KYOTO, JAPAN: Kyocera Corp. announced that it has proudly installed more than 1,200 solar power generating systems at public schools in Japan -- ranking Kyocera as the No.1 supplier in this segment of the Japanese market.
The use of solar power at schools in Japan has grown exponentially in recent years with the government's "School New Deal" initiative, which aims to broadly enrich the nation's educational facilities.
As part of the economic crisis countermeasures set forth in 2009, the School New Deal initiative advocates for the fundamental reform of facilities to promote schools that have the appropriate educational environment for the 21st Century.
Specifically, the initiative plans to promptly pursue higher earthquake-resistant building standards and to utilize solar power generation under the broader concepts of improved environmental impact and enhanced information and communications technology (ICT).
In April 2009, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology set a target of increasing the number of public elementary, middle and high schools with solar power installations to 12,000.
Since the start of the School New Deal initiative, the number of schools Kyocera has supplied to has increased dramatically, with over 1,200 schools in the country now utilizing the power of the sun with Kyocera modules. In the market for school installations in Japan, Kyocera holds the No.1 share with over 40 percent.
Kyocera believes that this market share is a direct result of the company's reputation for supplying highly reliable products and its ability to provide engineering services on a case-by-case basis for rapid implementation.
Use of solar power at schools is part of the larger trend of growth in Japan's public- and industrial-use solar power market, which has expanded by roughly 3.6-times* in the five-year period from FY2005 to FY2010. As solar power installations in this market segment typically require a diverse range of systems to optimize performance depending on the specific site, Kyocera's business model in Japan is able to apply its design and installation technologies which have been cultivated through the company's many years of experience in the solar industry.
Kyocera will continue to strive for the further implementation of clean energy solutions at schools by using the company's strengths which have been developed over its 35-year history in the solar industry.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Second shift starts work at Suntech's Arizona plant
GOODYEAR & SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd, the world's largest producer of solar panels, has engaged a second production shift at its new solar panel manufacturing facility in Goodyear, Arizona.
The state-of-the-art module manufacturing facility will now run for up to sixteen hours per day with 78 employees, up from eight hours and 40 employees when it commenced operations in October 2010. Suntech plans to ramp the facility to 50MW of annual production capacity by mid-2011, and targets to employ 150 people by the end of 2011.
"We've got a spirited, hard-working team in Goodyear that's eager to ramp up production," said Martin Guo, Suntech's Arizona plant manager. "Over the first three months, our new workers have really stepped-up and made a great deal of progress towards our cost and output targets. Now that we've found our stride, we're ready to take on another shift and increase output volumes to meet the great interest we're seeing for Suntech products made in Arizona."
The 117,000 square foot manufacturing facility features highly-automated manufacturing and product testing equipment and currently produces Suntech's 280W solar panels for commercial and utility-scale electricity generation. To meet growing demand throughout the Americas, Suntech plans to further expand its Arizona plant to exceed 100MW of annual production capacity within the next few years.
"Our Arizona manufacturing operations have solidified our market leadership position and put Suntech America on a solid foundation for long-term growth," said Steven Chan, president of Suntech America. "We're excited about increasing production output to meet the growing demands of our customers for Suntech's bankable solar panels."
The state-of-the-art module manufacturing facility will now run for up to sixteen hours per day with 78 employees, up from eight hours and 40 employees when it commenced operations in October 2010. Suntech plans to ramp the facility to 50MW of annual production capacity by mid-2011, and targets to employ 150 people by the end of 2011.
"We've got a spirited, hard-working team in Goodyear that's eager to ramp up production," said Martin Guo, Suntech's Arizona plant manager. "Over the first three months, our new workers have really stepped-up and made a great deal of progress towards our cost and output targets. Now that we've found our stride, we're ready to take on another shift and increase output volumes to meet the great interest we're seeing for Suntech products made in Arizona."
The 117,000 square foot manufacturing facility features highly-automated manufacturing and product testing equipment and currently produces Suntech's 280W solar panels for commercial and utility-scale electricity generation. To meet growing demand throughout the Americas, Suntech plans to further expand its Arizona plant to exceed 100MW of annual production capacity within the next few years.
"Our Arizona manufacturing operations have solidified our market leadership position and put Suntech America on a solid foundation for long-term growth," said Steven Chan, president of Suntech America. "We're excited about increasing production output to meet the growing demands of our customers for Suntech's bankable solar panels."
IEEE-SA to hold smart grid workshop in Mumbai
BANGALORE, INDIA: The Standards Association of IEEE, announced that it is holding a Smart Grid workshop in association with IEEE-Mumbai chapter on 4th February 2011 at Sardar Patel Institute of Technology (SPIT) located in Andheri West in Mumbai.
Among the first such outreach programs by IEEE-SA in India, the workshop is part of the growing interest that the IEEE-SA has in Indian market, particularly related to standards and the smart grid arena. The workshop to be addressed by leading industry professionals is at no charge but attendance is only by prior registration.
The workshop will include an introduction to IEEE and its Standards Association. The workshop will also provide an overview of IEEE Smart Grid activities, with a focus on standards that will be of interest to all those who are involved in the smart grid space. The interactive panel discussion post presentation is aimed at discovering innovative solutions to drive the next generation of grid interoperability.
James Wendorf, director-Industry Connections, IEEE-SA, said: "India is a key market for smart grid globally and IEEE-SA being a leader in global smart grid standard efforts we bring much to the table for India, which is a nascent market and quite unique in nature. The workshop is one of our first steps in outreach into India. It will provide an opportunity for us and the attendees to share information, understand local issues in an international context and explore ways to get more involved in driving solutions and standards in partnership with IEEE."
Among the first such outreach programs by IEEE-SA in India, the workshop is part of the growing interest that the IEEE-SA has in Indian market, particularly related to standards and the smart grid arena. The workshop to be addressed by leading industry professionals is at no charge but attendance is only by prior registration.
The workshop will include an introduction to IEEE and its Standards Association. The workshop will also provide an overview of IEEE Smart Grid activities, with a focus on standards that will be of interest to all those who are involved in the smart grid space. The interactive panel discussion post presentation is aimed at discovering innovative solutions to drive the next generation of grid interoperability.
James Wendorf, director-Industry Connections, IEEE-SA, said: "India is a key market for smart grid globally and IEEE-SA being a leader in global smart grid standard efforts we bring much to the table for India, which is a nascent market and quite unique in nature. The workshop is one of our first steps in outreach into India. It will provide an opportunity for us and the attendees to share information, understand local issues in an international context and explore ways to get more involved in driving solutions and standards in partnership with IEEE."
Enfinity announces four solar projects to start 2011
ATLANTA, USA: Enfinity a leading international solar power project developer, begins the new year by announcing three solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in California. In addition, Enfinity Canada has announced that construction is underway at its 36 megawatt peak (MWp) Stardale installation in East Hawkesbury, Ontario.
In the United States, the California projects are for the City of Parlier, Greenfield Union School District (GUSD) and Muroc Joint Unified School District (MJUSD). The projects’ combined energy production is expected to exceed 4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) annually and more than 80 million kWh during the next 20 years – enough energy to power more than 7,500 average US homes for one year. Enfinity will provide financing and development services for all three projects.
“These projects represent the first of a series of carefully developed and financed solar installations that we nurtured throughout 2010,” said Mark Dominé, Enfinity’s vice president of development for Distributed Generation on the West Coast. “As the year progresses, we expect to launch more projects as part of Enfinity’s continuing growth in North America.”
Highlights of the three projects in California are as follows:
City of Parlier: This 490 kilowatt peak (kWp), ground-mounted PV system will use 2,130 solar panels. The city, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, aims to offset electrical costs at its waste water treatment facility. The solar power generated will provide a hedge against rising electricity prices by delivering predetermined rates for solar electric power during the installation’s 25-year term. The system is expected to commence operation by June 2011.
Greenfield Union School District: Located in the Greater Bakersfield area, this is a 2.2 MWp PV project using 9,500 solar modules on the rooftops, ground areas, and parking lots of 10 of the school district’s campuses. All sites are expected to commence operation by November 2011.
Muroc Joint Unified School District: Located in the Mojave Desert, MJUSD will use the electricity from a 392 kWp, combined ground-mounted installation powered by 1,666 solar panels. The system is expected to commence operation by the end of January 2011.
Dominé added: “We developed an outstanding working relationship with our clients in these projects. Working together with both our clients and partners, Enfinity was able to secure energy rebate levels just before the respective utilities lowered them.”
Enfinity’s experience and methodology help bring solar projects to fruition
Enfinity Canada’s Managing Director Chris Young describes a scenario where global experience in financing and development can make the difference between a solar installation moving from the planning phase to actual construction.
“For many solar developers in Ontario, the problem is that once they have a project permitted, they often lack the technical expertise to effectively execute,” said Young. “This limits the ability to finance a project and can delay its progress by months, if not years.”
Rafael Dobrzynski, Enfinity’s CEO in the Americas, added: “Enfinity’s international track record is proving to be very attractive to financing institutions in North America. We believe our approach and experienced team can bring many projects to fruition in a very short period of time. Accordingly, we are looking throughout North America to acquire commercial and utility solar projects from 500 kW to 25 MW and above.”
In the United States, the California projects are for the City of Parlier, Greenfield Union School District (GUSD) and Muroc Joint Unified School District (MJUSD). The projects’ combined energy production is expected to exceed 4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) annually and more than 80 million kWh during the next 20 years – enough energy to power more than 7,500 average US homes for one year. Enfinity will provide financing and development services for all three projects.
“These projects represent the first of a series of carefully developed and financed solar installations that we nurtured throughout 2010,” said Mark Dominé, Enfinity’s vice president of development for Distributed Generation on the West Coast. “As the year progresses, we expect to launch more projects as part of Enfinity’s continuing growth in North America.”
Highlights of the three projects in California are as follows:
City of Parlier: This 490 kilowatt peak (kWp), ground-mounted PV system will use 2,130 solar panels. The city, located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, aims to offset electrical costs at its waste water treatment facility. The solar power generated will provide a hedge against rising electricity prices by delivering predetermined rates for solar electric power during the installation’s 25-year term. The system is expected to commence operation by June 2011.
Greenfield Union School District: Located in the Greater Bakersfield area, this is a 2.2 MWp PV project using 9,500 solar modules on the rooftops, ground areas, and parking lots of 10 of the school district’s campuses. All sites are expected to commence operation by November 2011.
Muroc Joint Unified School District: Located in the Mojave Desert, MJUSD will use the electricity from a 392 kWp, combined ground-mounted installation powered by 1,666 solar panels. The system is expected to commence operation by the end of January 2011.
Dominé added: “We developed an outstanding working relationship with our clients in these projects. Working together with both our clients and partners, Enfinity was able to secure energy rebate levels just before the respective utilities lowered them.”
Enfinity’s experience and methodology help bring solar projects to fruition
Enfinity Canada’s Managing Director Chris Young describes a scenario where global experience in financing and development can make the difference between a solar installation moving from the planning phase to actual construction.
“For many solar developers in Ontario, the problem is that once they have a project permitted, they often lack the technical expertise to effectively execute,” said Young. “This limits the ability to finance a project and can delay its progress by months, if not years.”
Rafael Dobrzynski, Enfinity’s CEO in the Americas, added: “Enfinity’s international track record is proving to be very attractive to financing institutions in North America. We believe our approach and experienced team can bring many projects to fruition in a very short period of time. Accordingly, we are looking throughout North America to acquire commercial and utility solar projects from 500 kW to 25 MW and above.”
Friday, January 28, 2011
Enecsys solar PV micro-inverter becomes world's first without electrolytic capacitors to gain UL certification
CAMBRIDGE, UK: Enecsys Ltd, a solar PV micro-inverter company, has announced UL certification for its products. The patented design of the Enecsys Micro-inverter uses a rugged topology that eliminates electrolytic capacitors and opto-couplers, components that limit operating life and compromise reliability.
Enecsys 240W micro-inverters are the first micro-inverters without electrolytic capacitors to achieve UL certification. The same product is also certified for use in Europe, making Enecsys is the first company to introduce a truly global solar PV micro-inverter. The inverter has an operating life expectancy of greater than 25 years, matching that of solar PV modules. This transforms the economic model of solar PV systems through greatly enhanced system reliability, energy harvest, ease of installation and improved system safety.
Solar PV systems based on micro-inverters harvest from 5 to 20 percent more energy over the life of the system, compared to traditional string inverter based systems. In a micro-inverter based system Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is performed on each solar module and thus maximizing energy harvest even under partial shading, module mismatch or obstructions from leaves or debris. Systems are simpler to design
and install and are safer because the high-voltage DC present in conventional solar PV installations is not present.
No string inverter is needed because the DC output of each solar module is converted to AC using a micro-inverter mounted on the rack behind each module. This eliminates the central point-of-failure and the primary failure mechanism found in traditional inverters systems and micro inverters currently available in the market.
The reliability of Enecsys Micro-inverters has been verified using HALT, HASS and accelerated life tests to IEC61215, the same methodology used to test solar PV modules. The micro-inverters maintain full performance from -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C, ensuring efficient operation in real-world conditions. The Enecsys Wireless Monitoring System provides real time performance information for each solar module in order to maintain the high performance of the solar PV system throughout the operating lifetime.
The Enecsys Micro-inverter is designed to operate in both North American (60Hz) and European (50Hz) electricity grid systems. The micro-inverters are safety and EMC evaluated to EN 62109, UL1741, TUV and CE. Country-specific requirements, including VDE V 0126-1: 2006 compliance, are achieved through the use of specific Enecsys
installation products.
Enecsys 240W micro-inverters are the first micro-inverters without electrolytic capacitors to achieve UL certification. The same product is also certified for use in Europe, making Enecsys is the first company to introduce a truly global solar PV micro-inverter. The inverter has an operating life expectancy of greater than 25 years, matching that of solar PV modules. This transforms the economic model of solar PV systems through greatly enhanced system reliability, energy harvest, ease of installation and improved system safety.
Solar PV systems based on micro-inverters harvest from 5 to 20 percent more energy over the life of the system, compared to traditional string inverter based systems. In a micro-inverter based system Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is performed on each solar module and thus maximizing energy harvest even under partial shading, module mismatch or obstructions from leaves or debris. Systems are simpler to design
and install and are safer because the high-voltage DC present in conventional solar PV installations is not present.
No string inverter is needed because the DC output of each solar module is converted to AC using a micro-inverter mounted on the rack behind each module. This eliminates the central point-of-failure and the primary failure mechanism found in traditional inverters systems and micro inverters currently available in the market.
The reliability of Enecsys Micro-inverters has been verified using HALT, HASS and accelerated life tests to IEC61215, the same methodology used to test solar PV modules. The micro-inverters maintain full performance from -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C, ensuring efficient operation in real-world conditions. The Enecsys Wireless Monitoring System provides real time performance information for each solar module in order to maintain the high performance of the solar PV system throughout the operating lifetime.
The Enecsys Micro-inverter is designed to operate in both North American (60Hz) and European (50Hz) electricity grid systems. The micro-inverters are safety and EMC evaluated to EN 62109, UL1741, TUV and CE. Country-specific requirements, including VDE V 0126-1: 2006 compliance, are achieved through the use of specific Enecsys
installation products.
Ascent Solar signs distribution agreement with Green Earth Energy
THORNTON, USA: Ascent Solar Technologies Inc., a developer of flexible thin-film solar modules, announced that Green Earth Energy and Technology will begin distribution of Ascent Solar's lightweight, flexible, high-power thin-film CIGS modules for building integrated (BIPV), and portable power solutions in Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany.
The agreement with Green Earth Energy and Technology gives Ascent Solar access to multiple segments in Europe's solar market including direct integration into building materials for residential and commercial solutions.
Ascent Solar President and CEO Farhad Moghadam stated: "We are pleased to announce our agreement with Green Earth Energy and Technology. This relationship will give us access to new and emerging market opportunities in building applied photovoltaics that could provide significant opportunity in Europe over the coming years. We also expect that other products in our lineup of flexible, lightweight CIGS modules will be marketed through this relationship."
The agreement with Green Earth Energy and Technology gives Ascent Solar access to multiple segments in Europe's solar market including direct integration into building materials for residential and commercial solutions.
Ascent Solar President and CEO Farhad Moghadam stated: "We are pleased to announce our agreement with Green Earth Energy and Technology. This relationship will give us access to new and emerging market opportunities in building applied photovoltaics that could provide significant opportunity in Europe over the coming years. We also expect that other products in our lineup of flexible, lightweight CIGS modules will be marketed through this relationship."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Siemens, Suntech enter framework agreement for PV panels
MUNICH, GERMANY: Siemens Energy has signed a framework agreement with Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd, the world's largest manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules. The photovoltaic modules to be supplied under this umbrella agreement are for several projects in Europe.
"Siemens is offering EPC solutions for photovoltaic plants," said Martin Schulz, Vice President Photovoltaics Siemens Renewable Energy Division. "With Suntech we have a bankable partner to provide reliable photovoltaic plants to our customers."
In the last seven months, Siemens has secured orders for photovoltaic plants with a combined capacity of over 80 MW from six different countries. As EPC contractor, the company handles the turnkey construction of solar power plants combining in-house components such as inverters or transformers and independent panel sourcing as well as local sourcing.
Jerry Stokes, President of Suntech Europe, stated: "We are excited to establish a strategic cooperation with a strong partner such as Siemens. We have already started executing on the agreement for projects developed throughout Europe. Siemens' global presence facilitates joint projects in Europe as well as in other parts of the world."
Photovoltaic plants are part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2010, revenue from the Portfolio totaled about EUR28 billion, making Siemens the world's largest supplier of ecofriendly technologies. In the same period, our products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 270 million tons, an amount equal to the total annual CO2 emissions of the megacities Hong Kong, London, New York, Tokyo, Delhi and Singapore.
"Siemens is offering EPC solutions for photovoltaic plants," said Martin Schulz, Vice President Photovoltaics Siemens Renewable Energy Division. "With Suntech we have a bankable partner to provide reliable photovoltaic plants to our customers."
In the last seven months, Siemens has secured orders for photovoltaic plants with a combined capacity of over 80 MW from six different countries. As EPC contractor, the company handles the turnkey construction of solar power plants combining in-house components such as inverters or transformers and independent panel sourcing as well as local sourcing.
Jerry Stokes, President of Suntech Europe, stated: "We are excited to establish a strategic cooperation with a strong partner such as Siemens. We have already started executing on the agreement for projects developed throughout Europe. Siemens' global presence facilitates joint projects in Europe as well as in other parts of the world."
Photovoltaic plants are part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2010, revenue from the Portfolio totaled about EUR28 billion, making Siemens the world's largest supplier of ecofriendly technologies. In the same period, our products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 270 million tons, an amount equal to the total annual CO2 emissions of the megacities Hong Kong, London, New York, Tokyo, Delhi and Singapore.
JA Solar to supply 29 MW of PV modules to leading Italian renewable energy company
SHANGHAI, CHINA: JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd, one of the world's largest manufacturers of high-performance solar cells and solar power products, announced that it has signed a module supply contract with a leading Italian renewable energy company, which belongs to a large utility group in Europe.
Under the terms of this agreement, JA Solar will supply this customer with a total of 29 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic modules during 2011.
"We are pleased that this new strategic customer, a leading developer and provider of PV systems in Italy, has chosen JA Solar as a supplier for their solar projects," stated Dr. Peng Fang, CEO of JA Solar.
"This new partnership further demonstrates JA Solar's strength in building long-term strategic relationships with leading international solar companies. As we continue to build momentum in the global PV market, we look forward to delivering high-quality and innovative solar power products to more of the world's top solar providers."
Under the terms of this agreement, JA Solar will supply this customer with a total of 29 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic modules during 2011.
"We are pleased that this new strategic customer, a leading developer and provider of PV systems in Italy, has chosen JA Solar as a supplier for their solar projects," stated Dr. Peng Fang, CEO of JA Solar.
"This new partnership further demonstrates JA Solar's strength in building long-term strategic relationships with leading international solar companies. As we continue to build momentum in the global PV market, we look forward to delivering high-quality and innovative solar power products to more of the world's top solar providers."
Duke Energy and SunEdison announce completion of 17.2MW solar farm
BELTSVILLE, USA: Duke Energy and Sun Edison LLC, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider and subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials, announced the activation of the final phases of a 17.2 megawatt (MW) solar farm in Davidson County, N.C.
Constructed in five phases and covering over 200 acres of land, the project is comprised of more than 63,000 photovoltaic solar panels and is expected to generate an estimated 28 million kilowatt-hours annually—enough energy to power more than 2,600 homes a year.
"Solar energy continues to increase in its importance to North Carolina customers," said Brett Carter, President, Duke Energy North Carolina. "Partnerships, like the one with SunEdison, have allowed Duke Energy to comply with North Carolina's solar requirements in a cost effective way."
The solar farm was made possible through a solar energy service agreement between SunEdison and Duke Energy where SunEdison designed and deployed the project and will be responsible for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility. Financing was made possible through lease financing provided by MetLife and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The project is rated at 17.2MW as measured in direct current, or 15.5MW as measured in alternating current.
"We are pleased to have provided financing to help complete this signature project while helping provide renewably sourced electricity to Duke Energy customers – many of whom are Bank of America customers, as well," said Todd Karas, President of Banc of America Public Capital Corp. "This project adds to the list of financing we've provided as part of Bank of America's 10-year, $20 billion business initiative focused on addressing climate change."
"SunEdison is proud to be working with Duke Energy in meeting its solar energy goals," stated Robert Reichenberger, US Vice President of Utilities for SunEdison. "By bringing together the right people, technologies and financing solutions, SunEdison is able to make large-scale solar a reality for utilities and their customers across the globe."
Constructed in five phases and covering over 200 acres of land, the project is comprised of more than 63,000 photovoltaic solar panels and is expected to generate an estimated 28 million kilowatt-hours annually—enough energy to power more than 2,600 homes a year.
"Solar energy continues to increase in its importance to North Carolina customers," said Brett Carter, President, Duke Energy North Carolina. "Partnerships, like the one with SunEdison, have allowed Duke Energy to comply with North Carolina's solar requirements in a cost effective way."
The solar farm was made possible through a solar energy service agreement between SunEdison and Duke Energy where SunEdison designed and deployed the project and will be responsible for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility. Financing was made possible through lease financing provided by MetLife and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The project is rated at 17.2MW as measured in direct current, or 15.5MW as measured in alternating current.
"We are pleased to have provided financing to help complete this signature project while helping provide renewably sourced electricity to Duke Energy customers – many of whom are Bank of America customers, as well," said Todd Karas, President of Banc of America Public Capital Corp. "This project adds to the list of financing we've provided as part of Bank of America's 10-year, $20 billion business initiative focused on addressing climate change."
"SunEdison is proud to be working with Duke Energy in meeting its solar energy goals," stated Robert Reichenberger, US Vice President of Utilities for SunEdison. "By bringing together the right people, technologies and financing solutions, SunEdison is able to make large-scale solar a reality for utilities and their customers across the globe."
Aide Solar begins phase 2 expansion of solar production factory in China
TEMPE, USA: In an ambitious move aimed at increasing its global customer base, Aide Solar announced that it has broken ground on the planned Phase 2 expansion of its existing 1 million sq. ft. poly and mono crystalline solar cell and PV module production factory in Xuzhou, China.
The expansion calls for the addition of a new 947,225 square foot production facility that will be capable of housing 2GW of module capacity under a single roof when it begins production in the fourth quarter of 2011.
After completion of Phase 2 construction, Aide Solar’s existing facility in Xuzhou will be modified to house solar cell production lines only, allowing for future expansion of cell production. Both the existing facility and the newly planned adjacent solar module facility are located on a 600 acre campus owned by Aide Solar’s parent company, The PANJIT Group.
“We remain dedicated to delivering cost-effective and reliable solar products in a timely manner,” said Jason Fang, chairman, Aide Solar. “Having 2GW of solar module capacity consolidated into a single facility on our campus will give Aide Solar a distinct competitive advantage in the area of cost and manufacturing efficiency and customer responsiveness.”
In addition to the expansion of its China production factory, Aide Solar established its North America headquarters in Tempe, Ariz., in March 2009 to address the forecasted growth projections in the US market. Global solar photovoltaic demand is forecast to reach 20.4 GW in 2011, according to Solarbuzz, an international solar energy market research and consulting company.
According to the Solarbuzz Quarterly report, 10.6 GW of photovoltaics were installed in the first nine months of 2010, charting a course for a record year. As a result, Solarbuzz has increased its 2010 forecast to 16.3 GW for 2010, an outcome that would represent 117 percent growth on 2009.
“The expansion and consolidation of our module production capacity will enable us to have a larger impact on the supply of alternative energy options,” said Eddy Fang, director of World Sales and Marketing, Aide Solar. “Having so much module capacity in one single facility will represent a signature milestone in the industry and allow us to respond rapidly to the high volume and continued growth of the solar market that Aide Solar is seeing in the U.S. and around the world.”
The expansion calls for the addition of a new 947,225 square foot production facility that will be capable of housing 2GW of module capacity under a single roof when it begins production in the fourth quarter of 2011.
After completion of Phase 2 construction, Aide Solar’s existing facility in Xuzhou will be modified to house solar cell production lines only, allowing for future expansion of cell production. Both the existing facility and the newly planned adjacent solar module facility are located on a 600 acre campus owned by Aide Solar’s parent company, The PANJIT Group.
“We remain dedicated to delivering cost-effective and reliable solar products in a timely manner,” said Jason Fang, chairman, Aide Solar. “Having 2GW of solar module capacity consolidated into a single facility on our campus will give Aide Solar a distinct competitive advantage in the area of cost and manufacturing efficiency and customer responsiveness.”
In addition to the expansion of its China production factory, Aide Solar established its North America headquarters in Tempe, Ariz., in March 2009 to address the forecasted growth projections in the US market. Global solar photovoltaic demand is forecast to reach 20.4 GW in 2011, according to Solarbuzz, an international solar energy market research and consulting company.
According to the Solarbuzz Quarterly report, 10.6 GW of photovoltaics were installed in the first nine months of 2010, charting a course for a record year. As a result, Solarbuzz has increased its 2010 forecast to 16.3 GW for 2010, an outcome that would represent 117 percent growth on 2009.
“The expansion and consolidation of our module production capacity will enable us to have a larger impact on the supply of alternative energy options,” said Eddy Fang, director of World Sales and Marketing, Aide Solar. “Having so much module capacity in one single facility will represent a signature milestone in the industry and allow us to respond rapidly to the high volume and continued growth of the solar market that Aide Solar is seeing in the U.S. and around the world.”
Cyrium deploys QDEC high efficiency solar cells in 200KW HCPV power plant in Qingdao
OTTAWA, CANADA: Cyrium Technologies Inc., a leading developer and supplier of concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) cells, announced the grand opening of a 200 KW HCPV (high concentrating photovoltaic) power station owned and operated by Qingdao HG Solar Energy Co. Ltd.
The HCPV systems at the facility are powered by Cyrium’s QDEC high efficiency triple junction CPV cells installed in modules manufactured by Suntrix Co., Ltd. and mounted on tracking systems designed by Suntrix and produced by Qingdao HG Solar Energy Co. Ltd.
“Cyrium has been working for more than a year to establish a presence in the Chinese market. Our relationship with a great company like Suntrix is just the first step in our efforts to bring Cyrium’s patented QDEC concentrator photovoltaic technology to the Chinese market,” said Harry Rozakis CEO and president of Cyrium. “The Qingdao project is a terrific example of what can happen when government and industry work together to drive clean technology.”
”The plant is operating with a system efficiency of 25 percent,” said Guy Rong, CEO of Suntrix, “ which means this station is not only the highest scale of HCPV in production, but also the highest efficiency for photo electric conversion in China.”
Collaboration on this demonstration project began several months ago between Suntrix and Cyrium Technologies and highlights the opportunity that exists in China for HCPV systems. Construction of the power station started in November 2010 and was completed this month, clearly demonstrating the ease and speed with which HCPV systems can be deployed for utility scale solar energy projects.
Cyrium’s portion of the project received support from Environment Canada’s Asia Pacific Partners (APP) program, as part of the Canadian government’s effort to bring Canadian and China based companies together to foster cross-border collaboration on cleantech projects.
During the opening ceremonies, Counselor of the State Council, Chairman of National Energy Expert Advisory Committee, the former Director of National Energy Bureau, Xu Dingming, congratulated each of the project’s contributors on the success of the power plant and requested the parties continue to work toward China’s cleantech effort by accelerating the development of China PV power.
In his speech, Wu Dacheng, deputy director of China Photovoltaic Society, recognized the advanced nature of the power station, and commented that he foresees a bright future for the development of HCPV in China.
HCPV is considered to the 3rd generation of PV technology making use of low cost, light-concentrating optical systems and group III-V semiconductor materials for the solar cell. The photo electric conversion efficiency is two times more than Si (silicon) technology and requires significantly less land area than other technologies for deployment.
It also has the highest possibility of reducing power generation cost to level of using coal, which is of considerable importance in China. The completion of this 200KWp project is a signature event in moving China towards greater deployment and application of HCPV systems to meet its rapidly growing energy needs.
The HCPV systems at the facility are powered by Cyrium’s QDEC high efficiency triple junction CPV cells installed in modules manufactured by Suntrix Co., Ltd. and mounted on tracking systems designed by Suntrix and produced by Qingdao HG Solar Energy Co. Ltd.
“Cyrium has been working for more than a year to establish a presence in the Chinese market. Our relationship with a great company like Suntrix is just the first step in our efforts to bring Cyrium’s patented QDEC concentrator photovoltaic technology to the Chinese market,” said Harry Rozakis CEO and president of Cyrium. “The Qingdao project is a terrific example of what can happen when government and industry work together to drive clean technology.”
”The plant is operating with a system efficiency of 25 percent,” said Guy Rong, CEO of Suntrix, “ which means this station is not only the highest scale of HCPV in production, but also the highest efficiency for photo electric conversion in China.”
Collaboration on this demonstration project began several months ago between Suntrix and Cyrium Technologies and highlights the opportunity that exists in China for HCPV systems. Construction of the power station started in November 2010 and was completed this month, clearly demonstrating the ease and speed with which HCPV systems can be deployed for utility scale solar energy projects.
Cyrium’s portion of the project received support from Environment Canada’s Asia Pacific Partners (APP) program, as part of the Canadian government’s effort to bring Canadian and China based companies together to foster cross-border collaboration on cleantech projects.
During the opening ceremonies, Counselor of the State Council, Chairman of National Energy Expert Advisory Committee, the former Director of National Energy Bureau, Xu Dingming, congratulated each of the project’s contributors on the success of the power plant and requested the parties continue to work toward China’s cleantech effort by accelerating the development of China PV power.
In his speech, Wu Dacheng, deputy director of China Photovoltaic Society, recognized the advanced nature of the power station, and commented that he foresees a bright future for the development of HCPV in China.
HCPV is considered to the 3rd generation of PV technology making use of low cost, light-concentrating optical systems and group III-V semiconductor materials for the solar cell. The photo electric conversion efficiency is two times more than Si (silicon) technology and requires significantly less land area than other technologies for deployment.
It also has the highest possibility of reducing power generation cost to level of using coal, which is of considerable importance in China. The completion of this 200KWp project is a signature event in moving China towards greater deployment and application of HCPV systems to meet its rapidly growing energy needs.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
TrendForce: Latest solar price survey
TAIWAN: According to the latest weekly price survey conducted by EnergyTrend, a research institute of TrendForce Corp., solar spot prices remained unchanged this week. Though some cell manufacturers offered $1.1/Watt in an attempt to probe the market sentiment, trading prices still are as high as $1.15/Watt. Based on the observation, EnergyTrend believes that it signals the price stabilization.
This week’s survey showed that the average quotation of cells is on the downtrend with a slight drop of 0.17 percent to $1.188/Watt, while the module declined slightly 0.31 percent. The average price of poly silicon wafer reached $69/Kg , a 0.31 percent decline from last week. Mono silicon wafer declined 0.11 percent. On the other hand, prices of thin film, concentrator PV and solar inverter remained stable.
Looking forward at the future, because Chinese government is imposing limitations on mining poly silicon, it would be highly impossible to see dramatic drop in the price of poly silicon. From perspectives of supply and demand, it is estimated that the global annual installation will be 15.5GW~18GW for 2011.
EnergyTrend believes that the market will hardly see demand exceeding supply in 2011 and thus the price range for poly silicon should be $75/Kg~$60/Kg.
This week’s survey showed that the average quotation of cells is on the downtrend with a slight drop of 0.17 percent to $1.188/Watt, while the module declined slightly 0.31 percent. The average price of poly silicon wafer reached $69/Kg , a 0.31 percent decline from last week. Mono silicon wafer declined 0.11 percent. On the other hand, prices of thin film, concentrator PV and solar inverter remained stable.
Looking forward at the future, because Chinese government is imposing limitations on mining poly silicon, it would be highly impossible to see dramatic drop in the price of poly silicon. From perspectives of supply and demand, it is estimated that the global annual installation will be 15.5GW~18GW for 2011.
EnergyTrend believes that the market will hardly see demand exceeding supply in 2011 and thus the price range for poly silicon should be $75/Kg~$60/Kg.
Surprise winners in $34 billion smart grid market
BOSTON, USA: As smart grid programs advance in Europe, North America, and Asia, utilities across the globe are installing smart meters and other intelligent hardware.
While this roll-out promises to usher in an era of more efficient grid management, it also spells a 900 percent increase in the quantity of data that utilities will need to communicate, manage, and analyze over the next decade. As a result, utilities will invest heavily in technologies enabling them to capitalize on this flood of data, driving the global smart grid market from $12.8 billion today to $34.2 billion in 2020, according to a new report from Lux Research.
“The Data Revolution: How Intelligent Hardware Will Drive the $34 Billion Smart Grid”
In addition to the report, Lux Research will further explore the topic in a complimentary webinar, “Beyond the Meter: How IT and Telecommunication Companies will Benefit from the Expanding Smart Grid,” scheduled for February 9th at 11:00 EST.
The report, titled “The Data Revolution: How Intelligent Hardware Will Drive the $34 Billion Smart Grid,” projects the growth of data over the coming decade, and examines how this growth will drive utility investment in related smart grid applications. Specifically, it models the growth of 13 applications that generate, communicate, or utilize data for the smart grid.
“Many people think ‘smart meters’ when you talk about the smart grid, because meters will generate most of the new data. But the volume of data generated isn’t the only factor fueling growth in the smart grid market,” said Steve Minnihan, a researcher for Lux Research and the report’s lead author.
“Intelligent distribution applications, for example, can isolate an electrical fault and restore power in a matter of seconds. While such applications generate less data than smart meters, their data carries a far greater value.”
In creating its report, Lux Research performed a rigorous bottom-up analysis of existing smart grid project roll-outs as well as targets put forth by utilities and regulating bodies. It also took a top-down approach, factoring in the maximum penetration rates for different grid technologies based on cost-benefit analyses. Among its key findings:
* Led by China, Asia will generate the most growth in smart grid data. With a current market potential of 183 million residential meters, China’s residential market is already 38 percent larger than that of North America. Additionally, given that China’s urban population has grown 2.7 percent annually between 2005 and 2010, its residential meter market will see increasing growth potential over the next decade.
* Intelligent distribution, not smart meters, is the application to watch. The growing smart meter market will plateau at $4 billion mid-decade and begin declining in 2018 as the largest markets approach saturation. Intelligent distribution hardware, conversely, will see continued expansion throughout the decade, fueled by adoption in China and North America.
* Telecom and IT incumbents will ride a wave of growing opportunities. Growing demand for logistics and analysis hardware will lead utilities to adopt technologies developed by the telecommunication and information technology industries. As a result, incumbents like Cisco, General Electric, and Oracle have an explosive growth opportunity in smart grid.
“The Data Revolution: How Intelligent Hardware Will Drive the $34 Billion Smart Grid,” is part of the Lux Smart Grid and Grid Storage Intelligence service. Clients subscribing to this service receive ongoing research on market and technology trends, continuous technology scouting reports and proprietary data points in the weekly Lux Research Smart Grid and Grid Storage Journal, and on-demand inquiry with Lux Research analysts.
While this roll-out promises to usher in an era of more efficient grid management, it also spells a 900 percent increase in the quantity of data that utilities will need to communicate, manage, and analyze over the next decade. As a result, utilities will invest heavily in technologies enabling them to capitalize on this flood of data, driving the global smart grid market from $12.8 billion today to $34.2 billion in 2020, according to a new report from Lux Research.
“The Data Revolution: How Intelligent Hardware Will Drive the $34 Billion Smart Grid”
In addition to the report, Lux Research will further explore the topic in a complimentary webinar, “Beyond the Meter: How IT and Telecommunication Companies will Benefit from the Expanding Smart Grid,” scheduled for February 9th at 11:00 EST.
The report, titled “The Data Revolution: How Intelligent Hardware Will Drive the $34 Billion Smart Grid,” projects the growth of data over the coming decade, and examines how this growth will drive utility investment in related smart grid applications. Specifically, it models the growth of 13 applications that generate, communicate, or utilize data for the smart grid.
“Many people think ‘smart meters’ when you talk about the smart grid, because meters will generate most of the new data. But the volume of data generated isn’t the only factor fueling growth in the smart grid market,” said Steve Minnihan, a researcher for Lux Research and the report’s lead author.
“Intelligent distribution applications, for example, can isolate an electrical fault and restore power in a matter of seconds. While such applications generate less data than smart meters, their data carries a far greater value.”
In creating its report, Lux Research performed a rigorous bottom-up analysis of existing smart grid project roll-outs as well as targets put forth by utilities and regulating bodies. It also took a top-down approach, factoring in the maximum penetration rates for different grid technologies based on cost-benefit analyses. Among its key findings:
* Led by China, Asia will generate the most growth in smart grid data. With a current market potential of 183 million residential meters, China’s residential market is already 38 percent larger than that of North America. Additionally, given that China’s urban population has grown 2.7 percent annually between 2005 and 2010, its residential meter market will see increasing growth potential over the next decade.
* Intelligent distribution, not smart meters, is the application to watch. The growing smart meter market will plateau at $4 billion mid-decade and begin declining in 2018 as the largest markets approach saturation. Intelligent distribution hardware, conversely, will see continued expansion throughout the decade, fueled by adoption in China and North America.
* Telecom and IT incumbents will ride a wave of growing opportunities. Growing demand for logistics and analysis hardware will lead utilities to adopt technologies developed by the telecommunication and information technology industries. As a result, incumbents like Cisco, General Electric, and Oracle have an explosive growth opportunity in smart grid.
“The Data Revolution: How Intelligent Hardware Will Drive the $34 Billion Smart Grid,” is part of the Lux Smart Grid and Grid Storage Intelligence service. Clients subscribing to this service receive ongoing research on market and technology trends, continuous technology scouting reports and proprietary data points in the weekly Lux Research Smart Grid and Grid Storage Journal, and on-demand inquiry with Lux Research analysts.
Avantor Performance Materials has new CEO
PHILLIPBURG, USA: Avantor Performance Materials (formerly Mallinckrodt Baker) has named Jean-Marc Gilson as chief executive officer, responsible for the strategic development and global direction for the performance chemistries and materials company. Gilson was previously executive vice president and general manager of Dow Corning’s Specialty Chemicals business.
As CEO, Gilson will work with the executive chairman, Raj Gupta, and will oversee the company’s core leadership team.
Avantor manufactures and markets high-performance chemistries and materials around the world under two well-known and respected brand names, J.T.Baker and Macron Chemicals (formerly Mallinckrodt Chemicals). These products are widely used in microelectronics and photovoltaic manufacturing; biotechnology and pharmaceutical production; and in research, academic and quality control laboratories.
“Jean-Marc’s strong and diverse background in engineering, technology and general management uniquely suits him for the chief executive officer role,” said Gupta. “In particular, he’s been extraordinarily successful in driving silicon technology business initiatives on a global scale, and will be instrumental in leveraging our success into new business opportunities throughout the world.”
“I’m excited with the opportunity to lead such an innovative and dynamic company during this time of accelerated growth,” said Gilson. “I embrace Raj’s vision for Avantor to become a global leader in performance materials, and I hope to utilize my experience in the international specialty chemicals market to realize and achieve that goal.”
Gilson began his career with Dow Corning in 1989 as a process engineer in Belgium, where he was in charge of polymer process and product development. He earned a series of rapid promotions and served in a number of engineering, financial, manufacturing and leadership management roles in Europe and Asia, and at the company’s headquarters in the United States.
Gilson has focused his career on specialty chemicals and performance materials since 1999, when he was a director of science and technology for Dow Corning’s Specialty Chemicals unit. Under his leadership, the company patented several key new products. In 2003, he was named vice president and general manager for the Advanced Technologies and Venture Business, where he was responsible for a portfolio of activities that included products for the solar, electronics, opto-electronics and semiconductor industries. Gilson relocated to Japan in 2005 as vice president and general manager and Asian area president to oversee the company’s multi-billion dollar global Specialty Chemicals business. He was later named executive vice president of Dow Corning in 2009.
Gilson received a master of chemical engineering degree in 1988 from the University of Liege (Belgium). He earned a master of business administration degree in 1999 from the Institute for Management Development (Switzerland).
As CEO, Gilson will work with the executive chairman, Raj Gupta, and will oversee the company’s core leadership team.
Avantor manufactures and markets high-performance chemistries and materials around the world under two well-known and respected brand names, J.T.Baker and Macron Chemicals (formerly Mallinckrodt Chemicals). These products are widely used in microelectronics and photovoltaic manufacturing; biotechnology and pharmaceutical production; and in research, academic and quality control laboratories.
“Jean-Marc’s strong and diverse background in engineering, technology and general management uniquely suits him for the chief executive officer role,” said Gupta. “In particular, he’s been extraordinarily successful in driving silicon technology business initiatives on a global scale, and will be instrumental in leveraging our success into new business opportunities throughout the world.”
“I’m excited with the opportunity to lead such an innovative and dynamic company during this time of accelerated growth,” said Gilson. “I embrace Raj’s vision for Avantor to become a global leader in performance materials, and I hope to utilize my experience in the international specialty chemicals market to realize and achieve that goal.”
Gilson began his career with Dow Corning in 1989 as a process engineer in Belgium, where he was in charge of polymer process and product development. He earned a series of rapid promotions and served in a number of engineering, financial, manufacturing and leadership management roles in Europe and Asia, and at the company’s headquarters in the United States.
Gilson has focused his career on specialty chemicals and performance materials since 1999, when he was a director of science and technology for Dow Corning’s Specialty Chemicals unit. Under his leadership, the company patented several key new products. In 2003, he was named vice president and general manager for the Advanced Technologies and Venture Business, where he was responsible for a portfolio of activities that included products for the solar, electronics, opto-electronics and semiconductor industries. Gilson relocated to Japan in 2005 as vice president and general manager and Asian area president to oversee the company’s multi-billion dollar global Specialty Chemicals business. He was later named executive vice president of Dow Corning in 2009.
Gilson received a master of chemical engineering degree in 1988 from the University of Liege (Belgium). He earned a master of business administration degree in 1999 from the Institute for Management Development (Switzerland).
eIQ Energy’s parallel solar technology chosen for 1.8 MW solar power installation
SAN JOSE, USA: eIQ Energy’s Parallel Solar technology has been selected for a new 1.8 megawatt solar power installation at a Bee Safe Storage facility in Murrieta, Calif., creating significant up-front cost savings and ongoing energy harvest benefits.
Installation will be completed by EcoOneEnergy of Escondido, Calif., using crystalline solar modules driving multiple inverters.
An array of this size requires thousands of solar modules. Traditionally, they would have been connected in series-wired strings (each typically containing a dozen or two modules), with each string being wired to a combiner box and then routed to an inverter.
By opting instead for the parallel wiring approach enabled by eIQ Energy’s vBoost DC-to-DC voltage optimizer, the need for cabling, combiner boxes, and other hardware is sharply reduced – as is the amount of labor needed during installation. Hardware savings alone on the Bee Safe Storage project will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, more than offsetting the cost of the eIQ Energy vBoost, which are installed on each panel or group of panels.
Over the lifetime of the installation, eIQ Energy’s Parallel Solar technology will also provide distributed MPPT, precision panel-level monitoring of performance, and Web-based access to operational data. The vBoost also eliminates power-sapping interactions between panels on the same string that have different output levels due to shading, soiling, aging, or other issues.
“The Parallel Solar approach was an obvious choice for this installation,” said Eugene Wilkie, CEO of EcoOneEnergy. “It freed up our designers to focus on what would provide the best power output, rather than having to worry about string architecture and voltage management. We’re also saving a substantial amount on combiner boxes, cable and conduit, and the snap-together connection on the vBoost modules are a tremendous time-saver.”
“As we approach the first anniversary of vBoost’s entry into the market, we’re seeing Parallel Solar gaining increasing traction in the marketplace,” noted eIQ Energy CEO Oliver Janssen. “The Bee Safe Storage project is our largest to date, and an indicator of the interest we’re seeing in commercial-scale installations where the cost savings really add up.”
“In addition to generating electricity, the trellis installation at Bee Safe Storage in Murrieta will provide valuable shading for a vehicle storage area located at the storage facility,” stated Mike Delaney, CEO of Bee Safe Storage.
Installation will be completed by EcoOneEnergy of Escondido, Calif., using crystalline solar modules driving multiple inverters.
An array of this size requires thousands of solar modules. Traditionally, they would have been connected in series-wired strings (each typically containing a dozen or two modules), with each string being wired to a combiner box and then routed to an inverter.
By opting instead for the parallel wiring approach enabled by eIQ Energy’s vBoost DC-to-DC voltage optimizer, the need for cabling, combiner boxes, and other hardware is sharply reduced – as is the amount of labor needed during installation. Hardware savings alone on the Bee Safe Storage project will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, more than offsetting the cost of the eIQ Energy vBoost, which are installed on each panel or group of panels.
Over the lifetime of the installation, eIQ Energy’s Parallel Solar technology will also provide distributed MPPT, precision panel-level monitoring of performance, and Web-based access to operational data. The vBoost also eliminates power-sapping interactions between panels on the same string that have different output levels due to shading, soiling, aging, or other issues.
“The Parallel Solar approach was an obvious choice for this installation,” said Eugene Wilkie, CEO of EcoOneEnergy. “It freed up our designers to focus on what would provide the best power output, rather than having to worry about string architecture and voltage management. We’re also saving a substantial amount on combiner boxes, cable and conduit, and the snap-together connection on the vBoost modules are a tremendous time-saver.”
“As we approach the first anniversary of vBoost’s entry into the market, we’re seeing Parallel Solar gaining increasing traction in the marketplace,” noted eIQ Energy CEO Oliver Janssen. “The Bee Safe Storage project is our largest to date, and an indicator of the interest we’re seeing in commercial-scale installations where the cost savings really add up.”
“In addition to generating electricity, the trellis installation at Bee Safe Storage in Murrieta will provide valuable shading for a vehicle storage area located at the storage facility,” stated Mike Delaney, CEO of Bee Safe Storage.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
India to invest in sustainable and energy efficient production technology
BANGALORE, INDIA: Hannover Milano Fairs and Deutsche Messe unveiled the sixth edition of the world's largest forum for metalworking and machine tool industry, EMO Hannover 2011 that will primarily focus on sustainability and resource efficiency in industrial production.
Leading Indian companies including ACE Designers, BFW, Forbes, Geometric, Jyoti CNC Automation, Micromatic Grinding and Pragati among others will showcase innovative solutions that address energy efficiency in production operations at this year's EMO Hannover, to be held between September 19-24, 2011, at Hannover in Germany.
Hannover Milano Fairs India and Deutsche Messe along with the Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU), Germany also jointly announced a strategic collaboration and a MoU between CII, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) and the German Fraunhofer Society, supported by the Indian Ministry, to increase the development and implementation of 'green, clean and energy efficient production technology' in India.
The Indian machine tool industry is laying increasing emphasis on the development of products and processes that allow machines to be designed, produced and operated sustainably. Reducing energy consumption by introducing new drive concepts, extending dry machining to other processes, using alternative cooling techniques and reducing emissions are the center of concerns to the Indian manufacturing industry today.
Machine tools contribute substantially to determining whether new products can even be made, what they will look like and how much they cost," explained Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director at the German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW).
"Many countries including India have recognized the key role played by the machine tool industry and the significance of high-performance manufacturing technology for increasing and updating industrial competitiveness. They therefore promote the development of their domestic machine tool industry or boost imports of cutting-edge technology from established producer countries and an established global trade event such as EMO Hannover is a must attend platform for companies looking to reach out to a larger market and showcase their solutions," he added.
Addressing a round table media meet in Bangalore, Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Member of the Board, Deutsche Messe AG said: "Engineers in the machine tool industry around the world are busy optimizing products and manufacturing processes. This focus has become even more relevant since the recent economic upheaval. Process integration and automation are making steady progress.
"Shorter lead times and optimized work piece costs provide customers an economic advantage, which allows manufacturers to present them with good reasons for making new investments. EMO Hannover 2011 will bring together manufacturing technology players from over 40 countries around the world who will present solutions for current and future challenges in the industry. The globally acknowledged engineering talent in India and the country’s growing manufacturing industry makes it an important and strategic participant in this year’s EMO Hannover."
Leading Indian companies including ACE Designers, BFW, Forbes, Geometric, Jyoti CNC Automation, Micromatic Grinding and Pragati among others will showcase innovative solutions that address energy efficiency in production operations at this year's EMO Hannover, to be held between September 19-24, 2011, at Hannover in Germany.
Hannover Milano Fairs India and Deutsche Messe along with the Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU), Germany also jointly announced a strategic collaboration and a MoU between CII, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) and the German Fraunhofer Society, supported by the Indian Ministry, to increase the development and implementation of 'green, clean and energy efficient production technology' in India.
The Indian machine tool industry is laying increasing emphasis on the development of products and processes that allow machines to be designed, produced and operated sustainably. Reducing energy consumption by introducing new drive concepts, extending dry machining to other processes, using alternative cooling techniques and reducing emissions are the center of concerns to the Indian manufacturing industry today.
Machine tools contribute substantially to determining whether new products can even be made, what they will look like and how much they cost," explained Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director at the German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW).
"Many countries including India have recognized the key role played by the machine tool industry and the significance of high-performance manufacturing technology for increasing and updating industrial competitiveness. They therefore promote the development of their domestic machine tool industry or boost imports of cutting-edge technology from established producer countries and an established global trade event such as EMO Hannover is a must attend platform for companies looking to reach out to a larger market and showcase their solutions," he added.
Addressing a round table media meet in Bangalore, Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Member of the Board, Deutsche Messe AG said: "Engineers in the machine tool industry around the world are busy optimizing products and manufacturing processes. This focus has become even more relevant since the recent economic upheaval. Process integration and automation are making steady progress.
"Shorter lead times and optimized work piece costs provide customers an economic advantage, which allows manufacturers to present them with good reasons for making new investments. EMO Hannover 2011 will bring together manufacturing technology players from over 40 countries around the world who will present solutions for current and future challenges in the industry. The globally acknowledged engineering talent in India and the country’s growing manufacturing industry makes it an important and strategic participant in this year’s EMO Hannover."
CTDC announces completion of first transparent polycrystalline ecological PV application project in China
HONG KONG: China Technology Development Group Corp., a growing clean energy group based in China to provide solar energy products and solutions, announced that the Company has completed the construction of ecological Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) project at Ecological Garden in Xiamen Bay, China.
It is the first Chinese ecological transparent module BIPV project, which has integrated the advanced ecological, environmental friendly concepts and energy-saving techniques.
The PV System is equipped with CTDC's transparent polycrystalline photovoltaic modules under the brand LSP (the "Transparent Modules"). CTDC has been advanced in innovation of high efficiency and high transparency BIPV modules, which are co-designed and powered by European technical institute, Fraunhofer.
These advanced products have also been chosen to work with the on-grid solar power plants in Molfetta and Verona of Italy. The PV System has been designed and installed by our internal engineers and employees. It assumes an installed capacity of 18.6kW and will generate 30,000kWh of electricity power annually, provide clean energy to the park lighting and lawn audio system, and reduce CO2 emissions by 28 tons each year.
Bruno Diaz Herrera, CTO of CTDC, said: "The successful completion of the PV System represents the recognition by the domestic market towards our innovated transparent modules. Looking forward, we will develop various Transparent Modules to cater different market demands, and supply system solutions to clients."
It is the first Chinese ecological transparent module BIPV project, which has integrated the advanced ecological, environmental friendly concepts and energy-saving techniques.
The PV System is equipped with CTDC's transparent polycrystalline photovoltaic modules under the brand LSP (the "Transparent Modules"). CTDC has been advanced in innovation of high efficiency and high transparency BIPV modules, which are co-designed and powered by European technical institute, Fraunhofer.
These advanced products have also been chosen to work with the on-grid solar power plants in Molfetta and Verona of Italy. The PV System has been designed and installed by our internal engineers and employees. It assumes an installed capacity of 18.6kW and will generate 30,000kWh of electricity power annually, provide clean energy to the park lighting and lawn audio system, and reduce CO2 emissions by 28 tons each year.
Bruno Diaz Herrera, CTO of CTDC, said: "The successful completion of the PV System represents the recognition by the domestic market towards our innovated transparent modules. Looking forward, we will develop various Transparent Modules to cater different market demands, and supply system solutions to clients."
KYOCERA solar modules certified by TUV Rheinland after passing independent 'long-term sequential test'
KYOTO, JAPAN: Kyocera Corp. announced that its solar modules are the first in the world to have passed all "Long-Term Sequential Tests" performed by TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd, who independently evaluates quality and reliability of solar modules. The company had announced interim results last October, but now announces the full certification of the testing.
The company's conventional 210-watt solar module was the test subject, and has proven to maintain a constant level of power output throughout the rigorous testing — which compared to standard industry testing methodology evaluates modules over a longer time period.
"Data collected from three large-scale solar power plants in Spain and Thailand show that our modules are performing at an approximately 16 percent higher power output level than the installers' own original estimates," stated Tetsuo Kuba, president of Kyocera Corporation. "TUV Rheinland's test results further prove the high quality of Kyocera modules, and we will continue to ensure the long-term reliability of our products through both internal and external evaluations in the future."
The Long-Term Sequential Test evaluates modules with four sub-tests: Damp Heat, Thermal Cycling, Humidity Freeze, and Bypass Diode. These test the module's overall performance and quality by putting it under harsher conditions than those standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Further, while conventional testing dictates that a separate individual module be used per sub-test, the Long-Term Sequential Test carries out all four sub-tests on the same module, thereby evaluating it under conditions closer to those a product faces over its actual lifetime.
The company's conventional 210-watt solar module was the test subject, and has proven to maintain a constant level of power output throughout the rigorous testing — which compared to standard industry testing methodology evaluates modules over a longer time period.
"Data collected from three large-scale solar power plants in Spain and Thailand show that our modules are performing at an approximately 16 percent higher power output level than the installers' own original estimates," stated Tetsuo Kuba, president of Kyocera Corporation. "TUV Rheinland's test results further prove the high quality of Kyocera modules, and we will continue to ensure the long-term reliability of our products through both internal and external evaluations in the future."
The Long-Term Sequential Test evaluates modules with four sub-tests: Damp Heat, Thermal Cycling, Humidity Freeze, and Bypass Diode. These test the module's overall performance and quality by putting it under harsher conditions than those standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Further, while conventional testing dictates that a separate individual module be used per sub-test, the Long-Term Sequential Test carries out all four sub-tests on the same module, thereby evaluating it under conditions closer to those a product faces over its actual lifetime.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Hanwha SolarOne defines new identity and synergies with Hanwha Group
SHANGHAI, CHINA: Hanwha SolarOne Co. Ltd (f/k/a Solarfun Power Holdings Co. Ltd), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules in China, today expanded upon the significance behind its transition from the "Solarfun" brand name to its new "Hanwha SolarOne" identity.
Hanwha SolarOne is an independent, global, vertically integrated PV module manufacturer. Since 2004, as Solarfun, the Company has built a firm reputation as an established manufacturer, with a competitive cost structure and broad portfolio of high-quality PV products. By changing its name to Hanwha SolarOne, the Company has signaled its new relationship with its largest shareholder Hanwha Chemical Corporation, which offers significant, beneficial synergies.
Hanwha Chemical plans to engage in the production of high-grade crystalline silicon — the raw material used to produce silicon ingots, wafers, and cells — and Hanwha Group is currently engaged in solar project development and financing. Through its strategic partnerships with Hanwha Chemical Corporation and the Hanwha Group, the company will have greater access to both upstream (crystalline silicon) and downstream (project development and financing) resources for the manufacturing and distribution of its high-quality PV modules.
Dr. Peter Xie, president and CEO of Hanwha SolarOne commented: "Hanwha SolarOne represents a redefinition of the solar value chain. With enhanced control of our supply chain through the raw material capabilities of Hanwha Chemical Corporation, and expanded project development capabilities through the Hanwha Group, we believe Hanwha SolarOne will be able to develop a broader PV module portfolio for a wide range of applications in the utility, commercial, and residential markets. Our new name — Hanwha SolarOne — reflects our aspiration to be among the top global PV module manufacturers, while we carry on our same dedication to providing cost-effective, high-quality products to our customers."
In September 2010, South Korea-based Hanwha Chemical invested in Solarfun Power Holdings, purchasing 49.99 percent of its shares.
Hanwha SolarOne is an independent, global, vertically integrated PV module manufacturer. Since 2004, as Solarfun, the Company has built a firm reputation as an established manufacturer, with a competitive cost structure and broad portfolio of high-quality PV products. By changing its name to Hanwha SolarOne, the Company has signaled its new relationship with its largest shareholder Hanwha Chemical Corporation, which offers significant, beneficial synergies.
Hanwha Chemical plans to engage in the production of high-grade crystalline silicon — the raw material used to produce silicon ingots, wafers, and cells — and Hanwha Group is currently engaged in solar project development and financing. Through its strategic partnerships with Hanwha Chemical Corporation and the Hanwha Group, the company will have greater access to both upstream (crystalline silicon) and downstream (project development and financing) resources for the manufacturing and distribution of its high-quality PV modules.
Dr. Peter Xie, president and CEO of Hanwha SolarOne commented: "Hanwha SolarOne represents a redefinition of the solar value chain. With enhanced control of our supply chain through the raw material capabilities of Hanwha Chemical Corporation, and expanded project development capabilities through the Hanwha Group, we believe Hanwha SolarOne will be able to develop a broader PV module portfolio for a wide range of applications in the utility, commercial, and residential markets. Our new name — Hanwha SolarOne — reflects our aspiration to be among the top global PV module manufacturers, while we carry on our same dedication to providing cost-effective, high-quality products to our customers."
In September 2010, South Korea-based Hanwha Chemical invested in Solarfun Power Holdings, purchasing 49.99 percent of its shares.
India to invest in sustainable and energy efficient production technology
CHENNAI, INDIA: Hannover Milano Fairs and Deutsche Messe has unveiled the sixth edition of the world’s largest forum for metalworking and machine tool industry, EMO Hannover 2011 that will primarily focus on sustainability and resource efficiency in industrial production.
Leading Indian companies including ACE Designers, BFW, Forbes, Geometric, Jyoti CNC Automation, Micromatic Grinding and Pragati among others are expected to showcase innovative solutions that address energy efficiency in production operations at this year’s EMO Hannover, to be held between September 19-24, 2011, at Hannover in Germany.
Hannover Milano Fairs India and Deutsche Messe along with the Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU), Germany also jointly announced a strategic collaboration and a MoU between CII, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) and the German Fraunhofer Society, supported by the Indian Ministry, to increase the development and implementation of “green, clean and energy efficient production technology” in India.
The Indian machine tool industry is laying increasing emphasis on the development of products and processes that allow machines to be designed, produced and operated sustainably. Reducing energy consumption by introducing new drive concepts, extending dry machining to other processes, using alternative cooling techniques and reducing emissions are the center of concerns to the Indian manufacturing industry today.
Machine tools contribute substantially to determining whether new products can even be made, what they will look like and how much they cost," explained Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, executive director at the German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW).
“Many countries including India have recognized the key role played by the machine tool industry and the significance of high-performance manufacturing technology for increasing and updating industrial competitiveness. They therefore promote the development of their domestic machine tool industry or boost imports of cutting-edge technology from established producer countries and an established global trade event such as EMO Hannover is a must attend platform for companies looking to reach out to a larger market and showcase their solutions."
Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Member of the Board, Deutsche Messe AG said: "Engineers in the machine tool industry around the world are busy optimizing products and manufacturing processes. This focus has become even more relevant since the recent economic upheaval. Process integration and automation are making steady progress. Shorter lead times and optimized work piece costs provide customers an economic advantage, which allows manufacturers to present them with good reasons for making new investments.
"EMO Hannover 2011 will bring together manufacturing technology players from over 40 countries around the world who will present solutions for current and future challenges in the industry. The globally acknowledged engineering talent in India and the country’s growing manufacturing industry makes it an important and strategic participant in this year’s EMO Hannover.”
Leading Indian companies including ACE Designers, BFW, Forbes, Geometric, Jyoti CNC Automation, Micromatic Grinding and Pragati among others are expected to showcase innovative solutions that address energy efficiency in production operations at this year’s EMO Hannover, to be held between September 19-24, 2011, at Hannover in Germany.
Hannover Milano Fairs India and Deutsche Messe along with the Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU), Germany also jointly announced a strategic collaboration and a MoU between CII, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) and the German Fraunhofer Society, supported by the Indian Ministry, to increase the development and implementation of “green, clean and energy efficient production technology” in India.
The Indian machine tool industry is laying increasing emphasis on the development of products and processes that allow machines to be designed, produced and operated sustainably. Reducing energy consumption by introducing new drive concepts, extending dry machining to other processes, using alternative cooling techniques and reducing emissions are the center of concerns to the Indian manufacturing industry today.
Machine tools contribute substantially to determining whether new products can even be made, what they will look like and how much they cost," explained Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, executive director at the German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW).
“Many countries including India have recognized the key role played by the machine tool industry and the significance of high-performance manufacturing technology for increasing and updating industrial competitiveness. They therefore promote the development of their domestic machine tool industry or boost imports of cutting-edge technology from established producer countries and an established global trade event such as EMO Hannover is a must attend platform for companies looking to reach out to a larger market and showcase their solutions."
Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Member of the Board, Deutsche Messe AG said: "Engineers in the machine tool industry around the world are busy optimizing products and manufacturing processes. This focus has become even more relevant since the recent economic upheaval. Process integration and automation are making steady progress. Shorter lead times and optimized work piece costs provide customers an economic advantage, which allows manufacturers to present them with good reasons for making new investments.
"EMO Hannover 2011 will bring together manufacturing technology players from over 40 countries around the world who will present solutions for current and future challenges in the industry. The globally acknowledged engineering talent in India and the country’s growing manufacturing industry makes it an important and strategic participant in this year’s EMO Hannover.”
KYOCERA expands solar module production capacity
KYOTO, JAPAN: Kyocera Corp. announced that it is increasing its solar module production capacity with the start of construction of its second plant in Kadan, Czech Republic, and the completion of an expanded assembly plant in Tianjin, China.
Following the rapid growth of the solar market in recent years, Kyocera has been continually increasing the production capacity of its cell and module manufacturing facilities across the globe.
Kyocera recently started construction of its second solar module assembly plant in the Czech Republic. The new facility is set to be completed in fall 2011 and will have an annual capacity of 360MW, combining with the existing Czech plant for a total of 560MW per year-- the largest solar module assembly site in the Kyocera Group.
The new plant will be built near the company’s existing Czech plant (est. 2005) which has been supplying solar modules to Europe — the world’s largest market for solar energy. The existing plant has already supplied the company’s high-quality modules for various large-scale projects, including a total of 53.1MW for three solar power plants in Spain.
In 2003, the company’s original Tianjin solar module plant was the first solar module production facility to be established by a Japanese company in China. Operations from the existing plant will be gradually transferred to the new, expanded plant by spring of this year. Once the facility is fully operational, it will have an annual production capacity of 360-megawatts (MW) — approximately 3.5 times more than the site’s current capacity.
The new plants in Europe and Asia combine with the company’s other existing module assembly plants in Japan, Mexico and the US to help meet Kyocera’s annual production target of 1-gigawatt (GW) by FY2013 (ending March 31, 2013). By expanding its production capacity, Kyocera will continue to supply highly reliable solar modules to meet the growing global demand for solar energy.
“Kyocera aims to differentiate itself in the growing solar market through the high performance and high reliability of our products,” stated Tetsuo Kuba, president of Kyocera. “By utilizing our strengths in manufacturing technology and expanding our global production capacity, we will continue to aggressively develop our solar business.”
Following the rapid growth of the solar market in recent years, Kyocera has been continually increasing the production capacity of its cell and module manufacturing facilities across the globe.
Kyocera recently started construction of its second solar module assembly plant in the Czech Republic. The new facility is set to be completed in fall 2011 and will have an annual capacity of 360MW, combining with the existing Czech plant for a total of 560MW per year-- the largest solar module assembly site in the Kyocera Group.
The new plant will be built near the company’s existing Czech plant (est. 2005) which has been supplying solar modules to Europe — the world’s largest market for solar energy. The existing plant has already supplied the company’s high-quality modules for various large-scale projects, including a total of 53.1MW for three solar power plants in Spain.
In 2003, the company’s original Tianjin solar module plant was the first solar module production facility to be established by a Japanese company in China. Operations from the existing plant will be gradually transferred to the new, expanded plant by spring of this year. Once the facility is fully operational, it will have an annual production capacity of 360-megawatts (MW) — approximately 3.5 times more than the site’s current capacity.
The new plants in Europe and Asia combine with the company’s other existing module assembly plants in Japan, Mexico and the US to help meet Kyocera’s annual production target of 1-gigawatt (GW) by FY2013 (ending March 31, 2013). By expanding its production capacity, Kyocera will continue to supply highly reliable solar modules to meet the growing global demand for solar energy.
“Kyocera aims to differentiate itself in the growing solar market through the high performance and high reliability of our products,” stated Tetsuo Kuba, president of Kyocera. “By utilizing our strengths in manufacturing technology and expanding our global production capacity, we will continue to aggressively develop our solar business.”
Photovoltaics-co-operation with juwi Group
WORRSTADT, GERMANY: Energy-efficient buildings are sustainable, energy-producing buildings even more so: Together with juwi group, the Color/Construction business unit of ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe is now offering construction elements featuring integrated roof-parallel photo
juwi group is working with the business unit of ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe in a cooperation agreement. The Color/Construction business unit with its sales department is involved at an early stage in the planning processes for industrial and commercial buildings. The partnership with juwi extends its consulting services to include the use of solar energy in the building envelope.
The photovoltaic systems consist of solar modules installed on special, roof-parallel substructures. The substructure is matched to the roofing elements supplied by ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe. The systems are suitable for both single-skin roofs and roofs made from sandwich panels. For sandwich roofs, the partnership provides an extremely climate- and resource-friendly combination of effective heat insulation and renewable energy generation.
There are two models for financing the photovoltaic systems: Under the first, the roof and solar energy system are owned by the building owner and financed through feed-in tariffs set and guaranteed by law, which also generate additional profit. Under the second, the solar energy system is owned by a third-party investor. The building owner receives rent for the use of the roof area.
The co-operation partners offer a full range of consulting services for the photovoltaic systems, including negotiations with banks, land registry offices and building authorities.
Trade show motto: Steel goes green
ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe is exhibiting at Bau under the motto Steel Goes Green, chosen to emphasize the good environmental performance of steel construction products. The sandwich panels in particular, with their first-class insulating properties, are very energy-efficient and make a sustainable contribution to climate protection.
They offer a simple and low-cost way to meet the requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) for building heat insulation. Since 2009 the ordinance has also applied to industrial buildings.
ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe pursues a holistic sustainability strategy that includes environmental as well as economic and socio-cultural aspects. The trade show presentation in Munich looks at the topic from various angles to show how steel products contribute to sustainable building.
juwi group is working with the business unit of ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe in a cooperation agreement. The Color/Construction business unit with its sales department is involved at an early stage in the planning processes for industrial and commercial buildings. The partnership with juwi extends its consulting services to include the use of solar energy in the building envelope.
The photovoltaic systems consist of solar modules installed on special, roof-parallel substructures. The substructure is matched to the roofing elements supplied by ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe. The systems are suitable for both single-skin roofs and roofs made from sandwich panels. For sandwich roofs, the partnership provides an extremely climate- and resource-friendly combination of effective heat insulation and renewable energy generation.
There are two models for financing the photovoltaic systems: Under the first, the roof and solar energy system are owned by the building owner and financed through feed-in tariffs set and guaranteed by law, which also generate additional profit. Under the second, the solar energy system is owned by a third-party investor. The building owner receives rent for the use of the roof area.
The co-operation partners offer a full range of consulting services for the photovoltaic systems, including negotiations with banks, land registry offices and building authorities.
Trade show motto: Steel goes green
ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe is exhibiting at Bau under the motto Steel Goes Green, chosen to emphasize the good environmental performance of steel construction products. The sandwich panels in particular, with their first-class insulating properties, are very energy-efficient and make a sustainable contribution to climate protection.
They offer a simple and low-cost way to meet the requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) for building heat insulation. Since 2009 the ordinance has also applied to industrial buildings.
ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe pursues a holistic sustainability strategy that includes environmental as well as economic and socio-cultural aspects. The trade show presentation in Munich looks at the topic from various angles to show how steel products contribute to sustainable building.
Tegal and se2quel Partners form new company in solar utility development
PETALUMA, USA: Tegal Corp. announced that it has formed, along with se2quel Partners LLC, a new company dedicated to the development and operation of large scale photovoltaic (PV)-based solar utilities in the United States, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
Over the past three years, se2quel Partners, under the leadership of Ferdinand Seemann, a solar technology expert and former Independent Director of Tegal, has developed a unique approach (with patents pending) to develop, build and operate PV-based utilities on the scale of 1,000+ megawatts (1GW), which are cost competitive with conventional energy sources.
Currently, se2quel Partners has over 10 active projects with major partners in various stages of analyzing and developing solar utilities in six different countries within the global sunbelt.
The global PV market is expected to grow between 20 percent and 36 percent annually between 2011 and 2014, with the United States accounting for only 10 percent of the forecasted total of 40 GW installed annually by 2014.
While the utility-scale segment accounted for less than 13 percent of the total PV market in the USA in 2009, it is the fastest growth segment of the PV industry and is expected to exceed 35 percent of the total by 2014.
sequel Power, a newly-formed Delaware limited liability company, will take over the existing projects, along with the technology, know-how and related infrastructure of se2quel Partners. Tegal has contributed $2 million in cash for a majority voting interest and an approximate 25 percent economic stake in the new company.
As additional consideration, Tegal has granted warrants to purchase a total of 928,884 shares of Tegal common stock at an exercise price of $0.63 per share to se2quel Partners and se2quel Management GmbH, which represents approximately 11 percent of Tegal’s total shares outstanding. Ferdinand Seemann will serve as the new company’s full-time president and CEO, while Thomas Mika, president and CEO of Tegal, will serve as its executive chairman.
Over the past three years, se2quel Partners, under the leadership of Ferdinand Seemann, a solar technology expert and former Independent Director of Tegal, has developed a unique approach (with patents pending) to develop, build and operate PV-based utilities on the scale of 1,000+ megawatts (1GW), which are cost competitive with conventional energy sources.
Currently, se2quel Partners has over 10 active projects with major partners in various stages of analyzing and developing solar utilities in six different countries within the global sunbelt.
The global PV market is expected to grow between 20 percent and 36 percent annually between 2011 and 2014, with the United States accounting for only 10 percent of the forecasted total of 40 GW installed annually by 2014.
While the utility-scale segment accounted for less than 13 percent of the total PV market in the USA in 2009, it is the fastest growth segment of the PV industry and is expected to exceed 35 percent of the total by 2014.
sequel Power, a newly-formed Delaware limited liability company, will take over the existing projects, along with the technology, know-how and related infrastructure of se2quel Partners. Tegal has contributed $2 million in cash for a majority voting interest and an approximate 25 percent economic stake in the new company.
As additional consideration, Tegal has granted warrants to purchase a total of 928,884 shares of Tegal common stock at an exercise price of $0.63 per share to se2quel Partners and se2quel Management GmbH, which represents approximately 11 percent of Tegal’s total shares outstanding. Ferdinand Seemann will serve as the new company’s full-time president and CEO, while Thomas Mika, president and CEO of Tegal, will serve as its executive chairman.
Insect Eyes inspire improved solar cells
WASHINGTON, USA: The eyes of moths, which allow them to see well at night, are also covered with a water-repellent, antireflective coating that makes their eyes among the least reflective surfaces in nature and helps them hide from predators in the dark.
Mimicking the moth eye's microstructure, a team of researchers in Japan has created a new film, suitable for mass-production, for covering solar cells that can cut down on the amount of reflected light and help capture more power from the sun.
In a paper appearing in Energy Express, a bi-monthly supplement to Optics Express, the open-access journal published by the Optical Society (OSA), the team describes how this film improves the performance of photovoltaic modules in laboratory and field experiments, and they calculate how the anti-reflection film would improve the yearly performance of solar cells deployed over large areas in either Tokyo, Japan or Phoenix, Ariz.
"Surface reflections are an essential loss for any type of photovoltaic module, and ultimately low reflections are desired," says Noboru Yamada, a scientist at Nagaoka University of Technology Japan, who led the research with colleagues at Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd. and Tokyo Metropolitan University.
The team chose to look at the effect of deploying this antireflective moth-eye film on solar cells in Phoenix and Tokyo because Phoenix is a "sunbelt" city, with high annual amount of direct sunlight, while Tokyo is well outside the sunbelt region with a high fraction of diffuse solar radiation.
They estimate that the films would improve the annual efficiency of solar cells by 6 percent in Phoenix and by 5 percent in Tokyo.
"People may think this improvement is very small, but the efficiency of photovoltaics is just like fuel consumption rates of road vehicles," says Yamada. "Every little bit helps."
Yamada and his colleagues found the inspiration for this new technology a few years ago after they began looking for a broad-wavelength and omnidirectional antireflective structure in nature. The eyes of the moth were the best they found.
The difficulty in making the film, says Yamada, was designing a seamless, high-throughput roll-to-roll process for nanoimprinting the film. This was ultimately solved by Hideki Masuda, one of the authors on the Energy Express paper, and his colleagues at Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd.
The team is now working on improving the durability of the film and optimizing it for many different types of solar cells. They also believe the film could be applied as an anti-reflection coating to windows and computer displays.
Mimicking the moth eye's microstructure, a team of researchers in Japan has created a new film, suitable for mass-production, for covering solar cells that can cut down on the amount of reflected light and help capture more power from the sun.
In a paper appearing in Energy Express, a bi-monthly supplement to Optics Express, the open-access journal published by the Optical Society (OSA), the team describes how this film improves the performance of photovoltaic modules in laboratory and field experiments, and they calculate how the anti-reflection film would improve the yearly performance of solar cells deployed over large areas in either Tokyo, Japan or Phoenix, Ariz.
"Surface reflections are an essential loss for any type of photovoltaic module, and ultimately low reflections are desired," says Noboru Yamada, a scientist at Nagaoka University of Technology Japan, who led the research with colleagues at Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd. and Tokyo Metropolitan University.
The team chose to look at the effect of deploying this antireflective moth-eye film on solar cells in Phoenix and Tokyo because Phoenix is a "sunbelt" city, with high annual amount of direct sunlight, while Tokyo is well outside the sunbelt region with a high fraction of diffuse solar radiation.
They estimate that the films would improve the annual efficiency of solar cells by 6 percent in Phoenix and by 5 percent in Tokyo.
"People may think this improvement is very small, but the efficiency of photovoltaics is just like fuel consumption rates of road vehicles," says Yamada. "Every little bit helps."
Yamada and his colleagues found the inspiration for this new technology a few years ago after they began looking for a broad-wavelength and omnidirectional antireflective structure in nature. The eyes of the moth were the best they found.
The difficulty in making the film, says Yamada, was designing a seamless, high-throughput roll-to-roll process for nanoimprinting the film. This was ultimately solved by Hideki Masuda, one of the authors on the Energy Express paper, and his colleagues at Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd.
The team is now working on improving the durability of the film and optimizing it for many different types of solar cells. They also believe the film could be applied as an anti-reflection coating to windows and computer displays.
Friday, January 21, 2011
United Solar and Solar Integrated provide Coca-Cola with major PV installations in record time
VERONA, ITALY: Solar Integrated Technologies GmbH, an Energy Conversion Devices company, and power company ContourGlobal have made rapid progress on green energy solutions on four different sites of Coca-Cola Hellenic (CCH) Bottling Company S.A. using thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules powered by UNI-SOLAR.
The sites were finished in the shortest possible timeframe, completed by year-end - in time to benefit from this year's feed-in tariffs.
Initiated by ContourGlobal, a solution based on UNI-SOLAR was once again chosen for PV installations on four CCH sites in Italy, following other installations in Europe and the U.S. The PV systems in Marcianise (905 kWp), Nogara (1249 kWp), Oricola (622 kWp) and in Monticchio (472 kWp) will help CCH, well known for its environmental corporate responsibility, to produce clean energy while reducing its carbon footprint. All solar systems combined will generate an estimated 3,330 megawatt hours per year, saving about 1,770 tons per year in CO2 emissions.
ContourGlobal is the system owner and operator that provided financing and integrated the solar energy systems into a larger energy savings program for CCH, providing further benefits towards their efforts to further reduce its carbon footprint and increase the energy efficiency of its operations.
The decision to partner with United Solar and Solar Integrated was due to CCH's requirement of a low-impact PV installation on the rooftops of their facilities. Both UNI-SOLAR-based products used in the installation - PowerPlate and PowerTilt - are light-weight and adapt perfectly to the architectural design, while generating high energy yields.
Solar Integrated's PowerPlate consists of flexible UNI-SOLAR thin-film PV laminates adhered to an aluminum-zinc coated steel sheet, ideally suited for metal roofs. PowerTilt is a new addition to UNI-SOLAR's product portfolio, optimizing a high-performing technology by 10-20 percent, and making even low-sloped roofs accessible for PV installations.
Solar Integrated's engineering capacity end experience in the field of photovoltaic installations was one of the driving factors behind the decision for Solar Integrated and UNI-SOLAR brand products. As an expert in rooftop PV applications, Solar Integrated has more than 350 projects with a capacity of over 30 MWp installed to date.
The sites were finished in the shortest possible timeframe, completed by year-end - in time to benefit from this year's feed-in tariffs.
Initiated by ContourGlobal, a solution based on UNI-SOLAR was once again chosen for PV installations on four CCH sites in Italy, following other installations in Europe and the U.S. The PV systems in Marcianise (905 kWp), Nogara (1249 kWp), Oricola (622 kWp) and in Monticchio (472 kWp) will help CCH, well known for its environmental corporate responsibility, to produce clean energy while reducing its carbon footprint. All solar systems combined will generate an estimated 3,330 megawatt hours per year, saving about 1,770 tons per year in CO2 emissions.
ContourGlobal is the system owner and operator that provided financing and integrated the solar energy systems into a larger energy savings program for CCH, providing further benefits towards their efforts to further reduce its carbon footprint and increase the energy efficiency of its operations.
The decision to partner with United Solar and Solar Integrated was due to CCH's requirement of a low-impact PV installation on the rooftops of their facilities. Both UNI-SOLAR-based products used in the installation - PowerPlate and PowerTilt - are light-weight and adapt perfectly to the architectural design, while generating high energy yields.
Solar Integrated's PowerPlate consists of flexible UNI-SOLAR thin-film PV laminates adhered to an aluminum-zinc coated steel sheet, ideally suited for metal roofs. PowerTilt is a new addition to UNI-SOLAR's product portfolio, optimizing a high-performing technology by 10-20 percent, and making even low-sloped roofs accessible for PV installations.
Solar Integrated's engineering capacity end experience in the field of photovoltaic installations was one of the driving factors behind the decision for Solar Integrated and UNI-SOLAR brand products. As an expert in rooftop PV applications, Solar Integrated has more than 350 projects with a capacity of over 30 MWp installed to date.
KYOCERA expands solar module production capacity with two new assembly plants in Czech Republic and China
KYOTO, JAPAN: Kyocera Corp. announced that it is increasing its solar module production capacity with the start of construction of its second plant in Kadan, Czech Republic, and the completion of an expanded assembly plant in Tianjin, China.
Following the rapid growth of the solar market in recent years, Kyocera has been continually increasing the production capacity of its cell and module manufacturing facilities across the globe.
Kyocera recently started construction of its second solar module assembly plant in the Czech Republic. The new facility is set to be completed in fall 2011 and will have an annual capacity of 360-megawatts (MW), combining with the existing Czech plant for a total of 560MW per year -- the largest solar module assembly site in the Kyocera Group.
The new plant will be built near the company's existing Czech plant (est. 2005) which has been supplying solar modules to Europe -- the world's largest market for solar energy. The existing plant has already supplied the company's high-quality modules for various large-scale projects, including a total of 53.1MW for three solar power plants in Spain.
In 2003, the company's original Tianjin solar module plant was the first solar module production facility to be established by a Japanese company in China. Operations from the existing plant will be gradually transferred to the new, expanded plant by spring of this year. Once the facility is fully operational, it will have an annual production capacity of 360MW -- approximately 3.5 times more than the site's current capacity.
The new plants in Europe and Asia combine with the company's other existing module assembly plants in Japan, Mexico and the U.S. to help meet Kyocera's annual production target of 1-gigawatt (GW) by FY2013 (ending March 31, 2013). By expanding its production capacity, Kyocera will continue to supply highly reliable solar modules to meet the growing global demand for solar energy.
"Kyocera aims to differentiate itself in the growing solar market through the high performance and high reliability of our products," stated Tetsuo Kuba, president of Kyocera Corporation. "By utilizing our strengths in manufacturing technology and expanding our global production capacity, we will continue to aggressively develop our solar business."
Following the rapid growth of the solar market in recent years, Kyocera has been continually increasing the production capacity of its cell and module manufacturing facilities across the globe.
Kyocera recently started construction of its second solar module assembly plant in the Czech Republic. The new facility is set to be completed in fall 2011 and will have an annual capacity of 360-megawatts (MW), combining with the existing Czech plant for a total of 560MW per year -- the largest solar module assembly site in the Kyocera Group.
The new plant will be built near the company's existing Czech plant (est. 2005) which has been supplying solar modules to Europe -- the world's largest market for solar energy. The existing plant has already supplied the company's high-quality modules for various large-scale projects, including a total of 53.1MW for three solar power plants in Spain.
In 2003, the company's original Tianjin solar module plant was the first solar module production facility to be established by a Japanese company in China. Operations from the existing plant will be gradually transferred to the new, expanded plant by spring of this year. Once the facility is fully operational, it will have an annual production capacity of 360MW -- approximately 3.5 times more than the site's current capacity.
The new plants in Europe and Asia combine with the company's other existing module assembly plants in Japan, Mexico and the U.S. to help meet Kyocera's annual production target of 1-gigawatt (GW) by FY2013 (ending March 31, 2013). By expanding its production capacity, Kyocera will continue to supply highly reliable solar modules to meet the growing global demand for solar energy.
"Kyocera aims to differentiate itself in the growing solar market through the high performance and high reliability of our products," stated Tetsuo Kuba, president of Kyocera Corporation. "By utilizing our strengths in manufacturing technology and expanding our global production capacity, we will continue to aggressively develop our solar business."
GT Solar receives $33.3 million order for sapphire crystallization furnaces from South Korea-based OCI
MERRIMACK, USA: GT Solar International Inc., a global provider of polysilicon production technology, and sapphire and silicon crystalline growth systems and materials for the solar, LED and other specialty markets, announced that it has received a $33.3 million order from South Korea-based OCI Co., Ltd. for its sapphire crystallization furnaces.
The order marks OCI’s entrance into the fast-growing LED industry, and is GT Solar’s first commercial sale of its sapphire crystallization furnaces into the important Korea LED market. OCI will use the furnaces to produce high quality sapphire material, the fundamental substrate material used to manufacture a wide range of LED products such as high brightness LEDs. The order will be included in GT Solar’s backlog for its current Q4 FY11, which ends on April 2, 2011.
“We are very pleased that OCI has selected our advanced sapphire crystallization furnaces to support their entrance into the LED market,” said Tom Gutierrez, GT Solar’s president and CEO.
“This is the third order for our sapphire crystallization furnaces in the last two months from leading PV manufacturers that are entering the LED market. We worked closely with OCI several years ago when they launched their polysilicon production operations helping them to become one of the PV industry’s leading producers of polysilicon. We look forward to working with them again as they enter the high-growth LED industry.”
GT Solar has enabled new market entrants in the PV industry to establish productive and profitable manufacturing operations with its proven crystallization process technology and global support resources. PV manufacturers with expertise in the production of crystalline materials are targeting the LED market as a new opportunity.
Yole Développment, a leading LED industry research firm, predicts that the LED market will grow at a CAGR of approximately 20.5% from 2010 through 2015.
The order marks OCI’s entrance into the fast-growing LED industry, and is GT Solar’s first commercial sale of its sapphire crystallization furnaces into the important Korea LED market. OCI will use the furnaces to produce high quality sapphire material, the fundamental substrate material used to manufacture a wide range of LED products such as high brightness LEDs. The order will be included in GT Solar’s backlog for its current Q4 FY11, which ends on April 2, 2011.
“We are very pleased that OCI has selected our advanced sapphire crystallization furnaces to support their entrance into the LED market,” said Tom Gutierrez, GT Solar’s president and CEO.
“This is the third order for our sapphire crystallization furnaces in the last two months from leading PV manufacturers that are entering the LED market. We worked closely with OCI several years ago when they launched their polysilicon production operations helping them to become one of the PV industry’s leading producers of polysilicon. We look forward to working with them again as they enter the high-growth LED industry.”
GT Solar has enabled new market entrants in the PV industry to establish productive and profitable manufacturing operations with its proven crystallization process technology and global support resources. PV manufacturers with expertise in the production of crystalline materials are targeting the LED market as a new opportunity.
Yole Développment, a leading LED industry research firm, predicts that the LED market will grow at a CAGR of approximately 20.5% from 2010 through 2015.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
2010 revenues for PV equipment suppliers driven by products offered and customers targeted
USA: PV equipment spending by c-Si ingot-to-module and thin-film panel manufacturers reached record levels during 2010, growing by 88 percent Y/Y to $10.4 billion, as annualized ramped manufacturing capacity increased to 28.8GW. Moreover, further expansion plans announced by PV cell manufacturers for 2011 and 2012 indicate that equipment spending is projected grow by a further 10 percent in 2011.
At first glance, these headline figures might suggest that all PV equipment manufacturers, previously engaged within the PV supply-chain prior to 2010, have been reporting record revenues and accumulating strong order backlogs for shipment during 2011.
Source: Solarbuzz.
In practice however, this assumption applies only to certain tool builders: not the entire supply-chain.
During 2010, PV equipment suppliers had their breadth of product portfolio, PV technology types served, and geographic sales coverage put firmly to the test.
Indeed, strategic planning across these themes has now emerged as a leading indicator of market-share and performance of PV equipment suppliers for 2011. This article discusses factors which impacted most on PV equipment spending during 2010, and explains why product positioning and target customer selection will continue to guide the fortunes of equipment suppliers in 2011 and beyond.
All data and graphs shown are adapted from analysis contained within the new Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report, released January 17, 2011.
Tier 1 c-Si producers impose their strategy and roadmaps onto supply-chain
While the GW+ aspirations of the tier 1 c-Si producers in China and Taiwan had a profound impact on c-Si cell manufacturing competitiveness during 2010, the effect on the PV equipment supply-chain has been equally significant and far reaching. Not only have c-Si tool revenues and backlogs migrated from legacy c-Si manufacturing hubs, but equipment supplier preferences and technology roadmap adoption rates have been reset.
As a result, the performance of individual c-Si equipment suppliers during 2010 was largely a reflection of how well positioned they were to react to these changes.
At end Q4'10, ramped c-Si cell manufacturing capacity in China and Taiwan represented 67 percent of worldwide c-Si capacity, with 65 percent categorized as tier 1 enabled (low processing costs, volume production, strong market acceptance for product). During 2010, equipment shipped for c-Si cell expansions within these two countries represented over 75 percent of tool revenues available to the supply-chain.
New entrants to c-Si cell manufacturing continued to provide a viable (albeit diminishing) opportunity for turn-key c-Si line suppliers, less influenced by tier 1 tool preferences in China and Taiwan: but the majority of equipment spending (~90 percent) during 2010 was for single process tools from key equipment suppliers.
Indigenous tool builders historically aligned closely with early PV capacity in Japan and Europe - who were relying mainly on new c-Si ingot-to-cell expansions within these regions - represented some of the biggest casualties during 2010.
This was particularly evident in the declining revenues and backlogs from various European c-Si ingot furnace equipment suppliers and Japanese c-Si cell process tool suppliers who had previously enjoyed strong PV-specific revenue growth during 2005 to 2009.
The c-Si manufacturing shift from Europe to China has also impacted on high-efficiency c-Si roadmaps and adoption rates for new process equipment. While first generation high-efficiency c-Si cells received strong visibility within the R&D community and European c-Si expansions were accompanied by high-profile regionally-funded R&D programmes, Chinese c-Si cell manufacturers are exhibiting considerably more in-house ownership of high-efficiency roadmaps today.
This is matched by a somewhat more pragmatic approach to new cell types, with greater emphasis during 2010 placed on process cost reduction than efficiency enhancement as a lower risk means of scaling production quickly to meet downstream demand.
At first glance, these headline figures might suggest that all PV equipment manufacturers, previously engaged within the PV supply-chain prior to 2010, have been reporting record revenues and accumulating strong order backlogs for shipment during 2011.
Source: Solarbuzz.In practice however, this assumption applies only to certain tool builders: not the entire supply-chain.
During 2010, PV equipment suppliers had their breadth of product portfolio, PV technology types served, and geographic sales coverage put firmly to the test.
Indeed, strategic planning across these themes has now emerged as a leading indicator of market-share and performance of PV equipment suppliers for 2011. This article discusses factors which impacted most on PV equipment spending during 2010, and explains why product positioning and target customer selection will continue to guide the fortunes of equipment suppliers in 2011 and beyond.
All data and graphs shown are adapted from analysis contained within the new Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report, released January 17, 2011.
Tier 1 c-Si producers impose their strategy and roadmaps onto supply-chain
While the GW+ aspirations of the tier 1 c-Si producers in China and Taiwan had a profound impact on c-Si cell manufacturing competitiveness during 2010, the effect on the PV equipment supply-chain has been equally significant and far reaching. Not only have c-Si tool revenues and backlogs migrated from legacy c-Si manufacturing hubs, but equipment supplier preferences and technology roadmap adoption rates have been reset.
As a result, the performance of individual c-Si equipment suppliers during 2010 was largely a reflection of how well positioned they were to react to these changes.
At end Q4'10, ramped c-Si cell manufacturing capacity in China and Taiwan represented 67 percent of worldwide c-Si capacity, with 65 percent categorized as tier 1 enabled (low processing costs, volume production, strong market acceptance for product). During 2010, equipment shipped for c-Si cell expansions within these two countries represented over 75 percent of tool revenues available to the supply-chain.
New entrants to c-Si cell manufacturing continued to provide a viable (albeit diminishing) opportunity for turn-key c-Si line suppliers, less influenced by tier 1 tool preferences in China and Taiwan: but the majority of equipment spending (~90 percent) during 2010 was for single process tools from key equipment suppliers.
Indigenous tool builders historically aligned closely with early PV capacity in Japan and Europe - who were relying mainly on new c-Si ingot-to-cell expansions within these regions - represented some of the biggest casualties during 2010.
This was particularly evident in the declining revenues and backlogs from various European c-Si ingot furnace equipment suppliers and Japanese c-Si cell process tool suppliers who had previously enjoyed strong PV-specific revenue growth during 2005 to 2009.
The c-Si manufacturing shift from Europe to China has also impacted on high-efficiency c-Si roadmaps and adoption rates for new process equipment. While first generation high-efficiency c-Si cells received strong visibility within the R&D community and European c-Si expansions were accompanied by high-profile regionally-funded R&D programmes, Chinese c-Si cell manufacturers are exhibiting considerably more in-house ownership of high-efficiency roadmaps today.
This is matched by a somewhat more pragmatic approach to new cell types, with greater emphasis during 2010 placed on process cost reduction than efficiency enhancement as a lower risk means of scaling production quickly to meet downstream demand.
Latest solar price survey
TAIWAN: According to a price survey conducted by EnergyTrend, a research division of TrendForce Corp., solar spot prices slightly decreased this week. The decrease was within 1 percent, a number smaller than last week. It is also considered to be approaching the bottom price for manufacturers. Yet, EnergyTrend believes that within a few weeks the price may stabilize if there is not major unexpected market catalyst.
The average quotation of cells also dropped from $1.2/Watt to $1.19/Watt, while the module declined slightly to $1.59/Watt. The average price of poly silicon reached $69.5/Kg and wafer reached $3.59/Piece. On the other hand, thin film price remained stable and concentrator PV and solar inverter fell slightly.
Looking forward at the future, German government is considering making further adjustments on subsidy policy in mid 2011, which might lead to a surge in demand for installation in Q1 and Q2, 2011. However, the bill is still pending and thus EnergyTrend believes that the market condition may gradually become clear in the end of February.
The average quotation of cells also dropped from $1.2/Watt to $1.19/Watt, while the module declined slightly to $1.59/Watt. The average price of poly silicon reached $69.5/Kg and wafer reached $3.59/Piece. On the other hand, thin film price remained stable and concentrator PV and solar inverter fell slightly.
Looking forward at the future, German government is considering making further adjustments on subsidy policy in mid 2011, which might lead to a surge in demand for installation in Q1 and Q2, 2011. However, the bill is still pending and thus EnergyTrend believes that the market condition may gradually become clear in the end of February.
Enphase Energy surpasses 500,000 units shipped
PETALUMA, USA: Enphase Energy, the global leader in solar microinverter systems, announced that it has shipped more than 500,000 microinverters to date and plans to triple production capacity in 2011 to meet accelerating demand within residential and commercial solar projects.
“The pace at which Enphase Microinverters are gaining traction is substantially altering the makeup of today’s solar market,” said Paul Nahi, CEO of Enphase Energy. “Not only are we shipping more inverters than any other company in the world, but we’re also actively monitoring more of them through our monitoring service, Enlighten. This is revolutionizing the way solar systems are being sold, installed and managed.”
Enphase’s unique approach to solar inverters utilizes design and manufacturing approaches more commonly seen in the high tech electronics industry. For example, Enphase Microinverters are digitally controlled by a custom semiconductor chip, which also provides built-in monitoring and networking capabilities.
“By embracing similar manufacturing and supply chain practices, Enphase is in a position to benefit from the cost-reduction and high-volume manufacturing advantages also enjoyed by the world’s top electronics companies,” said Greg Sheppard, chief research officer for IHS iSuppli, a research firm tracking photovoltaic supply chain performance.
“Enphase is one of our fastest growing customers,” said EC Sykes, president of Flextronics Industrial. “Our global network of world-class manufacturing sites and complex manufacturing capabilities enable us to scale and support Enphase’s steep growth within the solar industry.”
Enphase’s growth was also recently cited in an analysis by Stifel Financial Corp., a full-service regional brokerage and investment bank, as picking up substantial market share in California solar installations.
The analysis of over 74,000 solar project applications recorded in the California Solar Initiative (CSI) database reveal Enphase reached over 13 percent market share in 2010 residential installations up to 10kW, up from 5.3 percent in 2009. Results also show growth in commercial systems ranging from 10-100kW, with Enphase capturing 9.3 percent in 2010, up from 3 percent in 2009.
“The pace at which Enphase Microinverters are gaining traction is substantially altering the makeup of today’s solar market,” said Paul Nahi, CEO of Enphase Energy. “Not only are we shipping more inverters than any other company in the world, but we’re also actively monitoring more of them through our monitoring service, Enlighten. This is revolutionizing the way solar systems are being sold, installed and managed.”
Enphase’s unique approach to solar inverters utilizes design and manufacturing approaches more commonly seen in the high tech electronics industry. For example, Enphase Microinverters are digitally controlled by a custom semiconductor chip, which also provides built-in monitoring and networking capabilities.
“By embracing similar manufacturing and supply chain practices, Enphase is in a position to benefit from the cost-reduction and high-volume manufacturing advantages also enjoyed by the world’s top electronics companies,” said Greg Sheppard, chief research officer for IHS iSuppli, a research firm tracking photovoltaic supply chain performance.
“Enphase is one of our fastest growing customers,” said EC Sykes, president of Flextronics Industrial. “Our global network of world-class manufacturing sites and complex manufacturing capabilities enable us to scale and support Enphase’s steep growth within the solar industry.”
Enphase’s growth was also recently cited in an analysis by Stifel Financial Corp., a full-service regional brokerage and investment bank, as picking up substantial market share in California solar installations.
The analysis of over 74,000 solar project applications recorded in the California Solar Initiative (CSI) database reveal Enphase reached over 13 percent market share in 2010 residential installations up to 10kW, up from 5.3 percent in 2009. Results also show growth in commercial systems ranging from 10-100kW, with Enphase capturing 9.3 percent in 2010, up from 3 percent in 2009.
Solar3D shapes operational plan for 3-D solar cell development
SANTA BARBARA, USA: Solar3D Inc., the developer of a breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity, has announced details of its plan for the development of the company’s solar cell.
“Our research, analysis, and experimentation to date have allowed us to outline our development process and timetable with a high degree of confidence,” said Jim Nelson, CEO of Solar3D. “We are ahead of the original schedule that we set for ourselves in terms of timing and expected output.”
Inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic devices, the company’s innovative solar cell technology utilizes a 3-dimensional design to trap sunlight inside micro-photovoltaic structures where photons bounce around until they are converted into electrons. The company’s management believes that this breakthrough solar cell will dramatically change the economics of solar energy.
“Our research, analysis, and experimentation to date have allowed us to outline our development process and timetable with a high degree of confidence,” said Jim Nelson, CEO of Solar3D. “We are ahead of the original schedule that we set for ourselves in terms of timing and expected output.”
Inspired by light management techniques used in fiber optic devices, the company’s innovative solar cell technology utilizes a 3-dimensional design to trap sunlight inside micro-photovoltaic structures where photons bounce around until they are converted into electrons. The company’s management believes that this breakthrough solar cell will dramatically change the economics of solar energy.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
GT Solar announces DSS650 multicrystalline ingot growth system
MERRIMACK, USA: GT Solar International Inc., a global provider of polysilicon production technology, and sapphire and silicon crystalline growth systems and materials for the solar, LED and other specialty markets, announced the commercial release of the DSS™650, the newest version of its industry-leading, multicrystalline ingot growth systems for the solar PV industry.
The DSS650 produces ingots greater than 600 kilograms and delivers the same high quality performance and reliability that its customers, many of whom are the world’s leading PV manufacturers, expect from GT Solar’s multicrystalline growth furnaces.
“GT Solar continues to actively invest in advanced technologies that deliver value to our customers,” said Tom Gutierrez, GT Solar’s president and CEO. “Our field-tested DSS650 sets a new standard for cost-effective, high volume, multicrystalline silicon ingot growth systems greater than 600 kilograms, which help PV manufacturers lower their production costs and improve their competitive position. As the leading provider of PV crystalline growth technology and services with over 2,200 DSS systems in the field, GT Solar provides a path to high volume production and a lower cost of ownership.”
The DSS650 furnace is a product of GT Solar’s world-class, advanced R&D and production engineering. GT Solar leverages its extensive crystalline growth know-how to ensure that its PV crystalline growth furnaces deliver industry-leading system reliability and performance.
The DSS650 produces the PV industry’s largest ingots at a proven reliability level sufficient for high volume commercial production. In addition to lowering ingot production costs, the new system helps manufacturers reduce the cost of their wafer operations because the taller form factor of the bricks optimizes and improves the utilization of the wafer saw beam. This, in turn, improves yield by increasing the amount of good wafers produced.
The DSS650 also incorporates new changes to its proprietary hot zone technology, which improve system performance and control during the ingot growth process, and optimize the new process recipe required to produce larger ingots in high volume PV production environments.
The new DSS650 systems continue GT Solar’s proven track record of helping its customers achieve greater value from their equipment. Customers can upgrade their current DSS furnaces to take advantage of the higher throughput and performance of the new DSS650. GT Solar received its first order for the new systems from Korea-based PV manufacturer Nexolon who will install the new DSS650 as part of their wafer capacity expansion program
The DSS650 produces ingots greater than 600 kilograms and delivers the same high quality performance and reliability that its customers, many of whom are the world’s leading PV manufacturers, expect from GT Solar’s multicrystalline growth furnaces.
“GT Solar continues to actively invest in advanced technologies that deliver value to our customers,” said Tom Gutierrez, GT Solar’s president and CEO. “Our field-tested DSS650 sets a new standard for cost-effective, high volume, multicrystalline silicon ingot growth systems greater than 600 kilograms, which help PV manufacturers lower their production costs and improve their competitive position. As the leading provider of PV crystalline growth technology and services with over 2,200 DSS systems in the field, GT Solar provides a path to high volume production and a lower cost of ownership.”
The DSS650 furnace is a product of GT Solar’s world-class, advanced R&D and production engineering. GT Solar leverages its extensive crystalline growth know-how to ensure that its PV crystalline growth furnaces deliver industry-leading system reliability and performance.
The DSS650 produces the PV industry’s largest ingots at a proven reliability level sufficient for high volume commercial production. In addition to lowering ingot production costs, the new system helps manufacturers reduce the cost of their wafer operations because the taller form factor of the bricks optimizes and improves the utilization of the wafer saw beam. This, in turn, improves yield by increasing the amount of good wafers produced.
The DSS650 also incorporates new changes to its proprietary hot zone technology, which improve system performance and control during the ingot growth process, and optimize the new process recipe required to produce larger ingots in high volume PV production environments.
The new DSS650 systems continue GT Solar’s proven track record of helping its customers achieve greater value from their equipment. Customers can upgrade their current DSS furnaces to take advantage of the higher throughput and performance of the new DSS650. GT Solar received its first order for the new systems from Korea-based PV manufacturer Nexolon who will install the new DSS650 as part of their wafer capacity expansion program
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
AMSC announces additional D-VAR orders for grid interconnection of wind farms in the UK
DEVENS, USA: American Superconductor Corp. has received several new orders for its proprietary D-VAR reactive compensation solution for wind farms in the United Kingdom, including two orders from Manchester, England-based Nordex UK Ltd.
AMSC’s D-VAR Intelligent Grid solutions will now be deployed at 15 wind farms in the United Kingdom. Manufactured in Middleton, WI, AMSC’s D-VAR solutions are now being used to safely interconnect wind farms in a total of six countries around the world. Orders for AMSC’s D-VAR solution for wind farm grid interconnection reached a new record in 2010, more than doubling over 2009 levels. AMSC expects to continue to grow this portion of its power grid business as a result of the rising global demand for clean, zero-emission energy.
“Nordex is committed to providing optimal wind power quality for power grid operators,” said David Horsfield, Head of Engineering, Nordex UK Ltd. “Our guiding principle is to harness the wind intelligently. AMSC’s D-VAR solution assists in providing a safe interconnection of wind-generated electricity to the power grid, which is fundamental to bringing this clean energy resource online.”
Nordex UK Ltd. is part of the German-based Nordex Group, which has subsidiaries in 10 countries with key markets in Europe, China and the United States. The two D-VAR solutions provided to Nordex UK Ltd. under these new contracts will be used to enable extensions of the company’s Kilbraur and Millennium wind farms located in Scotland to meet local grid interconnection requirements. AMSC’s D-VAR solutions have been successfully providing system-wide voltage control at the initial phases of both of these wind farms.
“The United Kingdom’s wind power market continues to grow strongly as the country strives to meet its objective of deriving 15% percent of its total energy consumption from renewables by 2020,” said AMSC President and Chief Operating Officer Dan McGahn. “Nordex is a key enabler of this emerging market. We are pleased to partner with this leading company to help the United Kingdom to meet its clean energy objectives.”
In 2009, the United Kingdom installed over a gigawatt (GW) of new wind capacity, bringing its total installed capacity to more than 4 GW, according to the Global Wind Energy Council. Industry research firm IHS Emerging Energy Research expects the United Kingdom’s total capacity of onshore and offshore wind power will exceed 40 GW by 2025.
Intelligent Grid solutions are utilized to fortify power networks to enable them to become more resilient and efficient, which are requirements for the effective wide-spread application of new technologies such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure and plug-in electric vehicles.
D-VAR STATCOM systems are Intelligent Grid solutions that constantly monitor the power grid and automatically and instantly stabilize voltage to enable higher power transfer through existing power lines with increased reliability and efficiency. AMSC’s D-VAR solutions are also utilized to reliably interconnect sources of renewable energy to power grids.
AMSC’s D-VAR customers include more than 20 electric utilities and over 70 wind farms worldwide.
AMSC’s D-VAR Intelligent Grid solutions will now be deployed at 15 wind farms in the United Kingdom. Manufactured in Middleton, WI, AMSC’s D-VAR solutions are now being used to safely interconnect wind farms in a total of six countries around the world. Orders for AMSC’s D-VAR solution for wind farm grid interconnection reached a new record in 2010, more than doubling over 2009 levels. AMSC expects to continue to grow this portion of its power grid business as a result of the rising global demand for clean, zero-emission energy.
“Nordex is committed to providing optimal wind power quality for power grid operators,” said David Horsfield, Head of Engineering, Nordex UK Ltd. “Our guiding principle is to harness the wind intelligently. AMSC’s D-VAR solution assists in providing a safe interconnection of wind-generated electricity to the power grid, which is fundamental to bringing this clean energy resource online.”
Nordex UK Ltd. is part of the German-based Nordex Group, which has subsidiaries in 10 countries with key markets in Europe, China and the United States. The two D-VAR solutions provided to Nordex UK Ltd. under these new contracts will be used to enable extensions of the company’s Kilbraur and Millennium wind farms located in Scotland to meet local grid interconnection requirements. AMSC’s D-VAR solutions have been successfully providing system-wide voltage control at the initial phases of both of these wind farms.
“The United Kingdom’s wind power market continues to grow strongly as the country strives to meet its objective of deriving 15% percent of its total energy consumption from renewables by 2020,” said AMSC President and Chief Operating Officer Dan McGahn. “Nordex is a key enabler of this emerging market. We are pleased to partner with this leading company to help the United Kingdom to meet its clean energy objectives.”
In 2009, the United Kingdom installed over a gigawatt (GW) of new wind capacity, bringing its total installed capacity to more than 4 GW, according to the Global Wind Energy Council. Industry research firm IHS Emerging Energy Research expects the United Kingdom’s total capacity of onshore and offshore wind power will exceed 40 GW by 2025.
Intelligent Grid solutions are utilized to fortify power networks to enable them to become more resilient and efficient, which are requirements for the effective wide-spread application of new technologies such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure and plug-in electric vehicles.
D-VAR STATCOM systems are Intelligent Grid solutions that constantly monitor the power grid and automatically and instantly stabilize voltage to enable higher power transfer through existing power lines with increased reliability and efficiency. AMSC’s D-VAR solutions are also utilized to reliably interconnect sources of renewable energy to power grids.
AMSC’s D-VAR customers include more than 20 electric utilities and over 70 wind farms worldwide.
Environmental permitting final for AV Solar ranch one
TEMPE, USA: First Solar Inc. announced that the Environmental Impact Report for the 230 megawatt AV Solar Ranch One photovoltaic solar project in Los Angeles County has become final and non-appealable.
This milestone occurred on January 7, 2011, 30 days after the county Board of Supervisors unanimously rejected an appeal from an earlier decision of the Los Angeles Regional Planning Commission approving the Conditional Use Permit and related Environmental Impact Report for the project.
Parties had 30 days from the Board of Supervisors action within which to initiate a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court challenging the Board’s decision, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. No legal actions were filed.
Construction is expected to begin in 2011, and the project to be completed by the end of 2013. During construction, the project will employ up to 400 workers.
This milestone occurred on January 7, 2011, 30 days after the county Board of Supervisors unanimously rejected an appeal from an earlier decision of the Los Angeles Regional Planning Commission approving the Conditional Use Permit and related Environmental Impact Report for the project.
Parties had 30 days from the Board of Supervisors action within which to initiate a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court challenging the Board’s decision, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. No legal actions were filed.
Construction is expected to begin in 2011, and the project to be completed by the end of 2013. During construction, the project will employ up to 400 workers.
Monday, January 17, 2011
PV equipment suppliers post record backlogs in Q4'10
SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Quarterly PV manufacturing equipment spending by c-Si ingot-to-module and thin-film panel producers grew for the sixth consecutive quarter during Q4'10 to $2.9 billion, as double-digit Q/Q manufacturing capacity growth continued to grip the PV industry.
Rising equipment demand from Asian cell manufacturers will be the primary driver of global industry revenues during 2011, forecast to grow from $10.7 billion in 2010 to $11.7 billion.
Driven by vertical integration aspirations of tier 1 Chinese c-Si producers and strong investment into existing and emerging thin-film technologies, a further 1.25 GW of quarterly manufacturing capacity came online during Q4'10, bringing annualized c-Si cell and thin-film panel capacity added during 2010 to 11.5 GW, according to the latest Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report.
Source: SolarBuzz, USA.
"Equipment suppliers aligned with tier 1 customer expansions and their process technology trends are posting record quarterly revenues, while at the same time accumulating tool backlogs in excess of trailing twelve month (ttm) revenues," noted Finlay Colville, senior analyst at Solarbuzz.
"Leading equipment suppliers Applied Materials, Centrotherm, GT Solar and Meyer Burger are now trending with ttm PV revenues exceeding $500 million, while emerging process tool suppliers such as Amtech Systems, DEK-Solar, Despatch Industries and Jusung Engineering are projected to post Y/Y PV-specific revenue growth rates between 220 percent and 360 percent."
With strong capacity expansions in excess of 60 percent Y/Y also announced for 2011, bookings for preferred equipment suppliers are driving tool backlogs to levels that have not been seen since 2008, when high-value turn-key thin-film business was a key contributor. At end Q4'10, there are now 20 equipment suppliers with order backlogs in excess of $100 million, with the majority of these orders scheduled for shipment during 1H'11.
The total PV equipment backlog saw 26 percent Y/Y growth vs. Q4'09, reflected in the PV Book-to-Bill ratio, which averaged well above parity (1.24) for 2010 and peaked at an eight-quarter-high of 1.7 during Q2'10.
Applied Materials remains PV revenue leader for 2010, but Centrotherm positioned for No. 1 Spot in 2011
Q4'10 equipment spending patterns were again characterized by themes having a dramatic effect on the market-share and performance of PV equipment suppliers. Tier 1 c-Si manufacturers remain committed to capacity expansion by placing high-volume orders on preferred process tool suppliers. CIGS and CdTe expansions provided strong bookings for a variety of thin-film deposition tool suppliers, often based on customized product offerings.
Asian based turn-key equipment suppliers continued to dominate a-Si/uc-Si bookings and shipments, analogous to Applied Materials, Oerlikon and ULVAC's market entry several years ago. However, it was the geographic shift in PV manufacturing to China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia that represented the greatest opportunity for the equipment supply-chain, with 85 percent of c-Si cell revenues and 60 percent of thin-film revenues during 2010 attributed to PV manufacturers across these regions.
Revenues available for tool suppliers from European PV manufacturers continue to decline. Collectively, Centrotherm and Roth-&-Rau generated only 12 percent of PV revenues from European customers in 2010, compared to 33 percent back in 2008.
The leading equipment beneficiary during 2010 was Applied Materials with strong process tool supply to tier 1 cell manufacturers, supplemented by deferred revenue recognition from legacy turn-key thin-film shipments. Full year PV-specific revenue estimates of $1.3-1.5 billion are more than US$500M greater than any other PV equipment supplier for 2010.
In 2011, equipment spending for the c-Si ingot-to-module and thin-film panel segment is forecast to grow to $11.7 billion, but remains subject to a number of uncertainties. This includes the precise phasing of expansions enacted by all thin-film manufacturers (with the exception of First Solar) and the effects of possible c-Si module over-supply during 1H'11.
Leading equipment suppliers will be those with both strong market-share and a broad range of products spread across the various served addressable markets for PV equipment suppliers today.
With a flexible product portfolio spanning the entire c-Si value-chain and the option of supplying either single process tools or turn-key c-Si lines, Centrotherm has emerged as the equipment supplier to watch during 2011. Revenues in 2010 increased each quarter with over 75 percent coming from single process c-Si tools, heavily weighted towards end-users across Asia.
In addition, the capability to offer standard or high-efficiency c-Si lines and upgrade packages completes a balanced portfolio, which can readily adapt to changes in customer profile or demand.
"Understanding that the total addressable market for PV equipment suppliers is comprised of different served market segments remains an essential part of equipment suppliers' growth strategies," adds Colville.
Each equipment segment has unique commercial challenges including: competitive landscape, revenue growth rates, technology roadmaps, and supply-chain preferences.
The Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report provides the tools to enable PV equipment suppliers to navigate around these challenges by identifying target customers or competitors, equipment revenues on offer down to the key process tool level, and the precise timing of each PV manufacturer's announced fab expansion plans by quarter out to 2014.
Rising equipment demand from Asian cell manufacturers will be the primary driver of global industry revenues during 2011, forecast to grow from $10.7 billion in 2010 to $11.7 billion.
Driven by vertical integration aspirations of tier 1 Chinese c-Si producers and strong investment into existing and emerging thin-film technologies, a further 1.25 GW of quarterly manufacturing capacity came online during Q4'10, bringing annualized c-Si cell and thin-film panel capacity added during 2010 to 11.5 GW, according to the latest Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report.
Source: SolarBuzz, USA."Equipment suppliers aligned with tier 1 customer expansions and their process technology trends are posting record quarterly revenues, while at the same time accumulating tool backlogs in excess of trailing twelve month (ttm) revenues," noted Finlay Colville, senior analyst at Solarbuzz.
"Leading equipment suppliers Applied Materials, Centrotherm, GT Solar and Meyer Burger are now trending with ttm PV revenues exceeding $500 million, while emerging process tool suppliers such as Amtech Systems, DEK-Solar, Despatch Industries and Jusung Engineering are projected to post Y/Y PV-specific revenue growth rates between 220 percent and 360 percent."
With strong capacity expansions in excess of 60 percent Y/Y also announced for 2011, bookings for preferred equipment suppliers are driving tool backlogs to levels that have not been seen since 2008, when high-value turn-key thin-film business was a key contributor. At end Q4'10, there are now 20 equipment suppliers with order backlogs in excess of $100 million, with the majority of these orders scheduled for shipment during 1H'11.
The total PV equipment backlog saw 26 percent Y/Y growth vs. Q4'09, reflected in the PV Book-to-Bill ratio, which averaged well above parity (1.24) for 2010 and peaked at an eight-quarter-high of 1.7 during Q2'10.
Applied Materials remains PV revenue leader for 2010, but Centrotherm positioned for No. 1 Spot in 2011
Q4'10 equipment spending patterns were again characterized by themes having a dramatic effect on the market-share and performance of PV equipment suppliers. Tier 1 c-Si manufacturers remain committed to capacity expansion by placing high-volume orders on preferred process tool suppliers. CIGS and CdTe expansions provided strong bookings for a variety of thin-film deposition tool suppliers, often based on customized product offerings.
Asian based turn-key equipment suppliers continued to dominate a-Si/uc-Si bookings and shipments, analogous to Applied Materials, Oerlikon and ULVAC's market entry several years ago. However, it was the geographic shift in PV manufacturing to China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia that represented the greatest opportunity for the equipment supply-chain, with 85 percent of c-Si cell revenues and 60 percent of thin-film revenues during 2010 attributed to PV manufacturers across these regions.
Revenues available for tool suppliers from European PV manufacturers continue to decline. Collectively, Centrotherm and Roth-&-Rau generated only 12 percent of PV revenues from European customers in 2010, compared to 33 percent back in 2008.
The leading equipment beneficiary during 2010 was Applied Materials with strong process tool supply to tier 1 cell manufacturers, supplemented by deferred revenue recognition from legacy turn-key thin-film shipments. Full year PV-specific revenue estimates of $1.3-1.5 billion are more than US$500M greater than any other PV equipment supplier for 2010.
In 2011, equipment spending for the c-Si ingot-to-module and thin-film panel segment is forecast to grow to $11.7 billion, but remains subject to a number of uncertainties. This includes the precise phasing of expansions enacted by all thin-film manufacturers (with the exception of First Solar) and the effects of possible c-Si module over-supply during 1H'11.
Leading equipment suppliers will be those with both strong market-share and a broad range of products spread across the various served addressable markets for PV equipment suppliers today.
With a flexible product portfolio spanning the entire c-Si value-chain and the option of supplying either single process tools or turn-key c-Si lines, Centrotherm has emerged as the equipment supplier to watch during 2011. Revenues in 2010 increased each quarter with over 75 percent coming from single process c-Si tools, heavily weighted towards end-users across Asia.
In addition, the capability to offer standard or high-efficiency c-Si lines and upgrade packages completes a balanced portfolio, which can readily adapt to changes in customer profile or demand.
"Understanding that the total addressable market for PV equipment suppliers is comprised of different served market segments remains an essential part of equipment suppliers' growth strategies," adds Colville.
Each equipment segment has unique commercial challenges including: competitive landscape, revenue growth rates, technology roadmaps, and supply-chain preferences.
The Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report provides the tools to enable PV equipment suppliers to navigate around these challenges by identifying target customers or competitors, equipment revenues on offer down to the key process tool level, and the precise timing of each PV manufacturer's announced fab expansion plans by quarter out to 2014.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Indian solar energy players must be unified
This news has been taken from Indo Asian News Service.
AHMEDABAD, INDIA: With the solar energy sector picking up rapidly and many parties joining it, there is need to bring all solar energy players under one umbrella to achieve a common goal, a leading expert said here, Tuesday.
Over 950 megawatt worth of solar power purchase agreements have been signed recently by more than 80 different parties and solar energy activities picking up rapidly, both off grid and on grid. All solar energy players need to be brought under one umbrella to achieve a common goal, Pranav Mehta, founder chairman of Solar Energy Association, said.
He was speaking at the launch of the Solar Energy Association of Gujarat at the Ahmedabad Management Association here.
Doctor J.J. Irani, former national president of the Confederation of Indian Industries and director of Tata Sons, formally launched the Gujarat chapter of the association.
Mehta added that solar Energy should be accorded the same priority as space and nuclear activities at the national level with similar resource allocation and administration.
'The present target of 20,000 MW is too low and should be revised upwards to at least 50,000 MW by 2030,' he proposed.
Key solar energy players like Sun Edison, GMR Energy, Abellon Clean Energy, Kiran Energy, Enam Infrastructure, Electrotherm Renewables, Mahindra Solar among others attended the launch.
AHMEDABAD, INDIA: With the solar energy sector picking up rapidly and many parties joining it, there is need to bring all solar energy players under one umbrella to achieve a common goal, a leading expert said here, Tuesday.
Over 950 megawatt worth of solar power purchase agreements have been signed recently by more than 80 different parties and solar energy activities picking up rapidly, both off grid and on grid. All solar energy players need to be brought under one umbrella to achieve a common goal, Pranav Mehta, founder chairman of Solar Energy Association, said.
He was speaking at the launch of the Solar Energy Association of Gujarat at the Ahmedabad Management Association here.
Doctor J.J. Irani, former national president of the Confederation of Indian Industries and director of Tata Sons, formally launched the Gujarat chapter of the association.
Mehta added that solar Energy should be accorded the same priority as space and nuclear activities at the national level with similar resource allocation and administration.
'The present target of 20,000 MW is too low and should be revised upwards to at least 50,000 MW by 2030,' he proposed.
Key solar energy players like Sun Edison, GMR Energy, Abellon Clean Energy, Kiran Energy, Enam Infrastructure, Electrotherm Renewables, Mahindra Solar among others attended the launch.
SINGULUS receives another major order for solar plant
KAHL AM MAIN, GERMANY: The SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG (SINGULUS) was able to conclude another contract for five Selenisierungsanlagen for CIS thin-film solar cells.
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES, in 2009, had developed in close cooperation with AVANCIS GmbH & Co. KG (AVANCIS) a new process plant for thin-film solar technology in early 2010 and received an initial order for 19 million €. The follow-on order from Hyundai Avancis with over 30 million € exceeding this volume significantly.
"The CIS technology is a relatively new manufacturing process that is already very successful and still has much more potential for cost reduction and efficiency improvement," said Hartmut Fischer, CEO of AVANCIS. "The facilities of SINGULUS is a critical component in our factory for CIS solar cells. SINGULUS why we have again selected as supplier for our FAB 3 of our joint venture for the production of CIS thin film solar modules in South Korea."
This order is another important step SINGULUS to establish itself successfully in the growing solar market with new facilities. Dr. Ing. Stefan Rinck, CEO of SINGULUS: "We are pleased with the new order and see us as confirmation that the CIS thin film technology, the groundbreaking technology of the future, it is very important to us that we are for this, very successfully developing solar technology. will provide the essential production machinery for the production of electricity-generating layer."
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES, in 2009, had developed in close cooperation with AVANCIS GmbH & Co. KG (AVANCIS) a new process plant for thin-film solar technology in early 2010 and received an initial order for 19 million €. The follow-on order from Hyundai Avancis with over 30 million € exceeding this volume significantly.
"The CIS technology is a relatively new manufacturing process that is already very successful and still has much more potential for cost reduction and efficiency improvement," said Hartmut Fischer, CEO of AVANCIS. "The facilities of SINGULUS is a critical component in our factory for CIS solar cells. SINGULUS why we have again selected as supplier for our FAB 3 of our joint venture for the production of CIS thin film solar modules in South Korea."
This order is another important step SINGULUS to establish itself successfully in the growing solar market with new facilities. Dr. Ing. Stefan Rinck, CEO of SINGULUS: "We are pleased with the new order and see us as confirmation that the CIS thin film technology, the groundbreaking technology of the future, it is very important to us that we are for this, very successfully developing solar technology. will provide the essential production machinery for the production of electricity-generating layer."
Friday, January 14, 2011
REC to sell assets from module operation
SANDVIKA, SWEDEN: REC has entered into an agreement with Perfekta Solar AB regarding the sale of assets as a consequence of the earlier announced decision to discontinue the module operation in Glava, Sweden.
The transaction of SEK 47 million includes the property in Glava and most of the production equipment.
The transaction of SEK 47 million includes the property in Glava and most of the production equipment.
Orkla sells Elkem to China National Bluestar
OSLO, NORWAY: Orkla ASA has signed a binding agreement with China National Bluestar (Group) Co. Ltd (Bluestar) for the purchase and sale of Elkem.
The transaction comprises Elkem Silicon Materials, Elkem Foundry Products, Elkem Carbon and Elkem Solar. According to the agreement, the sales price is USD 2 billion for Elkem before closing- and capital structure adjustments.
The agreement includes the 1.5 TWh/year power contract Orkla acquired last year which will ensure that Elkem’s smelting plants in Norway will have a secure and long-term competitive power base. Orkla will remain the owner of the shares in Elkem Energi AS, including its 85 percent stake in AS Saudefaldene.
Bluestar is a leading China-based international chemicals and new materials company, with 2010 sales in excess of USD 6 billion and Head Office in Beijing. The company is 80 percent owned by the Chinese state-owned company ChemChina, with the remaining 20 percent owned by the US private equity firm Blackstone Group. Since 2006 Bluestar has performed a number of international acquisitions, including Adisseo and Rhodia’s Silicones business in France, and the Australian company Qenos.
Elkem will become an important part of Bluestar’s operations going forward. With this transaction Bluestar will strengthen its competitiveness in the silicone industry and broaden its footprint in adjacent markets. All of Elkem’s business areas and technologies are important for supporting the booming Chinese economy and will help the country in reaching its global climate targets.
Elkem Solar’s technology for the highly energy-efficient and environment-friendly production of solar-grade silicon reduces the risk of emitting environmentally damaging substances and enjoys a significantly lower energy consumption than traditional technologies. Elkem is in a worldwide leading position in this new technology.
The transaction comprises Elkem Silicon Materials, Elkem Foundry Products, Elkem Carbon and Elkem Solar. According to the agreement, the sales price is USD 2 billion for Elkem before closing- and capital structure adjustments.
The agreement includes the 1.5 TWh/year power contract Orkla acquired last year which will ensure that Elkem’s smelting plants in Norway will have a secure and long-term competitive power base. Orkla will remain the owner of the shares in Elkem Energi AS, including its 85 percent stake in AS Saudefaldene.
Bluestar is a leading China-based international chemicals and new materials company, with 2010 sales in excess of USD 6 billion and Head Office in Beijing. The company is 80 percent owned by the Chinese state-owned company ChemChina, with the remaining 20 percent owned by the US private equity firm Blackstone Group. Since 2006 Bluestar has performed a number of international acquisitions, including Adisseo and Rhodia’s Silicones business in France, and the Australian company Qenos.
Elkem will become an important part of Bluestar’s operations going forward. With this transaction Bluestar will strengthen its competitiveness in the silicone industry and broaden its footprint in adjacent markets. All of Elkem’s business areas and technologies are important for supporting the booming Chinese economy and will help the country in reaching its global climate targets.
Elkem Solar’s technology for the highly energy-efficient and environment-friendly production of solar-grade silicon reduces the risk of emitting environmentally damaging substances and enjoys a significantly lower energy consumption than traditional technologies. Elkem is in a worldwide leading position in this new technology.
CNPV inaugurates first largest utility scale 7MW solar power project in Shandong province
LUXEMBOURG & DONGYING, CHINA: CNPV Solar Power SA, a public limited liability company organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products, recently announced the inauguration and hand-over of the first largest utility scale 7MW solar power project in the Shandong Province.
The inauguration on the 29th of December 2010 was presided over by Li Jinkun, Deputy Mayor of Dongying City. Alongside him were other senior provincial and city government officials who have also provided support from the point of conception.
Upon handing over the solar power project to the Chinese nation he enthused: “This project has a striking impact for our Country; not only will we reap the environmental benefits, but also the commercial advantages. Our support for future projects is assured, as we develop and promote green energy for our nation and region. I applaud our collective efforts on this positive progress.”
As part of the National Golden Sun Demonstration Project, the project was designed, developed and implemented by CNPV to fully demonstrate the real life capability of solar power generation. Utilising CNPV high power, high efficiency Premium modules that the Company produces, the 7MW rating significantly exceeds the trial projects previously installed as proof of concept.
This project, with an estimated investment of $25 million, is particularly suited to promote Shandong Province and the City of Dongying as leaders at the forefront of green energy production, as well as promoting the specific benefits of solar PV power generation. The solar power project’s electricity is enough for 8,000 homes and is produced without the 8,000 tonnes per year of carbon dioxide released or 4,000 tonnes per year of coal consumption that accompanies a traditional, coal-fired generator’s equivalent output.
Zhang Shunfu CEO and B. Veerraju Chaudary, COO, CTO & Member of the Board of CNPV jointly said: "Our success in developing and exhibiting this technology is a major milestone on the road of national solar photovoltaic power acceptance. CNPV is very pleased and honoured to play a leading role in the development of the first largest utility scale on-grid 7MW solar PV power plant in Shandong Province, which represents a major milestone in the development of China's renewable energy industry.
"We applaud the decisive steps taken by China's central government and local government to support sustainable energy development and establish a greener economy in China. With closer cooperation between strategic energy investors, power developers and solution providers, we are confident that solar energy will become increasingly cost effective and achieve grid parity in many locations over the next few years.' We are supremely grateful to our strong internal team and the outstanding unswerving support from leading government officials. Together we have demonstrated that our City can play a principal role in the world’s green energy transformation and are subsequently now actively exploring our next and bigger venture."
CNPV inauguration ceremony of Shandong first largest utility scale 7MW solar power project in Dongying City.
The inauguration on the 29th of December 2010 was presided over by Li Jinkun, Deputy Mayor of Dongying City. Alongside him were other senior provincial and city government officials who have also provided support from the point of conception.
Upon handing over the solar power project to the Chinese nation he enthused: “This project has a striking impact for our Country; not only will we reap the environmental benefits, but also the commercial advantages. Our support for future projects is assured, as we develop and promote green energy for our nation and region. I applaud our collective efforts on this positive progress.”
As part of the National Golden Sun Demonstration Project, the project was designed, developed and implemented by CNPV to fully demonstrate the real life capability of solar power generation. Utilising CNPV high power, high efficiency Premium modules that the Company produces, the 7MW rating significantly exceeds the trial projects previously installed as proof of concept.
This project, with an estimated investment of $25 million, is particularly suited to promote Shandong Province and the City of Dongying as leaders at the forefront of green energy production, as well as promoting the specific benefits of solar PV power generation. The solar power project’s electricity is enough for 8,000 homes and is produced without the 8,000 tonnes per year of carbon dioxide released or 4,000 tonnes per year of coal consumption that accompanies a traditional, coal-fired generator’s equivalent output.
Zhang Shunfu CEO and B. Veerraju Chaudary, COO, CTO & Member of the Board of CNPV jointly said: "Our success in developing and exhibiting this technology is a major milestone on the road of national solar photovoltaic power acceptance. CNPV is very pleased and honoured to play a leading role in the development of the first largest utility scale on-grid 7MW solar PV power plant in Shandong Province, which represents a major milestone in the development of China's renewable energy industry.
"We applaud the decisive steps taken by China's central government and local government to support sustainable energy development and establish a greener economy in China. With closer cooperation between strategic energy investors, power developers and solution providers, we are confident that solar energy will become increasingly cost effective and achieve grid parity in many locations over the next few years.' We are supremely grateful to our strong internal team and the outstanding unswerving support from leading government officials. Together we have demonstrated that our City can play a principal role in the world’s green energy transformation and are subsequently now actively exploring our next and bigger venture."
CNPV inauguration ceremony of Shandong first largest utility scale 7MW solar power project in Dongying City.
Evergreen Solar to close Devens manufacturing facility
MARLBORO, USA: Evergreen Solar Inc., a manufacturer of String Ribbon solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology, announced its intent to shut down operations at its Devens manufacturing facility to better position the company to pursue its industry standard size wafer strategy and preserve the company’s liquidity.
The company also provided updates on its industry standard wafer development activities and selected preliminary results for the quarter ended December 31, 2010.
The company intends to completely shut down the Devens manufacturing facility by the end of the first quarter of 2011. Michael El-Hillow, president and CEO, explained the considerations behind the company’s decision.
“While overall demand for solar may increase, we expect that significant capacity expansions in low cost manufacturing regions combined with potential adverse changes in government subsidies in several markets in Europe will likely result in continuing pressure on selling prices throughout 2011. Solar manufacturers in China have received considerable government and financial support and, together with their low manufacturing costs, have become price leaders within the industry. While the United States and other western industrial economies are beneficiaries of rapidly declining installation costs of solar energy, we expect the United States will continue to be at a disadvantage from a manufacturing standpoint.”
El-Hillow added: “Although production costs at our Devens facility have steadily decreased, and are now below originally planned levels and lower than most western manufacturers, they are still much higher than those of our low cost competitors in China. We have consistently stated during quarterly conference calls throughout 2010 that we would continue to manufacture in Devens as long as it was economically feasible.
"During the month of December, we experienced a 10 percent decrease in average selling prices from the beginning of the fourth quarter. As industry selling prices continue their rapid declines into 2011, panel manufacturing in Devens, either fully or partially, is no longer economically feasible, consequently requiring a complete shutdown of the facility. We believe this is the right long-term decision for the Company, and better positions the Company to complete its previously announced recapitalization plan and pursue the company’s strategy of becoming the low cost producer of industry standard size wafers."
Evergreen Solar will continue to operate its high temperature filament plant in Midland, Michigan and its wafer facility in Wuhan, China. With approximately 75 megawatts of installed wafer capacity in Wuhan, the company will continue to supply its outsourcing partner with wafers for conversion into Evergreen Solar branded solar panels.
Expected financial impact of Devens closure
As a result of the closure of the Devens manufacturing facility, the Company expects to incur non-cash charges of approximately $340 million associated with the write-off of existing building, facilities and equipment.
Further, approximately $150 million of intangible and cash-related prepayments associated with various silicon contracts are under review to determine whether additional non-cash charges will be required. These charges are expected to impact both the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, and the amount of the charges will be determined during the company’s preparation of its annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.
In addition to the non-cash charges mentioned above, the company expects to incur approximately $15 million of costs associated with employee severance and out placement services, facility decommissioning and other costs required to close the facility. These cash charges are expected to be incurred over a twelve month period. In total, the Company expects that approximately 800 employees will be affected by this action.
In addition to eliminating the risks associated with continued manufacturing in a high cost market in a period of rapidly declining prices, the company expects that a complete facility shutdown will help preserve cash and facilitate the company’s pursuit of the wafer strategy discussed below.
Wafer technology update
Development activities associated with the Company’s industry standard size String Ribbon wafer have progressed substantially in the second half of 2010, resulting in the production of more than 60,000 wafers manufactured using modified existing quad ribbon furnaces.
These wafers are performing comparably to those produced using the company’s existing furnaces in Devens and China. Ten prototype furnaces will be installed and the company will begin producing industry standard size wafers in much greater quantities this quarter. Pilot production of approximately 25 megawatts is expected to begin by the fourth quarter of 2011.
El-Hillow commented: “We have expanded our discussions with established solar companies in low cost regions and have provided samples of our industry standard wafers for their evaluation. Preliminary results have been positive and we have also begun in-depth negotiations to obtain significant financial support for our wafer manufacturing expansion on terms similar to what we received for our current wafer facility in Wuhan.
"Initial interest is high as we have shared the early results of development with potential partners. Our future expansion will be based on the industry standard size wafer, which is central to our strategy of manufacturing the lowest cost wafer, in an industry standard form factor, and providing a wafer that would enable the lowest cost solar panel utilizing multi-crystalline silicon wafers."
The company also provided updates on its industry standard wafer development activities and selected preliminary results for the quarter ended December 31, 2010.
The company intends to completely shut down the Devens manufacturing facility by the end of the first quarter of 2011. Michael El-Hillow, president and CEO, explained the considerations behind the company’s decision.
“While overall demand for solar may increase, we expect that significant capacity expansions in low cost manufacturing regions combined with potential adverse changes in government subsidies in several markets in Europe will likely result in continuing pressure on selling prices throughout 2011. Solar manufacturers in China have received considerable government and financial support and, together with their low manufacturing costs, have become price leaders within the industry. While the United States and other western industrial economies are beneficiaries of rapidly declining installation costs of solar energy, we expect the United States will continue to be at a disadvantage from a manufacturing standpoint.”
El-Hillow added: “Although production costs at our Devens facility have steadily decreased, and are now below originally planned levels and lower than most western manufacturers, they are still much higher than those of our low cost competitors in China. We have consistently stated during quarterly conference calls throughout 2010 that we would continue to manufacture in Devens as long as it was economically feasible.
"During the month of December, we experienced a 10 percent decrease in average selling prices from the beginning of the fourth quarter. As industry selling prices continue their rapid declines into 2011, panel manufacturing in Devens, either fully or partially, is no longer economically feasible, consequently requiring a complete shutdown of the facility. We believe this is the right long-term decision for the Company, and better positions the Company to complete its previously announced recapitalization plan and pursue the company’s strategy of becoming the low cost producer of industry standard size wafers."
Evergreen Solar will continue to operate its high temperature filament plant in Midland, Michigan and its wafer facility in Wuhan, China. With approximately 75 megawatts of installed wafer capacity in Wuhan, the company will continue to supply its outsourcing partner with wafers for conversion into Evergreen Solar branded solar panels.
Expected financial impact of Devens closure
As a result of the closure of the Devens manufacturing facility, the Company expects to incur non-cash charges of approximately $340 million associated with the write-off of existing building, facilities and equipment.
Further, approximately $150 million of intangible and cash-related prepayments associated with various silicon contracts are under review to determine whether additional non-cash charges will be required. These charges are expected to impact both the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, and the amount of the charges will be determined during the company’s preparation of its annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.
In addition to the non-cash charges mentioned above, the company expects to incur approximately $15 million of costs associated with employee severance and out placement services, facility decommissioning and other costs required to close the facility. These cash charges are expected to be incurred over a twelve month period. In total, the Company expects that approximately 800 employees will be affected by this action.
In addition to eliminating the risks associated with continued manufacturing in a high cost market in a period of rapidly declining prices, the company expects that a complete facility shutdown will help preserve cash and facilitate the company’s pursuit of the wafer strategy discussed below.
Wafer technology update
Development activities associated with the Company’s industry standard size String Ribbon wafer have progressed substantially in the second half of 2010, resulting in the production of more than 60,000 wafers manufactured using modified existing quad ribbon furnaces.
These wafers are performing comparably to those produced using the company’s existing furnaces in Devens and China. Ten prototype furnaces will be installed and the company will begin producing industry standard size wafers in much greater quantities this quarter. Pilot production of approximately 25 megawatts is expected to begin by the fourth quarter of 2011.
El-Hillow commented: “We have expanded our discussions with established solar companies in low cost regions and have provided samples of our industry standard wafers for their evaluation. Preliminary results have been positive and we have also begun in-depth negotiations to obtain significant financial support for our wafer manufacturing expansion on terms similar to what we received for our current wafer facility in Wuhan.
"Initial interest is high as we have shared the early results of development with potential partners. Our future expansion will be based on the industry standard size wafer, which is central to our strategy of manufacturing the lowest cost wafer, in an industry standard form factor, and providing a wafer that would enable the lowest cost solar panel utilizing multi-crystalline silicon wafers."
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