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Solar News Archive - August 2007
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aleo solar raises revenue forecast for 2008; Market launch for
T_50 thin film modules in 2008
The German PV producer aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau,) is raising its forecast for 2008: instead of the previous EUR 240 million revenue target, the Company is now expecting
organic growth to between EUR 250 million and EUR 270 million in revenue while its EBIT margin will remain solid. Revenue generated abroad is expected to amount to approximately 35%,
and the goal of generating 50% of revenue until the end of 2010 abroad is being reiterated, the company reports in a press release. The raised forecast is based on the sustained high
demand for solar modules and existing supply contracts for solar cells. Revenue generated from thin film modules is not included in the forecast.
The market launch of aleo’s T_50 module, which is based on an innovative thin film technology, is slated for 2008. However, plans to present a prototype in September at the 22nd
European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Milan have been postponed. "The aleo premium brand stands for high power yields and excellent quality. We want to unveil
a fully functional, highly efficient module - this requires time", explained Jakobus Smit, CEO of aleo solar AG.
Distribution of film technology by Johanna Solar Technology GmbH to start in 2008
The innovative thin film technology is being applied on an industrial scale for the first time by aleo solar’s cooperation partner Johanna Solar Technology GmbH. Production and
the production process are currently being optimised with the help of the South African inventor of this technology, Professor Vivian Alberts, in Brandenburg/Havel. Jeroen Haberland,
Johanna Solar Technology’s Managing Director: "This is a unique and complex development process that does not always progress evenly, especially at the beginning." aleo solar is
Johanna Solar Technology’s distribution partner and will market the thin film module under the aleo brand name. This cooperation is set to last for at least five years.
aleo solar AG (08/31/2007)
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World novelty: solar powered radio-controlled clock with smoke detector - quantys, the German developer of small design solar appliances, presents a
solar powered wall clock
The newest gadget for green enthusiasts comes from Germany: the solar powered radio-controlled wall clock. It combines environmental and safety issues with state-of-the-art time
setting. Since a centrally broadcasted radio signal automatically sets the time every hour a normal time adjustment is never needed. The wall clock is completely silent. There is no
disturbing ticking sound. An additional integrated smoke sensor activates an alarm sound in case of fire.
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The energy is provided by a special long life battery (RAM cell) recharged by integrated solar cells. There is no need for a cable or changing or replacing of batteries. The clock is
completely self-sustaining and maintenance free.
Photo: quantys
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“In order to make the clock completely self-sustaining we had to maximize the energy efficiency of both, time-control and smoke detecting electronics” explains Harald Haupt,
managing director of quantys next energy systems gmbh. “To provide highest functionality and reliability, we use a German made amorphous solar cell as energy source”,
describes Harald Haupt about the quality philosophy of quantys.
Being completely designed in Germany, the wall clock adopts the concept of “form follows function”. This improves the readability even from longer distances. The ventilation
slots for smoke detection on the back of the clock are completely hidden and do not interfere with the design.
To achieve a high level of environmental sustainability quantys pays high attention to the materials being used for their products, e.g. batteries free of heavy metal. The previously
developed radio-controlled alarm clock, being sold over 200.000 times has been awarded with the “Blauer Engel”, a highly regarded German eco-award in terms of environmental
compatibility. The wall clock will be available in the fall of 2007.
quantys next energy systems, located in Altenstadt (Bavaria)/ Germany is a supplier of high quality mobile solar technology. With expertise of 10 years quantys develops and distributes
lifestyle design products for everyday life. The eco-friendly product line includes solar powered outdoor devices such as backpacks and chargers for small consumer electronics like cell
phones, iPods and cameras as well as indoor appliances like the radio controlled alarm clock and an illuminated picture frame.
quantys USA, Inc (08/31/2007)
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SOLON and ersol conclude agreement on delivery of additional EUR one billion of solar cells
The Berlin-based company "SOLON AG für Solartechnik" on August 29th 2007 signed a further agreement with ersol Solar Energy AG on the procurement of solar cells over a period of eleven
years, starting in 2009. The agreement envisages the purchase by SOLON of solar cells with a total value of around EUR 1 billion from ersol, which is based in Erfurt in eastern Germany.
SOLON and ersol had already concluded agreements in September 2005 and August 2006 with a combined value of EUR 670 million, also covering supplies over a number of years. This
agreement takes the value of contractually secured supplies of solar cells to SOLON AG from well-established solar cell manufacturers over the coming years to around EUR 3 billion.
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This agreement takes the value of contractually secured supplies of solar cells to SOLON AG from well-established solar cell manufacturers over the coming years to around EUR 3 billion.
Picture: BlackPower Solar Cell by ErSol.
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SOLON AG (08/29/2007)
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Big interest in WWEC 2007 reflects importance of wind energy to provide sufficient electricity in Latin America
The 6th World Wind Energy Conference & Exhibition (Oct. 2nd – 4th) which will be organised by World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) and the Argentine Wind Energy Association is
obtaining an overwhelming interest from Latin America and worldwide. International and regional companies will meet to take the necessary steps for the creation of strong domestic wind
industries and related industrial capacities. Most of the Latin American countries are currently facing a serious shortage of electricity. Especially in the host country, Argentina,
more and more companies are seriously affected by power shortages and blackouts and are therefore willing to invest in domestic renewable energy capacities like after all wind energy.
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In the WWEC 2007 host country Argentina, 200 MW of wind farms have been authorised by the national wholesale market regulator, CAMESSA, to be installed as a first step at the Atlantic
coastline of Buenos Aires province and to meet the energy needs of those companies directly affected by power shortages.
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208 MW of new installations making Brazil number one wind country in the region
In the neighbour country Brazil, the wind market started its take-off in the year 2006 with 208 MW of new installations making Brazil the number one wind country in the region. Further
countries like Chile, Mexico or Cuba have started setting up favourable frameworks for wind energy utilisation on a large scale. One major challenge for the Latin American wind markets
will be the establishment of domestic wind industries and manufacturing capacities within the region.
Shortage of wind turbines affects Latin American countries
The actual worldwide shortage of wind turbines affects the region heavily because only little manufacturing capacities have been set up so far. WWEC 2007 as the first major
international wind energy event ever held in Latin America will offer possibilities for companies and political decision-makers to discuss strategies on how to answer these challenges
through favourable political frameworks and industry partnerships. High-level delegates from all over the world will contribute their first-hand experiences and enable the Latin
American countries to boost their domestic wind industries.
Several leading international and domestic wind turbine manufacturers, actual and potential wind farm operators like electricity cooperatives as well as wind farm developers will attend
WWEC 2007 to establish new joint ventures and further cooperation in order to develop the emerging Latin American wind markets.
For further information, conference registration, exhibition space booking, accommodation, at the WWEC website http://www.wwec2007.org.ar/
WWEA (08/28/2007)
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aleo solar supplies solar modules for one of the largest PV systems in Belgium
Belgian-based project developer and installer Ikaros Solar NV has installed a 110 kWp system on the roof of a home improvement store in Ninove, Belgium. The crystalline modules used in
the project were supplied by aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany). The system was commissioned on August 23rd 2007 at a special opening ceremony. This solar plant will produce
91,000 kWh power without any CO2 emissions every year under the Belgian sun, aloe solar reports in a press release. The installation of the photovoltaic system has also acted as the
catalyst for an educational project which encourages young people from neighbouring schools to find out more about renewable energy.
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Belgium appears on the solar map. German aleo solar AG supplied solar PV modules for belgian photovoltaic roof.
Picture: aloe solar PV production; courtesy: aleo solar AG
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New feed-in tariff: 0.45 euros per kilowatt hour in Flanders
Yves Devis, managing director of Ikaros Solar NV, said: "Our success as a project developer and installer is based on our financial and technical expertise as well as the quality and
reliability of our products. Because solar modules are the key to the success of our systems, we were particularly thorough in our search for the right partner. aleo solar is able to
meet our high performance standards." Christopher Dunne, international sales manager for aleo solar AG, considers Belgium to be a very promising market: "In Ikaros Solar, we have found
a reliable partner who works to very high quality standards. We are always ready to support such flagship projects, because they have a way of stimulating growth in the market." The
partners will be tackling a number of similar sized projects later in the year. A new feed-in tariff recently came into force in Belgium, which pays 0.45 euros per kilowatt hour in
Flanders.
aleo solar AG (08/27/2007)
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European Sustainable Energy Week looking for organisers of decentralised events
Under the umbrella of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign (SEE), the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy and Transport, the European Institutions, the
Slovenian Presidency and major stakeholders concerned with sustainable energy are together putting on the second EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW). Following unprecedented
collaboration between the European Commission and a wide array of private and public actors in 2007, the second EUSEW will take place between 28 January and 1 February 2008. The first
EUSEW brought together more than 5,000 experts and decision-makers who attended over 30 events in Brussels, Murcia, Grenoble and Wels.
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EUSEW is the key annual reference point for sustainable energy issues in Europe.
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This time round, over 47 stakeholders have already submitted their proposals to organise events in different European cities. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for
Energy and Transport wishes to integrate new initiatives by local communities and energy actors under a common umbrella with the aim to strengthen the overall objective of raising the
awareness of both policy makers and the public with regard to sustainable energy sources and energy efficiency.
"Energy Policy is not only about legislation, but also about communicating, hearing, and bringing together all stakeholders. With the European Sustainable Energy Week, the Commission
leads the most willing stakeholders to undertake together a real European energy revolution", said Energy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs.
Organisations intending to organise or integrate an existing decentralised event into next year’s EUSEW initiative may contact eusew@sustenergy.org.
Further Information: http://www.eusew.eu/
EUSEW (08/23/2007)
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PV Producer SOLON AG continues strong growth
The Berlin-based SOLON AG für Solartechnik, manufacturer of solar modules in Europe and a leading supplier of photovoltaic systems for large-scale solar power stations, on August 22nd
published its interim report for the first half of 2007. This revealed that its consolidated revenue had grown by 37 percent to EUR 193.7 million (1st half 2006: EUR 141.8 million). Its
EBITDA rose by 65 percent to EUR 19.5 million (1st half 2006: EUR 11.8 million), while EBIT increased by 67 percent to EUR 15.7 million (1st half 2006: EUR 9.4 million). Net profit
improved to EUR 17.6 million (1st half 2006: EUR 5.5 million). Earnings per share came to EUR 1.87 (1st half 2006: EUR 0.61). Excluding the one-off proceeds from the disposal of an
investment in the first quarter of the year, the SOLON Group generated a first-half operating net profit EUR 8.8 million (after minority interests) and earnings per share of EUR 0.93,
which represents an increase of 60 percent and 52 percent respectively. The company's consistent growth is largely attributable to the steady growth in its international business. Over
65 percent of the revenue generated in the first half of 2007 came from outside Germany.
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SOLON AG managed, for example, to continue expanding its strong position in the Spanish power-plant market. Its first megawatt-size project in the United States is currently under
construction. The System Technology segment's share of consolidated revenue rose to 46 percent on the back of strong growth in project-related business.
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Picture: SOLON AG PV reference system on a roof of AUDI A (Ingolstadt, Bavaria). Courtesy: SOLON AG.
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The company's growing internationalization is also reflected in its staff profile: at the end of the first half of 2007 the SOLON Group employed a total of 599 people, 53 percent of
whom worked in Germany and 47 percent outside Germany. Given the company's strong performance in the first half of the year, management expects both its consolidated revenue and its net
profit for the whole of 2007 to increase by well over 30 percent. Its annual output will grow from 84 megawatts in 2006 to approximately 110 megawatts this year. By the end of 2007 the
company will have expanded its production capacities across the Group from its current 130 megawatts to 210 megawatts.
SOLON AG's full interim report for the period to June 30, 2007 can be downloaded from the company's website.
SOLON AG (08/21/2007)
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SunPower Signs Solar Inverter Agreement With German
SMA Technologie AG
SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, on August 20th 2007 announced it has signed a
long-term supply agreement with SMA Technologie AG, the world's largest solar inverter manufacturer. Under the terms of the agreement, SunPower will provide SMA's brand of inverters for
residential and small commercial applications. "This agreement will enable SunPower to offer a broader choice of innovative, high-quality and reliable inverter products to our expanding
dealer network," said Vikas Desai, general manager of SunPower's VAR Business Unit. "We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with SMA." SMA is well respected within the
solar community as a leader in the solar inverter field.
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It's no coincidence that both SMA and SunPower have been recognized by industry organizations for their technological achievements within the solar industry," says Pierre-Pascal
Urbon, chief sales and marketing officer for SMA Technologie and president of SMA America. Picture Source SMA
"SMA's commitment to delivering quality and innovative products will enable us to provide SunPower with reliable inverter technology that will meet the growing demand of
SunPower's customer base."
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"SMA America is uniquely positioned to supply a fully integrated, commercial energy solution that maximizes energy production, while keeping the installation simple and cost effective,"
said Kent Sheldon, SMA America director of sales. "Our high-performance and high-efficiency solar-electric technology will provide SunPower with inverters that are reliable and easy to
install."
SunPower Corp. (08/21/2007)
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Dr. Julio A. Bragagnolo joins Solarvalue AG as
Chief Technology Officer
Effective August 1st Dr. Julio A. Bragagnolo has been appointed as Chief Technology Officer of Solarvalue AG, Berlin. His main focus will be on the continuing development of the
business of Solarvalue throughout the complete Photovoltaic value chain, the company reports in a press release. "The proven expertise of Dr. Bragagnolo in the solar industry combined
with the financial flexibility we possess through our recently announced ordinary increase of share capital provides us with the perfect set-up to reach our medium-term goal – to
further develop and implement our business strategy of covering the whole Photovoltaic value chain", said Claudia Boehringer, CEO of Solarvalue AG. "I am honoured and excited to have
the responsibility to identify and plan the technology strategy of Solarvalue. Success in this endeavour will greatly benefit our customers, employees and investors", said Bragagnolo.
Born in Argentina, Dr. Bragagnolo holds a licentiate in Physics degree from the University of Buenos Aires and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Delaware. He spent most of his
professional life in the solar industry. His experience ranges from research and development to manufacturing and marketing of thin film and crystalline silicon products and
manufacturing tools. His most recent engagement from 2000 to July 2007 was with NPC America Corporation, as Director and Vice President. His work experience includes Pacific Solar PTY
Limited (Sydney, Australia), AstroPower Incorporation (Newark, Delaware), Spire Corporation (Boston, Massachusetts) and Solarex Corporation, (Rockville and Frederick, Maryland).
Solarvalue AG was established in June 2005. The initial purpose of the company is the manufacture of solar grade silicon. The long-term goal is the development of the entire value chain
of an integrated PV enterprise.
Solarvalue AG (08/09/2007)
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PV producer SOLON AG reports preliminary figures expands production capacity
Berlin based SOLON AG für Solartechnik, Berlin presents it's preliminary financial results for the first half of 2007: Group revenues due to the company increased 36% to EUR 193 million
(H1 2006: EUR 141.8 million). EBITDA rose 61% to EUR 19 million (H1 2006: EUR 11.8 million) while earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) advanced 60% to EUR 15 million (H1 2006: EUR
9.4 million). After adjustment for the special effects in the first quarter of 2007, net income rose to EUR 8.7 million (H1: 2006: EUR 5.5 million), reflecting a 58% improvement. This
corresponds to earnings per share of EUR 0.90 (H1 2006: EUR 0.61). For 2007 as a whole, the Company expects that it will clearly exceed its projected growth of 30%. The final figures
for the first six months of 2007 and the full report of SOLON AG as of June 30, 2007 will be published on August 22nd, 2007.
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Due to the continued positive business trend, the SOLON Group will expand its production capacity from the current 130 megawatts to 210 megawatts by year-end 2007.
Picture: Solar Tracking System "SOLON Mover". Courtesy: SOLON AG
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Due to the continued positive business trend, the SOLON Group will expand its production capacity from the current 130 megawatts to 210 megawatts by year-end 2007. 50 megawatts of
capacity will then be available at the new production site in Berlin-Adlershof. The production capacity in Greifswald will be expanded to 70 megawatts while the sites in Austria and Italy
will be increased to 30 and 20 megawatts, respectively. A capacity of 40 megawatts is being built up at the new subsidiary in Tucson, AZ, USA. The total investment comes to approximately
EUR 20 million and has already been included in the current corporate planning.
SOLON AG für Solartechnik (08/07/2007)
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USA: House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Support America's Solar Energy Future
The House of Representatives on August 4th 2007 approved two bills that could jump-start investment in America's most abundant renewable resource: solar power. The House voted to pass
the most important provisions to the solar energy industry in the energy tax package, H.R. 2776, which would extend the 30 percent solar energy investment tax credit for businesses
through 2016 and improve on the tax credits for homeowners as well, the US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) report in a press release.
"Today's vote gives the American people exactly what they are asking for - substantial new production of clean, domestic renewable energy. We estimate that, with the solar incentive
provisions in the tax title, solar power will provide 50 percent of all new electricity in the US within eight years" Solar Energy Industries Association President Rhone Resch
commented.
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The growth of solar energy markets due to Resch will create tens of thousands of new high-tech jobs throughout the United States, while helping to conserve natural gas and saving
American taxpayers billions in energy costs.
Picture Courtesy: SEIA
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"We congratulate the House leadership for passing legislation that will stimulate clean energy production and help secure our nation's energy future. In particular, we would like to
commend Congressmen Michael McNulty (D-NY) and Dave Camp (R-MI), the original sponsors of the solar investment tax credit extension. We look forward to a productive conference on energy
between the House and Senate that includes a long-term extension of the solar investment tax credits", Resch added.
The following provisions for solar energy can be found in H.R. 2776 and H.R. 3221:
Solar Provisions in H.R. 2776, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007; provides an eight-year extension of the existing 30 percent Investment Tax Credit for
businesses under Section 48 of the tax code. And also provides the ability for corporate and personal filers to claim the Investment Tax Credit against the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).
It Removes the prohibition barring utilities from using the section 48 Investment Tax Credit.
Solar Provisions in H.R. 2776 provides no extension of the existing 30 percent Investment Tax Credit for homeowners under Section 25 of the tax code, but eliminates the existing ,000
maximum dollar limitation. It Provides up to .4 billion in bonding authority for the issuance of Clean Renewable Energy Bonds
Solar Provisions in H.R. 3221, the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act Title III - Small Business Committee Sec. 3005: Provides grants,
subject to appropriation, and authorizes technical assistance to small businesses to assist them in evaluating the suitability of using solar energy resources.
Title IV - Science and Technology Committee Sec. 4301- 4308: The Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007, provides funds, subject to appropriation, to support the research,
development, and commercial application of solar energy technologies. Special emphasis is placed on concentrating solar power thermal storage research, solar lighting and cooling and
advanced photovoltaic technology development.
Title VII - Natural Resources Committee Sec. 7302: Directs the Bureau of Reclamation to inventory lands under its jurisdiction for suitability for solar energy development projects.
Sec. 7304: Establishes a Strategic Solar Reserve Program that seeks to identify lands under the Bureau of Land Management's jurisdiction that can accommodate up to 25 GW of solar energy
development. Provides favorable terms and conditions for permitting, leasing and site identification.
Title IX - Energy and Commerce Committee Sec. 9072 - 9075: Authorizes the Department of Energy, subject to appropriation, to assist state, county, local government, schools,
universities, airports and other qualifying entities, to provide technical assistance to increase the deployment of solar energy systems.
Sec. 9086: Authorizes 25 year federal power purchase agreements for solar energy (current maximum duration is 10 years).
Sec. 9321- 9328: Authorizes heightened cooperation between the U.S. and Israel on innovative energy technologies, including solar.
Adopted Amendments :
Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) -- Requires electric suppliers, other than governmental entities and rural electric cooperatives, to provide 15 percent of their electricity using
renewable energy resources by the year 2020. It would allow 4 percent of the requirement to be satisfied with electricity efficiency measures. For distributed generation (electric
energy generated by a renewable energy resource at an on-site eligible facility, used to offset part or all of the customer's requirements for electric energy), including distributed
solar, the Secretary of Energy shall issue three renewable energy credits to such customer for each kilowatt hour generated.
Creates a Solar Energy Industries Research and Promotion Board to increase consumer awareness nationwide of solar energy options and appropriate certifications. The solar program would
be funded entirely by a small portion of industry revenues. No appropriations are authorized.
SEIA (08/07/2007)
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aleo solar wins contracts worth EUR 12 million from Italian photovoltaic dealers and fitters
aleo solar AG producer of solar PV panels with sales operations in Oldenburg (Lower Saxony) and manufacturing facilities in Prenzlau (Brandenburg) reports new orders from Italy: A
number of specialist dealers and fitters had placed orders for aleo modules totalling EUR 12 million, the company reports in an press release. Roof-mounted PV installations up to 50 kW
in particular will be completed, as they attract high feed-in tariffs in Italy. These contracts will allow aleo solar AG to significantly expand its Italian customer base. They will
increase aleo solar AG’s total international order volume for 2007 to approx. EUR 60 million by the end of July. aleo solar has had a sales team in Italy since mid-2006.
Simplified legislation was passed in Italy at the beginning of 2007. aleo’s sales team was expanded in April and its strong specialist dealer support was presented at the
"Solarexpo" trade fair in Verona. For Jakobus Smit, CEO of aleo solar AG, the company’s internationalisation strategy is paying off: "Our customers appreciate the combination of
high-quality technology and local presence that we have demonstrated by having our own Italian sales team. We are offering our partners certification as aleo specialist dealers, which
has been very popular. Partners who are certified receive preferential treatment in our aleo power network", Smit emphasizes.
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Manufacturing of solar PV modules at aleo’s production site in Prenzlau (Brandenburg).
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG
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Particularly strong demand for roof-mounted PV installations
A market for roof-mounted photovoltaic installations that is comparable with Germany’s due to aleo is developing in Italy, where demand is particularly strong for solar power
plants up to 50 kW. "Outstanding German product quality, our many years’ experience of roof-mounted installations and our strong specialist dealer support make aleo solar a
sought-after partner in Italy. Italy represents our most important international market next to Spain", explains Christopher Dunne, international sales manager at aleo solar AG.
aleo solar AG (08/06/2007)
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SOLON AG wins contract for solar power plants in Spain
Berlin-based SOLON AG, one of Europe's biggest manufacturers of solar modules and photovoltaic systems, has been awarded a contract to deliver several major power plants in Spain,
further consolidating its strong position in the Spanish market. The agreement with a European financial investor envisages the delivery of power plant systems with an aggregate power
output of 36 MW for projects on the Spanish mainland and on the Balearic islands, SOLON reports in a press release. The implementation phase of the projects will commence in the fourth
quarter of 2007 and they are scheduled to be completed by the first quarter of 2009.
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SOLON Movers at the solar power plant "Gut Erlasee" in Germany.
Courtesy: Solon AG
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Further agreements have been reached with the same customer to supply solar power systems for other projects in Spain with a total power output of 14 MW. These projects are to be
developed and implemented by SOLON Solar Investments GmbH. This SOLON subsidiary specializes in the project development of major solar power plants for financial investors.
Since the launch of the SOLON Mover in 2005, SOLON AG has supplied systems with a combined power output of more than 20 megawatts for solar power plant projects in various regions of
Spain. Further projects with a combined power output of more than 13 megawatts are already under construction. With a market volume of 105 megawatts in 2006, SOLON AG is one of the
leading companies in the Spanish solar power market.
SOLON AG (08/06/2007)
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