•  
Solar Magazine

Solar News


 

Singapore: Anwell Technologies begins mass production of thin-film solar PV panels

Anwell’s a-Si thin film solar panel production line
Anwell’s a-Si thin film solar panel production line

Anwell Technologies Limited (Singapore), a global supplier of advanced manufacturing equipment and process technologies for optical disc, OLED and solar industries, on March 29th , 2010 announced that the company had begun mass production of amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film solar photovoltaic (PV) panels using its in-house developed "Sunlite" turnkey production line. According to the press release, this marks the company’s official entry into the solar industry.   Anwell reports that a unique aspect of its equipment is that it allows for the upgrading of existing capabilities without purchasing an additional production line, representing substantial cost savings as the company plans to increase its capacity to 120 megawatts (MW) by the end of 2010. The added flexibility is expected to prove invaluable as Anwell markets its turnkey solar equipment to companies that are keen to enter the solar industry.


Company targets European markets through distribution center in Germany

The global PV industry remains robust with solar installation increasing another 6 % to reach a record high of 6.43 gigawatts (GW) in 2009, according to figures released by Solarbuzz, an international solar energy market research company. Demand for new installations was reportedly led by European countries, which accounted for 74 % or 4.75 GW of world demand. "Given the strong governmental push for solar installations and heavy reliance on imports of European countries, we believe it is an ideal market for us to sell our solar panels", said Franky Fan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Anwell. "The German distribution center we set up in late 2009 has already paved the way for this growth. The marketing contacts and channels established over the last few months will allow us to immediately partake in this huge demand for solar panels in Europe market."

Company to take advantage of projected global growth in thin-film solar demand

According to Displaybank, a global market research and consulting company, thin film solar panels are also gaining in popularity against the more established crystalline silicon panels. Thin film solar panels made up 19.8 % of globally produced solar panels in 2009, up from a 12.8 % market share in 2008. This growth trend is expected to continue into 2010, where thin film solar panels are forecast to make up to 23.4 % of the 12.1 GW worth of total production. "The successful commencement of mass production is yet another affirmation of the Group’s technical capabilities and places us in a position to benefit from the growing demand for solar panels across the globe", said Fan. "Our unique vertically integrated business model, where we produce both the production line and thin film solar panels, also gives us a distinct advantage in terms of cost and quality control over our competitors."

2010-03-31   Courtesy: Anwell Technologies Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Anwell Technologies Limited

 

US Department of Energy admits potential for global petroleum shortages next year

In a major shift in tone on the issue of world oil supplies, on March 25th, 2010 a senior official in the United States Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration (EIA) warned in the French publication "Le Monde" of a possible decrease in worldwide oil production, starting as early as next year. "If the investment is not there, a chance exists that we may experience a decline", said EIA Director of International, Economic, and Greenhouse Gases Division Glen Sweetnam in an interview with journalist Matthieu Auzenneau.   This is not the first time the EIA has suggested the possibility of such a decrease in production. A graphic in the presentation document for an April 2009 US Department of Energy roundtable chaired by Mr. Sweetnam shows a steady decline in global liquid fuel supplies and a gap of 43 million barrels of oil per day between projected supplies and consumption by 2030, cryptically marked "unidentified projects". Such projections are far more pessimistic than previous DOE statements, which have projected oil reserves to last for decades.


Oil supply on "undulating plateaus" followed by decline

In other statements, the EIA has described the future outlook of oil supplies in terms of "undulating plateaus", as explained by EIA liquid fuels expert Lauren Mayne: "Once maximum world oil production is reached, that level will be approximately maintained for several years thereafter, creating an undulating plateau. After this plateau period, production will experience a decline."

Such explanations are semantically different from the "peak oil" theory, which claims that oil production will hit its maximum in the near future, followed by an irreversible decline. However, organizations calling for a shift away from fossil fuels are claiming that Mr. Sweetnam's statements confirm every aspect of the peak oil theory.

"I understand how difficult it must be for officials of the Department of Energy to acknowledge that the lifeblood of the industrial economy - cheap oil - is disappearing faster than they had previously forecast. But the American People deserve the truth", states Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow at the Post Carbon Institute.

2010-03-31   Courtesy: Post Carbon Institute   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

EPIA: A bright future shines on the solar photovoltaic electricity market

EPIA logo

The global solar photovoltaic electricity (PV) market counted an additional increase in installed capacity of approximately 6.4 gigawatts (GW) in 2009, reaching a total capacity of more than 20 GW world-wide, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) reports in a press release. This has been the most important annual capacity increase ever and is particularly impressive in light of the difficult financial and economical circumstances during the past year, EPIA emphasizes. In 2010, global cumulative installed PV capacity is expected to grow by at least 40%, while the annual growth is expected to increase by more than 15%.  During 2009, Germany remained the largest market, with Italy ranking second and Japan and the U.S. markets to follow. Germany most probably will remain the largest market in 2010, while new markets in particular from Southern Europe, Asia and the U.S. will grow significantly. Gathered together in Rome on the occasion of the 5th Workshop on Market Potential and Production Capacity on March 19th, 2010, the Members of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) have discussed PV results for 2009 and forecasts until 2014.


Europe maintains PV market leadership; Belgium entered the TOP 10 markets

With a cumulative installed capacity of almost 9 GW, including around 3 GW installed in 2009, Germany remains the world’s largest PV market although the recently announced Feed-in Tariff cuts are expected to significantly affect the development of the national industry in the longer run, EPIA accentuates. In the mid-term, Italy appears as one of the most promising markets with an additional capacity of some 700 MW already in 2009. Besides high sun irradiation, the new "Conto Energia", which should be announced in Spring, would continue to support the strong momentum of the Italian market.

The Czech Republic shows an important growth in 2009 with 411 MW installed but, due to overly generous support schemes, the market is expected to shrink importantly in 2011 after another year of strong growth in 2010. "This underlines the imperative need for support mechanisms to be designed in a way to ensure a long term, predictable and sustainable development of the market and avoid instability and discontinuity in market evolution", explains Adel El Gammal, Secretary General of EPIA.

Thanks to a strong political will, Belgium made its entry into the TOP 10 markets with 292 MW installed in 2009. Due to a revision of the financial support scheme in early 2010, the market is, however, expected to slow down slightly in 2010. France follows with 185 MW installed in 2009, with an additional 100 MW installed but not connected to the grid yet. In spite of a huge potential, this clearly demonstrates the importance for France to solve grid connection issues in order to allow the market to develop.

Spanish market decreased to 60 MW

In Spain, the set-up of a market cap in 2008, combined with the effects of the financial crisis, constrained the market to only about 60 MW installed in 2009. However, PV accounted for about 3% of the electricity production in the country in 2009 and clearly appears as a privileged source of electricity in the fight against Climate Change. Finally, Greece, Portugal and the U.K. are showing interesting potential for growth in 2010 and beyond.

Japan and USA as leading markets outside Europe

Outside Europe, Japan positions itself as the third largest market with 484 MW and shows an important growth potential thanks to favourable political support. The U.S. market finally took off significantly with around 475 MW installed in 2009 and appears as a potential leading market for the coming years. China and India are also expected to boom in the next five years with an impressive amount of PV projects in the pipeline. Canada and Australia showed significant market development in 2009 and are expected to open the way to the development of new markets. Brazil, Mexico, Morocco and South Africa are also seen as promising countries.

A bright future for PV

The global PV market due to EPIA could reach between 8.2 and 12.7 GW of new installations assuming a moderate scenario and a policy driven scenario, respectively, and would represent a growth of 40% and 60 % of the overall cumulative installed capacity compared to 2009 for the two scenarios. In a policy-driven scenario, the global annual PV market could reach up to 30 GW in 2014 based of course on favourable conditions established by policy makers, regulators and the energy sector at large. The announced world-wide PV production capacity would also be sufficient to cover the expected evolution of the market in the coming five years. "In addition to the ramp-up of many markets in Europe, the development and opening of new markets in Asia, the Americas and Africa is paving the way to a strong and sustainable momentum of PV powered supply solutions all around the world", concludes Ingmar Wilhelm, President of EPIA.

The EPIA Global Market Outlook for Photovoltaics until 2014 will be published during April 2010.

2010-03-31   Courtesy: EPIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EPIA

 

California: Governor Schwarzenegger signs legislation for green-tech Manufacturing equipment Sales Tax Exemption

Governor Schwarzenegger: A clear message to every entrepreneur
Governor Schwarzenegger: A clear
message to every entrepreneur

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on March 24th, 2010 signed SB 71 by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) to create a sales tax exemption for the purchase of green tech manufacturing equipment in California, the Governor’s office announced in a press release. This tax exemption is said to demonstrate Schwarzenegger’s commitment to clean technology growth, and is a part of his ‘California Jobs Initiative’, a legislative package that is expected to create or retain at least 100,000 jobs.   "SB 71 will expand our clean tech industry and bring the green jobs and businesses we need to rebuild California’s economy", Governor Schwarzenegger said. "We’re sending a clear message to every entrepreneur and innovator that it pays to invest in a clean future for California."



Sales tax exemption for all clean-tech manufacturers

According to the press release, California leads the world in environmental technology as the home to 10,209 clean-tech companies and home base to the innovative minds and year-round sunshine that power the clean technology industry. SB 71 is to allow California to maintain this competitive edge by expanding the range of projects that may be approved for a sales tax exemption to include all clean-tech manufacturers. This targeted sales tax exemption is not cost the state tax dollars, but to increase revenue by expanding the number of clean technology manufacturing companies with sites in California. "SB 71 will help us jump-start green technology manufacturing and create good-paying jobs with a future for California", said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer. "I’m committed to implementing the program in a way that not only financially benefits businesses, but also helps preserve vital public services by generating revenues the State and local governments need to balance their budgets."

2010-03-31   Courtesy: gov.ca.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: gov.ca.

 

NREL named "Corporation of Year" by the Rocky Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on March 26th, 2010 announced that the minority business advocacy group Rocky Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council (RMMSDC; Denver, Colorado), had named NREL as its "Corporation of the Year".   The Council cited NREL’s contracts with minority-owned businesses and its outreach to them as one of the main reasons for selecting it as recipient of the award, which had been determined by heads of minority-owned businesses who are members of RMMSDC. NREL reports that the advocacy group has 77 corporate members with more than 200 Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs).


National Laboratory recognized for helping minority-owned businesses

Nancy Gardner, Small Business Partnerships Development Manager at NREL, said: "The most meaningful thing is that the minority business enterprises themselves are the ones who vote on the award." Gardner is on the Board of Directors of RMMSDC, and oversees NREL’s Mentor Protégé program. The RMMSDC said the national laboratory had provided needed opportunities to its members. "NREL has been a strong supporter", said Stan Sena, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RMMSDC. "They’ve committed and executed against the need to recognize that a portion of our world out there is minority businesses." RMMSDC was reportedly founded in1972 to help minority-owned businesses procure contracts with American corporations.

2010-03-31   Courtesy: NREL   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Gartner: Q-Cells’ 2009 results and new portfolio indicate changes in solar PV market

The U.S. information technology research and advisory company Gartner, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut) on March 29th, 2010 released an analysis on Q-Cells’ 2009 results, which the photovoltaics (PV) manufacturer had released on March 24th, 2010. Details of the announcement include a revenue of 802 million Euros, a 36 % drop compared to the 2008 revenue of 1.3 billion Euros. Also, Q-Cells reported a full-year loss of 1.4 billion Euros in 2009, which includes the complete write-down of three key investments, namely those in regards to Solaria, Sovello and Sunfilm.  Company starts manufacture of crystalline PV modules

Nedim Cen replaced the company’s former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anton Milner on March 11th. There was also a change in the supervisory board, which was joined by Helmut Gierse in February 2010, bringing experience in industrial production and automation. Of note is that Q-Cells' product portfolio is also to include medium-scale projects and crystalline modules. Gartner further points out that Flextronics is constructing a production line in Malaysia on the basis of Q-Cells' requirements for modules with a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW), to be equipped with solar cells produced by Q-Cells. The company reportedly plans to start marketing the modules to wholesalers and large installation service providers at the beginning of April. The firm provided midpoint guidance of 1.1 billion Euros in revenue for 2010.


Commoditization, outsourcing and differentiation in solar PV market

Gartner points out that the competitive dynamics of the PV market were tough in 2009, and that Q-Cells was one of the major players that stumbled, losing both revenue and market share. However, Gartner views Q-Cells' module announcement as a key point that reflects the structural changes it believes are under way in the PV industry. More specifically, Gartner views Q-Cells' partnership with Flextronics as a reflection of the pivotal changes in the PV market, which analysts say include commoditization, outsourcing and differentiation. First of all, PV modules are seen to have increasingly become sophisticated commodities. Gartner reports that there are very few switching costs for a system developer or a finance firm on PV systems, especially if one looks at the top group of reputable vendors with decent warranties. Their products can therefore be considered commodities, Gartner explains. However, the sophisticated part arises from the important role technology plays in PV modules. These are 20-year assets, and homeowners and companies expect PV modules to deliver electricity for the next couple of decades. Therefore, Gartner expects continued investments in technology to lower costs while improving product reliability.


EMS companies enter PV market, bringing key competences in manufacturing to the industry

The commoditization of solar modules has reportedly helped bring the electronics manufacturing service (EMS) firms into the PV market. Jabil Circuit, Flextronics, Celestica and others have been working with module and inverter firms for a while. These companies are believed to bring key competencies in inventory management, manufacturing of technology products and global presence that no PV company can match. The outsourcing of manufacturing is believed to be a key development in the solar market. Finally, Gartner points out that solar companies have tried to follow differentiation strategies. As EMS firms "work their magic" on module costs, the central issue for many PV firms is where to differentiate. Some firms still believe that their modules are different enough, either in energy output, quality or costs, that they can continue to manufacture in their traditional havens.


PV manufacturers move into project development and financing

Gartner believes that there has been a strong trend as indicated by firms such as First Solar, Q-Cells, SunPower and others to move into project development and financing. This allows these PV module vendors to control the sale at the client and thus ensure that their PV modules and other products are the most likely candidates for installation. Other firms continue to rely on a channel strategy with trusted partners for whom they provide extensive consulting support on projects. The PV solar industry is still young and is expected to go through several more wrenching changes during the coming years. Yet, Gartner expects the three major trends mentioned above to form the foundation for the dialogue in the industry. More PV firms are expected to start to reassess their differentiation on the module side and on the business side. Beyond the requirement to continue to improve the technologies for modules while lowering costs, further experiments will most likely be seen in project development, finance, channel management and branding strategies.

2010-03-30   Courtesy: Gartner Inc. Al Velosa   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

groSolar launches solar advertising campaign to reach the mainstream

Solar challenge for construction of a nuclear power plant
Solar challenge for construction
of a nuclear power plant

The U.S. solar installation and distribution firm groSolar (White River Junction, Vermont) on March 25th, 2010 announced the launch of a new national advertising campaign that is to be launched in newspapers, on radio stations, at events and in online marketing channels across the United States this spring. According to the press release, the "Life - Powered by Solar" ad campaign is groSolar’s largest in its 12 year history, and features images of real people in real life situations, and notably includes no images of solar panels typically seen in solar advertising.   "Solar is no longer a fringe idea, yet solar ad campaigns almost always feature impersonal images of solar panels and other hardware, and fail to communicate the real value of clean energy choices", said groSolar Vice President of Marketing Gaelan Brown. "We aim to change that with this campaign."



"Life – Powered by Solar" national advertising campaign aims to integrate solar energy into the American culture

"When your own roof provides power for your home, you increase its value, save money and protect the environment at the same time", Brown said. "We believe those values appeal to the vast majority of Americans, and that’s what we’re trying to communicate with this campaign. We are integrating clean, affordable solar energy into the American culture, and we think this will resonate with people." groSolar reports that the company is also running a regional campaign in response to recent political developments in Vermont to promote solar in contrast to the controversial nuclear power plant in Vernon, Vermont. According to the press release, the “Your Choice” campaign running in Vermont features two images juxtaposed in sharp contrast to each other, hulking nuclear cooling towers adjacent a young girl blowing bubbles with a solar-powered home in the background.


Advertising campaign to challenge construction of nuclear power plant

"With this Vermont campaign, we’re hoping people understand that they really do have a choice: they can install solar power, or they can keep an aging and dangerous nuclear power plant operational", said Jeff Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of groSolar. "We know that the majority of Vermonters have lost trust in the operators of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant and many are convinced the plant is not safe to continue operating. We also know that most Vermonters favor solar and wind over Vermont Yankee. So we are offering Vermonters a chance to match their beliefs with their actions." Wolfe pointed out that billions of dollars have been spent marketing and subsidizing non-renewable energy to Americans for generations. "At groSolar, we want to be disruptive in our messaging, to make people think about the choices they make, and help them understand that they can choose solar power and thereby improve their quality of life", Wolfe said.

2010-03-30   Courtesy: groSolar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: groSolar

 

Sharp: Operation starts at solar cell plant in GREEN FRONT SAKAI

Thin-film solar cell plant in GREEN FRONT SAKAI
Thin-film solar cell plant in
GREEN FRONT SAKAI

On March 29th , 2010, Sharp Corporation started operations at its new thin-film solar cell plant in GREEN FRONT SAKAI, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. This plant with a production capacity of 160 MW annually (at its initial phase) will produce thin-film solar cells using large-size glass substrates measuring 1,000 x 1,400 mm, Sharp reports in a press release.  Thin-film solar cells have a structure in which thin layers of silicon are accumulated onto a glass substrate, enabling a dramatic reduction in the amount of silicon used, to approximately one hundredth the amount used in crystalline solar cells. The production processes are simpler, thereby lowering production costs. For this reason, the demand for thin-film solar cells, especially for use in large-scale photovoltaic power generation, has been steady from all over the world. The thin-film solar cell plant in Sakai will serve as a model plant for future Sharp thin-film solar cell plants around the world. Sharp will continue to accumulate and enhance its proprietary production technology and its know-how, to meet the world’s growing demand for solar cells.

2010-03-30   Courtesy: Sharp Electronics (Europe) GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sharp Electronics (Europe) GmbH

 

Advanced Energy acquires U.S. inverter manufacturer PV Powered

PV Powered, Inc. (Bend, Oregon), a manufacturer of solar inverter solutions, on March 24th, 2010 announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (AE) of Fort Collins, Colorado, a manufacturer of power and control technologies for thin-film manufacturing and solar-power generation. The acquisition is said to bring together two US-based industry leaders, whose combined technology and product platforms are expected to create the broadest grid-tied inverter offering in the rapidly-growing solar photovoltaic (PV) market, spanning residential, commercial, and utility-scale solutions.  The transaction is reportedly subject to a number of other customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals including meeting the Hart Scott Rodino requirements under the U.S. antitrust laws.


Companies’ product portfolios to complement each other

According to the press release, PV Powered and AE enjoy a collective history of industry-leading innovations aimed at improving power conversion efficiency and inverter reliability. PV Powered reports that it was the first solar inverter company to design products tailored to the special needs of the North American marketplace, with a rugged-purpose built construction, wide operating temperature and voltage ranges and the "Smart Air Cooling" system that it says delivers unprecedented inverter life and uptime performance. PV Powered’s commercial product portfolio ranges in size from 30 kilowatts (kW) to 1 megawatt (MW). Its portfolio is to immediately complement AE’s transformer-less inverters including its 250 kW, 333 kW and 500 kW products.


Inverter manufacturer to become wholly-owned subsidiary, is to continue business operations out of Bend, Oregon

"The combination of Advanced Energy and PV Powered will bring together two complimentary technology platforms and provide customers with the broadest range of solutions for residential to utility-scale solar installations", said Hans Betz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advanced Energy. "We believe this acquisition will firmly place Advanced Energy at the heart of the emerging and fast growing solar inverter market." After the acquisition is finalized, PV Powered is to operate under the current management team as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AE continuing to sell and support its full line of products from its Bend facility. Gregg Patterson, CEO of PV Powered, said: "Both organizations share a common mission to deliver the innovations our customers are asking for in efficiency, reliability and uptime that will maximize the 20+ year financial returns of solar projects."

2010-03-30   Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Japan: Mitsubishi solar PV installation powers noodle-manufacturer Toyo Suisan’s facilities

51 kW PV system on the warehouse roof.
51 kW PV system on the warehouse roof.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) on March 25th, 2010 announced that it had completed the installation of a 62 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic (PV) system at Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd.’s Kanto Factory in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The installation, which is Toyo Suisan’s first, has also become the largest PV system at a business operation in Tatebayashi City, Mitsubishi reports.  The electricity generated by a total of 330 PV modules installed on a surface area of 460 square meters is expected to cover part of the electricity consumption used for air conditioning and lighting at the Toyo Suisan Group’s largest instant noodle processing factory in Japan. Annually, the system is expected to generate approximately 60 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity and reduce 18.9 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.


Noodle manufacture to be aided by renewable, green electricity

Toyo Suisan, the food processing and sales company well known for its "Maruchan" brand and also the leading company in the North American and Mexican noodle market, says the company has put in efforts to tackle global warming by saving energy through changing boiler fuels to natural gas and replacing manufacturing facilities to inverter-driven equipment, as well as by planting trees on factory roofs. To further reduce CO2 emissions, Toyo Suisan decided to install a 62 kW PV system at its Kanto Factory, partly funded by subsidies from the New Energy Promotion Council in Japan. According to the press release, Mitsubishi is the only Japanese manufacturer that makes all key equipment components of a PV system, such as PV modules and inverters in addition to power devices, which are the main component in inverters.


PV systems on factory roof and on facility’s main gate arch

Of the 62 kW system, a 51 kW system composed of 270 PV modules has reportedly been installed on the warehouse roof of the Kanto Factory, equipped with Mitsubishi Electric’s three-phase 50 kW PV inverter that is to convert the generated direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC). The company reports that there is also a 11 kW system of 60 modules on the main gate arch, whose electricity will be converted using a 10 kW inverter, also supplied by Mitsubishi Electric.


2010-03-30   Courtesy: Mitsubishi Electric   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: MitsubishiElectric

 

Auburn’s wastewater treatment plant to be 100 % powered by 680 kW solar PV plant

Artist's rendering of the project by Pacific Power Management from google earth.
Artist's rendering of the project by Pacific
Power Management from google earth.

Pacific Power Management (PPM; Auburn, California) and the City of Auburn on March 23rd, 2010 announced that a local wastewater treatment plant is going to be 100 % powered by solar energy starting in summer 2010. PPM is to install a 680 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which is expected to supply all of the plant’s electrical needs. According to the press release, the PV system is to consist of more than 3,300 panels that will be installed on single-axis ground mount trackers at the plant.  The city reportedly entered into a 20 year contract and will buy power from PPM, and won’t need to pay for the installation of the panels.


Solar power plant to generate 24 million kWh over 20 years

"The City of Auburn took advantage of Pacific Power Management’s shared savings program to build and host an emission-free solar power plant at their facility with no upfront capital expenditure", said Kelly McMahon, Vice President of Business Development for PPM. "We applaud the City of Auburn for taking the lead with this showcase installation that demonstrates how solar makes good financial sense for public agencies today." The city treatment plant is located west of the city of Auburn in the Ophir area. The solar array system is expected to generate an estimated 1,248,821 kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean solar energy in the first year of operation. That is enough energy to power 112 homes for one year. Over 20 years, the system may generate more than 24 million kWh of energy.


City council voted unanimously in favor of solar power plant

Jack Warren, Director of Public Works, said "the project will be one of the largest solar facilities in the area and should save the city money. I think we got a really good contract for the city, I think it was worth everybody’s time and effort to go through the negotiation process."The council was unanimously in favor of the agreement and thanked staff for their hard work. Councilman Kevin Hanley said he couldn’t see a downside. "I think it’s a triple win for the city, the tax payer, the environment and the local contractor."


2010-03-30   Courtesy: Pacific Power Management   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PPM

 

System integrator Assyce Fotovoltaica is constructing the largest First Solar photovoltaic power plant in Spain

Alongside the Assyce solar power plants in Andalucia, the largest First Solar free-field power plant in Spain is under construction in Extremadura.
Alongside the Assyce solar power plants in Andalucia,
the largest First Solar free-field power plant in Spain
is under construction in Extremadura.

The Spanish system integrator, Assyce Fotovoltaica, is constructing the largest First Solar free-field solar power plant in Extremadura, with a capacity of more than 26 megawatts (MWp). The power plant on an area of 69 hectares should be completed by the end of the year and will generate more than 42 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, Assyce Fotovoltaica reports in a press release.   "The area offers very good conditions for photovoltaics", explains Luis Garrido, managing director of Assyce Fotovoltaica. "Due to the high level of solar radiation in the south of Spain, we can expect a very good yield of electricity."


337,000 thin-film modules capturing solar radiation

The electricity yield will also benefit from the implementation of a new transformer technology. "In contrast to traditional power plants, electricity loss is considerably reduced", says Garrido. Assyce is also implementing the world wide established inverter system technology from market-leader SMA Technology AG, based in Kassel, Germany. 36 transformer stations will be built up on the 69-hectare site. With more than 337,000 modules capturing solar radiation, Assyce Fotovoltaica, currently the only First Solar system integrator in Spain, relies on First Solar's thin film technology which has already proven its worth in many other solar power plants. "The modules are very effective and durable and they are perfect for use in hot climate regions", explains Luis Garrido. The First Solar modules offer a high level of operating reliability for the project. Assyce Fotovoltaica has been working together with First Solar with excellent success for years. Basically this partnership makes the realisation of this remarkable large-scale project possible.

The construction of the free-field solar power plant began at the end of January. The whole power plant should be completed by the end of the year at the latest. With the eco-friendly solar electricity over 30 tonnes of carbon dioxide could be saved every year and the electricity yield is enough to energize more than 14,000 four-person households for a whole year. "We are making an important contribution to the climate protection and to the expansion of renewable energy resources", explains Luis Garrido. "Power from the sun always has a future and will remain an important pillar of renewable energy."

Due to the limitation of 200 Megawatts per year for new free-field solar power plants (since the end of 2008), Assyce is particularly excited about being able to construct a power plant with a dimension of 10% of the total annual volume together with First Solar. Assyce Fotovoltaica is one of the pioneers in the Spanish free-field solar power plant market. The company, based in Padul (Granada), has already constructed more than 12 solar power plants all over Spain over the last few years.

2010-03-29   Courtesy: Assyce Fotovoltaica S.L.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Assyce Fotovoltaica S.L.

 

NYSEIA: New York State solar industry slowdown needs immediate action

Gail Markels, New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) executive director.
Gail Markels, New York Solar Energy
Industries Association (NYSEIA)
executive director.

Immediate action is needed to reverse the dramatic slowdown in the New York solar industry since the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) implemented changes to NYSERDA’s photovoltaic (PV) program, according to New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA; Albany, New York). Responding to information supplied by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) after a formal industry request, NYSEIA found that the solar industry’s robust 57 % annual growth rate has been "slammed on the brakes" by the program changes.   NYSERDA reported that average PV applications for January and February 2010 were only 1.5 million US-dollars per month, a drastic reduction from the 2009 average of over 5 million US-dollars per month. Total PV program applications in the first two months of 2010 were down 40 % from the 2010 average and are down 70 % from the same period in 2009, NYSEIA reports.


Solar program reduced to 24 million US-dollars, decrease of rebates and 5 kW capacity limit among cutbacks

"It is unfortunate that the program has been cut back at this crucial time in our state’s economic development", said Gail Markels, NYSEIA Executive Director. "The need for clean energy jobs has never been greater and the program reductions are causing great concern for the future of the solar industry in the state." In an interim order to keep the PV program alive while it debated its overall realignment of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), the PSC reportedly ordered that the PV program be reduced to 24 million US-dollars on January 10th 2010. Rebates were lowered to 1.75 US-dollars per watt, installation sizes were limited to a maximum of 5 kilowatt (kW) capacity, and the total program was capped at 2 million US-dollars per month.


Decrease in solar program applications believed to be alarming

NYSERDA reported that program applications for January were 1.9 million US-dollars. Application totals dropped to 1.1 million US-dollars in February, and there were only 314,000 US-dollars of applications submitted through March 13th. NYSEIA President Ron Kamen, Senior Vice President of EarthKind Solar, said that the industry’s survival is due in no small part to the 41 million US-dollars of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding that NYSERDA has approved for PV projects. In addition, he also expressed gratitude for the 6 million US-dollars in funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) that is to be used to support LIPA solar program incentives, and another 6 million US-dollars in RGGI funds are to support the upstate PV incentive program. "Unfortunately, the issue with ARRA funding is that this is a one-time deal", said Kamen. "In addition, future funding from RGGI is also not guaranteed. So, without a long term plan, the industry faces the prospect of another impending down cycle next year."


Industry association requests doubling of 5kW maximum solar capacity restriction in solar program

NYSEIA said that one promising PSC initiative that could help make up a part of the program differential is the PSC’s 30 million US-dollar per year "Geographic Equity" funding for downstate consumers. Markels urged the PSC to ensure that the solar energy industry continues to grow and to show New York State’s commitment to being a leader in the clean energy economy by using the 30 million US-dollars per year in ARRA funding primarily for PV projects. To get the industry back on track, NYSEIA urged NYSERDA and the PSC to immediately increase the current 5 kW program cap to 10 kW and to increase the rebate by 25 US-cents to 2 US-dollars per watt. “Then they should adjust the rebates monthly depending on the market reaction", said Markels.

"Solar Jobs Act" to help achieve 5,000 MW installed PV capacity by 2025

NYSEIA also called on the New York State Legislature to pass a "Solar Jobs Act" that would put the state on a trajectory toward 5,000 megawatts (MW) of PV by 2025. "New York State has been making progress toward achieving its clean energy goals through solar", said Kamen. "The 50 MW LIPA and 100 MW NYPA solar power purchase agreements, the Net Metering fix, and passage of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) and Green Jobs Green New York acts are all great steps in the right direction". Kamen asked state legislators to put in place a clear, long-term solar program that could create jobs, increase the state’s energy independence, and provide long-term consumer savings that he expects to result from sensible investments in renewable energy. "Passing the 5,000 MW Solar Jobs Act will stabilize the industry and create the future we all want and need", said Kamen.

2010-03-29   Courtesy: NYSEIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: NYSEIA

 

NREL and 3M sign agreement on renewable energy research

NREL senior scientist Cheryl Kennedy holds a mirror sample with a reflective coating used for concentrating solar power systems.
NREL senior scientist Cheryl Kennedy holds
a mirror sample with a reflective coating used
for concentrating solar power systems.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on March 24th, 2010 announced a series of Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with the technology company 3M (St. Paul, Minnesota). The collaborative effort is said to demonstrate both 3M’s and NREL’s commitments to meeting the nation's clean energy needs by developing technologies that are vital to producing large-scale sources of new renewable electricity and fuel at competitive costs.   According to the press release, the agreements between NREL and 3M establish joint investigations in three key areas of innovation, namely thin-film photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar power (CSP) and biofuels.



Joint research to explore renewable energy improvements

NREL reports that the CRADAs range from jointly identifying and developing critical aspects of renewable energy technology to accelerated testing of 3M designs and scaling-up successful prototype technologies for commercial production. The agreements are to last for at least one year. "CRADAs like these with 3M not only help shift the nation to a clean energy, but they also establish and expand important partnerships for product development through technology transfer", NREL Senior Vice President of Commercialization and Deployment Casey Porto said. "3M's wide-ranging expertise and commitment in these fields makes this a key partnership for the laboratory."


Renewable energy research to advance thin-film PV, CSP and ethanol distillation technologies

"3M is excited for the opportunity to tap into NREL’s expertise and understanding of a variety of solar modules and the interplay between the materials and systems", said Mike Roman, General Manager and Vice President of 3M Renewable Energy Division. “Also, NREL has pilot plant capabilities, which allow valuable application testing of 3M’s biofuel distillation technologies in a controllable and scalable environment." Areas of investigation and testing under the agreements include new moisture barrier films and flexible packaging for CIGS (copper indium gallium diselenide) thin film solar cells to increase module performance and reduce manufacturing costs, and new reflective coatings to protect and enhance the performance of lower-cost mirrors used in CSP technologies. The research also aims at exploring new alternatives to ethanol biofuel distillation that is expected to reduce energy and water use, and increase throughput in existing corn ethanol and future cellulosic ethanol production plants.

2010-03-29   Courtesy: NREL; 3M   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: NREL/Patrick Corkery

 

American Solar Electric and Fronius USA announce supply agreement on 2.3 MW solar inverters

Solar PV inverter Fronius IG Plus
Solar PV inverter Fronius IG Plus

American Solar Electric, Inc. and Fronius USA, LLC on March 24th, 2010 announced a photovoltaic (PV) inverter supply agreement. The agreement calls for Fronius to supply American Solar Electric with enough high-efficiency inverters to support the generation capacity of over 2.3 megawatts (MW) of solar electric power. "With Fronius, we are offering a proven and smart inverter to deliver greater value to end-users", explains Sean Seitz, President of American Solar Electric.   “By expanding our long-time partnership with Fronius, we can now offer our customers additional cost savings associated with a high volume supply agreement while providing a highly-efficient, reliable component to complement the solar electric systems we install."





American Solar Electric is Arizona’s leading designer and installer of residential solar electric systems. The combination of American Solar Electric’s expertise in the design and installation of integrated rooftop solar electric systems, coupled with reliable system components like Fronius inverters, offers Arizona homeowners the perfect solution to their investment in solar energy. "We have been a manufacturer partner of American Solar Electric for many years", states Gord Petroski, Director, Fronius USA Solar Electronics Division. "We are very pleased to expand our relationship to help meet Arizona’s growing demand for solar."

2010-03-29   Courtesy: American Solar Electric, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fronius USA, LLC

 

Alpheon enables solar energy at TNT warehouse in Boom, Belgium

Alpheon Energy (Uxbridge, United Kingdom), an alternative energy service provider, completed the delivery of a 130 kWp solar PV system on the roof of the TNT Express operation in Boom, Belgium. This results in 30% of the energy being generated locally, significantly reducing TNT's carbon footprint at this location. By choosing Alpheon's 'Local Energy Provider' solution, TNT fully outsourced all necessary steps in return for a fixed monthly energy cost providing a reduction of the energy costs.   energy cost providing a reduction of the energy costs. Alpheon lead the design, installation, subsidizing and financing of the system and will exploit the assets. By choosing for this innovative solution, TNT secures this part of its energy supply for the next 20 years.


2 vertical axis wind turbines, especially designed for small scale generation in urban environments

Alpheon's portfolio approach focuses specifically on large customers, offering the right mix of technologies tailored for each location (solar, wind, thermal storage). The next phase of footprint reduction for TNT Express in Boom involves the installation of 2 vertical axis wind turbines, especially designed for small scale generation in urban environments.

"Boom is TNT's second project with Alpheon and we are expecting strong results from this project as well", commented Benny Vandenheuvel, Manager Purchase, Facilities & Real Estate at TNT Express. "These projects are complex and Alpheon continues to manage projects with great results from energy analysis to financing to subsidy applications to ongoing system support."

2010-03-29   Courtesy: Alpheon Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

UNESCO partners with MENASOL 2010, will be discussing the role of solar in the region

MENASOL 2010 has released some important announcements about the event taking place on May 4th -5th in Cairo. UNESCO has joined as official partner for the event. This is a very valuable partnership for the event and for those attending as they play an integral role in mobilising the solar agenda in North Africa and the Middle East (MENA), the organizers emphasize. UNESCO is pivotal to both policy makers and commercial entities, as their mandate clearly demonstrates it is their mission and objective to actively support solar activities in the region to promote regional and sub-regional cooperation with regard to the sustainable management and conservation of freshwater, terrestrial resources by fostering innovative implementation mechanisms and related capacity building in renewable and alternative sources of energy for sustainable development and poverty eradication in the Arab region. 
Science and Technology action plans, implementation of Agenda 21

A further goal is to enhance the leverage of science through integrated science, technology and innovation (STI) policy by assisting member states in the adoption and implementation of Science and Technology action plans in pre-selected priority economic sectors such as energy, water, etc., and promoting regional cooperation in STI policy among the Arab States.

In addition UNESCO is to monitor the implementation of Agenda 21 in the region and assist member States in formulating, developing and implementing environmental policies and to support the private sector and the development of entrepreneurship in related areas.

Sebastian Waldburg, Managing Partner at SI Capital, will join the European Investment Bank in providing a solar investment case study, and will openly discuss the challenges with development financing, project financing, the search for the right equity partner, and the technological and development challenges. Mariangels Perez Latorre, Secretary General of the European Solar Thermal Electricity Association, will be talking about how they are promoting CSP in MENA, and what lessons have been learned in Spain.

The global engineering and construction contractor and power equipment supplier Foster Wheeler are Bronze sponsors of the event and will be on hand to share their invaluable real-life plant building experience. Heidi Hafes, Events Director for MENASOL 2010, said "These developments are not just great news for the event but huge news for those that attend as it is the only place where the synergy of political and commercial aspirations for the MENA region are being openly discussed by the key influencers. This rare insight will help build strategies to tap into the billion dollar solar opportunity in MENA".

More information on MENASOL 2010: http://www.newsolartoday.com/solar-conference

2010-03-29   Courtesy: MENASOL 2010/New Solar Today   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Chevron tests emerging solar technologies at former Bakersfield refinery

Chevron Corporation (San Ramon, California) on March 22nd, 2010 announced the start of "Project Brightfield", a demonstration of next-generation solar energy technologies in Bakersfield, California. The project, created on the site of a former Chevron refinery, is to evaluate seven emerging photovoltaic (PV) technologies to help determine the potential application of renewable power at other company-owned facilities.   Chevron reports that its former refinery site had been repurposed to test the performance of six emerging thin-film technologies and one emerging crystalline-silicon PV technology, which were provided by independent solar companies.


Energy company to test seven emerging solar technologies

"By bringing together seven emerging solar technologies, Project Brightfield represents one of the most comprehensive solar energy tests of its kind and is an innovative approach to evaluating new technologies", said Des King, President of Chevron Technology Ventures, the division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. that identifies, evaluates and demonstrates emerging technologies. "Testing competing technologies side by side means that we can better understand their potential application at other Chevron facilities." According to the press release, the 7,700 solar panels that are to be installed on the 8-acre site will generate approximately 740 kilowatts (kW) of electricity. The produced power is to be fed into the local utility grid as well as to Chevron's oil production operations at the Kern River Field.


Crystalline-silicon PV and thin-film technologies to be tested side by side

The companies demonstrating thin-film technologies are Abound Solar, MiaSolé, Schüco, Solar Frontier, Sharp, and Solibro, while the crystalline-silicon PV technology is provided by Innovalight, Chevron reports. Each solar company will be able to access data about its technology, find out how well it performs in various conditions and compare it against a benchmark solar technology, a brand of a commercially available solar PV technology that has also been installed on the site. According to the press release, Project Brightfield is Chevron's second completed project that repurposes an existing asset to integrate renewable power. The first was a 16.5 megawatt (MW) wind farm on a former Texaco refinery site near Casper, Wyoming. A third project, a concentrating solar photovoltaic (CPV) installation at a Chevron Mining Inc. facility near Questa, New Mexico, is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010, the company reports.

2010-03-28   Courtesy: Chevron Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

California: SunPower to build 1 MW solar PV system for Yolo County

SunPower Corporation (San Jose, California), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar energy systems, Yolo County (California) and Bank of America on March 17th, 2010 announced that SunPower will design and construct a 1 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) power system at the Yolo County Justice Center in Woodland (California).   Yolo County, which is to own the system and associated renewable energy credits (RECs), is reportedly financing the purchase using multiple funding sources, including clean renewable energy bonds and qualified energy conservation bonds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. In addition to the subsidized bonds that were financed by Bank of America, SunPower reports it assisted the county in securing a 15 year loan from the California Energy Commission (CEC).


1 MW solar power system expected to offset 2.2 million pounds of CO2 emissions over 30 years

According to the press release, the Yolo County solar power system is scheduled for completion by September, 2010, and it is to utilize solar panels and the “Tracker” system made by SunPower. The Tracker follows the sun's movement during the day and is said to be capable of increasing sunlight capture by up to 25 % over conventional fixed-tilt systems, while significantly reducing land use requirements. According to conversion formulas provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Yolo County's system is expected to avoid more than 2.2 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year over the anticipated 30-year life of the system.

PV power plant financed in part with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds

SunPower reports that Bank of America added Yolo County to its growing list of clients with this project. The bank reportedly helped governmental and educational entities, especially in California, to benefit from various state and federal government solar tax incentives. "With the funding we secured as a result of the federal stimulus bill and the California Energy Commission loan, Yolo County has no out-of-pocket expenses to build the project, and will be net cash flow positive from the first day of the system's operation, expected to be later this year", said Yolo County General Services Director Ray Groom. "We estimate that savings over the next 25 years will be about 8.8 million US-dollars, directly benefiting Yolo County residents and businesses.” He added that State and federal funding had helped make solar power an easy, affordable means to reduce county operational costs as well as its dependence on fossil fuels.


First solar system to make use of clean energy renewable bonds

"We congratulate Yolo County for taking this step toward increasing its reliance on renewable energy while also improving its fiscal efficiency", said John Rudberg, Energy Services Sales Executive for Banc of America Public Capital Corporation, part of Bank of America. "This is a great example of the type of energy projects our national and state governments are encouraging through tax policies.” Bill Kelly, Managing Director at SunPower, said: "We believe this is the first solar project to make use of the federal stimulus legislation's clean energy renewable bonds, established last year, and among the first large-scale solar projects to be funded by a California Energy Commission loan. Yolo County is using the federal and state funding to save money, create jobs and produce clean energy for years to come."

2010-03-28   Courtesy: SunPower Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Sunlight Planet and Stonefield Josephson align to target renewable energy

wind turbine in Long Island
wind turbine in Long Island

Sunlight Planet, LLC (Los Angeles, California) and Stonefield Josephson Inc. (Los Angeles, California) in March 2010 announced a strategic alliance to accelerate the widespread adoption of renewable energy by operating companies and property owners. Stonefield Josephson is a certified public accounting firm that advises companies on the business, financial and tax impacts of their environmental practices with expertise in the green marketplace.   The strategic alliance is said to expand the company’s integrated service offerings to current and future clients, leveraging Sunlight Planet's expertise in financial and legal structuring, capital solutions, program management and escrow funds administration in the deployment of renewable energy projects. "This pioneering alliance provides a streamlined, turnkey solution for the financing and swift execution of commercial-scale solar and wind projects by combining Stonefield Josephson's tax and accounting expertise with Sunlight Planet's program management and capital structuring services", said Jeff Garrison, Stonefield Josephson shareholder.



Strategic alliance to secure financing for renewable energy projects

Sunlight Planet is a financial advisory services firm focused on commercial renewable energy projects. Its clients reportedly include REITs, manufacturing and distributions companies, EPCs and real estate developers. "This strategic relationship strengthens the capital, structuring and related financial services we provide to owners of and investors in renewable energy projects", said Sunlight Planet President and Co-founder, Paul Le Blanc. "Working closely with Jeff Garrison and the professionals at Stonefield Josephson maximizes our clients' ability to secure project financing while meeting the complex requirements of investors and lenders in the space, especially those who leverage complex tax credit incentives as part of their capital structure."

Companies offer feasibility studies, financing options and implementation services for renewable energy projects

"Our firm is committed to becoming the go to resource and thought leader for our industry in the green space", Garrison explained. "Our alliance with Sunlight Planet greatly strengthens our firm's green platform and further enhances what we are doing to assist clients with green industry tax incentives, environmental performance reporting, audit procedures and risk reduction. We can now offer our clients evaluating a renewable energy project a streamlined, integrated solution to address project feasibility, financial alternatives and implementation." Rachael Simonoff Wexler, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-founder of Sunlight Planet, added: "Stonefield Josephson's 'Fiscally GreenSM' is dedicated to the financial aspects of green business and provides an ideal framework and the opportunity for us to accelerate the financing and completion of our clients' projects in the rapidly expanding renewable energy commercial market."

2010-03-27   Courtesy: Sunlight Planet, LLC   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sunlight Planet, LLC

 

SPG Solar completes large-scale solar energy system for JMB Realty

SPG Solar (Novato, California) in March 2010 announced that the company had recently completed a second roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system for JMB Realty on the upper floor of Century Park West parking garage in Century City (Los Angeles). This system is expected to offset 80 % of the annual electricity demand for the parking structure, saving the operator more than 46,000 US-dollars per year on electricity costs. The solar power plant is also to offset 7,500 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions through the projected 25-year lifespan of the system.   This project is said to emphasize the feasibility and power of solar projects in dense urban environments where the strategic use of space and innovative deployment techniques are critical to project success. "We are proud to be a part of JMB Realty's continuing commitment to sustainable business practices", said Thomas Rooney, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at SPG Solar. "Delivering responsible energy to exceptional clients is what drives SPG Solar to continue to develop innovative ways to help our clients optimize their investment in solar."



Solar power plant demonstrates feasibility of large-scale installations in urban, high rise environment

In 2008, SPG Solar reportedly completed the first solar project for JMB Realty's Constellation Place LLC., the owner of the prominent MGM Tower. The building's multi-level parking structure presented a unique one-acre area on the top level for a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) system. "We're very proud to have completed our second photovoltaic installation in Century City with SPG Solar, which represents a substantial commitment to energy conservation", said Sarah Shaw, General Manager of Constellation Place. "These were unique projects located in an urban, high rise environment. Together with our original adjacent solar installation at MGM Tower, both systems will generate just under one megawatt of power, a level rarely achieved in urban retrofit projects."

2010-03-27   Courtesy: SPG Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

MAGE SOLAR expands sales in France

PV roof by MAGE SOLAR in Jever, Germany
PV roof by MAGE SOLAR in Jever, Germany

MAGE SOLAR GMBH (Ravensburg, Germany), part of the globally operating MAGE GROUP, is steadily expanding its sales in France. For the German company France is one of the most important growth markets in Europe for solar energy systems. In recent months MAGE SOLAR has taken several orders and registered growing interest in its products. Due to the strong demand for building-integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, MAGE SOLAR is already developing a mounting system specifically for this unit type.   The company’s internal product development places emphasis here on close collaboration with its French customers. The information gained from workshops and meetings with installers and project planners flows directly into the development of the system.

"France is becoming more and more open to the idea of using renewable energies and is for us an important market for the future", explains Norbert Philipp, CEO of MAGE SOLAR GMBH. "The positive feedback received so far from our customers confirms our success in the French market. Our partners value in particular the high quality of our products and our comprehensive services."

MAGE SOLAR entered the French market at the start of last year. In August 2009 it opened an office in Neuf-Brisach, Alsace, which was recently moved to Paris, showing that the supplier of complete solar energy systems also places emphasis on customer proximity in France. The products are sold by the company‘s own field sales team directly to project planners and installers.

2010-03-27   Courtesy: MAGE SOLAR   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: MAGE SOLAR

 

New decree: Czech solar companies fear to lose business

Solar power plant in Stribro, Czech Republic
Solar power plant in Stribro, Czech Republic

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) of the Czech Republic on March 23rd, 2010 announced that it prepared a new decree which would regulate the construction of new solar photovoltaic (PV) plants by May 2010 and scale back solar subsidies in the Czech Republic from 2011. Based on this decree all PV plants installed in the Czech Republic with total output of more than 20 kWp will have to use only PV modules with a total efficiency over 22%, by June, the solar portal site "SolarniNovinky" reports. The argument of MIT is that the Czech Republic should support only the best currently available solar technologies in the world. Another objective of this decree is to shift photovoltaics from land to roofs primarily. 


Unavailability of highly efficient solar modules

At present it seems impossible for Czech solar companies to purchase crystalline modules with an efficiency of more than 22% as requested by MIT, SolarniNovinky emphasizes. The only option would be to look for concentrating PV modules (CPV) with efficiencies over 25%. "However, such solar PV systems are best suited for usage in desert areas (like Nevada or midland Spain), unlike the Czech Republic where there is a shortage of direct sunshine and such system will not work well here", Jaroslav Dorda, Managing Director of SolarniNovinky emphasizes.


"Another blow for struggling Czech solar companies"

At the beginning of February 2010 all three Czech power distribution companies (CEZ, E.ON and PRE) stopped connecting all new PV plants to their grids, Dorda reports. As a result of that many small and medium solar installation and trade companies in the Czech Republic have lost their customers and are unable to win new orders. "Many Czech solar installers have been losing their business and are considerably worried about their future", Dorda says.

Currently due to Dorda, it is not allowed to connect even the smallest rooftop PV installation to the grid in the Czech Republic. "By doing so, the Czech Republic is probably the only country in the European Union which prevents its citizens from cutting their electricity bills by installation of small PV plants on their roofs", he accentuates. Moreover, many of Czech citizens would not be able to invest in new CPV projects since they are more expensive than conventional crystalline PV plants.

The new decree by MIT will stand for another big blow for Czech solar companies since they will not be able to implement new solar projects with output over 20 kWh, Dorda anticipates. "This rigorous requirement of Czech MIT which has no parallel in the entire E.U. will seriously damage not only Czech citizens but also Czech solar companies which may be soon forced to fire their employees. At this moment, there are over 2 000 jobs in jeopardy which will be lost if the new decree of MIT will be applied in the Czech Republic", Dorda forewarns.


Investments into Czech solar power plants endangered

Assuming that the new decree of MIT becomes effective by May 1st, 2010 it will have a fundamental impact on planned investments of many domestic and foreign investors into PV plants in the Czech Republic. Unless these investors have valid construction permits (issued before May 1st), they will be obliged to follow the new decree of the Czech MIT. "Consequently, these investors will have to alter their business plans. Either they will have to purchase new CPV modules (no other modules will be allowed) or give up their investments in the Czech Republic at all. Since many investors were not prepared for such a measure well in advance, they are likely to be hurt by such action established by the Czech MIT.”

Solar power plants will not cause a "blackout"

According to an analysis made by two independent renowned companies - EGU Praha Engineering a.s. and Protection&Consulting s.r.o. there is no real danger of a "blackout" in the Czech Republic brought about by the erratic output from solar PV plants even if their total output will double during 2010. In this respect, Jaroslav Pospisil - CEO of the leading Czech solar integrator Protection & Consulting s.r.o proclaimed that "there is no reasonable reason for any technical limitation of grid connections of new PV plants with output up to 500 kWp. Moreover the operators of the power grids should also accept connection of utility ground-mounted PV plants with output between 1-3 MWp. The only big issues are giant PV plants with output over 15 MWp."


What is really behind the anti-PV campaign in the Czech Republic?

Mr. Rehak - Chairman of the Czech Photovoltaic Industry Association (CZEPHO) - last week proclaimed that the real cause of the ban of grid connections of new PV plants was purely related to the competition fight. The whole issue for him was a typical example of a conflict between the "new green energies" represented by PV plants on the one hand and "the old energies" represented by coal-fired power plants on the other hand. Due to Dorda the fact is that Czech monopoly power producer lost its market share in power production in 2009 . The reason was a dynamic development of PV plants in the Czech Republic. "Maybe some other operators of coal powered plants feel also endangered because of the 'new solar phenomenon' in the Czech Republic”, Dorda emphasizes.


Fate of PV seems to be in the hands of Czech politicians

Last week the Czech Parliament approved a new bill which will enable to scale back solar subsidies in the Czech Republic from 2011, Dorda reports. This new bill was greatly welcomed by CZEPHO members. But unless the new PV plants will be allowed to be grid connected, the future for many Czech solar companies and their employees is very uncertain, Dorda outlines.

2010-03-26   Courtesy: Jaroslav Dorda, SolarniNovinky.cz,   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ANTARIS-SOLAR GmbH & Co. KG

 

Siemens to supply receivers for new solar thermal power plant in Spain

Receiver production in Beit Shemesh, Israel
Receiver production in Beit Shemesh, Israel

Siemens Energy (Erlangen, Germany) has received an order to supply solar thermal receivers to Spain, the company reports in a press release. Purchaser is a consortium between ABANTIA and COMSA EMTE, which will act as EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) to develop a concentrating solar thermal power plant (CSP) in Les Borges Blanques in the province of Lleida in Northeastern Spain. Siemens will deliver the solar receivers UVAC (Universal Vacuum Air Collector) which will be employed in the solar field. The start up of the solar plant is foreseen to be in 2012.   "This is the first major solar power component purchase in Spain subsequent to the release of the most recent Royal Decree", said Avi Brenmiller, CEO of Siemens Concentrated Solar Power Ltd. "Siemens is in a position to offer highly efficient solar receiver and system solutions, such as solar fields or power blocks, as well as complete plant solutions for parabolic trough power plants. Our objective is to address the project-specific needs of our customers in the most flexible way."


CSP market to grow with double-digit growth rates

Until 2020, the market for solar thermal power plants will show annual double-digit growth rates and attain a volume of over EUR 20 billion, Siemens emphasizes. In the future, the primary focal growth regions will be North Africa, South Africa, Middle East, Australia, India, Spain and the U.S. Siemens has announced investments in Israel for expansion of capacity for the production of solar thermal components and will create over 150 new green jobs. The new facility is expected to go on-line in 2012. "This expansion of production capacity in Israel will enable us to meet the increasing demand for solar thermal components", added Brenmiller.

More than 150,000 UVACs have been successfully installed in power plants in commercial operation in Spain and the United States, Siemens reports. Thanks to high-tech coatings, the UVAC absorbs the maximum possible solar energy, which is then converted into steam to run a steam turbine, the company accentuates. It features extremely high solar absorption and reduced heat loss (emissivity), thus significantly increasing the cost-effectiveness of a solar thermal power plant. The power block and the solar field equipped with highly efficient receivers are the key systems of every parabolic trough power plant. These power plants have the best track record of all utility-scale power generating solar technologies.

2010-03-26   Courtesy: Siemens Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Siemens Energy

 

Q-Cells selects Flextronics to manufacture 200 MW of solar modules

Flextronics to produce PV modules for Q-Cells
Flextronics to produce PV modules
for Q-Cells

Flextronics (Singapore) announced that it has entered into an agreement to produce solar modules for German Q-Cells SE, one of the world’s largest solar cell producers. The deal, which is one of the largest solar manufacturing contracts awarded in the industry to date, positions Flextronics as a leading EMS player in the Clean Tech market. Flextronics will dedicate 200 Megawatts of the capacity at its Clean Tech Super Site in Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Malaysia, to the production of Q-Cells’ solar modules.   This highly strategic location provides Q-Cells with a world-class solution and capitalizes on the solar supply chain that is rapidly evolving in Malaysia. Q-Cells is expected to benefit from an optimized supply chain in terms of product costs and logistics to its end markets, and ultimately a strengthened market position by leveraging Flextronics’ scale and manufacturing expertise.





Nedim Cen, CEO of Q-Cells SE, stated: "We are very pleased to have found an experienced, flexible partner in Flextronics who will support us in expanding our product range by crystalline modules. This partnership represents a major milestone in the strategic positioning of our company."

"The manufacture of solar modules for Q-Cells aligns fully with one of the major strategic initiatives of Flextronics, which is to establish Flextronics as the OEM partner of choice in Clean Tech, where we are actively driving the delivery of sustainable, environmentally-conscious technology solutions for Clean Tech customers", stated EC Sykes, president of Flextronics Industrial. Production according to Flextronics is underway, with the first Q-Cells modules produced in mid-March.

2010-03-26   Courtesy: Flextronics   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Flextronics

 

SMA America partners with Sacramento State University and IEEE to discuss grid-tied solar power

Sacramento State University
Sacramento State University

SMA America (Rocklin, California), the U.S. subsidiary of the SMA Group (Niestetal, Germany), a leading manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) inverters, on March 23rd, 2010 announced that the Sacramento State University, in conjunction with the IEEE Sacramento Valley Section and the SMA "Solar Academy", recently held an educational seminar for engineering students and business professionals on the university campus.   The event was hosted by the California Smart Grid Center in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Sacramento State, and reportedly featured a one day training course and discussion on grid-tied PV systems, code compliance and performance monitoring. According to the press release, both residential and commercial, as well as utility-scale solar PV systems were discussed during the full day seminar. Antonio Gomez, Solar Academy Manager at SMA America, was the featured speaker.


Students and attendees from local utilities gathered for PV seminar

"The Electrical Engineering department at Sacramento State provides students with a high quality education that prepares them to easily adapt to rapidly changing technologies", said Sacramento State Dean of Engineering and Computer Science, Dr. Emir Jose Macari. "By partnering with a solar industry leader such as SMA, we are able to provide our students with access to real world applications, challenges and resources that prepare them for life after school." Dave Wojciechowski, Director of sales for SMA America, added: "SMA believes education is extremely important to the development and success of the PV industry. By partnering with the College of Engineering at Sacramento State to provide training for students and professionals, SMA is investing in our current and future solar workforce." The Solar Academy is SMA’s educational initiative aimed at supporting existing and prospective solar industry professionals.

2010-03-26   Courtesy: SMA America   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SMA America

 

Victor Valley College goes solar with SolFocus power plant

SolFocus CPV systems on the campus in Victorville is underway
SolFocus CPV systems on the
campus in Victorville is underway

SolFocus (Mountain View, California) and Victor Valley College in March 2010 announced that they are installing a one megawatt (MW) facility of high concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems on the college campus in Victorville, California. According to the press release the solar micro-generating facility is to cover an area of six acres and is expected to produce 2.69 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean power per year, which is roughly 30 % of the college's electricity demand.   The plant will consist of 122 arrays each with a capacity of 8.4 kilowatt (kW) and its construction is reportedly underway. Upon completion, scheduled for May 2010, it will be the largest energy facility of its kind in North America, SolFocus reports.



CPV plant to help reduce energy costs, increase revenue and provide solar training and job opportunities

"After reviewing several options for a solar provider, SolFocus demonstrated that it could deliver the best value in solar energy for the college", said Victor Valley College President Dr. Robert Silverman. "This project can be a model for other colleges and universities in meeting energy needs and supporting a green jobs economy." Victor Valley College expects to achieve three main goals with the solar plant, namely reducing its energy costs, increasing revenue streams from outside sources and creating training opportunities for well paying jobs in the new energy economy. The advanced solar micro-generating facility is said to be central in achieving these three goals. The college expects to benefit from about 4 million US-dollars paid over five years through performance-based incentives as part of the California Solar Initiative (CSI) program.

Solar plant uses earth-friendly technology with environmental benefits

The SolFocus CPV technology employs a system of patented reflective optics to concentrate sunlight 650 times onto small, highly efficient solar cells. The company reports that it deployed its "SF-1100S" system at the college, which uses approximately 1/1,000th of the active, expensive solar cell material compared to traditional photovoltaic (PV) panels. According to the press release, this system also offers environmental benefits including next-to-no water usage, a small land footprint with dual use potential, and no permanent shadowing or wildlife corridor disruption. "This project between SolFocus and Victor Valley College is the first of its kind in North America", said Mark Crowley, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SolFocus. "SolFocus technology can scale up or down very easily to accommodate a wide variety of energy demands from smaller distributed generation projects to utility-scale projects." SolFocus plans to support the college in its curriculum development around advanced solar energy technology.

2010-03-26   Courtesy: SolFocus   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SolFocus

 

Dyesol debuts in Bloomberg’s top five "New Energy Pioneers"

Dye solar cell
Dye solar cell

Dyesol Limited (Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia), developer and manufacturer of dye solar cells (DSC), on March 22nd, 2010 announced that it was selected as one of only five companies in the world and the only Australian company to make the Bloomberg New Energy Finance list of "New Energy Pioneers".   The "Pioneers Program" is a new award at the 2010 Bloomberg New Energy Finance Summit, recognizing five companies that analysts consider to be highly promising and progressive in the field of new energy technology and innovation. According to the press release, AlertMe, Magnomatics, Novacem, Topell Energy and Dyesol were this year’s top five companies receiving the award. They represent a range of sectors, from energy storage conversion to energy efficiency and transportation, Dyesol reports.


Company recognized as "game changer" in new energy technology

"Bloomberg New Energy Finance chose these companies because we feel they are potential 'game changers' in new energy technology and innovation", said Michael Liebreich, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bloomberg New Energy Finance. "The work they are doing is progressive and significant to the future of the energy sector, and they could play a significant role in the world’s transition to a lower carbon, more secure, smart, decentralized energy system." Richard Caldwell, Dyesol’s Executive Chairman, said: "To be included in the Bloomberg New Energy Finance New Energy Pioneers is a magnificent achievement for Dyesol. We are indeed proud and honored to be recognized as the world leader in our field." Dyesol reports that its dye solar cell (DSC) technology can best be described as an "artificial photosynthesis" using a layer of nanoparticulate titania coated with a dye and filled with an electrolyte deposited on glass, metal or polymer substrates. Light striking the dye excites electrons, which are absorbed by the titania to become an electric current, creating photovoltaic (PV) power.

2010-03-26   Courtesy: Dyesol Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Dyesol Limited

 

PV research: NREL installs new robots to test solar cell efficiency

The hub of the robot in the Process Develop- ment and Integration Laboratory that works with solar cells using Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide (CIGS)
The hub of the robot in the Process Develop-
ment and Integration Laboratory that works
with solar cells using Copper Indium Gallium
diSelenide (CIGS)

The United States Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL) is advancing its work to develop more efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) cells with the help of six new robots installed at its Colorado campus. NREL says the new robots, installed in their high-vacuum Process Development and Integration Laboratory, both help them to imitate industry processes and offer new advantages for PV research. The six robots each work with a different material, including silicon, Copper Indium Gallium DiSelenide (CIGS) and cadmium-telluride.   Their design is based upon a central hub that rotates materials between several tools, allowing the robots to conduct multiple processes simultaneously. "The old way we used to do things, each layer required a different machine", says NREL Scientist Ingrid Repins. "We would take out the substrate and put it into another machine. Each time the plate was removed, humidity could weaken the cell and there were issues of cleanliness and contamination."




Fastest robot able to produce a solar cell on a variety of materials in roughly 35 minutes

The new robots have the advantage of being able to test the solar cells as they are created, using lasers and sensors to measure how each cell is growing, and are able to produce cells very rapidly. NREL boasts that its fastest robot, which makes silicon-based cells, can make a solar cell on a variety of materials in roughly 35 minutes. NREL says the design of the robots will allow solar companies to attach their own tools and test particular processes. Last month, NREL signed a research and development deal with Climax Molybdenum to allow the company to use the robots to test a new processs of building sodium into the molybdenum layer and then sputtering that sodium onto the CIGS layer.


Getting a better look at the quality of CIGS cell materials

"The system was designed to allow us to do things we could not do before, such as get a better look at impurities and the quality of materials, the different layers that compose the CIGS cell", says NREL Senior Scientist Miguel Contreras. "It's helping us understand better what is limiting our efficiencies, as well as learning how to improve industrial productivity." NREL is the premier research and development laboratory for solar technologies in the United States. Two years ago NREL set a world record for thin-film solar cell efficiency with a 20% efficient CIGS cell.

2010-03-25   Courtesy: NREL   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: NREL; Pat Corkery

 

Taiwanese Neo Solar Power to expand annual solar cell production capacity to 800 MW

Neo Solar Power Corporation (NSP), a producer of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells in Hsingchu, Taiwan, in March 2010 announced that the company’s Board had approved a capacity expansion of 200 megawatts (MW), enlarging its annual production capacity for PV cells to 800 MW.   The extra 200 MW are to be completed in 2010. According to the press release, the extra 200 MW will cost approx. 1.4 billion New Taiwan dollars (NT$; 43 million US-dollars).


Financing of production capacity expansion secured

The funding for the capacity expansion is reportedly secured. NSP plans to raise the capital through one of the three options approved by its Board, including equity offering, Global Depository Receipts (GDR) issuing, or the private placement. The total capital raising is estimated to amount to approximately 3 billion NT$ (9.4 million US-dollars) and is to take place concurrently with the syndication loan. The actual funding plan is to be decided in accordance with the market conditions. With the bullish outlook for the solar industry in 2010, NSP says it actively maintains its production capacity expansion in line with customer’s demand while reducing its manufacturing cost.

2010-03-25   Courtesy: Neo Solar Power Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Neo Solar Power Corporation

 

OPDE inaugurates control center to manage multiple solar farm operations in real time

Control Center Based at the Rios Company in Navarra
Control Center Based at the Rios Company
in Navarra

The OPDE Group (Navarra, Spain), dedicated to the promotion, development, construction, operation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants, on March 22nd, 2010 announced that it had launched a new data control center at its RÍOS headquarters in Fustiñana (Navarra, Spain). RÍOS, part of OPDE, is the Group’s company responsible for civil works, engineering, installation and plant maintenance.   According to the press release, the control center is able to monitor and manage all the inverters and trackers on the company’s solar farms in Spain and Italy in real time. The control center was reportedly designed and implemented by RÍOS, and was set up as an additional service to support current operations and maintenance offered to the Group’s customers. The aim is to fully optimize the management of the solar parks. The center is monitoring more than 7,000 trackers and 21,000 solar PV solar farm inverters, which obtain some 73 megawatts (MW) of power, OPDE reports.


Additional control centers planned for the United States and Italy

The company expects the control center to incorporate more PV solar plants to cover 100 MW of installed capacity. According to the press release, OPDE also plans to offer operation control and maintenance services for PV plants that were not built by the Group. The new facility’s main advantage is its real-time data regarding the operation, performance, status and incidences at the solar farms. It is reportedly possible to respond to any incident or alarm occurring at any of the inverters or trackers within hours, thereby improving their performance and productivity. The control center is said to enable the calculation of a plant’s performance ratio (PR) allowing for statistics on the availability of the farm. The OPDE Group plans to launch similar control centers in the United States and Italy through RÍOS, which are to monitor the operation of wind farms in those countries.


Real-time monitoring allows for timely response to incidents at solar power plants

The operation of the control center software reportedly works via the Internet and is integrated into Google Earth. It enables tracker and inverter data to be stored every 5 minutes, allowing for real-time management of alarms. The recorded data reportedly includes the azimuth and zenith position of each tracker, the status of the detectors and trackers, wind speed and direction, radiation from the sensors, temperature, moisture, production data of the inverters, among other information. In case of an incident, an alarm goes off at the solar farm and is registered in the control center. The control center then reports the incident to the professional in charge of the maintenance of the solar farm in question to minimize the time to solve the incident. OPDE reports that the system also has access to the surveillance cameras at each solar plant, allowing for real-time visuals about what is happening on site.

2010-03-25   Courtesy: OPDE Group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: OPDE Group

 

MSGI Energy announces plans for "Solar One" solar farms in Connecticut

MSGI Security Solutions Inc. (New York) on March 23rd, 2010 reported that MSGI Energy, a subsidiary of MSGI Security Solutions, Inc., will build and operate "Solar One" in Preston Connecticut. Solar One is the first of more than ten solar farms that MSGI Energy will establish in partnership with Franklin Energy during 2010. All solar farms will produce revenue in the year that they are installed, and the cost to build out the facilities will be materially offset by stimulus money provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, MSGI Energy announces in a press release.   The first 10 megawatts of Solar One are projected to generate approximately .8 million in revenue through Power Purchase Agreements and by sending power directly into the grid. The Preston Connecticut land consists of 68 acres, which provides capacity to supply over 12,000 homes with Renewable Energy. This parcel of land is owned by Franklin Energy.


Groundbreaking scheduled by June 1st

Each of the planned solar farms will be EBITDA positive in their first year of operation, MSGI Energy emphasizes. Depending on the amortization schedule utilized, the solar farms will generate positive net income within the first 18 months of operation. MSGI Energy and Franklin Energy expect to break ground by June 1st, 2010 and will submit the paperwork for stimulus grants to the United States Treasury by May 1st, 2010 . The first megawatt of power will be online within the next 120 days.

2010-03-25   Courtesy: MSGI Security Solutions Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

CNPV signs long-term strategic partnership with German CTS Solar GmbH

CNPV Solar Power SA announced that it has entered into a long-term strategic partnership sales agreement with CTS Solar GmbH, a south-German photovoltaic company active in roof top and ground-based power plants project development, installation and distribution company. Under the terms of this strategic agreement, CNPV will supply CTS Solar with a total of 21MWp of PV Modules from 2010 to 2012, which includes 5MWp of scheduled delivery during 2010.   The remaining 6MWp and 10MWp are scheduled for delivery in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

"We are very pleased to announce this new strategic partnership with CTS Solar, to further strengthen the existing well established partnership. Our strategic partnership with CTS Solar 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 German and Austrian solar markets", stated jointly Mr. Zhang Shunfu, CNPV's CEO, and B. Veerraju Chaudary, CNPV's COO, CTO & Member of the Board. "We look forward to continuing to expand our relationship with one of our loyal strategic partners CTS Solar by providing high quality modules, premium service and a low cost industry leading platform."

CTS Solar GmbH from South Germany is proud of this new strategic sales agreement with CNPV. "We consider this as a continuation of our good relationship with CNPV to use their high quality modules in our projects and to offer their premium service to our customers in Germany and Austria", commented jointly Mr. Clause Romankiewicz, CEO, and Mr. Eric Lechelt, Sales Director of CTS Solar.

2010-03-25   Courtesy: CNPV Solar Power SA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Washington Governor awards 3TIER "Emerging Trader of the Year"

3TIER's Solar Prospecting Tools
3TIER's Solar Prospecting Tools

3TIER Environmental Forecast Group, Inc. (3TIER; Seattle, Washington), a global renewable energy information service company, on March 18th, 2010 announced that it was selected for the 2010 Governor "Emerging Trader of the Year" award. The award is said to honor a Washington state business that has demonstrated success and industry leadership through its innovation in products and services, its contribution to the local economy and its service to the community.   "3TIER is a visionary company that is helping solve the problems of energy independence and climate change”, said Washington Governor Chris Gregoire. "The company is an example of Washington state’s ability to provide an environment for high technology businesses to thrive and create jobs in a global marketplace."



Access to important siting data

3TIER reports that it uses expertise in weather, climate and state-of-the-art computer modeling technologies to empower clients to make better decisions about their renewable energy investments. The company’s suite of products work together to help clients find the best location for renewable energy projects, assess resource availability to enable due diligence at any site and forecast power production once projects are built. Based on the belief that reliable and efficient integration of renewable energy can be achieved through a diversified portfolio of renewable technologies, 3TIER is unique in offering products across all three primary weather-driven renewables: wind, solar and hydro power. "We are honored to be recognized as an innovator and as a contributing force in helping build a clean tech economy in our state", said Kenneth Westrick, 3TIER Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "Being headquartered in Washington gives us access to world-class scientific and information technology resources. From that foundation we’re able to extend our reach to the furthest corners of the globe to empower the responsible and economical development of renewable energy."

2010-03-25   Courtesy: 3TIER Environmental Forecast Group, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: 3TIER Environmental Forecast Group, Inc.

 

Sustainable Energy Technologies partners with changetec GmbH to enter German solar market

Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd. (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) in March 2010 announced that it had agreed to supply solar distributor changetec GmbH (Freiberg, Germany), with an initial 2 megawatts (MW) of "SUNERGY ELV" extra low voltage solar inverters for distribution under a private label to the German solar market in 2010.   changetec is part of the SolarConsult AG group, a solar PV provider with more than 1,800 installations across Germany "Sustainable’s 'SUNERGY ELV' is the perfect addition to our low voltage inverter portfolio", said Marten Zotner, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of changetec. "With its high power output and high efficiency, it is the ideal inverter for industrial rooftop projects."


Inverter technology allows for parallel solar PV system design

First deliveries under the contract are expected to begin in the next two months. In addition to distributing SUNERGY inverters, changetec is to provide after-sales support and repair services for all "SUNERGY Low Voltage" (LV) and ELV inverters distributed by Sustainable Energy and its other German partners in Germany. According to the press release, the SUNERGY LV and ELV inverter platform enables solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to operate at their optimum power output in parallel with other panels within the system. With system operating voltages set to the inherently low voltages of the solar PV panels, the parallel system architecture is said to eliminate the risk of serious injury making it the ideal solution for applications where public safety is a concern.


Established distributor network to facilitate solar market entry in Germany

Sustainable Energy reports that a parallel PV system design is also able to increase total system power output from 5 % - 15 %, depending on site conditions, and that it eliminates the need for site specific custom design. These systems can therefore be designed and installed by mainstream building trades. "We are very excited about our partnership with changetec", said Axel Hartung, Vice President of Sustainable Energy. "Their widely diversified and highly regarded network of distributors throughout Germany is the perfect first sales channel for our products in what is still the largest solar PV market in the world."

2010-03-24   Courtesy: Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SolarWorld earns top score among conventional PV module makers in tech watchdog group’s sustainability "scorecard"

SolarWorld Industries America Inc. (San Jose, Calif.) performed best among makers of conventional solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in an independent survey of photovoltaic manufacturing companies' performance on environmental and social responsibilities, according to a new report from the high-technology watchdog group Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. SolarWorld, on own account the nation’s largest and most experienced solar manufacturer, earned a "sunny" ranking, a gold star and the top numerical rating among crystalline photovoltaic manufacturers in a report that the SVTC released on March 24th, 2010.   The tech-industry environmental-advocacy group, which authored the report "Toward a Just and Sustainable Solar Industry" in 2009 and previously spearheaded initiatives to curb computer waste, has stirred national discussion about the solar industry’s responsible, clean development.



Boris Klebensberger: The interests of sustainability must define the solar industry

SolarWorld has led the solar industry in product and manufacturing stewardship and transparency, launching the first and still only conventional PV recycling plant in 2003, earning high marks in global sustainability reporting and donating modules for rural-electrification projects in developing nations. Among the projects have been several in Haiti, both before and after earthquake disaster struck on Jan. 12th. "The interests of sustainability must define the solar industry", said Boris Klebensberger, SolarWorld’s chief operating officer and the company’s top executive in the Americas. "It is not enough to drive technology for more sustainable energy production. The industry also must develop along a wholly sustainable course."

As part of the SVTC research, Mr. Klebensberger invited a delegation of its leaders and researchers to its recycling plant in Freiberg, Germany, a visit that became a stop on a European industry tour. In Germany, the company has won the federal government’s award for the most sustainable production.

To view the SVTC’s full scorecard, visit www.solarscorecard.com.

2010-03-24   Courtesy: SolarWorld group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SVTC

 

Photovoltaics in India: Ascent Solar Technologies signs strategic alliance agreement with Kirloskar Integrated Technologies

CIGS photovoltaic modules by Ascent Solar
CIGS photovoltaic modules by Ascent Solar

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Thornton, Colorado), a developer of flexible thin-film solar modules announced that it had signed a strategic alliance agreement with Kirloskar Integrated Technologies Limited, India (Kirloskar), part of the industrial and engineering conglomerate Kirloskar Group.   Under the terms of the multi-phase agreement the two companies are to commence the integration, marketing and distribution of Ascent Solar's flexible copper-indium-gallium-(di)selenide (CIGS) photovoltaic (PV) modules into products designed to address multiple market opportunities in India. Ascent Solar reports that target markets include defense, consumer portable power, off grid rural power solutions and hybrid solar and diesel generation back up power systems.


Companies plan to establish PV module manufacturing capabilities in India

During the second phase of the agreement, a complete backend module assembly plant is to be established in India, and during the third and final phase of the contract, production in India is to be expanded to include complete end to end PV module manufacturing. According to the press release, the alliance agreement results from the collaboration achieved thus far under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which the two companies had signed in September of 2009. L.A. Joshi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kirloskar, said: "Kirloskars's vision is to provide decentralized sustainable solutions based on renewable resources. Having successfully established energy solutions using technologies like anaerobic digestion of organic waste and non-edible vegetable oil and biodiesel, we were in search of an appropriate partner for solar photovoltaics, which can compliment Kirloskar's strength as a leader in distributed power generation." Joshi added that he is pleased to have Ascent as a partner in the endeavor to harness the large solar energy potential related to off-grid and on-grid applications, while taking advantage of the favorable policies of the Indian government.


Cooperation to leverage established sales and marketing channels in India

Ascent Solar’s President and CEO Farhad Moghadam said: "Our relationship with Kirloskar provides Ascent Solar with a partner for development of multiple market opportunities in a rapidly advancing country like India. We believe that Kirloskar has significant relationships and well established sales and marketing channels in key target markets for defense, space, consumer electronics and hybrid diesel generators. We are proud to continue our work with Kirloskar to address a wide array of growing off-grid and on-grid PV opportunities in the growing Indian market."

2010-03-24   Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.

 

Ventizz Capital Fund acquires PV producer Sovello AG

Sovellos`Head office, Bitterfeld-Wolfen.
Sovellos`Head office, Bitterfeld-Wolfen.

The owners of Sovello AG (Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany) signed a contract with Ventizz Capital Fund IV, L.P. to sell 100% of their interest in Sovello to the fund. In the course of this transaction, Ventizz plans to increase the equity of Sovello AG by an amount in the double-digit million Euro range and to largely eliminate the company’s debt, Ventizz Capital Partners announces in a press release. The change in ownership is subject to the approval by the participating financial institutions as well as antitrust, state and local authorities. Until now, the shareholders Evergreen Solar Inc, Q-Cells SE and REC ASA each held 33.3% of Sovello.  Dr. Ted Scheidegger, CEO of Sovello AG, expresses his appreciation for the contributions of the current shareholders to the establishment and growth of the Company and is very pleased with the opportunities that the change in ownership as well as the concurrent capital increase offer for the future development of the Company: "We regard it as both a recognition and a challenge that an investor as experienced in the sector as Ventizz has decided to invest in Sovello as a technology and growth platform considering the currently challenging times in the solar industry. A solid financial foundation, confidence in the capability to innovate and quality awareness of our employees in Bitterfeld-Wolfen combined with the excellent reputation of our products among customers are all ingredients which will allow Sovello to successfully compete on a global basis in future."


Fully integrated company covers three levels of the PV value chain

Dr. Helmut Vorndran, Managing Partner of Ventizz Capital Partners - advisor to the investing Fund - is also convinced that the entry of the Fund is the right decision for both parties: "Sovello is one of the few fully integrated players which cover three levels of the value chain, namely wafer, cell and module production, and at the same time epitomize competitive premium technology 'Made in Germany". Furthermore, the Company is led by an experienced and highly qualified executive management team. We are, therefore, very confident that the Company with Ventizz’s support has excellent chances to achieve an outstanding position in the highly competitive and rapidly growing global solar market in the coming years."


2010-03-24   Courtesy: Ventizz Capital Partners   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sovello AG

 

EnBW to build solar power plant with 5.5 MW of Solarfun PV modules in Ulm, Germany

EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, the third largest energy company in Germany, announced that it plans to build a solar park in Baden-Wuerttemberg using 5.5 MW of photovoltaic (PV) modules produced by Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and PV cells and modules in China. The solar park, one of the largest in the region, will be constructed on a former dumpsite and is expected to be connected to the grid in June 2010.   The new project is expected to supply electricity to approximately 1,970 households and save approximately 3,990 tons of carbon dioxide per year.


eNBW's fifth PV project in the past few months

Stefan Thiele, spokesman of the management board of EnBW Erneuerbare Energien GmbH, commented: "EnBW is expanding its development goals in the renewable energy sector. In addition to a central focus on hydropower and wind energy, EnBW is also increasingly concentrating on solar energy. We are looking forward to building this project in the town of Eggingen near Ulm, Germany. It will be our fifth PV project in the past few months and will be one of the biggest solar parks in the region. The eight hectares will be covered by polycrystalline PV modules produced by Solarfun. Siemens will deliver the central inverters. The construction work will be provided by Bayer & Raach, a solar company in Zwiefalten, Germany."

EnBW plans to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix to 20% by 2020. In doing so, EnBW intends to focus on the expansion of wind energy and hydropower and on further developing technologies such as solar energy, biomass and biogas. In the PV field, EnBW will increase its installed power to 10 MW with the Ulm-Eggingen solar park. EnBW connected its first large solar project with a 2.1 MW park in Leibertingen. In addition, EnBW installed approximately 1 MW of PV modules on the roofs of its logistics and administration centers in Wendlingen and Stuttgart.

Peter Xie, President of Solarfun, added:"We are pleased that EnBW decided to choose our high-quality modules for this new project in Germany. EnBW is an important new customer and we look forward to building a long-term relationship with EnBW. Renewable energy continues to play an important role in Germany and we are happy that our advanced technology will be serving the people of Baden-Wuerttemberg for many years to come."

2010-03-24   Courtesy: Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

5N Plus enters into a long-term supply and recycling agreement with Calyxo, a Q-Cells subsidiary

5N Plus produces semiconductor compounds, like cadmium telluride (CdTe)
5N Plus produces semiconductor
compounds, like cadmium telluride
(CdTe)

5N Plus Inc. (Saint Laurent, Québec, Canada), a producer and provider of high-purity metals and compounds for electronic applications, announced that it had signed a long-term supply and recycling agreement with Calyxo GmbH (Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany). Under the terms of this agreement, 5N Plus is to provide Calyxo with semiconductor compounds, including cadmium telluride (CdTe) and cadmium sulfide through its subsidiary 5N PV GmbH.   This agreement is also said to include long-term photovoltaic (PV) module and production scrap recycling services, which were reportedly made possible by intensive development efforts performed by 5N Plus to optimize its recycling solutions for Calyxo’s specific requirements.



German subsidiary to provide semiconductor compounds and recycling services

5N Plus President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jacques L'Écuyer, said: "Calyxo and Q-cells have been at the forefront of PV technology for many years and we are excited about the future prospects of our collaboration. In 2006, we made the strategic decision to set-up a new manufacturing facility in Germany to support the growth of the German and European PV industry. As a result our German subsidiary 5N PV GmbH is now ideally suited to provide both the critical semiconductor compounds and recycling services required by Calyxo." According to the press release, 5N Plus draws its name from the purity of its products, 99.999% (five nines or 5N) and more. The company develops and produces high-purity metals and compounds for electronic applications and provides its customers with recycling solutions.

2010-03-24   Courtesy: CALYXO GMBH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: 5N Plus Inc.

 

SEIA: Poll shows 3 out of 4 Americans approve solar energy development on public lands in the United States

Americans support solar energy plants on public lands
Americans support solar energy plants
on public lands

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on March 18th, 2010 released new national polling data showing that 75 % of those surveyed support the development of solar energy plants on U.S. public lands. The poll was reportedly conducted by Gotham Research Group (New York, New York). Solar industry and environmental leaders, as well as Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-8th) and pollster Jeff Levine joined SEIA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rhone Resch on a call to discuss the results. “The polling data we are releasing today confirms what we already knew", said Resch.   "The American public overwhelming supports the development of solar energy. It is time for our elected officials to respond to this high public demand and enact policies that allow solar to compete with other energy sources on a level playing field."



U.S. popular support for solar energy generation ranks first among renewable sources

According to the press release, the survey also revealed that solar power was the top choice (38 %) as the best use of public land. Respondents also selected solar farms and wind power (22 % each) as the top energy sources that the government should prioritize for support, beating out natural gas (16 %), nuclear (16 %), oil (11 %) and coal (4 %). "When Americans talk about solar energy, they usually envision rooftop systems, which are great", said Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ). "But it’s important to also realize the significant role that utility-scale solar has to play. Large solar installations use economies of scale to achieve significant cost savings and help Americans to get the most solar ‘bang for the buck.’ It’s great to confirm that the rest of America is just as excited about utility solar as we are", the Arizona Congresswoman added.


Solar industry leaders expect creation of thousands of jobs in the United States

"The 17 gigawatts of utility-scale solar projects proposed in the United States offer great opportunities for companies like ours", said Tom Hecht, Vice President of sales and marketing at SCHOTT Solar (Elmsford, New York). "Not only will these projects produce clean, reliable energy, but they will create tens of thousands of high-paying, American jobs in manufacturing and construction trades from coast to coast. This would include significant new jobs at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in New Mexico, where we manufacture both high-quality photovoltaic panels and concentrating solar power receivers."

Tom Georgis, Vice President Development with SolarReserve (Santa Monica, California), said: "With a successful 10 megawatt pilot project, more than 3,000 megawatts in the pipeline, and two recent PPAs with Nevada Energy and PG&E, we are primed for explosive growth in the United States, as is the entire utility-scale solar sector. This industry can provide clean solar power to millions of households while creating thousands of new green energy jobs."


Utility scale solar projects to create more than 100,000 U.S. jobs

Marc Ulrich, Vice President of Renewable & Alternative Power with Southern California Edison (SCE), joined solar industry leaders by expressing his support for solar energy projects, pointing at the success of his company’s "Sierra SunTower" utility-scale solar project. "Solar is California's great untapped renewable resource, and we look forward to integrating more into our energy generation portfolio and to working toward the state's renewables goal", Ulrich empasized. SEIA reports that industry leaders also discussed the promising outlook for utility-scale solar in the U.S. According to the press release, five new pilot plants came on line in 2009 and there are more than 100 utility-scale solar projects under development. These projects represent more than 17 gigawatts (GW) of capacity, which is said to be enough to provide clean power to 3.4 million households and to create more than 100,000 American jobs.


Representative group of 500 Americans provided pollsters with data

"The sun provides more energy in an hour than all the coal mines and oil wells do in a year. This solar energy is limitless and pollution free", said Sean Garren, Clean Energy Advocate with Environment America (Boston, Massachusetts). "Solar energy will play a major role in weaning the nation from dangerous, polluting, unstable and, in many cases, increasingly expensive forms of energy. America can and must figure out how to tap the heat and power of the sun." According to SEIA, the findings of the survey are based on polling conducted from February 24th through February 26th, 2010, among a representative sample of 500 U.S. adults. The margin of error on the total sample of 500 is estimated at +/- 4.4 percent.

Further information:

-Utility-Scale Solar Poll Findings by Gotham Research

-Utility-Scale Solar Projects (Operational, Under Construction, or Under Development)

2010-03-24   Courtesy: SEIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SEIA

 

RF Micro Devices achieves milestone in commercialization of high-performance PV cells

RF Micro Devices, Inc. (RFMD; Greensboro, North Carolina), a global company that designs and manufactures high-performance radio frequency components and compound semiconductor technologies, in March 2010 announced that it had successfully manufactured what is believed to be the industry's first photovoltaic (PV) cell using high-volume gallium arsenide (GaAs) machinery.   According to the press release, RFMD was able to manufacture the PV cell with its existing high-volume, six-inch GaAs wafer fabrication facilities with no fabrication equipment modifications. This achievement is believed to represent the first in a series of milestone achievements anticipated by RFMD related to the commercialization of high-performance multi-junction PV cells.



Cooperative agreement with NREL to research use of existing semiconductor machinery for production of PV cells

On July 1st, 2009, RFMD announced that the company had entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop a commercially viable and high volume-capable compound semiconductor-based process for high-performance multi-junction PV cells. NREL’s Director Dan Arvizu congratulated RFMD on its first technical performance achievement under this agreement. Bob Bruggeworth, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RFMD, said: "By combining NREL's technology leadership and decades of research with RFMD's industry-leading cost structure and technical expertise in commercializing high-performance, reliability-proven compound semiconductors, we are accelerating the commercialization of a next-generation process technology that promises the solar industry's lowest cost, highest-performance PV cells."


Volume-production of high-efficiency solar cells to be launched in 2012

RFMD reports it was able to achieve this PV cell milestone in the "Foundation Phase" of the agreement with NREL. During the upcoming "Technology Demonstration Phase" PV cells are to be fabricated at RFMD's manufacturing facilities leveraging NREL's intellectual proprerty (IP) and technology. RFMD's multi-year agreement with NREL is expected to result in the high-volume production of PV cells in RFMD's fabs as early as calendar year 2012. Alfonso Velosa, Research Director Semiconductors and Photovoltaics at Gartner Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut), explained: "The semiconductor industry continues to demonstrate its ability to innovate and produce lower cost products that enable nascent industries to emerge. Semiconductor firms have the potential to change the dynamics in the concentrated PV market, since they may be able to produce low cost, high efficiency solar cells on their existing, depreciated equipment and robust manufacturing processes."

2010-03-23   Courtesy: RF Micro Devices, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Apollo Solar Energy funds 1.5 million US-dollar CdTe solar research center at NJIT

NJIT received a 1.5 million US-dollar grant from Apollo Solar Energy
NJIT received a 1.5 million US-dollar grant
from Apollo Solar Energy

New Jersey’s Science and Technology University (NJIT; Newark, New Jersey) in March 2010 received a three-year, 1.5 million US-dollar grant from Apollo Solar Energy, Inc. for the establishment of a solar research center. The Chengdu, China-based company mines and refines tellurium (Te) and high-purity tellurium-based metals for specific segments of the global electronic materials market, NJIT reports in a press release.   "The new solar research center will focus on improving the applications of Cadmium Telluride semiconductor materials for use in thin-film solar cells", said Donald H. Sebastian, PhD, Vice President of research and development and interim provost. "Solar arrays using thin-film technology have already proven to reduce the cost per watt to one-third of the cost of conventional systems. Through diligent improvement in the production process, cost and quality can rise to make solar power a legitimate contender for much more than the small percentage of global need that is now projected for photovoltaics."


High-purity materials for electronics and PV manufacturing

According to the press release, Apollo Solar Energy, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Sichuan Apollo Solar Science & Technology Co., Ltd., is primarily involved in the production of Te-based compounds used to produce thin-film solar cells, cell modules, and solar electronic products. The company’s products include ultra-high purity Te to manufacture radiation and infrared detectors, CdTe thin film compounds for the production of thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) power modules, and other commercial-purity metals, such as selenium, antimony, bismuth, cadmium, and zinc for applications in various electronic material market segments comprising PV, radiation detector, and infrared detection.

2010-03-23   Courtesy: Apollo Solar Energy, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Apollo Solar Energy, Inc.

 

Sustainable Energy Technologies partners with changetec GmbH to enter German solar market

Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd. (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) in March 2010 announced that it had agreed to supply solar distributor changetec GmbH (Freiberg, Germany), with an initial 2 megawatts (MW) of "SUNERGY ELV" extra low voltage solar inverters for distribution under a private label to the German solar market in 2010.   changetec is part of the SolarConsult AG group, a solar PV provider with more than 1,800 installations across Germany "Sustainable’s 'SUNERGY ELV' is the perfect addition to our low voltage inverter portfolio", said Marten Zotner, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of changetec. "With its high power output and high efficiency, it is the ideal inverter for industrial rooftop projects."


Inverter technology allows for parallel solar PV system design

First deliveries under the contract are expected to begin in the next two months. In addition to distributing SUNERGY inverters, changetec is to provide after-sales support and repair services for all "SUNERGY Low Voltage" (LV) and ELV inverters distributed by Sustainable Energy and its other German partners in Germany. According to the press release, the SUNERGY LV and ELV inverter platform enables solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to operate at their optimum power output in parallel with other panels within the system. With system operating voltages set to the inherently low voltages of the solar PV panels, the parallel system architecture is said to eliminate the risk of serious injury making it the ideal solution for applications where public safety is a concern.


Established distributor network to facilitate solar market entry in Germany

Sustainable Energy reports that a parallel PV system design is also able to increase total system power output from 5 % - 15 %, depending on site conditions, and that it eliminates the need for site specific custom design. These systems can therefore be designed and installed by mainstream building trades. "We are very excited about our partnership with changetec", said Axel Hartung, Vice President of Sustainable Energy. "Their widely diversified and highly regarded network of distributors throughout Germany is the perfect first sales channel for our products in what is still the largest solar PV market in the world."

2010-03-23   Courtesy: Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

PV certification: Underwriters Laboratories announces strategic alliance with German Atlas Material Testing Technology

PV module weather durability testing system
"XR360".

Atlas Material Testing Technology GmbH (Linsengericht-Altenhasslau, Germany), a global provider of accelerated weathering instruments and weathering testing services, on March 15th, 2010 announced that it had entered into a strategic alliance with the independent safety testing and certification company Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This alliance is expected to benefit both companies with an increased global testing capacity and expertise in accelerated aging performance, and it is to enable them to provide faster testing and certification turnaround-time for manufacturers specializing in solar energy products like photovoltaic (PV) modules.   According to the press release, the collaboration between the two companies has already led to shorter cycle times for some of the customers seeking the UL listing for solar modules and power systems accessory equipment.



Cooperation for accelerated certification of solar products worldwide

Atlas reports that outdoor and ageing tests for long-term durability are a critical component for meeting safety and performance standards, and that it can provide manufacturers with the data they need to demonstrate long-term durability to support warranty and performance claims. These tests are believed to reduce the costs associated with aftermarket product failures. "Atlas is highly regarded within the industry for accelerated aging test instruments and associated outdoor and laboratory testing services and we are happy to collaborate with them", said Jeff Smidt, Vice President and General Manager of UL's Global Energy Business. "One of the great benefits that are available through this alliance is the geographical diversity of existing and new testing sites that allow us to minimize project delays that otherwise might occur due to natural weather conditions." According to the press release, Atlas maintains 21 outdoor weathering sites globally, including the Atlas solar test center and exposure facility in Arizona, which with its high levels of solar radiation and elevated temperatures is believed to be a benchmark for outdoor exposure testing possessing.

Solar manufacturers’ international market entry facilitated by global material testing and certification services

For manufacturers around the world, global market access is a vital success factor, and the collaboration between UL and Atlas is believed to be an invaluable service offering. For example, for manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) modules in Asia, both North American and international standards must be met (UL 1703 and IEC 61730 respectively), in order to support solar equipment installations in the U.S. and European markets. Atlas reports that its new alliance with UL allows both companies to significantly increase their global footprint to support customers through localized test sites and skilled engineers that speak the local languages. Rick Weiler, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Atlas, said that the combined resources generate the synergies to provide much needed laboratory and outdoor testing capacity for solar panels and equipment.


Company to discuss current trends in PV modules at 2010 Photovoltaic Technology Show

Atlas also announced that the company will be exhibiting at Photon's 6th Photovoltaic Technology Show 2010 Europe, which is scheduled to take place on April 27th through 29th in Stuttgart, Germany. Atlas plans to present a variety of products and services that support manufacturers of PV modules, raw materials and components. The company’s service solutions are said to help answer the tough questions about material durability caused by the extreme influence of sunlight on PV products. Among the solutions to be presented in Stuttgart is the "25PLUS"-program, which is said to provide a crucial missing component to the IEC type design qualification tests by predicting the effects of long-term environmental exposure during the product's lifetime. Instead of comprising isolated, individual stresses targeted at infant mortality, 25PLUS consists of a series of combined stresses applied to PV modules, providing a true analog of the effects of long-term ageing resulting from exposure to the elements, Atlas reports. The company’s module weather durability testing system, dubbed "XR360", is said to integrate advancements in environmental chamber and xenon solar simulation technology. Visitors of Photon's 6th Photovoltaic Technology Show 2010 Europe are invited to stop by the Atlas booth in hall 6, booth number L36.

2010-03-23   Courtesy: Atlas Material Testing Technology GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Atlas Material Testing Technology GmbH

 

Suniva solar cells power 3 MW solar PV plant in India

Suniva Inc. (Norcross, Georgia), a U.S. manufacturer of high-efficiency mono-crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, in March 2010 announced the commissioning of its largest solar power installation with solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer Titan Energy Systems Ltd. (Titan). The 3 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted system, located in the Indian state Karnataka, reportedly covers more than 12 acres and is believed to be the largest grid-connected solar field in India to date.   The system was designed and deployed by Titan and is owned and operated by Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL), one of India’s largest power providers which owns a number of renewable power plants, including the country’s first hydroelectric power station and one of its first wind power projects. Karnataka Power is to distribute the power generated by the system to local farmers for irrigation purposes, Suniva reports.


Sustainable growth expected for Indian solar market

Titan designed the 3 MW solar project incorporating Suniva’s high-efficiency "ARTisun" series solar cells while providing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services. "This project exemplifies Titan’s ability to execute large scale solar projects quickly and cost-effectively, which are key measures of success in rapidly growing solar markets like India", said John Baumstark, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Suniva. Sankar Chodagam, Managing Director of Titan Energy Systems Ltd., said: "Suniva’s high-efficiency cell technology enables our solar modules and solar projects to exceed their performance targets. As India prepares for sustained growth in its solar market, our partnership with Suniva greatly strengthens our position as a manufacturer and system integrator." In November 2009, the Indian government approved a ‘National Solar Mission’, which aims to deploy at least 20 gigawatts (GW) of solar projects by 2020. According to the press release, Titan plans to develop a series of large-scale projects and installations in India using Suniva’s technology over the next five years.

2010-03-23   Courtesy: Suniva Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Iosil Energy secures first close on 13.5 million US-dollars in equity financing to build a pilot solar silicon manufacturing plant

Iosil Energy Corporation (Albuquerque, New Mexico), an innovator in the production of high-purity solar grade polysilicon for the photovoltaic (PV) industry, in February 2010 announced that it had secured 13.5 million US-dollars in equity financing in an oversubscribed round.   New investors BankInvest New Energy Solutions, SiC Processing, Bekaert, Epic Ventures, and Gideon Hixon reportedly joined existing investors EnerTech Capital, Cycad Group, and Esp’rito Santo Ventures, Milcom Technologies, Applied Ventures, Phoenix Fire, and Merrimaker. According to the press release, the initial tranche will allow the company to specify and engineer its pilot plant facility in one of several locations under consideration. The full investment is to be used by the company to build out a pilot manufacturing plant and prepare for commercial introduction.


Silicon "waste"’ sawdust used as raw material for production of high-purity polysilicon

Iosil reports that the company is uniquely positioned in the solar industry with a novel technology for the production of high-purity (99.99999% pure) polysilicon, the raw material of solar PV cells. According to the press release, the company has demonstrated its ability to produce high-purity polysilicon from the waste material (or "kerf") created by wafer sawing operations, a market opportunity awaiting such a solution as well as via upgrading metallurgical grade silicon. "Iosil is now moving from a successful research and development phase to a manufacturing scale-up of its technology", said Earl Fuller, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Iosil Energy Corporation. "The solar market needs innovation throughout the value chain to reduce costs and enable growth in one of the largest segments of the renewable energy industry. We’re thrilled with the quality of silicon recovered from our industry’s waste stream, and this enabled us to achieve investment from important strategic players in the industry value chain, as well as financial investors."

Company’s technology believed to become successful in solar PV market

According to the press release, Iosil’s technology can be used to produce polysilicon from metallurgical grade silicon, the traditional feedstock source, but also as mentioned, can cost effectively recover and purify silicon from sawing waste streams. The company plans to work with the strategic investors, industry leaders in their markets, to enhance market opportunities and customer collaborations. Michael S. Lauridsen, Partner with BankInvest New Energy Solutions, said: "The ongoing consolidation and price erosion in the PV industry make it increasingly difficult for new players to enter. We have seen many interesting solar technologies, but very few which have the potential to become successful. Iosil is the exception to the rule. Its disruptive technology can significantly reduce the price of Silicon as well as recycle the large amount of silicon, which is presently lost in wafer dicing. We believe Iosil has the potential to become a real game changer in a highly competitive market and we are proud to have invested in the company." Thomas Heckman, CEO of SiC Processing said that he was confident that Iosil’s technology could open strategic solar market opportunities.

2010-03-23   Courtesy: IOSIL Energy Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Mitsubishi Electric to launch new "PV Series" intelligent power modules for solar power inverters

Intelligent power module (IPM) for use in residential photovoltaic inverters.
Intelligent power module (IPM) for use in
residential photovoltaic inverters.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) announced the launch of its new "PV Series" intelligent power modules (IPM), mainly for use in residential photovoltaic (PV) inverters. The six models, which can also be used in inverters for fuel cell systems, each measure 90 mm ×50 mm, contributing greatly to PV inverter miniaturization. Shipments will begin in May 2010 through Mitsubishi Electric sales sites in the Americas, Europe, China and Korea.  Inverters are an essential part of PV systems, converting DC electricity generated from solar cells into AC electricity for residential use. Because inverters for residential PV systems are usually installed indoors, it is important that they will be made as small as possible.




Smaller package helps miniaturize PV inverters

The mounting surface of the new IPM models is only 90 mm × 50 mm, about 30% less than that of Mitsubishi Electric’s current PV series IPMs launched in 2005.


Three types of circuit connection and two types of rating current in the lineup

Mitsubishi Electric has prepared six models in the new PV series, to suit the various types of circuits in PV inverters, such as single output inverter, single output inverter with one chopper, as well as single output inverter with two choppers. The lineup consists of 4-chip, 5-chip and 6-chip modules, each with a choice of one of two types of current rating: 50 amperes (A) and 75A.


Environmental consideration

The new PV Series is compliant with the RoHS ("Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances" in electrical and electronic equipment) Directive.

2010-03-22   Courtesy: Mitsubishi Electric   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Mitsubishi Electric.

 

First Solar sells 30 MW solar PV power project to Southern Company and Turner Renewable Energy

First Solar, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) in March 2010 announced that it had sold a 30 megawatt (MW) alternating current (AC) solar power project to energy provider Southern Company (Atlanta, Georgia) and Turner Renewable Energy. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The solar photovoltaic (PV) project, dubbed "Cimarron I Solar Project", is adjacent to the Vermejo Park Ranch in northern New Mexico.  According to the press release, First Solar developed the project and is providing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services. The company is also to provide operation and maintenance (O&M) services under a 25-year contract. The facility is expected to supply power to approximately 9,000 homes, or 18,000 residents, and displace over 45,000 tons of carbon (CO2) emissions per year.


500,000 PV modules to be employed

The construction of the solar project is scheduled to begin this month, with completion and commercial operation expected by year's end 2010. First Solar reports that this plant will employ approximately 500,000 of its 2'x4' PV modules that were manufactured using the company’s patented thin film technology. The project is expected to create over 200 jobs at construction peak. "The Cimarron I project is yet another example of First Solar's capability to realize utility-scale solar projects", said Rob Gillette, First Solar Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "Combining the required technology, manufacturing, project development and EPC expertise enables First Solar to be a leader in sustainable energy development." The electricity generated by the plant is to serve a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a not-for-profit wholesale power supplier to 44 electric cooperatives serving 1.4 million customers across Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

2010-03-22   Courtesy: First Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Southern California Edison launches request for offers from independent power producers for solar program

SCE supports "Million Solar Roofs" goal.

Southern California Edison (SCE; Rosemead, California) announced that the company is requesting offers from independent power producers for the utility’s "Solar Photovoltaic Program". According to the press release, the program was designed to help the state meet its 2006 "Million Solar Roofs" goal. Last year, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved SCE’s plan to generate hundreds of megawatts (MW) of emission-free solar power on the rooftops of large industrial buildings in its service territory.   SCE is to own and produce 250 MW of solar capacity, another 250 MW power are to be purchased from solar companies that are successful in the Request for Offer (RFO) process.



Utility’s solar power program requires no new transmission infrastructure, avoids potential land-use issues

"SCE is proud to offer a competitive solicitation for clean, green power, where and when our customers need it the most", said Marc Ulrich, SCE Vice President, Renewable and Alternative Power. "This innovative approach seeks independently owned projects that require no new transmission and avoid any potential land-use issues due to their installation on commercial rooftops." SCE anticipates completing the procurement for the entire 250 MW of the Solar Photovoltaic Program over the next five to six years. Most of the installations are expected to be on rooftops and be one to two MW in size. Potential sellers are invited to visit www.sce.com/spvp-ipp to find RFO instructions, schedule and other materials. SCE is to host an RFO Conference on April 1st, 2010, to present information about the RFO and to answer questions from prospective participants. SCE is the United States’ leading utility for renewable energy, having delivered 13.6 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy to its customers in 2009.

2010-03-22   Courtesy: SCE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SCE

 

German insurance company Munich Re signs PV module guarantee cover for LDK Solar

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (Xinyu City, China and Sunnyvale, California), a vertically integrated manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) products and the world’s largest producer of multi-crystalline wafers, in March 2010 announced that Germany’s "Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft" (Munich Re; Munich) Special Enterprise Risk unit’s new insurance solution will cover the performance warranty of its PV modules. According to the press release, the insurance covers the performance warranty of LDK Solar modules for a period of 25 years. The warranty guarantees that the modules will perform to at least 90 % capacity in the first ten years and to at least 80 % in the remaining 15 years.   The insurance cover is said to offer LDK Solar a greater degree of business certainty and is thus to constitute a powerful differentiator in a competitive marketplace. Ultimately the insurer’s cover is to give operators of solar parks additional economic security in the event of an unforeseen loss in performance of the modules. This new insurance solution is believed to be a major stepping-stone in financing PV projects as it provides additional financial security, LDK Solar reports.


Additional fiscal security for solar power projects

Thomas Blunck, Member of the Board of Management at Munich Re, said: "We are happy that we acquired LDK Solar as a new client. It shows that our innovative photovoltaic module guarantee cover is beginning to establish a standard in the industry. Investors and lenders will welcome this development." Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LDK Solar, added: "We are pleased to become a client of Munich Re and view this insurance solution as a positive development for the PV industry as it provides additional fiscal security in guaranteeing the long-term performance of solar modules." According to the press release, the insurance cover developed by Munich Re’s unit Special Enterprise Risk will be implemented for Munich Re by one of the group’s primary insurers.

2010-03-22   Courtesy: Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

PV Powered inverters and new thin film solar panel technology to be used in 2.4 MW rooftop solar power plant

The ProLogis rooftop solar project uses 100kW and 260kW inverters from PV Powered, Inc.
The ProLogis rooftop solar project uses 100kW
and 260kW inverters from PV Powered, Inc.

PV Powered, Inc. (Bend, Oregon), a manufacturer of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters, on March 12th, 2010 announced that its commercial inverters are being installed in a new 2.4 megawatt (MW) solar power project in Portland, Oregon. According to the press release, this is to be the largest rooftop solar PV power plant in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The project, which will be managed by a joint venture between the electric utility Portland General Electric (PGE; Portland, Oregon) and U.S. Bank, is to cover approximately 900,000 square feet on the rooftops of seven ProLogis distribution warehouses in the Portland area with thin-film solar panels, PV Powered reports.   The solar modules were provided by Advanced Green Technologies (AGT; Fort Lauderdale, Florida), a worldwide supplier of solar solutions for utility scale, industrial, commercial and residential installations. PV Powered reports that it had designed its commercial solar inverters "PVP 100 kW2 and "PVP 260 kW", that are being installed in the ProLogis project, with fewer components than other commercial inverters, which is believed to be advantageous.


Solar energy to help Oregon utility meet renewable energy commitments

The energy generated by this solar power plant is to help PGE meet its commitment to providing 25 % of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. Already heavily involved in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Solar Energy Grid Integration System (SEGIS) program, where PGE is on a team of industry leaders led by PV Powered, the utility sees the ProLogis installation as a contributing experience towards its SEGIS program goal of developing innovative methods for managing and controlling distributed energy resources, including solar.

"We’re actively looking for ways to increase our solar energy resources in the Portland area, and the fact that we can build systems with a home-grown Oregon inverter technology is an extra benefit", said Mark Osborn, Distributed Resources Manager at PGE. Erick Petersen, PV Powered’s Vice President of marketing and sales, said: "PV Powered’s utility-scale inverters are designed to maximize energy harvest using the latest in thin film commercial array technologies. In addition to high performance, delivering maximum long-term reliability is also key as solar power becomes a mainstream alternative power source." Michael Kornahrens, President of Advanced Green Technologies, noted that his company has previously partnered with PV Powered to provide highly reliable inverters for AGT`s "FlexLight" thin-film PV systems.

2010-03-22   Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.

 

Mitsubishi Electric teams up with East West Bank to provide solar power to the Port of West Sacramento

Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics (Cypress, California) in 2010 announced that it had teamed up with East West Bank (Pasadena, California) to provide a 637 kilowatt (kW) direct current (DC) solar PV system to the Port of West Sacramento. According to the press release, the system includes 3,536 lead-free Mitsubishi Electric photovoltaic (PV) modules that cover 90,000 square feet on the rooftops of two rice warehouse buildings. The solar PV system was designed to meet all of the port’s electricity needs for the next 25 years, and is expected to reduce the Port of West Sacrament’s energy costs by 20,000 US-dollars annually.   The construction loan and long term financing was provided by East West Bank, Mitsubishi Electric reports.



Port of Sacramento aims to become one of the greenest ports in the United States

The solar installation is reportedly just one step the port is taking to reduce its impact on the environment. It is also improving the energy efficiency of its operations and plans to implement a "marine highway" container barge system in cooperation with the Port of Oakland and Port of Stockton to reduce harmful air emissions. "In addition to all of the other steps we’re taking to improve our environmental performance, this new solar installation clearly demonstrates that we’re serious about our intent to become one of the greenest ports in the country", said Mike Luken, Port of West Sacramento manager. "We commend the Port of West Sacramento for going solar and setting a great example for other ports to follow", said Gina Heng, General Manager for Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics’ Photovoltaic Division. "We are excited about our working with East West Bank in the solar industry, where financing solutions for PV projects are in high demand."K.Y. Cheng, Executive Vice President of East West Bank, also expressed his satisfaction with the project, which he believes fits well with the bank's "Go Green" initiative to promote the expansion of the clean tech industry in California.

2010-03-22   Courtesy: Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Chevron Energy Solutions to build 3.7 MW solar power plant at high school district sites in California

PV plant by Chevron Energy Solutions
PV plant by Chevron Energy Solutions

Chevron Energy Solutions (San Francisco, California), a unit of Chevron Corporation (San Ramon, California), and East Side Union High School District in San Jose, California, in March 2010 announced the start of construction for a 3.7 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant that is expected to provide more than 1.5 million US-dollars in budget relief to the school district's general fund in the first year, and 7.6 million US-dollar savings over five years.   It is anticipated that the PV plant will reduce the district's electric utility costs by 30 %, and deliver 36 million US-dollars in savings over the life of the project. According to the press release, the company will install solar panels at six school sites in the district. These PV plants are expected to reduce carbon (CO2) emissions by more than 3,100 metric tons per year. Through professional development workshops, the district's teachers are to learn how they can use hands-on solar kits and activity guides in the classroom to teach students about solar energy.


Solar energy systems at schools to create jobs, spur local economy and enhance hands-on solar curriculum

East Side Union High School District Interim Superintendent Dan Moser commented the economic benefits of going solar: "Our schools will all benefit from these savings, especially in these tough economic times when they're needed most. Also, this project reduces our carbon footprint and allows us to incorporate solar into our teaching curriculum so our teachers and students can learn about renewable energy technologies firsthand." Chevron Energy Solutions reports that the company will design, build, operate, maintain, measure and guarantee the solar energy system's performance for the district. The project is also expected to help stimulate the local Silicon Valley economy by employing more than 100 local union contractors. Chevron Energy Solutions says it is the United States' largest installer of solar energy for education institutions and that it has developed hundreds of projects involving energy efficiency and renewable power for education, government and business customers in the country since 2000. Jim Davis, President of Chevron Energy Solutions, said: "This project is a prime example of how education institutions can use solar projects to provide budget relief and teach the next generation about clean technologies."

2010-03-21   Courtesy: Chevron Energy Solutions   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Chevron Energy Solutions

 

Guilford College to install campus-wide solar hot water system

Frank Marshall of FLS Energy explains how a solar panel works
Frank Marshall of FLS Energy
explains how a solar panel
works

Guilford College in March 2010 announced that it is partnering with FLS Energy (Asheville, North Carolina) to install 188 solar thermal collector panels on up to eight of its buildings to create 9,000 gallons of heated water a day. According to FLS Energy, this is the largest solar thermal energy system ever installed on an U.S. college or university campus. The project follows the installation of a 12-panel solar thermal system on one of the College’s buildings in 2007, which reportedly resulted in lower energy bills and a measurable drop in carbon emissions at the college.   The construction of the solar hot water project is expected to begin in April and be completed by August, 2010. Guilford reports that it will have a "Year of Sustainability" during its 2010-11 academic year.




Installer to provide maintenance services, guarantees system’s performance

According to the press release, FLS Energy is financing the solar thermal project at Guilford through its ‘Solar Energy Purchase Agreement’. "Guilford paid nothing up front and will begin seeing energy savings immediately", explained FLS Energy’s Director of Finance Brownie Newman. The solar project is to be metered and reportedly includes a performance guarantee from FLS Energy of the amount of solar energy that will be generated each year. The U.S. utility Duke Energy is to purchase the renewable energy credits (RECs) from this solar energy system to meet North Carolina’s renewable energy mandates. FLS Energy will also to be responsible for all maintenance of the system.


Solar thermal system to reinforce College’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship

"I am very proud to announce that Guilford is taking a leading role among college and universities nationally with the installation of solar collection panels on buildings across our campus", said the College’s President Kent Chabotar. "This is another in a series of steps we have taken to reduce college costs and sustain the natural environment in which we study, work and live." In 2007, President Chabotar was one of the first College Presidents in North Carolina to sign the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment and to pledge goals for a carbon neutral campus. Guilford reports that its sustainability commitments also include the 500,000 US-dollar refurbishing of Archdale Hall, the oldest building on campus, which earned a ‘Silver Certification’ for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008. The college received a 95 "green" rating for its environmental sustainability commitments, the third-highest rating among North Carolina colleges and universities, from The Princeton Review in its 2010 best colleges guidebook.

2010-03-21   Courtesy: Guilford College   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: FLS Energy

 

SEIA appoints Tom Kimbis as Director of Policy and Research, General Counsel

Tom Kimbis, SEIA's Director of Policy and Research
Tom Kimbis, SEIA's Director
of Policy and Research

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on March 15th, 2010 announced that it had hired Thomas P. Kimbis as its new Director of Policy and Research and General Counsel. Kimbis is to help lead the development of long-term policies promoting solar energy and oversee expansion of SEIA’s market research efforts. He is also expected to provide legal services to SEIA as General Counsel.   "I am excited to join the excellent team at SEIA", said Kimbis. "As the solar industry continues to expand and mature, SEIA will play an increasingly important role in removing barriers to this growth. I look forward to contributing to solar’s continued success." Rhone Resch, SEIA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said about Kimbis: "Tom has been one of the most influential leaders in the U.S. solar industry for several years and SEIA is happy to welcome him to our growing team. Tom’s expertise will be invaluable in SEIA’s efforts to expand the market for solar energy in the United States, which will result in new jobs and economic opportunities in all 50 states."



Solar industry expert to help SEIA achieve its goals

Kimbis most recently served as Executive Director for The Solar Foundation, a nonprofit organization promoting the increased use of solar energy through education and research. From 2005-2009, he served as Director of Market Transformation for the Solar Energy Technologies Program (SETP) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). While there, he led efforts to maximize opportunities for solar energy commercialization. He also served as Acting Program Manager of SETP, managing a 170 million US-dollar portfolio, SEIA reports. While at DOE, Kimbis was a founder of the Solar America Initiative, a billion-dollar effort to accelerate solar commercialization. Kimbis also helped to create the Solar America Cities program, a DOE partnership with 25 cities and more than 180 organizations designed to develop innovative methods for the adoption of solar energy technologies.

2010-03-21   Courtesy: SEIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SEIA

 

Circadian Solar seeks clean drinking water for island communities through solar power

Keith Bowen (left) and David Grindrod at Circadian Solar’s test site in Coventry
Keith Bowen (left) and David Grindrod at
Circadian Solar’s test site in Coventry

Circadian Solar, based at Sovereign Court at the University of Warwick Science Park, Coventry, United Kingdom, specialises in developing, manufacturing and marketing solar energy systems which can be used in regions of the world with strong direct sunlight for on-grid and off-grid power generation as well as for water treatment applications. According to a press release the company, which is a spin-out from the University of Warwick, is in the research and development stage of several projects that could shape the face of energy production across the globe in years to come. One project due to start shortly will see a test station installed in Cyprus with the aim of producing clean drinking water solely through solar power. The technology could be of huge significance to the Mediterranean island which currently imports around 50 per cent of its drinking water, Circadian Solar emphasizes in the press release.   The system could also be rolled out across countries that suffer from poor quality drinking water, including regions in Africa and the cost efficient nature of the solution means it is also suitable for poorer economies.


Systems are now twice as efficient as the old ones

Keith Bowen, non-executive director and acting director of engineering of Circadian Solar, said: “Solar technology has made huge advances over the past few years and the systems we are producing are now twice as efficient as the old ones. The minimal running costs of solar energy production compared to other forms of power can have a significant impact on the economy of island communities that are dependent on water imports. But water purification is just one example of the potential of this technology. The technology we produce is mainly aimed at the industrial and commercial sector but it could also be adapted to the residential market.” The project in Cyprus is just one of three test sites currently being operated by Circadian Solar, the company reports in the press release. In addition to the site at the University of Warwick Science Park, in Sir William Lyons Road, the company has also agreed a deal to conduct solar cell material testing in Lisbon, Portugal in partnership with the University of Lisbon.


Eye-catching six by five metre solar panel in progress

The company, which employs 20 people, is also in the process of constructing an eye-catching six by five metre solar panel at its Science Park base for energy production testing purposes, Circadian Solar reports in the press release. David Grindrod, of the University of Warwick Science Park, said: "Circadian Solar are producing some very exciting technology which could potentially have important, far-reaching and positive consequences. The innovative nature of the technology continues the proud tradition of cutting edge ideas that have been produced at the University of Warwick Science Park. We are delighted to see the success Circadian Solar have achieved to date and we are sure they will continue to thrive in the future."

2010-03-20   Courtesy: Circadian Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Circadian Solar

 

Solar Power, Inc. to develop world’s largest elevated solar recreational vehicle parking structure

PV system by Solar Power
PV system by Solar Power

Solar Power, Inc. (SPI; Roseville California), a vertically integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) developer, on March 16th, 2010 announced that it had been awarded a contract by Temescal Canyon RV, LLC to design and build an elevated Recreational Vehicle (RV) parking structure which incorporates a 1.75 megawatt (MW) direct current (DC) solar energy system utilizing SPI’s solar modules.   In addition to power generation, the system structure is to be used to provide RVs covered parking and protection from the environment at a storage facility adjacent to the city of Corona, California. SPI reports that the owner-financed system will be the largest of its kind in the world. The project is scheduled to begin in late March and be completed by July 2010.


Solar power plant is second project the company realizes for property management group

The Temescal Canyon RV storage facility is to consist of 400 stalls of which 280 will offer covered RV parking provided by the elevated solar system, SPI reports. This is the second project SPI has performed for the property management group that is developing the facility. "Solar Power, Inc. executed a cost-competitive, high-quality system installation at our self-storage facility", said Sean McCoy, General Manager, Temescal Canyon RV, LLC. "They were very easy to work with and we couldn’t be happier with the finished result." Bradley Ferrell, President of Business Development for SPI, said: "This is going to be a great project for our client and for us. It is especially rewarding because it is the result of our success with the first project we executed for them. It’s also a milestone as the largest photovoltaic solar structure of its kind anywhere."

2010-03-20   Courtesy: Solar Power, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Power, Inc.

 

SEIA names Senator Harry Reid "National Solar Energy Champion of the Year"

Senator Harry Reid is the National Solar Energy Cham- pion of the Year
Senator Harry Reid is the
National Solar Energy Cham-
pion of the Year

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on March 10th, 2010 announced U.S. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) as recipient of the '2009 National Solar Energy Champion Award', citing his tireless leadership to combat climate change, his ambition to steer the U.S. economy towards a clean energy future and his efforts to put solar energy to work for all Americans as grounds for this award.   In June 2009, Senate Majority Leader Reid joined U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to announce "fast-track" initiatives to bring federal agencies together with leaders in Western states to designate U.S. public lands in the West as key areas for utility-scale solar development, fund environmental studies, open new solar permitting offices and speed reviews of industry proposals. SEIA believes that these policies will play an important role in encouraging the development of utility-scale solar power in America’s Southwest, which has some of the best solar resources in the world.


Awardee recognized for multiple solar-friendly initiatives

SEIA reports that in August, 2009, Senator Reid had hosted the National Clean Energy Summit 2.0 at the University of Nevada (Las Vegas). The summit reportedly allowed policy experts, government officials and industry leaders to discuss initiatives to speed America’s transition to a clean energy economy, create new jobs, and increase the nation’s energy independence. Senator Reid also acted as a leading supporter of upgrading the U.S. electricity grid so the clean energy generated in the solar-rich American Southwest can reach population centers across the country. "The solar industry has emerged as a job creation engine in Nevada and across the country due in large part to Senator Reid’s leadership", said Rhone Resch, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SEIA. "He played a major role including key solar provisions in the economic stimulus bill and Nevada is on the leading edge of the clean energy economy. We are proud to name him SEIA’s 2009 Solar Energy Champion of the Year and we look forward to continuing our work with Senator Reid in 2010 to create tens of thousands of solar industry jobs."

As Senator of sun-rich Nevada, Reid sees solar energy as a "no brainer"

"I thank the SEIA for this honor and I gladly accept it on behalf my fellow Nevadans and our state’s growing clean energy industry", Reid said. "Coming from a state where the sun shines more than 300 days a year, solar power is a no brainer. I believe this renewable resource is the key to creating jobs and making Nevada energy independent, and I look forward to our continued work toward that goal." SEIA reports that Senator Reid and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar had also been recognized by SEIA as the "National Solar Energy Champion of 2009".

2010-03-20   Courtesy: SEIA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: reid.senate.gov/

 

Photovoltaics: GE Sees bright future for thin film solar technology

With the race on in earnest to have the most efficient, low-cost solar module on the market, GE (Niskkayuna, N.Y.) announced it is focusing its research and development efforts on thin film photovoltaic (PV) technology in conjunction with PrimeStar Solar Inc., the startup firm in which GE is a majority investor. Working closely with PrimeStar technology experts, the company is bringing to bear the full scale of its four Global Research operations to address each of the challenges required to bring a new product to market.   "After having completed an exhaustive survey of the PV landscape, we determined that thin films were the optimum path for GE", said Danielle Merfeld, GE’s solar R&D leader. "Specifically, the CdTe technology from PrimeStar has great potential. Bringing together world-class materials expertise, unique materials and systems modeling and design capabilities and state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor solar testing facilities, GE researchers are innovating across our four global research centers- literally around the clock—to deliver a breakthrough product to market."

Hundreds of technologists are working on GE solar technologies

The GE/PrimeStar product is being developed at PrimeStar’s headquarters in Arvada, Colo. A team of PrimeStar technologists with more than 100 years of combined thin film deposition expertise is working closely with GE researchers, who are focused on several key areas in order to achieve best-in-class technology. These include device efficiency, reliability, production and installation costs and manufacturability. Hundreds of technologists in Germany, China, India and the United States are working on GE solar technologies today -addressing these challenges in the following ways:

The team in Munich, at the heart of the global solar industry, is utilizing world-class indoor and outdoor solar system test facilities where they study finished module performance to identify and address degradation mechanisms and packaging issues. In addition to the focus on the module itself, this team also brings deep expertise at the system level. This allows them to define system-level optimized features and metrics for the module.

In China, where most of the world’s CdTe raw materials are found, researchers at GE’s China Technology Center in Shanghai are focused on CdTe materials and the impact they have on device performance. Improving material quality and developing advanced materials characterization techniques are key topics being addressed by the Shanghai team.

In India, GE is leveraging extensive modeling capabilities at its John F. Welch Technology Centre in Bangalore. Unlike the exclusively experimental approach favored by many in this field, GE believes that dramatic improvements in the device performance and reliability will be realized through a deeper understanding of the materials and basic physics of the device. The team in Bangalore is tasked with building comprehensive models to help guide advanced device design.

Finally, GE’s research team in Niskayuna, N.Y., is working on all facets of CdTe module development, including material growth, device development and robust process development. Their technical expertise cuts across diverse fields such as surface chemistry, laser processing and plasma physics. Equally diverse is their product development experience, which they have derived from GE’s other technology-focused businesses such as Healthcare, Lighting and Batteries.

GE currently provides a range of utility-scale solar solutions, including smart grid power electronics and pre-packaged systems. GE’s "Brilliance" solar inverter offers reliable power conversion technology derived from its industry-leading 1.5 megawatt wind turbine.

2010-03-19   Courtesy: GE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

California: CRS comments CPUC decision to spur markets for renewable energy credits while accelerating progress toward RES

Arthur O'Donnell, CRS Executive Director
Arthur O'Donnell, CRS
Executive Director

The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS, San Francisco, California), a U.S. nonprofit organization aiming to bring forth expert responses to climate change issues, applauded the action by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to allow regulated utilities and power sellers to use tradable renewable energy certificates (T-RECs) to meet their Renewable Energy Standard (RES) mandates, currently set at 20 % by 2010.   According to the organization’s press release, the decision will allow T-RECs sourced from within the interconnected Western transmission system to be used by utilities and other load-serving entities for up to 25 % of their RES target goals. The decision puts a price cap of 50 US-dollars per megawatt hour (MWh) for T-RECs used for RES, and clarifies the language about what is meant by an unbundled T-REC subject to the decision. "This has been a long and contentious issue", said Arthur O'Donnell, CRS Executive Director. "But it's been clear for some time that California was unable to meet its short-term 20 % RES goals without employing T-RECs. While still taking a cautious approach to this market for environmental commodities, the CPUC has at least eliminated an unnecessary market barrier for renewable energy."


California utilities fall short of renewable energy standard goals

CRS reports that California's largest utilities and other non-public-power sellers have been lagging in their ability to meet their RES requirements by the end of 2010. Current statistics reportedly show a big gap for the three big investor-owned utilities, which served just 15 % of their electricity deliveries in 2009 with eligible renewable energy despite signing many contracts for in-state generation resources that could take years to build. According to the CPUC, Southern California Edison (SCE) generated 16.8 % of its total energy production from eligible renewable sources. For Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) it was 14.4 %, and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) produced 10.5 % of its power output from eligible renewable sources. T-RECs, which represent the positive environmental attributes of renewable energy generation, have been an accepted denomination in energy markets for over a decade, O'Donnell pointed out. T-RECs are said to have transformed the use of renewable energy by large commercial and governmental purchasers, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), by breaking down market barriers, such as eliminating the need to schedule energy during times of high transmission line congestion and expanding deliverability options for renewable generators.


California is late in allowing unbundled T-RECs

Of the 30 states with RES mandates, California is among the very last to allow use of unbundled T-RECs for compliance, CRS reports. CPUC's decision is expected to help spur new construction of clean technologies throughout the West, while California strives to resolve internal barriers to new construction of renewable energy projects that lack transmission access, or face cumbersome and contentious siting and licensing processes. Looking ahead, as the California Air Resources Board develops its rules to achieve a 33 % Renewable Energy Standard (RES) by all load-serving entities in the state by 2020, less restricted use of Western-generated T-RECs could play an important role in keeping costs to California consumers reasonable and optimizing the regional transmission system. O'Donnell noted that a recent report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL) and consultant Black & Veatch found that free trade in T-RECs can reduce the costs of building transmission lines otherwise needed to enact a higher penetration of wind, solar and geothermal projects throughout the West.

2010-03-19   Courtesy: Center for Resource Solutions   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Center for Resource Solutions

 

Amtech discloses previously announced large solar order from Yingli’s 300 MW PANDA mono-crystalline expansion project

Amtech Systems, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona), a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, semiconductors, and silicon wafers, on March 11th, 2010 disclosed that its previously announced large solar order is from Yingli Green Energy Holding Co., Ltd. (Yingli; Baoding, China).   According to the press release, the Yingli order is for fully automated diffusion furnace systems to be used in Yingli’s 300 megawatt (MW) PANDA mono-crystalline expansion project. These orders are scheduled to ship from the beginning of the second quarter through the end of the third in 2010. J.S. Whang, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amtech, commented: “This large order from Yingli is a result of the successful high efficiency cell collaboration project we announced in a press release last June among Yingli, the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) and Tempress Systems, Amtech’s solar subsidiary, to develop next generation high efficiency solar cells. We are very pleased to be an essential part of the PANDA project and to receive such a significant follow-on order from one of the world’s leading vertically integrated photovoltaic product manufacturers.”

2010-03-19   Courtesy: Amtech Systems, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Export-Import Bank of the United States names Suniva "Renewable Energy Exporter of the Year"

Award ceremony with President Obama.
Award ceremony with President Obama.

Suniva, Inc. (Norcross, Georgia), a U.S. manufacturer of high-efficiency mono-crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, on March 11th, 2010 announced that it was named "Renewable Energy Exporter of the Year" by the Export-Import Bank (EX-IM Bank) of the United States. The award was presented at the EX-IM Bank annual conference before Suniva’s John Baumstark introduced U.S. President Barack Obama to attendees. According to the press release, Suniva exported more than 90 % of its products to Asia and Europe in 2009.   The company reportedly created more than 150 new jobs and plans to hire 500 additional staff at a new manufacturing plant in Michigan. "As America’s only manufacturer of high-efficiency, mono-crystalline solar cells, Suniva is proud to be doing its part to help make President Obama’s vision of doubling exports over the next five years a reality", said John Baumstark, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Suniva. "The Suniva team is working hard to protect the environment and create new jobs for the next generation of Americans." According to the press release, Suniva was also recently featured in several prestigious venture capital backed company lists. The company reportedly ranked as The Wall Street Journal’s 2nd most promising venture-backed clean technology company and the 15th overall venture-backed company across all industries.



Solar manufacturer’s deal named "Green Transaction of the Year"

According to an EX-IM Bank press release, Suniva was also honored with the bank’s 2010 "Green Transaction of the Year" award at the Bank's annual conference in Washington, D.C., on March 11th, 2010. Suniva reportedly used a 2 million US-dollar EX-IM Bank short-term multi-buyer insurance policy to offer a 500,000 US-dollar credit line to a customer in India to buy its solar equipment. The company currently has a number of potential export deals in the pipeline, EX-IM Bank reports. "Suniva exemplifies the innovative spirit behind the development of America's leading-edge green technology, and its export to the global marketplace", said EX-IM Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. "This company is growing global business and U.S. jobs at a time when many small companies are wary of exporting. We hope Suniva's receipt of this award will inspire other U.S. small businesses to increase sales through exporting, with the support of Ex-Im Bank."


U.S. solar company exports 90 % of its products

Suniva reportedly grew out of the Department of Energy-funded University Center of Excellence in Photovoltaics at the Georgia Institute of Technology, a key site for silicon photovoltaics (PV) research in the U.S. Export sales represent 90 % of the company's business. "Having the backing of Ex-Im Bank is of tremendous value in selling even more U.S.-made products in the global marketplace", said Suniva Chief Marketing Officer Bryan Ashley. "There are many situations where Ex-Im Bank availability can make the difference between whether we are short-listed or not. We now have five potential deals in the pipeline where Ex-Im Bank availability is critical to winning the sale. We're currently expanding our facilities in Georgia, and will be hiring additional employees to support that expansion."

2010-03-19   Courtesy: Suniva, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Suniva, Inc.

 

Photovoltaics in Italy: 16MW of 9REN pipeline turns into construction projects

PV plant Masseria Rossa 1
PV plant Masseria Rossa 1

Permitting procedures in Italy for 3 solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants totalizing 16,4MW have been successfully completed according to Italian Decree 387/03, 9REN Group, a European renewable energy company owned by the US energy investor First Reserve, reports in a press release.   Two of the three projects are in Apulia region, one in Latium, near Rome: San Trifone (2,4MW) in Lizzano and Masseria Martellotta (8MW) in Palagianello, both in Taranto Province, are located near the 7MW already in operation; both projects will incorporate RENseesun performance booster, a technology developed by 9REN which according to the company makes it possible to improve the expected solar electricity production by 2%. The third project is named Bellavista (6MW) in the Municpality of Lanuvio, Roma Province - Lazio Region, and integrates RENtree, an eco-agricoltural project based on Permacolture, a biological system of agricultural production.

2010-03-19   Courtesy: 9REN Group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: 9REN Group

 

Suntech selected to power Taiwan's largest solar power plant

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Wuxi, China), the world's largest producer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, will supply solar panels for what will be the biggest solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Taiwan. Owned and operated by the Taiwan Power Company, and developed by Fortune Electric Co., Ltd., the new 4.7MW solar plant in Young'an, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, will nearly double the island's current installed solar capacity of about 5MW, Suntech reports in a press release.   "We chose Suntech modules for superior performance and reliability, as seen in utility-scale installations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas", said Liao Wen Sing, Vice President of Fortune Electric Co., Ltd. "We look forward to working with Suntech on this momentous project - hopefully the first of many large-scale solar plants in Taiwan."



Efforts to raise renewable energy production capacity in Taiwan by more than 10GW in the next 20 years

Delivery of the 16,640 advanced polycrystalline modules, each with a peak power output of up to 280 watts, will begin in June 2010. The system is scheduled to start supplying decades of clean power in early 2011. The project is a milestone in Taiwan's efforts to raise renewable energy production capacity by more than 10GW in the next 20 years, diminish its reliance on imported fossil fuels, and to reduce carbon emissions to year-2000 levels by 2025. Given the island's abundant sunlight, solar is expected to comprise a substantial share of Taiwan's future energy portfolio.

"We have great expectations for the entire region. Asia and the Pacific already account for about one-third of the world's total energy demand, although its per-capita consumption is far less than the world's average", said Roger Ye, Suntech's President of Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA). "The region's booming populations, strong economic growth engines, and abundant sunlight represent an exciting opportunity for solar and for Suntech." According to a November 2009 report by the Asian Development Bank, energy demand in Asia and the Pacific will grow by an estimated 2.4 percent annually for the next twenty years, a cumulative 80% increase between 2005 and 2030.


Suntech growing in emerging Asian markets

Suntech's PV products have already been utilized all around the region, including in Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Korea, Thailand and mainland China, among others. Around the world, Suntech has delivered products to thousands of customers in more than 80 countries. This global track record is a key differentiator for the brand in both established and emerging solar markets, according to Suntech executives. "The global nature of our operations and experience provides a unique competitive advantage as we grow in emerging Asian markets and around the world", said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Chairman and CEO of Suntech. "We are working across borders and regions to power sustainable economic growth everywhere under the sun."

2010-03-19   Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Solar cell manufacturer China Sunergy announces acquisition of two solar module manufacturers, appoints new CEO

Tingxiu Lu, Chairman of China Sunergy
Tingxiu Lu, Chairman of
China Sunergy

China Sunergy Co., Ltd., a specialized solar cell manufacturer based in Nanjing, China has announced an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of two related module manufacturers, CEEG (Shanghai) Solar Science & Technology Co., Ltd and CEEG (Nan Jing) New Energy Co., Ltd. "These acquisitions enhance China Sunergy's position in the downstream photovoltaic market and advance our initiative of developing into a comprehensive solution provider and providing value-added services to customers", commented Lu Tingxiu, Chairman of China Sunergy. "We look forward to realizing these strategies by bringing polycrystalline module manufacturing in-house and strengthening our competitive advantages within the solar sector." 

Total consideration of approximately US$ 47 million

According to the press release China Sunergy has a strong balance sheet and will be fully capable of funding the acquisitions, which have a total consideration of approximately US$ 47 million. The consideration is payable by China Sunergy to China Electric Equipment Group and Sundex Holdings Limited in a series of installments. The transactions have been reviewed and approved by all three companies' Boards of Directors, China Sunergy reports in the press release.


Capacity forecasted to be 300 MW and 170 MW by the middle of the year

CEEG (Shanghai) Solar Science & Technology and CEEG (NanJing) New Energy integrate the R&D, production, sales and servicing of solar modules, with total annual production capacities of 150 MW and 70 MW, respectively, with capacity forecasted to be 300 MW and 170 MW by the middle of the year. Both companies were controlled by China Electric Equipment Group Co., Ltd., a company controlled by Tingxiu Lu, China Sunergy's chairman, the company reports in the press release. These companies have a strong sales network within the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic and Southeast Asia.


Stephen Zhifang Cai appointed new CEO

Furthermore China Sunergy announced the appointment of Stephen Zhifang Cai as Chief Executive Officer. Allen Wang, China Sunergy's former CEO, tendered his resignation from the company for personal reasons, the company reports. Stephen Cai, with extensive operational, management and technological experience, brings a high level of directly relevant knowledge to China Sunergy given his previously successful management of key strategic projects, the company reports in the press release. "I firmly believe Stephen Cai will be a valuable member of our team here at China Sunergy. The diverse operational and management expertise he possesses, and his many years in leadership roles in dynamic organizations, will allow him to contribute effectively and significantly to our Company", commented Tingxiu Lu, Chairman of China Sunergy.

2010-03-18   Courtesy: China Sunergy Co. Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: China Sunergy Co. Ltd.

 

Chinese PV producer CNPV signs long-term strategic partnership with Sinatis Europe, France

From left: Veerraju Chaudary (CNPV) and Gerard Deleens (Sinatis Europe)
From left: Veerraju Chaudary (CNPV) and
Gerard Deleens (Sinatis Europe)

CNPV Solar Power SA, an integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products based in Dongying, China, announced it has entered into a long-term strategic sales agreement with Sinatis Europe, a French photovoltaic (PV) project development and distribution company. Under the terms of this strategic agreement, CNPV will supply Sinatis Europe with a total of 50 MWp of PV modules from 2010 to 2012, which includes 10 MWp of scheduled delivery during 2010. The remaining 15 MWp and 25 MWp are scheduled for delivery in 2011 and 2012 respectively, the company reports in the press release.   "We are very pleased to announce this new strategic partnership with Sinatis Europe, to further strengthen the existing well established partnership with Sinatis Europe. Our strategic partnership with Sinatis 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 France and North African solar markets", jointly stated Zhang Shunfu, CNPV's CEO, and B. Veerraju Chaudary, CNPV's COO, CTO & Member of the Board. "We look forward to continuing to expand our relationship with one of our loyal strategic partners, Sinatis Europe, by providing high quality modules, premium service and a low cost industry leading platform."




Attractive solar markets in France and North Africa

Gerard Deleens, CEO of Sinatis Europe, said, "CNPV Solar Power is a leading supplier of premium quality, high performance solar modules in the French market. CNPV premium module series are highly recognized by our customers as a product with one of the leading and best energy production ratios. We are very pleased to expand our strategic partnership with CNPV, which will allow us to provide long-term superior solutions to the attractive solar market in France and North Africa, especially we consider this as a continuation of our good relationship with CNPV to bring their high quality modules and premium service to our customers across France and North Africa."

2010-03-18   Courtesy: CNPV Solar Power SA; Sinatis Europe   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: CNPV Solar Power SA; Sinatis Europe

 

SunPower awarded two research grants totaling 1.5 million US-dollars from CSI RD&D program

SunPower Corporation, (San Jose, California), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, in March 2010 announced that it had been awarded two grants totaling approximately 1.5 million US-dollars from the California Solar Initiative Research, Development, Deployment and Demonstration (CSI RD&D) program.   SunPower is to participate on two distinct projects with leading solar technologists to research how to facilitate high levels of distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation into the utility distribution system. The company reports that it will use the funding for the first project to explore the planning and modeling for high-penetration PV on the California transmission and distribution network. SunPower aims to research the development of tools and resources necessary to facilitate the study of high penetration PV scenarios using industry-standard simulation tools.


CSI RD&D to invest 50 million US-dollars to fund solar research and demonstration projects in California

According to the press release, SunPower will team up with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) on the second project, which aims to research new hardware and software tools for providing bi-directional communication and management between PV systems and utility controls using advanced metering infrastructure. The company is to provide supplementary funds to SMUD for the latter project. "We are honored to be selected by the CSI RD&D Committee for these awards," said Bill Mulligan, SunPower's Vice President of technology and development. "Participating in research and development projects under the California Solar Initiative, and partnering with leading solar technologists, will be a benefit to SunPower's business and broaden the success of solar programs in California."


3,000 megawatts (MW) of new solar electricity capacity by 2016

The California Solar Initiative (CSI), overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), has a goal to create 3,000 megawatts (MW) of new solar electricity capacity by 2016, moving the state toward a cleaner energy future and helping to lower the cost of solar systems for consumers. According to the press release, CSI RD&D will invest 50 million US-dollars to fund a variety of solar research and demonstration projects, which are expected to measurably reduce costs and accelerate the installation of solar and other distributed technologies.

2010-03-18   Courtesy: SunPower Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Aries Ingeniería y Sistemas consolidates the financing of its first solar thermal power plant in Badajoz, Spain

CSP plant in Alcázar de San Juan
CSP plant in Alcázar de San Juan

Aries Ingeniería y Sistemas (Madrid, Spain), an independent, global and diversified engineering company with offices in the United States and China, in March 2010 announced that the company had signed an agreement worth 275 million Euros together with the Elecnor Group for the financing of the "Astexol-2" concentrating solar power plant (CSP), located in Badajoz, Spain.   This agreement is said to consolidate the development stage of the project, in which Aries has played the role of protagonist with its promotion and engineering of the plant, which is believed to situate the company among the most advanced in the international concentrated solar power technology field. According to the press release, the Astexol-2 project is one of the three pre-assigned projects from the Spanish Ministry of Industry, in accordance with the Royal Decree 6/2009. Construction of the 50 megawatt (MW) solar power plant is scheduled to be completed before December 31st, 2010, when the project is expected to start generating clean, renewable energy. Aries reports that the company has developed two other 50 MW CSP plants in Alcázar de San Juan (Ciudad Real, Spain).

2010-03-18   Courtesy: Aries Ingeniería y Sistemas   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Aries Ingeniería y Sistemas

 

Governor McDonnell signs legislation to position Virginia to become the "Energy Capital of the East Coast"

Virgina Governor Bob McDonnell signing HB 787
Virgina Governor Bob
McDonnell signing HB 787

Virgina Governor Bob McDonnell was joined by a bipartisan group of delegates and Senators on March 10th, 2010 as he signed legislation that is to allocate 80 % of future offshore royalties and revenues to transportation and the remaining 20 % to the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium, which researches and develops renewable energy solutions.   According to the press release, HB 787 provides a clear statement of the Commonwealth in support of oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production 50 miles or more off Virginia's coast. The Governor and members of his administration have reportedly been in steady communication with United States Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar expressing strong support for keeping the offshore lease sale on schedule for 2011.




Commonwealth to explore offshore oil and natural gas resources, reinvest revenues in renewable energy research

Governor McDonnell remarked: "These key pieces of legislation are necessary to help Virginia become the 'Energy Capital of the East Coast.' Virginians understand that this common–sense policy will lead to millions of dollars in revenue as well as thousands of new jobs. Revenue gained from offshore exploration will go directly to two key areas, transportation and energy research and development. By investing 20 % in renewable energy research and production we will ensure that energy sources of the future, such as wind and biofuels, are made more commercially practicable." To learn more about the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium interested parties are invited to visit http://www.vcerc.org/

2010-03-18   Courtesy: governor.virginia.gov   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: governor.virginia.gov

 

First Solar joins the Desertec Industrial Initiative, partnership highlights promise of photovoltaic power in deserts

First Solar's PV production in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
First Solar's PV production in
Frankfurt (Oder), Germany

First Solar Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) on March 16th, 2010 announced that it had joined the Desertec Industrial Initiative as an Associated Partner to demonstrate the potential of photovoltaic (PV) solar technology to provide clean, sustainable energy on a vast scale by harnessing the desert sun. A leader in utility-scale solar power plants, First Solar is the first pure PV company to join Desertec, which aims to provide a significant portion of the electricity for the Middle East and Northern Africa as well as Europe by 2050 via a network of solar and wind energy sources.   "We look forward to working with Desertec to demonstrate the potential of renewable energies – and PV in particular – to deliver clean, reliable power to the people of Africa and the Middle East as well as Europe", said Stephan Hansen, managing director of First Solar GmbH, the company’s European sales and customer service unit for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "The challenges of energy security and global warming demand bold solutions and Desertec certainly provides an ambitious vision", he said.




Utility-scale PV expertise for Desertec working groups

As an Associated Partner of Desertec for an initial period of three years, First Solar will contribute utility-scale PV expertise in Desertec working groups and prepare the ground for reference projects and a rollout plan. Desertec’s founders include other leading companies in the solar and wind energy business as well as in electricity distribution. First Solar has already built utility-scale solar power plants in desert conditions in the United States and United Arab Emirates and is preparing the way for a 2 gigawatt (GW) solar power plant in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia.


PV complementing other renewable energies already represented in Desertec

Among other characteristics, First Solar’s thin-film technology delivers superior energy yields even under hot desert conditions. "As a high-performance, low-maintenance technology that can be deployed in stages and deliver clean energy quickly, PV is the ideal complement to other renewable energies already represented in Desertec", said Mr. Hansen.

2010-03-17   Courtesy: First Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: First Solar Inc.

 

Solarbuzz Report: Worldwide solar photovoltaic market reaches record high of 6.43 gigawatts in 2009

Major PV Markets by Country in 2009
Major PV Markets by Country in 2009

Worldwide solar photovoltaic (PV) installations reached a record high of 6.43 gigawatts (GW) in 2009 - a 6% Y/Y growth, according to the latest "Marketbuzz" 2010 Report from "Solarbuzz", an international solar energy market research and consulting company, and a division of The NPD Group. In addition, the company reported that the PV industry generated billion in global revenues in 2009, while successfully raising more than .5 billion in equity and debt, up 8% on the prior year. 






4.07 GW installed in Germany, Italy and Czech Republic

According to the company’s Marketbuzz 2010 Report, European countries accounted for 4.75 GW, or 74% of world demand in 2009. The top three countries in Europe were Germany, Italy and Czech Republic, which collectively accounted for 4.07 GW. All three countries experienced soaring demand with Italy becoming the second largest market in the world. In contrast, Spanish demand in 2009 collapsed to just 4% of its prior year level. The third largest market in the world was the US, which grew 36% to 485 MW. Following closely behind was a rejuvenated Japan, ranked fourth and growing 109% Y/Y.


China and Taiwan production now accounts for 49% of global cell production

Worldwide solar cell production reached a consolidated figure of 9.34 GW in 2009, up from 6.85 GW a year earlier, with thin film production accounting for 18% of that total. China and Taiwan production continued to build share and now accounts for 49% of global cell production. Of total European demand, net cell imports accounted for 74% of the total.

The top seven polysilicon manufacturers had 114,500 tons per annum of capacity in 2009, up 92% Y/Y, while the top eight wafer manufacturers accounted for 32.9% of global wafer capacity in 2009.


Module price crashed by 38%

Solar cell production exceeding the market demand caused the weighted crystalline silicon module price average for 2009 to crash 38% from the prior year level. This reduction in crystalline silicon prices also had the effect of eroding their percentage premium to thin film factory gate pricing.


High growth expected

Looking forward, the industry according to Solarbuzz will return to high growth in 2010 and over the next five years. Even in the slowest growth scenario, the global market will be 2.5 times its current size by 2014. Using the fastest growth forecast, annual industry revenues would approach 0 billion by 2014.

"Industry performance in 2009 was remarkable in that it managed to more than fully replace the 2.3 GW demand gap caused by the change in policy in Spain", remarked Craig Stevens, President of Solarbuzz. "Looking forward, the industry will see a return to high growth, but in a low margin environment. Our analysis demonstrates that a wide range of start-up markets will help offset a slowdown in German demand in the second half of 2010."


2010 Report references 112 countries, devotes one-third of its content to the 2010-2014 forecast

After providing a comprehensive look back at 2009 industry results, the report devotes one-third of its content to the 2010-2014 forecast, including a thorough preview of market developments, policies, prices and production requirements that are essential to shape corporate strategies over this period. Manufacturing costs, gross margins and capital expenditure profiles are also addressed. In total, the analysis in the new Marketbuzz 2010 Report references 112 countries across the world in 2009. Further details about the report’s Content Outline and Figures/Tables are also available. For more information on the report, contact Charles Camaroto at 1.888.436.7673 or 1.516.625.2452, email contact@displaysearch.com, http://www.solarbuzz.com/

2010-03-17   Courtesy: Solarbuzz   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solarbuzz Marketbuzz 2010 Report

 

Evergreen Solar PV panels powering five-megawatt solar power Plant in Italy

5 MW power plant in Apulia, with 24,600 Evergreen Solar solar panels
5 MW power plant in Apulia, with 24,600
Evergreen Solar solar panels

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Marlboro, Massachusetts), a manufacturer of "STRING RIBBON" solar photovoltaic (PV) power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer manufacturing technology, on March 16th, 2010 announced that a five-megawatt power plant in Apulia, Italy, that uses Evergreen Solar panels is now completed. It is the largest installation of Evergreen Solar panels in the company’s history. The project, which was designed and installed by Italian project developer Greenvision, has a total surface area of 100,000 square meters and uses 24,600 Evergreen Solar ES-A series String Ribbon solar panels.   It will provide enough electricity to power approximately 2,400 homes and will prevent more than 3,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, the equivalent of planting approximately 75,000 trees, Evergreen Solar reports in a press release.




An important and growing market for solar power

The solar power plant is funded by Enia Solaris, a joint venture of two Italian-based companies, Enia SpA and Ata Group. "This is a milestone project for Evergreen Solar as we continue to expand our company’s global footprint with the largest installation in company history", said Scott Gish, Evergreen Solar’s vice president of sales and marketing. "Italy is an important and growing market for solar power because of the country’s high amount of sunlight. Our solar panels are particularly well liked as they deliver the most electricity with the smallest carbon footprint of any silicon-based panel."

"The Apulia solar park was our highest-profile project in 2009", said Carlo Ghiglieno, Marketing Manager for Greenvision. "We chose Evergreen Solar panels for this installation because of the product's reputation for having one of the best power tolerances and its proven reliability."

2010-03-17   Courtesy: Evergreen Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Evergreen Solar, Inc.

 

PV producer Evergreen Solar promotes Peter Rusch to Vice President of Sales for Europe, Africa and the Middle East

Peter Rusch to Vice President of Sales for Europe, Africa and the Middle East
Peter Rusch to Vice President
of Sales for Europe, Africa and
the Middle East

Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Marlboro, Mass.), a manufacturer of "STRING RIBBON" solar power panels with its proprietary, low-cost wafer manufacturing technology, on March 12th, 2010 announced the promotion of Peter Rusch to Vice President of Sales for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It also announced that Thomas Hofmann has been promoted to the Director of Sales for Europe.   In this newly-created position, Rusch will oversee market development, sales strategy and implementation in the three key regions of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Rusch previously held the position of Director of Sales in Europe. An 11-year veteran of the solar industry, Rusch joined Evergreen Solar in 2002. He previously worked as an export manager at Solon AG before becoming an executive at Solarbiss Energietechnik GmbH. Rusch is a graduate of Bayreuth University and received his master’s degree from Ashcroft International Business Center in Cambridge, UK.



Prepared to take the next level in the European PV market

"Peter Rusch has helped Evergreen Solar significantly grow its presence and market share in Germany and southern Europe since joining the company", said Richard M. Feldt, Chairman, CEO and President. "The European region represents the majority of our overall sales. Under Peter’s leadership, we are well positioned to take Evergreen Solar to the next level in the European market and beyond."

"During the coming year we will continue to expand our sales efforts within continental Europe while also entering both the Middle East and Africa", said Scott Gish, Vice President Sales and Marketing. "Peter’s experience within the solar industry and these specific markets makes him the ideal person to drive Evergreen Solar’s growth in these key regions."

Rusch will be replaced by Hofmann as the Director of Sales for Europe. He will be tasked with continuing to expand Evergreen Solar’s sales footprint in key European countries including Germany, Italy, France and Spain. He began his career in the solar industry in 2003 with Shell Solar and joined Evergreen Solar in 2007 and most recently served as the Senior Key Account Manager for Germany.

2010-03-17   Courtesy: Evergreen Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Evergreen Solar Inc.

 

Scheuten Solar decides in favour of Bürkle Ypsator again, within one year Dutch PV producer bought the second multi-opening laminator from Bürkle

Multi-opening laminator "Ypsator".

Just at the beginning of last year Robert Bürkle GmbH (Freudenstadt, Germany) installed the first "Ypsator" with 6 openings at Scheuten Technology GmbH in Gelsenkirchen. Only less than 12 months later, the solar company with headquarters in the Netherlands decided on the innovative multi-opening concept of the plant manufacturer from Freudenstadt again.   Bürkle will celebrate its 90th company anniversary in 2010. Although Scheuten Solar has been producing with different single-opening models for many years, the solar module manufacturer decided on the Ypsator for the planned capacity increase in 2010, Bürkle reports in a press release. The machine is going to be delivered and commissioned in the second quarter. Thus the Gelsenkirchen company will be in the position to produce a solar photovoltaic (PV) module every 45 seconds on two Bürkle lines from the middle of this year.

2010-03-17   Courtesy: ROBERT BÜRKLE GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ROBERT BÜRKLE GmbH

 

OE-A’s 5th Anniversary: From pioneers to a global industry association for printed electronics and organic photovoltaics

Sample of a printed solar cell.
Sample of a printed solar cell.

"With its 135 members all over the world, the OE-A has become a highly dynamic and constantly growing network of leading international companies and institutes in the past five years", said Wolfgang Mildner, Chairman of the OE-A and Managing Director, PolyIC GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, on the occasion of the 5th anniversary celebration of the OE-A - the industry association for organic and printed electronics - in late February at the Holst Centre in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Organic photovoltaics (OPV), OLED lighting, flexible displays, printed memory, RFID or sensors, as well as integrated smart systems are just a few examples of new applications which are made possible by organic and printed electronics.   In December 2004, 35 members founded this working group within VDMA. "One of the founding principles of the OE-A five years ago was the goal to build an international industry association to jointly develop this future multi-billion Euro market", emphasized the Chairman of the OE-A. "Cooperation all along the value chain is essential in this phase; no company can achieve it alone."



Network has driven international cooperation

"When OE-A was created five years ago, printed electronics was an industry known to a small number of pioneering companies", said Andrew W. Hannah, Vice Chairman of OE-A and CEO of the solar company Plextronics. "Now, we are part of a global industry and OE-A has led the way in that transformation. The OE-A has helped raise the visibility of printed electronics which is invaluable to its member companies."


OE-A continues to grow activities in Asia

The next step in globalization after OE-A’s inception in Europe and establishing the North American office in 2008 is the continued growth of activities in Asia. An important milestone is the recent addition of Sumitomo Chemical, a leading company from Japan, to the OE-A. "Sumitomo Chemical has joined OE-A in the belief that for an emerging technology such as organic electronics, a strong body representing the interests of companies engaged in the technology is essential", said Dr. David Fyfe, Sumitomo Chemical, Tokyo, Japan. "We have chosen OE-A in view of its growing global strength."


A bridge between science, technology and application.

The OE-A (Organic Electronics Association) is a working group within the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) and was founded in December 2004. The OE-A is the leading international industry association for organic and printed electronics and represents the entire value chain of this emerging industry. Our members are worldclass global companies and institutions, ranging from R&D institutes, component and material suppliers to producers and end-users. More than 130 companies from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia are working together to promote the establishment of a competitive production infrastructure for organic electronics. The vision of the OE-A is to build a bridge between science, technology and application. More than 3,000 member companies from the engineering industry make VDMA the largest industry association in Europe.

The OE-A is the host of the premier international conference and exhibition, LOPE-C - the Large-area, Organic and Printed Electronics Convention - which addresses end users, manufacturers, investors, engineers, and scientists. In 2010, LOPE-C will take place from May 31st to June 2nd, 2010 at Messe Frankfurt, Germany. Additional information at: www.oe-a.org and www.lope-c.com.

2010-03-17   Courtesy: OE-A   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Holst Centre, The Netherlands

 

Southern California Edison orders 200 megawatts of Sunpower panels for large utility solar photovoltaic plants

T5 Solar Roof Tile.
T5 Solar Roof Tile.

Southern California Edison (SCE, Rosemead, Calif.), an Edison International company, and SunPower Corp. in March 2010 announced that SunPower has won a contract to provide solar technology for generating up to 200 megawatts (MW), or 80 percent, of the solar power capacity needed for the utility's large solar photovoltaic installation program. During the next five years, SCE plans to install, own and operate 250 megawatts of solar generating capacity, most of it on otherwise unused large warehouse rooftops.   The large one- to two-million-watt solar installations will be connected directly to neighborhood distribution circuits where the leased rooftops are located.



SunPower T5 Solar Roof Tile integrates solar panel, frame and roof mounting system

"The anticipated benefits of this agreement with SunPower include panel costs that will allow us to meet our commitment to increasing our customers' supply of renewable energy while reducing the cost of installed solar photovoltaic power in California", said SCE President John R. Fielder. SCE is purchasing the SunPower T5 Solar Roof Tile, which integrates into a single unit a solar panel, frame and roof mounting system, thereby reducing installation time and costs. In addition, the SunPower product was selected because it will allow SCE to produce more power per installation.

"The SCE program reflects the growing value of advanced solar panel technology as a reliable, cost-effective energy resource that can be installed quickly, anywhere and at any scale", said Howard Wenger, president of SunPower's utilities and power plant business group.

"SunPower applauds SCE's commitment to rooftop solar development, which is unprecedented in the utility industry." In a related development, on January 21, 2010, the California Public Utilities Commission approved the process to be used for a second track of solar installations that will double the size of SCE's photovoltaic program. Regulators previously directed SCE to conduct a competitive solicitation offering long-term power contracts to independent solar power providers willing to install an additional 250 megawatts of photovoltaic generation. SCE hopes to launch the solicitation later this month. Eventually, the two installation tracks will add a total of 500 megawatts to the solar generating capacity of Southern California's power resources - the largest U.S. photovoltaic program ever undertaken.



SCE Solar Project Benefits

New generation sources will be installed in areas where customer demand is rising. The installations will speed up California's deployment of solar generation while major new renewable energy transmission lines are being built such as SCE's 4,500 megawatt Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project. SCE grid engineers will be studying the electrical effects of a high penetration of photovoltaics on distribution circuits and adapting circuits to accommodate these large installations. The information gained will be shared with the power industry. SCE anticipates its solar power project will create as many as 800 new green jobs in Southern California in the solar industry. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, one of SCE's project partners, is supporting the project through the expansion of its solar installation apprentice training program.

2010-03-16   Courtesy: SunPower Corp.; Southern California Edison   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corp.

 

Statkraft opens first solar park in Italy, announces agreement for more solar parks

Statkraft's PV plant Casale in Aprilia, Italy.
Statkraft's PV plant Casale in Aprilia, Italy.

On March 11th, 2010, Norwegian power generator Statkraft opened its first solar power plant, Casale in Aprilia, Italy. Statkraft also announces an agreement with Siemens Energy to build more solar power plants in Italy. With a total capacity of 3.3 MW and an annual power production of 4.5 GWh, the Casale solar park will supply approximately 1200 Italian households with renewable energy.   "Developing solar power is part of our strategy to maintain Statkraft’s role as Europe’s largest renewable energy company", said Bård Mikkelsen, President and CEO of Statkraft. Statkraft also announced an exclusive framework agreement with Siemens Energy to build up to 40 MW new solar power capacity in Italy during 2010. The agreement covers Statkraft’s project pipeline in Italy and construction of the next solar plant is expected to commence in spring 2010.



Siemens Energy chosen as an exclusive EPC contractor in Italy

Following a comprehensive procurement process involving a number of suppliers, Statkraft has chosen Siemens Energy as an exclusive EPC contractor in Italy. As Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) contractor, Siemens will handle engineering, project management and turnkey construction of the photovoltaic plants. Siemens will also be responsible for operation and maintenance for the first five years. "Siemens Energy is a highly competent partner, securing our ability to build several solar parks in parallel and reach the target of commissioning new solar parks before the end of 2010. The time schedule is of great importance, due to the uncertainty regarding future support schemes for solar power", says Olav Hetland, senior vice president solar power in Statkraft.


75 MW of solar power generating capacity to be developed by 2012

"After successful execution of the Casale project for Statkraft, we are continuing our cooperation with the implementation of further solar energy projects in Italy", said René Umlauft, CEO of the Renewable Energy Division of Siemens Energy. Ztatkraft’s goal is to develop 75 MW of solar power generating capacity by 2012. The geographical focus is Italy, Spain and France, based on high solar radiation and established support schemes.

Statkraft on own account is Europe's largest renewable energy company. The group develops and generates hydropower, wind power, gas power, solar power and district heating, and is a major player on the European power exchanges. Statkraft also develops marine energy, osmotic power and other innovative energy solutions. In 2009 Statkraft posted gross operating revenues of EUR 2.9 billion. The group employs 3,400 staff in more than 20 countries.

2010-03-16   Courtesy: Statkraft   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Statkraft

 

Trina Solar announces increased module shipments with ENERQOS in Italy

Trina Solar Limited (Changzhou, China), an integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, on March 12th, 2010 announced that its subsidiary, Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co., Ltd., has increased its yearly shipments to ENERQOS SPA (ENERQOS), a leading Italian PV system and solar power plant construction company headquartered in Monza with offices across Italy, France and Greece.   Under the terms of the agreement, which had reportedly been signed in November 2009, Trina Solar will increase its 2010 committed quantity to ENERQOS to 23 megawatts (MW) of PV modules in 2010 from 2 MW in 2009. Shipments include 13 MW and 10 MW of PV modules for the first and second half of 2010, respectively, with agreed prices for the first and second quarter of 2010.


PV manufacturer expects to gain market shares in Europe

"We are excited to expand our relationship with ENERQOS, a leading European engineering company which provides traditional EPC services, as well as high value added services and system integration capabilities", said Ben Hill, Vice President of sales and marketing (Europe) at Trina Solar. "This strategic combination of Trina Solar's high quality modules and ENERQOS's extensive field experience and expertise in supplying turnkey solar system solutions will allow Trina Solar to realize market share gains across rapidly growing photovoltaic markets in Europe." Mauro Marcucci, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ENERQOS, added: "We are very pleased to partner with Trina Solar, a top-tier manufacturer, and to integrate its technology in the design of high performance PV systems. This is in line with our strategy to constantly offer new engineering solutions, developing a wide range of value added services in order to grant superior systems performances in the long run. Moreover this partnership with one of the major players in the PV market will allow ENERQOS to ensure a greater security of modules supply to our customers."

2010-03-16   Courtesy: Trina Solar Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Satcon to supply OZZ Solar with 18 MW of solar inverters for 40 power plants under Ontario feed-in tariff program

Satcon Technology Corporation (Boston, Massachusetts), a provider of utility scale power solutions for the renewable energy market, in March 2010 announced that it will deliver 78 of its "PowerGate Plus" solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters to OZZ Solar Inc. (Toronto, Canada).   These power conversion solutions are to be deployed on commercial rooftop projects across the province of Ontario, and will be fully compliant under the Ontario feed-in tariff (FIT) program that was launched in 2009. Satcon reports that the 40 rooftop projects under development by the OZZ Solar program will utilize the company’s "PowerGate Plus" 250 kilowatt (kW) and 100 kW solar PV inverters, customized for 600 Volts alternating current (VAC).


Inverter solutions to be used for Ontario solar rooftop projects

According to the press release, Satcon’s grid connected commercial and utility scale solar PV solutions provide an industry leading Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) which is deemed critical to attaining the most profitable power production under the FIT program in Ontario. "These installations mark the beginning of major growth for large scale, grid-tied rooftop solar power plants in Canada and are a significant step in the implementation of Ontario's Feed-In Tariff program", said Jonathan Goldman, Executive Vice President of OZZ Solar Inc. "These projects required the most advanced, highest performing, and most reliable systems that could deliver reliable performance in the harsh Ontario climate. Satcon's best-in-class solutions and their commitment to partner with us to drive value from the design stages over the entire lifespan of the project were the key factors in our decision to partner with them."


Locally manufactured inverters designed to withstand temperatures of negative 40 ºC

Satcon reports that its PowerGate Plus 250 kW and 100 kW 600 VAC output inverters meet all requirements mandated under FIT regulations, and are specially designed to operate at full performance at temperatures as low as negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit (- 40 ºC). In addition, the PowerGate Plus solutions are to be manufactured in Burlington (Ontario), making them the only large scale inverter solutions that are fully compliant with the Ontario FIT local content requirements.

2010-03-16   Courtesy: Satcon Technology Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Satcon Technology Corporation

 

World Bank is an official partner for MENASOL 2010; 2nd North Africa and Middle East Solar Conference

The World Bank is the official partner of MENASOL 2010 – 2nd North Africa and Middle East Solar Conference which has meant even more business opportunities with these key players will be available at the event, the organizers report in a press release. This is an important partnership as the World Bank teams that are directly involved in the   5.5 billion dollar investment into solar energy projects will be speaking extensively about the CSP (concentrating solar power) plans in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia. "The proposed gigawatt-scale deployment through 11 commercial-scale power plants over a three- to five-year time-frame would provide the critical mass of investments necessary to attract significant private sector interest, benefit from economies of scale to reduce cost, result in learning in diverse operating conditions, and manage risk", the 186-nation bank emphasizes.


Support from big players as a key event in any solar professionals calendar

As a result MENASOL 2010 is certainly catching the attention of those serious about solar in MENA, and with support from these big players it is proving to be a key event in any solar professionals calendar. The World Bank will be joined by the exciting additions to the speaker line up: Suresh Bhaskar (Head of Strategy from GDF Suez Energy) who will be speaking on solar power producing in MENA; Kevin Sara (Managing Director and Founder from Nur Energie) will provide a case study "Solar export from MENA to Europe"; Ennis Rimawi (Managing Director from Catalyst Private Equity) will be providing the MENA investor’s perspective and Kilian Baelz from RCREE will be talking about the importance of regulatory frameworks.

"For the development of renewable energies in the MENA region, the regulatory framework is crucial: attracting private investors in renewable energies will require to provide for adequate incentives, an over all stable investment environment as well as the development of market practices and contractual standards. Considering the reform of energy legislation in many of the MENA countries, to include more recently Morocco, Jordan, Algeria and Egypt, as well as the new EU RES Directive which for the first time allows an import of green electricity, regulatory reform actually is gaining momentum. It is expected, however, that the MENA region will develop an own regulatory pattern, that will be dominated by models such as competitive bidding, with feed in tariffs emerging in the future", the organizers of the conference say.

More information about how to tap into the North African and Middle East solar opportunities: http://www.newsolartoday.com/solar-conference/

2010-03-16   Courtesy: New Solar Today   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Loblaw Companies pilots four solar energy projects on its stores in Ontario

As part of its ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and reducing the environmental impact of its operations, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw; Brampton, Ontario, Canada) on March 10th, 2010 announced that it will install innovative solar technology on the rooftops of four stores in Ontario as pilot projects.  The company, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food distributor and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Select Loblaw stores in Ajax, Orleans, Toronto and Whitby, are to install photovoltaic (PV) panels to leverage solar energy and provide green power to local communities and the province of Ontario. According to the press release, the Honourable Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, had announced that the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) had approved more than 100 Loblaw applications for rooftop solar installations on their stores through the feed-in tariff (FIT) program of the province’s ‘Green Energy Act’. Based on the success of the initial four pilot projects, Loblaw is to evaluate the next phase of roll outs.


Solar PV installations part of overall effort to support renewable energy sources

"This initiative is part of Loblaw's overall effort, through the use of renewable energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint", said Bob Chant, Vice President Corporate Affairs with Loblaw. "We believe green energy production using innovative technologies such as these pilot projects, supports our commitment to the environment." Brad Duguid added: "With our new domestic content rules, these projects will also help create new green collar jobs here in Ontario as well as major economic investments in equipment and services here at home." Loblaw plans on working with Northland Power Income Fund (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) to install the rooftop solar projects. "We believe that solar energy, especially rooftop solar energy, will play a major role in Ontario's green energy future while dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Jim Temerty, Chairman of Northland Power Income Fund. Loblaw reports that its renewable energy commitment is driven by one of its five corporate social responsibility pillars, respect the environment. Some of the other related projects include sustainable construction through LEED design standards and waste reduction programs.

2010-03-16   Courtesy: Loblaw Companies Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

OPEL Solar and BETASOL secure Spanish feed-in tariff for one of world’s first commercial HCPV power installations

HCPV is a viable technology by OPEL Solar.
HCPV is a viable technology by OPEL Solar.

OPEL Solar, Inc. (Shelton, Connecticut and Toronto, Ontario, Canada), a global developer and supplier of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) solar panels and other solar products, including ground-based and rooftop tracker systems, and its Spanish partner BETASOL in March 2010 announced that its 330 kilowatts (kW) utility-grade solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Spain is eligible to begin receiving the solar feed-in tariff (FIT) from the Spanish Government.   According to the press release, this makes the OPEL Solar project one of the first HCPV installations to be recognized with a FIT and guaranteed investment rate of return. As one of the first commercial HCPV installations, the 330 kilowatt (kW) "Vilalba del Arcs" solar farm is to use OPEL Solar’s technology and is to be eligible for a FIT of 28.1 Eurocents (38.6 US Cent) per kilowatt (kW) of electric power generated. The FIT are to be provided for a 20-year period.



HCPV solar panels mounted on dual axis trackers follow the sun during the course of the day

"The approval of the Vilalba del Arcs utility solar farm for the Spanish feed-in tariff program is a significant business milestone for OPEL Solar and its HCPV technology", said Robert Pico, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OPEL Solar, Inc. "This demonstrates that HCPV is a viable technology for generating electricity from the sun at utility scale levels and for providing guaranteed revenue to its owners, such as BETASOL in this case." Pico added "From an investment viewpoint, this project offers a very attractive rate of return to any investor." This utility grade solar farm is reportedly one of the first operable solar grid fields in the world using OPEL’s "Mk-I HCPV" solar panels mounted on dual axis trackers. The installation is located in the Tarragona region of Spain, a prime location for solar development. BETASOL is a Spanish company involved in building utility grade solar farm installations and their subsequent sale to investor groups

2010-03-15   Courtesy: OPEL Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: OPEL Solar, Inc.

 

Ontario’s "Green Energy Plan" delivers

Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Hon. Brad Duguid
Ontario Minister of Energy
and Infrastructure, Hon.
Brad Duguid

The future will be brighter for many businesses in Ontario after the Ontario Power Authority (OPA; Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on March 10th, 2010 approved 510 new green energy projects, most of them solar power installations. According to an OPA press release, these projects are the first larger power generators to obtain contracts through the province’s landmark feed-in tariff (FIT) program, the most comprehensive of its kind in North America. FIT encourages the development of renewable energy projects from a diverse range of producers, including homeowners, schools, farmers, large retailers and small businesses, by offering long-term, stable prices for the electricity generated.   "Everybody is participating, from everywhere in Ontario, from farmers, schools and hospitals to large scale retail and commercial operations", said Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. "With our new domestic content rules, these projects will also help create new ‘green collar’ jobs here in Ontario, as well as major economic investments in equipment and services here at home."



510 renewable projects get go-ahead under Ontario FIT program

According to the press release, the OPA-approved projects range from 10 kilowatts (kW) to 500 kW in size and together have a total generating capacity of 112 megawatts (MW). This is enough energy to power more than 13,000 average homes. About 95 % of the projects are for solar generation, the remaining projects are to employ biogas, water, onshore wind and biomass technologies. Ontario’s FIT program features ‘domestic content requirements’ that are to ensure that a key portion of the technology used for renewable energy generation comes from Ontario. Developers must meet a certain percentage of made-in-Ontario goods and labor at the time the project reaches commercial operation. For solar photovoltaic (PV) projects larger than 10 kW, the requirement is currently 50 %, OPA reports. “The Ontario Power Authority is very excited about today’s announcement. Over the last year, we consulted, developed and launched the program. These first contracts really bring the program to life and highlight its success", said Colin Andersen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ontario Power Authority.


Green Energy Act expected to help create up to 50,000 "green collar" jobs

The FIT program, one of the cornerstones of Ontario’s ‘Green Energy Act’, provides stable, guaranteed pricing to renewable energy producers. It supports the province’s commitment to eliminate dirty coal-fired generation by the end of 2014, the single largest climate change initiative in Canada. FIT and other initiatives under the Green Energy Act are expected to support the creation of 50,000 ‘green collar’ jobs. OPA reports that it began accepting FIT applications on October 1st, 2009, and that it has received 956 eligible applications for the first round of FIT contracts. Due to their size (up to 500 kW), these projects can reportedly be connected to Ontario’s electricity grid without detailed impact assessments necessary for larger projects. OPA reports that Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw; Brampton, Ontario, Canada), Canada’s largest grocery retailer, had for example been approved for FIT applications for rooftop solar installations on 136 of its Ontario stores. The grocery retailer is to initially launch four pilot projects in select stores across the province and then evaluate the next phase of rollouts.


microFIT program to encourage small renewable energy projects up to 10 kW in size

Ontario’s FIT program also includes a stream called "microFIT" which is designed to encourage homeowners, businesses and others to generate renewable energy with projects of 10 kW or less. MicroFIT is designed to make it simpler and faster to get small-scale renewable projects installed and producing power. OPA reports that prices paid for renewable energy generation under FIT and microFIT vary by energy source and take into account the capital investment required to get a project up and running. Under the program, participants are paid a fixed-price for the electricity they generate. FIT and microFIT contracts are for 20 years, with the exception of waterpower, which has a 40-year contract. MicroFIT projects are expected to help create new local businesses and green jobs as demand grows for technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, biomass and waterpower generation equipment, and for Ontarians who can design, build, install, operate and maintain these technologies. According to the press release, there is about 1,300 MW of installed renewable electricity capacity in Ontario, excluding large-scale hydro, enough to power more than 300,000 homes. Ontario is Canada’s leader in wind power and solar PV capacity.

2010-03-15   Courtesy: Ontario Power Authority   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ontario Power Authority

 

PV production: Meyer Burger concludes contract for approximately CHF 20 million with Jiangxi Sornid

Wire saw for manufacturing solar wafers.
Wire saw for manufacturing solar wafers.

Meyer Burger Technology Ltd, (Baar, Switzerland) has concluded a contract for wire saws and wafer inspection systems for approximately CHF 20 million with Jiangxi Sornid Hi-Tech Co., Ltd, Jiujiang, China. In the course of Jiangxi Sornids’ planned expansion of production capacity up to 500 MW in 2010, the slicing systems of Meyer Burger Ltd and the wafer inspection systems of Hennecke Systems GmbH shall secure the manufacturing of high grade quality multi-crystalline solar wafers, Meyer Burger reports in a press release.   Jiangxi Sornid Hi-Tech Co., Ltd was established in 2008. It is one of the largest PV Corporations in Jiangxi province. "We are committed to becoming a leading supplier of high quality multi-crystalline silicon wafers to the solar industry", said Mr. Luo Hong, chairman. The company is dedicated to grow into one of the most influential PV Corporations in China’s new energy territory and operates with the world’s most advanced manufacturing technologies and equipment. For more information about Jiangxi Sornid, visit their web site at www.sornid.com.

2010-03-15   Courtesy: Meyer Burger Technology AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Meyer Burger Technology AG

 

EUFORES Presidents ask for strong National Renewable Energy Action Plans

Claude Turmes, President of EUFORES
Claude Turmes,
President of EUFORES

EUFORES Board of Presidents, Claude Turmes (EUFORES President, Member of the European Parliament - MEP), Fiona Hall (EUFORES Vice-President, MEP) and Anni Podimata (EUFORES Vice-President, MEP) call upon Member States to submit ambitious National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAPs) to the European Commission in June this year. As part of the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive (RES-Directive), the EU-27 Member States have to write their National Renewable Energy Action Plan, including the measures and instruments used for achieving their individual target. The overall goal of the Directive is to supply 20% of the European final energy consumption from renewable energy sources in 2020, EUFORES reports in a press release. EUFORES is a European parliamentary network with Members from all major political groups in the European Parliament as well as in the national EU Member States Parliaments. EUFORES’ core objective is the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Europe.   "The NREAPs are very important features of the RES-Directive", says EUFORES President Claude Turmes (MEP Luxembourg, Greens/EFA), who was also the Rapporteur of the Directive in the European Parliament. "The binding targets set out in the Directive, can only be met with strong action plans containing efficient instruments."



Responsibility to scrutinise national governments

"According to the forecast documents Member States submitted, the overall 20% target can be met and even exceeded. I really hope that Member States will prove that this is not only lip-service and will implement the necessary policies", Fiona Hall (MEP UK, Liberal & Democrats), EUFORES Vice-President, adds. EUFORES Vice-President Anni Podimata (MEP Greece, Socialists & Democrats) shares the position of her colleagues and stresses: "As parliamentarians it is our responsibility to scrutinise national governments. We demand ambitious action plans and to implement the Directive in a good and timely manner."


REPAP2020 project plays an important role in accompanying the implementation of the RES-Directive

According to the press release all three EUFORES Presidents emphasise the important role, the REPAP2020 project is playing in accompanying the implementation of the RES-Directive. The project, which was initiated by a consortium of 13 European partners, has as a main goal the facilitation of the implementation, EUFORES reports in the press release. Among the activities of the project are workshops for the authors of the NREAPs from the national governments. So far, two workshops have taken place in Brussels with 17 and 21 Member States represented respectively. Additionally, industry stakeholders and the scientific partners of the project have developed 27 national RES-industry roadmaps, which are supposed as input documents for the NREAPs, EUFORES emphasizes in the press release. After the submission of the action plans, the project will then also evaluate the results.

For more information about REPAP2020 project please visit:
www.repap2020.eu

2010-03-15   Courtesy: EUFORES - European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EUFORES

 

Photovoltaics in Italy: Prothea develops 3 solar PV plants totaling about 10 MW

Prothea (Milan and Lecce, Italy), a greenfield developer and turn key provider of solar power plants, on March 8th, 2010 announced that it has worked on the development of three solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants with a combined capacity of 10 megawatts (MW) since October 2009.   Thanks to a community and environmental oriented approach, the company will develop the solar power plants in a timely manner. According to the press release, the involvement of the local community such as land owners, public administrations and local technical partners will be key to the success of this endeavor. They are all to become involved in identifying the best solution to provide renewable energy to the community while minimizing the environmental impact.



Low impact, ground-mounted fixed-tilt solar PV systems to generate strong ROI

Prothea reports that it pre-screens each possible project with an "Environmental Impact Assessment" procedure that involves biological, geological and hydrological surveys. Only those projects that guarantee the smallest impact on the environment have been selected as location of the solar power plants, the company reports. The principal geographic focus is on Calabria and Lazio in central and Southern Italy, where the projects are to be located. According to the press release, the solar installations are to be fixed-axis type plants that are to be installed over flat lands with limited wind exposition. Together with the high irradiance of greater than 1350 equivalent hours and close grid connection, the project is to guarantee a strong return on investment (ROI). Prothea reports that it has started work on an additional pipeline of projects in Marche and Abruzzo, which total 5 MW solar capacity.

2010-03-15   Courtesy: Prothea   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Solar Energy Initiatives enters new supply agreement with U.S. solar thermal manufacturer

Solar pool heating
Solar pool heating

Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. (Jacksonville, Florida and Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida), engaged with businesses in solar project development, distribution and workforce training announced that it had entered into a strategic supply agreement with Alternate Energy Technologies, LLC (AET; Jacksonville, Florida), a U.S. manufacturer of residential and commercial solar water heating systems. Through its operating group SNRY Solar, Solar Energy Initiatives plans to begin distributing AET's "Eagle Sun" and "Morningstar" product lines.   AET is said to be one of the top manufacturers of flat plate solar thermal collectors in the U.S. With over 30 collectors and 120 systems fully tested and approved, AET is seen as a pioneering company in the fast-growing solar water heating sector. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heating water is commonly the third-largest expense in households after space heating and air-conditioning. Solar water heating systems can serve as energy and cost saving vehicles for homeowners and commercial building owners in any climate.


SNRY adds 20 new dealers, distribution network now over 100

David Fann, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solar Energy Initiatives, said: "Complementing our photovoltaic (PV) business model, we see solar water heating as an explosive growth segment in the commercial and residential marketplace. AET's strong reputation and long-standing success manufacturing high quality thermal collectors and water heating systems is a natural fit for our distribution division and dealer network." AET President, Billy Byrom, added: "We are extremely excited to have SNRY Solar as a supply chain partner. The value they bring to solar contractors through their expanded offering of training, marketing, technical support and service is exactly what we are looking for in a distribution partner." According to the press release, the first phase of the AET supply partnership includes a wholesale distribution agreement, as well as the transition of 20 new dealers to be serviced by SNRY Solar.


Federally funded technical solar school, eight week course for solar technician certification

Solar Energy Initiatives also announced in early March that it initiated the first class of its solar technical school located in Jacksonville, Florida. The company reports that the new school is funded by stimulus dollars provided by collaborating public partners. The specialized vocational courses offered at SNRY's technical school are said to be the core element of the company's "Renew the Nation" initiative, a U.S.-wide effort to restore the domestic economy through the market adoption of solar at the state and local levels. The classes target members of the construction industry and related trades affected by the economic downturn in an effort to re-train and re-deploy their workforce into the solar industry. Solar Energy Initiatives plans to provide attendees of their eight week long classes with the tools and the technical knowledge to become certified solar technicians. In addition to the new Jacksonville school, SNRY is reportedly also working with the State of South Carolina and the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) on the configuration of a 6,000-square-foot solar academy training center to be located in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. This solar technology campus is to assist South Carolina and SNRY in workforce development, job creation and economic development through the use of solar energy technologies. "Solar Energy Initiatives continues to execute its business of providing solar education and technical training to the private and commercial sectors for the fastest growing industry in the U.S.," said Fann.

2010-03-15   Courtesy: Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc.

 

Lux Research: Industry shakeout to shift solar’s center from Europe to China

In a severe shakeout scenario, the top 17 manufacturers can fill demand through 2015
In a severe shakeout scenario, the top 17
manufacturers can fill demand through 2015

Reeling from a stormy 2009, the solar market will soon see lopsided supply and demand rush back into parity, according to a new report published by the independent research and consulting company Lux Research Inc. (Boston, Massachusetts). According to the press release announcing the report, strong demand growth in Asia and the U.S. will push the market to 9.3 gigawatts (GW) for 39 billion US-dollars in 2010, while continued price reductions could open new markets and drive solar to a 26.4 GW market in 2015 for 77 billion US-dollars in revenue.   Meanwhile China, currently a large manufacturer of solar modules and materials, but not yet a large buyer of them, is expected to swing into action and become the world’s largest market for solar in 2015. The report underscores, however, that the renewed balance between supply and demand will arrive only after a wave of company failures and lower utilization rates.



Long-term growth expected in wake of near-term shakeout of solar market

Titled "Solar’s Shakeout: Europe Loses Leadership as China Rises", the Lux Research report analyzes economic competitiveness and other drivers for the industry’s six major technologies: crystalline silicon (c-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), thin film silicon (TF-Si), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), high concentrating photovoltaics (HCPV), and solar thermal, also known as concentrating solar power (CSP). "We found that solar’s short-term pain will enable it to exceed growth expectations over the very long-term", said Ted Sullivan, a Senior Analyst for Lux Research, and the report’s lead author. "The volume of solar installations will grow at a 23 % annual rate from 2010 to 2015, but revenue will grow by just 14 %, as prices fall due to remaining over-capacity. While current subsidies in China and elsewhere will help soak up some of that capacity, there will be widespread company failures throughout the value chain first."


Czech Republic, New Jersey and Ontario in focus due to strong subsidies and rapidly developing markets

The report covers three new regions, namely the Czech Republic, New Jersey and Ontario, because of their high levels of subsidies and rapidly developing markets. According to the press release, the report compares Lux’s demand model for each region against the expectations of installers and project developers, and against projections for supply-side capacity and production. Key findings include that the capacity remains well above demand which according to analysts signals that violent changes lie ahead. The supply and demand curves are expected to move abruptly together over the next few years due to company failures. Demand is also expected to increase in producing regions such as China, prompted by government subsidies and other factors. Low-cost c-Si technologies are forecasted to dominate, but thin-film and CSP may start to nibble at the margins. As financing begins to return to solar in 2010, crystalline silicon players are expected to continue to use low price as a weapon against new technologies that don’t share its 'bankability' or scale. Even so, new technologies such as CSP, CIGS, and even HCPV technologies could gain at the margins, Lux Research reports. The future of thin film silicon is believed to be questionable.


15 to 30 year replacement cycles for roofs and power plants dictate long-term adoption of solar

According to Lux Research, solar adoption will be a multi-decade story. While it is not expected to meet outsized expectations in the near-term, solar is to wildly beat them in the long-term. At its core, solar is seen as an energy and construction industry, not a consumer-oriented one like semiconductors or IT. As a result, its adoption cycle is determined by replacement cycles for residential and commercial roofs, typically 15 years to 20 years. "The continuing glut threatens low-quality and high-cost players alike", said Sullivan. "The decline of firms selling low-quality systems is intuitive, but over-capacity also threatens developed players, which have incredibly innovative technologies, but high operating costs and insufficient scale." The report is part of the Lux Solar Intelligence service that offers ongoing research on market and technology trends, continuous technology scouting reports and proprietary data points in a weekly journal.

2010-03-14   Courtesy: Lux Research Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Lux Research Inc.

 

Photovoltaics in Greece: RSEnergy Hellas Solartechnik EPE to implement 2 MW power plant in Thiva

Photovoltaic park in Greece by RSEnergy
Photovoltaic park in Greece by RSEnergy

RSEnergy Hellas Solartechnik EPE, a leading project developer in Greece, on March 11th, 2010 announced that it will construct a two MWp photovoltaic park in Thiva, Greece. The project will be implemented in summer 2010 for the private investor Nea Elektra Α.Β.Ε.Ε. as part of their forward-looking solar investment strategy. RSEnergy will realize the project as a true turnkey project utilizing its own engineers, installation teams and specialized photovoltaic machinery guaranteeing high precision and rapid completion of the works.   "The experience of Gerovasilis Group since 1967 combined with RSEnergy’s ISO certified quality approach provides security for photovoltaic investors. Our aim is to realize the first end-to-end quality photovoltaic park in the MW range in Greece", says George Gerovasilis, General Manager of RSEnergy.


aleo solar panels on Schletter mounting system and "Tripower" inverters from SMA

More than 9,000 photovoltaic modules from aleo solar AG will be installed on Schletter’s free field mounting system with ramming fundaments. The project will therewith be the largest Schletter installation in Greece. RSEnergy will for the first time in Greece utilize the new "Tripower" inverters from SMA Solar Technology AG providing maximum yields and investment security. "The project will be delivered as a full turnkey project by RSEnergy, will be certified by aleo solar AG and will be commissioned according to the strict commissioning procedures of SMA. German quality from a local Greek project developer. This is what RSEnergy stands for!", says Ralf Müller-Polyzos, General Manager of RSEnergy.

2010-03-14   Courtesy: RSEnergy Hellas Solartechnik   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: RSEnergy Hellas Solartechnik

 

German off-grid specialist Phaesun to build solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for telecommunication plants in Burkina Faso

Solar PV plant in Burkina Faso
Solar PV plant in Burkina Faso

Along with its partner Ikratos Africa, based in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou, Phaesun GmbH from Memmingen, Germany, is constructing ten solar power plants in Koudougou Region in Burkina Faso, to be finished at the end of March. The solar modules will produce electricity for telecommunications plants. The contracting party is the telecommunications company Telecel Faso, which has been able to cover 75 % of the network with diesel-powered telecommunications plants so far. This project is Phaesun’s first in the landlocked West-African country.   "Thanks to every solar plant, Telecel saves more than 30,000 euros, as compared to the diesel-driven plants, and around 184 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually", explains Phaesun employer Amar Chikha, who is helping build the plant. The high acquisition costs will have already paid for themselves after two to three years, since maintenance and diesel supply are time-consuming and expensive due to long transportation distances, Phaesun emphasizes. The solar plants are, in contrast, equipped with a remote monitoring system and are nearly maintenance free. Each system consists of 108 monocrystalline solar modules from ET Solar, batteries from Hoppecke and charge controllers, which were developed especially for telecommunication systems and are particularly suitable for hot regions. Each system has a total output of 9.18 kilowatts.



Further solar plants planned

The first one went on line on 16 February, this year. During the five-day installation, Phaesun trained around 30 engineers, technicians and installers from Telecel Faso and Ikratos Africa on location. "For large projects we always install the first plant ourselves according to our quality standards and then give our know-how to our partners on location", says Chikha. Further solar plants have already been planned, as Telecel plans to increase the network coverage to 100 percent as well as to replace all of the previously installed diesel generators with solar plants.

2010-03-14   Courtesy: Phaesun GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Phaesun GmbH

 

Colorado Senate passes Renewable Energy Standard

Colorado State Senators Gail Schwartz and Bruce Whitehead
Colorado State Senators
Gail Schwartz and Bruce Whitehead

Sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) and Rep. Max Tyler (D-Golden), the Colorado State’s Senate (Denver) on March 4th, 2010 voted to pass HB 1001 on final reading by a vote of 21-13. The legislation will increase Colorado’s Renewable Energy Standard (RES) to 30 % by 2020, bring thousands of new jobs to Colorado and add 100,000 solar rooftops over the next decade without raising energy costs for Colorado consumers, according to an official press release.   That means that nearly a third of the power generated from large utility companies like Xcel and Black Hills must come from renewable sources, like solar and wind, in the next 10 years. "I’m proud to sponsor HB 1001 and continue making progress towards a greener Colorado,” said Sen. Schwartz. “Encouraging green energy creates jobs, brings investment, and helps our state remain a national leader in renewable energy. It just makes sense."




Bill to recharge economy, allow Colorado to leverage its renewable energy resources

"HB 1001 is our boldest step yet in moving Colorado towards renewable energy", said Sen. Whitehead. "Increasing our renewable energy standards to 30 % is not only going to create a healthier environment, but also a healthier economy." An increased RES will give Colorado the highest clean-energy requirement in the Rocky Mountain West. Colorado has reportedly created 17,000 jobs in renewable energy and energy research since it began investing in the "New Energy Economy", the fourth-highest concentration in the nation. With more than 300 sunny days a year in Colorado and some of the best wind resources in the country, HB 1001 is expected to recharge the economy by incentivizing more residential, commercial and community solar projects. Some estimates predict that an increased RES could create thousands of jobs. HB 1001 reportedly also sets the requirement that 3 % of total electricity sales come from distributed generation (DG) systems such as solar. These DG systems are to help drive local market activity, allow energy consumers lower their electricity bills by going solar, and enable utilities to avoid costly investment in new transmission systems.


Study indicates increased solar deployment saves water, creates jobs and supports local electricity generation

A new report, dubbed "Investing in the Sun", models the economic and environmental benefits of developing solar electricity on homes and businesses across Colorado. The report analyzed the benefits of building 1,000 megawatts (MW) of smaller, distributed solar energy systems in the state. With a requirement that half of all solar projects developed by IOUs be located on rooftops or within the distribution network, HB 10-1001 is expected to deploy 700 MW of this type of solar generation. The reports Investing in the Sun indicates that 1,000 MW of distributed solar energy in Colorado would deliver a number of benefits over the lifetime of the systems. These include the creation of more than 33,500 jobs in Colorado's New Energy Economy, the generation of enough reliable, homegrown electricity to power 146,000 Colorado homes, and the production of 4.3 billion US-dollars in total economic output (direct, indirect and induced economic activity generated through the construction and maintenance of the solar projects). The bill is also expected to save 6.8 billion gallons of scarce water resources, and to avoid emitting 30 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).

2010-03-13   Courtesy: coloradosenate.org   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: coloradosenate.org

 

Minturn Huller solar energy system goes live with Canadian Solar PV modules

Solar electric system at Minturn Huller Cooperative
Solar electric system at Minturn Huller
Cooperative

Canadian Solar Inc. (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) on March 9th, 2010 announced the activation of a 540 kilowatt (kW) ground-mount photovoltaic (PV) solar electric system at Minturn Huller Cooperative, Inc. (Chowchilla, California), a premier almond huller and sheller for more than 260 almond growers in California’s Central Valley. The new solar installation features Canadian Solar's high-performance modules and began producing clean energy for the facility in December 2009 at a projected annual output of 788 megawatt hours (MWh), the company reports.   Minturn Huller is expected to save roughly 20 % of its annual electric bill, or approximately 40,000 US-dollars a year. "Our facility runs an electric-intensive process that removes hulls and shells from nuts 24-hours a day, seven days a week from August to November", said Jeff Hamilton, General Manager at Minturn Huller. "We are ecstatic to now be producing such a huge portion of our own energy at significant savings, while reducing our carbon footprint."


Solar power installation at California agricultural facility produces clean energy and substantial savings

According to the press release, the Minturn Huller system consists of more than 2,700 "CS6P-200PE e-Modules" across two acres of land, currently harvesting 788,000 kilowatt hours (kW/h) per year at peak capacity. The e-Modules are made of solar-grade silicon that is said to require 85 % less energy to produce and to generate 90 % less waste than semiconductor silicon. With the e-Modules, the facility's system is expected to curtail the release of 412,907 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year and produce about 60 % of the facility's main meter. Cenergy Power (San Diego, California), a solar developer specializing in the agricultural sector, designed, engineered and installed the solar project. It also provided Minturn Huller with the project financing structure that allowed the cooperative to experience immediate utility savings and, after seven years, the option to purchase the system. "We are seeing more and more agricultural companies turning to solar energy solutions to help fuel their energy-intensive processes", said Bill Pham, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cenergy Power. "By partnering with Canadian Solar, we were able to help Minturn Huller realize its goal of deploying a cost-effective, high- value clean energy solution." According to the California Solar Initiative (CSI), the Minturn Huller solar system is one of the largest distributed solar projects in Madera County to date.

2010-03-13   Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.

 

Thin film PV: Moser Baer achieves 7.3 % module efficiency, increases module wattage to 400 watt/ panel

PV Technologies India Limited (PVTIL), a subsidiary of Moser Baer India Limited (MBIL; New Delhi, India) in March 2010 announced the company had completed the testing and validation of a breakthrough process that is said to enhance the stable efficiency of the company’s single junction thin film modules from 6 % to 7.3 %. According to the press release, the process was designed at PVTIL’s Greater Noida plant by its in-house research team and improved the solar module wattage from 340 watts / panel to 400 watts / panel on full size modules (5.7 square meters).   This achievement was reportedly accomplished by judicious optimization of multiple layers in the device structure, resulting in what is believed to be one of the highest efficiency (and wattage) achieved from any amorphous-silicon (a-Si or alpha-Si) single junction thin film module of this size globally. Amorphous silicon is the non-crystalline allotropic form of silicon and can be deposited in thin films at low temperatures onto a variety of substrates, Moser Baer reports.


Total capacity of company’s thin film plant now in the range of 50 MW

Lauding the achievement, Ratul Puri, Executive Director of MBIL, said: "The breakthrough proprietary process will improve the viability of amorphous-silicon technology for solar farm projects. This proprietary process is a game changer and will help us in addressing certain sections of the market by Q2 2010." He noted that what makes this proprietary process special is that it is the first time that any Indian player has achieved this level of efficiency. Dr. Rajiv Arya, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the solar business department, said: "This achievement is very timely as it has already enhanced our thin film capacity from 40 MW to the range of 50 MW and will help us reach the goals set in the ‘National Solar Mission’ effectively by deploying these modules in large size solar installations."

2010-03-12   Courtesy: Moser Baer India Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

CNPV signs long-term strategic partnership with South Korean Techbank

CNPV's PV production
CNPV's PV production

CNPV Solar Power SA (Dongying City, China), through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CNPV Dongying Photovoltaic Power Company Limited, an integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products, on March 8th, 2010 announced that it had entered into a long-term strategic partnership sales agreement with Techbank Company Limited (Techbank), a South Korean PV company.   Under the terms of this strategic agreement, CNPV is to supply Techbank with a total of 36 megawatts peak (MWp) of PV modules from 2010 to 2012, which includes 10 MWp of scheduled delivery during 2010. The remaining 12 MWp and 14 MWp are to be delivered in 2011 and 2012 respectively, the company reports.


Sales agreement believed to reflect global demand for company’s PV products

"We are very pleased to announce this new strategic partnership with Techbank", jointly stated B. Veerraju Chaudary, CNPV's Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Member of the Board and Seonggun Chang, CNPV Korea’s President. "Our strategic partnership with Techbank is a significant success for us in aligning ourselves with a proven multiregional energy developer with growing opportunities in established and emerging photovoltaic markets", they said. The sales agreement is believed to reflect a strong demand for CNPV’s solar products in major solar markets worldwide. Myung H Oh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of Techbank, said: "CNPV Solar Power modules are quickly recognized by our customers as a product with one of the best energy production ratios. We are very pleased to expand our strategic partnership with CNPV, which will allow us to provide long-term superior solutions to the attractive solar market in Korea, especially to our important local power utility customers."

2010-03-12   Courtesy: CNPV Solar Power SA   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: CNPV Solar Power SA

 

Trina Solar signs sales agreement with U.S. wholesale distributor Essco

Trina Solar Limited (Changzhou, China), an integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, on March 10th, 2010 announced that its subsidiary, Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co., Ltd., had signed a sales agreement with Essco Wholesale Electric, Inc. (Essco; Chandler, Arizona), the southwest US company of Sonepar USA, a leading full-service commercial, utility and residential electric distributor with locations throughout the United States.   Under the terms of the agreement, Trina Solar is to supply Essco with approximately 25 megawatts (MW) of PV modules and an additional 4 MW at the option of Essco, to be delivered during 2010. With the signing of this sales agreement, Trina has reportedly secured a total of approximately 40 MW of PV modules from customers in the United States during 2010, all with agreed prices.

Mark Wilkerson, Trina Solar's Senior Director of North American Sales and Marketing, said: "This partnership will help Trina Solar expand its presence and increase brand recognition in commercial and residential markets in the United States, an important growth market for the company." Scott L. Tonn, Essco's President, commented: "With the addition of Trina Solar modules to our renewable energy equipment portfolio, we truly are able to be a one-stop distributor for our electrical contractors and solar integration companies. With Sonepar's national coverage through its operating companies and encompassing Essco's direct coverage of the Southwest, we are making renewable energy products more available and affordable than ever before to our customers."

2010-03-12   Courtesy: Trina Solar Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SunEdison to build Europe's largest solar photovoltaic power plant in Rovigo, Italy

Ground mounted PV power plant by SunEdison.
Ground mounted PV power plant by SunEdison.

SunEdison, a division of MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc., received final approval from the Italian government to develop and construct a 72 Megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Northeastern Italy, near the town of Rovigo. When completed, this is expected to be the largest photovoltaic power plant in Europe. Power generation will begin in the second half of 2010 with final completion expected by year end, SunEdison announces in a press release. In the first full year of operation, the system will generate sufficient energy to power 17,150 homes and avoid 41,000 tons of CO2 - the equivalent of removing 8,000 cars from the road.  SunEdison will jointly develop the project with financing partner Banco Santander. Additional financial partners are expected to join the project for final ownership.


Project expected to create over 350 local construction jobs

"SunEdison is focused on enabling the growth of global solar markets through strong capabilities in project finance, engineering, low-cost procurement and operations and maintenance services", commented Carlos Domenech, President of SunEdison. "Veneto is taking decisive action to advance the use of clean, renewable energy sources", said Renzo Marangon, government official of the Veneto region. "At the same time, this project is expected to create over 350 local construction jobs and build expertise in advanced energy technologies. We expect Rovigo to serve as a European model for large-scale, alternative-energy projects."

"A critical element of our approach is working closely with the right partners", added Pancho Perez, General Manager for Europe and MENA region at SunEdison, "including developers, suppliers and contractors. For the Rovigo project, we selected Isolux Corsan, a large-scale infrastructure construction company with a strong track record in utility-scale solar plants."

"We are pleased to be selected by SunEdison to construct the largest PV solar plant in Europe. We are looking forward to extending this partnership beyond Italy", said Luis Delso, President of Isolux Corsan. At 72 megawatts, this solar-power plant will be the largest in Europe. Currently, the largest facility is a 60MW solar farm in Olmedilla, Spain, followed by a 50 MW in Strasskirchen (Germany), built by MEMC through a joint venture agreement.



2010-03-12   Courtesy: SunEdison   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunEdison

 

BioSolar announces plans for expanded line of "BioBacksheets" for PV module manufacturing in various grades

BioBacksheet by BioSolar
BioBacksheet by BioSolar

BioSolar, Inc. (Santa Clarita, California), a developer of a technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources to reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, on March 8th, 2010 announced that the company will extend its line of “BioBacksheets” to be compatible with conventional crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV modules. The company reports that conventional c-Si photovoltaic module manufacturers will have two different types of BioBacksheets to choose from depending on their durability and cost requirements.   BioSolar is to offer a multi-layer "BioBacksheet-C" for conventional applications and a new mono-layer BioBacksheet product line for premium applications. This is said to be the latest addition to a broad and growing portfolio of bio-based backsheet materials made from renewable plant sources. They are said to reduce the cost of solar modules and eliminate the need for dangerous toxins found in the petroleum based backsheets currently in use.


Premium grade BioBacksheet to be included in expanded line of products for conventional c-Si PV module manufacturing

BioSolar strives to provide PV manufacturers various backsheet grades with corresponding price points to accommodate both the durability and economic requirements of each solar panel manufacturer. The premium grade BioBacksheet is to feature a monolayer construction, which eliminates the inner de-lamination issue associated with incumbent petroleum based backsheets, while improving its long term durability over traditional multi-layer backsheet construction. According to the press release, all grades of BioBacksheet will be less costly than their petroleum-based counterparts. "As the global demand for solar energy continues to increase, BioSolar is uniquely positioned to replace conventional petroleum-based backsheets for c-Si PV modules which represent more than 70 % of the PV module market", said Dr. David Lee, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BioSolar. "Though it is generally expected to take time for a brand new PV component like BioBacksheet to reach a revenue stage, a complete line up of BioBacksheets will not only help BioSolar achieve meaningful revenue more rapidly, but expanding our line to better suit the practical and economical needs of manufacturers is yet another example of how BioSolar is innovating to make solar power a more viable and eco-friendlier alternative energy option."

2010-03-12   Courtesy: BioSolar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: BioSolar, Inc.

 

Sunlink ships roof mount system for 5 MW Sunset Reservoir municipal solar energy plant in San Francisco

Sunlink roof mount system
Sunlink roof mount system

SunLink Corporation (San Rafael, California), a manufacturer of solar module mounting solutions, on March 8th, 2010 announced that its roof module mounting solution has begun shipping for one of the United States’ largest municipal solar installations, a five megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) power plant located on the Sunset Reservoir in San Francisco, California.   Chosen by Recurrent Energy, an independent power producer and a leading developer of solar power projects, SunLink’s solution is to be used to mount over 23,000 Suntech solar photovoltaic (PV) modules on the flat, seismically retrofitted rooftop of the Reservoir. Christopher Tilley, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SunLink, commented: “Our flagship roof mounting solution is one of the most widely adopted in the industry due to our extensive engineering, design expertise, and ability to work within a project’s constraints such as this one, which required no penetrations in the Reservoir’s roof surface.”


Proven mounting solution to be used in large-scale solar power plant

Arno Harris, CEO of Recurrent Energy, said: "We have worked in cooperation with SunLink on numerous solar projects, and we continue to be impressed with their value-added services and reliable mounting technology. We look forward to furthering our relationship with SunLink throughout the development of this large distributed-scale solar power installation." Upon completion in the fall of this year, the Sunset Reservoir plant is to more than triple the municipal solar generation in San Francisco. The PV power plant is being developed and operated under a Power Purchase Agreement between the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and Recurrent Energy. The clean solar electricity is to be fed into the distribution grid and be used by the General Hospital, San Francisco International Airport, Muni light rail, public schools throughout the city, and streetlights.

2010-03-12   Courtesy: SunLink Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunLink Corporation

 

PV Powered inverters and Solyndra’s solar panels used in large commercial installation in New Jersey

The Lakewood installation uses three 75 kW inverters and one 100 kW inverter
The Lakewood installation uses three 75 kW
inverters and one 100 kW inverter

PV Powered, Inc. (Bend, Oregon), a U.S. manufacturer of solar inverters, on March 8th, 2010 announced that its commercial inverters were installed in a new office building project in Lakewood, New Jersey. The company reports that this solar energy system employs the new high-density thin film cylindrical photovoltaic (PV) panels by U.S. manufacturer Solyndra, Inc. (Fremont, California). Premier Power Renewable Energy, Inc. (Premier Power; Eldorado Hills, California) was reportedly responsible for the complete design, engineering and installation of the commercial project, which is located in central New Jersey.   According to the press release, it uses a combination of PV Powered’s 75 kilowatt (kW) and 100 kW PV inverters, fitted with Fat Spaniel performance monitoring technology. The PV power plant is expected to produce more than 345,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year to three different building tenants who have entered into power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the investment group that has funded the development.


300 kW system uses Solyndra thin film solar panel technology

PV Powered reports that this is one of the largest U.S. commercial installations to use Solyndra’s cylindrical thin film solar panels. These panels are designed to capture sunlight at wide angles and can be mounted significantly closer together than conventional rooftop panels. This is said to enable greater rooftop coverage and higher energy production at lower cost per Watt compared to other PV panel technologies. Dean R. Marks, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Premier Power, said: "We selected PV Powered commercial inverters for the job because they have been designed to work reliably with the latest thin film panel technologies. It is critical that our system elements be highly efficient and capable of maximizing energy harvest over the long lifetime of the system." Erick Petersen, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for PV Powered, added: "PV Powered commercial inverters have the widest DC operating voltage range in the industry, allowing for more system design flexibility. This also makes them the leading technical solution for use with higher voltage modules such as high wattage crystalline thin-film arrays."

2010-03-12   Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.

 

Applied Materials expands display, solar equipment manufacturing capability in Taiwan

ATON 5.7 PVD system
ATON 5.7 PVD system

Applied Materials, Inc. (Santa Clara, California) supplier of equipment to the semiconductor, flat panel display (FPD) and solar photovoltaic (PV) industries announced the opening of its newly expanded Tainan Manufacturing Center in Tainan. The nearly 15,000 square meter facility will enhance Applied’s capability to serve its FPD and thin film solar PV customers in Asia while capitalizing on Taiwan’s excellent location, strong talent pool and supply chain efficiencies. "The Tainan Manufacturing Center is one of our biggest investments in Asia and puts Taiwan at the center of our display and solar equipment technology efforts", said Mike Splinter, chairman and CEO of Applied Materials.   "Applied has a 20-year history of success in Taiwan and with this expanded center, we are setting a strong foundation for even greater success in the next 20 years. I would like to thank our customers, employees and the Taiwan government who helped make this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility possible."


Taiwan is becoming an increasingly active region for solar energy

The Tainan Manufacturing Center employs approximately 150 people and is expected to build and ship about 100 new plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) systems this year - a 400% increase in shipments from last year. The Center’s Tainan location and extensive supply chain in Asia will enable Applied to more rapidly meet the demands of its large base of display and solar customers in Asia. Applied Materials has a major presence in Taiwan with more than 800 employees in 10 offices across the country. A leading market for semiconductor and FPD manufacturing, Taiwan is also becoming an increasingly active region for solar energy. In 2009, Taiwan passed renewable energy legislation aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy and boosting energy diversification. Applied has donated R&D systems for thin film solar energy research to some of Taiwan’s leading universities and supports education efforts through its Applied Young Talent program.

"I am pleased that Applied Materials, a globally recognized company, is continuing to invest in Tainan and we will provide our full support to making the Center a great success", comments Taiwanese Premier D.Y. Wu. "This is an exciting time for Taiwan’s technology industry as solar energy and flat panel displays emerge as major opportunities for our economic development in the 21st century. We celebrate Applied’s successful history in Taiwan and the extraordinary achievements made through the collaboration and commitment of our people."

2010-03-11   Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Applied Materials, Inc.

 

Solar cooling is ready for the market: German Federal Ministry for the Environment sponsors testing of solar air-conditioning units in practice

Adsorption chillers ACS 08 / ACS 15
Adsorption chillers ACS 08 / ACS 15

Air-conditioning with solar power? This may sound paradoxical at first but is actually technologically feasible today. By combining solar thermal energy and adsorption technology, heat can be used to cool buildings. The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) is promoting a widespread test for solar air-conditioning systems in the practice. The partners involved - Solvis GmbH & Co. KG, SorTech AG, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and the University of Applied Sciences Offenburg - are presently looking for participants for this test. "The principle of solar-driven adsorption chillers is at the same time both simple and sophisticated", explains Tomas Núñez, project leader at Fraunhofer ISE.   "Like conventional chillers, the cooling is produced through the evaporation of a refrigerant. In contrast to conventional cooling techniques, however, solar thermal energy instead of electricity is used for the driving energy.





Electricity savings of up to 80% can be realized by using solar-driven adsorption chillers

"This is an optimal match, since sunshine is abundant during seasons with high airconditioning demand, and the system components like the storage and the collectors can be utilized to capacity", Núñez emphasizes. Not only is this an advantage for the system but also is beneficial to the environment. Compared to conventional cooling techniques, electricity savings of up to 80% can be realized by using solar-driven adsorption chillers. In addition, no environmentally harmful substances are used for the cold production – rather, just pure water is used as refrigerant. Fraunhofer ISE has been working on this technology for many years. Through the various demonstration projects for different applications carried out over the past years, Fraunhofer ISE and its partners have already proven that solar cooling is ready for the market. Already systems are in use throughout Europe for air-conditioning show rooms, offices, office lunchrooms and rooms for instruction.

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE itself, a solar-assisted adsorption chiller from the company SorTech AG is used to cool the lunchroom and the kitchen since 2007. The chiller is driven by energy produced from 22m² of high efficiency flat plate collectors from the company Solvis GmbH & Co. KG. During summer operation, the heat from the solar thermal system provides the driving energy for the adsorption chiller. The exhaust heat produced in the cooling process is released into the earth by means of vertical ground probes. If the solar radiation is not sufficient, the heat grid provides the additional driving energy in order to sustain the cooling. During winter operation, the heat from the ground probes is brought up to the required temperature level for room heating with the help of the adsorption unit which functions as a heat pump in winter, and the heat grid provides the driving energy for the chiller. The heat pump achieves a thermal COP (Coefficient of Performance) of up to 1.5, and the efficiency of the heat source is increased by up to 50%.

In a cooperative project, sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), the partners Fraunhofer ISE, the University of Applied Sciences Offenburg, SorTech AG and Solvis GmbH & Co. KG, ten solar cooling systems with a power range between 5 and 30 kW are to be installed and equipped with measuring instruments. Private households and companies, who are interested in participating in this practice test, can apply at the contact given at the end of this article. "The demand profile is not fixed and can address either the residential or the commercial sector. In the course of the project, the system will be laid out, designed and equipped with comprehensive measurement devices on an individual basis", explains Walter Mittelbach, CEO of SorTech AG. The components used are high-quality products from the company Solvis GmbH & Co. KG for the solar and system technology and from the company SorTech AG for the thermally-driven chiller unit.

Participants can look forward to the following advantages: an initial price reduction of 20% on the system, free testing and system maintenance on a regular basis as well as free measurement, monitoring and analysis of the operation to be carried out by the University of Applied Sciences Offenburg and the Fraunhofer ISE. "The customer receives a complete system solution, fitted to his individual needs and serviced through to the end of the project in December 2012", describes Ralf Kynast from Solvis GmbH & Co. KG.

Interested persons and companies can apply under the keyword "SolCoolSys" at the following address:

SOLVIS GmbH & Co. KG; Dipl. Ing. Ralf Kynast; Grotrian-Steinweg-Str. 12; 38112 Braunschweig; Phone +49 (0) 531/2 89 04-247; rkynast@solvis-solar.de

SorTech AG; Dr. Jörg Rupp; Weinbergweg 23; 06120 Halle; Phone +49 (0) 345/279 809-19; joerg.rupp@sortech.de

2010-03-11   Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SorTech AG

 

PV producer Q-Cells SE: Anton Milner steps down, Nedim Cen to drive business transformation and continue implementation of existing restructuring programme

Solar energy pioneer Anton Milner steps down
Solar energy pioneer Anton Milner steps down

Q-Cells SE's (Bitterfeld-Wolfen,Germany) Supervisory Board has accepted is meeting on March 11th, 2010 the resignation of Q-Cells CEO Anton Milner. Anton Milner will resign from the company’s Management Board with immediate effect but will serve as an advisor to the company. The Supervisory Board wants to explicitly thank Anton Milner for an outstanding job in the last years. Nedim Cen, currently CFO and Member of the Management Board, has been named CEO and will hold both positions. He is set to embark on the swift implementation of the transformation of the business and will continue to advance the existing restructuring programme. 




Nedim Cen to remain in office until the foundation for the transformation of the business is established

Nedim Cen, Managing Director at restructuring consultants Alvarez&Marsal (A&M), had taken on the CFO position at Q-Cells SE back in June 2009 on an interim basis and will now remain in office until the foundation for the transformation of the business is established. At the same time A&M has been appointed to support Nedim Cen with the operational management of Q-Cells Reloaded, the company’s existing restructuring programme. Carsten Simon, Director of Finance since 1 January 2010, will support Nedim Cen in the day-to-day management of his CFO tasks. It is expected that the implementation of all measures concerned will be concluded by the end of 2010.

2010-03-11   Courtesy: Q-Cells SE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Q-Cells SE

 

PV production: Equipment manufacturer XsunX completes hybrid chamber design, moves closer to commercializing its technology

CIGS wafer
CIGS wafer

XsunX, Inc. (Aliso Viejo, California), a developer of advanced, thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell technologies and manufacturing processes, on March 8th, 2010 announced that the company had reached a significant milestone in its development process. According to the press release, the company completed a co-evaporation processing chamber design that combines several thermal evaporation techniques in one unified process to produce the CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium di-Selenide) solar cell’s absorber layer.   "This development is crucial to both the equipment and process technology side of our efforts", said Tom Djokovich, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of XsunX. "The completion of this chamber converges several operations that we have been developing separately, allowing all of the processes necessary to produce the CIGS layer for our cross-industry technology to work in unison."



Commercializing "hybrid" CIGS manufacturing process

Djokovich believes that this latest development achievement increases the rate at which XsunX can develop its new technology towards initial baseline commercialization goals. "This is a fundamental next step in our plan to commercialize our hybrid CIGS manufacturing process, and deliver a potential replacement solution for the use of silicon", he said. According to the press release, the hybrid cross-industry system XsunX is developing an integrated delivery method that uses proven material handling and automation technologies from the Hard Disk equipment (HD) industry. These technologies are then adapted to small-area thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) co-evaporation processes to configure the absorber layer, or solar power conversion portion of the cell, to produce low cost solar cells. The chamber is to process 125 mm x 125 mm production-sized substrates that the company anticipates will be replicated as the key component of a full commercial production toolset, after additional testing of the chamber itself.


Single chamber process design allows for tests of HD material handling and system management technologies

"This integration of numerous processing technologies into a single chamber design will allow us to begin testing the value of hard disk material handling and systems management technologies", said XsunX’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Robert Wendt. "From the start, we envisioned this chamber as the key to our ability to viably produce commercial quantities of CIGS solar cells using small-area processing techniques." Wendt believes that a key component to the company’s success lies in the use of the co-evaporation process on individual small-area substrates, or wafers similar in size to silicon wafers, to produce the solar absorbing portion of the solar cell. XsunX reports that co-evaporation has been at the forefront of technology development efforts at institutes worldwide such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL) in the USA, and other renowned agencies including the Institute of Energy Conversion/University of Delaware. Each of these agencies has achieved world class efficiency conversion capability utilizing co-evaporation techniques. According to the press release, XsunX’s chamber completion is the result of experimentation and design modifications to both equipment and process technology, and it is believed to serve as a distinguishing advancement in the company’s intellectual capital portfolio. "From the beginning, we envisioned the completion of the chamber design, and its co-evaporation system, as a differentiating feat of the scientific team, a demonstration of their engineering and development prowess", noted Djokovich.

2010-03-11   Courtesy: XsunX, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: XsunX, Inc.

 

Prime Sun Power Inc. signs 100M Euros (USD 137M) agreement for the sale of a 25 MW PV power plant in Italy

Prime Sun Power Inc. (New York, NY), on March 9th, 2010 announced that the Company has signed a definitive agreement for the sale of a twenty-five megawatt photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Italy. This is a major event for the Company as it is expected to generate gross revenues of over 100 million Euros in 2010. PSP announces to receive interest for 12 million Euros of strategic investments in the Company from module suppliers. The transaction is the first sale under the terms of a signed frame agreement to sell 100 megawatt projects on a turnkey grid-connected basis to an institutional investor, PSP reports in a press release.   The Company currently has several engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors and photovoltaic array module suppliers bidding for the construction, installation and connection of the power plant to the regional electricity grid in Italy. Terms and conditions of the long-term debt by the Company’s financing institution are expected to be finalized by the end of April 2010. Construction is targeted to begin in June 2010. The first electricity sales from the photovoltaic plant projects under the Italian feed-in-tariff regime are expected to commence during the fourth quarter of 2010.

Mr. Olivier de Vergnies, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated: "We have commenced the phase for monetization of our business model in the photovoltaic sector. The success of signing our first 25 megawatt photovoltaic sales contract not only exhibits the effectiveness of our strategy, but also demonstrates our Company project development capabilities and delivery of value to our shareholders. We intend to engage world leading EPC and module suppliers to guarantee on-time project delivery and project-outsourcing in order to close additional definitive sales agreements before the end of April 2010."

The Company is positioning itself as a clean energy utility company with an emphasis on the development, construction and operation of its own and third party utility-scale photovoltaic power plants. The Company is focusing on photovoltaic solar power generation in Europe, particularly in Italy, Greece and Turkey.

PSP plans to develop, build and operate 500 megawatts of photovoltaic solar power generation through the end of 2013 of which 150 megawatts are expected to be acquired by third party investors. In addition to Company expectation of proceeds from selected strategic financiers currently in negotiations with Company management, the Company plans to use revenues generated from sales of projects to third parties in the development and construction of its own power plants. The Company strategy is to act as a consortium-leader with reputable world-leading EPC and module suppliers to deliver all projects on a turnkey basis. The Company aims to achieve a leading position in the provision of solar energy.

2010-03-11   Courtesy: Prime Sun Power Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Ontario reaches 46 MW of solar PV capacity in 2009

The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) reported that by the end of 2009, 40 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity were in commercial operation in the Canadian province. This represents about 46 MW of installed direct current (DC) capacity in the industry's standard notation. Industry expert and feed-in tariff (FIT) proponent Paul Gipe on March 5th, 2010 released a statement on Ontario’s solar success story, noting that the province had been able to become a major market for solar PV in North America within a few short months.   Gipe based his analysis on the data from "A Progress Report on Electricity Supply, Fourth Quarter 2009" by OPA. The early fall 2009 addition of the 9.1 MW "First Light" power plant 30 miles northwest of Kingston first put Ontario on the map of solar PV in North America, he explains. The SunEdison-"SkyPower" joint venture was soon followed by giant French utility EDF's first big solar PV project in Ontario toward the end of 2009. Gipe believes that EDF's 23.4 MW "Arnprior" project within the city limits of Canada's capital Ottawa pushed Ontario to the top of the solar charts.


Other Canadian provinces to follow Ontario’s FIT lead

With completion of one of several 10 MW PV power plants near Sarnia by year end, Ontario reached an alternating current (AC) capacity of 40 MW, Gipe reports. Several more First Solar 10 MW projects are scheduled for completion in 2010. Ontario's new solar capacity was installed under the province's ‘Standard Offer Contract’ program, the forerunner of its current FIT program. The solar panels are expected to generate 46 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year for the next twenty to thirty years. This would be enough electricity for some 4,000 typical Ontario homes, Gipe explains. In other developments, the Canadian province of New Brunswick is expected to launch a limited FIT of 0.10 Canadian dollars per kWh (CAD/kWh; 0.097 US-dollars/kWh) for community wind power soon. And in Nova Scotia the government's interest in a program of FITs led to the March 2nd, 2010 creation of Nova Scotia Sustainable Electricity Alliance (NovaSEA). NovaSEA's founding members represent agriculture (Nova Scotia Agricultural College), labor (United Steelworkers - Atlantic Canada), First Nations, a host of national and local environmental organizations, and several commercial renewable energy developers, Gipe reports.

2010-03-11   Courtesy: Paul Gipe   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SMA Solar Technology AG strengthens its presence in North America with solar inverter production, sales and services in Ontario, Canada

Solar photovoltaic inverters by SMA Solar Technology AG
Solar photovoltaic inverters by SMA Solar
Technology AG

SMA Solar Technology AG (Niestetal, Germany) is to strengthen its presence in North America with the foundation of a subsidiary in Canada. The site will be selected during the course of the first half of 2010. The initial investment volume is between € 5 and 10 million. SMA solar photovoltaic (PV) inverters from the Sunny Boy, Sunny Central and Sunny Island product ranges are to be produced for the Canadian market. Sales and services are also to be bundled together into the company. SMA is planning to create 100 to 200 jobs on site in the medium term. 


Ontario’s support program as a guiding light of the potential in inspiring other Canadian provinces to follow suit."


The province of Ontario in Canada offers an outstanding framework for the development of a sustainable photovoltaic market. The recently implemented support programme, combined with above-average solar radiation, creates a strong incentive for investment in photovoltaics. For manufacturers of photovoltaic components, the programme comprises of a call for local content. The goal of this call is the creation of high-quality jobs in a sector geared to the future. "We support this call for local content and are meeting this requirement with the establishment of a production facility there", explains Günther Cramer, Chief Executive Officer at SMA Solar Technology AG. "Ontario’s support program is a guiding light and, according to our evaluation, of the potential in inspiring other Canadian provinces to follow suit."

In parallel, the SMA Group is also increasing production capacity at the sites in Kassel and Denver. Germany is to remain the main production and technological development area for the future. At the sites in Niestetal and Kassel, annual capacity is to be increased to around 10 gigawatts by the middle of the year through the implementation of interim solutions. Production in Denver, USA is in the initial phase, operating at an annual capacity of around 1 gigawatt, and should start production this summer.

2010-03-10   Courtesy: SMA Solar Technology AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SMA Solar Technology AG

 

SunPower and K6 partner on two solar power plants in Italy

SunPower Corp. (San Jose, California) and K6 S.a.S. (Milan, Italy) on March 9th, 2010 announced an agreement under which the companies are building two 1-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants in the Puglia region, Italy. The two plants will be located in Casamassima and Conversano and will be completed by August 2010. The clean, renewable solar power generated by the plants will provide electricity locally, and contribute to Italy's national electric grid.   "The cooperation with SunPower is consistent with K6's strategy to develop highly efficient solar parks", said Luciano Di Filippo of K6. "SunPower's most efficient tracker will allow us to achieve optimal energy production, meeting our target financial model in the time period expected and helping to drive renewable energy."

At the sites, SunPower will install SunPower panels, the most efficient solar panels commercially available, and the proprietary SunPower(R) T20 Tracker technology. The Tracker follows the sun during the day and due to the producers delivers up to 30 percent more energy than fixed-tilt systems, requiring only half the land area to produce the same amount of energy as conventional dual-axis trackers. A non-ground penetrating, pre-cast concrete foundation option minimizes environmental impact. Real-time, remote monitoring and control is enabled via the SunPower TMAC Advanced Tracker Controller.
"We are delighted to expand our portfolio of Italian solar power plant projects with these two latest parks we are designing and building for K6", said Luca Bandini, general manager of SunPower Italia. "SunPower has leveraged its global power plant experience to offer cost saving enhancements to its T20 Tracker technology, including remote monitoring and control capabilities that enable seamless integration with power plant supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems."
SunPower on own account has more than 200 megawatts of solar power plants operating globally today, including Italy's largest solar power plant, the 24-megawatt plant in Montalto di Castro. Earlier this month, SunPower announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire SunRay Renewable Energy, a leading European solar power plant developer with offices in Europe and the Middle East, including a principle project office in Rome. Upon closing the transaction, SunPower will acquire a project pipeline of solar PV projects totaling more than 1,200 megawatts (MW) in Italy, France, Israel, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Greece.

2010-03-10   Courtesy: SunPower Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

First Solar signs contract with PG&E for 300 MW photovoltaic solar power plant

First Solar power plant (10 MW) at Boulder City, NV, USA.
First Solar power plant (10 MW) at
Boulder City, NV, USA.

First Solar, Inc. (Tempe, Arizona) on March 09th, 2010 announced a power purchase agreement to supply Pacific Gas and Electric Company (San Francisco, California) with renewable electricity from a 300 megawatt (AC) utility-scale photovoltaic solar power facility that First Solar is developing in Southern California. The Desert Sunlight project, to be located near Desert Center in eastern Riverside County, Calif., will have a total capacity of 550 megawatts, enough to power approximately 160,000 area homes - or about 480,000 residents.  The other 250 MW portion of the project is already under contract to Southern California Edison. First Solar's power purchase agreements with PG&E and SCE are subject to the approval of the California Public Utilities Commission.



Displacing 300,000 metric tons of CO2 per year

First Solar will build the Desert Sunlight power plant using its industry leading thin-film photovoltaic solar modules and providing its project development, engineering, procurement and construction capabilities. With construction expected to start by the end of 2010 and completion as early as 2013, the project will displace 300,000 metric tons of CO2 per year, the equivalent of taking 60,000 cars off the road. It will also create approximately 430 construction jobs. The project's permit application has been fast tracked by the Bureau of Land Management.

"First Solar is one of the few companies that has all the capabilities required to realize very large, utility-scale solar projects like Desert Sunlight, which are important in helping our customers and California reach the state's renewable energy goals", said Rob Gillette, First Solar chief executive officer. First Solar on own account has 1,700 megawatts of utility-scale power projects with power purchase agreements in North America.


2010-03-10   Courtesy: First Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: First Solar Inc.

 

FLS Energy solar farm goes live with high-performance photovoltaic modules from Suniva

Asheville based PV plant pPowered by Suniva
Asheville based PV plant pPowered by Suniva

Suniva, Inc. (Norcross, Georgia), a manufacturer of high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells and modules, on March 4th, 2010 announced the joint commissioning of a solar farm in Canton (North Carolina) with partner FLS Energy (Asheville, North Carolina). Set atop a former landfill, the 555 kilowatt (kW) PV plant utilizes high-powered Suniva solar modules, the company reports. The solar power plant was constructed via a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) from FLS Energy to supply clean energy to the customers of the region's utility Progress Energy.   The installation went live at a local ceremony on March 1st, 2010, in which Congressman Health Shuler spoke at the press conference and toured the solar farm at an Evergreen Packaging (Memphis, Tennessee) facility. "Utilizing Suniva's technology allows FLS to retain our commitment to provide only the most efficient, cost-effective products and offer the best value for our customers", said Michael Shore, President of FLS Energy. "The modules are performing extremely well". John Baumstark, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Suniva, said that the Evergreen solar farm provides a great example of Suniva's prominence in the rapidly expanding renewable energy market of the southeastern U.S. and the company’s ability to meet the growing needs of its utility scale customers.

2010-03-10   Courtesy: Suniva, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: FLS

 

New central PV inverter series Fronius CL: Modular system. Maximum yield

Central PV inverter Fronius CL
Central PV inverter Fronius CL

The new Fronius CL central inverter series was developed to ensure continual high performance, Fronius International GmbH (Wels, Austria) reports in a press release. This series provides maximum earnings along with the highest system stability due to the combination of high-yield power electronics with a unique modular system design using the Fronius "MIX" concept. The Fronius CL with power classes 36, 48 and 60 kW is perfectly suited for photovoltaic (PV) systems of up to several hundred kilowatts. 




"MIX"concept for up to 15 power racks

Up to 15 identical power racks work together in the Fronius "MIX" concept in one Fronius CL. This modular system design offers numerous advantages both for the system installer as well as for the system operator:

- Highest partial load efficiency: Due to optimized utilization of the power racks, which are turned on/off fully automatically as required.

- Unsurpassed reliability: A redundant system is created due to the cooperation of several power racks. When there is a defect in one power rack, the remaining power racks take over. The inverter remains in operation ensuring earnings.

- Long service life: Individual power racks are utilized depending on their operating hours. At full load, all work in unison, during partial loads, those with the lowest number of operating hours take up the slack. In this way, the operating hours for individual power racks are decreased thus increasing the service life of the inverter.

- Highest serviceability and the quickest reaction time on the market: Thanks to their drawer design and the plug & play principle, power racks can be easily removed and replaced when service is required.


Integrated manufacturer know-how: high-yield power electronics

Fronius CL devices work using the HF transformer technology perfected by Fronius and achieve a constant high efficiency throughout the entire input voltage range due to the automatic transformer switchover function. In addition, the Fronius Module Manager ensures exact MPP tracking enabling Fronius CL central inverters to achieve an MPP adaptation efficiency of 99.9%.


Intelligent cooling, simple planning, easy installation

The Fronius CL cooling concept prevents direct contact of the outside air used for cooling with the PC boards. This increases the reliability and service life of the inverter. During the development of the Fronius CL, special attention was paid to ensure that practical features were integrated into the design as illustrated by planning flexibility due to a wide input voltage range, easy installation due to a compact design and generously sized connection area and low installation height of 183 cm (with base).


Comprehensive system monitoring

Professional monitoring is absolutely required for PV systems of this size. That's why the Fronius CL is 100% compatible with the Fronius DATCOM system for comprehensive system monitoring. The Fronius Com Card as well as the Fronius Signal Card and Interface Card functions are standard device features. These devices are suitable for indoor and container installations (degree of protection IP 20). The market entry phase is expected to start in mid-2010.

2010-03-10   Courtesy: Fronius International GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fronius International GmbH

 

CPV Consortium elects Dr. Andreas Bett as new board member - Concentrator photovoltaics on its way to commercialization

Dr. Andreas Bett, Depart- ment Head and Deputy Director at Fraunhofer ISE
Dr. Andreas Bett, Depart-
ment Head and Deputy
Director at Fraunhofer ISE

The CPV Consortium, a non-profit concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) solar industry organization, has elected Dr. Andreas Bett, Department Head and Deputy Director at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Freiburg, Germany), as a member of its board. Dr. Bett is also the chair and main organizer of the upcoming 6th international Conference on Concentrating Photovoltaics, which will be held from April 7-9, 2010 in Freiburg, Germany, Fraunhofer ISE reports in a press release.   Andreas Bett has already served a long career in concentrator PV technology. His department of Materials - Solar Cells and Technology - at Fraunhofer ISE is a leader in the field and has contributed many significant developments to CPV technology. In January 2009, the Freiburg researchers posted a world record efficiency of 41.1 percent employing a method of metamorphic crystal growth for multi-junction PV cells.




Becquerel Prize awarded at the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference in 2009

Dr. Bett is a co-founder of Concentrix Solar GmbH (Freiburg, Germany), an ISE spin-off that successfully manufactures and markets CPV technology today. At the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (PVSEC) in 2009, he was awarded the prestigious Becquerel Prize. Further, Dr. Bett is a member of the IEC TC82 WG7 committee, which draws up standards for concentrator technology, and as a member of the European Photovoltaic Platform's Working Group 3, he helped draft the strategic research agenda and implementation plan for photovoltaic technology.



Moving CPV towards commercialization

Together with Andreas Bett, Martha Symko-Davies from the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) has also been elected as a new CPV board member. Nancy Hartsoch, director of the CPV Consortium, said in her own press release: "With the appointments of Drs. Bett and Symko-Davies, the CPV Consortium gains decades of expertise from the highest levels of solar industry research and development. Their insights from Fraunhofer, the DOE and NREL will broaden the perspective of the organization, and hopefully facilitate the benefits that public and private cooperation can bring to an emerging technology at a critical time for CPV commercialization."

The CPV Consortium is dedicated to supporting the development and optimizing the success of CPV technology as a mainstream energy source for distributed and utility scale deployments. It is a global organization comprised of members from all segments of the CPV industry including system manufacturers, cell suppliers, power generators, tracker suppliers, system integrators, project developers, universities and research laboratories.

2010-03-10   Courtesy: Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Fraunhofer ISE

 

Dye solar cells: Dyesol to collaborate with Pilkington North America on BIPV

BIPV panels by Dyesol
BIPV panels by Dyesol

Dyesol Inc., a 100% subsidiary of Dyesol Industries Pty Limited (Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia), a manufacturer and supplier of dye solar cell (DSC) technology and products, on March 7th, 2010 announced that the company is collaborating with the NSG Group subsidiary Pilkington North America (Toledo, Ohio) to develop opportunities in the building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) market place.   The companies plan to utilize Pilkington’s "TEC" series of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) coated float glass and combine it with Dyesol’s DSC materials and technology. The global market for flat glass is forecast to be approximately 6 billion square meters for 2010, and growing at 5 % per annum. Dyesol reports that the collaboration with Pilkington will initially seek to address the non-view glass market, known as spandrel, which accounts for 40 % of the total flat glass market. Beyond spandrel, addressing the larger view glass market is reportedly also a key objective and is expected to be supported by a number of other regional collaborations, particularly programs to introduce new dyes and DSC systems.


DSC technology to be used in steel, glass, auto and electronics products

According to its press release, Dyesol has a clearly defined strategic objective to partner with best-in-class commercialization partners who have access to global markets in the sectors of steel, glass, auto and electronics. The collaboration with Pilkington is entirely consistent with this strategic objective. Marc M. Thomas, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dyesol Inc., noted that Dyesol and their customers have been utilizing Pilkington’s TEC glass for many years. "This collaboration presents an ideal platform for co-developing and optimizing products that work together to improve DSC performance", Thomas said. "Pilkington believes it is time to begin developing the next generation of photovoltaic power", said Pilkington's Stephen Weidner, Senior Vice President of building products for North America. "BIPV is an emerging market segment with great opportunity for utilizing our TCO technology to bring photovoltaic power into building design." Weidner believes that the collaboration with Dyesol has the potential to bring a significant change in the value of architectural glass as it is known today. "No longer will glass be viewed solely for its insulation and aesthetic properties, but for its power generating potential as well", Weidner said.


Imitation of photosynthesis allows for low-cost PV

Dr. Gavin Tulloch, the global Managing Director and Co-founder of Dyesol Ltd., explained: "DSC technology can best be described as 'artificial photosynthesis'. It uses an electrolyte, a layer of titania semiconductor (a pigment used in white paints and toothpaste) deposited on transparent conductive oxide glass, metal or polymer substrates which is then soaked in a ruthenium based organic dye. Light striking the dye excites electrons which are injected into the titania to become an electric current many times stronger than that found in natural photosynthesis in plants." Dyesol reports that its technology has lower cost and embodied energy in manufacture than competing technologies, and that it is able to produce electricity more efficiently over the normal light spectrum.

2010-03-09   Courtesy: Dyesol Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Dyesol Inc.

 

SolarEdge signs manufacturing partnership agreement with Flextronics on distributed PV harvesting and monitoring systems

SolarEdge Technologies (Hod Hasharon, Israel), a solar power harvesting provider, and Flextronics, a global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider, on March 3rd, 2010 announced the signing of a partnership agreement. SolarEdge reports that it had selected Flextronics (Singapore), as its global manufacturing partner for high-volume production of SolarEdge’s distributed photovoltaic (PV) power harvesting and monitoring systems.   According to the press release, the announcement follows six months of close collaboration between the two companies on preparing dedicated production lines located at a Flextronics factory for the mass production of SolarEdge systems. Production has reportedly commenced during the previous quarter and is expected to reach an annual capacity of 200 megawatts (MW).



Cooperation with panel manufacturers to integrate power harvesting technology

SolarEdge reports that its holistic PV power harvesting and monitoring technology is able to maximize the energy output and cost efficiency of solar PV units. The company said it partners with solar industry players such as BP Solar, Schott Solar, GE, Gehrlicher Solar, Isofoton, and HaWi Energitechnik, among others, to embed the SolarEdge technology into PV panels. It is believed that this can increase their power output by up to 25 % while providing affordable monitoring and control features. Flextronics Solar Division is to provide competencies in design, manufacturing, assembly, testing and after market services. The EMS provider is to leverage its expertise in markets such as semiconductor capital equipment, energy and electro-mechanical equipment, PV component assembly and balance of system (BOS) products.


EMS provider to leverage global resources to ensure quality mass production

"As SolarEdge continues to rapidly scale to meet growing market demand, we are focused on forging first-rate partnerships that will support our promise of reliability and excellence to our customers", said Guy Sella, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-founder of SolarEdge. E.C. Sykes, President, Flextronics’ Industrial Market Segment, said: "We are all set to deliver a quality product at mass volumes. Flextronics is prepared to leverage its global resources including production and logistics facilities in Mexico, Hungary and China to support SolarEdge’s strategic future growth."

2010-03-09   Courtesy: SolarEdge Technologies   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

PPA Partners and Arizona Western College to develop 5 MW solar array comprised of 5 different technologies, 1 MW each

Scheduled site for the 5 MW multi technology solar project on AWC’s Yuma campus
Scheduled site for the 5 MW multi technology
solar project on AWC’s Yuma campus

PPA Partners, Inc. (Morgan Hill, California), a power purchase agreement (PPA) and funding company that offers comprehensive solutions across the entire renewable energy development and financing value chain, and Arizona Western College (AWC) on March 2nd, 2010 announced a collaboration for a 5 megawatt (MW) multi technology solar photovoltaic (PV) plant on AWC’s Yuma (Arizona) campus.   The 5 MW deployment deemed "Solar with a Purpose" is to be comprised of the five commercially viable PV technologies, all optimized by tracking and state of the art inverters. One single engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services provider is to be responsible for the entire project, so that the installation and the Balance of System (BOS) will as well be identical, PPA Partners reports.


Utility-scale PV plant to include high and low concentration solar, thin film, mono- and polycrystalline technologies

According to the press release, 5 representative technologies are to be used in AWC’s solar project, namely high concentration solar, low concentration solar, thin film, mono crystalline, and polycrystalline technologies. The technology partners are reportedly still being finalized, but Sol Focus, Skyline Solar, Signet Solar, Del Solar, Ray Tracker and Satcon are all in discussions with PPA Partners for inclusion in the Project. According to PPA Partners, Draker Laboratories is to provide the monitoring system for the project, which in conjunction with Satcon’s "Solstice" inverters is expected to allow for a level of monitoring detail unheard of in commercial systems. "We know of no other solar project where all 5 technologies are showcased at utility scale, installed by the same group, at the same time with the same equipment, tracked and optimized, under the best solar resource in the country", stated Bruce Mercy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PPA Partners. "The data generated by the project should be very interesting."


PV plant to cover 100 % of college campus’ electricity needs

The array at the AWC campus is to be the largest at a U.S. college or university, and is expected to provide the college with 100 % of its power from clean on-site generation. Additionally, the project partners are reportedly developing a solar demonstration / incubation area where emergent technologies, manufacturers, researchers, and industry can place a 20 kilowatt (kW) system in a private secured enclosure, complete with video feeds, and identical BOS components from the larger project, and even staff to help work with the technology for optimization. "Access to the data from the main 5 MW field will only be available to those participating in the project, the college, select research groups and those that have a space at the demonstration/incubation area”, explained Mercy. "Yuma has the greatest solar resource in the US, what better place to demonstrate solar and test technology than the area with 352 sun days per year."


Special solar industry curricula to help educate future U.S. workforce

PPA Partners reports that project’s participants are also working on a cutting edge solar curriculum, with certificate, AA, BA/BS and continuing educational and advancement courses and components, and a 10,000 sq ft ‘Commercial Scale Solar Technology Lab and Facility’. "Not only will this collaboration present a great opportunity to the Yuma community, it will also open opportunities for universities around the world to partner and collaborate with Arizona Western College through joint curriculum as well as research and development", said Mark Weiss, President of PPA Partners. "It is not possible to duplicate the solar resource available in Yuma at say UC Berkeley, MIT or University of Illinois." Mercy added that PPA Partners and AWC hope to present a new model on how to transition to a renewable energy economy and to help America train a new workforce and assist and incubate American technologies to successfully compete in the global economy. PPA Partners reports that it is in the process of negotiating with its financial partners and anticipates final funding for the project in the next 2 months.

2010-03-09   Courtesy: PPA Partners, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PPA Partners, Inc.

 

US-utility PECO purchases 6 MW of solar energy credits, harnessing solar power for electricity customers

PECO (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, on March 3rd, 2010 announced the signing of 10-year agreements to purchase 6 megawatts (MW), or 80,000 solar energy credits, in support of Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS). According to the press release, the purchases were made at an average price of 256.57 US-dollars per megawatt hour (MWh). The utility reports that the agreement covers enough energy to power nearly 1,000 homes for 10 years.   PECO reports that it is the first utility in the state to buy and bank green energy credits, and that it has purchased more than 450,000 MWh of wind and other renewable energy credits since 2008. The AEPS legislation requires that by 2011, 3.5 % of the energy sold to Pennsylvania utility customers is generated from renewable resources such as wind, landfill gas, and solar. The requirements are measured by renewable energy credits which are sold by electric generators on a one-to-one basis each time they produce one MWh of renewable energy.


Purchase of solar energy credits part of broader environmental and energy efficiency initiatives

PECO reports that it completed the solar credit purchase through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process that was launched in October 2009. "These purchases underscore our strong environmental focus and commitment to renewable energy for our customers", said Denis P. O’Brien, PECO President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "By acting now PECO is helping to increase demand for renewable energy resources and promote clean energy technologies." According to the press release, the utility’s support of alternative energy is part of a broader environmental initiative to preserve the environment and help customers become more environmentally responsible. Totaling more than 15.3 million US-dollars of work, the comprehensive program also includes building improvements at the company’s buildings, the increased use of hybrid and biodiesel vehicles, the support for community environmental projects and enhanced tools and programs to help customers use energy more efficiently. PECO’s efforts are a component of the comprehensive environmental plan of PECO’s parent company, dubbed "Exelon 2020: A Low-Carbon Roadmap".

2010-03-09   Courtesy: PECO   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

USA: PV Powered inverters selected for photovoltaic plants on warehouses

Aircraft Spruce facilities with roof-mounted solar panels
Aircraft Spruce facilities with roof-mounted
solar panels

The U.S. solar inverter manufacturer PV Powered, Inc. (Bend, Oregon), on March 4th, 2010 announced that its commercial inverters were installed at both the Corona (California) and Peachtree City (Georgia) warehouses of Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Company (Aircraft Spruce; Corona), one of the United States’ premier suppliers of private aircraft parts and pilot supplies.   According to the press release, the installations were handled by Aliso Electric, Inc. (Laguna Hills, California), a leading electrical contractor in Southern California. "Installing photovoltaic (PV) systems made good sense to us because Aircraft Spruce has always strived to be environmentally responsible", said Jim Irwin, President of Aircraft Spruce, "but the financial benefits of operating highly efficient systems are a definite bonus." PV Powered reports that Aircraft Spruce was able to take advantage of generous federal and state credits and incentives for their solar power plants.



Ease of installation, low cost per Watt were key inverter selection decision factors

According to the press release, the Georgia installation is the second largest solar system to be installed in this U.S. state. The company estimates that 65 % of its power needs will be met by the two 119 kilowatt (kW) solar power plants. Karla Martinez, Project Coordinator of the Solar Division at Aliso Electric, said: "We selected PV Powered commercial inverters because they represented the highest efficiency and lowest cost per Watt, enabling us to offer a performance guarantee to our customer. But another key advantage is that the inverters are also the quickest and easiest to install". Daniel Abundes, Electrical Foreman for the Solar Division at Aliso Electric, added: "As an installer, we are sometimes faced with challenges and obstructions when installing commercial and residential inverters. PV Powered has developed a product for rapid installation with easy-to-follow instructions. The products’ mounting bases allow for straightforward ‘set and go’ installation, and the built-in support for performance monitoring completes the package." PV Powered reports that its commercial inverters are designed for 20 + year productive service lives. The company reportedly offers a standard 10-year warranty and optional 20-year warranty.

2010-03-09   Courtesy: PV Powered, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Aircraft Spruce

 

Ascent Solar achieves mil-spec 810G certification for defense applications

Flexible CIGS thin-film photovoltaic module by Ascent Solar
Flexible CIGS thin-film photovoltaic
module by Ascent Solar

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Thornton, Colorado), a developer of flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules, in February 2010 announced that its premier and 2 meter flexible CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-(di) selenide) solar photovoltaic (PV) modules have been certified by an independent laboratory on a variety of United States Department of Defense (DOD) military ruggedization standards known as MIL-STD-810G.   MIL-STD-810G focuses on environmental engineering issues and requires products to pass various laboratory tests to ensure that military equipment operates in worldwide environments, Ascent Solar reports in a press release.



Modules have demonstrated the ability to withstand humidity, shock and sand blasting

Ascent Solar President and CEO Farhad Moghadam stated: "MIL-STD-810G certification is a significant step forward in penetrating the defense application market for military and disaster relief integrated products. These certified modules are equipped with a non-reflective coating to prevent glare and have demonstrated the ability to withstand humidity, shock and sand blasting. Specialty markets which include defense applications are vital to our ability to demonstrate the diverse market opportunities with partners and customers using our unique flexible CIGS modules."

2010-03-09   Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies Inc.

 

PV producer Yingli Green Energy announces 300 MW "PANDA" mono-crystalline manufacturing capacity expansion project

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (Baoding, China), a leading solar energy company and one of the world's largest vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturers, which holds the brand "Yingli Solar," on March 8th, 2010 announced a 300 MW "PANDA" mono-crystalline silicon-based manufacturing capacity expansion project at its Baoding headquarters. The Company also announced a project loan of RMB 1.5 billion (approx. 216 million US-dollar) and a working capital credit facility of RMB 250 million (approx. 36 million US-dollar), both granted by the Bank of Communications Co., Ltd., Hebei Branch ("BOCOM").   Yingli announced its plan to build PANDA mono-crystalline silicon-based manufacturing lines with annual production capacity of 300 MW in each of mono-crystalline ingots and wafers, cells and modules at its Baoding headquarters, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Yingli Energy (China) Co., Ltd. The new production lines will be designed to produce next-generation high efficiency PV cells based on the technology developed through Project PANDA, a collaboration among Yingli Green Energy, the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands, a leading solar research center in Europe, and Amtech Systems, Inc., a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of PV cells.


RMB 1.5 Billion Project Loan and RMB 250 Million Working Capital Credit Facility Granted by BOCOM

Yingli Green Energy also announced Yingli China has secured a project loan of RMB 1.5 billion and a working capital credit facility of RMB 250 million from BOCOM. Under the loan agreement, BOCOM has agreed to provide to Yingli China, subject to certain conditions, a five-year project loan of RMB 1.5 billion to support Yingli China's 300 MW expansion project in Baoding. In addition, BOCOM also granted a working capital credit facility of RMB 250 million to Yingli China.

Average efficiency rate of at least 18.5% on commercial PANDA pilot lines targeted by the end of 2010

"Shared anticipation of global PV industry growth, the robust flow of orders and inquiries that we have already received in 2010 and our global growth strategy are the main motivations for this strategic capacity expansion plan", said Mr. Liansheng Miao, Chairman and CEO of Yingli Green Energy. "We believe this expansion will allow us to meet the increasing demand for our bankable, cost-effective products and further drive down costs through increased cell conversion efficiency and the larger scale of manufacturing. On the Project PANDA pilot line, we have already successfully produced next-generation cells with an average efficiency rate of 18% or higher. Looking ahead, we expect to increase the average efficiency rate to at least 18.5% on the commercial production lines by the end of this year. Combined with the existing 600 MW production capacity in Baoding and the 100 MW capacity under construction in Hainan Province, this new expansion project is expected to bring our total production capacity to 1 GW by the end of 2010. With this expansion in place, we will be better positioned than ever to solidify our leadership in the global PV market."

2010-03-08   Courtesy: Yingli Green Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

215 watts and 14.4% efficiency: New high-performance photovoltaic module from the Kyocera KD series

Kyocera KD Modules
Kyocera KD Modules

The Japanese technology corporation Kyocera (Kyoto), one of the leading manufacturers in the photovoltaic field, is bringing a new solar module from the successful KD series onto the market. With its high nominal output, extreme stability under mechanical pressure and optimized junction box, the new KD215GH-2PU fulfils high requirements in every field, Kyocera reports in a press release.   The KD215GH-2PU high-performance module achieves a nominal output of 215 watts at an efficiency of 14.4 per cent under standard test conditions. Compared with the predecessor model, the KD210GH-2PU, Kyocera has again been able to improve the cells, while retaining the same module size, and increase output by 5 watts. The nominal output has a tolerance of only +5/-3 per cent. As a result, the 54 solar cells incorporated in the module guarantee the user a high annual energy yield.




Dependable protection against fire hazards

In the contacts for the junction boxes, Kyocera opts for high-quality soldered joints rather than clamped joints, and thus offers dependable protection against fire hazards. If lower quality is employed, defective electrical connections may lead to a fire in the junction box. Soldered connections are the safest form of creating the contact and, in connection with complete encapsulation of the junction box, provide protection against corrosion and overheating. The junction box meets the requirements of the highest non-combustibility rating of 5V-A in compliance with UL94.

A sturdy frame for the module guarantees high mechanical stability: it can withstand a high wind pressure and a snow load of up to 5,400 N/m2. Kyocera makes all components in its own manufacturing facilities, without buying in any intermediate products - starting with the processing of the raw material, via cell production, through to module assembly. This guarantees the high quality standards that Kyocera places on its products, ensuring that the KD215GH-2PU delivers maximum quality and reliability as well. All KD modules by Kyocera fulfil the new IEC 61215 ed.2 and IEC 61730 standards. The KD215GH-2PU is due to be available in Germany as from spring 2010.

2010-03-08   Courtesy: Kyocera Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Kyocera Corp.

 

Satcon to ship 38 MW of its 500 kW "PowerGate Plus" inverters for PV plants in China

Satcon Technology Corporation (Boston, Massachusetts), a provider of utility scale power solutions for the renewable energy market, on March 3rd, 2010 announced that it had been selected to ship 38 megawatts (MW) of its "PowerGate Plus" 500 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) inverter solutions to GCL Solar Limited (Nanjing, China), one of China's largest utility solar power plant developers that specializes in consulting, design, system integration and total project contracting services for all kinds of solar systems. According to the press release, the 38 MW will be installed across three separate solar power plants and added to the previously announced 23 MW supplied for China's largest ground-mounted and largest rooftop projects of 2009.   Each installation is to utilize Satcon's PowerGate Plus 500 kW inverters, which according to the manufacturer are the world's most field-tested and proven large scale solar power solutions.



Utility scale inverters to power megawatt solar power plants

The first 10 MW Youyu City site is to be located in the Shanxi Province and will supply power to Shanxi International Power Solar Power Generation Ltd. Another 10 MW Shizuishan City plant is to be located in the Ningxia Hui Nationality Municipality, and is to supply its solar power to Ningxia State Power CSI New Energy Developer Ltd., Satcon reports. An additional 20 MW site is also scheduled to be constructed during the first half of the year and is expected to be energized in late summer. "These new projects demonstrate the increased momentum of the utility scale solar marketplace in China", said Dr. Gu Huamin, General Manager of GCL Solar Limited. "Satcon is an important partner for GCL as we continue to develop and deliver China's largest and most advanced solar power plant facilities."


Inverter company happy to help increase China’s solar power capacity

"GCL continues be a key driver in the rapid growth of China's utility scale solar market", said Steve Rhoades, Satcon's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "The increased scope and volume of these installations highlight the importance of engineering and construction innovation supported by the world’s most advanced and reliable technology solutions. With these new power plants, GCL expands its leadership position in both the China and the global utility scale solar market." Rhoades added that Satcon feels excited and honored to be a valued partner to GCL and to help make China become one of the world's leading utility scale solar power producing countries.

2010-03-08   Courtesy: Satcon Technology Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Arizona Corporation Commission approves “AZ Sun” program

The U.S. electricity utility Arizona Public Service (APS; Phoenix, Arizona) on March 3rd, 2010 announced that the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) had approved its “AZ Sun program.” According to the press release, this means a major step forward in increasing the utility’s ability to deliver solar energy to customers. Through the expected four-year life of the program, APS plans to invest up to 500 million US-dollars for 100 megawatts (MW) of turn-key photovoltaic (PV) power plants across Arizona.   The plants are to be selected through competitive procurement processes and are to be owned by APS. "AZ Sun is good for customers and good for solar power in Arizona," said APS President Don Robinson. "To meet the growing energy needs of customers, we continue to seek the most effective ways to add renewable energy to our energy supply portfolio." APS reports that the utility’s renewable energy portfolio is expanding rapidly, growing from less than one MW in 2001 to currently more than 245 MW. This is enough energy to meet the needs of more than 60,000 homes.


Utility to procure additional 25 MW solar energy from independent power providers

APS reports that its Jan. 27th, 2010, Request for Proposal for new sources of solar energy will seek to secure projects that could fulfill the initial phase of this program. Proposals are due April 7th. The utility also plans to develop a separate plan to procure 25 MW of solar energy from independent power providers. Until the time that the costs of the first 50 MW of the AZ Sun program are recovered in base rates, the costs are to be recovered through the existing Renewable Energy Surcharge, the company reports. Costs for the remaining 50 MW are to be recovered through an adjustment mechanism to be determined in APS's next retail rate case.

2010-03-08   Courtesy: http://www.aps.com/main/news/releases/release_582.html   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Ascent Solar and FTL Solar sign multi-million US-dollar strategic alliance supply agreement

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (Thornton, Colorado), a developer of flexible thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules, on March 2nd, 2010 announced that it had signed a strategic supply agreement with FTL Solar, LLC, a manufacturer of lightweight solar structures and products headquartered in Austin (Texas).   According to the press release, FTL Solar has committed to minimum purchases of 6.5 million US-dollars worth of high efficiency flexible copper-indium-gallium-(di)selenide (CIGS) photovoltaic two meter and premier modules during the three year contract period. Ascent Solar is to begin shipments to FTL Solar for market seeding of emerging market opportunities with their lightweight solar integrated tensile fabric product line. This specialty product line is intended to serve defense/disaster relief and the portable power segments.


CIGS solar modules to equip awnings, fabric airbeams, fabric automobile covers, sailboat sails, tarps, tents, and umbrellas

Tony Saxton, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FTL Solar, said: "We are pleased to announce that FTL Solar is a US distributor for Ascent's light weight photovoltaic (PV) modules for fabric awnings, airbeams, tents, tensile structures, sailboat sails, tarps and umbrellas. Integrated with Ascent's high output light weight flexible modules, FTL Solar's products are the optimal means for capturing electricity from sunlight, as well as providing second functions such as shelter." Saxton explained that the company had launched its "PowerMod" tents with Ascent Solar PV modules 'outside' for military and tent rental industry applications, and hand-held "PowerFold" battery chargers for the military and consumers. "We see this as the beginning of an epochal change across all of the fabric structure industries", Saxton said. "We envision that the fabric structure industry is going to become renewable electricity providers in the future in addition to being the flexible fabric product providers that they have traditionally been."


Solar modules certified for defense and disaster relief applications

Farhad Moghadam, Ascent Solar President and CEO, added: "FTL Solar has designed a world class lightweight solar integrated tensile fabric product line. This contract represents sales velocity for specialty products that require certain customization and affirms our ability to demonstrate our breadth of integration." Ascent’s recent product certification under MIL-STD 810G for defense applications has reportedly opened up market potential in the emerging defense/disaster relief opportunity with fabric integrated portable solar applications for both tent and personal portable power integration. Moghadam explained that enabling products to be integrated with Ascent Solar’s lightweight CIGS PV modules builds the foundation of the company’s market penetration of specialty products.

2010-03-08   Courtesy: Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Canadian Solar headquarters features first OPA-approved microFIT solar photovoltaic installation

Canadian Solar's corporate office
Canadian Solar's corporate office

Canadian Solar Inc. (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) on March 1st, 2010 announced that its headquarters is home to Kitchener's first Ontario Power Authority (OPA) approved microFIT (feed-in tariff) solar installation. The 3.2 kilowatt (kW) direct current (DC) Canadian Solar system was reportedly installed on Canada's first C-2000 designated ‘Green on the Grand’ office building using less than 50 % energy and water normally used for a commercial building.   "I am very proud to see the first OPA approved microFIT solar installation on Canadian Solar's head office in Kitchener, Ontario", said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canadian Solar Inc. "Up to date, close to 700 MWs of Canadian Solar's modules have been installed in over 30 countries, contributing to global efforts in fighting against the climate change." Carl Zehr, Mayor from the City of Kitchener, said: "At last year's State of the City Address, I encouraged city residents to imagine a city of LEED certified neighborhoods with zero footprint. I am very pleased that the City of Kitchener and Canadian Solar could bring an inspiring project together that has long-term financial, social and environmental benefits."


Installation of solar system was reportedly seamless

Canadian Solar reports that the microFIT program is flexible and offers different participation opportunities for residential and small commercial business owners. Under the program, system owners will be paid a guaranteed price over a 20-year term for all the electricity produced and delivered to the Ontario’s electricity grid. Ian Cook, the owner of the solar installation from Ian Cook Construction, said: "It is with great pride that we announce this milestone event. The Canadian Solar installation compliments the efficiency and environmental responsibility Green on the Grand represents." Chuck Mantel, Owner and President of CMS Electric, noted that working with Canadian Solar representatives and products made the installation seamless.

2010-03-08   Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Canadian Solar Inc.

 

Sony recertifies Targray as "Green Partner" supplier

Andrew Richardson: Reducing our ecological footprint is part of Targray’s corporate culture
Andrew Richardson: Reducing our
ecological footprint is part of
Targray’s corporate culture

Targray Technology International Inc. (Targray; Kirkland, Canada), a global supplier of raw materials and products for optical media and photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers, on March 1st, 2010 announced that it had been recertified as a Sony "Green Partner" based on its ongoing practices in sound environmental management.   Following a rigorous audit conducted by Sony Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), Targray was reportedly able to demonstrate compliance with Sony’s stringent environmental guideline standards for "environmentally friendly" products, production facilities and management systems. Established in July 2001, the Sony Green Partner certification, which is renewable every two years, encourages suppliers to design and produce products with minimal environmental impact.


Green Partner suppliers expected to be environmentally friendly

Targray reports that Sony demands that all outside suppliers of components, devices and materials for Sony products comply with Sony’s Green Partner requirements. They are expected to maintain and provide data on products and supplier products and material to demonstrate they do not contain hazardous substances such as cadmium, mercury and lead. Component suppliers are also mandated to establish procedures across manufacturing, quality, product, purchasing and sales operations to ensure materials used are environment friendly. Sony ensures suppliers’ compliance to the standards through audits at the respective manufacturing facilities.


Company strives to reduce energy consumption, minimize environmental impact and promote education on ecological issues

Andrew Richardson, President of Targray, said that he was pleased that the company was again recognized by Sony for its longstanding commitment to environmental preservation. "As at Sony, reducing our ecological footprint is part of Targray’s corporate culture", Richardson said. "In addition to green products and environmentally conscious operational controls, we have established an Environmental Committee that continuously spearheads initiatives to further reduce our overall energy consumption, minimize our environmental footprint and promote awareness and education of environmental issues." Issued by the Procurement Head Office of the Sony Corporation, Targray’s certification covers the two-year period from March 1, 2010, through February 28, 2012.

2010-03-08   Courtesy: Targray Technology International Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Targray Technology International Inc.

 

SolarCity creates new 90 million US-dollar fund with U.S. Bancorp to finance solar projects

SolarCity (Foster City, California), a U.S. provider of solar power system design, financing, installation, monitoring and related services, on March 2nd, 2010 announced a new fund to finance an additional 90 million US-dollars in commercial and residential solar projects in 2010 with U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (USBCDC), a division of U.S. Bancorp (Minneapolis, Minnesota).   SolarCity and USBCDC have reportedly collaborated on three separate funds to finance a total of 190 million US-dollars in solar projects in the United States in 2009 and 2010. According to the press release, SolarCity will use the new fund to finance its solar lease ("SolarLease") and power purchase agreement (PPA) offerings as it continues to expand to Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon and Texas.


Fund to finance residential and commercial solar installations

SolarCity reports that the company’s financing options make it possible for customers to save money immediately by installing solar, because homeowners are not required to put any money down and typically save more on their monthly electricity bills than they pay for solar each month. The company’s offerings include custom design and installation, insurance, repairs, production monitoring and guaranteed performance. Customers can obtain all of this by a monthly payment that may be as little as 30 US-dollars per month in some areas, SolarCity reports. "We started this company with the simple belief that if we made solar power as affordable and accessible as other energy sources, we could make it a mainstream source of electricity", said Lyndon Rive, SolarCity’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

2010-03-07   Courtesy: SolarCity   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

MENASOL 2010: Concentrating solar power capacity of 9,000 MW planned by 2020

The solar market in MEN is being earmarked as the boom market for solar development
The solar market in MEN is being earmarked
as the boom market for solar development

The solar market in North Africa and the Middle East (MENA) is being earmarked as the boom market for solar development, New Solar Today, organizer of the MENASOL 2010 2nd North Africa & Middle East Solar Conference, reports in a press release. The conference will be held in Cairo, Egypt, from May 4th to 5th. According to reports solar energy in the Middle East is going to be a boom market for the next 10 years - with 9,000 MW of concentrating solar power (CSP) capacity planned by 2020 and more than 40,000 MW by 2030, New Solar Today emphasizes in the press release. According to New Solar Today this is not a surprising conclusion looking at the announcements made in last quarter of 2009 and currently in 2010. What is surprising is that oil rich exporting countries are now realising that it is time for them to plan for the long term and kick start the next venture - exporting solar electricity.   For some of the North African countries such as Morocco and Tunisia it is not as surprising as they are pure electricity importers. That is why governments are now employing aggressive solar initiatives that will attract investors and project developers, New Solar Today reports in the press release.



MENASOL 2010 offering an opportunity to make a comparative approach

According to New Solar Today some commentators have said that while North Africa and the Middle East have been slow adopters to the renewable energy campaign, we will now see them competing with each other on offering the most attractive options for businesses. MENASOL 2010 – 2nd North Africa & Middle East Solar Conference is offering countries in the region a platform to be vocal about their country’s initiatives and will have delegations sent from the most solar active countries. It will be offering anyone that is interested in the MENA region a rare opportunity to make a comparative approach on where the best opportunities are and what is the best strategy for them in the short and long term future, the organizer reports in the press release.

In addressing the strategy, one of the biggest concerns is the technical aspects in developing solar in desert conditions, issues include humidity, lack of water, sand storms and extreme range of temperatures during the day and night, New Solar Today emphasizes. However leading companies such as Abengoa, Acciona, Nur Energie are leading the way and will be providing in depth case studies on their experiences and what they will be doing for forthcoming projects at MENASOL 2010.


More information about MENASOL 2010: www.newsolartoday.com/solar-conference

2010-03-07   Courtesy: MENASOL 2010/New Solar Today   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: MENASOL 2010

 

Second large-scale solar power plant completed at Denver International Airport fuel facility with Sharp solar panels

A second large-scale solar power system at Denver International Airport (DIA; Colorado) recently became operational, Sharp Solar reported in a press release in March. According to the press release, this new 1.6 megawatt (MW) solar power array now powers the airport’s fuel-storage and distribution facility. The photovoltaic (PV) system was financed and developed by MP2 Partners and Oak Leaf Partners, constructed by Quanta, and is comprised of approximately 7,400 Sharp solar panels.   The new solar energy system is reportedly able to cover almost all of the fuel farm's electricity consumption. The commissioning of this newest solar array at Denver International Airport follows the inauguration of a 2 MW Sharp solar power array in August of 2008. "Sharp is delighted to have once again provided the solar modules for one of the most forward-thinking cities and airports in the country", said Ron Kenedi, Vice President of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group.


Airport to buy solar electricity under power purchase agreement

Sharp reports that DIA will buy the electricity generated by the system at 90 % of the local utility’s rate under a power purchase agreement (PPA). Kim Day, DIA Aviation Manager, said: "This project will reduce energy costs for our airline and cargo business partners over the 20-year term of the power purchase agreement. DIA has a widespread reputation as a 'green' airport, and this project is another example of our commitment to environmental responsibility." The construction of the 1.6 MW solar power system reportedly commenced in September 2009, and was completed in December 2009. The array is sited on approximately nine acres north of the airport's airfield.

2010-03-06   Courtesy: Sharp Solar   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sharp Solar

 

Trina Solar announces establishment of EU regional headquarters in Switzerland

Trina Solar Limited (Changzhou, China), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, on March 2nd, 2010 announced the establishment of its European regional headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, which commenced initial operations in January, 2010.   Trina reports that it has set up its regional headquarters in the international business district of Zurich to further strengthen its presence and growing customer base in Europe. It is to give the company a greater proximity to key established solar markets and allow for additional logistical support and enhanced service to the strategic partners and customers in the region.

"We are proud to establish our EU headquarters, a crucial milestone in realizing one of Trina Solar's goals to globalize its operations, deepen customer relations and expand brand recognition across key European markets", commented Jifan Gao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Trina Solar. "We are confident that our strategy to centralize regional operations and broaden the level of service offered in Europe will play a critical role in the growth of our European business in the years to come."

2010-03-06   Courtesy: Trina Solar Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Xcel Energy launches "Solar Rewards" program in Minnesota

The U.S. energy provider Xcel Energy (Minneapolis, Minnesota) on March 1st, 2010 announced that it is offering incentives to Minnesota electricity customers to install solar panels on top of their homes and businesses.   According to the press release, "Solar*Rewards" will make a one-time payment of 2.25 US-dollars per installed watt of generating capacity to help off-set the cost to customers who install small or medium rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, thereby encouraging the growth of solar energy in the state. For an average size residential installation of 3.5 kilowatts (kW), the incentive payment would be 7,875 US-dollars, or about 30 % of the installation costs, the company explains. In addition to the Solar*Reward incentive, federal, state and local government agencies may provide customers with other rebate opportunities for their PV installations.


Program offers incentives for customer-generated solar power

Xcel Energy reports that Solar*Reward participants must agree to install a system with a capacity of 0.5 to 40 kW. In exchange for the incentive payment, ownership of the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) produced by the system will transfer to Xcel Energy for a term of 20 years. Xcel Energy also pledges to buy any energy that a system produces in excess of the customer’s needs. The company plans to support the installation of about 2 megawatts (MW) of solar energy each year for the next three years through this program, or approximately 450 installed systems annually. "Minnesota is a great resource for solar energy", said Laura McCarten, Xcel Energy Regional Vice President. "Our Solar*Rewards program makes it more affordable for residents and business owners interested in this clean, sustainable energy option." Participants of the program must be Xcel Energy electricity customers in Minnesota with an unshaded south, east or west-facing roof in good condition, and they must agree to have the system interconnected to the grid. This program exclusively applies to PV generating systems, the company reports. Solar*Reward is part of its 2010–2012 Conservation Improvement Program (CIP), a comprehensive series of new and expanded programs that is to guide the company’s electricity and natural gas conservation and load management efforts for the next three years.

2010-03-06   Courtesy: Xcel Energy   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

German PV producer SOLON extends the performance guarantee for all solar modules

SOLON Black 280/12, the first crystalline module that can be attached to metal roofs using an adhesive
SOLON Black 280/12, the first crystalline
module that can be attached to metal roofs
using an adhesive

SOLON SE (Berlin, Germany) remains true to its quality strategy and extends the guarantee conditions for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules retroactively as of March 1st, 2010. The SOLON performance guarantee lays out a five-stage guarantee service over 25 years, instead of the typical two-stage guarantee offered on the market. SOLON thus guarantees an output capacity of 95 percent for the first five years after the purchase of a solar module, 90 percent for ten years, 87 percent for 15 years, 83% for 20 years, and 80% for 25 years.   Consequently a SOLON customer has a claim to a guaranteed average output capacity of 87 percent for each module based on a service life of 25 years. These figures refer to the relevant minimum power output listed in the module data sheet.




Additional yield of 3.6 percent over 25 years

The new SOLON guarantee service, which applies to all solar modules purchased on or after March 1, 2010, surpasses by far the standard service guarantees typically found on the market. The customer is ensured of an additional yield of 3.6 percent over 25 years, which is guaranteed by SOLON, compared to the previous arrangement. This measure considerably increases the efficiency and ability to plan for photovoltaic system operators and truly underlines SOLON's pledge to offer premium quality. In addition, any complaints about instances of decreased system output can be registered more quickly and in turn processed more conveniently through the guarantee service.

"Higher ROIs and greater yields - those are two advantages of the extended performance guarantee", summarizes Stefan Säuberlich, CEO of SOLON SE. "SOLON products have a proven track record of premium quality and reliability. Our customers can benefit from the extended performance guarantee now more than ever." The greater the output of the solar modules over the entire service life of a system, the more attractive the ROIs of the solar energy system or solar power plant.

2010-03-05   Courtesy: SOLON SE   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SOLON SE

 

Organic thin-film photovoltaics: Konarka announces business collaboration and strategic investment by Konica Minolta

Konarka's Power Plastic
Konarka's Power Plastic

Konarka Technologies, Inc. (Lowell, Massachusetts), a manufacturer of proprietary "Power Plastic" material that converts light to energy, on March 2nd, 2010 announced the signing of a comprehensive research and development (R&D) collaboration and strategic investment agreement with Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan).   The companies agreed to start a full-scale collaboration in April for the joint development and distribution of organic thin-film photovoltaics (OPV). According to the press release, Konica Minolta has invested 20 million US-dollars in Konarka under the agreement. The companies plan to organize their respective strengths in materials, optical and coating technologies as well as launch a joint development that aims to improve organic thin-film PV. The goals of the R&D efforts include higher conversion efficiency, longer life, lower manufacturing costs and the realization of mass production of next-generation PV. Konarka reports that its current roll-to-roll process simplifies manufacturing scale-up, has significantly lower capital and labor costs than previous generations of solar cells and can be produced using existing coating and printing equipment.


Joint development to yield production and global distribution of high performance organic PV panels

Upon successful results of the joint development milestones, the companies are expected to establish a joint venture company in Japan to produce organic thin-film PV panels. Konica Minolta is to act as Konarka's lead Asian business partner headquartered in Japan. "Konica Minolta positions the organic thin-film photovoltaic business as one of the most promising in the environment and energy field", commented Masatoshi Matsuzaki, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Konica Minolta. "We are pleased to be collaborating with Konarka, the first and world leader to commercialize organic thin-film photovoltaics because of its state-of-the-art polymer technology and its mass production facility in New Bedford, Massachusetts." Howard Berke, Executive Chairman and Co-founder of Konarka, said: "With our collaboration efforts, Konarka and Konica Minolta are well positioned to deliver efficient, next-generation photovoltaic panels to meet the growing demand for personal and commercial solar energy solutions around the world."

2010-03-05   Courtesy: Konarka Technologies, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Konarka Technologies, Inc.

 

PGE rolls out another rooftop solar project with ProLogis, increasing its total solar energy capacity to more than 12 MW

Portland General Electric (PGE: Portland, Oregon), a fully integrated electric utility that serves more than 818,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon, on March 2nd, 2010 announced that the company is expanding its solar energy resources with a new 2.4 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) rooftop plant.   This power plant is believed to be the largest solar rooftop project in the Pacific Northwest, and is to be installed by Northwest Solar Solutions, a division of locally-owned Snyder Roofing (Tigard, Oregon). About 60,000 hours of union-wage electrical and roofing Oregon jobs are expected to be created by this project, in which PGE partners with U.S. Bank, ProLogis, and several other Oregon companies.


Rooftop solar power plants to cover distribution company’s warehouses

According to the press release, the rooftop solar project is the second with ProLogis, a distribution facilities company, bringing PGE’s total partnership with this company to 3.5 MW of solar energy, enough to power approximately 388 households annually. The roughly 900,000-square-foot project is to cover the roofs of seven ProLogis distribution warehouses in Portland, Gresham, and Clackamas with "UNI-SOLAR" thin-film solar panels by Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD, Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA). "PGE is continuing to steadily grow its solar energy resources for our customers", said Carol Dillin, Vice President of customers and economic development at PGE. "It’s exciting to be able to bring innovative projects like this to Oregon and strengthen the state’s solar industry."


Utility awarded for solar achievements

According to the press release, U.S. Bank and PGE have formed SunWay 3, LLC, to own and operate the system and to secure state and federal solar tax credits to help finance the project. Other partners on the project include PV Powered (Bend, Oregon) and Tonkon Torp (Portland). The solar project is to help PGE meet the Oregon’s renewable energy standard (RES) requirements, which mandates utilities to provide 25 % of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2025. With the new 2.4 MW project, PGE reports it will have more than 12 MW of solar capacity in its resource mix, including the 104 kilowatt (kW) solar highway project with the Oregon Department of Transportation and 9.1 MW of customer-owned solar energy projects the utility supports through its net metering program. In 2009, PGE, along with U.S. Bank, ProLogis, and ODOT, earned a "Solar Business Achievement Award" from the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) for being the first utility in the nation to develop a unique third-party ownership model to help develop large-scale solar projects in its service area.

2010-03-05   Courtesy: Portland General Electric   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Teanaway Solar Reserve reaches next milestone

Proposed site near Cle Elum, Washington
Proposed site near Cle Elum, Washington

The Teanaway Solar Reserve (TSR; Cle Elum, Washington) on February 23rd, 2010 announced that it had delivered a supplemental ‘Conditional Use Permit’ application to Kittitas County. The company aims to support its request for a permit to construct a 75 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) generation facility outside of Cle Elum.   According to the press release, TSR will be one of the largest photovoltaic solar projects in the world if approved by the County. The supplemental filing is a document that addresses concerns raised during the public comment period. At more than 2,000 pages, the application contains new reports that detail plans for protecting wildlife and vegetation, outline procedures for managing water runoff, dust control, soil erosion, roads and fire prevention and minimize traffic and visual impacts. "Our team has been working diligently for several months to put together a comprehensive application for a world-class renewable energy project that will benefit the people who live and work in the region", said Howard Trott, TSR’s Managing Director.


Solar power plant redesigned to minimize environmental impact

According to the press release, the Teanaway solar project will occupy approximately 477 acres of a 982-acre parcel, leaving approximately 500 acres undeveloped. In coordination with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and its Wind Power Guidelines, habitat permanently impacted by the project is to be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio. The TSR project has reportedly been redesigned to further ensure impacts are minimized. These modifications include a reduction in the footprint of the project and the creation of a large corridor through the middle to allow for potential wildlife migration. The project is to avoid any impact on wetlands and the native grasslands under and around the solar panels are to be maintained. The Conditional Use Permit application also includes a detailed process for project decommissioning and site restoration. Furthermore, a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) comprised of members from state agencies and conservation groups was established to guide vegetation mitigation and management decisions.


97.5 million US-dollar solar project to create 35 permanent jobs

TSR is expected to create approximately 225 union wage jobs during construction, and 35 permanent jobs for the operation of the facility. Economic studies indicate the project will cost 300-350 million US-dollars and generate 97.5 million US-dollars in purchases of goods and services in Kittitas County during construction. TSR is projected to generate 1.5 million US-dollars in annual property tax revenues to support local services including schools, roads and hospitals. The financial projections have been independently verified by economists at Central Washington University, TSR reports.

2010-03-05   Courtesy: TSR   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: TSR

 

Photovoltaic products broker pvXchange concludes 2009 with positive results

The worldwide market leader in the brokering of photovoltaic products, pvXchange (Berlin, Germany) is further extending its leading position. Both turnover and the number of marketplace participants significantly increased in 2009 for the fifth consecutive year, pvXchange GmbH reports in a press release. "The 36% increase in turnover compared to 2008 is down to the brisk business activities of our registered customers, of which we now have over 5,000", says Managing Director Kai Malkwitz, explaining the continuing success.  



Trading centre for photovoltaics benefits from German boom year for solar panels


The developments on the online spot market reflect the boom in demand witnessed in Germany, after the Spanish market dominated the trading portal in the previous year. It was not just the German market that showed positive growth: Italy and France also achieved a double-digit increase in turnover. "The growth in transactions via our online portal is largely explained by the experience of the market participants that, in times of decreasing prices, short-term trading of solar panels is more economical and less risky than becoming tied into long-term supply contracts", says Mr Malkwitz.

pvXchange GmbH was founded in Berlin in 2004 and is the worldwide market leader in the brokering of photovoltaic products in the corporate-customer sector. In 2009, the company traded solar panels with a total output of around 75 Megawatt via the spot market. In addition to its European presence, pvXchange is also represented in Asia and the USA. pvXchange GmbH is a 100 percent subsidiary of pvXchange International N.V.

An up to date price index for PV panels by pvXchange is published on the solar portal site www.solarserver.com

2010-03-05   Courtesy: pvXchange GmbH   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

"REmapping the World": 3TIER releases global solar dataset

The
The "REmapped solar World"

3TIER Environmental Forecast Group, Inc. (Seattle, Washington), an independent provider of wind, solar, and hydro energy assessment and power forecasting tools, in 2010 announced the completion of its "REmapping the World” initiative. According to the press release, this endeavor was launched in March 2008 to address what is believed to be the biggest barrier to global renewable energy adoption: the lack of reliable information regarding resource potential and availability.   The global solar map and dataset reportedly maps the world’s wind and solar resources using a globally consistent methodology. 3TIER reports that it is based on 10 to 13 years of half-hourly, high-resolution visible satellite imagery collected from nine different satellites, dispersed across the globe and covering the entire surface of the earth. Satellite imagery was processed using a uniform methodology based upon a combination of in-house and peer-reviewed research documents supported by the global atmospheric science community.



On-demand renewable energy resource information

"3TIER’s aim in developing these maps is to help accelerate the adoption of renewable energy around the world by providing a blueprint for development", said Kenneth Westrick, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 3TIER. "The creation of these maps is part of a larger effort to build a renewable energy information services platform which will provide customers with on-demand access to 3TIER’s massive datasets for wind and solar resources." Access to this data is to enable global decision-makers and organizations to look at wind and solar potential on a regional scale and to help maximize the value of renewable resources while mitigating the risks of their inherent variability. Dr. Bart Nijssen, Senior Vice President of technology of 3TIER, explained: “To provide the most accurate solar data available, we produced a satellite observation-based dataset because the traditional numerical weather prediction methods used for wind climatology do a poor job of modeling cloud cover, a major factor for determining solar radiation.”


Global wind resource map also available

At a resolution 3 to 30 times higher than any other publicly available data source, 3TIER reports its global solar map and dataset leverage several in-house improvements to provide a global coverage between 50° S and 60° N, spatial resolution of 2 arc-minutes (approximately 3 km) and hourly values of GHI, DNI, and DIF extending back 10 to 13 years As part of its REmapping the World initiative, 3TIER reports it also produced a 5 km resolution global wind map and dataset, based upon proven techniques and the application of advanced numerical weather prediction models, which accurately and consistently diagram wind spatial and temporal variability.

2010-03-05   Courtesy: 3TIER Environmental Forecast Group, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: 3TIER Environmental Forecast Group, Inc.

 

PV producer KYOCERA to manufacture solar modules in the U.S.; San Diego module assembly will support company’s goal to reach 1 gigawatt of annual production capacity worldwide

Residential PV system by Kyocera
Residential PV system by Kyocera

Kyocera Solar, Inc. on March 3rd, 2010 announced plans to begin manufacturing solar modules in San Diego, Calif., to serve the U.S. market’s growing demand for clean energy. The U.S. module manufacturing will support a new milestone for Kyocera’s solar energy business - global production capacity targeting 1,000 megawatts of solar cells per year (equal to one gigawatt per year) by March 2013. "Today’s announcement is further proof that California’s nation-leading green policies play a vital role in our state’s economic success", said California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "Even in this recession, green jobs in California have grown steadily, and Kyocera’s decision to locate its solar manufacturing operations in San Diego will create even more jobs at a time when they are needed most." 

Initial production target of 30 megawatts per year

The new solar module manufacturing will begin in San Diego at Kyocera’s Balboa Avenue facility during the first half of 2010, with an initial production target of 30 megawatts per year. The new operations will leverage Kyocera’s world-class U.S. manufacturing capabilities to produce the company’s most powerful and efficient solar modules. The production venue was selected to cater specifically to the U.S. market’s increasing demand for large-scale solar electric generating systems. "The U.S. is experiencing extraordinary growth in its adoption of solar electricity", said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. "Kyocera’s San Diego plant will provide high-quality, high-efficiency solar modules to serve this expanding market. With a 35-year commitment to providing clean energy through solar modules, Kyocera is adding capacity globally to meet worldwide demand."

Solar module manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, the Czech Republic and Mexico

Solar energy has become one of Kyocera’s fastest-growing businesses globally, with the company expecting to double its production of solar cells in the two fiscal years from 2009 to 2011. In addition to the operations coming to San Diego, Kyocera currently has solar module manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, the Czech Republic and Mexico. Solar power offers a hedge against electricity cost increases and serves as an environmental countermeasure to acid rain, ozone depletion and rising carbon levels. As an illustration of Kyocera’s global expansion plan, the one-gigawatt capacity will allow the company to supply 3.5-kilowatt solar-electric systems for about 285,000 homes each year.

Kyocera established U.S. operations in 1969, and started a trend as the first Japan-based corporation with manufacturing operations in the State of California (in 1971). Kyocera Group companies currently employ approximately 4,000 people in the United States.

2010-03-04   Courtesy: Kyocera Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Kyocera Corporation

 

PROINSO awarded the supply of several solar farms in Greece with an output exceeding 3.2 MW

Solar farm in Greece
Solar farm in Greece

The Spanish company PROINSO, specialized in the distribution of modules, inverters, trackers and fixed structures for photovoltaic systems, has been awarded the supply of various solar photovoltaic farms in Greece which will all together amount to more than 3.2 MW of installed capacity. By signing these agreements, PROINSO and MECASOLAR consolidate their leadership position in the Greek market, where they are gaining ground internationally, PROINSO reports in a press release.   According to reports from the multinational PROINSO - part of Grupo OPDE - the first distribution agreements have been signed with the company ADIVA Hellas for several photovoltaic solar farms located on the island of Crete and include the supply of 900 kW of SMA inverters.


MECASOLAR trackers manufactured in Thessaloniki

Furthermore, also in Crete, PROINSO has signed several contracts to supply one hundred and thirty-nine 2-axis MECASOLAR trackers - manufactured in the company's factory in Thessaloniki, for different 80 kW installations on the Greek island and of which to date 89 have been supplied. Together these trackers reach 1.5 MW and strengthen the presence of MECASOLAR on the Island of Crete. "In fact, PROINSO will finalise during this month of March a new even bigger order enabling MECASOLAR to reach leadership in market share for solar photovoltaic trackers in Greece", the company emphasizes in its press release.


Supply in the region of Central Macedonia

Another of the supplies agreed on will be carried out in a solar farm located in the Pella prefecture to the north of the country (region of Central Macedonia). For this farm, PROINSO has signed a distribution agreement with a local company REW Hellas which involves the supply of 1.77 MW of TRINA modules and SMA invertors, SMC11000TL model. "PROINSO was selected by this important Greek company for their availability, logistic service in Thessaloniki, competitive prices and above all because of the know-how and added value offered to the customer in the configuration of their project by the commercial engineers from PROINSO HELLAS, to maximize the production of solar energy, PROINSO confirmed.


Greek market forecast: 45 MW to be installed in 2010
The estimate by PROINSO for 2010 is that in Greece about 45 MW will be installed, of which the company expects to supply 15% of the total. With orders exceeding 3.2 MW already closed, PROINSO have already obtained a rate of more than 7% of this market. As regards trackers, MECASOLAR estimate that they will install 30% of the total market (about 12 MW) of which, at present, PROINSO have already formalized 15%. Apart from that, PROINSO HELLAS also stresses the "warm welcome" they have received from Greek installers for their qualified installer program. So far, PROINSO HELLAS boasts 13 qualified installers, in addition to REW Hellas and ADIVA Hellas, with which the company is working closely on the commercial, supply and technical support side.

2010-03-04   Courtesy: PROINSO   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PROINSO

 

Yingli to supply SunDurance Energy with more than 10 MW of PV modules

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (Baoding, China), a leading solar energy company and one of the world's largest vertically integrated photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers which holds the brand Yingli Solar, on March 2nd, 2010 announced the signing of a sales agreement with SunDurance Energy, LLC (SunDurance Energy), an affiliate of The Conti Group and a leading PV company based in New Jersey that develops, designs, builds and operates megawatt-scale solar power solutions.   Under the terms of the agreement, Yingli Green Energy will supply more than 10 megawatts (MW) of PV modules to SunDurance Energy through the third quarter of 2010.


Strategic sales agreement expands PV manufacturer’s presence in U.S. commercial and utility markets

According to Liansheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yingli Green Energy, this agreement extends two years of successful cooperation with SunDurance Energy and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to the expansion into the United States solar market. "Thanks to our strong track record, which we have built on our high-quality products, excellent after-sales service and continuous brand promotion efforts, our 'Yingli Solar' brand modules are recognized as bankable, reliable products by customers, investors and commercial banks across the world", Liansheng Miao said. Robert Petrina, Managing Director of Yingli Green Energy Americas, Inc., added: "Our growth strategy in the U.S. is focused heavily on the commercial and utility-scale markets, where we are pleased to have several projects already underway with SunDurance Energy and other large-scale developers." Al Bucknam, CEO of SunDurance Energy, confirmed that his company’s partnership with Yingli Green Energy has been a good experience. "This agreement is the largest PV module purchase agreement in our history", Bucknam added.

2010-03-04   Courtesy: Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

SMA Solarchecker: iPhone application provides versatile measurement tool for solar PV installers, consumers

SMA Solarchecker iPhone application
SMA Solarchecker iPhone application

Solar installers and consumers looking for a simple-to-use, yet powerful, portable solar site analysis tool can now download the SMA SolarcheckeriPhone application from the Apple App Store. The free iPhone application provides users with a quick way of finding out how much energy - and revenue - a solar photovoltaic (PV) power system could produce at virtually any given location.   The Solarchecker utilizes the iPhone’s GPS locator to determine the user’s location. Its magnetic compass provides site orientation, and the inclination sensor determines the roof pitch. Users who lack the compass feature can also enter the orientation manually. Using the site location, the Solarchecker automatically accesses a weather database to determine the solar radiation available at that spot. Then, based on the site parameters and irradiance levels, the application applies a mathematical model to provide specific energy yield and annual energy harvest estimates.




Estimating a solar project’s return on investment

By entering a project’s available roof space or anticipated system size, the Solarchecker can also provide users with potential energy yields and CO2 savings over the life of the system. For those who want even more information, the Solarchecker can estimate a project’s return on investment (ROI) by entering the revenue generated per kWh as well as the system’s financing and maintenance costs. The application uses that information to calculate net profit, savings or anticipated returns.

After entering and analyzing the data, users can also find qualified, local solar energy specialists to install the proposed system. Once again using the iPhone’s GPS locator, the application will automatically provide contact information for the ten closest SMA Sunny PRO Club members - qualified professionals who can assist with installation.

In-depth information on a prospective solar PV project

"The SMA Solarchecker iPhone application provides both installers and consumers with a convenient way to get in-depth information about a prospective solar project", said Jeffrey Philpott, director of marketing for SMA America. "In addition to our innovative solar inverter technology, this free, easy-to-use tool is another example of how SMA consistently brings additional value to the solar community."

The Solarchecker application works worldwide and is available in five languages: English, Spanish, French, German and Italian: http://www.sma.de/en/products/software/solarchecker.html

2010-03-04   Courtesy: SMA Group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SMA Group

 

OPEL Solar, Inc. receives 2010 Connecticut Green Business Award for Solar Innovation

Mk-I High Concentration Photovoltaic Panel
Mk-I High Concentration Photovoltaic Panel

OPEL Solar, Inc. (Shelton, CT and Toronto, ON) a leading global developer and supplier of high concentration photovoltaic ("HCPV") solar panels and other solar products, including ground-based and rooftop tracker systems, was honored on February 24th, 2010 with a 2010 Connecticut Green Business Award. The Award recognizes OPEL Solar’s contributions to driving Connecticut’s green economy revolution with its advanced solar HCPV technology, its unique solar tracker systems, and the green jobs created by OPEL Solar in the State of Connecticut. OPEL Solar was one of 25 companies awarded.   The award reception was held at The Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies Kroon Hall, itself a showcase green building. The awards were selected by Business New Haven & CONNTACT.com. The ceremony was hosted by Daniel C. Esty, Director of the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy. Accepting the award was Robert Pico, CEO of OPEL Solar, Inc. "It is my privilege to accept this award on behalf of the OPEL Solar Team", said Pico. "We are proud of our successes using the HCPV technology and are encouraged that we have and can continue to bring green jobs to Connecticut."

The Honorable Congressman Jim Himes congratulated OPEL Solar’s achievement in a letter in which he continues to support the Company’s accomplishments as well as the advancement of solar energy and growing the green economy.


Rooftop tracking system school in Connecticut, first commercial HCPV installations in Spain

Regionally, in March of 2009, OPEL Solar completed the first solar rooftop tracking system for the Linden Elementary School in Plainville, Connecticut. For this project, OPEL Solar won grants from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and from the US Treasury Grant Program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. OPEL Solar’s recent international achievements include the successful completion of one of the first commercial HCPV installations generating electricity in Spain using OPEL Solar’s HCPV panels and dual axis solar trackers.

OPEL Solar’s leading edge solar installations are built using its Mk-I high concentration panels (HCPVs) mounted on dual axis trackers. The combination of OPEL’s HCPV panels and precision dual axis trackers results in a higher power production per unit of land (acre/hectare) than silicon or thin film flat panels with a potential to increase photovoltaic yields by up to 40 percent.

2010-03-04   Courtesy: OPEL Solar, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: OPEL Solar, Inc.

 

Solaredge and Digi International collaborate on a full connectivity solution for photovoltaic systems

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

Digi International (Minnetonka; Minnesota) and SolarEdge (Hod Hasharon, Israel) in February 2010 announced their collaboration on full connectivity solutions for photovoltaic (PV) systems, including data harvesting from revenue-grade power meters, PV inverter mesh networking and future interaction with the Smart Grid. Digi International’s vast range of wireless connectivity solutions enables SolarEdge to improve the retrieval of inverter and panel performance data from PV systems.   Among the solutions that are now available, SolarEdge is using Digi’s XBee-PRO to provide the industry’s first solar inverter with embedded ZigBee connectivity. SolarEdge continuously collects data from each solar panel and transmits it without added communication wires from panels to inverters. This solution - providing wireless network and remote connectivity between solar inverters - allows simple access to high-resolution, performance-monitoring data.


Robust and cost-effective solution simplifies installation

"There are many limitations to wire line system configurations, including higher failure rates, added costs and labor, as well as compromised aesthetic appearance", said Lior Handelsman, VP Product Strategy at SolarEdge. "Our collaboration with Digi has meant that we can now overcome these challenges and has allowed us to offer a comprehensive, robust and cost-effective solution, which simplifies installation procedures and prepares system owners for future Smart Grid interaction."

A wire line communication between inverters is not ideal in many situations, with particular difficulties connecting multiple inverters in large commercial installations. At residential sites, Ethernet cables and ducts are often required to gap between the inverter and the remote router. By embedding ZigBee connectivity into each inverter, Digi enables SolarEdge to create a self-healing mesh network between all of the site’s inverters which eliminates line of sight issues. The inverters can also be easily connected to any local area network (LAN) using any ZigBee equipped gateway with cellular, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections, such as Digi’s ConnectPort X gateways. This distributed architecture approach also contributes to higher reliability due to the lack of cables and connectors and lower susceptibility to lightning hits, in addition to the reduced costs related to cabling, ducting and labor.

2010-03-04   Courtesy: Digi International; SolarEdge   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SolarEdge

 

Bosch Solar Energy AG partners with Sustainable Energy to enter Canadian PV Market

Bosch photovoltaic modules jointly marketed in combination with SUNERGY inverters in Ontario
Bosch photovoltaic modules jointly marketed in
combination with SUNERGY inverters in Ontario

Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd. (Toronto, Ontario) and Bosch Solar Energy AG (Erfurt; Germany) on March 2nd, 2010 announced that they have agreed to jointly market Bosch thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules in combination with the Sustainable Energy’s SUNERGY inverter for the Ontario market. Under a memorandum of understanding, Bosch Solar Energy will be the preferred supplier of high efficiency micro-morph thin film PV modules for "PARALEX” systems distributed by Sustainable Energy in the Province of Ontario.   PARALEX is an integrated solar PV product solution for rooftop and ground based solar PV systems consisting of yield-optimized solar PV panels, inverters, wiring and other DC electrical components.




Canadian solar market offering great potential in the next years

"We are very excited about this partnership with Sustainable Energy, because it enables Bosch Solar Energy to introduce its expertise in the thin-film technology to the growing Canadian market for the first time. Thanks to new funding structures in many places, the Canadian solar market offers great potential in the next years. With this well-matched combination of Bosch solar modules and photovoltaic components from Sustainable Energy we can offer a competitive system in the future that, above all, allows us to begin to appropriately serve this appealing solar market in Ontario", said Peter Schneidewind, Executive Vice President of Bosch Solar Energy AG.


Parallel PV system architecture to increase the number of kilowatt hours for each kilowatt of rated capacity

The Bosch-PARALEX combination is a premium solar PV product which levers the value of Bosch Solar Energy’s micro-morph technology and Sustainable Energy’s parallel system architecture to increase the number of kilowatt hours for each kilowatt of rated capacity. Unlike other systems which require expensive custom system design, the PARALEX solution is an integrated package which can be installed safely and inexpensively by mainstream building trades reducing total system cost by a substantial discount to current market pricing.

Under the memorandum of understanding, the Bosch Solar Energy and Sustainable Energy are committed to developing a roadmap to build modules and inverters in the Province which will meet 2010 and 2011 domestic content thresholds of the Ontario feed in tariff program. Targeted installations are between 10 and 15 MW for 2010 and between 50 and 75 MW for 2011.

"Bosch Solar Energy is the ideal partner with which to roll out this strategy in Ontario", added Robert H. Bucher, President & CEO of Sustainable Energy. One of the leading electronics companies in the world, the Bosch reputation for quality brings immediately credibility and bankability to the Ontario solar PV market. Its thin film technology is a near perfect fit for the Ontario market delivering more power than conventional crystalline modules in diffuse and indirect lighting and during hot summer months.

2010-03-03   Courtesy: Bosch Solar Energy AG, Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Bosch Solar Energy AG, Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd.

 

Bystronic glass: Efficient buffering, storing and sorting of photovoltaic modules

Sorting System for solar modules
Sorting System for solar modules

Bystronic glass now also offers customer-specific solutions for the solar industry. Therefore, Bystronic glass's decades of experience in such systems, for example in insulating glass production, now also applies to the handling of substrates or ready-made modules. Bystronic glass offers sorting systems for buffer Operation or the direct connection to a production line for thin-film solar modules. Customers obtain modular configurable solutions designed to meet their individual production requirements.   "The sorting systems can be used in the front end for de-coupling the different production processes from each other as well as at the back end for sorting the ready-made modules prior to packaging", explains Pieder Berther, project engineer in the sales department of the Bystronic glass Technology Center Bystronic Maschinen AG.


Buffer and storage system

Depending on size and composition, the substrates are stored either vertically, at an angle of 6°, or horizontally. Loading and unloading is carried out by means of conveyors, sorting carriages or robots. Depending on customer requirements, this can be done either according to the storing sequence (first-in, first-out principle), against the storing sequence (first-in, last-out principle) or individually in any order. The fixed storage systems or cartridges have more than 120 positions, which can be managed in a high-bay warehouse. "Our buffer and storage system is suitable for the storage of both substrates as well as ready-made modules with back rails and junction box — for all conventional glass sizes up to 2.20 x 2.60 meters", explains Pieder Berther. The system's cycle times can be adjusted according to the performance of the production line.


Sorting system

In order to sort ready-made photovoltaic modules according to quality, performance classes, physical sizes or other features, a sorting operation is required: After leaving production in the sequence of manufacture, the modules are temporarily stored and then removed at the appropriate time according to the sorting criteria. It is possible to integrate a number of inspection processes in advance - i.e. at the end of the production process and prior to storage and / or sorting. The sorted modules subsequently arrive at the automatic packing station.

"The Buffer and storage system as well as the sorting system are characterised by solid design, high positioning accuracy and gentle handling of substrates and / or modules", Pieder Berther comments to highlight the features of the proven Bystronic glass quality. Apart from these mechanical advantages, the systems are also equipped with their own control system for seamless object tracking, including interfaces to the different processes and the MES (manufacturing execution system).

2010-03-03   Courtesy: Bystronic glass   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Bystronic glass

 

MECASOLAR PV trackers resist hurricane winds of up to 132 km / h at the weekend

MECASOLAR PV trackers
MECASOLAR PV trackers

More than 5,000 MECASOLAR trackers installed in the Grupo OPDE photovoltaic solar farms in Spain have endured with great strength the winds that swept the Iberian Peninsula from north to south caused over the weekend of February 26th and 27th . The hurricane winds were caused by the explosive cyclogenesis and reached speeds of up to 200 km / h accompanied by heavy rains. This was the case of the large solar farm at Almaraz (Cáceres) - with 2-axis MECASOLAR solar trackers, which withstood hurricane winds up to 132 km / h without any of the trackers registering any incidents, MECASOLAR reports in a press release.   The explosive ciclogenensis also particularly affected the solar farms of Belvis de Monroy (Cáceres), which recorded maximum wind speeds up to 102 km / h.



MECASOLAR trackers installed in the photovoltaic solar farms built by Grupo ODPE in Spain resisted gusts that topped 132 km / h


More than 5,000 MECASOLAR trackers installed by OPDE are located on solar farms in Andalusia, Extremadura, Castilla-Leon and Navarre. All of which withstood the hurricane wind speeds caused by Xinthia, without registering any structural problems or panel breakage, the producer emphasizes. "Last weekend our trackers have once again beat records for wind resistance of 132 km / h showing the market on the ground that they are the most robust and best built mechanically on the market", says Gustavo Carrero, Director of Marketing of Grupo OPDE These trackers are maintained and constantly monitored by OPDE from the Control Centre located at RIOS, a company in the OPDE group.


Robust and wind resistant

The 2-axis MECASOLAR TRACKER MS-2E is designed to withstand high wind speeds - tested in conditions of up to 140 km / h, the automatic device can be programmed to control movement and position itself in the horizontal position in the event of winds of more than 70 km / h, or any other speed considered to be of interest with regards the situation of the solar plant. The wind safety mechanism fitted on MECASOLAR trackers is operated by an automatic device, which positions the trackers in a completely horizontal position at certain wind speeds. When the speed is higher, the gear motor brake is released and the tracker can rotate freely, similar to construction cranes. The whole process is controlled by an anemometer installed in each wind farm, which records wind speeds and directions. This data is recorded on a database for further analysis and control at the Operation and Maintenance Control Centre located in Fustiñana-Navarra.

2010-03-03   Courtesy: OPDE group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: OPDE group

 

Concentrating solar power: BrightSource Energy offered nearly .4 billion in loan guarantees from the U.S. Department of Energy

Solar thermal power plant with LPT 550 technology by BrightSource
Solar thermal power plant with LPT
550 technology by BrightSource

BrightSource Energy, Inc. (Oakland, California), developer of utility-scale solar thermal power plants, announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has conditionally committed to provide .37 billion in loan guarantees to support the financing of BrightSource’s Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. The commitment to provide loan guarantees marks a key milestone in the development of the Ivanpah project, California’s first large-scale commercial solar thermal power plant in nearly two decades, BrightSource emphasizes in a press release. When constructed, Ivanpah will be the world’s largest solar plant, nearly doubling the amount of solar thermal electricity produced in the US today.   "This clean-energy investment will help create up to 1,000 construction jobs in California", said California Senator Barbara Boxer. "In these tough times, we need investments like this to create good clean-energy jobs for Californians, increase our energy independence, protect our children from pollution and ensure American leadership in the clean energy economy."

"As home to some of the world’s best solar fields and the nation’s largest green economy, it is no surprise the world’s largest solar energy project would choose California", said Governor Schwarzenegger. "Our ambitious environmental policies are promoting the growth of clean, reliable energy in our communities and growing green jobs up and down the state. And, it is projects like this one that will help us meet our long-term energy and climate change goals while creating jobs and moving us towards a cleaner more sustainable future."

"I am very happy to see utility-scale solar projects like this one moving forward with strong Administration support, and I am hopeful that this project will serve as a cornerstone of the clean energy economy in the Southwestern U.S.", said Nevada Senator Harry Reid. "I look forward to BrightSource and other solar companies putting more Nevadans to work by building major projects like this in Nevada very soon."

"The loan guarantee commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy serves as a tremendous validation of our technology, the BrightSource team’s ability to execute, and the Ivanpah project’s role in meeting our nation’s large-scale renewable energy needs", said John Woolard, CEO of BrightSource Energy. "We’re truly humbled by the opportunity to help build our nation’s green energy economy by creating good jobs for local communities. We look forward to beginning construction on the Ivanpah project, making a real and substantive impact on climate change, and creating a model for environmentally-responsible energy projects."

The loan guarantee is made possible by the Department of Energy’s Title XVII loan guarantee program, which was started in 2005 under the Energy Policy Act to support commercially proven technology in addition to innovative renewable energy technology. Under Section 1703 of the program, the Department of Energy issues a conditional commitment to guarantee loans to be provided by the U.S. Treasury’s Federal Financing Bank. Execution of the final loan guarantees is subject to the satisfaction of various conditions specified in the conditional commitment.

Clean Energy, Union Jobs, Environmentally-Responsible Design

The Ivanpah project, located in southeastern California, is an approximately 400 megawatt solar power facility consisting of three separate solar thermal power plants. When constructed, the project will produce enough clean energy to power 140,000 homes and nearly double the amount of solar thermal energy produced in the U.S. today. The power generated from these solar plants will be sold under separate contracts with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE). PG&E will purchase approximately two-thirds of the power generated at Ivanpah and SCE will purchase approximately one-third. In all, BrightSource has contracted with PG&E and SCE to deliver more than 2,600 megawatts of electric power.
BrightSource and Bechtel, the engineering and construction contractor for the Ivanpah project, estimate that construction of the Ivanpah project will require approximately four million job hours of work and 1,000 union jobs at the peak of construction. In December 2009, Bechtel signed a project labor agreement with the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California (SBCTC) and the Building & Construction Trades Council of San Bernardino and Riverside counties to ensure that California’s local workforce benefits from the project. The project will also provide 0 million in local and state tax revenues, and produce 0 million in wages, over its first 30-year life.

An Environmentally-Responsible Project

The Ivanpah project will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 400,000 tons annually, which is the equivalent of taking more than 70,000 cars off the road. The project is also designed in an environmentally responsible manner. Instead of the extensive land grading and concrete pads employed by other competing solar technologies, BrightSource mounts mirrors on individual poles that are placed directly into the ground, allowing the solar field to be built around the natural contours of the land and avoid areas of sensitive plant species.

In order to conserve precious desert water, the Ivanpah project will employ an air-cooling system to convert the steam back into water in a closed-loop cycle. By using dry-cooling, the project will use only 100 acre feet of water per year; less than ten percent of the water used by the adjacent golf course and 25 times less water than competing solar thermal technologies that use wet-cooling. In addition to employing an environmentally low impact technology, the company recently submitted an alternative design for the Ivanpah project, which would further reduce the project’s footprint and significantly minimize any potential environmental impacts. The alternative mitigation proposal and the DOE loan guarantee represent two key steps towards the construction of the Ivanpah project. The Ivanpah project is scheduled to begin construction in the second half of 2010 following issuance of permits by the California Energy Commission and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management. The project has also been identified as a "fast-track" priority by the U.S. Department of Interior for obtaining federal stimulus benefits for California under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

2010-03-03   Courtesy: BrightSource Energy, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: BrightSource Energy, Inc.

 

German PV producer aleo solar AG continues on profitable growth path in 2009

aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany) on March 1st, 2010 announced revenue of EUR 376.1 million (previous year: EUR 360.5 million) and EBIT of 16.0 million (previous year: EUR 23.8 million) for financial year 2009, according to preliminary calculations. Despite the difficult market environment, the EBIT margin was a solid 4.3 percent (previous year: 6.6 percent), the company reports in a press release.   Earnings per share are expected to come in at EUR 0.78 (previous year: EUR 1.20). Jakobus Smit, CEO of aleo solar AG, said: "Our excellent market position as a premium manufacturer with its own sales organization proved its merit in the past year. Quality modules and a strong brand remain our guarantors of success even in difficult times." The European sales network of aleo solar AG now comprises some 1,000 specialist dealers and installers. The 2009 annual report containing the final figures is expected to be published on 25 March 2010.

2010-03-03   Courtesy: aleo solar AG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

2BG Srl and Rome University signed agreement of collaboration

2BG s.r.l. (San Martino di Lupari, Padova, Italy) and Rise Technology s.r.l., a company founded by researchers of "La Sapienza" University of Rome, have signed a letter of intent in order to develop a new technology for the photovoltaic cells production. This research will aim at the possibility of working cells of crystalline silicon with thickness of less than 100 microns.   Dario Bernardi, Chairman and spokesman of 2BG S.r.l., states: "This partnership with Rise Technology S.r.l. for 2BG S.r.l. has a strategic importance in the company roadmap, because it will enable us to develop new systems in the production of crystalline solar cells, in order to increase the efficiency by combining a significant reduction in the cell, as last purpose, to reach the gridparity in the shortest time."

2010-03-03   Courtesy: 2BG s.r.l.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Kyocera announces upward revision of annual solar cell production to 1GW by March 2013, aiming to provide more solar products to meet increasing global demand

Solar PV panels by Kyocera
Solar PV panels by
Kyocera

The Japanese technology corporation Kyocera (Kyoto), one of the leading manufacturers in the photovoltaic field, will increase its annual solar cell production targets to meet the growing demand for solar energy products in the global market. New targets aim for an incremental increase to 1 gigawatt (GW) per year by March 2013 - 2.5 times more than the current fiscal year 2010 production volume of 400MW, the company reports in a press release. In response to growing demand Kyocera has established local production and supply networks for solar modules in North America, Europe, Japan and China - the world's four largest solar energy markets.   In addition to the solar cell production increase, the company will continue to enhance its module assembly capability. "Kyocera will continue to contribute to solving increasing environmental issues by providing solar panels with high quality and high reliability for the creation of clean energy", stated Tetsuo Kuba, president of Kyocera Corporation.



New Solar Cell Manufacturing Plant in Japan

As part of the new plan to increase annual cell production, Kyocera has recently completed construction of a new cell manufacturing plant in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, which will operate in addition to the company’s existing Shiga Yohkaichi Plant. The new facility becomes the largest Kyocera Group PV manufacturing plant in Japan. The new Yasu Plant employs an enhanced manufacturing line, which increases productivity by 20% compared with the Yohkaichi Plant. The main product to be manufactured at the Yasu Plant is the company’s newly enhanced cell with an average energy conversion efficiency of 16.9%. These cells are used in the company’s 215-watt solar module - one of solar energy industry’s top power output levels - which is slated for sales to the global market.

"Together with the existing plant at Yohkaichi, the new Yasu Plant will be Kyocera’s core production site for solar cells", stated Tetsuo Kuba, president of Kyocera Corporation. "In addition to mass-producing cells with Kyocera’s highest conversion efficiency, the new plant will also undertake R&D activities for next-generation cell technology.

In 1982, Kyocera was the first company in the world to start mass production of multi crystalline silicon solar cells. In the 28 years since, the company has cultivated its material and production technologies to manufacture high-performance solar cells. With the new plant and existing Yohkaichi Plant, Kyocera plans to increase production volume, targeting 1GW of annual production by March 2013. Furthermore, the company will continue to increase its solar module assembly capacity to meet the demands of the market, aiming to further expand its solar energy business.

2010-03-02   Courtesy: Kyocera Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Kyocera Corp.

 

Jefferies advises Etimex Holding GmbH on the sale of Etimex Solar GmbH to Solutia Inc.

Etimex Solar produces encapsulants for solar cells
Etimex Solar produces encapsulants
for solar cells

Jefferies in March 2010 announced that it has acted as sole financial advisor to Etimex Holding GmbH on its sale of Etimex Solar GmbH to Solutia Inc. for €240 million. Etimex Holding, a company controlled through funds advised by Alpha Group, has reached a definitive agreement to sell Etimex Solar to Solutia in an all cash all-transaction valuing Etimex Solar at €240 million. Etimex Solar is a global supplier of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulants to the photovoltaic industry and due to Jefferies is the market leader in Europe.   By combining Etimex Solar’s EVA encapsulants with Solutia’s existing polyvinyl butyral (PVB) foils, Solutia will become the world’s only one-stop source for solar encapsulant solutions.

Michael Joy, CEO of Etimex Holding GmbH, said: "This transaction underscores the quality and strategic significance of the photovoltaic business which Etimex has built up over the last 20 years. We are delighted to have found a good home for this important business. Jefferies’ contribution to both the process and the final negotiations has been invaluable."

This latest transaction underscores the depth of Jefferies’ experience in advising companies along the solar value chain. Jefferies’ global CleanTech practice was launched in 2003 and on own account has since advised on over 40 transactions raising in excess of billion of capital. Recent transactions include:

• In January 2010, Jefferies announced that it had advised OTB Solar in an all-stock deal with Roth & Rau AG.
• In November 2009, Jefferies also co-managed the IPO for STR Holdings Inc., which is Etimex Solar’s largest competitor in the US.
• In October 2009, Jefferies advised aleo solar AG and Johanna Solar Technology in their takeover by the Bosch Group.

2010-03-02   Courtesy: Jefferies International Limited   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Etimex Solar

 

Polysilicon production: SolarWorld concludes joint venture with Qatar Foundation

Qatar Solar Technologies will produce polysilicon on the Arabian Peninsula
Qatar Solar Technologies will produce
polysilicon on the Arabian Peninsula

SolarWorld is acquiring a 29 percent stake in the newly founded Joint Venture Qatar Solar Technologies headquartered in the Emirate of Qatar. The joint venture will establish the first production facility for polysilicon on the Arabian Peninsula, SolarWorld reports in a press release. Partners are the Qatar Foundation (70 percent) and the Qatar Development Bank (1 percent). Qatar Solar Technologies will invest a total of more than 0 millions in construction of the production facility with a planned annual capacity of around 3,600 tons of high-purity polysilicon in its first stage of expansion.   Start of production is planned for the third quarter of 2012.




Conversion of natural gas via electricity into solar-grade silicon

At the Ras Laffan Industrial City location in the northeast of Qatar, the joint venture has access to an excellent chemicals infrastructure with favorable energy prices. Here, a forward integration along the entire solar value chain all the way to the finished solar power module could be implemented. A change of thinking is taking place on the Arabian Peninsula from which a larger and larger market for solar power systems is developing.

Qatar is one of the world’s largest supplier countries for natural gas that has so far been securing its power supply on the basis of natural gas. "With the conversion of natural gas via electricity into solar-grade silicon, the reach of the gas virtually increases by a factor of more than 25 for as long as our solar power modules generate, as guaranteed, clean energy from the sun", says Frank H. Asbeck, chairman and CEO of SolarWorld AG upon signing a contract Monday in Doha in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al- Missned.

With the project, SolarWorld further secures its supply of solar-grade silicon in addition to the company’s own production, its own raw materials recycling activities and its long-term delivery contracts. The technology partner for the construction of the production line is the German company Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG with which SolarWorld AG has previously cooperated successfully in the development of its manufacturing facilities.

2010-03-02   Courtesy: SolarWorld group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SolarWorld AG

 

SunPower signs 32-megawatt solar power supply agreement with Toshiba

High-efficiency solar panels by SunPower.
High-efficiency solar panels by SunPower.

SunPower Corp. (San Jose, Californie) on March 1st, 2020 announced that, under a strategic supply agreement, Toshiba Corporation (Tokyo) will order 32 megawatts of high-efficiency solar panels from SunPower in 2010. The SunPower panels will form the cornerstone of Toshiba's new residential solar photovoltaic (PV) offering in Japan, to be launched on April 1. "We welcome the opportunity to partner with Toshiba, a preeminent business leader in Japan and throughout the world", said SunPower CEO Tom Werner.  "SunPower panels are particularly well suited to Japan's residential market, where the new Japanese feed-in-tariff rewards production of solar energy in excess of domestic consumption, but available roof area is typically quite small. SunPower high efficiency systems will allow more customers to take advantage of this incentive."



Residential solar power business in Japan

"Toshiba's residential solar power business will offer homeowners the most efficient solar power systems available, with a focus on quality and reliability", said Shoji Takenaka, chief technology executive of Transmission Distribution & Industrial Systems Company, Toshiba Corporation. "We are very pleased to work with SunPower, as their solar photovoltaic panels achieve high levels of performance and reliability, and their excellent efficiency supports space-saving solutions that directly meet the needs of consumers in Japan."

SunPower almost doubled production of its high-efficiency solar cells and panels from 2008 to 2009, with 2009 cell production of approximately 400 megawatts. In 2010, the company intends to expand production further with new manufacturing operations in Malaysia, the United States and Europe.


2010-03-02   Courtesy: SunPower Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corp.

 

PlanetSolar unveils world's largest solar boat powered by SunPower solar cells

Solar catamaran by PlanetSolar
Solar catamaran by PlanetSolar

At the HDW Shipyard (Kiel, Germany) PlanetSolar unveiled the world's largest solar boat, which will be powered exclusively by high-efficiency solar cells from SunPower Corp. (San Jose, California), a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar energy systems. In late March, PlanetSolar will launch its catamaran for testing, and then embark on its round-the-world tour in early 2011. "We are proud to support the unveiling of the world's largest solar boat, powered by SunPower's high-efficiency solar cells", said SunPower Senior Director Jorn Jurgens. "SunPower's technology will enable the catamaran to circumnavigate the globe with the speed and performance expected from the planet's most powerful solar." 
38,000 solar cells with an efficiency of at least 22 percent

Designed by a team of international engineers, the solar catamaran will be powered by approximately 38,000 of SunPower's next generation photovoltaic (PV) cells, each cell offering an efficiency of at least 22 percent, the highest efficiency solar cells commercially available. The catamaran is expected to be the fastest solar boat to cross the Atlantic Ocean and the first to cross both the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Stopovers include Hamburg, London and Paris in Europe, New York and San Francisco in the U.S., and Singapore and Abu Dhabi. The solar boat will be available for public display during each of its stops, offering an educational opportunity to all visitors.

"We are excited that the solar-powered boat is now a reality", said Raphael Domjan, CEO of PlanetSolar SA. "As we embark on the next phase of this project, we look forward to our around-the-world trip, and are confident that SunPower's proven technology will get us there."
SunPower's high-efficiency solar cells lead the industry with up to 50 percent more power than conventional technology, and two to four times the efficiency of thin film technologies. The same SunPower solar cells integrated into the skin of the solar boat are the number one choice for rooftop solar systems on homes and light commercial installations in the U.S. With an all-black appearance, SunPower's solar panels offer an attractive, affordable way to add solar to any building while maximizing the energy generated per square foot of any roof area.

2010-03-02   Courtesy: SunPower Corp.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corp.

 

juwi becomes global player: Renewable energy project developer expands in Germany and abroad, many new jobs

juwi solar supplies the plant and headquarters of candy manufacturer Mars Snackfood with clean electricity
juwi solar supplies the plant and headquarters
of candy manufacturer Mars Snackfood with
clean electricity

The juwi group of Wörrstadt, Germany (Alzey-Worms district) is on its way to becoming a global player. In Europe, the developer of wind, solar and bio energy projects is already among the leading companies in this sector: and now juwi is expanding in America as well, one of the world’s largest growth markets for renewable energies. In 2010, the group will, for the first time, achieve a higher turnover abroad than in Germany, juwi announces in a press release. Total turnover in 2010 is again expected to increase strongly to about 800 million euros.   As a result, after adding 350 jobs in 2009, juwi will create an additional 200 to 300 jobs this year, most of them in Germany’s Rhineland-Palatinate. The company is in fact growing so strongly that its headquarters, which were just enlarged in 2009, are being expanded again. In addition, juwi is again starting up some exceptional projects that will further the goal of a 100 percent renewable energy supply. The juwi group is outperforming the market and is viewed as a premium supplier. This outstanding position is also confirmed by the many prizes and awards which the renewable energy specialist and its top executives Fred Jung and Matthias Willenbacher received in 2009: These include the Clean Tech Media Award, the Rhineland-Palatinate Environment Prize, the "Entrepreneur of the Year" award as well as the "Greentech Manager of the Year."





"juwi is a medium-sized business with deep roots in the region and at the same time a strong international presence. This healthy mix is one of the reasons we are so successful", says CEO Fred Jung. "The regions in Germany remain an important market for us, one in which we still see a very bright future. The demand is great not just at home, but also worldwide. About 20 percent of the world’s energy demand is currently covered by renewable resources; so the potential is still enormous", declares his executive colleague Matthias Willenbacher.


Broadbased, solid portfolio

Although solar and wind energy remain the company’s primary growth areas, the bio energy field is also growing strongly. The first projects in the new fields of geothermal energy and hydropower are now starting up. "juwi is on solid footing, both regarding our broadbased portfolio and internationally. And it pays off", says Jung. In addition to Germany, Italy and France, the United States have meanwhile developed into one of the most important markets for juwi. The company is also further building its presence in Latin America (such as Costa Rica) and eastern Europe (the Czech Republic, Poland) and has plans to enter new markets (for example South Africa).


US growth market

In the United States, the renewable energy specialist has a number of major projects in the pipeline or already realized, particularly in the solar sector. A free-field photovoltaic installation (2.2 megawatts) built by juwi’s US subsidiary, juwi solar Inc., in Hackettstown, New Jersey supplies the plant and headquarters of candy manufacturer Mars Snackfood with clean electricity. More facilities are currently under construction in Florida (15 megawatts), Ohio (12 megawatts) and Texas (16 megawatts). With respect to free-field plants, the company is now among the leading suppliers in the United States - an outstanding starting position.

The US, where more than six billion dollars are expected to be invested, could become the world’s most dynamic growth market for photovoltaic systems by the year 2012. This was one of the results of the study "The United States PV Market Through 2013: Project Economics, Policy, Demand and Strategy" by Greentech Media. German market participants like juwi would benefit from this, according to the study.

One of the best and most sought-after employers

juwi is among Germany’s best employers. In a survey by the "Great Place to Work Institute" in Germany, the company came out among the top 50 in the category of companies with up to 500 employees. This has made the project development company one of the most soughtafter employers in the energy sector: In 2009 alone, some 12,000 applications were received. "juwi has an excellent reputation. We offer our staff more than a secure job. They feel good about themselves, are highly motivated and see sense and value in their work", says Willenbacher. This is due in part to the numerous facilities that improve the work-life balance of its workers, such as a day care facility, a contemplation and relaxation room, a soccer field and beach volleyball court and a fitness room. Another factor that promotes identification and motivation is the company’s major goal of a 100 percent renewable energy supply worldwide. "The people who work for juwi don’t just want to make money, they want to make a difference too. Our employees are working with all their effort to ensure that 100 percent renewable energies is achieved as soon as possible", says Jung.

2010-03-02   Courtesy: Juwi group   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: PSEG

 

Mitsubishi Electric reveals new strategies to expand solar business: Solar cell and PV module production to rise by 50 megawatts (MW) to 270MW

PV Cell Plant #2 stands behind PV Cell Plant #1 at Nakatsugawa Works Iida Factory
PV Cell Plant #2 stands behind PV Cell Plant #1
at Nakatsugawa Works Iida Factory

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Tokyo) on March 1st, 2010 announced it has completed construction of PV Cell Plant #2, a new photovoltaic (PV) cell production facility at its Nakatsugawa Works Iida Factory in Nagano Prefecture. By March 2011, the company will raise its annual solar cell and PV module production capacity by 50 megawatts (MW) to 270MW, and ultimately plans to reach an annual capacity of 600MW at an early stage.   The global PV market is expected to grow from 5,550MW in fiscal 2009 (April 2008 - March 2009) to approximately 8,000MW in fiscal 2012 (April 2011 - March 2012), with the introduction of new PV-related stimulus programs in Japan, feed-in-tariff systems spreading in Europe, as well as projected growth in the North American market. Mitsubishi Electric‘s expansion of production capacity is in response to this sharp increase in global demand for PV systems, the company reports in a press release.


New production lines for mono- and polycrystalline silicon PV modules

Adding to its current lineup of polycrystalline silicon PV modules, Mitsubishi Electric plans to install new equipment at its Iida Factory to manufacture monocrystalline silicon PV cells, and start production by March 2011. At the same time, the company will build new production lines to manufacture monocrystalline silicon PV modules at its Nakatsugawa Works Kyoto Factory in Kyoto Prefecture. Monocrystaline silicon PV modules will enable PV systems to generate relatively more electricity on limited surfaces compared to polycrystalline silicon PV modules. Furthermore, using the technologies that enabled Mitsubishi Electric to achieve the world’s highest photoelectric conversion efficiency of 19.3% in a 150mm x 150mm polycrystalline silicon PV cell, the company plans to develop highly efficient monocrystalline silicon PV cells. Mitsubishi Electric intends to incorporate these PV cells in its future PV modules.


Monthly PV inverter production capacity at Nakatsugawa to rise by 50% in May 2010

In addition, to respond mainly to the large increase in demand for PV inverters for residential-use in the Japanese market, Mitsubishi Electric will raise its monthly PV inverter production capacity at its Nakatsugawa Works by 50% from 4,000 units to 6,000 units in May 2010.

In September 2006, Mitsubishi Electric began production of residential PV inverters for the European market, and in August 2007, the company improved factory productivity, increasing its annual PV production capacity to 150MW. Around the same time, the Iida Factory was assigned to specialize in production of PV cells, while the Kyoto Factory made modules. In October 2008, the company increased annual PV cell/module production capacity to 220MW.

2010-03-01   Courtesy: Mitsubishi Electric   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Mitsubishi Electric

 

iSuppli: Price erosion ratchets up competition in solar photovoltaic market

iSuppli’s projection of pricing for various segments of the PV supply chain
iSuppli’s projection of pricing for various
segments of the PV supply chain

Installations of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems will soar in 2010, but a steep dive in the prices of solar components means industry competition will intensify, according to iSuppli Corp. (El Segundo, California). "Global installed watts for PV systems will grow by 64 percent in 2010, reaching 8.3 Gigawatts (GW)", said Henning Wicht, senior director and principal analyst for photovoltaic systems at iSuppli Corp. "This will bring a return to the growth levels seen before the fall of 2008 as the worldwide recession recedes and as new geographies and segments of demand emerge", he adds.   Despite the projected return in demand for this year, the tremendous price erosion that occurred in 2009 continues to squeeze profits. On average, crystalline module prices last year fell by 37.8 percent, solar wafer prices plunged by 50 percent and polysilicon prices crashed by a gut wrenching 80 percent.




Freefall of PV prices will transform the industry into a more competitive marketplace

This trend will continue in 2010, although at a slower rate, iSuppli emphasizes. Crystalline module prices will drop by 20 percent, wafer prices will decline by 18.2 percent and polysilicon prices will fall by 56.3 percent, iSupply anticipates. "The erosion in pricing is bound to change the face of the solar industry", Wicht said. "The freefall of PV prices represents a permanent ratcheting down of price structures that will transform the industry into a more competitive marketplace."

Given the enormous downward shift in pricing, one major implication for the industry is that suppliers will need to continue accelerating cost reductions in order to keep up with the price declines and to repair compressed profit margins. When the cost-down programs eventually catch up with the rate of price declines, an overall improvement in the profit picture can be expected, Wicht said.


Prices on average to pop back by more than 10 percent in the final quarter of 2010

After suffering losses during much of 2009, PV profits will continue to improve in 2010, following a move into the positive during last year’s fourth quarter. iSuppli also is projecting that prices on average will pop back by more than 10 percent in the final quarter of 2010, despite declines for the entire year. The growth of PV installations in 2010 due to iSuppli will be led by a newly energized German market, which recovered from sluggish performance in the first half of 2009 to achieve gradual growth in the second half - a trend expected to continue for the first six months of this year.


PV demand accruing from other countries will not be sufficient to compensate for a German FIT reduction of 15 percent

The German market, however, could stall again by summertime, if the feed-in-tariff (FIT) designed to encourage the adoption of PV systems is trimmed by the Merkel government. The position in the overall PV market held by Germany - which accounted for 50 percent of total worldwide PV installations in 2009 - is of such importance that the collective PV demand accruing from other countries will not be sufficient to compensate for a German FIT reduction of 15 percent if that were imposed in mid-2010, iSuppli accentuates. Elsewhere, installations will continue to rise in both the established and the emerging regions, according to iSuppli.


United States, Italy and China to account for 50 percent of the growth projected in 2010

"Several new growth markets will come into play in 2010, the most significant of which are the United States, Italy and latecomer China", Wicht said. "Together, these three markets will account for 50 percent of the growth projected to occur in 2010." The PV space will also feature more players this year, led by South Korea’s Samsung and LG Electronics - already the world’s largest LCD panel makers and possessing vast experience at moving into new areas of operation - as well as Taiwan’s TSMC foundry and U.S. engineering giant Bechtel.

Further information on trends in the PV industry is available in iSuppli’s report:
Growth in PV Demand Resumes as FIT Adjustments Loom

2010-03-01   Courtesy: iSuppli Corporation   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: iSuppli Corporation

 

Showa Shell: Solar frontier global expansion and consolidation bid to set new standard in solar industry

Showa Shell Solar K.K., a 100% subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. headquartered in Tokyo, on March 1st, 2010 announced that it will open two overseas offices this April in Northern California and Munich, further building its global network to facilitate one gigawatt per year of sales and delivery of its proprietary CIS solar panels to customers worldwide. The move will be accompanied by a global branding consolidation under a single name, Solar Frontier (the original name of its international sales subsidiary), and a new logo.   "We chose Solar Frontier as the name of our international division a few years ago because we knew we stood at the frontier of the photovoltaic industry in terms of research and development", said CEO Shigeaki Kameda. "With CIS solar technology, our PV modules today combine compelling economics, non-toxic materials, lower energy consumption in production, increasingly higher efficiency, and greater potential for tomorrow. With this announcement we signal our commitment and capacity to set and supply the new global standard for photovoltaic panels into the future, starting with the European and North American office expansions."


3rd CIS production plant in Miyazaki, Japan, to open in 2011
Solar Frontier's Director of International Business, Brooks Herring, added: "Thanks to Solar Frontier's significant production capacity, which will reach gigawatt class with the opening of our 3rd plant in Miyazaki, Japan, in 2011- the world's largest CIS production facility at 900MW - we can offer the full benefits of economy of scale to our customers. This is matched by the strong economics of panel performance we have developed through years of research, development, and testing in the field. Our panel development engineers understand that economics is the key driver of a panel's value, which depends on the combination of efficiency, durability, stability, temperature coefficient, degradation, and numerous other factors, whether you are a home owner, business, or utility. There is far more than a gigawatt of demand for the superior economics we can deliver."


Competitive panel efficiency of around 13.0% off of the assembly line

"Our production, factory, and quality assurance engineers understand this as well", added Kameda. "Our gigawatt scale capacity is an engineering decision as well as an economic decision because this is what we can do today for maximum production efficiency and minimum energy payback time. Moreover, our panel efficiency will continue to climb toward the aperture area efficiency of 16.0% on a 30cm x 30cm module we achieved recently in our laboratories. While the aperture area efficiency of panels coming off of the assembly line today are at a competitive efficiency of around 13.0%, we expect to reach 14.2% when our third plant starts operating in 2011, and approach 15.0% by 2014."
The name "Solar Frontier" expresses our commitment to leadership in the global PV market, Showa Shell Solar emphasizes in its press release. "We stand at the frontier with our proprietary CIS technology and its greater potential for improvement and innovation. It also expresses our vision of the future of energy, when human needs are abundantly met by the limitless power of the sun", the company accentuates.

2010-03-01   Courtesy: Showa Shell Solar K.K.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

Hitachi High-Technologies inks signs agreement with XeroCoat for sale of anti-reflective coating equipment and materials for solar modules

XeroCoat and Hitachi High-Technologies cooperating on AR coating.
XeroCoat and Hitachi High-Technologies
cooperating on AR coating.

Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (Tokyo), and XeroCoat, Inc. (Redwood, City), a California-based solar energy company, on February 24th, 2010 announced a strategic partnership for the distribution of XeroCoat's anti-reflective (AR) coating solutions in Japan and China.  With this partnership, Hitachi High-Technologies and XeroCoat aim to capture a leading share of the solar power generation market through the sale of anti-reflective coating equipment and materials to solar module and glass manufacturers. The cost benefits and other advantages offered by AR coatings are expected to spur their rapid uptake. According to Hitachi High-Technologies, 50 % of all solar modules are projected to have such coatings by 2015.


Solar photovoltaic expected to be around 21,000 MW by 2015

According to Nomura Research Institute, the solar photovoltaic power market is expected to deliver total power output of roughly 8,800 MW in 2010, representing an annual growth rate of 19 %. By 2015, market scale in terms of power output is expected to be around 21,000 MW. "With XeroCoat's anti-reflective coating solution as part of our portfolio, we have broader access to the solar market and can expand our presence in solar manufacturing factories in the global market", said Masumi Miyauchi, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer of Hitachi High–Technologies. The cost of solar power generation is relatively high because only about 20 % of the collected solar energy can be converted into electricity. Therefore, research is being conducted seeking ways of reducing the amount of light reflected by the protective glass on the surface of solar modules by applying AR coatings. According to the press release, the glass surface of solar modules typically reflects more than 4 % of the incoming light. XeroCoat reports that its AR coating is able to keep light reflection below 1 %.


AR coating to increase solar module power capacity by 3 %

Utilizing the XeroCoat coating, solar module makers can reportedly expect a 3 % increase in peak power output and a 4 % increase in energy produced on a kilowatt hour (kWh) basis. XeroCoat's turnkey coating system is said to be simple, compact, environmentally friendly and energy efficient, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes throughout the supply chain. The coating system is said to be applicable in the entire range of solar energy technologies, including crystalline silicon and thin-film photovoltaics, concentrating photovoltaics, and with solar thermal devices. Thomas Hood, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of XeroCoat, said: "With the backing of Hitachi High-Technologies' worldwide sales and service, and their channel connections, solar module and glass manufacturers can confidently integrate our solution into their process to gain greater efficiencies in manufacturing cost and power output."

2010-03-01   Courtesy: XeroCoat, Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: XeroCoat

 

PV producer Solyndra signs distribution agreement with DC Power Systems

Solyndra, Inc. (Fremont, California), a manufacturer of innovative cylindrical photovoltaic (PV) systems for commercial rooftops, announced it has signed a new North America distribution agreement with DC Power Systems, a full-service distributor of renewable energy products, headquartered in Rohnert Park, California. "DC Power Systems has an outstanding reputation in renewable energy and they offer their customers a wide range of technology and service capabilities", said Chris Gronet, Solyndra CEO and founder. "They clearly are the type of innovative, value-added distributor that we seek when authorizing a company to offer Solyndra products." 

"With a great cost to output ratio, Solyndra is an excellent non-penetrating PV system choice for our commercial installers", said Daniel Marino, Executive Vice-President of DC Power Systems. "Coupling the flexibility of their module and mounting system with our strong technical support and design capabilities gives customers an exciting rooftop solar solution. DC Power Systems is pleased to be working with Solyndra as we move forward."

DC Power Systems due to Solyndra is a full-service distributor of renewable energy products serving dealers throughout the Western hemisphere. Supported by coast to coast warehousing, engineering support, customer service and product selections, DC Power services and trains more installers than any other American distributor, Solyndras emphasizes in its press release.


2010-03-01   Courtesy: Solyndra Inc.   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH

 

High-performance tester & sorter for solar cells enters series production

TS 3600 tester & sorter for solar cells.
TS 3600 tester & sorter for solar cells.

3,600 solar cells per hour with an assured good part yield of 97.3% and a guaranteed operational availability of 95% make the TS 3600 from Schiller Automation (Sonnenbuehl, Germany) currently the highest-performance and most reliable cell tester and sorter of its type, the company reports in a press release. Manufacturers of solar cells using this innovative tester and sorter will demonstrably increase their productivity and reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO). The TS 3600 will enable an annual output of 100 MW to be achieved on just one line for the first time Schiller emphasizes. 


The prototype of the innovative tester and sorter proved very popular back at the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (EU PVSEC) and Exhibition in September 2009 in Hamburg. Following further field testing and optimisation of details, this development by the handling and automation specialist from SW Germany has reached the series production stage, and the first orders have already been received. The high cell throughput, reliability, quality of results and lower costs per tested cell will increase the efficiency of production lines and permit more dependable planning.



Above-average good part yield and low breakage rates

The machine will have paid for itself in less than five years, the producer accentuates. The line consists essentially of feed, tester and sorter modules. The innovative soft-handling concept and the high precision of the measurement systems used ensure the consistently high performance features, even in long-term daily use. The central conveyor system in the tester unit is based on a continuous conveyor chain. Once the cells are in position, they pass through all the test stations in a fixed, flat configuration. This means the transfer processes, which are otherwise a normal feature of such machines and are critical for the cells, have been largely dispensed with. The performance measurements are carried out by means of a system of guided contacts applying minimum force, guaranteeing optimum measurement results. The outcome is an above-average good part yield and low breakage rates. The compact unit’s flexibility makes it compatible with any solar cell production line, and it can operate in both batch and inline modes.



2010-03-01   Courtesy: Schiller Automation GmbH & Co. KG   Solarserver.de   © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Schiller Automation GmbH & Co. KG

|More
2010 © Heindl Server GmbH
Print this Page Top