC Solar is a privately held corporation with the objective to increase the adoption of solar electricity by providing simple, reliable and cost effective AC solar systems.

2010-01-21   Courtesy: AC Solar Technology Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: AC Solar Technology Inc.

 

Suntech CEO Dr. Zhengrong Shi Honored as Zayed Future Energy Prize Finalist

Dr. Zhengrong Shi awarded with the Zayed Future Energy Prize
Dr. Zhengrong Shi awarded with the Zayed
Future Energy Prize

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (WUXI, China), the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, on January 21st, 2010 announced that its Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Zhengrong Shi, was honored as a finalist for the prestigious Zayed Future Energy Prize at an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi on January 19th. The annual award recognizes extraordinary accomplishments that "reflect innovation, long-term vision and leadership in renewable energy and sustainability."  




The vision to pave the way to a sustainable future

"Under the steady guidance of Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech has been driving the expansion of solar power around the world", said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize. "The Zayed Future Energy Prize honors those who understand the importance of learning from the past, the urgency of addressing the threats of the present and the vision to pave the way to a sustainable future. The jury for the Zayed Future Energy Prize recognized this in Dr. Zhengrong's achievements - but more importantly, they were inspired by his accomplishments, his passion, and his vision for a future where everyone has reliable access to nature's cleanest and most abundant energy resource."



Donation will provide solar systems for schools throughout the Middle East

Dr. Shi received a prize of US0,000 at the awards ceremony from His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Dr. Shi has pledged to donate the funds to the Shi Family Foundation, which will provide solar systems for schools throughout the Middle East. "It is a great honor to receive this award", commented Dr. Shi. "Recognition also belongs to Suntech employees and partners around the world - professionals who are passionate about solar energy and its power to change the way we live. It also recognizes the leadership of governments, large and small, who have created commercial environments that encourage long-term investment in tomorrow's energy solutions, today. Most importantly, this award sends a clear message to encourage more scientists and engineers to use their technology to change the world - and to find solutions for our energy future!", Dr. Shi added.

2010-01-21   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

 

Suniva awarded 5.7 million US-dollars Manufacturing Tax Credits to accelerate expansion, job creation

Suniva solar cell
Suniva solar cell

Suniva, Inc. (Norcross, Georgia), a U.S. based solar photovoltaics (PV) manufacturer, in January 2010 announced that the company had received 5.7 million US-dollars in Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credits (AMTC) to expand its solar cell manufacturing facility in Norcross. Suniva started producing mono crystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) cells at this facility in October 2008, and now operates two solar cell production lines with an annual capacity of 100 megawatts (MW).   Currently, the company is preparing to construct a third manufacturing line which could increase the total production capacity by 75 % and create more than 50 manufacturing jobs in 2010.


Federal tax credit to help company expand production capacity, create new jobs

"In little more than a year, Suniva built the capacity to produce hundreds of millions of dollars worth of solar technology, and we've created over 130 green jobs in the process", said Suniva Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Baumstark. "These tax credits enable us to continue expanding and supplying the rapidly growing American solar market with products developed in American laboratories and made by American workers." Suniva reports that the company's technology had been developed through research conducted by its founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Dr. Ajeet Rohatgi at the University Center for Excellence in Photovoltaics (UCEP), a U.S. Department of Energy-funded laboratory.

2010-01-21   Courtesy: Suniva, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suniva, Inc.

 

Australian Origin Energy and Micron establish joint venture to develop PV technology

Origin Energy Limited (Sydney, New South Wales), a leading Australian integrated energy company, and Micron Technology, Inc. in January 2010 announced the formation of a 50/50 joint venture with a focus on the development of photovoltaic (PV) technology. Micron is a U.S. listed company and one of the world's leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions.   Mark Durcan, Micron's President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), said: "As we have looked to leverage our core strengths in other markets, photovoltaic energy technology is a natural area of investigation. Origin is a company with a significant interest and history in renewable energy technologies. Combining our semiconductor manufacturing expertise with Origin's solar experience could result in a strong partnership." Andrew Stock, Origin's Executive General Manager, Major Development Projects, added: "We are pleased to joint venture with Micron as a global semiconductor leader to further explore the potential of solar photovoltaic technology. The near term objective of the joint venture is to combine the work Origin has done to date in solar development with Micron's capabilities and to examine opportunities for commercialization."

2010-01-21   Courtesy: Origin Energy Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SpectraWatt selects Camstar software for new solar PV cell manufacturing plant

With Camstar, product and process results from systems like this Solar Simulator triggers early warnings and actions
With Camstar, product and process
results from systems like this Solar
Simulator triggers early warnings
and actions

Camstar Systems, Inc. (Charlotte, North Carolina), a provider of software solutions for the manufacturing industry, in January 2010 announced that SpectraWatt, Inc. (Hillsboro, Oregon), a manufacturer of advanced silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells for the solar industry, had selected Camstar's "SolarSuite" software which is especially configured for the solar industry to support its manufacturing and quality goals into the future. "SpectraWatt is focusing on innovative solar cell technologies that will dramatically reduce the cost of solar energy generation in the future", said Rick Haug, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SpectraWatt.   "We needed a proven solution that is flexible enough to adapt quickly to our changing technologies and drive rapid quality improvements." Bruce Reedy, MES/ERP Engineer for SpectraWatt, added: "We were impressed with Camstar's rapid implementation times, and the ease of use of their application. The ease of integration with our other business and automation systems was also a key factor in our decision." According to Jason Adams, Vice President of sales for Camstar, the company's "Enterprise Platform" for manufacturing execution, quality management and manufacturing intelligence is able to model the entire solar supply chain from ingot to wafer to cell to module to system. The system is said to collect and analyze data that is being generated by automated tools, prompting immediate action for rapid process improvement and increased equipment efficiency.

2010-01-21   Courtesy: Camstar Systems, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Camstar Systems, Inc.

 

Gartner: U.S. federal job creation effort shines on U.S. and foreign solar companies

ARRA program creates solar jobs in the U.S.
ARRA program creates solar jobs in the U.S.

On January 8th, 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama announced the awardees of 2.3 billion US-dollars in clean-energy Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credits (AMTC) according to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To foster investment and job creation in clean-energy manufacturing, the ARRA program is to provide a 30 % tax credit for investments in 183 manufacturing facilities for clean-energy products across 43 states. The U.S. information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut) reports that manufacturers of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and components garnered about 40 % of the tax credits, including more than 400 million US-dollars for materials and component manufacturers such as AE Polysilicon, Dow Corning, DuPont, Hemlock Semiconductor, PPG Industries, REC Silicon, Solaicx and Wacker Polysilicon North America.   More than 500 million US-dollars are to be given to established and up-and-coming solar PV cell and module manufacturers, including Abound Solar, Amonix, BP Solar International, First Solar, Konarka, Miasole, Nanosolar, Schott Solar, Sharp Electronics, Spire Semiconductor, Stion, Suniva, SunPower, Suntech, United Solar Ovonic, Xunlight and Yingli Green Energy Americas, Gartner reports.



Manufacturing tax credit program to be expanded pending approval by Congress

Because the manufacturing tax credit program generated far more interest than anticipated, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Treasury have a substantial backlog of technically acceptable applications under the AMTC program. Instead of turning down applicants, the Obama administration has called on Congress to provide an additional 5 billion US-dollars to expand the program. Gartner believes that the U.S. government's tax credit plan is a good investment in the solar industry, but cautions that government policies usually have both good and bad effects. In particular, researchers point out that these policies are subject to the law of unintended consequences. In general, the solar industry is expected to benefit from about 1 billion US-dollars in tax credits that had been granted for new manufacturing facilities. This good effect is believed to spread across the solar value chain, from polysilicon and other chemicals to crystalline silicon (cSi) and thin film PV solar module manufacturers. The investment is expected to help increase domestic manufacturing capabilities, just as the domestic demand in the United States is poised to go past the 1 gigawatt (GW) level.


Uncertain effect of tax credit program due to unpredictable timelines of eligible manufacturing expansions

However, Gartner cautions that one key issue is that the manufacturing facilities will be built over time, and that the job pipeline from these projects will take a long time to get ramped up. In the current social and political environment, with short time frames and high expectations, this situation could lead to a variety of constituencies being disappointed in the effects of investing this money, Gartner believes. Unmet expectations for jobs could therefore lead to ill will. Furthermore, because the solar industry still depends on government incentives to drive it, other critical initiatives to support the solar industry could be delayed or restricted by U.S. politicians.


Tax credit program could negatively affect potential larger solar PV support program

In particular, Gartner cautions that a national renewable energy standards (RES) policy for utilities to adopt renewable power sources may end up negatively impacted by any ill will from this policy. The RES policy is believed to be a critical initiative to drive a very large business opportunity for firms across the entire solar value chain, from chemicals to installers to financiers. Gartner believes that it is critical for industry leaders and politicians to communicate some clear expectations of the timeline to generate jobs resulting from the tax credit program. Otherwise, a promising investment from the federal government in the renewable industry could negatively impact a potentially bigger program that would drive business and employment for the solar industry.

2010-01-20   Courtesy: Gartner Inc., Alfonso Velosa   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SEIA

 

Sol, Inc. donates solar lights for Haiti relief efforts to allow hospitals, food distribution, and relief camps to operate past dusk

Solar lighting system by Sol, Inc.
Solar lighting system by Sol, Inc.

Millions of dollars of relief may never reach the magnitude 7 earthquake victims in Haiti in time unless roadways, relief camps, hospitals and distribution areas can operate past dark. The U.S. solar manufacturer Sol, Inc. (Palm City, Florida) on January 15th, 2010 announced that it had donated 300,000 US-dollars and organized relief efforts for Haiti. With more than 40,000 solar lighting systems installed in over 60 countries on six continents, Sol, Inc. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rick Schuett knew that the company's team had the expertise and desire to make a real difference. "The Board of Directors chaired by Michael Sonnenfeldt, along with Sol, Inc. employees felt compelled to assist the victims of this earthquake", said Schuett.   "We know that once our solar lighting systems are installed, we will affectively double the amount of available relief effort time by allowing aid workers and rescuers to work around the clock when previously operations had to cease at dusk. In addition, our lighting systems will provide safety and security as well as being a hallmark that civility is being restored to the area."


Company helps Haiti earthquake victims with solar lighting systems

The company reports that its total donation is expected to exceed 400,000 US-dollars with assistance from suppliers, donations and a solar light matching program. According to the press release, Sol, Inc. is working with Florida Congressman Rooney's Stuart office, several relief agencies and government agencies to transport the solar lights from Florida and get them installed in Haiti as quickly as possible. Missionary Flights International (Ft. Piece) has reportedly agreed to transport some of the solar lighting systems as well as Sol, Inc. volunteers. The company is working with other relief organization such as World Vision, Unicef and Hands On Disaster Response to coordinate the installation, local logistics and security for the travelling team.


Transportation opportunities, additional donations sought for Haiti

Sol, Inc. reports that several of its suppliers have generously donated time and materials, including Alliance Composites Inc., C & L Technologies, Citizen Electronics, Haze Battery U.S.A., Karl Lust and SPOSTO Interactive. "Our efforts will continue", said Schuett. "If you or your organization would like to donate money, medical supplies, water or equipment, please contact us immediately. Sol, Inc. is also actively seeking air and ocean transportation avenues for forthcoming donations." Victor Sotolongo is coordinating the Solar Lights Donation logistics for Sol, Inc. The public is invited to call or email him at 772.205-9987 or v.sotolongo@solarlighting.com to support the relief efforts. Sol Inc. also pledged to provide additional lights through a recently established special ongoing "Solar Lights for Haiti" matching program. For every solar light system purchased, Sol Inc. is to match the donation with a second solar light system. To support the solar lights for Haiti relief effort, interested parties are invited to visit http://www.solarlighting.com and click "Donate Light to Haiti Earthquake Victims".

2010-01-20   Courtesy: Sol, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sol, Inc.

 

German Solar feed-in-tariff to be reduced by a further 15 Percent

For several days now, a revision of the feed-in tariffs for solar electricity as laid out in the German Renewable Energy Act (EEG) has been going on behind the curtains. Now there are further, double-digit cutbacks, the market research and consulting institute EuPD Research reports in a breaking news. This is intended even though the tariffs were adjusted in the consumers’ favor to the current market conditions just a few days ago The Minister for the Environment, Norbert Röttgen (CDU) on January 20th, outlined the further cuts to solar support: As of July 1st, the tariffs for solar electricity for ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems will be reduced by a further 15 percent. Taking into account the cuts that were already made at the beginning of January, large-scale systems will be taking a 26 percent cut in promotional funding overall, EuPD emphasizes.  As of April 1st, the tariffs for solar electricity for rooftop systems will be reduced by a further 15 percent. Taking into account the cuts that were already made at the beginning of January, rooftop systems will be facing a 24 percent cutback altogether.

Additionally, there will be a PV growth corridor for 2011. If the newly-installed photovoltaic capacity in 2010 is more than 3.5 GW, there will be a further 2.5 percent degression along with the degression that is already planned. If more than 4.5 GW is installed, the planned degression will increase by a further 5 percent.


Increasing pressure on the German PV industry

"The PV industry has never before experienced such massive cutbacks. This is naturally increasing the pressure on the German PV industry due to the tightened cost situation", comments Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO of the market research and consulting institute EuPD Research, on the current developments in Berlin. "It is to be expected that there will be a very short-term run on PV systems, which will significantly decrease when the tariffs are reduced on the day which has just been announced", forecasts Hoehner.


Comparisons with the fated Spanish PV market raising their heads

"Hardly any manufacturer can overcome cuts of this kind. The European manufacturers of quality systems and German tradesmen will be particularly badly affected", declares the CEO of EuPD Research. Comparisons with the fated Spanish PV market are raising their heads. While the PV industry in Spain grew enormously in 2008, the market collapsed completely last year. The reason was the excessive cuts in solar funding.


Effect on Germany as a location for solar industry cannot be fully grasped at this point

In the medium-term the sales markets will increasingly move to other regions. The effect that the changes will have on Germany as a location for industry cannot be fully grasped at this point. “Emigration of leading technology companies, bankruptcies, collapse in sales for tradesmen and a weakened location for the solar industry – these are all realistic scenarios,” says Hoehner, who has been observing the market for years.

2010-01-20   Courtesy: EuPD Research   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

PNM, First Solar sign contract for 22 megawatts of utility scale solar power for New Mexico

10 MW PV plant by First Solar in Boulder City, Nevada.
10 MW PV plant by First Solar in Boulder City,
Nevada.

PNM (Albuquerque), New Mexico’s largest electric utility, has signed a contract with First Solar (Tempe, Arizona) to construct 22 megawatts (MW) AC of utility scale photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants in New Mexico. First Solar will construct the facilities using its advanced PV panels at five separate sites within PNM’s service territory. The sites will be chosen based on cost, availability and suitability of land; the quality of a site’s solar potential; environmental and permitting considerations; and level of local support, First Solar reports in a press release.  "We are proud to have a company with First Solar’s internationally recognized expertise and reputation building these facilities to help us meet the growing energy needs of our customers", said Pat Vincent-Collawn, PNM president and CEO. More than 1,800 MW of First Solar’s PV panel technology has been deployed in multiple projects throughout the world. "PNM’s decision to use First Solar’s panels demonstrates the value PV technology can bring to electric utilities seeking to adopt renewable energy generation", said Bruce Sohn, First Solar president. "We are pleased to be working with PNM in New Mexico, a state that has excellent solar resources and is well positioned to take advantage of clean, affordable energy."


Solar electricity for 7,000 average sized New Mexico homes

If approved by state regulators, the 22 MW AC of new solar capacity - which, according to PNM, can produce enough power to supply 7,000 average sized New Mexico homes - would be the first contracted under the terms of an agreement PNM reached with state environmental, renewable energy and governmental organizations two weeks ago. The specifics of that plan, to be filed with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) on Jan. 25th, call for a total of 45 MW of utility scale solar PV to be added to PNM’s system in the 2010-2011 timeframe.


Completion scheduled by late 2011

Vincent-Collawn said that sites chosen to host the solar PV facilities will be announced as they are determined. Construction on the first site is expected to start by 2011, or as soon as the PRC approves PNM’s renewable plan. First Solar expects construction at all five sites to be completed by late 2011. The build-outs will create approximately 100 construction jobs. Once completed, PNM will own the sites as part of its generation portfolio to serve New Mexico customers.

2010-01-20   Courtesy: First Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: First Solar Inc.

 

State Key Laboratory of PV Technology to be established at Yingli Green Energy's manufacturing base in China

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Ltd. (Yingli Green Energy; Baoding, China), one of the world's leading vertically integrated PV producers, on January 15th, 2010 announced that the Ministry of Science and Technology of China had approved the application to establish the first national-level key laboratory for PV technology development.   According to the press release, the new facility, dubbed "State Key Laboratory of PV Technology", is to be established at Yingli Green Energy's manufacturing base in Baoding. The company reports that it has actively devoted technology and management resources to facilitate both the application and the initial set-up of the Laboratory, which is to be established with the mission of driving the development of world-class PV technology in China.


Laboratory to facilitate commercialization of new PV technologies, become center for academic and professional training

Yingli Green Energy expects to enjoy priority rights to commercialize technologies developed in the Laboratory at the company's production lines. "We are pleased to announce the establishment of the State Key Laboratory at our manufacturing base in Baoding", commented Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yingli Green Energy. "With increasing support from both the public and private sectors, we believe the Laboratory has the potential to positively contribute to the development of the PV industry as a platform for the commercialization of cutting-edge PV technologies, as well as a center for academic and professional training." The Laboratory is to become an independent research entity, Yingli reports.

2010-01-20   Courtesy: Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Ferro awarded 1 million US-dollar grant for solar cell research

Hot Melt inks produce front silver contacts with high-line resolution on solar cells, help increase cell efficiency by up to 5%
Hot Melt inks produce front silver contacts with
high-line resolution on solar cells, help increase
cell efficiency by up to 5%

Ferro Electronic Materials (Cleveland, Ohio), a supplier of materials for fabricating solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, in January 2010 announced that it had been awarded one million US-dollars by the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) to develop advanced durability sealing systems for solar cells. In this project, Ferro plans to engineer a vitreous frit system to provide reliable air-tight and water-tight seals for second- and third-generation thin-film PV cells.   Ferro reports that the company will collaborate with the Edison Welding Institute, StrateNexus Technologies, and The Ohio State University, all of Columbus, Ohio, to develop, test and commercialize this new technology. If successful, the new sealing materials are believed to solve one significant problem with second- and third-generation thin-film solar cells. As with all solar cells, thin-film cells require a hermetic seal to operate reliably for their expected lifetimes of 20-plus years. This can be a problem because most current thin-film solar cell modules are designed to be sealed with organic sealants that typically lose their hermeticity in time, especially if exposed to sunlight and temperature fluctuations.


Novel product to replace organic seal, provide longer lifetime

Ferro proposes to replace the conventional organic seal with a technology similar to its glass frit sealing materials presently used in thick-film solar cells. The company reports that this technology is field-proven to last well beyond the cells' expected lifetimes. The technical challenge is that thin-film cells are extremely temperature sensitive. The current frit technology requires high firing temperatures to create the seal. The goal is for Ferro to create a glass frit material that can create the required seal at lower temperatures and that can be activated by laser-based and ultrasonic energy systems. "One of Ferro Corporation's core technical competencies is the design and manufacture of custom glasses", said Steven Florio, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Ferro's Electronic, Color and Glass Materials division. "We believe this strength in glass technology will enable Ferro to rapidly drive the development of the frits required for this critical new application."


Ohio state funds research into sealant technology development

Ferro reports that funding for the project is provided through the Ohio "Third Frontier Photovoltaic Program", which supports research and development that addresses the technical and cost barriers to commercialization of PV components and systems in Ohio. The awards are pending approval by the State Controlling Board. "This funding catalyzes the transformation of cutting edge research, much of it pioneered in the laboratories of the University System of Ohio, into successful Ohio businesses and 21st century Ohio jobs", said Eric Fingerhut, Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents and Chair of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. "As the nation looks to renewable energies, Ohio's position as a leader in photovoltaic production builds a foundation for the state's economic future." Ferro's products include metal pastes and powders for solar energy applications, advanced packaging materials and thick film conductors, surface finishing materials for LCD, hard disk and ophthalmic polishing, CMP slurries for semiconductors and advanced integrated circuits, and dielectrics used in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC).

2010-01-20   Courtesy: Ferro Electronic Materials   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ferro Electronic Materials

 

NREL authorizes Phase II of Spire Semiconductor's development of triple junction GaAs solar cells

Roger G. Little: Developing solar cell that exceeds anything commercially available
Roger G. Little: Developing solar
cell that exceeds anything
commercially available

Spire Corporation (Bedford, Massachusetts), a global solar company providing capital equipment and turnkey production lines to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, in January 2010 announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Spire Semiconductor, LLC had successfully completed Phase I of its "High Efficiency Concentrator Solar Cell" program with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). According to the press release, NREL also notified the company that it will authorize Phase II of the program.   Under the 18-month, 3.7 million US-dollar cost share subcontract, Spire Semiconductor is to develop a technology to cost-effectively manufacture 500 sun concentrator solar cells with an efficiency of 42 % for concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems.


NREL supports development of GaAs CPV solar cells

According to the press release, Spire Semiconductor passed through the NREL's "Stage Gate Review", a yes or no decision process to validate the progression of the project and to assure that it meets contract objectives. These objectives include estimates of key performance parameters of competitive Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), annual manufacturing capacity potential, direct manufacturing cost, and cell Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF). Spire reports that it had achieved PV cell performances of greater than 39 % efficiency during Phase I of the project. "We are very happy to be given the go ahead with our program", said Roger G. Little, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spire Corporation. "It validates our efforts toward developing a proprietary gallium arsenide (GaAs) concentrator solar cell that exceeds anything commercially available." Little expects the PV industry to continue to grow significantly during 2010.


Spire Semiconductor, LLC awarded over 2 million US-dollars from DOE's Manufacturing Tax Credit program

Spire also announced that Spire Semiconductor had received confirmation from the Department of Energy (DOE) that its application has been approved under the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit (AMTC) program. According to the press release, DOE approved the allocation of over 2 million US-dollars to expand the company's III/V compound semiconductor foundry facility in Hudson, New Hampshire. "Spire Semiconductor being awarded over 2 million US-dollars in tax credits for its path of commercialization of our concentrator photovoltaic technology could not have come at a better time", said Little, referring to the previously announced approval of Phase II by NREL. "With the PV industry continuously growing, the availability of this tax credit will allow us to grow along with it", Little said. "This opportunity will allow us to establish a state-of-the-art commercial manufacturing line to produce our proprietary triple junction high efficiency cells and support our growing CPV customers."

2010-01-20   Courtesy: Spire Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Spire Corporation

 

Alpha Energy completes one of the largest solar racking structures in the United States

NADE's solar PV structure
NADE's solar PV structure

Alpha Energy, a U.S. provider of turnkey photovoltaic (PV) systems and member of worldwide power systems provider Alpha Group (Bellingham, Washington), in January 2010 announced that the company had recently completed the construction and commissioning of a 1 megawatt (MW) elevated solar PV grid-tied structure for the Manheim NJ National Auto Dealers Exchange (NADE) auction facility in Bordentown (New Jersey). According to the press release, the 1 MW single continuous array includes more than 5,000 PV panels spanning a total area of 104,000 square feet.   The system is expected to generate more than one million kilowatt hours (kWh) of solar electricity per year, which is the amount required to power about 114 homes. The system would thereby offset 1.9 million pounds of CO2 emissions annually. "We are proud to design and deliver a full megawatt of solar power to the renewable energy power grid", said Drew Zogby, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Alpha Technologies. "This new solar power installation is a great example of effectively provisioning a major PV installation at an existing commercial site. The system is installed on the largest continuous elevated solar racking structure in the United States."


Solar power plant features web-based monitoring and energy tracking capabilities

Alpha Energy reports that the company designed, installed, commissioned and tested the solar PV system and offered a comprehensive package including competitive pricing, innovative engineering and a total power solution. The system includes a web-based monitoring system which the company reports allows for easy energy tracking and performance. "Alpha Energy specializes in the design, engineering and installation of complete renewable energy systems for businesses of all sizes", said Zogby. "The extraordinary size of this elevated solar racking structure was an ideal fit for us, as we were able to present Manheim NJ Auto Auction with a comprehensive project package including system options, material procurement and turnkey project management." Zogby also said that Alpha Energy advised Manheim on the potential federal and state incentive programs, including New Jersey's "Solar Renewable Energy Credits" to help reduce the net cost of the project. Manheim is a leading provider of automotive services to commercial sellers and automobile dealers and a technology provider, supplying tools to help commercial sellers and dealers to realize the full value of their vehicles.

2010-01-19   Courtesy: Alpha Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Alpha Energy

 

Canadian Solar announces joint venture and distribution deal with West Holding Ltd. of Japan

BIPV system by Canadian Solar in China
BIPV system by Canadian Solar in China

Canadian Solar Inc. (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) in January 2010 announced a joint venture and a 18 megawatt (MW) distribution deal with West Holding Ltd. (WHD) of Hiroshima, Japan. According to the press release, the agreement stipulates a transfer of 14 % of the shares in Canadian Solar Japan, which is the Japanese subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., to WHD. Canadian Solar is to retain the remaining 86 %. West Holding pledges to distribute and sell solar residential rooftop systems designed by Canadian Solar Japan.   The sales target for 2010 is approximately 18 MW, Canadian Solar reports. Shawn Qu, the company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said: "West Holding is a leading independent distributor of residential solar systems in Japan and is very experienced in distributing, marketing and selling imported PV modules. This was a key criterion in our selection of this company as one of our partners in Japan." Takashi Kikawa, CEO of WHD, said: "We are very pleased to work with global leader Canadian Solar. The cooperation between our companies will allow us to continue to develop the Japanese market for their PV modules and accelerate our green energy business."

2010-01-19   Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.

 

Oerlikon Solar showcases leading thin film PV technology to make solar power economically viable

Oerlikon Solar’s KAI (PECVD) deposition chamber
Oerlikon Solar’s KAI (PECVD) deposition
chamber

Oerlikon Solar (Truebbach, Switzerland) on January 19th, 2010 announced it will be presenting its technology at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi. Oerlikon Solar is a leader of the thin film silicon solar equipment sector with on own account nearly half a gigawatt (GW) of production equipment ramped globally and more than one million panels produced by its customers to date. With the company's "Micromorph" factories, Oerlikon Solar plans to reach production costs at grid parity by the end of this year making solar energy cost equal to fossil fuel-generated energy in many locations. Hence the company is on track to offer its customers an advanced fab design capable of producing modules for ${CONTENT}.70/W by that time.   "Oerlikon Solar's goal is to make solar power economically viable around the world", said Jürg Henz, CEO of Oerlikon Solar. "We see Abu Dhabi as a key market in helping us reach that goal and commend the United Arab Emirates for their commitment in helping bring thin film PV manufacturing to the forefront."


Abu Dhabi Takes Strong Steps in Clean Energy

While Abu Dhabi sits on 90 percent of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) proven oil reserves the province is keen on finding new sources of revenues beyond oil. In April 2006, Abu Dhabi made a bold and historic decision to embrace renewable and sustainable energy solutions. Over the past year, government policies were introduced in many regions, including the United Arab Emirates, which were intended to accelerate investment in solar PV systems and solar PV manufacturing as part of economic stimulus programs. Abu Dhabi aims to generate seven percent of the electricity it generates to come from renewable energy sources by 2020.


"Think Thin!"

Oerlikon Solar's is willing to address this important growth market with offering attractive PV module production solutions. The company's thin film silicon solar technology offers advantages over traditional crystalline silicon and other thin film PV technologies including higher energy yield, better performance at high temperatures, no polysilicon price risk and zero toxicity issues, Oerlikon Solar emphasizes in a press release. At the same time it provides long-term competitive advantages compared with other solar technologies due to long-term efficiency gain opportunities. For example, in the past 12 months, Oerlikon Solar significantly drove down module costs by around 25 percent, raising efficiency and improving the productivity of its lines from 60 MW in 2008 to 100 MW in 2009 without additional equipment. The company is on track to deliver another 30% cost reduction by end of 2010 enabling customers to offer solar electricity at grid-competitive prices in many parts of the world.


Certified Swiss Excellence

Oerlikon Solar is the first thin film silicon technology provider to have IEC/TÜV Rheinland master certification for its entire family of thin film silicon solar technologies, including both Amorphous and "Micromorph". The certification ensures that modules produced by Oerlikon Solar's customers are manufactured to the highest quality standards and can endure the most challenging real world environmental conditions.

"As a global leader in thin film silicon PV technology, Oerlikon Solar provides its customers with unparalleled experience in both installing and ramping up PV module factories, using its highly competitive amorphous and high-efficiency 'Micromorph' end-to-end production lines", the company accentuates in the press release.

2010-01-19   Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Oerlikon Solar

 

Energy Conversion Devices announces plan to build solar manufacturing facility in France

Rooftop PV system with solar laminates by ECD
Rooftop PV system with solar laminates by ECD

Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD; Rochester Hills, Michigan), a manufacturer of flexible thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) laminates for the building integrated and commercial rooftop markets, on January 14th, 2010 announced plans to establish a 30 megawatt (MW) solar laminate manufacturing facility in France. The company reports that it has started its initial site selection process and that it is evaluating various sites, particularly in the Alsace region.   Mark Morelli, ECD's President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "France is one of the world's fastest growing and most progressive solar markets. It has expressed its long-term support of alternative energy in the 'Grenelle de l'environnement objectives', and the recent change to its feed-in-tariff structure establishes a sustainable foundation to meet those objectives."



Growing demand for our solar laminates in France

The company had relocated its European headquarters to Paris last year, and according to Morelli, management is convinced that it was now an excellent time to locate manufacturing in this market. "With the new tariff structure resolved, and the high concentration of low-load bearing buildings that are ideally suited for our lightweight and low impact UNI-SOLAR solutions, we see growing demand for our solar products in France", Morelli said. The company expects to create local jobs in both research and development (R&D) and manufacturing. ECD produces, sells and installs UNI-SOLAR brand thin-film solar laminates that convert sunlight to energy. These products are believed to be unique because of their flexibility, light weight, ease of installation, durability, and real-world efficiency.

2010-01-19   Courtesy: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.

 

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson issues green economy Executive Order at SCHOTT Solar's headquarters

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson

SCHOTT Solar on January 12th, 2010 hosted a press event at its Albuquerque (New Mexico) headquarters where New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson issued an Executive Order to spur the development of the state's renewable energy economy. The announcement is believed to be a bold agenda for the future of New Mexico's 'green economy', identifying five immediate goals for the state to realize its full potential. According to the Governor's press release, these goals include for New Mexico to become a leader in renewable energy export, to become the center of the North American solar industry, to lead the United States in 'Green Grid' innovation, to continue being a leader in green building and energy efficiency and to have an educational system that prepares the state's students for jobs in green technologies.   The Governor's Executive Order lays out a wide scope of directives to reach these goals, and involves several state agencies.



Governor declares New Mexico "Solar Valley" of United States

"Governor Richardson has a long history of energy leadership, dating from the time he was Secretary of Energy", said Dr. Gerald Fine, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SCHOTT Solar and SCHOTT North America. "That he chose to sign this renewable energy declaration at SCHOTT Solar underlines the importance he and the state of New Mexico place on the contributions solar power can bring to this country." SCHOTT Solar had inaugurated its Albuquerque manufacturing facility in May 2009. The company reports that it was able to create more than 300 green-collar jobs at this production site. "SCHOTT Solar is a healthy example of the type of industry New Mexico needs to lead the nation in renewable energy growth", said Governor Richardson. "We have the workforce, we have the technology, and we will continue to pursue companies such as SCHOTT solar to make New Mexico the 'Solar Valley' of the United States."


Governor seeks expansion of New Mexico's Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit

Governor Richardson also announced the release of the "New Mexico Green Jobs Guidebook", which is to provide an overview of green occupations, their education requirements, and resources available at New Mexico colleges and universities. The guidebook is available on the Economic Development Departments website, http://www.edd.state.nm.us/. Governor Richardson also pledged to seek legislation to expand the state's "Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit" during the upcoming legislative session. According to the press release, the expansion will double the available credit for solar generators to one million megawatt hours (MWh). This move is believed to be critical for ensuring that there is an in-state market for the products from solar manufacturers such as SCHOTT Solar, Emcore, and Signet Solar.

2010-01-19   Courtesy: SCHOTT Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SEIA applauds Governor Richardson's plan to make New Mexico a solar leader

Rhone Resch: New Mexico can lead the nation toward a bright and secure energy future
Rhone Resch: New Mexico can lead
the nation toward a bright and secure
energy future

Rhone Resch, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA; Washington, D.C.), on January 13th, 2010 released a statement on New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's Executive Order aimed at making New Mexico the center of the North American solar industry and a leader in renewable energy export. "We applaud Governor Richardson's recognition that New Mexico has the abundant solar resources to become a net exporter of solar energy and the center of the North American solar industry", Resch said.   "These are steps that all 50 states can take and we encourage them to follow Governor Richardson's lead by harnessing their rich solar resources and creating tens of thousands of jobs in the process."


New Mexico Executive Order believed to set example for creating jobs and economic activity through solar development

Resch added that with its business-friendly environment and world-class solar resources, New Mexico is becoming an important hub in the Southwest for solar manufacturing, installation and project development. According to Resch, companies such as SCHOTT Solar, eSolar, First Solar and others are helping to deploy solar and fuel the local economy. "Governor Richardson's leadership has helped steer New Mexico toward a strong economic future based on solar energy. With today's announcement, New Mexico can lead the nation toward a bright and secure energy future", Resch concluded.

2010-01-19   Courtesy: SEIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SEIA

 

Enecsys secures 2.5 million Pounds Sterling investment from Good Energies

Micro-inverter for solar PV systems by Enecsys
Micro-inverter for solar PV systems by Enecsys

Enecsys Limited (Cambridge, United Kingdom), a manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) micro-inverters, on January 14th, 2010 announced that it had attracted further investment of 2.5 million Pounds Sterling (4.2 million US-dollars) from Good Energies, a global investor in renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. According to the press release, this new investment adds to the 6 million Pounds Sterling (10 million US-dollars) received from Wellington Partners and BankInvest in June 2009 for a total investment of 8.5 million Pounds Sterling (14.3 million US-dollars) in Enecsys.   "Good Energies invests in companies that significantly accelerate the clean-energy transition and that possess clear technology differentiation", said Paul Engle, Enecsys Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "We are delighted that they recognize these characteristics in Enecsys and have chosen to support us as we prepare for our first product launch in the early part of next year. We believe this partnership brings unparalleled insight and expertise into the industry and positions Enecsys to become a global leader in solar inverters."


Micro-inverter technology to offer advantages compared to central string-system PV inverters

George Coelho, Good Energies Managing Director, is to join the Board of Enecsys. He commented: "Enecsys excelled with respect to our investment criteria. The company's combination of innovative patented technology, seasoned management and board, and a drive to succeed impressed us immensely and I look forward to helping them achieve leadership in the market for solar power conversion." Enecsys reports that it will make its first product announcement in early 2010. The company's micro-inverter technology is said to offer low lifetime costs, high reliability and a fast, easy installation. Micro-inverter architectures are believed to increase the energy harvest from solar PV systems, and at the same time reduce installation and maintenance costs. According to the press release, this technology also eliminates the risks related to high voltage direct current (DC) wiring, enabling mass market deployment of solar PV. Enecsys reports that its micro-inverters are able to reduce the cost per harvested watt of energy by 15 - 25 % over the life of the system. Shading caused by clouds or obstructions is said to only have a minimal impact on overall system performance, and that installations can mix and match different modules.

2010-01-18   Courtesy: Enecsys Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Enecsys Limited

 

Satcon inverters power China's largest solar PV plants

20 MW Jiming Hill Xunzhou PV plant in China
20 MW Jiming Hill Xunzhou PV plant in China

Satcon Technology Corporation (Boston, Massachusetts), a provider of utility scale power solutions for the renewable energy market, on January 14th, 2010 announced that it has delivered 23 megawatts (MW) of its "PowerGate Plus" 500 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters to GCL Solar Limited (Nanjing, China). According to the press release, these inverters are being used at the 20 MW Jiming Hill Xunzhou and at the 3 MW Yancheng Guoneng rooftop solar power plants.   The 20 MW Xunzhou solar power plant is located on 400,000 square meters (99 acres) of hillside in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, and is expected to generate approximately 26,000,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year. Satcon reports that this is the largest installed solar power plant in China, and that the entire project could be completed in only 3.5 months, making it one of the fastest successfully completed build cycle for a PV project of this size.



Solar power plants expected to offset up to 23,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year

The 3 MW Yancheng Guoneng solar power plant was installed on 46 million square meters of factory rooftop and is expected to produce 3,370,000 kWh of grid-connected solar power annually. This would mean that it can help eliminate 2,743 tons of greenhouse CO2 emissions each year of operation. According to Satcon, the entire project could be completed in only 75 days and it is believed to be the largest rooftop project in China to date. The 20 MW Xunzhou power station is projected to decrease greenhouse CO2 emissions by 20,155 tons. "Both the Xunzhou photovoltaic power station and the Yangcheng City rooftop installation are technological breakthroughs in project construction and technology innovation", said Dr. Gu Huamin, General Manager of GCL Solar Limited. "The two installations clearly demonstrate China's increasing demand for utility scale renewable power production and its commitment to large scale solar innovation."

2010-01-18   Courtesy: Satcon Technology Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Satcon Technology Corporation

 

PHOTON Consulting: Solar power policy changes coming for Germany, emphasize need for new end-markets

Solar Power Markets: Prepare for Impact
Solar Power Markets:
Prepare for Impact

In the midst of discussions surrounding significant revisions to Germany’s solar power feed-in tariff (EEG), PHOTON Consulting (BOSTON USA), a global leader in solar energy research and analysis, has released its latest PV market demand report "Solar Power Markets: Prepare for Impact", emphasizing the need for solar companies to aggressively explore end-markets outside of Germany. Since mid-2009, PHOTON Consulting’s team of analysts anticipated major revisions to Germany’s EEG, which resulted in the firm’s decision to begin preparing the 436-page report. "The changes to the EEG currently being discussed are just a first move toward a German PV market that is much more constrained", said Michael Rogol, a leading global PV analyst and CEO of Boston-based PHOTON Consulting.   "The implication for solar power companies is clear: You must diversify away from Germany."



Solar companies must build sales channels to a dozen end-markets, not overly rely on just the German market

This message serves as the core of PHOTON’s latest downstream market demand report, "Solar Power Markets: Prepare for Impact", which forecasts the German PV market turn-off by 2013. "Prepare for Impact" is the definitive guide to the current state and outlook of PV installation demand for 13 key emerging and existing global markets. Each end-market is highlighted in a 30-page profile that includes critical market-specific data and analysis on price and volume trends, project economics, policy details, key market participants and regulatory requirements. "In order to survive the saturation of a major market like Germany, solar companies at every step of the supply chain must build sales channels to a dozen end-markets, not overly rely on just the German market", said Rogol.

If significant German policy changes are made to the EEG, PHOTON Consulting will be hosting a webinar to discuss the impact of those changes on price and volume in the PV sector. Cost of the webinar will be 0 per person. Access to the webinar will be free to customers who have purchased Solar Power Markets: Prepare for Impact.
To view a detailed report summary of Solar Power Markets: Prepare for Impact or to purchase a copy, please visit www.photonconsulting.com.

2010-01-18   Courtesy: PHOTON Consulting, LLC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PHOTON Consulting, LLC

 

CNPV announces inauguration of 2 MWp & 1.1 MWp on-grid ground mounted PV power plants in Czech Republic

PV production at CNPV's facility in Dongying, China
PV production at CNPV's facility in
Dongying, China

CNPV Solar Power SA (Dongying, China), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules that designs, manufactures and supplies highly efficient and cost effective crystalline solar photovoltaic modules, in January 2010 announced the completion and inauguration of 2.0 MWp and 1.1 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) ground mounted systems in the Czech Republic developed by Stand-By Europe at the end of December, 2009. The ground mounted solar systems were built for individual investors in the Czech Republic, locations Kosorin (2.0 MWp) and Malsice Cenkov (1.1 MWp) and financed by Unicredit Leasing and Volksbank respectively.  The installation has been completed with solar modules supplied by CNPV under a previously announced sales agreement between the Company and strategic partner Stand-By Europe, Czech Republic. The solar systems are fully operational from December 2009 and represent an investment of 11 million Euro. These 3.1 MWp PV systems due to CNPV will produce 2,759 MW/h per year, which equals the electric consumption of almost 1100 homes and will prevent 3,159,055 tons of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.

"We are very pleased to have supplied 3.10MWp of high-quality modules for these large PV plants that Stand-By Europe and Lumen installed in the Czech Republic, representing one of the special ground mounted PV power plants so far in the Czech Republic", stated jointly Mr. Zhang Shunfu, CEO and B. Veerraju Chaudary, CNPV's COO & CTO. "We are delighted to strengthen our business relationship with one of our key strategic partners Stand-By Europe, with whom we expect to continue to work closely in the future, not only in the Czech Republic but also in other eastern European countries as business expands.''

Mr. Vaclav Prihoda and Mr. Jan Buric, Managing Directors of Stand-By Europe, and Mr. Tomas Novak, Managing Director of Lumen Engineering, stated: "We are delighted to partner with CNPV to complete these significant projects using CNPV's high quality premium performance modules and excellent customer service. The fulfillment of these projects once again demonstrates the knowhow and experience of Stand-By Europe & Lumen Engineering in the realization of industrial scale projects in the field of photovoltaic installations."

2010-01-18   Courtesy: CNPV Dongying Photovoltaic Power Company Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: CNPV

 

Scheuten Solar presents improved product range 2010

"Multisol" modules in a grid connected PV system

Scheuten Solar, a global player in designing, manufacturing and applying photovoltaic solar modules, adjusted its product range for 2010. By closely monitoring the market and communicating with customers Scheuten Solar adapts its modules of the "Multisol" series to seamlessly fit actual requirements of module quality, application and design, the company reports in a press release. In addition, for 2010 Scheuten Solar also developed a complete range of BIPV products to apply in facades, roofs and overheads. Together with leading warranty conditions Scheuten Solar is ready for 2010.   Scheuten Solar did not only extend its product range to cover all possible applications, the company emphasizes. Quality and design were also further improved. For instance, a large part of the modules will be manufactured with a black frame and a black back foil as a default from 2010. In combination with the black foil on the rear, the black frame gives the photovoltaic systems a homogeneous appearance. The silver frame, with which the "Multisol" modules used to be delivered as a default, will be used in combination with a white foil on the rear from this year.




Improvements for the product line, warranty of 10 years and higher

With a product warranty of 10 years and higher warranted power values of 92 % for 10 years and 83 % for 25 years Scheuten Solar is leading in the photovoltaic industry. Together with the mentioned improvements for its product line Scheuten Solar is ready to build on its successes in 2009. "I’m very proud that we can offer optimal solutions for the whole spectrum of solar applications. The continuous improvement of our products guarantees top quality for our customers", stated Evert Vlaswinkel, Chief Commercial Officer Scheuten Solar.

2010-01-18   Courtesy: Scheuten Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Scheuten Solar

 

German PV technology provider Manz receives award for best investor relations work in the TecDAX

Wafer inspection system by Manz Automation AG
Wafer inspection
system by Manz
Automation AG

Manz Automation AG (Reutlingen, Germany), one of the world’s leading technology providers for the photovoltaic and LCD industries, is the winner in the reader's survey "BIRD 2009" run by the german magazine BÖRSE ONLINE in the TecDAX category, the company reports in a press release. At the same time, Manz took 6th place with 67.0 points in all of the indices DAX, MDAX, TecDAX and SDAX, which cover the 160 largest listed companies.   Dieter Manz, Manz Automation's CEO, is very pleased with the superb result: "We are very proud of this award and would like to thank the investors who participated in voting. At the same time, the prize is an incentive to further expand our communication with our investors, and to also increasingly acquire new groups of investors in other countries." Martin Hipp, Manz Automation's CFO and responsible for investor relations, believes that taking first place confirms the company's work to date and added: "2009 was a year of crisis, and last year we again attached particular importance to providing open and transparent information on our company's development and our further strategy. We are very pleased that our investors are now appreciating this."



Survey focuses on credibility and "easy-to-understand communication"

The BÖRSE ONLINE reader's survey BIRD has now been running for seven years, Manz reports in the press release. It primarily allows private investors to vote on the quality of information that they receive from large companies. The companies’ information policies on business growth, strategy and future perspectives are evaluated. The survey focuses in particular on the criteria “credibility” and “easy-to-understand communication”. According to the press release the annual report as the company's calling card and the quality of its online presence played a key role in the evaluation.

2010-01-17   Courtesy: Manz Automation AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Manz Automation AG

 

PV producer Xunlight awarded 34.5 million US-dollars in tax credits

Xunlight Corporation (Toledo, Ohio), a developer and manufacturer of flexible and lightweight thin-film silicon solar modules, in January 2010 announced that it had been awarded a 34.5 million US-dollar tax credit as part of the U.S. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA; Recovery Act). This 'Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit', awarded through a partnership of the U.S. Department of Treasury with the Department of Energy (DOE), was designed to encourage taxpayers to re-equip, expand or establish manufacturing facilities for the production of certain energy related property.   As an innovative manufacturer of advanced thin-film solar modules and module manufacturing equipment, Xunlight Corporation is a qualified recipient of this tax credit, the company reports.


Company plans to expand existing 25 MW cell production capacity to 100 MW

The manufacturing tax credits are awarded to projects based upon a number of criteria, including their commercial viability, their potential to create jobs, anticipated technological innovation, speed to completion and environmental factors. Xunlight reports that it had completed the installation of its first 25 megawatt (MW) roll-to-roll plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) solar cell production equipment in 2009. The company also outlined a detailed plan to expand its production capacity to 100 MW over the next several years. The Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit is expected to become an integral piece in helping the company achieve large scale commercialization in a cost effective manner. "Xunlight would like to express its appreciation to the Department of Energy and the Department of Treasury for this manufacturing tax credit", stated Dr. Xunming Deng, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Xunlight Corporation. "It will provide tremendous financial assistance to the company as we embark on the next stage of our growth."

2010-01-17   Courtesy: Xunlight Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Xunlight Corporation

 

Suntech powers Shanghai World Expo with 3 MW solar energy systems

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi, China), the world's largest crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, on January 14th, 2009 announced the completion and grid connection of two solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the China Pavilion and the Theme Pavilion of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. The China and Theme pavilions feature two building-integrated PV systems (BIPV) with a combined power output of 3.12 MW. The Shenergy Group, one of Shanghai's leading energy companies, engaged Suntech's system integration team to design, manufacture, and install the two solar systems.   The Theme Pavilion boasts a 2.8 MW integrated solar system comprised of 96 custom-designed triangular sections and covers an area of 31,104 square meters. The two systems are expected to generate 2.8 million kilowatt hours of electricity and displace 1,000 tons of coal consumption and 2,500 tons of carbon emissions per year.

"The use of solar energy systems to power the China and Theme pavilions clearly reflects the spirit of this year's Shanghai World Expo, and its theme, Better City Better Life", said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Chairman and CEO of Suntech. "With the combination of advanced solar technologies and architecture, we can seamlessly integrate solar systems into a building's structure. These promising capabilities will help to reduce the urban carbon footprint and facilitate sustainable development."

Suntech's system integration team is one of the most experienced and capable in China. They have completed a range of technically complex building-integrated solar systems including the 120 kW Beijing Jingya Hotel curtain wall, an 800 kW system at the Wuxi Airport, and the 1 MW BIPV facade at Suntech's new headquarters in Wuxi. Suntech also recently completed China's first 10 MW utility-scale solar power project in Shizuishan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

2010-01-16   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Daniel Shugar appointed CEO of Solaria Corporation

Solaria CEO Daniel Shugar
Solaria CEO Daniel Shugar

Solaria Corporation (Fremont, California), a manufacturer of advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, on January 11th, 2010 announced the appointment of Daniel Shugar to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Shugar, a pioneer and leader in solar power whose experience in the industry due to Solaria spans 22 years, most recently served as President of SunPower Systems, a subsidiary of SunPower Corporation.   "Solaria has a great team and terrific technology. Our module will transform the economics of solar installations", said Shugar. "Solaria's patented technology gives us the opportunity to double the existing silicon PV capacity in the marketplace. I'm excited to launch this module into widespread deployment at such a vital and dynamic time for the solar industry."


Industry veteran to take helm to deliver on global market strategy

Solaria reports that Shugar had previously spent ten years as President of PowerLight Corporation until its acquisition by SunPower. During his tenure at PowerLight and then SunPower, Shugar reportedly oversaw a drastic revenue growth and was responsible for the completion of more than 500 PV projects globally. Solaria reports that Shugar invented various PV system applications, holds multiple U.S. patents and has published more than 50 technical papers. Shugar holds a BS in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA in finance from Golden Gate University. Former Solaria CEO Suvi Sharma, who will from now on act as President focusing on business development and strategy, said: "There was only one person I had in mind to take over the CEO role at Solaria, and that was Dan Shugar. He is the right person to lead Solaria as it changes from an R&D and product development company to a full-fledged manufacturer and module supplier."

2010-01-16   Courtesy: Solaria Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solaria Corporation

 

Yingli Green Energy receives 4.5 million US-dollars in tax credits for manufacturing in the United States

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Ltd. (Baoding, China), one of the world's leading vertically integrated photovoltaic (PV) producers, in January 2010 announced that it had received through its US subsidiary, Yingli Green Energy Americas, Inc., a tax credit of 4.5 million US-dollars from the United States Treasury Department, as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act's (ARRA) Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit (MITC) program. The tax credit was reportedly granted for the company's planned establishment of manufacturing operations in the United States.   According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), tax credits under the MITC program are focused on putting Americans back to work by building a robust domestic manufacturing capacity to supply clean and renewable energy projects with American-made parts and equipment.


Company plans 100 MW PV module manufacturing facility in the U.S.

Yingli Green Energy reports that it is currently evaluating several potential sites for its planned 100 megawatt (MW) module manufacturing facility, which will also serve as its North American headquarters for operations, research and development (R&D). The company expects to select a location in the following weeks and begin production later this year. Much of the manufacturing equipment used for production and testing is to be procured from U.S. companies and assembled in the United States. "We are pleased to have been selected as a recipient of tax credits under the MITC program", commented Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yingli Green Energy. "Establishing a manufacturing presence in the United States will enable our company to better serve our local customers and build upon our existing commercial relationships. The tax credits we received will positively contribute towards making these domestic operations sustainable for our customers, employees and community." Robert Petrina, Managing Director of Yingli Americas, added: "The tax credits we received will accelerate our momentum in the U.S. market. Our 'North America Center of Excellence' will serve to facilitate the collaboration we enjoy with our commercial partners and reduce time-to-market for newly developed innovative products."

2010-01-15   Courtesy: Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SPG Solar, Inc. chooses PV Powered inverters for two MW commercial solar power plants in California

260kW inverters at the DePue Warehouse Company
260kW inverters at the DePue Warehouse
Company

PV Powered, Inc. (Bend, Oregon), a manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters, on January 13th, 2010 announced that its commercial solar inverters had been selected by SPG Solar, Inc. (Novato, California) for two large-scale PV installations in California. According to the press release, the first installation is at a rice drying facility in Williams (California) operated by the DePue Warehouse Company. This 1 megawatt (MW) alternating current (AC) system was reportedly installed in December 2009, and includes four of PV Powered's 260 kilowatt (kW) commercial inverters.   The company reports that the second project involves the installation of commercial solar power generation systems at up to 21 different facilities owned by the Irvine Unified School District. Depending on the size of the respective facility, different PV Powered commercial inverters, from 30 kW to 260 kW, are to be used.



Inverter supplier selected for established reputation, product range and system flexibility

"We selected PV Powered inverters for these projects because we have determined them to be reliable in the long run, highly efficient, and cost effective to operate", said Ted Walsh, SPG Solar Vice President of Business Development. "Since we stand behind every system that we install, we rely on our trusted partners to stand behind their products too." For the commercial market, PV Powered offers a range of inverter sizes that are said to feature optimal stringing and design flexibility. The inverters also provide integrated support for third-party performance monitoring, which according to the press release will be implemented in all of the SPG Solar installations. "PV Powered is demonstrating that they are not just getting the big things right, they are paying attention to the details that help us deliver great PV systems," said Walsh.

2010-01-15   Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.

 

Borrego Solar Systems partners with Reading Electric to bring more than 5 MW of solar PV capacity to Southeastern Pennsylvania

PV rooftop plant on a Millipore pharmaceuticals building outside of Boston
PV rooftop plant on a Millipore pharmaceuticals
building outside of Boston

Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. (El Cajon & Berkeley, California), a designer and installer of grid-tied commercial and public-sector solar photovoltaic systems, on January 11th, 2010 announced a partnership with Reading Electric of Reading, Pennsylvania, to install solar photovoltaic systems with a total capacity of more than 5 megawatts (MW) at 32 different local business facilities in Southeastern Pennsylvania.   The solar power plants are expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 3,500 homes. Reading Electric reports that these PV plants will greatly expand the solar capacity in the region and across Pennsylvania, which at the end of 2008 had less than 5 MW of installed solar capacity.



Companies secure more than 7.5 million US-dollars through the PA Sunshine Grant

To help offset the 30 million US-dollars in combined cost of the 32 solar energy systems, Borrego Solar and Reading Electric report that they were able to secure more than 7.5 million US-dollars in grant awards through the "PA Sunshine Grant", a 100 million US-dollar state fund administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to help businesses and residents fund solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems. The grants awarded to Borrego Solar's 32 customers represent approximately 25 % of the solar energy grants awarded to businesses through the PA Sunshine program to date. Borrego Solar and Reading Electric also anticipate 9 million US-dollars in additional funding through the Federal Renewable Energy Grant Program. To facilitate these 32 companies' ability to enjoy the benefits of going solar, Borrego Solar offered to "carry" both the PA Sunshine and Federal Grant portions of these projects' costs until they are received, leaving customers with a more manageable out-of-pocket financial obligation and overall enhanced project economics. According to the press release, customers will only be responsible for providing funds for the non-grant portion of their project, typically 45-55 % of the total project cost.


Company ready to 'carry' 17 million US-dollars in anticipated state and federal funding

Borrego Solar reports that it will not charge an interest cost for carrying the grant portions of the project. For the 32 projects, Borrego Solar anticipates taking responsibility for nearly 17 million US-dollars in incentive receivables from the two main funding programs. For Reading Electric's own 145 kilowatt (kW) rooftop/ground mount solar system, the companies were reportedly able to secure a 281,075 US-dollar grant from PA Sunshine. They anticipate 251,307 US-dollars in additional funding from the Federal Renewable Energy Grant Program. The solar system at Reading Electric is expected to generate approximately half of the company's energy consumption. Jim Kurtz, General Manager at Reading Electric, said: "We are excited to incorporate solar into our services portfolio and lead by example by installing our own solar energy system." Alex Sarly, Mid-Atlantic Regional Business Development Manager at Borrego Solar, added: "Pennsylvania is emerging as a national leader in solar energy thanks to the progressive PA Sunshine Grant and other state-sponsored incentive programs. We are excited to partner with Reading Electric. Together, we plan to accelerate the adoption of solar energy across Southeastern Pennsylvania and help local businesses take advantage of the long-term financial and environmental benefits of clean, renewable solar power."

2010-01-15   Courtesy: Borrego Solar Systems, Inc.; Reading Electric   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Reading Electric

 

CNPV signs long-term strategic partnership with Swiss Edisun Power Europe AG

CNPV Solar Power SA (Dongying, China), an integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from the production of ingots, solar wafers and solar cells to the assembly of PV modules, on January 13th, 2010 announced that it had entered into a long-term strategic partnership sales agreement with Edisun Power Europe AG (Zürich, Switzerland), a project development and project financing company.   Under the terms of the agreement, CNPV pledges to supply Edisun Power Europe AG with a total of 60 megawatts peak (MWp) of PV modules from 2010 to 2012, which includes 10 MWp of scheduled delivery during 2010. The remaining 20 MWp and 30 MWp are scheduled for delivery in 2011 and 2012 respectively.


New solar projects in Switzerland, France, Spain and Germany

"We are very pleased to announce this new strategic partnership with Edisun Power Europe AG and its partners, to further strengthen the existing well established partnership", stated jointly Zhang Shunfu, CNPV's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and B. Veerraju Chaudary, CNPV's Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Member of the Board. "Our strategic partnership with Edisun Power Europe is a significant success for us in aligning ourselves with a proven multiregional energy developer with growing opportunities in established and emerging photovoltaic markets. This new contract will significantly help to grow new projects in markets such as the Swiss, France, Spain and German solar markets."

2010-01-15   Courtesy: CNPV Solar Power SA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Solar Energy Initiatives announces completion of 4 million US-dollar public school PV installation

Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida), in January 2010 announced the completion of an 800 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system with the Canon City School District in Canon City, Colorado. The new PV system is said to include nearly 3,300 solar panels which have been installed on ten buildings. The project is expected to provide energy cost savings to the school district while reducing hazardous carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 1,250 tons annually.   Solar Energy reports that it partnered with a general contractor, funding source and a solar installation company to install the solar system at no "out of pocket" expense to the school district. Under a 20 year power purchase agreement (PPA), Solar Energy will buy the solar energy from the school district. "The completion of this municipal installation is additional evidence that Solar Energy's cost effective energy solutions can create new jobs, decrease energy costs and reduce strain on the grid through viable clean energy," stated David Fann, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solar Energy. "Management intends to identify other school and municipal project development opportunities to leverage this completed project with other municipalities across the United States." The company reports that it is executing on what it calls a "RENEW THE NATION" campaign to help redeploy a portion of the U.S. work force and focus on reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels by selling solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) technologies.

2010-01-15   Courtesy: Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

eSolar partners with Penglai Electric on 2 GW solar thermal plants in China

CSP plant by eSolar
CSP plant by eSolar

eSolar (Pasadena, California), a global provider of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants, and Penglai Electric (Shandong, China), a privately-owned electrical power equipment manufacturer, in 2010 announced a master licensing agreement to build at least 2 gigawatts (GW) of solar thermal power plants in China over the next 10 years. According to the press release, the deal represents the country's largest CSP project to date. Groundbreaking of the first 92 megawatts (MW) is scheduled to take place in 2010.   Penglai Electric plans to develop 2 GW of power plants by 2021 using eSolar's proven solar thermal technology. The CSP plants are to be co-located with biomass electricity generation facilities, eSolar reports. Penglai Electric will leverage local manufacturing to source some of the equipment. In total, the plants are expected to eliminate 15 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.




Solar installation to become first large-scale CSP power plant in China

According to the press release, China Shaanxi Yulin Huayang New Energy Co. will own and operate the first 92 MW plant. "To date, eSolar offers the only CSP tower technology that has demonstrated commercial maturity and economic feasibility", said Zhao Weikang, Chairman and President of Shaanxi Yulin Huayang New Energy Co. "We're excited to build our initial hybrid plant as part of the 170-square kilometer Yulin Alternative Energy Park, the first large scale alternative energy park in China." Liu Guangyu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Penglai Electric, added: "Using the power of the sun, eSolar's technology minimizes the environmental impact on manufacturing and deployment while maximizing land and cost efficiency." eSolar reports that China is currently the market leader in the photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry. This CSP deal represents the country's first major move into concentrating solar thermal power. The Chinese government recently announced its plans to increase the country's renewable power generation capacity to 15 % by 2020.

2010-01-14   Courtesy: eSolar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: eSolar

 

Solar research center to spur innovation and industry development in Oregon

New OPIC lab at Corvallis, Oregon
New OPIC lab at Corvallis, Oregon

A newly created research center at Oregon State University (OSU; Corvallis, Oregon) may give Oregon the potential to become an international leader in solar cell innovation and manufacturing, Oregon Built Environment & Sustainable Technologies Center (Oregon BEST) on January 8th, 2009 announced in a press release. The "Oregon Process Innovation Center for Sustainable Solar Cell Manufacturing" was reportedly set up at OSU with almost 2.7 million US-dollars in new funding. Researchers believe that the photovoltaic (PV) technologies that may emerge from this new facility could dramatically change the global solar energy industry.   "We're reaching the limits of what can be done through incremental improvements in traditional, silicon-based solar cell technology", said Greg Herman, an Associate Professor of chemical engineering at OSU and Associate Director of the center. "We're aiming for a revolution in solar cell processing and manufacturing that might drop costs by as much as 90 % while being more environmentally sensitive."


Research center to connect universities, laboratories and private industry players

Oregon BEST reports that the center will involve the efforts of more than 20 faculty and researchers from OSU, the University of Oregon, Portland State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The facility had also been established to allow a collaboration with private industry and provide unique student educational opportunities in some of the newest concepts in solar energy. The center is scheduled to be fully operational by May 2010. It is said to be a signature research facility of Oregon BEST, which provided an initial investment of 232,000 US-dollars and helped to obtain additional funding. Oregon BEST was established by the Oregon legislature to connect Oregon businesses with a network of university laboratories and to turn research into products, services and jobs. The new center is expected to help solar energy companies improve existing technologies, and also move toward next-generation solar cell concepts.


Center aims to develop new approach to solar PV cell manufacturing

According to Chih-hung Chang, Director of the center and the Sharp Laboratories Faculty Scholar at OSU, the key to the expected advances is a completely new approach to solar cell manufacturing. "The current silicon technology has its limits", said Chang, an Associate Professor in the School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering. "We need huge improvements in lowering solar cell manufacturing cost that current technology will probably not give us." An example of the alternative approaches, Chang explained, may be such processes as 'microreactor-assisted nanomaterial deposition,' in which thin-film deposition is made on various substrates from a chemical stream. Approaches such as this, and other evolving technologies, are believed to make solar energy more efficient compared to previous systems, while reducing the use of water, energy and hazardous chemicals. "With the research and innovation that will emerge from this center, we believe it's possible for solar energy manufacturing to help fill the void left in Oregon by the loss of some semiconductor companies", Herman said.

2010-01-14   Courtesy: Oregon BEST   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Oregon BEST

 

First Solar acquires solar project development pipeline from Edison Mission Group

First Solar Inc. (Tempe, Arizona), one of the world's largest solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers and solar utility systems providers, has completed the acquisition of a portion of Edison Mission Group's (EMG) solar project development pipeline, First Solar reports in a press release. The utility-scale solar projects are located in California and the Southwest.   "Acquiring the EMG development pipeline extends First Solar's leadership in the U.S. utility market", said Lisa Bodensteiner, First Solar vice president of business development for North America. "It builds on our strategy to cultivate robust and predictable module demand in utility-scale applications."


PV plants ranging from 20 to 150 MW

The acquisition complements and diversifies First Solar's existing portfolio of utility-scale thin film photovoltaic solar projects. First Solar's existing projects are largely sited on public land, range to 550 megawatts (MW) in size, and are mostly under contract with utilities. The EMG projects that First Solar is acquiring are sited largely on private land, range from 20 to 150 MW, and are not yet contracted with utilities. First Solar and EMG have worked together since 2008 on the EMG projects, with First Solar providing engineering, procurement and construction services while EMG was responsible for land acquisition and permitting. Now First Solar will handle all development for these projects, including permitting.
"First Solar is a good partner and the obvious purchaser of our interest in these projects which we have jointly developed", said Gerry Loughman, senior vice president of Development for EMG. Anticipated module demand for EMG projects was included in advanced pipeline information provided to First Solar investors in December 2009. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.


21 MW Blythe PV plant completed recently

First Solar recently completed development and construction of its first California utility-scale solar power plant in December 2009, the 21 MW AC Blythe project that was sold to NRG Energy and supplies electricity to Southern California Edison.

2010-01-14   Courtesy: First Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

U.S. government announces 2.3 billion US-dollars in clean energy manufacturing tax credits

On January 8th, 2009 U.S. President Barack Obama announced the awardees of the clean energy manufacturing tax credit, which had been included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for investments in manufacturing facilities for clean energy technologies. The "Section 48C" program is to provide a 30 % tax credit for investments in 183 manufacturing facilities for clean energy products across 43 states.   The tax credit program is to help build a robust high technology manufacturing capacity in the U.S., which is also expected to support a significant growth in the country's exports of clean energy products. "Building a robust clean energy sector is how we will create the jobs of the future", said President Obama. "The Recovery Act awards I am announcing today will help close the clean energy gap that has grown between America and other nations while creating good jobs, reducing our carbon emissions and increasing our energy security."


Tax credit to spur renewable energy manufacturing in the U.S., creating 'green' jobs

According to a Department of Energy (DOE) press release, the 2.3 billion US-dollars in tax credits are being allocated on a competitive basis. Projects are assessed based on commercial viability, domestic job creation, technological innovation, speed to project completion, and their potential for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. "The world urgently needs to move toward clean energy technologies, and the United States has the opportunity to lead in this new industrial revolution," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "Today's awards will create new jobs and jumpstart the industries we need to both solve the energy problem and ensure America's future competitiveness." The 48C manufacturing tax credits are to be allocated until the program funding is exhausted and are expected to generate more than 17,000 jobs. The investments are to be matched by as much as 5.4 billion US-dollars in private sector funding, potentially supporting up to 41,000 additional jobs.


Strong backlog of eligible projects for manufacturing tax credit program, expansion anticipated

DOE reports that the statutorily specified review criteria for the renewable energy manufacturing projects included the potential domestic job creation, the net impact in avoiding or reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and the respective potential for technological innovation and commercial deployment. Projects with the shortest timeline from certification to completion were being favored. According to the press release, the awardees of the manufacturing tax credits include numerous clean energy technologies and companies. Some product examples that are being funded include smart meters, fuel cell technologies, anti-reflective coatings for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and wind turbine blades. While projects selected for this tax credit generally must be placed in service by 2014, approximately 30 % of them will be completed in 2010, the DOE reports. Because the 48C program generated far more interest than anticipated, DOE and U.S. Treasury have a substantial backlog of technically acceptable applications. Therefore, the Administration reports that it has called on Congress to provide an additional 5 billion US-dollars to expand the program.

2010-01-14   Courtesy: www.energy.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Carmanah and Semex establish Mexican manufacturing and distribution partnership

Solar LED lighting by Carmanah
Solar LED lighting by Carmanah

Carmanah Technologies (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) and Semex, a developer and manufacturer of highway safety and traffic products, on January 7th, 2010 announced a manufacturing and distribution partnership to bring solar LED lighting and solar-powered traffic beacon technology to Mexico. The partnership is to combine the know-how of the traffic light component manufacturer Semex with Carmanah's solar LED lighting solution technology, thereby offering a high-performance solar solution at competitive market prices.   According to the press release, the companies already partner in the manufacture of lighting and signaling solutions at the Semex facility in Monterrey, Mexico. The manufacturing agreement was reportedly signed to allow both companies to penetrate further into this country's outdoor lighting market. Carmanah reports that customers will be able to procure solar lighting and solar traffic products and leverage Semex's local installation, service and maintenance capabilities.



Solar LED lighting solution to illuminate streets, parking lots and residential areas

Powered by Carmanah's solar technology and incorporating Semex components, the solar LED lighting solutions will provide stand-alone lighting that functions completely free from electrical grid connections. According to the press release, these systems will be able to provide highly reliable illumination for a variety of outdoor lighting applications including streets, parking lots and residential areas. "We are pleased to partner with Semex", said Ted Lattimore, Carmanah Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "Semex has a long and very successful track record of traffic-oriented products and customer service capabilities in Mexico. Combined with Carmanah's outdoor solar area lighting and solar-powered traffic solutions, customers will be afforded with a broad product and service portfolio addressing both their on- and off-grid requirements." Alejandro Brunell, Semex President and CEO, added: "With this partnership we will be offering the best energy solutions customized to meet any power requirement of our multiple clients. Corporations and governments are becoming more educated on the importance of energy conservation and utilizing sustainable resources."


Carmanah appoints Bob Wiens to Board of Directors

Carmanah also reported that the company had appointed Bob Wiens as Chair of the Audit Committee and to the company's Board of Directors. According to the press release, Wiens brings 30 years of public company experience to the position, including 13 years as President and CEO of FACS Records Centre, a document management and storage company. Rob Cruickshank, Chairman of the Board, commented on Wiens' appointment: "We are delighted to have someone as experienced and committed as Bob Wiens joining the Board. Among his impressive credentials, Mr. Wiens is also a Chartered Accountant, and we feel his appointment as Chair of the Audit Committee will further strengthen the important work of this group."

2010-01-14   Courtesy: Carmanah Technologies   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Carmanah Technologies

 

ET Solar connects 1.48 MW PV power plant for Wattner to the grid in Germany

ET Solar Group Corporation, a Nanjing (China) based turnkey photovoltaic (PV) system provider and integrated manufacturer of downstream PV products, in January 2010 announced the completion and grid connection of a 1.48 megawatt (MW) ground mounted PV power plant in the Paehl region of Germany, approximately 50 kilometers south of Munich. According to the press release, ET Solar's German engineer team designed the plant with PV modules provided by ET Solar's manufacturing plant in China.   The company reports that it had acted as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the entire project. ET Solar reports that the main construction work at this plant had started in late November 2009, and it was connected to the grid of E.ON, the largest grid operator in Germany, in mid December 2009.



Approximately 32 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of solar electricity over the plant's designed 30-year life expected

ET Solar reports that Wattner AG (Cologne, Germany), a trust that is specialized in renewable energy investments, acted as the sole equity investor of the project via its publicly raised "SunAsset" fund. Project financing was provided by a syndicate of two regional German savings banks. Over the course of the plant's 30-year designed life, it is expected to generate approximately 32 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of solar electricity over a 20-year subsidized time period. It is expected to reduce almost 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Dennis She, Vice President and Chief Sales Officer of ET Solar, commented: "We are very excited with the completion of this project and our partnership with Wattner. The transaction showcases our strong ability to execute our downstream strategy leveraging our EPC experience, product quality and cost advantages."

2010-01-13   Courtesy: ET Solar Group Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

EDF Energies Nouvelles commissions Arnprior solar plant in Canada

EDF EN Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of EDF Energies Nouvelles, announced the commissioning of the 23.4 MWp Arnprior Solar plant in Ontario. It represents the first achievement of the Group in Canada. This ground mounted solar plant will consist of more than 300,000 thin-film solar panels, provided by manufacturer First Solar. This facility has been developed on two adjacent properties as part of the Ontario’s Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program, and benefits from a feed-in tariff for twenty years.   The electricity generated will provide local electricity service via the Hydro One distribution grid. This first achievement of EDF Energies Nouvelles in Canada lies within the Group’s strategy to expand its photovoltaic business in Europe and in North America.


Development focused on wind energy and solar photovoltaics

With operations in Europe and North America, EDF Energies Nouvelles is a market leader in green electricity production. With a development focused on wind energy for several years and more recently on solar photovoltaics, the Group is also present in other segments of the renewable energies market: small hydro, marine energy, biomass, biofuel and biogas. In addition, the Group is expanding in the distributed renewable energies sector. EDF Energies Nouvelles, 50 %-owned by the EDF Group, is listed in Euronext Paris since November 2006.

2010-01-13   Courtesy: EDF EN Canada   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

USA: Indiana legislators first to introduce feed-in tariff bill in 2010

On January 8th, 2009, renewable industry expert Paul Gipe reported that U.S. Representative Matt Pierce (D-61st, Bloomington) had introduced "HB 1190" into the Indiana General Assembly. This bill is the first comprehensive proposal for a system of feed-in tariffs (FIT) in the current legislative sessions that have begun in states across the United States, Gipe explains.   The bill incorporates similar feed-in tariffs, or 'renewable energy rates' as they will be called in Indiana, to the recently introduced FITs in the Canadian province of Ontario. The proposed rates in HB 1190 have been adapted to the Indiana context by incorporating two tracks: one track for projects that are eligible for federal subsidies, and one track for those projects that may not be able to use the federal subsidies, which are to be compensated with proportionally higher feed-in rates.



Renewable energy bill adapts rates from Ontario, improves details

Paul Gipe explains that HB 1190 both imitates and improves Ontario's FIT scheme. One of the improvements Representative Pierce has proposed is a sophisticated system of rates for wind energy that is based on the intensity of the wind resource. The proposal may give Indiana farmers in central Indiana as much opportunity to develop their wind resource as farmers in northern Indiana where it is windier, Gipe reports. In another departure from Ontario, Representative Pierce has proposed specific tariffs for small wind turbines like those that would be used by individual households. HB 1190 establishes renewable energy rates for most technologies and the respective contracts are to have a minimum 20 year term. The bill includes specific rates for different sized wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generators. The only project size cap will be a 10 megawatt (MW) restriction for solar PV power plants.


FIT scheme includes feedback on its success

The bill is to establish an equalization program to spread the costs of the policy across all ratepayers so that no one utility or its ratepayers absorb more than their fair share of the costs of the program. HB 1190 creates a statewide registry of generators and requires annual reports on the robustness of the program in meeting the bill's objective of encouraging the rapid and sustainable development of renewable energy in Indiana. Before it becomes law, the bill must pass the assembly, controlled by Democrats, and the Senate, controlled by Republicans, and be signed by Republican Governor Daniels.

2010-01-13   Courtesy: Paul Gipe   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Wastewater Authority dedicates 1-Megawatt SunPower Solar Power System

Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority, Wells Fargo and SunPower Corp. on January 7th, 2009 dedicated a 1- megawatt solar phovoltaic (PV) system at the West Riverside Wastewater Treatment Plant in Corona. SunPower designed and built the high-efficiency system, and financed the system with Wells Fargo through the 0 million sale leaseback program announced by the companies in June of 2009.   "Solar power systems help public agencies reduce costs and benefit the community by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere", explained the Authority's chairperson, Brenda Dennstedt, who is on the board of directors at Western Municipal Water District, an Authority partner. "This system will generate the equivalent of about 25 percent of the power needed to run the wastewater treatment plant, which is also about the same amount of power that would supply roughly 200 homes each year."




Under the financing program used for the project, SunPower enters into power purchase agreements with qualified customers, and Wells Fargo finances and owns the system that SunPower designs, builds, operates, and maintains. The Authority is buying the electricity at prices that are competitive with retail rates, and benefiting from a long-term hedge against rising power prices. The Authority is not using the environmental claims associated with the system. On the 9-acre site, SunPower's solar panels, the most efficient solar panels on the market today, were installed with the SunPower "T20" Tracker system. "SunPower offers high performance solar technology and financing expertise that helps customers maximize savings on their electricity expenditures", said Tom Werner, SunPower's CEO. "Based on our experience delivering systems and service to more
than 20 water agencies in the Western U.S., the Authority can count on the reliability and performance of this SunPower
system."

2010-01-13   Courtesy: SunPower Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Bella Energy announces solar financing opportunities for non-profit organizations in Colorado

Colorado goes solar
Colorado goes solar

Solar financing for non-profits and faith communities is often hard to find in the currently tough economic environment. Thanks to a new program, developed by Colorado-based solar integrator Bella Energy (Louisville, Colorado), non-profit solar financing has now reached Colorado. The company on December 31st, 2009 reported that its "Community Solar Partners" solar financing program was designed to help non-profits and faith communities to make investments in their infrastructure while reducing the price of investing in solar by about 30 %.   According to the press release, the first solar project financed under Community Solar Partners was completed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Denver (Colorado). "We see this as part of our calling to be stewards of the resources we have been given…it's the faithful response out of gratitude for the goodness and beauty of Creation", said Pastor Paul Carlson during a construction party for the recently installed 21 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system.



Financing solution designed to facilitate smaller organizations to go solar

Bella Energy reports that the former Director of Colorado Interfaith Power and Light (Denver), Diane Dandeneau, developed Community Solar Partners to help Coloradans afford the switch to solar. "After a long unsuccessful search for a non-profit solar financing solution for smaller organizations, we decided that the non-profits in Colorado needed a product like this", Dandeneau explains. Dandeneau is now serving as Special Programs Manager with Bella Energy. Community Solar Partners operates like a traditional power purchase agreement (PPA), but is only available for a limited time. The company explains that solar energy systems are to be owned by third party investors who collect the federal tax credit (FTC). Eventually, the system can be purchased outright by the non-profit for a significantly reduced price.

2010-01-13   Courtesy: Bella Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Bella Energy

 

Napson to exclusively represent Spire in Japanese solar market

Spire Corporation (Bedford, Massachusetts), a global solar company providing capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) modules and turnkey PV manufacturing lines, in January 2010 announced that Napson Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) will act as its exclusive solar capital equipment representative in Japan. "This agreement further demonstrates Spire's commitment to our Japanese customers", said Roger G. Little, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spire Corporation.   "Napson has successfully served Japan for twenty-five years with products similar to Spire's manufacturing and test equipment. Our solar simulator for testing photovoltaic modules is the industry standard, we want to lead with this machine in Japan. We also want to be certain our Japanese customers are aware of our advanced manufacturing equipment. Napson will market this equipment as well as provide the best local after-service support the industry has to offer."

2010-01-13   Courtesy: Spire Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

GILDEMEISTER continues solar PV systems growth trend in Italy

"Sun Carrier" PV trackers by a+f

a+f GmbH (Wurzburg, Germany) has received a further major order for the construction of solar photovoltaic (PV) parks in southern Italy, GILDEMEISTER AG (Bielefeld, Germany) reports in a press release. This was a follow-up order from a German investor. The project has a total value of € 37.8 million. a+f thus continues its successful growth trend in Italy.   The major order includes the delivery of innovative "SunCarrier" PV tracking systems, which will be built on an area of 31.5 hectares in Apulia (southern Italy). "Italy is considered to be the sunshine country with extremely high radiation levels. The compensations are therefore particularly attractive in southern Italy, due to the long lifetime and dependability of our SunCarrier, we achieve the highest possible reliability for our investors", says Thomas Petsch, head of management of a+f GmbH. Since its entry into the solar technology, a+f on own account has installed solar plants in Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, India, China and Japan. In the future, a+f will also participate in the growing US American solar market. "This solar market is also very interesting for us and offers enormous potential", Petsch adds.

The Wurzburg based company specializes in the development, planning, marketing, installation as well as in operation and service of solar plants. In implementing its international "SunCarrier" market strategy, a+f is able to take advantage of GILDEMEISTER’s worldwide comprehensive sales and service network.

2010-01-12   Courtesy: GILDEMEISTER Aktiengesellschaft   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: GILDEMEISTER Aktiengesellschaft

 

Solutia to provide heat transfer fluid for a solar power plant in Spain

Solutia Inc. (St. Louis, Missouri), a performance materials and specialty chemicals company, in January 2010 announced that it will be supplying its "Therminol VP-1" synthetic heat transfer fluid for "Solnova 4", a 50 megawatt (MW) concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in Sevilla (Spain), managed by Abener Energia, S.A.   The company previously announced selecting Therminol VP-1 for a 470 MW hybrid solar plant in Ain-Ben-Mathar (Morocco) and for a 170 MW hybrid solar plant in Hassi R'Mel (Algeria). Solnova 4 is one of several solar plants which will be located at Abener's "Solucar Platform". According to the press release, Abener chose Therminol VP-1 for all of these projects due to its ability to meet the requirements of high temperature systems and Solutia's more than 20 years of experience in solar projects.



Company provides heat transfer fluid; offers services and supply-chain expertise

The Therminol heat transfer fluid is to be used in the trough-shaped mirror assemblies to absorb concentrated sunlight and heat up to about 400 degrees C. The heated Therminol will then be used to generate steam that drives power generating turbines, Solutia explains. "Therminol continues to be selected for these projects reinforcing the confidence that Abener has in Solutia as a trusted supplier while demonstrating the commitment that Solutia has to Abener and others in the rapidly growing solar industry", said Solutia's Richard Altice, Vice President of Commercial Services, Technical Specialties. Solutia's Keith Pearson, Global Supply Chain Manager Specialty Fluids, added: "CSP projects, with their large scale and dynamic project schedules, require global supply chain expertise and flexible manufacturing capabilities. Solutia has assembled a world class team which continues to demonstrate the ability to meet these challenges head-on."

2010-01-12   Courtesy: Solutia Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

USA: Wisconsin first in Midwest to introduce feed-in tariff bill in 2010

Solar policy expert Paul Gipe on January 7th, 2010 reported that Wisconsin legislators were the first in the Midwestern United States to pass a feed-in tariff (FIT) legislation. Representatives Spencer Black (D-77th, Madison) and James Soletski (D-88th, Green Bay), along with co-sponsors Senator Mark Miller (D-16th, Monona) and Senator Jeffrey Plale (D-7th, Milwaukee) on January 6th, 2010 introduced AB 649. Gipe explains that this bill had been referred to the Special Committee on Clean Energy Jobs and is a comprehensive revision of laws governing energy and electric utilities in Wisconsin.   AB 649 also includes a section to create a system of FITs for renewable energy and directs the state's Public Service Commission (PSC) to determine the specifics of the program. After a lengthy docket in 2009, Wisconsin's PSC had deferred implementing its own FIT program without a clear mandate from the legislature, Gipe explains. AB 649 is in part a result of the PSC's earlier inaction and a desire by Governor Doyle and the legislature to lead off the New Year with action on climate change.



FIT neither to be based on avoided cost, nor on value of electricity to the utilities

AB 649 has to pass both the assembly and the Senate and to be signed by Governor Doyle before it becomes law, and it includes provisions for wind, solar photovoltaics (PV), biogas, and other renewable technologies. Only utilities with sales greater than 2.5 terawatt hours (TWh) per year will be required to offer the feed-in tariffs, Gipe explains. The bill's objective is "to maximize the development and deployment of distributed renewable energy generation technologies ... without unreasonable impacts on electric utility rates." Gipe points out that the bill stipulates that the price paid per kilowatt-hour (kWh) must include the cost of generation for that type of generator, a reasonable rate of return, and any federal or state incentives, such as the federal renewable energy tax credit. Thus, the tariffs offered will not be based on "avoided cost" as in California, or the value of the electricity to the utility. The PSC is to set limits on the amount of generation permitted under the program for each technology. As a consequence, Gipe expects a rush by commercial developers to seize as many contracts as possible, potentially squeezing out homeowners, farmers, and small businesses from developing their own resources.


Wisconsin targets approx. 3.6 TWh of renewable electricity annually

In a nod to a key provision in successful European policies and that in Ontario, the bill says tariffs may be based on different size classes within each technology. Creation of different size tranches within technologies, especially for solar PV, is regarded as a critical measure to prevent hoarding of contracts by large, multi-national developers. AB 649 assigns any renewable energy credits produced to the purchasing utility, and also specifies that 6 % of all electricity generated must be produced from in-state renewable resources by 2020, and 10 % by 2025. In 2007, Wisconsin generated 60 TWh of electricity. The in-state 2020 target of 6 % would require approximately 3.6 TWh of electricity generated from renewables per year, Gipe explains. Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota legislators are also expected to introduce FIT bills during the current legislative session.

2010-01-12   Courtesy: Paul Gipe   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Canada: Day4 Energy expands contract with Hybridyne Power Systems for solar electric projects in Ontario to 5.1 MW

Day4 Energy modules on a flat roof
Day4 Energy modules on a flat roof

Day4 Energy Inc. (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada), a supplier of high performance, cost-effective solar electric solutions, on January 7th, 2010 announced that it had entered into a supply contract to provide a total of 5.1 megawatts (MW) or 23,000 modules, to Ontario's Hybridyne Power Systems Canada Inc. (Hybridyne), a 47.5 % owned affiliate of renewable energy parks developer Atlantic Wind and Solar Inc. (AWSL; Toronto, Ontario, Canada).   According to the press release, the 5.1 MW suite of projects consists of the 2 MW "Newcastle Solar Energy Park", which was recently announced by AWSL, along with 3.1 MW of rooftop arrays for the Toronto area.



10 acre, 2 MW solar park to supply 360 Ontario homes with clean electricity

Located approximately 80 kilometers east of Toronto, the 2 MW Newcastle ground mounted energy park is expected to break ground in the second quarter of 2010. The 10-acre "Solar Energy Park" is to combine approx. 8,900 "Day4 60MC-I Guardian" solar modules with eight of Hybridyne's "HPE Hyperwatt 250 XLS Professional Series" PV inverters. The solar power plant is to deliver enough clean energy to power more than 360 homes, Day 4 Energy reports. Upon its completion in late 2010, the project is to be one of Canada's larger photovoltaic (PV) installations.


Inverter technology specifically designed for novel solar modules

The additional 3.1 MW of Day4 Energy modules to be supplied above and beyond the initial 2.0 MW Newcastle project are to be utilized by AWSL on a variety of industrial and commercial flat roof arrays in the Toronto area. "This supply agreement is a result of our growing emphasis on the Canadian as well as overall North American market", said George Rubin, President of Day4 Energy. "It is also an indicator of the increasing volume of business opportunities that are emerging in this market." Day4 Energy solar modules are reportedly based on the company's proprietary "Day4 Electrode" technology, an innovative approach to module construction that directly replaces soldering methods. Thomas Cleland, President of Hybridyne and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of AWSL, said: "Quite simply, we intend to build one of the most efficient Solar Energy Parks in the world. By working exclusively with Day4 Energy's unique panels and using our own high performance Hyperwatt XL PV inverter technology, the entire system is designed to garner much more usable electricity from the sun." According to the press release, Hybridyne's inverter technology is specifically designed to work with the Day4 Energy PV modules to convert direct current (DC) energy into usable alternating current (AC) electricity."

2010-01-12   Courtesy: Day4 Energy Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Day4 Energy Inc.

 

Solaredge Technologies and Moxa Americas join Sunspec Alliance

The SunSpec Alliance was formed to accelerate the growth of the renewable energy industry through standardization of monitoring and mana- gement interfaces for energy system components
The SunSpec Alliance was formed to accelerate
the growth of the renewable energy industry
through standardization of monitoring and mana-
gement interfaces for energy system components

The SunSpec Alliance (San Jose, California) on January 6th, 2010 announced that SolarEdge Technologies and Moxa Americas Inc. joined the SunSpec Alliance as sponsor members. Joining the SunSpec Alliance board of directors are Jeff Disbrow, vice president of sales and marketing for Moxa Americas, Inc., and Lior Handelsman, vice president product strategy and business development for SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.   Moxa Americas and SolarEdge Technologies join SunSpec sponsor members Campbell Scientific, Energy Recommerce, Fat Spaniel Technologies, Fronius, Moxa, NautilusSolar, PV Powered, Satcon, SMA, SolarEdge, Solar Power Partners and Veris Industries on the board of directors. "We are delighted to have Moxa Americas and SolarEdge Technologies as sponsors of the SunSpec Alliance and welcome them to our board of directors", said Tom Tansy, SunSpec Alliance chairman. "Their corporate commitment to the SunSpec Alliance reinforces the importance of our mission to accelerate the growth of the renewable energy industry through standardization.”


Moxa to provide additional solutions to the renewable energy

Moxa manufactures a wide range of industrial networking products that provide customers with reliable and cost-effective ways to connect 3rd party devices to Ethernet networks. "We’ve had success in the renewable energy markets with our serial to Ethernet product line, industrial computer product line and industrial Ethernet product line. The plan is to focus on providing additional solutions to the renewable energy marketplace while maintaining a vertical market focus in power, transportation & oil & gas", said Jeff Disbrow, vice president of sales and marketing for Moxa Americas, Inc.
SolarEdge: well-defined standards can accelerate the adoption of smart monitoring and energy management systems

SolarEdge is a provider of smart, holistic PV power harvesting and monitoring solutions for maximum energy and cost efficiency. "I am excited to join the SunSpec Alliance Board and to work towards crucial standardization with this impressive group of industry leaders", said Lior Handelsman, vice president product strategy and business development, SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. "We at SolarEdge believe open, well-defined standards can accelerate the adoption of smart monitoring and energy management systems for the solar industry in particular and the renewable energy industry as a whole."

The SunSpec Alliance was formed to accelerate the growth of the renewable energy industry through standardization of monitoring and management interfaces based on the Modbus standard for energy system components. The Alliance will create and publish a specification, establish testing and certification procedures for product conformance and educate consumers, utilities and vendors on the benefits of the specification. Alliance membership is open to any corporation, non-profit, or individual with a vested interest in the renewable energy industry, including manufacturers, software developers, computer hardware companies, system integrators, financial backers, regulatory agencies, and energy consumers. More information at: http://www.sunspec.org.

2010-01-12   Courtesy: SunSpec Alliance   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunSpec Alliance

 

Maryland's largest single rooftop PV installation unveiled at Staples facility in Hanover

PV rooftop system in Hanover, Maryland
PV rooftop system in Hanover, Maryland

Staples, the world's largest office products company and SunEdison, North America's largest solar energy services provider, on January 6th, 2010 hosted a dedication ceremony to unveil what is believed to be the largest single rooftop solar power installation in Maryland.   The solar photovoltaic (PV) plant reportedly covers nearly 175,000 square feet of roof space at Staples' fulfillment center in Hanover, and according to the press release has a generating capacity of 1.01 megawatt (MW). It is expected to offset more than 43 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over 20 years. The zero-emission, silent PV system is to generate approximately 1.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, and 21 million kWh during the initial 20 years of the project.



Power purchase agreement made solar power plant possible

Staples reports that the solar installation had been financed, built and is being maintained under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with SunEdison. Under the PPA, Staples will purchase the electricity produced for the term of the contract. "The solar power system installed at our Hanover fulfillment center is the latest example of Staples' ongoing commitment to environmental leadership", said Mark Buckley, Vice President of environmental affairs for Staples. "Through our relationship with solar services provider SunEdison, we are able to purchase solar energy from our rooftop at a rate below or equal to the cost of electricity from the grid."

2010-01-12   Courtesy: SunEdison   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunEdison

 

BIPV metal roofing systems provider EnergyPeak and Ascent Solar to innovate metal roofing solution

FlexPower panel by Ascent Solar
FlexPower panel by Ascent Solar

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Thornton, Colorado), a developer of flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules, on January 7th, 2010 announced the development of new building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products with variable widths for the U.S. standing seam metal roof marketplace. The work to optimize this new innovative metal roof solution has been part of an existing agreement with EnergyPeak of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, Ascent Solar reports in a press release.   EnergyPeak is a marketing segment of CENTRIA Services Group. Both companies expect the testing of novel BIPV products to proceed through the first half of 2010, with the intent to purchase modules for projects in the second half of 2010.



Rick Mowrey, Director of Marketing and Business Development for EnergyPeak and CENTRIA, stated: "We are pleased to publicly announce our existing relationship with Ascent Solar. We look forward to testing PV products from Ascent that can meet the needs of our metal roof industry." Farhad Mogadam, CEO of Ascent Solar, added: "We are excited to be working with the experienced photovoltaic metal roofing systems provider EnergyPeak. Metal roofing systems are an ideal end market solution of our unique, light weight and flexible photovoltaic modules. With a short-term total addressable market of 10 million square feet of BIPV per year and long-term 100 million square feet of BIPV per year, EnergyPeak is an ideal business partner for this endeavor."

2010-01-11   Courtesy: EnergyPeak; Ascent Solar Technologies   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.

 

Canada: Starwood Energy announces close of financing for a 20 MW solar PV plant in Ontario

Starwood Energy Group Global, LLC (Starwood Energy; Greenwich, Connecticut), a private investment firm that focuses on energy infrastructure projects, on January 7th, 2010 announced that its affiliate, Starwood SSM1 Canada Inc. (Starwood SSM1) had completed agreements to finance and construct a 20 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the city of Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario, Canada).   The PV project which the company reports will consist of two 10 MW grid-tied solar PV power plants, is contracted under the "Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program" (RESOP) which was developed and is overseen by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). According to the press release, the construction financing for the project will be provided by Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (Nord/LB; Hannover, Germany), a leading financier of renewable energy projects.



20 MW PV capacity to supply up to 8,000 Ontario homes with solar electricity

Starwood Energy reports that the turn-key project, including operations and maintenance services, is to be delivered by Q-Cells International Canada, an affiliate of Q-Cells SE (Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany), one of the world's largest PV manufacturers. Starwood SSM1 recently acquired the project from Pod Generating Group (Pod; Sault Ste. Marie), which according to the press release had been awarded a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for each of the two 10 MW solar facilities under OPA's RESOP. The 20 MW project is scheduled to be operational in the third quarter of 2010, when it is expected to supply up to 8,000 Ontario homes with clean electricity. Bradford Nordholm, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Starwood Energy, said: "We look forward to working closely with the local communities during the construction of this project. We are focused on making investments in renewable energy and are looking forward to working with local developers to make further investments in solar power generation projects in Ontario and throughout North America."

2010-01-11   Courtesy: Starwood Energy Group Global, LLC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

New Jersey: PSE&G selects sites and developers for a total of 12 MW in solar projects

The New Jersey regulated gas and electric delivery utility Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G; Newark) on January 6th, 2010 announced that it had selected four sites and developers for over 50 million US-dollars in investments in 12 megawatts (MW) of grid-connected solar energy. PSE&G plans to start construction at its sites in Edison, Hamilton, Linden and Trenton during the spring of 2010, with a scheduled completion during the summer or fall.   All four ground-mounted solar farms would be among the largest in New Jersey. PSE&G expects to create approximately 150 jobs when the construction begins. The design and installation work is to be completed by four different solar developers, namely J. Fletcher Creamer & Son (Hackensack, New Jersey), American Capital Energy (North Chelmsford, Massachusetts), Advanced Solar Products (Flemington, New Jersey) and Sun Edison (Beltsville, Maryland). These four solar firms were chosen through a highly competitive and technical review process, PSE&G reports.



Construction of solar power plants to create jobs, operation to eliminate 6,700 tons of CO2 emissions annually

Pending permission from local zoning and permitting boards, construction of the solar projects will begin in the spring of 2010. All four sites are to utilize crystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) panel technology and will be equipped with monitoring and communications systems. "We're moving ahead with clean energy projects that will put people to work, installing tens of thousands of solar panels that will help the environment and stimulate the economy", said Ralph LaRossa, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PSE&G. "Investments like these will help New Jersey attract manufacturing jobs and help workers build the skills required to compete in the new green economy." Together, the four projects are expected to produce enough energy to power about 1,300 homes and eliminate some 6,700 tons of CO2 emissions per year. The projects are part of PSE&G's "Solar 4 All" program, which had been approved by state regulators in July 2009. The program involves a total of 515 million US-dollars investment in 80 MW of solar capacity.

2010-01-11   Courtesy: Public Service Electric and Gas Company   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Targray and Momentive join forces to serve the global PV market

Momentive's sealing product for the solar industry
Momentive's sealing product for the solar
industry

Targray Technology International, Inc. (Montreal, Quebec) a global supplier of silicon and other materials as well as other consumables for the solar industry, on January 5th, 2009 announced that it had signed an agreement with Momentive Performance Materials Inc. (Albany, New York). Under the terms of the agreement, Targray will supply solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers with Momentive's solar industry-specific silicone potting, sealing and adhesive products.   Momentive is a global provider of silicones and advanced materials, with a 70-year heritage of being first to market with performance applications for major industries that support and improve everyday life. "Momentive's potting, sealing and adhesive solutions provide best-in-class performance in terms of field durability and manufacturing process requirements, and we're very excited about the tremendous value these products will bring to customers in the critical sealing and potting applications", said Dan Murray, Targray Vice-President. "We see great synergy between Targray's intimate knowledge of the photovoltaic industry and Momentive's ability to drive new silicone technologies." DM Shin, Momentive's global marketing director, Engineered Materials, added: "The relationship between Momentive and Targray will result in increased productivity for our customers, while delivering better service to this growing industry segment."

2010-01-11   Courtesy: Targray Technology International, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Targray Technology International, Inc.

 

Zane Rakes selected as Ascent Solar's new Vice President of Manufacturing

Zane Rakes, Ascent Solar's VP of Manufacturing Operations
Zane Rakes, Ascent Solar's VP
of Manufacturing Operations

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Thornton, Colorado), a developer of flexible thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, on January 5th, 2009 announced that Zane Rakes will serve as the company's Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. According to the press release, Rakes has over 16 years of experience in high volume manufacturing systems, inventory management, manufacturing automation systems and global supply chain management.   Farhad Moghadam, Ascent's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said: "Zane has a proven track record of leadership in establishing and scaling up high volume production facilities. Most recently Zane lead the construction, installation, start up and production ramp up of two solar module factories with a total capacity of 474 megawatts while completing the project on time and on budget. Zane brings the experience, skills and contacts necessary to ramp up our production from Fab 2 and evaluate potential expansion possibilities going forward."




New VP to lead solar manufacturing expansion and technological optimization

Immediately prior to joining Ascent Solar, Rakes was Director of Operations for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Photovoltaics (PV) at SCHOTT Solar, Inc. He also gained experience working at Intel Corporation for over 15 years. Ascent reports that Rakes holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. "This is an exciting time and opportunity to become a part of the Ascent Solar team as it begins its expansion and ramp up of its high volume Fab 2 facility", said Rakes. "I look forward to leading the manufacturing expansion and technological optimization going forward."

2010-01-11   Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.

 

Sandia National Laboratories: Glitter-sized solar photovoltaic cells produce competitive results

Thin crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cells from 14 to 20 micrometers thick and 0.25 to 1 millimeter across
Thin crystalline-silicon photovoltaic cells
from 14 to 20 micrometers thick and
0.25 to 1 millimeter across

According to a press release Sandia National Laboratories scientists have developed tiny glitter-sized solar cells that could revolutionize the way solar energy is collected and used. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi program laboratory with main facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and Livermore, Calif., USA, operated by Sandia Corporation, an autonomous Lockheed Martin company, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. The tiny cells could turn a person into a walking solar battery charger if they were fastened to flexible substrates molded around unusual shapes, such as clothing, the company reports in its press release.   The solar particles, fabricated of crystalline silicon, hold the potential for a variety of new applications. They are expected eventually to be less expensive and have greater efficiencies than current photovoltaic cells that are pieced together with 6-inch-square solar wafers. The cells are fabricated using microelectronic and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques common to today’s electronic foundries.


More than 20 benefits of scale for microphotovoltaic cells

Sandia lead investigator Greg Nielson said the research team has identified more than 20 benefits of scale for its microphotovoltaic cells. These include new applications, improved performance, potential for reduced costs and higher efficiencies. "Eventually units could be mass-produced and wrapped around unusual shapes for building-integrated solar, tents and maybe even clothing", he explained. This would make it possible for hunters, hikers or military personnel in the field to recharge batteries for phones, cameras and other electronic devices as they walk or rest, Sandia emphasizes in the press release. Even better, such microengineered panels could have circuits imprinted that would help perform other functions customarily left to large-scale construction with its attendant need for field construction design and permits.

10 times thinner than conventional 6-inch-by-6-inch brick-sized cells

"Photovoltaic modules made from these microsized cells for the rooftops of homes and warehouses could have intelligent controls, inverters and even storage built in at the chip level. Such an integrated module could greatly simplify the cumbersome design, bid, permit and grid integration process that our solar technical assistance teams see in the field all the time", said Sandia field engineer Vipin Gupta, For large-scale power generation, Sandia researcher Murat Okandan accentuates "One of the biggest scale benefits is a significant reduction in manufacturing and installation costs compared with current PV techniques." Part of the potential cost reduction comes about because microcells require relatively little material to form well-controlled and highly efficient devices, Sandia reports in the press release. From 14 to 20 micrometers thick (a human hair is approximately 70 micrometers thick), they are 10 times thinner than conventional 6-inch-by-6-inch brick-sized cells, yet perform at about the same efficiency.


100 times less silicon generating the same amount of electricity

"So they use 100 times less silicon to generate the same amount of electricity", said Okandan. "Since they are much smaller and have fewer mechanical deformations for a given environment than the conventional cells, they may also be more reliable over the long term." Another manufacturing convenience is that the cells, because they are only hundreds of micrometers in diameter, can be fabricated from commercial wafers of any size. Further, if one cell proves defective in manufacture, the rest still can be harvested, while if a brick-sized unit goes bad, the entire wafer may be unusable.


High-efficiency PV for ubiquitous solar power becomes more feasible

"The shade tolerance of our units to overhead obstructions is better than conventional PV panels because portions of our units not in shade will keep sending out electricity where a partially shaded conventional panel may turn off entirely", said Nielson. "Because flexible substrates can be easily fabricated, high-efficiency PV for ubiquitous solar power becomes more feasible", said Okandan.


Sandia-created cells with 14.9 percent efficiency

According to Sandia each cell is formed on silicon wafers, etched and then released inexpensively in hexagonal shapes, with electrical contacts prefabricated on each piece, by borrowing techniques from integrated circuits and MEMS. Offering a run for their money to conventional large wafers of crystalline silicon, electricity presently can be harvested from the Sandia-created cells with 14.9 percent efficiency, the company reports in the press release. Off-the-shelf commercial modules range from 13 to 20 percent efficient.

2010-01-10   Courtesy: Sandia National Laboratories   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Murat Okandan

 

XsunX announces successful completion of hybrid CIGS thin-film solar cell

Sputtering system at the XsunX facility
Sputtering system at the
XsunX facility

XsunX, Inc. (Aliso Viejo, California), a developer of advanced, thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell technologies and manufacturing processes, on January 5th, 2010 announced the completion of a fully-functional CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium di Selenide) thin-film solar device. The company reports that it is pioneering a hybrid solar cell technology that adapts manufacturing processes from the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) industry to produce CIGS solar cells deposited onto stainless steel substrates with a "pseudo square" configuration, which the company believes has the potential to replace traditional silicon wafer solar cells.   "With this completed sample we have reached a critical milestone in our development process, achieved through the vigilant efforts of our engineers and trusted business partner", said Tom Djokovich, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with XsunX. "This initial achievement illustrates a realistic set of company goals and demonstrates the strength of our relationships with the business and technical expertise that kept us on track."




CIGS thin-film cells compatible with existing solar module production systems

Developed in partnership with an equipment supplier of the HDD industry, the newly produced cell is said to feature several compelling advantages over silicon solar wafers currently available. "Approaches to mass-scale production of CIGS thin-film cells today introduce processing defects that significantly reduce cell performance", said Robert Wendt, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of XsunX. "Because we are leveraging stationary small-area, high-rate production technologies and not scaling up to large area processing, we're able to strive for laboratory-metric conversion efficiencies." In addition to being sized to match with existing HDD manufacturing processes, XsunX's new breed of TFPV manufacturing techniques is said to be also able to produce an appropriately proportioned cell that can be further processed with existing solar module production systems. The company reports that its CIGS solar cell has the potential of increased yields because the substrate is less brittle and therefore less fragile than its silicon counterpart. In the next stage of development, XsunX plans to evaluate technical data concerning performance and conversion efficiency and wants to continue to fine-tune each cell layer based on input collected from small-area devices.

2010-01-10   Courtesy: XsunX, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: XsunX, Inc.

 

Innovalight raises additional 18 million US-dollars to expand silicon ink manufacturing

An insight on Innovalight’s production facility
An insight on Innovalight’s production facility

Innovalight, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California), a privately-held company selling silicon ink-based high efficiency solar photovoltaic (PV) cell materials and technology, on January 6th, 2010 announced that the company had raised an additional 18 million US-dollars in capital. Innovalight plans to use this new round of capital to expand its proprietary silicon ink production for customers.   The financing was led by EDB Investments (EDBI) of Singapore, which according to the press release was joined by Vertex Venture Holdings, the venture subsidiary of Temasek Holdings (Singapore). All existing investors also participated in the investment round, Innovalight reports. The company's proprietary nanotechnology-based silicon ink and processing technologies are said to allow crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar PV cell manufacturers to dramatically boost their output capacities, solar cell performance as well as reduce costs with a simplified additional step to already installed manufacturing lines.




Strategic investments from Singapore back company plans to expand in Asia

"With its elegant and cost-effective technological platform to improve performance of silicon-based photovoltaics, Innovalight is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the fast growing solar market", said Swee-Yeok Chu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EDB Investments. "The company fits well with EDBI's investment interest in highly promising growth stage clean technology companies globally and helping them grow their businesses and operations in Asia through Singapore." Conrad Burke, President and CEO of Innovalight, added: "We are delighted to add EDB Investments and Vertex Venture Holdings to our already strong syndicate of investors." Innovalight recently announced a record 18 % conversion efficiency with the company's silicon ink solar cell platform. It plans to ultimately achieve solar cell conversion efficiencies of above 20 % by utilizing its technologies.

2010-01-09   Courtesy: Innovalight, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Innovalight, Inc.

 

Magna-Power Electronics announces solar array emulation software

Magna-Power Electronics Inc. (Flemington, New Jersey) on January 4th, 2010 announced its new "Photovoltaic Power Profile Emulation" (PPPE) software which the company reports can automatically calculate solar array voltage and current profiles based on user-defined parameters. According to the press release, these profiles can be sequentially sent to a Magna-Power Electronics' power supply, which then emulates the defined characteristics.   The user can reportedly specify a limitless number of profiles to be emulated and sequenced over a given time period. The design and production validation for photovoltaic (PV) connected electronics requires a PV emulating power source with flexible output characteristics. Magna-Power explains that for development and manufacturing, using photovoltaic arrays for validation is costly and bears uncontrolled source characteristics. By utilizing a power supply with user-programmable output characteristics, the user can evaluate the full range of power conditions, Magna-Power reports. Some of the key features of the software include automatic voltage/current profile calculation from reference parameters, autosequencing through power profiles, at user-defined time intervals and a graphical display of profiles based on real-time output. The software is compatible with a broad range of Magna-Power Electronics dc power supplies.

2010-01-09   Courtesy: Magna-Power Electronics Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Meier Solar Solutions: Quality control awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification

Stacking laminator
Stacking laminator "STACOLAM"

Meier Solar Solutions GmbH (Bocholt, Germany) has been awarded official certification from the German Technical Control Board, TÜV Rheinland, in line with ISO 9001:2008. Quality control at the company, specialist for encapsulating solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, fulfilled all of TÜV Rheinland’s criteria, Meier reports in a press release. The certification proves that Meier Solar Solutions GmbH has a quality assurance system capable of assuring customer satisfaction at a consistently high level.   "As always, we continue to guarantee our customers and partners the very highest standards in quality", said Meier Solar Solutions GmbH CEO Florian von Gropper. "This distinction proves yet again that we are on the right track with our work, our internal processes and our product quality, and that our company continues to stand for delivery reliability, efficiency and an innovative product portfolio", he added.

Consistent quality control at Meier benefits the whole organisation. Most importantly, it inspires an even stronger customer focus. Customer demands are incorporated into a customer-orientated product design process, leading to increased customer satisfaction. Meier is now able to provide official confirmation of this.

Meier Solar Solutions GmbH, global provider of laminators for encapsulating solar modules, was founded in 1999. With registered offices in Bocholt and Rossla, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for the encapsulation of solar modules within fully automated assembly lines. Meanwhile due to the company, every third solar panel produced around the world stems from a Meier laminator. With more than 280 systems, Meier Solar Solutions is now the biggest manufacturer of installed laminators in the world, company emphasizes in its press release.

2010-01-08   Courtesy: Meier Solar Solutions GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Meier Solar Solutions GmbH

 

India: BHEL wins turnkey contract for setting up grid-interactive solar power plant in Karnataka

PV system with solar cells by BHEL
PV system with solar cells by BHEL

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL; New Delhi, India) on January 6th, 2010 announced that it had won a contract for setting up a grid-interactive solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant with a capacity of three megawatts (MW) on turnkey basis in the Karnataka region of India. According to the press release, the contract was signed with Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) about the construction of a Rs. 420 million (9.2 million US-dollars) PV plant.   The plant is to be built at the Yapalaniddi village in the Raichur District of North Karnataka. BHEL reports that it intends to provide engineering, manufacture, supply, erection and commissioning of the equipment. The company also pledged to be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the plant for three years after completion. The plant is scheduled to be operational within 8 months.




Company more than doubled its solar module production capacity

As part of the largest solar power-based island electrification project in India, BHEL reports that it recently commissioned two grid-tied solar power plants with a capacity of 100 kilowatt (kW) each in the territory of Lakshadweep. With this, the company has reportedly commissioned a total of eleven solar power plants on the Lakshadweep islands, adding over one MW of solar power to the generating capacity of the coral islands in the Arabian Sea. According to the press release, BHEL's solar power plants cater to about 15 % of the Union Territory's energy demand. The solar PV modules are manufactured at BHEL's production facility in Bangalore, which due to the company was recently expanded from three to eight MW annual capacity. BHEL reports that it has supplied and commissioned small and large size stand-alone and grid tied solar power plants in a number of major cities as well as in remote areas of India.

2010-01-08   Courtesy: Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd.

 

Chinese PV producer Solarfun announces 2010 capacacity expansion

PV production at Solarfun's facility.
PV production at Solarfun's facility.

Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd.(Shanghai, China), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, photovoltaic (PV) cells and PV modules in China, on January 8th, 2009 announced a capacity expansion due to anticipated demand. Solarfun will increase its PV module production capacity from 550 MW to 700 MW by April 2010 and its PV cell production capacity from 360 MW to 480 MW by July 2010, the company reports in a press release.  Peter Xie, President of Solarfun, commented: "We have an optimistic view on industry demand in 2010 and believe that it is critical to scale up our manufacturing capacity to meet customer demand. We are expecting to see strong demand from areas with increased subsidies to solar projects such as China and the United States. We plan to continue to reduce processing costs through increased production scale and enhanced manufacturing efficiencies."

2010-01-08   Courtesy: Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd.

 

CPV: Circadian Solar partners with Radboud University Nijmegen to launch tf2 devices

Circadian Solar (London), a concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) specialist on January 7th, 2009 announced that it has entered into a joint venture called "tf2 devices" with Radboud University Nijmegen in The Netherlands, to develop "thin-film three-five" technology for use in solar cells. The aim of the project is to match the world record efficiency of III-V solar cells, which is greater than 41 per cent, while dramatically reducing the cost of manufacture.   Dr Robin Godfrey, CEO of Circadian Solar, said: "We’re delighted to be launching tf2 devices with Radboud University Nijmegen. We have been collaborating with the team there for almost two years, and have already developed an excellent relationship. At Circadian Solar our strategy is always to seek out world-leading technology partners, and that is certainly the case here: the group of Dr. John Schermer has been pioneering the field of III-V thin film technology and holds the world record for single junction GaAs photovoltaic thin film cell efficiency. This joint venture represents a hugely exciting opportunity for us both to bring this groundbreaking technology to the market and work even more closely with the team at Radboud University Nijmegen in making tf2 devices successful."



Project to transform III-V photovoltaic technology

Professor Elias Vlieg of Radboud University Nijmegen said: "Radboud University Nijmegen is thrilled to be involved with this project, which has the potential to transform III-V photovoltaic technology. As the proportion of energy generated from solar power increases worldwide, the drive towards higher efficiency at lower cost will become even more important. tf2 devices' technology is well-positioned to play a significant role in helping the world to meet its growing energy needs."

Huub Eggen at Technology Foundation STW, a major funder of the research, added: "STW’s focus is towards basic scientific research that has a strong potential for real-world application. Our mission is to realise knowledge transfer between applied sciences and potential knowledge users. The establishment of this Joint Venture company is a notable success for us. tf2 devices has the potential to make a big impact on energy generation and on reduction of carbon emissions internationally and we are confident that its products will be welcomed by the market."


Technology to lower costs by removing a complete solar cell from the expensive III-V substrate

Solar cells made from III-V materials have the best performance and are therefore the material of choice for space applications. Compared to lower-efficiency materials, however, the costs can prove prohibitively high. Radboud University has developed a unique technology to lower costs by removing a complete solar cell from the expensive III-V substrate using a process called epitaxial lift-off. The substrate can be reused, while the thin-film solar cell is fully functional. The lower cost will open the superior performance of III-V solar cells to wider applications.

2010-01-08   Courtesy: Circadian Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

ElectraTherm technology improves efficiency of solar thermal power plant on Hawaii

ElectraTherm's
ElectraTherm's "Green Machine"

ElectraTherm, Inc. (Carson City, Nevada), in December 2009 announced that it had installed two of the company's "Green Machines" to produce electrical power from solar thermal heat at the "Holaniku at Keahole Point" solar farm on Hawaii's Big Island. According to the press release, the solar plant operator Keahole Solar Power, LLC (KSP) purchased the Green Machines for use in a co-generation process to create additional power.   The technology is also expected to increase system efficiencies. The Holaniku Solar Farm was unveiled on December 10th, 2009 and is the first in the world to utilize "Micro-scale Concentrating Solar Power Concentrators" (MicroCSP) by solar manufacturer Sopogy Inc. (Honolulu, Hawaii). It is also believed to be the first commercial solar thermal application of ElectraTherm's "organic Rankine cycle" (ORC) technology.



Technology turns low-temperature liquid heat into electricity

The Micro-CSP collectors at the Holaniku solar farm span across 3.8 acres of land and feed two 4,000 gallon tanks. These tanks supply the ElectraTherm Green Machines with hot water, which is then converted into fuel-free, clean electrical power. "We are pleased to announce that the two ElectraTherm Green Machines are running and improving our system efficiencies at Holaniku at Keahole Point in creating clean electricity", said Darren T. Kimura, Founder of KSP. ElectraTherm reports that the company's heat-to-power technology is able to convert many sources of low temperature liquid heat into power. Rob Hoover, ElectraTherm SVP of Channel Sales, added: "Solar thermal applications go hand in hand with ElectraTherm technology, and we are pleased to see Keahole Solar Farm realizing the benefits of creating additional power from solar heat."

2010-01-08   Courtesy: ElectraTherm, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ElectraTherm, Inc.

 

German PV producer aleo solar AG increases annual revenue in 2009 to EUR 375 million

From left: Uwe Bögershausen (CFO), Heiner Willers (COO) and Jakobus Smit (CEO)
From left: Uwe Bögershausen (CFO),
Heiner Willers (COO) and Jakobus Smit (CEO)

aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany) on January 7th, 2010 announced that according to preliminary calculations, the company generated revenue of EUR 375 million in 2009. After a slow first six months, business picked up considerably from July, leading to a EUR 15 million year-on-year increase in revenue, aleo solar reports in its press release. Heiner Willers, member of the Management Board and COO of aleo solar AG, is very satisfied with this result: "Though 2009 was a challenging year for the photovoltaic industry, we performed extremely well", he said.   "The loss of the Spanish photovoltaic market and the negative effects of the financial crisis led to an unprecedented decline in prices in the solar industry. Nonetheless, we significantly increased the sales volume of aleo modules and generated revenue that was four percent higher than the year before - and we continue to grow."




CFO Uwe Bögershausen: Reduction of the feed-in tariff in 2010 will not equate to a decline in demand

Jakobus Smit, CEO of aleo solar AG, commented: "The key to this achievement is aleo solar AG’s strategic orientation as a premium module manufacturer with a focus on specialist dealers and installers in Europe. We delivered around 148 megawatts worth of aleo modules this year, 45 percent more than the previous year." In Europe, the company’s customer base expanded to over 1.000 specialist partners. Foreign sales account for around 25 percent of aleo solar AG’s revenue. The positive trend continues for the aleo solar Group. "We already have frame contracts in place for over 60 megawatts from German customers alone for 2010. The 9 percent reduction in the feed-in tariff in 2010 will not equate to a decline in demand because the entire photovoltaic industry understands that in a buyer’s market, investors' expectations regarding return on investment must be met",
summed up CFO Uwe Bögershausen.

The complete revenue and earnings figures for the 2009 financial year will be published on March 25th, 2010.

2010-01-07   Courtesy: aleo solar AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG

 

Canadian PV producer Day4 Energy expands sales force to meet expectations of growing European photovoltaic markets

Day4 Energy Inc. (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada), a supplier of high performance, cost-effective solar electric solutions, on January 5th, 2010 announced the appointment of two new key roles to its European sales teams. Day4 welcomes Mr. Tim Morath, Director of Sales for Central Europe, and Mr. Luigi Fusi, Director of Sales and Corporate Development for Southern Europe. Both come to Day4 with outstanding track records of sales management and overall leadership in photovoltaics (PV) as well as other industries. In line with the anticipated growth of the North American market, the company also announced a strategic change in the sales and marketing organization for this region.   Mr. Jake Brown who was previously responsible for the Company’s global marketing and business development activities will be focusing solely on the growing volume of business development opportunities in the US market.

"Our goal was to strengthen our team with addition of seasoned management experience and leadership. We believe that a focused and dedicated effort is required to address the rapidly expanding field of opportunities in each of our core markets", said George Rubin, president of Day4 Energy. "I am excited about strength and the depth that we have gained in our EU sales organization with addition of Mr. Fusi and Mr. Morath. I am also looking forward to the results of the concentrated effort that we can now dedicate to the vast spectrum of opportunities in North America."

Mr. Morath’s past work includes over 12 years experience in the energy supply industry. He was responsible for the Solar Services division at EnBW Regional AG, the grid operator of the third largest power supply company in Germany. While at EnBW, Mr. Morath developed PV solutions for the commercial and utility markets. As a solar expert, he regularly provided technical support and training to a team of 50 sales managers. By focusing on project quality, the sales and power project business successfully increased every year leading to a total of 250 PV systems being installed in the South of Germany. Recently, as Solar Product Manager, he developed solar activities for the residential market for Buderus Germany. Buderus is a Bosch Thermotechnik GmbH company and is Germany’s leading manufacturer of heating systems.

Mr. Fusi is a seasoned sales professional with 10 years of previous experience in sales and channel management with Cisco Systems where he served as European Service Providers Channel Manager in the European market for five years. In this role he managed Channels Programs, direct and indirect Cisco sales initiatives and incentives for Cisco’s customers. Mr. Fusi was also directly responsible for the sales and support organization in Italy for five years as regional Sales Manager. In the recent past, Mr. Fusi consulted for several financial companies located in the US, Canada and Italy to identify business opportunities in the photovoltaic market. In this capacity he was supporting R&D activity and business planning for a number of companies. Mr. Fusi has a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) from Politecnico di Milano along with other accreditations in Communication and Business Management.

Mr. Jake Brown has been with Day4 Energy since 2007 in the role of VP of Marketing and Business Development and along with the executive team has been strategically developing Day4 Energy’s vision to guide the company into future opportunities. His depth of experience, expertise and proven leadership in the solar energy industry continue to be an invaluable asset to the organization. Mr. Brown will now be concentrating exclusively on business development in the US as the market and volume of opportunities grow.

2010-01-07   Courtesy: Day4 Energy Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Yingli Green Energy signs agreements to supply 30 MW of PV modules to customers in Spain

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (Boading, China), one of the world's leading vertically integrated photovoltaic (PV) product manufacturers, on January 7th, 2009 announced it has signed five sales agreements with customers in Spain. Under these sales agreements, in the first half of 2010 the Company is expected to supply a total of approximately 30 MW of PV modules to be installed in ground-mounted power plants and commercial roof-top systems.   "We are pleased to see continued demand for our high quality modules in Spain", said Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yingli Green Energy. "Following the global financial crisis and the Spanish market's sharp decline in early 2009 resulting from the constraints on annual installation volumes, Yingli Green Energy has been enhancing our marketing and execution capabilities. We are encouraged by our progress as customers increasingly view 'Yingli Solar' as a reliable, trustworthy and bankable brand. With solid customer bases and effective strategies in place for Europe and globally, we look forward to a promising year ahead", Miao concluded.

2010-01-07   Courtesy: Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

South Jersey Industries solar PV installations operational

South Jersey Industries (SJI; Folsom New Jersey), a U.S. energy services holding company, on December 28th, 2009 announced that the company's solar photovoltaic (PV) projects at two of its local facilities are operational and generating electricity. According to the press release, both the Folsom headquarters and South Jersey Gas' McKee City location were equipped with solar installations. The Folsom project is a 50 kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted system consisting of 210 solar modules. It is expected to generate 60,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) each year.   All of the electricity produced is to be used on-site to help meet the building's electrical needs. The McKee City project is a 651 kW ground-mounted facility consisting of 2,772 solar panels. The plant covers two acres of open land and is expected to generate approximately 886,000 kWh in its first year of operation. All of the electricity produced by the solar panels is to be used on-site for facility operations. The SJI subsidiary Marina Energy reportedly installed the panels and will be responsible for maintaining them. "We are excited to be an example of the renewable energy possibilities in our region," said SJI Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Edward J. Graham.

2010-01-07   Courtesy: http://www.sjindustries.com/news/2009/sji230.htm   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

California: Governor Schwarzenegger announces 244 renewable energy projects

Governor Schwarzenegger announces 244 renewable energy projects
Governor Schwarzenegger announces
244 renewable energy projects

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on December 29th, 2009 announced the first comprehensive list of 244 proposed renewable energy projects that could produce up to almost 70,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of clean energy annually. These projects include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and small hydro facilities that are expected to help move California towards achieving the Governor's renewable energy goal of 33 % by 2020.   Currently California facilities at present produce over 8,000 MWh of renewable energy annually. "California is a pioneer in renewable energy, green jobs and environmental protection. Today's announcement is proof we have a bright renewable energy future that will both fight climate change and drive our green economy", said Governor Schwarzenegger. He expects the proposed renewable energy projects to help meet the state's long-term environmental goals and at the same time create green jobs and new, clean investments in the economy.



State-federal partnership expediting hundreds of projects proposed to meet Governor's 2020 renewable energy goal

Of the 244 proposed projects, up to 53 have indicated they will apply for funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). They are scheduled to break ground by the end of 2010. For those proposed projects looking for federal stimulus support, 22 could generate power at utility-sized levels of larger than 200 MW, totaling more than 9,000 MW. Many of the proposed projects are currently moving through a state, federal or local permitting process. In October, Governor Schwarzenegger signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to expedite the permitting process for renewable energy projects in California. "I am very encouraged by the Governor's renewable energy goals and his vision that development in California should occur on private and state lands, as well as on federal public lands," said Secretary of the Interior Salazar. "Moving forward together on all these fronts will help ensure that we all can make responsible decisions on where to site these large projects while still protecting sensitive lands and resources in California." Governor Schwarzenegger previously established the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by executive order calling for 33 % renewable energy by 2020.

2010-01-07   Courtesy: State of California; Office of the Governor   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: State of California; Office of the Governor

 

Advantage Laser Products signs with Empower Energy for Solyndra rooftop solar PV system

Installation of a Solyndra PV system
Installation of a Solyndra PV system

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installer Empower Energy Technology, LLC (Decatur, Georgia) on December 29th, 2009 announced that the company will design and install a 22 kilowatt (kW) PV energy system for the manufacturer of toner cartridges, Advantage Laser Products, Inc. (ALP; Atlanta, Georgia).   ALP's executives decided to invest in solar energy for their headquarters and operations center. Marvin Masson, one of three ALP founders and owners, said: "For several years, ALP management has been researching the use of solar energy for our facility, and Empower Energy showed us how the new financial incentives and new technology have improved to the point that this makes business sense for Advantage, both in the short- and long-run."



Cylindrical solar PV modules for rooftop installation

Empower Energy reports that the company has designed a rooftop system employing novel solar panels from California-based Solyndra, Inc. (Fremont). Solyndra is a manufacturer of solar PV equipment which is said to optimize the performance by converting more of the sunlight hitting a commercial rooftop into electricity. "Advantage Laser Products is the ideal customer for this technology", said Tom Tomaka, Director of Clean Technology for Empower Energy. "Solar energy makes sense for them financially, and Solyndra's cylindrical module system allowed us to overcome certain installation challenges that a conventional crystalline PV module and mounting system would have created."


PV system leaves room for future expansion

Unlike conventional PV modules, Solyndra's cylindrical modules capture both direct and reflected sunlight from the white surface of a building's roof. Empower Energy plans to mount these panels horizontally and pack them closely together, thereby harvesting more electricity than a conventional panel installations and conserving space for a potential future expansion of the solar PV system. According to the press release, the Solyndra panels and mounting system are so lightweight that they can be installed without reinforcing the existing roof at the ALP facilities. "This is only a start in what we at Advantage Laser Products view as a comprehensive energy management strategy", said Masson. "Our goal is to exercise more control over our energy costs and turn the free sunlight that gets delivered to our roof into added profits for our business."

2010-01-07   Courtesy: Empower Energy Technology, LLC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solyndra Inc.

 

GCL-Poly completes 20 MW grid-tied PV power station in China

GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Limited (Hong Kong, China) on December 30th, 2009 announced that its wholly-owned 20 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) power station, operating as Xuzhou GCL Solar Energy Company Limited (Xuzhou Photovoltaic Power Station), was completed and has been successfully connected to the electricity grid. According to the press release, this plant is currently the largest solar PV power station in China. It is located in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, and covers an area of approximately 700 mu (115 acres), with a total investment of approximately RMB 420 million (61.5 million US-dollars).   The plant was reportedly installed combining fixed mounting solutions along with bi- and mono-axle tracking systems. According to the press release, it is equipped with sophisticated monitoring software.



PV plant expected to produce 26,000,000 kWh of clean electricity per year

Upon commencement of operation, the Xuzhou Photovoltaic Power Station is expected to generate approximately 26,000,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually and to offset the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide by approximately 20,000 tons, 150 tons and 50 tons respectively per year. "Thanks to the support of the Jiangsu provincial committee and provincial government, as well as the concerted cooperation and effort of all parties, Xuzhou Photovoltaic Power Station completed construction and began operation in less than three months, again demonstrating the efficiency and execution of GCL-Poly", said Zhu Gong Shan, the Executive Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GCL-Poly. "As the largest solar power station in terms of installed capacity in China, Xuzhou Photovoltaic Power Station is an exemplary project of the domestic photovoltaic industry." He added that the completion of this PV plant marks GCL-Poly's successful expansion from polysilicon and wafer manufacturing within the upstream solar space to photovoltaic power generation within the downstream solar space, thereby cementing a solid foundation for the company to capture the opportunities arising from global photovoltaic power generation.

2010-01-06   Courtesy: GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Renew Missouri expects growth for state's solar industry in 2010 due to new solar rebate program

Renew Missouri, a non-profit organization and project of the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, on December 29th, 2009 released a statement on what solar customers can expect in the new decade. The organization believes that with the passage of Proposition C, a new chapter for the solar energy industry in Missouri will begin. This Renewable Energy Standard (RES) was passed in November 2008 by a statewide ballot initiative with 66 % of the vote. Prop C also includes a new solar rebate program which takes effect on January 1st, 2010, Renew Missouri reports.   The combination of this new rebate, the current 30 % U.S. federal tax credit (FTC), and the all-time low price of solar panels has cut the cost of a solar installation in half since 2007. With the improved economic benefits, many Missourians are expected to install solar panels on their homes or businesses.



New solar rebate paired with federal tax incentives to spur activity in Missouri's solar industry

Prop C includes a solar rebate program to be offered to customers of all Missouri's investor-owned utilities including Kansas City Power and Light (KCPL), AmerenUE, and Empire Electric. While Ameren and KCPL have programs beginning in January 2010, Empire Electric has not yet indicated they are planning to comply with the law, Renew Missouri reports. States like California lead the country with over 50,000 homes powered by solar electricity. In Missouri, only a few hundred homes and businesses solar electric systems have so far been realized. Renew Missouri reports that the state's solar industry has grown slowly in the past due to a lack of state policy to fuel the transition to clean sources of power. Installations resulting from the Prop C rebate program are now expected to create more green jobs. "We've been enjoying a successful solar business for several years, but are excited for the increase in sales the Prop C rebate program will bring", said Henry Rentz, a Missouri solar installer and President of the Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA). "Missourians understand the incredible benefits of solar power, and will take advantage of the drop in prices." Currently, about 85 % of Missouri's energy comes from coal compared to a national average of 50 %. Renew Missouri points out that this heavy reliance on coal bears economic and environmental disadvantages.

2010-01-06   Courtesy: Renew Missouri   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Renew Missouri

 

Solar thermal power: Thermax to build first public private partnership project for rural electrification in India

M S Unnikrishnan, Managing Director Thermax Limited
M S Unnikrishnan,
Managing Director Thermax Limited

At a public function in the village of Shive, 45 km from Pune, the Indian Union Minister for Science and Technology Prithviraj Chavan laid the foundation stone for a solar thermal power plant that is to be built over the coming 18 months. The technology demonstration project has the active participation from the village through its local government entity Gram Panchayat. According to the Minister's December 2009 announcement, the project is funded by the Government of India's Department of Science & Technology and will be designed and developed by Thermax Limited (Wakdewadi, Pune, India).   Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said: "The Shive project expresses the Government's determination to harness solar energy for the power requirements of our villages. We need more such partnerships between the government and technology companies like Thermax to stimulate our rural economy."



Solar thermal power plant to transform lives of 1,500 villagers

When completed, the 250 kilowatt (kW) power plant is expected to transform the lives of the 1,500 people of Shive village. Thermax reports that the project will be trend setting for Indian villages yet to be electrified. Many of them, although they are connected to the electricity grid, reportedly receive power only for a limited time every day. The acute shortage of power has resulted in a cycle of agricultural stagnation, labor migration to cities, lack of development and poverty. Explaining the possibilities offered by the project, MS Unnikrishnan, Managing Director (MD) of Thermax, stated: "We are happy to provide a replicable model for clean and decentralized power generation through solar energy and local resources in many more villages, which can truly fulfill all the energy requirements of villages, stimulating our rural economy."


Solar parabolic trough technology believed to be ideally suited for rural conditions

Besides electricity, the solar power project is also said to be able to provide cold storage facilities in villages for the storage and preservation of agricultural produce, dairy products and vaccines by using vapor absorption technology. Thermax reports that the company is designing the plant to operate with solar energy, and with biomass as support energy source to meet the round-the-clock energy requirements. The power plant is reportedly designed to utilize air condensers to economize on the water requirements for power generation. Thermax opted for the solar parabolic trough technology because of its negligible maintenance and suitability for rural conditions. The company reports that it will also manage the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the solar thermal power plant at Shive for a period of five years.

2010-01-06   Courtesy: Thermax Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Thermax Limited

 

SANYO and AVACOS Solar Energy unveil Canada's first bifacial rooftop solar PV installation

From Left: Sandro Costa, AVACOS, Koshi Terakawa, SANYO Canada, and Gary Campacci, DuROCK at DuROCK HQ
From Left: Sandro Costa, AVACOS, Koshi
Terakawa, SANYO Canada, and Gary Campacci,
DuROCK at DuROCK HQ

SANYO Canada Inc. (Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada), a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co. Ltd., together with residential and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) system integrator AVACOS Solar Energy, in December 2009 unveiled the first Canadian PV system combining SANYO's "HIT Double" (Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin-layer) bifacial solar PV modules with the DuROCK "Tio-Coat" reflective roof membrane at DuROCK Alfacing International Ltd.'s headquarters in Woodbridge (Ontario, Canada).   SANYO reports that the company's HIT Double PV modules are able to generate power from both sides, which according to the press release results in up to 30 % higher energy output compared to standard single-sided PV modules. These modules are believed to be especially suitable for carports, canopies and porch coverings. Tio-Coat is a white elastomeric urethane roof coating which according to the manufacturer DuROCK provides 89 % solar radiation reflectivity along with weather resistance. SANYO reports that AVACOS matched these complementing technologies, resulting in cost-saving and environmental benefits.



Double-sided PV combined with reflective roof cover

"DuROCK is proud to work with such industry leaders as SANYO and AVACOS on a project combining our technologies and expertise for the benefit of the environment", said Gary Campacci, President of DuROCK. "The installation of SANYO modules on our existing white reflective roof will ensure a maximum level of performance and cost effectiveness." In the 10 kilowatt (kW) grid-tied array, the SANYO bifacial PV modules are expected to provide solar electricity revenue for DuROCK, while the Tio-Coat membrane is believed to reduce the cooling costs of the building. According to the press release, the combination of the two technologies results in an increased PV module output because of the increased exposure to solar radiation at the back of the modules due to the high reflectivity of the Tio-Coat roof membrane. Each company is looking for similar future projects combining these complementary technologies for improved cost-savings and environmental benefit.

2010-01-05   Courtesy: SANYO Canada Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SANYO Canada Inc.

 

Hoku announces amendment to polysilicon supply agreement with Alex New Energy

Hoku slim rod puller for manufacturing polysilicon
Hoku slim rod puller for manufacturing
polysilicon

Hoku Materials, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoku Scientific, Inc. (Honolulu, Hawaii), established to manufacture and sell polysilicon for the solar market, and Shanghai Alex New Energy Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China), a manufacturer of crystalline silicon solar cells, modules and photovoltaic (PV) products, on December 31st, 2009 announced an amendment to the polysilicon supply agreement in effect between the two companies.   According to the terms of the amendment, both companies have agreed to delay the first shipment of polysilicon by Hoku to Alex from the first quarter to the third quarter of 2010. The other commercial terms of the supply agreement are to remain unchanged, including pricing, contract duration, and shipment volumes. "This amendment adjusts the timing of our first delivery to Alex to a date that is amenable to both companies", said Dustin Shindo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hoku Scientific. "Hoku was prepared to ship third-party product in accordance with our contract, but the updated schedule more closely matches Alex's revised supply chain forecasts while still conforming nicely to our projected production ramp."


Annual production capacity of 4,000 metric tons planned for second half of 2010

Subsequent to the recent closing of its financing with Tianwei New Energy, Hoku reported it is currently preparing a reactor test demonstration scheduled for the first quarter of calendar year 2010, which is to be followed by a phased ramp-up to a planned initial production capacity of approximately 2,500 metric tons of polysilicon per year. The company noted that the reactor test demonstration was pushed back slightly due to the timing of the close of the transaction with Tianwei. Hoku explained that the first phase of production would be completed using third-party trichlorosilane (TCS), initial quantities of which had already been procured and delivered to the company's Pocatello (Idaho) facility. Hoku further explained that this revised ramp up and production schedule was expected to provide sufficient polysilicon to fully satisfy the company's current contractual delivery obligations. The company plans to continue adding reactor capacity throughout calendar 2010 until it reaches the plant's full annual production capacity of 4,000 metric tons in the second half of the year. Hoku also reports that it plans to bring its on-site TCS production facility online by the end of calendar 2010, which would eliminate the company's need to procure third-party process chemicals.

2010-01-05   Courtesy: Hoku Materials, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Hoku Materials, Inc.

 

Massachusetts: Patrick-Murray Administration announces next phase of solar power support

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick
Massachusetts Governor
Deval Patrick

Building on the success of the "Commonwealth Solar" rebate program, which issued awards for 23.5 megawatts (MW) of solar power in less than two years, Massachusetts' Patrick-Murray Administration on December 29th, 2009 unveiled new rebate programs aimed to continue the momentum toward Governor Deval Patrick's goal of 250 MW of solar energy capacity installed by 2017 in the state.   "Commonwealth Solar has already played an important role in speeding the Bay State's transition to a clean energy economy", Governor Patrick said. "I commend the more than 1,200 homeowners, businesses, and municipalities who have taken advantage of this innovative program in the past two years, and encourage many more to partner with the Commonwealth as we continue along the path toward a cleaner future."




Commonwealth Solar II program to tap federal stimulus funds for rebates

According to the press release, the new programs, dubbed "Commonwealth Solar II" and "Commonwealth Solar Stimulus," are to begin in late January 2010, when residents and businesses who are seeking help to finance their solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are invited to start filing their rebate applications. The new programs are expected to benefit from a two-pronged funding scheme. Funding for Commonwealth Solar II, which provides rebates for small residential and commercial PV systems with a capacity of 5 kilowatts (kW) or less, will come from 1 million US-dollars per quarter in existing funds from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust. As part of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC), the Trust is financed through a small renewable energy charge on utility ratepayers' monthly bills. "Building on the huge success of the first Commonwealth Solar program, we are pleased to offer this additional targeted assistance for investment in solar power in the Commonwealth", Trust Executive Director Carter Wall said. "Envisioned to finance installation of 22 MW of solar power over four years, Commonwealth Solar met its goal after just 21 months, with the initial 68 million US-dollar ratepayer-funded rebate pool fully committed by October 2009."


Program to assist financing of solar power plants up to 200 kW capacity

As part of the Administration's "Massachusetts Recovery Plan" to secure the state's economic future, the Commonwealth plans to tap 8 million US-dollars in "State Energy Program" funding awarded to the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for Commonwealth Solar Stimulus, which is reportedly designed to assist PV systems larger than 5 kW and up to 200 kW. According to the press release, at least two other states, namely Connecticut and Maryland, have launched solar rebate programs funded with federal stimulus revenue. To further support the financing of projects eligible for the rebate program, as well as those greater than 200 kW, the DOER is developing regulations for a new "Solar Credit" market under the Massachusetts' Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The Solar Credit initiative is expected to be an important and sustainable part of building predictable market support for the solar industry in the state. "These rebates will make homes and businesses more energy efficient and put money back in the taxpayers' pockets", said U.S. Senator John Kerry. "This federal-state partnership improves energy efficiency, creates jobs and stimulates our economy."

2010-01-05   Courtesy: www.mass.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: www.mass.gov

 

SunEdison to build five 10 MW solar PV plants for Xcel Energy in New Mexico

Ground mounted PV plant by SunEdison
Ground mounted PV plant by SunEdison

SunEdison (Beltsville, Maryland), North America's largest solar energy services provider, a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials (St. Peters, Missouri), and U.S. electricity provider Xcel Energy's regional operating company, Southwestern Public Service Company, at the end of December 2009 announced an agreement on five photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants in New Mexico. The five 10 megawatt (MW) capacity ground-mounted PV plants are to be located in Lea and Eddy counties in southeastern New Mexico, and are scheduled to be operational by the end of 2011.   In total, the installations are expected to generate enough solar electricity for more than 10,000 homes during the first full year of operation. With this solar power, Xcel Energy expects to continue to meet New Mexico's renewable portfolio standard (RPS), which requires that regulated electric utilities meet 15 % of their electricity needs by 2015, and 20 % by 2020, through renewable energy sources.



Solar power plants to diversify utility's renewable energy portfolio

The five PV installations are to be built, financed and maintained by SunEdison under a 20-year solar power services agreement (SPSA) with Xcel Energy, which pledges to buy the electricity generated by these plants. "We are thrilled to begin harvesting New Mexico's rich solar resources, and we are equally proud to add this project to our growing base of wind energy, as we diversify our renewable energy portfolio", said Riley Hill, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Southwestern Public Service Company. This project eclipses the 8.22 MW direct current (DC) solar power system SunEdison has activated for Xcel Energy in Alamosa (Colorado). At 50 MW, the Xcel Energy project is expected to become one of the largest in North America. New Mexico State Senator Carroll Leavell commented that he expects the PV power plants to benefit not only as an additional source of energy but also as an economic development for Lea and Eddy Counties.


PV plants to offset more than 1.3 million metric tons of CO2 emissions over 20-year lifespan

Once completed, it is estimated that the five 10 MW systems will produce 110 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of solar electricity during the first full year of operation. Over a 20-year lifespan, they are believed to generate over 2 billion kWh of clean solar energy, thereby offsetting more than 1.3 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. Carlos Domenech, President of SunEdison and Executive Vice President of MEMC, noted: "Xcel Energy is a visionary electric utility. The company understands how to make utility-scale renewable energy a reality. Their vision enabled by the local and state leadership will facilitate the creation of green jobs in New Mexico".

2010-01-05   Courtesy: SunEdison   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunEdison

 

Photovoltaics in the Czech Republic: Photon Energy inaugurates four solar power plants in December 2009

PV plant by Photon Energy
PV plant by Photon Energy

Photon Energy a.s. (Prague, Czech Republic), an integrated solar power development company, on December 28th, 2009 announced that the company had successfully completed four grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) plants in the Czech Republic. According to the press release, the combined installed capacity of these PV plants amounts to 2.66 megawatts peak (MWp).   For each plant, Photon Engineering s.r.o., the engineering and general contracting division of Photon Energy, has been the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor. The company reports that the group's O&M division, Photon Management s.r.o., is to provide the operating services.



Four solar power plants simultaneously completed

The projects reportedly include three utility-scale solar power plants and one rooftop installation. "The simultaneous construction and completion of these power plants demonstrates Photon Energy's ability to coordinate multiple construction sites and complex procurement and delivery logistics of system components", said Photon Energy's Head of Engineering Jiří Mazanek. The company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michal Gärtner, further explained: "Together with the rapid growth of Photon Trading, our PV component trading business, we are very pleased with these achievements and with the collaborative efforts of our subcontractors and supply partners along with our own team."


Ground-mounted and rooftop solar power plants realized

Photon Energy reports that the "Sychrov" PV plant was the most challenging of all projects, as it was built on a hilltop with up to 8 degree slopes. The 1.026 MWp plant was built with Gloria polycrystalline modules, SMA 11000TL string inverters and Schletter support structures. The "Mostkovice" solar power plant was built in an industrial compound on flat ground, and the connection of this 795 kWp plant to the grid was comparatively easy. Photon Energy reports that Yingli polycrystalline modules were installed along with SMA 11000TL string inverters and EkoSolar support structures. The Záhořany PV plant with an installed capacity of 758 kWp was developed by Photon Energy's CEO Michal Gärtner. Gloria polycrystalline modules and SMA 11000TL string inverters on Conergy support structures were utilized at the site. Finally, the 76 kWp Ženské Domovy flat rooftop PV installation in Prague 5 was reportedly challenging because of the volume and weight of the equipment that had to be lifted onto a six-storey building.

2010-01-05   Courtesy: Photon Energy a.s.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Photon Energy a.s.

 

Sharp to sign joint venture agreement for production of thin-film solar cells and photovoltaic power generation business

The world’s highest efficiency
The world’s highest efficiency
"Triple-junction compound solar cell"

Sharp Corporation (Osaka, Japan) and the Italian companies Enel Green Power (EGP) and ST Microelectronics (STM) on January 4th, 2010 signed a joint venture agreement for the production of thin-film solar cells. On the same day, Sharp and EGP signed a joint venture agreement for independent power producer business (IPP). After the approval of the EU Commission concerning the joint ventures for production and power generation businesses, the three companies will establish joint venture companies respectively by the end of March 2010. Sharp, EGP and STM will first establish a joint venture company for solar cell production and then start the production of thin-film solar cells from the beginning of 2011, by utilizing the existing facility of STM in Catania Province, Sicily Region, Italy.   The thin-film solar cell plant will start operation with an initial annual production capacity of 160 MW, which is scheduled to be expanded to an annual production capacity of 480 MW in the future. In addition to financing from the banks, this project will be funded by investments from each company of approximately 70 million Euro each. The thin-film solar cells produced in this plant will be marketed mainly in Europe and the Mediterranean area through the sales networks of Sharp and EGP.




PV plants with a total capacity of more than 500 MW to be built by the end of December 2016

For the IPP business, Sharp and EGP will establish a joint venture company, ES Solar Farms S.r.l. (ESSF). The two companies will establish solar power generation plants with a total photovoltaic (PV) power generation capacity of more than 500 MW by the end of December 2016. ESSF will use the thin-film solar cells produced by the joint venture plant, and extend its power business to Mediterranean countries including Italy, France, Spain and Greece.

Thin-film solar cells are especially suitable for large scale photovoltaic power generation, especially in Mediterranean areas including Southern Europe. As compared to silicon type solar cells, the thin-film solar cells are able to maintain their conversion efficiency even in hot climates. Through collaboration with a power company, Sharp aims to become a total solution company in the photovoltaic field, initiating the world’s first business model extending from thin-film solar cell production to IPP business.

2010-01-04   Courtesy: Sharp Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sharp Corporation

 

Spain: OPDE signs biggest project financing in 2009 for 100 million Euro solar PV project

PV power plant by OPDE
PV power plant by OPDE

The Spanish multinational OPDE Group (Navarra, Spain), dedicated to the promotion, development, construction, operation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, at the end of December 2009 announced that the company had signed the largest project financing in Spain for a solar PV project in 2009.   According to the press release, the agreement concerning a total of 100 million Euros in financing had been signed with Banco Santander, La Caixa and BBVA for two solar PV plants in Tordesillas (Valladolid) and Valtierra (Navarra), which together will have a capacity of 22 megawatts peak (MWp). OPDE reportedly financed, built and connected a total of 28.38 MWp in Spain in 2009, putting the company into the top post in the ranking of construction-developers of photovoltaic solar power in Spain. According to the press release, OPDE held a 20 % market share in ground plants built in the country.



Cooperation with long term suppliers believed to allow high solar plant yields

OPDE reports that it has completed solar plants in different regions of Spain which had been funded with over 125 million Euros in the form of project financing through a Santander Bank Club Deal, La Caixa and BBVA. In the construction of these projects "1-Axis Azimuth" seasonal trackers by manufacturer and OPDE subsidiary MECASOLAR were used. Solar modules by Trina Solar and SMA inverters were also deployed in the projects. OPDE reports that the company has been working for a long time with these partners, whose products made possible high plant yields. According to reports from Ramon Tejadas, Director General of the OPDE Group, the company now has new PV solar farms on its books in La Lora with 2.75 MWp connected capacity and in Écija with 1.76 MWp. Both projects are to be financially structured during the first quarter of 2010.



Company to build another 20 MW in 2010 in Spain

According to Ramon Tejadas, the end of 2009 has been a "complete success" for OPDE, showing "that both cost-effective photovoltaic projects, with predictable cash flows, and companies like Group OPDE with solvent and strengthened balance sheets, continue to have important options for financing projects in a difficult financial environment." He added that the recently signed 22 MWp project financing could be structured and signed in just two months. With the projects closed throughout 2009, OPDE has reportedly reached 115 MW capacity promoted and built in Spain over the past five years (2004-2009).

2010-01-04   Courtesy: OPDE Group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: OPDE Group

 

Canadian ICP Solar signs LOI for stake in German solar PV park

Solar PV plant at Voelkersleier, Germany
Solar PV plant at Voelkersleier, Germany

ICP Solar Technologies Inc. (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), a developer and marketer of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar monitoring software and solar power management solutions, recently announced the company's plans to enter the solar energy utility sector as part of its 2010 growth strategy. In December 2009 ICP reported that it had signed a binding letter of intent (LOI) with Germany-based EPOD Erneuerbare Energien (EEE) as a first step in its new strategic direction.   The company intends to acquire a 9 % stake in EEE's wholly owned subsidiary, Voelkersleier GmbH & Co. KG, located in Volkersleier, Germany, with an option for ICP to buy the remaining stake in Voelkersleier. According to the press release, Voelkersleier operates a photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant with a capacity of 730 kilowatts (kW). Additional terms of the LOI are outlined in a Form 8 K which is to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). ICP intends to leverage its retail relationships for roof tops in the Ontario (Canada) market and plans to continue its financing efforts as part of its overall strategy. "ICP Solar's new strategic direction is exciting and should allow us to attain significant growth," said Sass Peress, ICP's Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "The solar energy industry is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 39 % and reach approximately 100 billion US-dollars by 2013. ICP Solar plans to position itself to benefit from this growth and add to shareholder value. The growth which will come as a result of this new direction will also help the consumer products division in enhancing its supply chain through larger solar equipment purchases in the future."

2010-01-04   Courtesy: ICP Solar Technologies Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ICP Solar Technologies Inc.

 

TEC to incorporate Industrial Nanotech coatings in solar thermal collectors

TEC uses Nansulate Solar for retrofitting energy systems in existing buildings and in new constructions
TEC uses Nansulate Solar for retrofitting
energy systems in existing buildings and
in new constructions

Industrial Nanotech, Inc. (Naples, Florida), a manufacturer of nanoscience solutions, in December 2009 announced the completion of an agreement with Total Energy Care (TEC; Burlington, Ontario, Canada) to represent their patented "Nansulate Solar" thermal insulation and energy saving coating in Canada for retrofitting energy systems in existing buildings and in new constructions.   The agreement includes the use of the Nansulate Solar insulation in the solar thermal and thermal storage industries in Canada. TEC's President, Steven Burke, intends to use the product on all solar thermal collectors manufactured at the company's new plant: "Because of the amazing thermal resistance properties shown by Nansulate, by applying it on all five of the metal surfaces within a flat plate solar thermal collector, we expect as much as a 20 % to 30 % increase in the efficiency over traditional insulation used in this industry. The effect of reduction in loss of heat captured from the sun and held in thermal storage tanks promises to be even more profound. And these are huge advantages in the marketplace."



Flat plate solar thermal collectors to cost far less per BTU than tube collectors

According to the press release, TEC plans to increase its sales force from 60 to approximately 200 representatives by the middle of 2010. "We can reasonably approach not only the hot water market but also that of space heating, as the end result is a product approaching the efficiency formerly only available from evacuated tube collectors, but at a much lower cost", Burke explained. "Solar thermal flat plate collectors are far less expensive to manufacture than their airless competitors. At approximately 40 % of the cost of buying evacuated tube solar thermal systems, this means that a product using flat plate collectors will produce heat for far less per BTU than evacuated tube." TEC intends to open a new facility for manufacturing solar thermal collectors and thermal storage tanks, thereby creating more than 50 jobs in the region. Industrial Nanotech reports that this is the second OEM application for solar thermal equipment in which the coatings have been specified. The company had previously announced that the Nansulate Solar thermal insulation coating will be incorporated into all new solar water heater systems by the Asian manufacturer First Energy Solution to insulate and increase efficiency.

2010-01-04   Courtesy: Industrial Nanotech, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Industrial Nanotech, Inc.

 

India's first MW-size grid connected solar power plant goes online in West Bengal

According to an announcement made in December 2009 in the Lok Sabha by India's Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the country's first megawatt (MW) size grid connected solar power plant has been inaugurated at Jamuria, in the Asansol district of West Bengal. Dr. Abdulla said that the plant has already been generating electricity during the previous three months. He said that two more plants with a capacity of two MW each had been set up in Karnataka in the Kolar and Belgaum districts.   According to his remarks, the addition of one MW capacity is planned for both these plants soon. One more plant with one MW is to be set up in the Raichur district in Karnataka, the Minister added. Dr. Abdullah further announced that his Ministry has recently cleared proposals to set up new solar power plants with a total capacity of 28 MW in the country. Many private companies are said to prepare projects for the construction of more solar facilities throughout India.

2010-01-03   Courtesy: mnes.nic.in   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

FPSC approves Tampa Electric’s contract to purchase solar photovoltaic energy

Florida
Florida "Solar I" project, to supply
electricity in 2011

Tampa Electric in December 2009 announced that the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) approved its contract to purchase solar power supplied by Energy 5.0’s Florida "Solar I" project, a proposed 25-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic electric generating station, for a 25-year period beginning in 2011. Energy 5.0, a Florida-based company with experience in the development, financing and operation of renewable energy projects, will build the 25-MW facility on a 350-acre site in Polk County. The project will be one of the largest solar facilities in the nation. The project will include approximately 100,000 silicon-based photovoltaic panels that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight.   The 25-MW facility is expected to produce more than 48,000 megawatt-hours of electricity per year - enough output to serve the electric energy needs of more than 3,400 homes.




Avoiding the emission of more than one million tons of carbon dioxide

Gordon Gillette, president of Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas, said: "We applaud the Commission’s approval of our purchase power agreement with Energy 5.0 and we are excited about moving forward with this solar project that will benefit our customers and the interests of all Floridians. We continue to support the development of in-state, renewable energy sources." Tampa Electric filed a petition with the FPSC in March 2009 for approval to purchase the energy generated by Energy 5.0’s Florida Solar I project. Energy 5.0 was the successful bidder. Over the 25-year contract term, the project is expected to avoid the emission of more than one million tons of carbon dioxide. This is the equivalent of removing more than 5,000 cars a year from the road for 25 years. Typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month of electricity will see their bills increase by approximately 50 cents beginning in 2011.


"A showcase for zero-emission"

The contract will also promote the state's goal of encouraging the production of renewable energy produced by generating facilities in Florida, provide the basis for significant new investment, economic development and job creation in Polk County and in the state, reduce the environmental impacts associated with electricity generation, protect the company and its customers from technical and operational risks through its energy-only, fixed pricing, and provide fuel diversity benefits. "As our company’s flagship solar power project, this undertaking will be a showcase for zero-emission, renewable power in the Southeast", said Energy 5.0 Chairman Bud Cherry.

2010-01-01   Courtesy: Tampa Electric   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Tampa Electric

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