PC's Solar Photovoltaics Blog

Tunisian sun to light European homes by 2016

2012-01-27T08:49:00.000+05:30

TUNISIA: In the sands of North Africa, the DESERTEC Foundation’s vision for a future where the world's deserts supply clean and sustainable energy to the whole of humankind is beginning to take shape. That future begins in the Saharan deserts of Tunisia with a project called "TuNur".

Using thousands of mirrors to track the Tunisian sun to use its heat to generate electricity, the TuNur Concentrating Solar-thermal Power (CSP) plants will ultimately produce 2 Gigawatts of electricity, roughly double the average nuclear power plant. Project developer Nur Energie and its Tunisian partners, led by Top Oilfield Services, plan to construct the project in several phases.

The first phase is expected to begin in 2014 and the first electricity exports are set to reach Europe by 2016 via a new low-loss transmission line to Italy. The project has been designed to reduce water requirements to a bare minimum by using a dry, air-based cooling system.

The DESERTEC Foundation is endorsing TuNur and believes that it can serve as a blueprint for the development of further wind and solar projects in the Sahara. The reasons for this are:

The project will focus on maximizing local value creation in Tunisia. It provides the country with the opportunity to begin building a new industrial sector, bringing investment, jobs, and thus economic development. Investment will mainly benefit the southern and interior parts of the country, which look set to become a priority area for development for the Tunisian government.

The number of jobs created directly and indirectly over the project’s construction and operational period will come to around 20,000. As well as relying on local partners and management for project development and local engineering firms, the project will also create new manufacturing industries. For example, around 825,000 flat plate mirrors and steel structures known as heliostats will be needed for the 2 Gigawatt project and can be manufactured locally.

TuNur demonstrates DESERTEC’s conviction that investing in renewables where those energy sources are most abundant is the most effective way of protecting the climate. In Tunisia, space is more abundant and the solar radiation is up to three times that of Central Europe.

Plants built in such optimal locations produce more electricity and have the potential to replace more conventional, carbon-intensive forms of power. TuNur can provide predictable power production to electricity grids with fluctuating energy sources such as photovoltaic and wind power. Using heat storage tanks, TuNur can produce electricity on demand day and night, delivering enough clean electricity to power 700 000 European homes.

Fethi Somrani, CEO of Tunisian partner, Top Oilfield Services, said: "This is a time of great change in Tunisia and across North Africa, and it couldn’t be more appropriate to actively, and responsibly, invest in long-term projects in this emerging democracy now. Industrial investment for job creation is the most effective way to alleviate poverty and to provide opportunities for Tunisia’s young population. DESERTEC can really support this vision, and with our TuNur project we are taking a first concrete step in this direction."

Nur Energie’s CEO, Kevin Sara, said: "TuNur is going to be the blueprint for things to come. It is a pioneering project that other governments, companies and individuals can point to and say, “Solar energy export from North Africa to Europe is possible, it’s worthwhile and the DESERTEC vision is attainable”.

"We are used to transporting exhaustible fuels like oil and gas thousands of kilometers and then burning them close to our cities with all the associated pollution problems and other risks to humans and our environment. Now, with the TuNur project, we are turning away from these polluting fuels to transmit clean and inexhaustible energy from the heart of the desert to European homes whilst, at the same time, bringing jobs, economic development, and export revenue to Tunisia."

TuNur's CEO, Dr Till Stenzel, said: "We are looking forward to working closely with the Tunisian authorities, as well as European utilities and governments to meet our implementation timetable for the TuNur project. We welcome additional participation from any companies and governments interested in importing clean, solar power from Tunisia."

Dr. Thiemo Gropp, director of DESERTEC Foundation, said: "The project has been evaluated by a team of independent experts and, based on their review of the development work so far, it meets our criteria for an official DESERTEC Project. TuNur will benefit Tunisia by creating jobs and spurring investments in local education to aid the long term management of the plants after 2016.

"We will keep a close eye on developments to ensure the socio-economic benefits for Tunisians are maximized and that TuNur embodies the principles of the DESERTEC Concept. With this important first step, we are showing the world’s governments, industries and consumers that what many thought to be science fiction is actually science fact. We hope that this is the first of many more such plants to be built in the desert regions of the world."

SolarCity, SunRun, Recurrent Energy, SunEdison lead way as solar innovation shifts to installers

2012-01-27T00:25:00.001+05:30

BOSTON, USA: With the solar energy industry maturing rapidly, and expanding to newer markets, the focus of innovation and investment has shifted from panels to installations — the final critical step for monetization, according to a Lux Research report titled, “Swimming Downstream: Evaluating Up-and-Coming Solar Installers and Developers.”

A flurry of M&A activity and an influx of venture capital dollars to solar service providers have led to innovation concentrated on creating new, lean business models in an extremely fragmented downstream landscape.

“Downstream start‐ups raised over $1 billion, with SolarCity, SunRun, Recurrent Energy, SunEdison and Solar Power Partners leading the way,” said Matthew Feinstein, Lux Research analyst and lead author of the report. “Solyndra raised a billion all on its own, but these downstream start‐ups will achieve what Solyndra could not – success,” added Feinstein.

Lux Research assessed the leading players in the downstream market as it stands today, sorting out the high‐potential innovators from undifferentiated “me‐too” firms. Among their conclusions:

• SolarCity dominates among residential installers. In the crowded residential installer/developer market, SolarCity is a standout performer – but can ill afford to be complacent as it expands in the northeast US. Many companies are partnering with SunRun, adding muscle to SolarCity’s biggest competitor. The Alteris‐Real Goods Solar merger in December has added a stronger player to the market.

• Commercial and utility-scale solar have few up-and-coming players. Tioga Energy and Enfinity lead the group of new large‐scale developers. The acquisitions of Recurrent Energy, SunEdison, and Solar Power Partners led to concentration of large‐scale development in the hands of larger companies or vertically‐integrated suppliers First Solar and SunPower.

• New entrants keep popping up on the back of venture dollars. A burst of entrepreneurial activity, driven by venture capital, is ensuring a steady stream of high‐potential startups. In 2011, six solar installers were among Inc. Magazine’s top 50 fastest growing companies in the US, including Greenspring Energy, re2g, SunDurance Energy, OnForce Solar, and FLS Energy.

Phoenix Solar realises rooftop power plant in Slovenia

2012-01-26T18:05:00.000+05:30

SULZEMOOS, GERMANY: Phoenix Solar AG, a leading international photovoltaic system integrator listed in Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, has realised a rooftop power plant with a peak output of 800 kilowatt in Naklo, Slovenia.

The solar power plant was built by Phoenix Solar in cooperation with Gorenjske elektrarne and completed and connected to the grid of the local electricity supplier in December 2011. It is currently one of the ten largest solar power plants in Slovenia.

Thomas Sanders, head, Phoenix Solar's European rooftop plant operations, said: "This is the second project in Slovenia which Phoenix Solar AG has successfully implemented in 2011. A growing number of Slovenian companies are recognising the potential that solar electricity can offer. They are willing to invest in renewable energies or to have their roofs used for the construction of photovoltaic plants. We are confident that more projects will be realised in Slovenia this year."

Gorenjske elektrarne is a subsidiary of Elektro Gorenjska, one of Slovenia's leading energy utilities. The company specialises in the development of power from renewable energies and already has a portfolio comprising a number of solar and hydropower plants. The Merkur Group, which provides high-end technical products and operates several research centres in Slovenia, is the owner of the roof area.

Phoenix Solar AG aims is to continue its good cooperation with Gorenjske elektrarne and the Merkur Group in 2012. Slovenia offers interesting remuneration for the operators of solar plants and systems. It is based on a feed-in tariff model similar to that of Germany and is a lucrative opportunity for investors to commit to the expansion of renewable energies. The feed-in tariff paid for this project is 30.4 euro cents per kilowatt hour, guaranteed for a period of 15 years.

Aravis: More power for renewable energy sources

2012-01-26T14:01:00.000+05:30

BERN & ZURICH, SWITZERLAND: North-west Swiss energy supplier, EBM, based in Münchenstein and the power supply company in charge of the city of Bern, Energy Water Bern (ewb), share the goal of supporting their future power supply on renewable energy. For this purpose, the new construction and operation of appropriate production capacity at home and abroad will be again massively accelerated.

As regards to security of supply, risk, geography and profitability, both companies rely on a well-diversified and balanced mix. In order to secure a long-term investment strategy, both companies together with Aravis have brought «leading Swiss renewables AG» into being. The company's mission is to build in the medium run a sustainable, diversified portfolio of renewable energy production plants in Europe.

In addition, it is resourced with an equity of approximately 100 million Euro. EBM is also involved therein with 65 million Euro and ewb with 35 million Euro. This allows for the realization of renewable energy projects with a total volume of over € 200 million Euro. The total installed capacity will be in a first phase 100 megawatts (MW). The company has mandated Aravis for the implementation of the strategy as an investment adviser. Aravis has set a remarkable track record over the last few years as a strong executing partner in the area of renewable energy sources.

The focus of «leading Swiss renewables AG» lies mostly on wind energy. There is an active market for wind power projects in many European countries. Technology is tested but development is still far from complete. In addition to wind power, the portfolio is supplemented with small-scale hydro power plants and photovoltaic systems.

Destinations are Germany, the Benelux countries, France, Italy, Switzerland, Scandinavia and Spain. EBM and Aravis have already implemented power plant projects successfully, such as the 42 MW wind farm in Spain and the 6 MW photovoltaic plant in Italy. It has been proven that Aravis has not only distinct industry and finance expertise but also very good knowledge of local, country-specific conditions.

With this latest and strong engagement, EBM and ewb consistently pursue within the scope of their supply strategies the further expansion of renewable energies. Both companies are clearly demonstrating that they don’t just wash away their previous, non-conventional energy mixes with green certificates, but that they rather secure the planned energy transition through solid, newly built power plants.

Both EBM and ewb use in the wake of the liberalization of electricity markets, the currently available opportunities in order to secure new sources of production for the long-term energy supply and at the same time to fulfil the customers’ needs for environmentally friendly produced energy.

BioSolar pursuing opportunity to capture larger market share

2012-01-26T13:20:00.000+05:30

SANTA CLARITA, USA: BioSolar Inc., developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, reported that the company intends to pursue an opportunity to capture a larger than previously expected market share. By teaming with additional strategic partners, the company will be able to increase volume and reduce the cost of BioBacksheet to meet the demand of solar manufacturers that must now offer solar modules at a significantly lower price point.

The solar industry is dealing with a precipitous slide in solar module prices, which dropped approximately 40 percent from 2007 to 2010 and by another 40 percent in 2011. This rapid decline in prices has caused industry wide concern over the viability and sustainability of many solar module manufacturers throughout world, especially those located in North America.

Many industry experts believe solar module prices will eventually bounce back from the lowest level of 2011, once steadily growing solar energy demand catches up with the current oversupply. However, in the short term, the competitive pressure to reduce the cost of solar modules has resulted in efforts by manufacturers to cut component costs, including the cost of backsheets.

Dr. David Lee, president and CEO of BioSolar, commented: “The current industry misfortune has created an immediate opportunity for BioSolar. As solar manufacturers search for alternative high quality PV components at a lower cost, our BioBacksheet is now viewed as a very attractive candidate to immediately replace higher cost, petroleum-based backsheets.”

To drive its costs even lower and seize this unique market opportunity, BioSolar recently revised its strategic plan and intends to enter into additional strategic partnerships with manufacturers capable of producing and delivering BioBacksheet in large volume at low cost anywhere in the world. In addition to its North American customers, who already are in the process of completing integration trials of BioBacksheet in their solar panels, BioSolar is accelerating its selling efforts to Asian solar manufacturers.

Amonix achieves ISO 9001-2008 and IEC 62108 certification

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000+05:30

SEAL BEACH, USA: Amonix Inc., the leading designer and manufacturer of utility-scale concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems has received ISO 9001:2008 and IEC 62108 certifications. Both certifications represent key milestones in Amonix’ quality management system and field operation durability.

To become ISO 9001:2008 compliant, Amonix worked with a leading ISO accreditation agency that leveraged their vast aerospace and defense program knowledge to conduct a thorough assessment to be eligible for submission to the International Organization for Standardization. This certification of compliance recognizes that the policies, practices and procedures ensure consistency and the highest quality standards in the products provided to customers.

Receiving IEC 62108 compliancy is an important milestone and verifies that Amonix CPV solar power systems are capable of withstanding the extreme climate conditions. This certification further proves Amonix’ long-term and reliable operation in utility-scale applications.

“Achieving ISO 9001:2008 and attaining IEC certification further solidifies our leadership in utility-scale solar.” Amonix’ Interim CEO, Jan Van Dokkum stated. “Such effort demonstrates our commitment to providing superior quality and reliability in our CPV solar power systems.”

“Implementing an ISO-inspired, robust quality management processes adds immense value to our development and manufacturing plans,” Azmat Siddiqi, VP of Quality and Reliability at Amonix said. “ISO achievement was accomplished in record time based on an existing solid foundation. This along with the IEC Certification proves that we are committed to excellence every day in all we do.”

Chinese producers flood US market with solar cells and modules ahead of upcoming ruling in solar trade case

2012-01-26T04:14:00.000+05:30

WASHINGTON, USA: Chinese producers have more than doubled imports of crystalline silicon solar cells and modules in advance of potential US government duties on those imports, according to an evaluation of US Customs and Border Protection data released by the Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing (CASM).

The coalition, which represents 11,000 US workers at more than 150 American companies across the country, alleges that the recent 110 percent surge in import volume since July 2011 is further proof of illegal dumping and subsidies by Chinese solar producers and warrants a finding of critical circumstances that would apply retroactive duties to Chinese imports.

“This significant increase in imports demonstrates that the Chinese know they have violated US and international trade rules and are trying to evade the consequences,” said Gordon Brinser, president of SolarWorld Industries America Inc., based in Oregon. “Year to date, Chinese imports of solar cells and modules in 2011 are up 346 percent by quantity and 138 percent by value. Since 2008, Chinese imports have risen 939 percent by value and 1664 percent by quantity. This most recent surge of Chinese solar imports gives the US Department of Commerce the evidence it needs not only to make a preliminary determination in our favor, but also to apply a critical-circumstances finding to address this last-minute import surge.”

Under US trade law, Commerce can make a finding of critical circumstances that requires importers of record to post bonds or cash deposits on tariffs on imports dating back 90 days from preliminary determinations on whether duties are warranted and, if so, by what margin. A preliminary determination is expected on Feb. 13, meaning imports from Nov. 15 onward would be subject to duties.

Using publicly available data from the Customs and Border Protection’s Port Import Export Reporting Service (PIERS), CASM researchers found imports from Wuxi Suntech Power Co. Ltd. (known as Suntech), a Chinese manufacturer and respondent in the ongoing trade investigations, surged 76 percent in November, compared with October. PIERS reports also show that imports from Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co. Ltd (known as Trina Solar), another Chinese manufacturer and respondent, spiked 209 percent in the first half of December, compared with the first half of November 2011.

Further, CASM research found numerous examples of companies stockpiling dumped and illegally subsidized Chinese imports, providing credible evidence to support a finding of critical circumstance. For example, Sun Electronics, a Miami importer and wholesaler, brought in 31,000 Chinese solar laminates on a single day: Dec. 21, 2011. This enormous shipment, consisting of at least 77 shipping containers, required Sun Electronics to rent six forklifts and drivers and devote four-five other people to screen and sort the laminates. Sun Electronics noted in an advertisement that it has recently obtained an entire second storage warehouse, likely demonstrating its intent to receive other large shipments of Chinese solar products.

“The Chinese have made it clear that, contrary to various World Trade Organization agreements they signed 10 years ago, they will employ any means necessary to dominate the American and international solar markets,” Brinser said. “Rather than reward the Chinese for cheating, Commerce and the International Trade Commission need to take every possible action to enable American manufacturers to compete fairly.”

On Dec. 2, the US International Trade Commission issued a unanimous preliminary determination that Chinese trade practices are harming the US domestic solar manufacturing industry. The next step in the trade case will be Commerce’s Feb. 13 preliminary determination on whether to levy countervailing import duties to offset the effects of any illegal Chinese subsidies. On March 28, Commerce is scheduled to make its preliminary antidumping determination, imposing duties to offset the effects of Chinese import pricing at artificially low prices.

Annabelle Candy, maker of Rock Road and Abba Zaba, goes solar

2012-01-26T00:41:00.000+05:30

SANTA CLARA, USA: Annabelle Candy of Hayward California announced the installation of a new PV Solar system at their Hayward facility. Annabelle’s new solar installation will offset over 90 percent of the factory’s current electricity expense. In the first year alone, Annabelle will save over $136,000, a savings that is equivalent to more than 180,000 candy bars. Over the 25-year warranted life of the panels, the system will save Annabelle Candy approximately $6.5 million.

The system is made of 1,424 SunPower PowerGuard roof-tiles, which will insulate Annabelle’s roof from harsh weather, UV exposure and most importantly for a candy bar manufacturer -- changes in temperature. The system uses a single SatCon inverter and is estimated to produce 646,855 kWh in its first year of operation –- enough energy to power 92 homes. The system will drastically reduce Annabelle’s carbon footprint by eliminating the burning of 52,462 gallons of fuel a year.

Since its incorporation in 1950, Annabelle Candy has been a family owned and operated company. President and CEO, Susan Karl, says “We at Annabelle’s are proud to be one of the first manufacturing plants in the area to bring solar energy to our facilities. With the financial challenges we currently face in this economic environment, we feel fortunate to have found a way to offset our operating costs and help conserve our precious resources, while continuing to provide jobs for our wonderful employees.”

Asia Pacific solar PV markets soar 165 percent in 2011, led by 2.9 GW of installations in China

2012-01-26T00:15:00.001+05:30

SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Asia Pacific photovoltaic (PV) markets continue to surge ahead of expectations, installing 2.8 GW in Q4'11 and a total of 6 GW in FY'11. The region as a whole grew 165 percent Y/Y, and is forecast to grow an additional 40 percent in 2012, according to the latest NPD Solarbuzz Asia Pacific Major PV Markets Quarterly report.

China has emerged as the dominant force in the region, growing by a blistering 500 percent over 2010 levels with 48 percent of 2011 demand. A planned year-end 13 percent FIT reduction led to a surge in Q4'11 installations, reaching 1.7 GW. Low factory gate module prices and favorable project returns led to a flurry of installations, while the project pipeline has now grown to 20 GW.Source: Solarbuzz, USA.

“The China PV market was reshaped in 2011 by the release of the national FIT,” said Ray Lian, analyst at NPD Solarbuzz, “Approximately 1 GW ground mount projects were installed in the Qinghai province alone. However, the explosive growth could well be followed by policy adjustments in 2012 as the Chinese central government takes action to control the growth rate.” In 2011, Japan was the second largest regional market in Asia Pacific, followed by Australia and India.

Japan grew 30 percent in 2011; higher growth expected in 2012
The Q4'11 installations in Japan were up slightly from Q3’11 levels, with residential segment having more than a 70 percent share of demand. The 2011 Japanese market was up 30 percent Y/Y, reaching 1.2 GW, and is poised to grow an additional 40 percent in 2012.

Though the government recently approved a new FIT law aimed at spurring demand for large-scale PV projects, 2012 rates have yet to be announced. While the lack of clarity on the new FIT has held back execution on these projects, the new law has stimulated development activity. The market is also being reshaped by a dramatic increase in the number of foreign module suppliers.

Strong growth in India despite project delays
Installations in India surged 125 percent in Q4'11, as project developers raced to meet installation deadlines that trigger during Q1'12. Though many of the approved projects are still facing delays, Q1'12 could see more than 600 MW connected to the grid under the National Solar Mission and Gujarat solar policies.

Receiving a temporary reprieve from regulators, projects under the Gujarat Solar Policy were recently granted a one-month extension. In 2012, the Indian market could begin to approach 1 GW, fueled by new installations under the National Solar Mission and new state-level policies.

"While rapid PV price declines have greatly improved project economics over the course of 2011, many Indian developers have suffered setbacks due to difficulties associated with financial closure, land acquisition, and power evacuation facilities. Now developers will need to race to meet their installation deadlines or face the prospect of losing their PPAs, leading to a surge of activity in December and January," added NPD Solarbuzz analyst Chris Sunsong.

Australia shrinking as incentives reduced
The region’s third largest market is trending in a different direction. Australia’s PV installations fell 10 percent Q/Q. Q1'12 installations are forecast to decline an additional 20 percent, as the market readjusts to the termination and reduction of a number of incentive policies in 1H'11.

The FY'12 market is forecast to fall by 30 percent; however, the market is forecast to pick up in 2013 as large-scale ground-mounted systems begin to come online. The retrenchment of solar PV incentive policies across the country has left many downstream installers stranded with evaporating demand and many firms have ceased operations.

While the availability of low-priced Chinese PV modules has led to rapidly decreasing installed system costs it also led to Silex Solar ceasing all manufacturing activities during Q4’11.

Other emerging markets in Asia accounted for an additional 500 MW of demand in 2011, largely driven by Thailand, Korea and Taiwan. This figure is expected to increase by more than 50 percent in 2012, along with the emergence of new markets in Malaysia and the Philippines. The latest Asia Pacific Major PV Markets Quarterly report brings together a comprehensive and detailed analysis of regional trends, major country market analysis, and developments in smaller country markets.

PV market activity over the 12 quarters of 2011-2013 in the major markets of China, India, Japan and Australia is covered in terms of market drivers and constraints, market segmentation, policy developments and their impact on the market, downstream trends, major project activity, installed system pricing and PV project investment economics.

The smaller country analysis covers new developments in the past quarter in Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, and South Korea. The new Asia Pacific Major PV Markets Quarterly report comprises a 150-page PowerPoint report, an Excel data summary, and PolicyTracker, a comprehensive Excel-based database showcasing each country’s incentive policies.

Wells Fargo and Enfinity announce $100 million solar fund

2012-01-25T23:03:00.000+05:30

ATLANTA, USA: Wells Fargo & Co. and Enfinity America Corp. (Enfinity), one of North America’s leading solar energy companies for commercial, municipal, educational and utility-scale customers, announced a joint program through which Wells Fargo will provide up to $100 million for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects developed by Enfinity.

Financing provided by Wells Fargo will enable Enfinity to cost-effectively provide a clean and reliable source of electricity to its customers and support its growing pipeline of distributed generation and utility-scale projects throughout the United States.

“Our continued commitment to the U.S. solar market is a reflection of the opportunity Wells Fargo sees in this growing sector,” said Barry Neal, head of Wells Fargo’s Environmental Finance Group. “We’re excited to partner with Enfinity and support their efforts to develop projects that will create new jobs in the U.S. and also help businesses better control their electricity costs.”

Atlanta-based Enfinity America Corporation is active throughout North America, with projects ranging from a 33 MW PV solar farm in Ontario, a range of distributed generation projects in California, and its recent acquisition of a 9.8 MW PV installation at a blue-chip manufacturing facility in Ohio.

Enfinity America's CEO, Rafael Dobrzynski, said: “The solar industry landscape is fast-changing; solar developers can no longer rely on incentives like Treasury’s cash grant program to make their projects viable. Enfinity has always been able to call upon its highly effective network of financing relationships – and this latest partnership with Wells Fargo will enable us to apply secure, robust financing to the many commercial, industrial and municipal solar energy opportunities in the United States.”

David Shipley, executive VP and CFO at Enfinity, added: “Working with Wells Fargo has been a very positive experience. The bank’s due diligence procedures meant we had to make sure our internal processes were robust, and demonstrate a viable go-to-market strategy with clear execution milestones. We look forward to deploying this new finance stream to keep the momentum going in solar energy’s growth.”

Wells Fargo has invested $2.7 billion in over 300 renewable energy projects in 27 states since 2006.

Government will have 'solar industry destruction' on its hands if it pursues supreme court appeal

2012-01-25T21:50:00.000+05:30

UK: The Government will be guilty of the “destruction of the solar industry” if it challenges today’s Court of Appeal ruling over feed-in-tariffs.

David Hunt, a director with leading renewable energy company Eco Environments said: “The Government had the chance today to restore consumer and industry confidence in the aftermath of the Court of Appeal ruling.

“However, by arrogantly pursuing an appeal, which could take many months to resolve, it is willing to jeopardise the future of hundreds of companies and tens of thousands of jobs.

“It is a callous and disgusting course of action which has the potential to wreck what should be one of the UK’s most dynamic and exciting industries.

“If the Government does not step back from the brink, it will have the destruction of the renewable energy industry on its hands and will ultimately pay a heavy price at the ballot box.”

Earlier in the day, homeowners were given a short-term window of opportunity to enjoy a solar power “gold rush”. A Court of Appeal ruling means that any solar PV installations installed, commissioned and registered between December 12 last year and March 3 this year will receive the higher feed-in-tariff rate of 43.3p for the next 25 years.

Customers who register on or after March 3 will qualify for the higher rate until April 1 when it will drop to 21p.

The only way this would change is if the Government were to be successful in any appeal to the Supreme Court withal installation post December 12 reverting to 21p rather than the higher rate of 43.3p.

Hunt added: “This is an almighty kick in the teeth for the Government, but a fantastic result for consumers who have either gone ahead with an installation since December 12 or are keen to do so now.

“The phones have already started ringing with homeowners keen to cash in on this mini gold rush. Given that the cost of Solar PV installations has dropped dramatically since December 12, consumers can now achieve breathtaking returns on investment. In year one the return is 18 per cent, while the average return over 25 years is a staggering 39 per cent if you include inflationary increases in FIT payments and electricity price increases. Customers will also be able to enjoy a payback period of just three years.

“The Government wants to prolong the legal process to maintain uncertainty and confusion among consumers and to try to keep the level of installations low. We believe it is highly unlikely any Government appeal will be successful, but the worst case scenario is that consumers will receive 21p and the most likely scenario that they will receive 43.3p.”

ONYX to acquire significant stake in Optimum Solar after spectacular success of new product

2012-01-25T18:30:00.001+05:30

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, USA: Onyx Service and Solutions Inc.'s management is moving to secure a significant stake in the company’s co-development partner on the revolutionary new “Plug-N-Play” all-in-one solar panel product.

After publicly announcing the new Plug-N-Play product and demonstrating it in use for the press, potential buyers and distributors, the company has received a surprisingly large amount of positive interest from all over the globe.

Designation of the new Plug-N-Play as a “solar panel” doesn’t do justice to the true abilities of this new product. Because the Plug-N-Play consists of a solar panel, micro inverter, a battery, voltage stabilizing electronics and an AC/DC outlet - you can literally buy it off of the shelf; point the panel at the sun and plug an extension cord directly into the panel for immediate power, alleviating complicated wiring and typical installation requirements.

The Plug-N-Play panels are designed to be attached to any surface with four screws and immediately be ready for use in single or multiple configurations. An added sales bonus is that this new product allows remote residences worldwide to now have immediate access to the power of the sun, and with the integrated battery, power is provided well after sunset.

“Located on the Asian continent, with direct access and trusted associations with multiple quality manufacturers in Shenzhen, Optimum Solar has benefitted ONYX as an active player to expand our company’s focus on solar product development, solar product manufacturing, solar product sales and new solar technology acquisition and development,” stated ONYX president, Malcolm Burleson.

“This new arrangement will strengthen our aggregate abilities to provide superior engineering expertise, better manufacturing capabilities and larger distribution networks for this sensational new product. This should enable us to properly engineer, manufacture and distribute multiple models from 230 watts to 330 watts, worldwide – creating maximum revenue potential for the company.”

Solar PV market continues to grow in Europe and around the world

2012-01-25T17:30:00.000+05:30

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: The worldwide solar photovoltaic (PV) market continued to grow in 2011 even in the midst of financial and economic crisis, with new grid-connected PV capacities rising by 27.7 GW and propelling the global PV capacity from 39.7 GW at the end of 2010 to 67.4 GW at the end of 2011. Almost 21 GW of this growth occurred in Europe.

The number of markets reaching more than 1 GW of additional capacity during 2011 rose from 3 to 6. In 2010 the top 3 markets were Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic; in 2011 Italy leads the ranks and Germany, China, the USA, France and Japan follow, each with over 1 GW of new capacity. Those are among the key findings of EPIA’s new “Market Report 2011”, which assesses PV’s development in all major markets around the world.

Europe still accounts for the predominant share of the global PV market, the report finds, with 75 percent of all new capacity in 2011. The two biggest markets in 2011, Italy and Germany, account for nearly 60 percent of global market growth during the past year.

But the report also notes that in coming years it will be crucial for the PV industry to develop new markets.

“The PV industry is at a crossroads,” said EPIA president, Ingmar Wilhelm. “Whilst European markets have always outpaced home production, this will presumably no longer be the case in the years to come. New markets around the world will have to be opened up to drive PV development in the coming decade just as Europe accounted for it during the last decade.“

Wilhelm added: “Strengthening the PV momentum by adding additional markets of important growth can be considered the single most important achievement on the continued growth track of world-wide PV development. And yet, many markets – in particular China, the USA and Japan, but also Australia and India – have addressed only a very small part of their enormous potential. Moreover, several countries from large sunbelt regions like Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America are on the brink of starting their development.”

Among the key statistics of the report:
* Total installed PV capacity world-wide reached 67.4 GW at the end of 2011. PV is now, after hydro and wind power, the third most important renewable energy source in terms of globally installed capacity.

* The growth rate of PV during 2011 reached 70 percent, an outstanding level among all renewable technologies.

* The total energy output of the world’s PV capacity run over a calendar year is equal to some 80 billion kWh. This energy volume is sufficient to cover the annual power supply needs of over 20 million households in the world.

* In Europe, over 50 GW of PV systems were installed at the end of 2011. With growing contributions from Southern European countries, the average load factor of this capacity is increasing and will produce over 60 billion kWh on an annual basis, enough energy to supply over 15 million European households.

Consumers set for solar bonanza as government loses right to appeal over feed-in-tariffs

2012-01-25T16:50:00.000+05:30

UK: Homeowners have been given a short-term window of opportunity to enjoy a solar power “gold rush”.

A Court of Appeal ruling today means that any Solar PV installations installed, commissioned and registered between December 12 last year and March 3 this year will receive the higher feed-in-tariff rate of 43.3p for the next 25 years.

Customers who register on or after March 3 will qualify for the higher rate until
April 1 when it will drop to 21p.

David Hunt, a director with leading renewable energy company Eco Environments, said: “This is an almighty kick in the teeth for the Government, but a fantastic result for consumers who have either gone ahead with an installation since December 12 or are keen to do so now.

“The phones have already started ringing with homeowners keen to cash in on this mini gold rush. Given that the cost of Solar PV installations has dropped dramatically since December 12, consumers can now achieve breathtaking returns on investment. In year one the return is 18 per cent, while the average return over 25 years is a staggering 39 per cent if you include inflationary increases in FIT payments and electricity price increases. Customers will also be able to enjoy a payback period of just three years.”

The full consultation on the FIT rates for solar and other technologies is due for release on February 9 which should give a clear picture of the rates from April this year and beyond.

Hunt added: “We would also hope that the consultation will confirm whether or not homes considering an installation from April will need an Energy Performance Certificate of Grade C or above to claim the top FIT payment – or be subject to a much lower rate.

“We trust that after the fiasco of recent months over the introduction of lower FIT rates, the Government will heed the warnings of the solar industry and remove the stringent EPC requirement for homes which would price the majority of the population out of even considering an investment in solar technology.”

REC solar modules win industry leading test for best performance in 2011

2012-01-25T16:01:00.000+05:30

SANDVIKA, NORWAY: This week, the Photon Laboratory announced that REC modules ranked first in the 2011 module field performance test, producing 6 percent more energy than competing modules.

REC solar modules ranked first in the year long comparative study conducted by Photon Laboratory in 2011 which measures energy yield. On average, REC modules have generated more electricity than 45 other module brands, producing 6 percent more power. REC multicrystaline modules outperformed 45 different types of modules, including thin film and monocrystaline products.

“This award confirms that REC leads the industry in delivering quality, high-performing modules and demonstrates our commitment to quality and efficiency. This is great news for REC and for our partners and customers”, said Luc Graré, senior VP, Sales and Marketing, Cells and Modules, REC.

The Photon Field Performance Test measures how many kilowatt hours of electricity a module generates throughout one year in real life conditions. Two modules from each supplier are being tested at the laboratory location in Germany. The results published in the industry magazine Photon Profi state that the highest performance ratio of 90.8 percent and also the highest yield of 1150.4 kWh/kW were measured for the REC module.

The Photon Test is currently the most recognized field performance test, comparing international solar module brands over several years, during different seasons and in different light conditions. Using scientific methodology, the test helps consumers select the best module supplier based on product performance in the field. These results show the excellent bankability of REC modules, as their additional output allows consumers to have a faster return on their investment.

Over the last 24 months, REC modules have maintained a leading position in the Photon Test, ranking second overall in 2010. As the world’s most integrated solar company, REC delivers high performing products by controlling the complete solar value chain with production from silicon to cells, wafers and modules to systems development.

Revenue from building energy management systems to reach $6 billion by 2020

2012-01-25T15:09:00.000+05:30

BOULDER, USA: According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), 18 percent of all the energy produced in the United States is employed to cool, heat, light, or accomplish other functions within commercial buildings. Given the challenging business and economic environment of recent years, governments, building owners, building tenants, and companies in general are looking for ways to become more efficient both fiscally and environmentally.

One key mechanism for achieving greater efficiency is building energy management systems (BEMS), defined as the software, hardware, and services associated with the intelligent (i.e., information and communication technology-based) monitoring, management, and control of energy, specifically for reducing overall energy consumption and lowering energy costs.

Recent advances in technology and the availability of much more detailed data and information on how buildings can use energy more efficiently have sparked growing interest in, and rising sales of, these systems. According to a new report from Pike Research, worldwide revenue from building energy management systems will increase at a CAGR of nearly 14 percent through the rest of this decade, reaching just under $6 billion a year by 2020.

“Over the last year, the convergence of building equipment and IT has advanced at a rapid pace, enabling a higher degree of control over building energy and operations than ever before,” says research analyst Eric Bloom. “The BEMS market is evolving rapidly and is enjoying a burst of innovation, leading to an explosion in the amount of data that is available on the energy performance of commercial buildings.”

North America continues to lead the global market for BEMS, but Pike Research expects growth to accelerate worldwide, particularly in Asia Pacific. While interest in BEMS and energy efficiency is high in Western Europe, Asia Pacific will take its place as the second largest market in coming years, due to the extremely rapid pace of construction in the region as well as the challenge of meeting soaring energy demand with limited supply.

Outside of these three regions, the BEMS market will generally experience single-digit growth and modest levels of overall spending over the forecast period. In every region, the existing building stock is a large market for BEMS sales – particularly buildings constructed or modernized within the last 30 years with moderately sophisticated building management systems.

CIGS solar market to nearly double to $2.35 billion and 2.3 GW in 2015

2012-01-25T02:23:00.001+05:30

BOSTON, USA: The market for solar installations based on copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film panels will nearly double in size to $2.35 billion in 2015, as manufacturers signaled a breakout year in 2011 by taking advantage of falling production costs, improving module conversion efficiencies and increasing adoption in commercial rooftops, according to a Lux Research report titled, “Sorting through the Maze of CIGS Technologies: Who Will Cash in on the Breakout Year?”.

The technology is emerging into an early-growth phase and will benefit from a surge in demand to nearly 2.3 GW in 2015, nearly double the current 1.2 GW level. However, it will still face numerous challenges including a sharp fall in venture capital money. In the emerging environment, few manufacturers — among them, Solar Frontier, Avancis, and Solibro — will succeed, mainly through strategic partnerships and investments that are critical to ramp capacities and improve production processes.

“Manufacturers have begun ramping meaningful capacities and there have been tremendous improvements in module efficiency,” said Pallavi Madakasira, Lux Research analyst and lead author of the report. “Now, strategic partnerships between start-ups and industrial conglomerates are likely to determine this technology’s overall viability and competitiveness.”

Lux researchers positioned CIGS developers using the Lux Innovation Grid, based on their Technical Value and Business Execution, with companies that are strong on both axes reaching the “Dominant” quadrant – and also assessed each company’s maturity, providing an overall “Lux Take.” Among their conclusions:

• Solar Frontier is a clear winner. Solar Frontier is a clear winner, with a solid position in the “Dominant” quadrant – and was the only firm to earn a “Strong Positive” take. With inroads into new and emerging markets such as India, where it is selling over 30 MW of panels, Solar Frontier excels in overall execution.

• Global Solar, Avancis and Solibro are likely to consolidate. The three companies are likely to emerge as bankable players. Global Solar has demonstrated slow but steady progress and is currently selling its PowerFLEX Technology, a shingle product, to Dow. Still, to succeed it needs to adopt a less conservative approach. Avancis has a joint venture with Hyundai Heavy Industries for CIGS module production in Asia. As for Solibro it will need to quickly and independently strengthen its financial position to succeed.

• Stion, Miasole and Nuvosun can emerge as champions. All three are “Dominant” with the potential to emerge as early champions in this technology. However, their success will depend on capacity utilization and ramp-up, customer relationships, strategic partnerships and consistent execution in terms of their module costs, yield and module efficiency.

• ISET, Flisom and AQT can be acquisition targets. All three are “High Potential” companies – firms with strong technical value but weaker business execution scores – and have assets that make them prized acquisition targets.

Solsys Screw foundations reduces foundation costs upto 40 percent for solar power plants

2012-01-25T02:09:00.000+05:30

GURGAON, INDIA: SOLSYS engineering, a leading player in India and Europe's PV market, with its superior knowledge of the industry and accurate forecasting of future energy demands, continues to be a diligent, energetic and innovative leader in the field.

In addition to establishing a professional team to research and develop solar system applications, the company has set up a brand new production line for ground screw to support and accelerate solar farm construction.

The Solsys Screw design for each specific application is determined through detailed load analysis with support from its engineering team in Spain and India. Selection is made depending on soil analysis report & onsite testing.

Since SOLSYS has its own production capability in India and Spain, it can not only provide conventional ground screws, but also work with solar plant developer to provide customized services, greatly reducing the design and supply development costs. Using SOLSYS-Screw instead of a concrete foundation can reduce foundation costs upto 40 percent.

Global polysilicon market report: 2011 edition

2012-01-24T20:03:00.000+05:30

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Polysilicon Market Report: 2011 Edition" report to its offering.

Polysilicon has a major influence on its end markets - Semiconductor and Photovoltaic industry. Polysilicon is the substrate upon which primarily all semiconductors are manufactured. Polysilicon is an important component for silicon-based solar cells. Consumption of solar industry grew more than its traditional share of available polysilicon, thereby spreading concerns about potential polysilicon shortages in the mid 2000's. Consequently, ambitious capacity expansions were announced by established silicon suppliers.

Global market for polysilicon has been growing rapidly resulting into an imbalance between demand and supply, with rigorous growth in its end markets especially in solar industry. All the major producers have begun thinking about enhancing their capacity by making strategies for polysilicon capacity addition.

However, global polysilicon imbalance has been anticipated to shift from deficit to oversupply in the years ahead due to the addition of new polysilicion capacities. A lot of attention has been given to polysilicon availability, given the explosive growth of photovoltaics in recent years.

Competition in polysilicon market is highly dependent on capacity. Established poly-silicon producers such as Hemlock, Wacker Chemie, Renewable Energy Corp. (REC), Monsanto Electronic Materials Co. (MEMC), Tokyama and LDK Solar that produce top-quality silicon are the market leaders of the market.

AQT readies CIGS 3.0 for commercialization

2012-01-24T19:30:00.000+05:30

SUNNYVALE, USA: AQT Solar, a leading developer of low-cost CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-diselenide) thin-film solar cells, has achieved near world record efficiencies using an even lower cost and production friendly sputter deposited CZTS (copper-zinc-tin-sulfide) thin-film solar cell.

AQT has established that the same manufacturing-ready processes and platforms used to make AQT’s CIGS 2.0 solar cells are ideally suited for CZTS. AQT has adopted the term CIGS 3.0 to refer to its future CZTS product to reflect the broad production compatibility and similarities of the two systems.

Like their CIGS counterparts, AQT CZTS cells are manufactured as drop-in replacements for crystalline silicon cells making their adoption seamless with existing crystalline silicon module manufacturing equipment and infrastructure. The “earth abundant” raw materials comprising CZTS are substantially cheaper than those in CIGS, making it much cheaper to produce.

An added benefit of these constituents is that they are mined and available worldwide, mitigating any geopolitical influence on raw material sourcing. This will eliminate concerns such as the Indium availability and price volatility that have impacted the display and thin-film photovoltaics (TFPV) industries in the past.

A great deal of research and development has been conducted on CZTS since the mid-1990s, and CZTS thin-film solar cells made by IBM employing a complex organometallic spin coating process have recently achieved efficiencies as high as 10.4 percent. In contrast, AQT has rapidly achieved close to 10 percent efficiencies for sputtered CZTS by leveraging the manufacturing process and platform foundation established for its CIGS product.

AQT plans to have CZTS modules “under sun” later this year and actively begin the product commercialization process. By employing the same capitally-efficient platform for its CZTS product as it does for its CIGS product, AQT is further validating the flexibility and long shelf life of its equipment and manufacturing strategy.

“The founders of AQT, all of whom have previously worked in capitally intensive commodity industries, have experienced firsthand the huge disruption to business that occurs when re-capitalization is required due to technology migration and we have done everything possible to avoid this from affecting our business,” said Michael Bartholomeusz, CEO of AQT Solar.

“Early on we recognized the critical necessity to adopt a future-proofed manufacturing platform and strategy and it remains a cornerstone of our business, enabling us to easily adapt solar cell production to new, advantageous materials such as CZTS.”

RMT constructs 1,100 MW of renewable energy in 2011

2012-01-24T18:25:00.000+05:30

MADISON, USA: RMT Inc. (RMT), a renewable energy engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor specializing in the design and construction of wind and solar energy generating facilities, has provided engineering, procurement, and civil and electrical infrastructure construction for approximately 1,100 MW of renewable energy during 2011. These projects bring RMT's total EPC renewable energy portfolio to over 5,000 MW.

"RMT is increasing its focus on building clean energy projects and expanding its service offerings into different technologies," said RMT President David Kutcher. "In 2011, we were able to transfer our years of expertise in wind energy into the solar market, and we have proven our ability to safely deliver high quality wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. We believe the future of the US renewable energy industry is strong, and we look forward to growing our renewable portfolio in 2012 and beyond."

In 2011, RMT performed utility-scale wind energy design, engineering, and construction for 13 projects. These projects, ranging in size from 1.5 MW to 150 MW, were located in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. RMT's work on these sites has included providing engineering, procurement, and civil and electrical infrastructure construction to support the installation of the wind turbines.

This involves roads, crane paths and pads, turbine foundations, underground collector systems, in-tower wiring, mechanical turbine completion, tower erection, and testing and inspections.

RMT also completed design and construction of eight utility-scale solar PV projects totaling 55 MWp during 2011. These projects ranged in capacity from 2 MWp to 20 MWp. In addition to full procurement and installation, RMT designed the site layouts, foundations, DC and AC collector systems, and SCADA systems, and performed the electrical system studies/designs required for interconnection to the utilities' systems.

"Throughout 2011, RMT has self-performed integrated engineering and construction services to safely execute our projects and deliver value to our clients, our employees, and our owner," said RMT president, David Kutcher. "Our team remains committed to improving the country's energy infrastructure, providing energy independence, and enhancing quality of life in the communities we serve through the projects we build."

RMT entered the renewable energy market in 1996, designing and building wind energy facilities. More recently, the company has expanded its EPC offering to the solar energy market. The company's construction team is backed by in-house engineering and site development support professionals. As one of the only firms to self-perform both engineering and construction services, RMT is able to provide an experienced team that works together across all project phases to deliver its clients continuity of project vision and real-time solutions to complex project challenges.

Solar3D creates new solar market opportunities

2012-01-24T05:10:00.000+05:30

SANTA BARBARA, USA: Solar3D Inc., the developer of a breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity, explained how its breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell technology will create new solar market opportunities by changing the economics of solar energy to enable many new cost-effective applications.

“Today’s cost per watt metric for measuring solar cell competitiveness, while tempting in its simplicity, is inadequate to quantify the total cost of a solar system,” said Jim Nelson, president and CEO of Solar3D. “A recent article by Marcelo Gomez in Renewable Energy World predicted that Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) will become the standard by which solar systems will be evaluated. Solar3D’s high efficiency solar cells, occupying a smaller space, will result in a TCO that will be lower than conventional solar cells.”

Conventional, less efficient, solar cells require more space, maintenance, and other collateral support expenses. Solar3D’s 3-dimensional solar cells are predicted to be substantially more efficient than low efficiency, cheap imported products. As a result of higher power density in a smaller space, all of the associated support components can be less costly and less bulky. Smaller panels and frames, less support structure, less weight per watt, and less land or building space will be used to build high power solar systems.

“With our high efficiency 3-dimensional cells, area or space limited applications that were not suitable for photovoltaics in the past can now be considered for solar systems,” said Nelson, “New and existing rooftop, mobile, military, law enforcement and consumer product applications will all be able to take advantage of much less collateral-cost-hungry solar systems constructed with Solar3D cells. By using our high efficiency, 3-dimensional cells, many of these new applications will benefit from a smaller solar footprint, as well a significantly lower TCO, as compared to conventional solar cells.”

Nelson continued, “I believe that this is the future of solar. The time will come that high efficiency cells like ours will cover every application, including utility scale solar farms.”

The company has received numerous inquiries from prospective partners and customers and is initiating business development efforts to establish Solar3D cells in the marketplace.

Top 10 cell manufacturers: Lux Research

2012-01-24T01:36:00.001+05:30

BOSTON, USA: While the demand in Europe is on the rise, European manufacturers are having trouble remaining cost competitive by producing in Europe, according to Lux Research’s latest Solar Supply Tracker.

Norway-based cell manufacturer Renewable Energy Corp. (REC), as an example, has reduced production at two of its facilities in Norway by about 400 MW in the past two months while it continues its production at full capacity in Singapore. Module prices are at a record low with major manufacturers selling around ~$1/W to burn through their inventories. While this price is unsustainable, it makes cost competition cut-throat.

The top 10 companies, which make up 44 percent of global production, include some of the Chinese crystalline silicon cell manufacturing giants, such as Suntech, Yingli and Trina. Neo Solar Power, which is a Taiwanese cell manufacturer, entered the top 10 for the first time with 3 percent of global production.

According to Fatima Toor, Lux Research analyst who led the Solar Supply Tracker: “The Asian share in cell manufacturing will continue to rise and go >50 percent, even though risks of trade disputes and tariffs loom in the western hemisphere. Moreover, polysilicon production has shifted to Asia during the last quarter while module production had already shifted to Asia in late 2010.”Source: Lux Research, USA.

US solar manufacturers applaud analyst’s assessment of Chinese tactics: ‘Free Trade Does Not Mean Trade That is Free of Rules’

2012-01-23T21:00:00.000+05:30

WASHINGTON, USA: The Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing (CASM), supported by more than 150 US employers of more than 11,000 workers, applauded an analysis by Hari Chandra Polavarapu, MD of solar and clean-technology research for brokerage firm Auriga USA, that underscores the importance of holding China accountable to international trade law.

Polavarapu’s target is China’s alleged campaign of underwriting development of massive solar manufacturing capacity – without cultivating a significant domestic market – then wielding exports of artificially low-priced product as a “battering ram” to knock down the US solar manufacturing industry.

A solar-focused analyst since mid-2004 with Deutsche Bank and now Auriga, Polavarapu contends in a series of research and analysis notes that China’s alleged actions against foreign domestic industries not only distort markets but also sap the power of competition to drive efficiency and innovation. Polavarapu characterizes China as a “state sponsor of predatory capitalism and asymmetric warfare” that “does not help in weeding out inefficient players but poisons the profit pool for everyone.”

“The lower prices of solar cells and modules from China so far have served as a battering ram in destroying overseas solar PV manufacturing competition,” Polavarapu wrote in a Dec. 22 analysis. “If these unfair/irrational practices that led to lower prices continue unhindered, how long will it be before the downstream solar PV value chain is also fully emasculated?”

“The point is a trade/industry policy cannot be sustained with free market capitalism at one end of the table while retaining totalitarian control to engage in economic warfare from the other side,” he wrote in a Jan. 11 analysis. “Individual industries and companies can compete against each other but cannot compete against a sovereign which has currency, capital, taxation and policy levers at its disposal.”

CASM – founded by seven domestic crystalline silicon solar technology producers led by SolarWorld, the largest US producer for more than 35 years – filed anti-dumping and anti-subsidy trade petitions in October 2011 against Chinese solar manufacturers to halt what the petitions characterize as pervasive, systemic use of state support to injure the US industry. At least 12 domestic producers have undertaken layoffs, gone bankrupt or closed plants in all regions of the country over the past two years.

CASM seeks to restore legal international competition as a step toward rekindling growth of US renewable-energy manufacturing and jobs. Yet, Polavarapu writes, cries of protectionism have risen from Chinese importers and the “parochial interests of the downstream” supposedly in defense of affordable solar technology. In fact, industry price statistics show that while wholesale prices have collapsed, end-user prices have fallen far less, all of which disrupts foreign manufacturers and enriches Chinese importers, but provides little benefit to end users.

“A valid defense from the US on an issue that has a vital bearing at many levels of its society is not a protectionist trade war, but a message that free trade does not mean trade that is free of rules to prompt China to rethink its approach and look for a way that is a win-win for everyone,” the Jan. 11 analysis said. “Today, it is solar panels; tomorrow, it will be about downstream installations, and beyond that it can be anything else.”

In his Dec. 5 analysis, Polavarapu rejected any notion that “China’s success in nurturing its solar industry comes from ‘the wisdom and intelligence of Chinese entrepreneurs.’ These comments, just like China’s trade barrier investigation into policy support and subsidies for the US renewable energy sector (announced) on Nov. 25, are laughable on their face, for they are nothing but fiction,” he wrote.

Moreover, if US federal government investigations into CASM’s allegations result in tariffs to offset the effects of illegal dumping and subsidies, Polavarapu writes, the market will efficiently adjust as it has done annually to various changes in national demand-side solar incentives worldwide.

On Dec. 2, the US International Trade Commission unanimously issued a preliminary ruling that Chinese trade practices are harming the US domestic solar industry. The next step will be Commerce’s preliminary determination on whether to impose import duties to offset the effects of allegedly illegal Chinese subsidies.

Commerce also will rule on whether Chinese importers have mounted an evasive surge in Chinese imports; if so, importers of record would have to post bonds or cash deposits on tariffs on imports back 90 days. On March 27, the agency is scheduled to determine whether tariffs are warranted to offset the effects of alleged Chinese import pricing at artificially low prices.

Deutsche Bank completes roof-mounted solar project at Americas' headquarters

2012-01-23T20:20:00.000+05:30

NEW YORK, USA: Deutsche Bank announced the completion and operation of a 122.4 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system at its Americas’ headquarters in New York, located at 60 Wall Street. The roof-mounted array will reduce the Bank’s electricity consumption from the grid and will decrease carbon emissions by 100 metric tons per year.

The building is a 50 story, 745 foot tall skyscraper, occupied solely by Deutsche Bank. The PV System, which is located on the inclined South and East portions of the roof is the largest solar PV array in Manhattan and is currently the highest elevated solar PV flat panel array in the world, topping off at 737 feet above the ground. The installation was designed by professional engineers and has been approved by local governmental authorities.

“We are firmly committed to being a leader in sustainability and innovation,” said Seth Waugh, CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas. “This project is one part of a comprehensive global program to reduce the Bank’s consumption of fossil fuels and shift to more renewable sources of energy. Our goal is to neutralize the Bank’s global CO2 emissions by 2013.”

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said: “New York City has the most ambitious sustainability plan in the world in part because we’re working with private sector partners to reduce our carbon emissions, rely on cleaner energy sources, and meet the goals of our long-term sustainability program, PlaNYC. Deutsche Bank’s landmark achievement builds upon our shared work to build a greener, greater New York.”

The 60 Wall Street initiative is the third solar project in North America completed by Deutsche Bank, including the two-phase installation of a 1.267 megawatt solar PV system at its Piscataway, NJ, office. Deutsche Bank’s Piscataway solar electric system completed in 2011, has delivered a net-zero electric building. A fourth project of a 1.5 megawatt system is underway at Deutsche Bank’s Parsippany, NJ facility with planned completion later this year.

Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, Deutsche Bank has increased its use of clean electricity from seven percent to 65 percent globally over the last four years. In the US and Canada, 100 percent of its purchased electricity is generated from wind power. The Bank was recognized as a corporate pioneer and founder of the WindMade label, the first global consumer label that identifies products made with wind energy.

Donauer Solartechnik opens branch in Oman

2012-01-23T19:14:00.000+05:30

GILCHING, GERMANY: Specialist distributor Donauer Solartechnik is opening a branch in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on 1 February. The solar company from Gilching near Munich is a partner in the joint venture with Saleh Ahmed Al Badi, who will direct the Donauer branch in Muscat. Previously, he was member of the executive board of Haya Water, one of the desert country's largest companies.

Donauer will build up a sales and service network in Oman and be the first German system houses to train the local customers and employees on site in its own solar academy. The product range of Donauer's new branch includes mobile grid-independent solutions, which are suitable for example for rural areas and industrial or touristic use. A further focus is on turn-key solar power stations for grid feed-in with a performance of up to megawatts.

Co-partner Al Badi values the technological know-how and customer orientation of his partner: "Donauer Solartechnik can look back on years of experience and provides customer-specific, high-quality solutions at an outstanding price."

Expansion in the Gulf region
"The solar market in Oman is very promising," explains Andreas Fornwald, who manages the business area International Large-Scale Projects at Donauer in Gilching. "Besides the outstanding climatic conditions, the convenient infrastructure and the stable political situation, awareness of the importance of climate protection is increasing in politics and society." The sultanate is planning several large investments in the solar field for 2012.

For the first trading year, Fornwald expects to build solar installations with a total performance of five megawatts. The branch in Oman is only the first step on the Arabian peninsula. "Oman is eminently suitable as a base for the expansion of our activities in further markets of the Gulf area," says Fornwald.

ONYX to accept invitation to compete in Philippine energy market

2012-01-23T18:17:00.000+05:30

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, USA: Onyx Service and Solutions Inc. announced that its management will be focusing on opportunities to integrate their new Plug-N-Play panel and breakout business model into the Philippine energy market, due to recent developments in the US allied nation.

Tetchi Capellan, founder and spokesperson of Philippine Solar Power Alliance noted that current government plans for increasing energy supply give no attention to the role that ordinary consumers can contribute in increasing the capacity in the Luzon-Visayas grid. The new Plug-N-Play product may be the an opportunity to quickly solve this missing part of the plan.

“(The Plan)…took no notice of the thousands of roofs in urban locations that can accommodate solar systems. If only 10 percent of the rooftops in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, and other cities install solar kits, daytime consumption can be covered by solar energy,” Capellan said. “Government can save P1.2 billion as solar displace the expensive diesel-fired power plants.”

“Because of the easy installation designed into the new Plug-N-Play panel, this product could be ideal to immediately solve the 10 percent issue – or even contribute much more,” stated ONYX president, Malcolm Burleson. “After receiving positive international press on the ONYX business model, we have been invited to explore business in the Philippines. If we can find a lucrative way to position the Company there, we plan to take full advantage of it.”

The Plug-N-Play panels that Burleson is speaking of is model number OSPP330-1 and number OSPP330-2. The OSPP330-1 consists of a 330-watt panel, an incorporated micro inverter and standard AC power outlet plug. The OSPP330-2 is identical, with the exception of having a high-capacity lithium battery incorporated into the unit.

What really makes the new Plug-N-Play panels such a game changer in the solar industry is that they are designed for the large “Do-it-Yourself” market. You can literally point the panel at the sun and plug an extension cord directly into the panel for immediate power – alleviating complicated wiring and typical installation requirements.

Eco Environments launches wholesale division

2012-01-23T17:00:00.000+05:30

UK: Leading renewable energy company Eco Environments has launched a wholesale division by announcing partnerships with two major German manufacturers. The company has secured prestigious northern regional distributorship agreements with K2 Systems and WINAICO.

K2 Systems develops mounting systems for solar technology, while WINAICO manufactures some of the world’s most advanced solar photovoltaic panels.

David Hunt, a director with Eco Environments, said: “We are thrilled to have been selected by two such prominent solar technology manufacturers as their northern regional distributors. Eco Environments’ new wholesale division complements the other areas of our business and is something we are keen to develop further over the coming months.

“As well as selling all individual panels, inverters and components, the wholesale division will be selling full PV kits for smaller installers, providing technical and design support as part of the service. An online ordering system will be live within weeks, enabling busy installers to order at any time of day or night.”

Stuart Woodman, UK sales manager for K2 Systems, said: “We are pleased to be represented in the Northern region by Eco Environments. We were looking for someone with a good reputation and great experience within the PV market. Partnering with Eco Environments is a great business choice and will enable us to increase our UK market share for solar mounting solutions.”

Gary Fuller, UK sales director for WINAICO, said: “Partnering with Eco Environments was an easy decision. As a business, they are passionate about quality, good service and their reputation. They have a team of professional staff who will be able to provide the UK market with an unrivalled service and ultimately provide solutions for installers without compromising on quality.”

Eco Environments is led by its three directors, Mike Clarke, David Hunt and Mark Buchanan, and employs 54 people. It is on course to increase turnover from £1.4million to £5million during the current financial year and has a head office in Liverpool and further regional offices in Carlisle, Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and North Wales.

The four-year-old company designs, installs and commissions renewable energy solutions for the domestic, commercial and construction sectors. It offers a comprehensive range of technologies including Solar Photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines, solar thermal and air source heat pumps. It is one of only a small number of companies to have successfully secured Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditations for all four of its specialist areas.

In addition to its new distributorship agreements with K2 Systems and WINAICO, the company already has an existing relationship with Hyundai Solar to distribute its solar panels to other installers in the UK.

Yingli Green Energy becomes first PV company to obtain product carbon footprint verification from TUV Rheinland Group

2012-01-23T05:35:00.000+05:30

BAODING, CHINA: Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd, one of the world's leading vertically integrated photovoltaic product manufacturers, has accomplished the carbon footprint lifecycle assessment of its multi-crystalline and mono-crystalline PV modules.

The Assessment was conducted according to the international carbon footprint standard PAS 2050:2011, a publicly available specification that provides a method for assessing the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of various goods and services. The Assessment was controlled and verified by TUV Rheinland Group, a leading global services provider in the testing of PV modules and components.

Yingli Green Energy is the first company in the global PV sector to obtain Product Carbon Footprint Verification from TUV Rheinland. According to the Assessment, the carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacturing phase is significantly less than that will be reduced during the 25-year usage phase.

"As a leading renewable energy company, Yingli Green Energy has long been committed to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility," said Jingfeng Xiong, VP of Yingli Green Energy. "We have gained a comprehensive understanding of the lifecycle emissions of our products, and remain dedicated to ensuring a low energy pay-back period for our modules. As a result, we plan to launch more carbon-neutral products in the future, optimize our energy management systems and keep improving energy efficiency within our manufacturing facilities. With today's Verification from TUV Rheinland, we are able to further support our customers and end users who care about carbon footprint reduction."

"We are pleased to have supported Yingli for the pioneer project in the global PV industry," said Ralf Scheller, CEO of TUV Rheinland Greater China. "We are also impressed by Yingli's strong commitments to corporate social responsibility, carbon emission reduction, environmental protection and sustainable development. With our expertise in carbon management and energy efficiency, TUV Rheinland looks forward to continuously working with Yingli to contribute to the global climate change issue."

Global solar PV recycling market likely to generate 1,098,282 tonnes of waste by 2035

2012-01-23T00:40:00.000+05:30

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of GlobalData's new report "Solar Module Recycling - A Necessary Step to Maximize Environmental Benefits of Solar PV Industry" to its offering.

The research provides an understanding of the PV recycling market by processes involved in the market. The research also provides forecast analysis of the global PV waste generated and recycled, globally. The report details the cost analysis of PV recycling process by technology such as c-Si, a-Si, CdTe and CIGS. The report also provides analysis on some of the major environmental benefits of PV recycling in the future.

The global solar PV market has witnessed tremendous growth over the past decade, with cumulative installed capacity growing from 1,459 Megawatt (MW) in 2000 to 40,758 MW in the year 2010. This represented a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 40 percent during this period. This increase in installed capacity mainly came from increased installation activity in countries such as Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, France, the US and Japan.

The prime reason for the remarkable growth of the global solar PV market has been the supportive mechanisms offered by governments across the world. The market stimulation packages that several governments have offered are expected to drive the growth of the industry in the coming decade.

With the annual number of solar PV installations rising, there is a growing need for processing PV waste in the coming years. The waste generated by end-of-life modules in 2025 is expected to be approximately 24,855 tons. This waste is expected to further increase to 1,161,173 tons by 2035.

Crystalline modules will account for the majority of solar PV waste generated during this period, rising from 19,475 tons of waste generated in 2025, to 1,098,282 tons by 2035. Against this backdrop, PV recycling will become an emerging market during these 15 years.

Thin-film PV report on landscape to 2020

2012-01-20T20:31:00.000+05:30

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of GlobalData's new report "Thin-Film PV - Global Market Size, Price Analysis, Regulations and Competitive Landscape to 2020" to its offering.

The global solar photovoltaics (PV) market is dominated by silicon-based technology. Thin-film technology evolved from the early 2000s, but production remained marginal until 2006. Further, the crystalline silicon PV supply experienced a polysilicon shortage and became prohibitively expensive, thereby shifting the focus of solar PV module manufacturers towards thin-film module technology. Thin-film modules, benefiting from advancing technologies, have since experienced increased market presence in the solar PV market, growing from 8 percent in 2006 to 17 percent in 2010.

The growth of the global thin-film market over the past five years has been remarkable. Production grew at a CAGR of 105 percent from 2006 to 2010. This growth was due to various market drivers such as, a contraction in Crystalline Silicon (c-Si) modules supply due to polysilicon shortage, the development of favorable policies by federal governments and thin-film technology advancements. Many new players arrived on the scene and established crystalline module manufacturers increased their profits, mitigated risks and expanded their product portfolios.

By 2010, thin-film production reached 3,627 Megawatts (MW), capturing 17 percent of the global solar PV market. With the technological advancements towards the development of efficient and cost effective thin-film modules, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16 percent over the period 2010-2020, reaching 15,895 MW of market volume by 2020.

Orb Energy awarded first runner up in Zayed Future Energy Prize

2012-01-20T15:45:00.001+05:30

BANGALORE, INDIA: Orb Energy, one of India's leading providers of solar energy solutions, was awarded first runner up in the NGO/SME category of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, winning a cash prize of $1 million.

One of the most prestigious global awards for renewable energy, the Zayed Future Energy Prize is awarded annually to large corporations, individuals, small businesses and non-governmental organizations that have made significant contributions to the future of energy.Orb Energy received this award in recognition of its efforts towards creating a significant impact on India’s energy landscape, by building a unique distribution model for solar energy that is helping to power Indian homes, enterprises, and entire villages.

The company began operations in India five years ago, and now has more than 100 branches covering five states, including Karnataka, Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra, with a work force of more than 550 people. Orb Energy has installed over 30,000 systems, and sees itself doubling this figure over the next two years.

Damian Miller, CEO of Orb Energy, said: “This award is a validation of our efforts towards reducing India’s energy crisis through the use of sustainable solar powered technology, especially in rural areas. Our approach is differentiated by our unique range of solar systems, and our ability to reach out directly to the Indian solar consumer – delivering a superior product and unparalleled after sales service. We plan to use the prize money to expand our base to 200 branches over the next 18 months, to help us better serve India’s growing energy requirements.”

“We congratulate the winners of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, and encourage them all to continue in their efforts towards the creation of innovative solutions – impacting communities around the world. These are the ambassadors of innovation, the ambassadors of our Prize – these are the people who spread hope and aspiration and encourage the next generation of innovators,” said His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at the ceremony.

Masdar PV commissions largest solar park in Thuringia, Germany, in record time

2012-01-20T09:44:00.000+05:30

ICHTERHAUSEN, GERMANY: Masdar PV, an innovative manufacturer of thin-film photovoltaic products, has completed the largest solar power plant in Gotha, State of Thuringia within less than two months. The solar park has, therefore, completed all the conditions for obtaining the EEG feed-in tariffs of 2011.

On a former military property, more than 50,000 solar panels will provide a nominal output of 11.7 MWp for the local power grid. With an annual energy production of 10.5 million kilowatt hours, the installation will produce enough power to supply around 2,500 four-person households. In addition, this project will enable Masdar PV to save approximately 9,300 tons of CO2 emissions annually, the equivalent of the emissions of more than 4,000 medium-sized cars.

In the new solar park, a mixture of Masdar PV’s state of the art dual-junction micromorph and established amorphous modules will operate. The application of 17,320 micromorph full size modules was especially responsible for the fast and efficient installation of the park. The Gotha project also confirms Masdar PV’s commitment to provide sustainable energy in the State of Thuringia.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, said: “This project is the largest PV installation of solar modules in Thuringia and the first application of our new micromorph silicon technology using full size module at high efficiency. It supports the UAE leadership’s vision of making Masdar a preeminent source for knowledge and development of renewable energy. The effective project management and coordination with the State of Thuringia and system integrator were the major reasons for the fast construction of the park. This enables us to further contribute to the region’s power supply with renewable energies.”

The solar power plant is designed and constructed by UAE based system integrator Enviromena Power Systems, who previously collaborated with Masdar on a variety of photovoltaic projects including a 10 MW solar power farm installed in 2009 at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Enviromena CEO, Sami Khoreibi, said: “We are very pleased to be associated with Masdar PV on this important utility scale project. Of particular interest to us were the logistics associated with the first installation of Masdar PV’s full size modules. More than half of the 11.7 MW plant are at 5.7 m2 size each substantially larger than any other solar module. We found the full size modules quite efficient to handle and in fact were able to install the entire field in less than six weeks.”

Aside from Masdar PV’s solar modules, the plant incorporates technology from solar inverter manufacturer SMA, and solar racking manufacturers Krinner and PUK. Before end of 2011 Enviromena performed extensive commissioning tests, which verified the proper function of the modules.

Phoenix Solar AG acquires exclusive partner in Turkey

2012-01-20T01:16:00.000+05:30

SULZEMOOS, GERMANY: Phoenix Solar AG, a leading photovoltaic system integrator, is broadening the international dimension of its business still further with an exclusive partnership in Turkey.

With immediate effect Phoenix Solar will be cooperating with iRES Enerji, a company founded by Ates Ugurel. Ugurel is also the founder and member of the management board of the Turkish Solar Energy Industry Association (GENSED) and has 16 years of experience of the Turkish photovoltaic market.

Thanks to the extensive experience of its management, iRES Enerji is one of the leading companies operating in the renewable energy sector in Turkey. In addition to consulting services the company also undertakes project development and acts as the main contractor in realising solar installations. Commencing in spring 2012, the company also plans to distribute components and systems. Phoenix Solar intends to support iRES Enerji in all these activities and play an active part as sole partner in the realisation of solar installations.

“The Turkish solar market is developing rapidly, with grid parity expected as early as 2013 in some areas of the country. We are convinced that Turkey has the potential to become an important growth market for the photovoltaic industry in future. With this partnership with iRES Enerji and Ugurel’s expertise, we are taking the steps now that will enable us to successfully implement projects in this country,” commented Klaus Ullrich, VP, International Sales at Phoenix Solar.

“We chose Phoenix Solar as our partner because the company has extensive expertise and an outstanding reputation in the photovoltaic sector. Phoenix Solar also operates internationally, and as an independent system integrator it can offer the products and services that the Turkish solar market needs,” responded Ates Ugurel, CEO of iRES Enerji.

The partnership is already bearing fruit. In addition to some smaller solar systems with a peak output of ten kilowatts, initial negotiations are taking place for 500 kilowatt projects. No legal permits are required for installations up to this magnitude. Turkey is currently supporting photovoltaic developments via several routes. Besides a feed-in tariff, own consumption is a central issue.

KIUC and HCDC award contract to REC Solar for 12MW solar project

2012-01-20T00:34:00.000+05:30

HAWAI'I, USA: KIUC and REC Solar launched a 12-megawatt solar project, the largest solar project in the state, on Hawaiian Homelands in Anahola on the northeast side of Kauai. The two companies held a kick-off meeting with Homestead Community Development Corp. (HCDC) to coordinate the next steps on the project.

The partnership between HCDC and KIUC was formed in August of 2011 to explore whether a project was feasible on Hawaiian homelands that would mutually benefit the co-op, the people of Kauai and the Hawaiian Home Land Trust created by Congress in 1920.

Through a competitive bidding process, REC Solar was awarded the contract for the project in December. This facility will bring KIUC’s integrated solar capacity to nearly 20 MW, and is the second utility-scale project REC Solar has developed for KIUC. The two partners previously collaborated on a 1.21 MW system in Kapaa.

"The growth of the solar industry is due in part to the aggressive actions from forward-thinking utilities like KIUC," said Lee Johnson, CEO of REC Solar. "This coalition demonstrates the innovative spirit and concern for the environment that has made Hawaii home to the nation's second highest installed solar capacity per capita, and we are excited to move this project forward. Solar is a bankable, proven way to grow KIUC’s renewable generation portfolio and meet the energy needs of Hawaii.”

“When the project is successfully developed, KIUC will have more PV concentration than any utility in the US,” said David Bissell, KIUC president and CEO.

The co-operative obtained approval from the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service to reallocate $68 million of previously approved loan funds to construct integrated photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems on Kaua‘i. A portion of this reallocation will be used to fund the project. The funds originally were approved for a 10 MW combustion turbine generator often referred to as Gen X or CT2.

“The benefits are significant,” said Phil Tacbian, KIUC board chairman. “By using the RUS-approved funds for solar development, the cooperative effectively shelves the combustion turbine plant and moves closer to giving our members the clean, renewable energy they have asked for.”

A majority of KIUC’s generation today still comes from fossil fuels, but the co-op has actively expanded its portfolio of renewable technologies. KIUC now has a combined 17 MW of PV and biomass-fired generation projects under power purchase agreements. About 35 MW of low-impact hydropower projects are being studied to determine whether additional clean, renewable hydropower can be feasibly developed on Kaua‘i.

In a release from HCDC, Brad Rockwell, KIUC project manager, described the kick-off meeting as an important starting point “to ensure all of us are working toward common goals, and included the environmental assessment firm, the contractor REC Solar and, of course our KIUC-HCDC team.” The project’s next steps include conducting an environmental assessment; assembling a cultural assessment team knowledgeable of the Anahola area in place; and mapping out a job fair and employment outreach in the months ahead.

Indian government rejects plea seeking imposition of import duty on finished solar equipment

2012-01-19T20:51:00.001+05:30

This is a copy from Panchabuta-Renewable Energy & Cleantech in India, as there was no press release.

INDIA: According to reports, the government says it has no objections to imports of low-priced Chinese solar cells as long as they meet prescribed quality standards.

This comes as a setback to domestic manufacturers battling cheaper Chinese imports. Last week, the government rejected a plea of domestic players seeking imposition of import duty on finished solar equipment.

“The market will always bend towards the products which are low-priced. But, yes the quality matters,” said Tarun Kapoor, joint secretary, ministry of new and renewable energy. The Indian government’s stand is in contrast with the US policy, which has taken China to the World Trade Organisation over dumping of solar cells and panels. Kapoor, however, said, “We support what is legal, this is a case and we support WTO-accepted norms. It is not country specific, it’s rule specific.”

India’s National Solar Mission gives preference to domestic manufacturers. However, this is only at the central level and states are not obliged to follow this policy. “There’s only one scheme that offers this provision and it’s not a law,” Kapoor said. “We give the projects to developers who in turn are free to choose the products. If the prices are low and quality is good, then obviously, anyone would go for it.”

“Why should we as a nation help strengthen other international manufacturers when our own domestic players are fledgling?” asked Vivek Chaturvedi, chief marketing officer, Moser Baer Solar Ltd, a leading manufacturer of solar equipment. At present, India’s solar cell and module capacity is around 700mw and 1,000mw, respectively. Industry expects the demand to grow to 3-5 gigawatts annually in six years.

Ministry officials though inform that it’s the thin-film technology in the solar cell market that is facing more threat, which often come with vendor-tied foreign financing. “Given that over 90 percent of the installed global solar cell capacity is based on the more reliable crystalline silicon technology, the government may well consider further extending the domestic content requirement to sustain the momentum of solar manufacturing in the country,” said Rupesh Agarwal, Advisory Lead – Cleantech at Ernst & Young.

Source: Panchabuta-Renewable Energy & Cleantech in India.

KYOCERA’s 315-watt, 80-cell solar module launches in the US

2012-01-19T19:45:00.000+05:30

SCOTTSDALE, USA: Kyocera Solar Inc. announced the launch of its highest-output solar module, the 80-cell KD 315. The new module is ideal for large-scale installations like solar-covered parking, and is now available for US customers.

With a 37-year history of solar innovation and cutting edge technologies, Kyocera continues to display its commitment to quality and reliability with the release of the KD 315. Designed for high output, safety and ease of installation, the UL certified KD 315 modules feature a UV stabilized, aesthetically pleasing black anodized frame; easily accessible ground points; proven junction box technology with 12 AWG PV wire to work with transformerless inverters and quality locking plug-in connectors for quick connections.

Continuous improvement, a cornerstone philosophy for Kyocera, has been a driving force for the company, contributing to its milestone accomplishment of being the only solar module manufacturer to pass rigorous long-term testing performed by TÜV Rheinland — and repeatedly achieving world record cell efficiencies.

“Kyocera’s KD 315 is an outstanding solution for large-scale installations that demand top quality, high output photovoltaic modules,” stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar. “By combining higher output per unit with Kyocera’s superior field performance, KD 315 modules can offer system owners an even greater return on investment.”

BLT Enterprises selects SPI Solar for second major solar installation project

2012-01-19T15:41:00.000+05:30

ROSEVILLE, USA: SPI Solar, a leading vertically integrated photovoltaic solar developer, has been contracted by BLT Enterprises to design and build a 400 kW DC distributed generation PV solar energy facility to help power operations at Volkswagen’s US Test Center California, which encompasses a Technical Center and an Emissions Laboratory located in Oxnard, CA.

The center, currently under construction by an affiliate of BLT Enterprises, is a 63,500 square-foot facility which will be one of the automobile industry’s most advanced emissions testing and power train development facilities. The center will be used by various brands within the Volkswagen Group which includes Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti.

The SEF being designed by SPI will utilize a mix of rooftop and carport structures to host the onsite solar array. It is the second large-scale system SPI has produced for BLT. In January, 2011 SPI announced completion of a 398 kW system at BLT’s Fremont, California state-of-the-art waste-recovery operation facility.

“We are fortunate to enjoy a long-term working relationship with BLT Enterprises,” said Steve Kircher, CEO for SPI Solar. “BLT is an innovative commercial development company and this will be the second large-scale distributed generation SEF we have designed and built for them. We look forward to having our systems integrated into more of their buildings in the future.”

“As traditionally sourced energy costs rise, it is becoming increasingly more important to offset them with thoughtful and sustainable energy platforms that can be deployed onsite and reduce long-term operation costs,” said Rob Solomon, chief development and legal officer for BLT Enterprises. “It is also fundamental to Volkswagen’s mission to operate the center in a manner that is consistent with its environmental mission. This solar energy facility helps to fulfill a major part of that mission.”

SPI expects to begin construction of the SEF in the first quarter of 2012.

Impax and Scatec Solar agree sale of Italian solar projects

2012-01-19T04:37:00.000+05:30

NORWAY: The global solar energy provider, Scatec Solar AS has agreed the sale of a 9MW portfolio of operating solar PV plants in Italy to an investment fund managed by London-based Impax Asset Management Ltd (Impax).

The portfolio consists of eight projects within close proximity in Puglia, southern Italy and a 1MW project in Sardinia. All projects are operational, and with non-recourse bank financing of close to €34 million provided by DNB Bank ASA.

“We are pleased to have come to an agreement with Impax Asset Management regarding the Italian PV parks” said Raymond Carlsen, CEO of Scatec Solar. “Creating a portfolio of medium sized plants made this an interesting investment for Impax, and it confirms that solar energy remains a sound, long term investment.”

Impax’s second private equity infrastructure fund, Impax New Energy Investors II L.P., has €330 million of capital committed to the renewable sector and a growing portfolio of wind power projects both in operation and pre-construction in France, Germany and Poland. This deal represents the fund’s first acquisition in the Italian solar market.

Daniel von Preyss, MD in Impax’s Private Equity Infrastructure team, said: “The Italian solar market has been volatile but active throughout 2011, and we see these high-quality projects as an attractive asset. We continue to monitor the Italian PV market for investment opportunities in the coming years.”

The PV plants were all designed and built by Scatec Solar, and the company will continue to provide operations and maintenance services. Panels were supplied by Solarworld, Hanwha SolarOne and Moser Baer. Centralised inverters supplied by SMA Solar Technology AG are employed throughout the portfolio.

The purchasers were advised by Watson Farley & Williams in Rome. Intermediaries were not involved and the transaction value was not disclosed.

CTDC leads rooftop solar development in China

2012-01-19T00:50:00.000+05:30

HONG KONG: China Technology Development Group Corp., a growing clean energy group that provides solar energy products and solutions, based in Hong Kong with sales offices in Milan and Frankfurt, and facilities in China announced that a three-year cooperation framework to develop solar projects in the United States and China has been signed among CTDC, CTDC's wholly-owned subsidiary Sinofield Group Ltd, GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd's subsidiary GCL-Poly Investment Ltd, and China Merchants Group's subsidiary China Merchants New Energy Group Ltd.

Present at the ceremonial signing session were, among others, Yuning Fu, chairman of China Merchants Group, Gongshan Zhu, chairman of the boards and CEO of GCL-Poly, and Alan Li, chairman of the boards and CEO of CTDC/director of Sinofield.

As the world's leading producer of polysilicon, GCL-Poly has interests in over 21 power plants, including a wind power plant, a 20 MW solar farm in China, and several solar farms operating in the USA. In addition, its two solar parks in the total of 84 MW are currently under construction in the USA.

With a 140 year history, CMG is a forerunner in China's national industry and commerce. At the end of 2010, CMG's total assets were about US$50 billion; CMG's net profit was about US$1.9 billion, ranked the ninth among China's state-owned enterprises. Through its subsidiaries, CMG boasts having largest existing, in-progress and proposed warehouse rooftop area available in China, with more than three million square meters to develop solar infrastructure.

Zhenwei Lu, executive president of CMNE, said: "We aim to bring a steady supply of solar electricity to our logistics and industrial zone operations, as an innovative solution to upgrade our traditional structure and lead in low carbon development in China."

Pursuant to the Framework, GCL-Poly and CTDC will jointly develop and invest in solar parks in the USA. In addition, GCL-Poly is to assist CTDC in investing solar parks that are in operation or being installed in the USA.

As a part of the Framework, Sinofield will be the only platform for CMNE to invest into China's rooftop solar development, with name change to "China Merchants New Energy Holdings Co. Ltd" after Sionfield’s completion of capital increase. GCL-Poly will contribute to 20 percent of Sinofield's increased share capital with HK$48 million (equivalent to $7.5 million). Simultaneously, CMNE will inject into Sinofield with exclusive rooftop solar development rights of at least 180 MW, amounting to 55 percent of Sinofield’s increased capital.

The exclusive solar development rights in place are mainly comprised of CMNE's 25 years of exclusive development rights to the warehouse rooftops of three enterprises of CMG:

* China Merchants Logistics Holding Co. Ltd,
* China Merchants Bonded Logistics Co Ltd, and
* China Ocean Shipping Agency Shenzhen.

The completion of Sinofield's capital increase is subject to mutually-agreed independent international asset appraisal firm’s assessment, resolutions of the boards, as well as relevant official authorities.

Adding to the proposed terms of transaction, the agreement outlines Sinofield’s plans under the joint efforts to achieve in the next five years at least 500 MW rooftop solar development in China alone, including phases of development, construction, and operation. CTDC and CMNE will be responsible for raising funds for all the rooftop projects to ensue. Meanwhile, GCL-Poly will provide EPC（Engineering, Procurement, and Construction）services to CTDC, including system integration service. GCL-Poly will include at least 100 MW of CTDC’s solar panels per year in its qualified procurement list subject to certain criterions.

"We are very pleased to cooperate with China Merchants Group, a large state-owned enterprise to establish one of the best and the most professional operating platforms for the solar farm business in China," Gongshan Zhu, chairman of the board of directors, GCL-Poly, said. "Based on this agreement, GCL-Poly will be able to further increase the market demand for its polysilicon and wafer. Through partnership with strong strategic partners to expand into the system integration and PV rooftop solar farm business in Mainland China and the US, we are able to maximise shareholder value. We expect that this cooperation will bring the value of GCL-Poly to the China and US markets, which have enormous business potential."

"This is the most important milestone to date, as we have firmly positioned ourselves as one of the leading solar parks developers," said chairman of the board of directors, CTDC, Alan Li. "We are pleased to cooperate with a reputable company such as GCL-Poly to develop solar parks in the USA, as well as in China. Both the USA and China will have the best prospects for the development of solar applications."

Rooftop solar in China
Under China's 12th Five Year Plan (2011-2015) for renewables, which is being finalized, China’s commercial and industrial rooftop solar is set out to reach 3 GW, as part of overall goal of 15 GW PV installations.

According to China's Ministry of Finance, BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) projects in 2012 are eligible for subsidy in RMB 9 per watt, and BAPV (Building Attached Photovoltaics) in RMB7.5 per watt.

For qualified demonstrative PV projects under the "Golden Sun" program, China's Ministry of Finance has subsidized 50-70 percent of investment for solar power projects per year since 2009, including PV systems, electricity transmission and distribution engineering and etc.

GE to bring power of sun to Invenergy’s Grand Ridge solar project

2012-01-18T19:02:00.000+05:30

SCHENECTADY, USA: GE announced an agreement to supply 23 megawatts (MW) of advanced solar equipment to Invenergy. Invenergy will install the solar equipment at its Grand Ridge Solar project, now under construction in Illinois. When completed in mid-2012, Grand Ridge Solar will be the largest solar farm in the Midwest.

The Grand Ridge Solar site is located in La Salle County, Ill., adjacent to the company’s Grand Ridge Wind project. Invenergy, a leading clean energy company and the nation’s largest independent wind power generation company, owns and operates Grand Ridge Wind, where 140 of GE’s 1.5 MW series wind turbines are providing 210 MW of power.

“As we look to continue the expansion of our clean energy portfolio, advancements in technology have made solar a more competitive solution,” said Michael Polsky, Invenergy’s president and CEO. “Having installed over 1,500 of GE’s wind turbines at projects across the United States, integrating GE’s solar technology is a natural fit.”

“Invenergy again has established itself as a market leader by bringing its development capabilities to both wind and solar projects,” said Victor Abate, VP of GE’s Renewable Energy business. “Expertise in multiple technologies is the future of the renewable energy landscape. At GE, we’re uniquely able to partner on both wind and solar projects with customers like Invenergy.”

In addition to supplying thin film solar panels to Grand Ridge Solar, GE also will supply packaged inverter skids that include Brilliance* inverters, transformers and re-combiners, as well as GE SunIQ plant controls. The SunIQ platform will enhance the grid integration capability of the solar plant.

GE Energy launches power conversion business

2012-01-18T15:48:00.000+05:30

PARIS, FRANCE: GE Energy has announced the next step in the integration of its acquisition of Converteam by renaming the business Power Conversion. Power Conversion’s technologies in process controls, automation systems and high-efficiency power electronics, motors and generators will enable the company to better meet the needs of customers looking to improve operational efficiency and productivity.

The Power Conversion business will help GE maximize its deep domain expertise and expand its presence in the fast-growing energy efficiency, electrification and automation sector, which was valued at $30 billion and is growing above global GDP.

“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone on our journey to deliver our customers more value. We are combining our technology and consultative offerings in systems integration to help the world’s fastest growing energy and industrial sectors improve the efficiency and profitability of their operations,” said Power Conversion CEO Joe Mastrangelo. “Our strengths in these sectors will allow GE to lead by managing the entire energy lifecycle, where our customers want us to play a bigger role.”

Benefitting from inventory restocking orders, post-CNY solar supply chain price increase brewing

2012-01-18T14:20:00.001+05:30

TAIWAN: As Germany’s installation volume for 4Q was unexpectedly high, inventory levels were adjusted significantly – some system makers’ stock levels had even fallen to recent lows. Meanwhile, affected by the uncertainty of Germany’s policies, demand momentum for 1Q12 may be similar to that of 4Q11. According to EnergyTrend, a research division of TrendForce, although European system manufacturers have already begun to place orders, their main priority is still inventory restocking.Source: EnergyTrend, Taiwan.

Since related manufacturers have been continuously receiving European system vendor orders, and previously placed North American orders are currently being shipped, polysilicon and silicon wafer demands are increasing simultaneously. According to EnergyTrend research, as the market status has recovered noticeably in January, a portion of makers are planning to raise product prices after Chinese New Year.

As for polysilicon price, current contract price is around $28-30/kg – after Chinese New Year, it is likely that the prices not be lower than $30/kg. As for silicon wafers, January prices were $1.18-1.2/piece, and will increase slightly, by approximately 2-5 percent to $1.2-1.25/piece.

On the other hand, although Taiwanese solar cell makers’ shipment volume has increased, price has not followed suit. EnergyTrend research indicates, recently solar cell orders have mostly been urgent orders placed by Chinese module makers. While order volume is large, in order to be compatible with module manufacturing process, China makers’ own patterns must be used.

Additionally, as most orders consist mainly of standard products (16.4-16.8 percent), price remains low and these orders do not significantly benefit solar cell makers’ profitability. The main advantage to accepting these orders is the increase in capacity utilization rate.

As for this week’s spot prices, affected by the continuous rise in contract prices, spot prices have begun to increase as well. EnergyTrend research indicates, currently lowest polysilicon price has increased to US$25/kg, and may rise further after the Chinese New Year, to $26/kg or higher. Average polysilicon price increased by 3.03 percent to $27.88/kg.

Silicon wafer prices increased as well, with lowest price at $1.05/piece and average price at $1.155/piece, up by 0.61 percent. As for mono Si wafer price, concluded transaction prices remained the same, but average price increased by a slight 0.13 percent to $1.561/piece.

EnergyTrend believes that the orders for solar rooftop cases that continue to come in will help stimulate high-efficiency product demand, which in turn may keep high-efficiency product price around $1.2/piece. Additionally, Chinese manufacturers previously cut capacity, which reduced supply volume. Now, as urgent orders flood in, supply still seems tight, which has caused the slight increase in standard product prices.

As for solar cells, this week’s average price showed a slight 0.39 percent increase, arriving at $0.514/Watt. As for modules, this week’s module price stayed flat. Related vendors indicate that if upstream prices continue to rise, makers will have to transfer cost to the client end – whether or not they will be successful depends on the future development of the market.

SPI Solar to develop 2 MW utility-scale solar energy facility in Evros, Greece

2012-01-18T05:38:00.003+05:30

ROSEVILLE, USA: SPI Solar, a leading vertically integrated photovoltaic solar developer and engineering, procurement and construction services provider, has successfully completed the acquisition of the necessary contracts and permits to serve as developer of a 2 megawatt fixed-ground-mount solar energy facility (SEF), which will be located in Evros, a North Eastern region of Greece.

This is SPI’s second major solar development in Greece. The first project, announced in August, was a 4.4 megawatt SEF also located in the Evros region.

SPI acquired a limited liability corporation to gain interest in the Evros development to become the developer of record for the project, which was fully permitted and ready to be built. The SEF will be a fixed-tilt ground-mount utility-scale facility. The electricity generated by the SEF will be purchased by the Greek Public Power Corp. through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2012. It is SPI’s intention to sell the project during the construction phase or upon commissioning. SPI worked with Global Energy Services Ltd (GESL) to identify the build-ready project and to perform on-site technical due diligence in order to qualify the project for development.

GESL will work closely with SPI to provide project oversight during the construction of the SEF. Once completed, SPI intends to perform operations and maintenance of the facility over the term of the PPA. The SEF will use LDK’s highperformance solar modules.

“This is our second major project in Evros in less than a year and we are very pleased with the direction our efforts are taking us in Greece,” said Stephen Kircher, CEO of SPI. “The projects we are executing and pursuing in Greece are perfectly suited to our experience and skill set.”

“It’s a real plus to be able to make a positive economic contribution through the jobs we will be creating and the low-cost, sustainable electricity our facilities will be producing. We look forward to more projects in Greece and elsewhere in Europe.”

Solar Frontier selected by enXco for 100+ MWp California power plant

2012-01-17T20:32:00.000+05:30

SANTA CLARA, USA: Solar Frontier and enXco, an EDF Energies Nouvelles company, have signed a module supply agreement for up to 150 megawatts peak (MWp) of Solar Frontier’s CIS solar modules.

A firm order for 26 MWp was completed and delivered in the last quarter of 2011 for the Catalina Solar Project located in Kern County, California. When completed, the project is set to become the world’s largest CI(G)S installation and will rank among the largest solar installations of any type globally.

The plant will be built in two phases – the first phase of approximately 60 MWp is targeted to go online by the end of 2012 and the remainder of the project by June 2013. The plant will generate enough clean energy to power the equivalent of about 35,000 homes annually and will offset about 74,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

“This is a landmark moment not only for Solar Frontier but the CI(G)S industry as a whole,” said Gregory W. Ashley, COO of Solar Frontier Americas. “We have demonstrated successfully that the unique characteristics of CIS technology are compelling to major customers by delivering more KWh over the lifetime of a project for a lower cost. We see this project as a launch pad for ever greater CIS achievement in the United States and across the world. We are pleased to work with enXco, which has shown its commitment to the industry by continuing to develop and build utility-scale solar projects.”

“We are excited to deploy Solar Frontier’s thin film technology,” said Kristina Peterson, VP, Solar Business Unit for enXco. “With its gigawatt-scale production capacity, and favorable energy production profile, Solar Frontier and its parent company Showa Shell Sekiyu, have positioned themselves through a long and proven development process to be able to meet the supply expectations required for such large utility-scale projects.”

IEEE-SA re-inforces commitment to enabling Indian smart grid ecosystem

2012-01-17T15:33:00.000+05:30

MUMBAI, INDIA: IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA), the standards development body of IEEE, announced its continued commitment to enabling the creation of a better ecosystem for Smart Grid in India.

The IEEE-SA India SIG (Standards Interest Group) set up early last year, will be working closely with Indian regulators, standards bodies, industry and academia to facilitate faster implementation of Smart Grid pilots in India. IEEE-SA would also be organizing activities such as seminars and workshops in the year ahead as it strongly believes that broader awareness is key to successful Smart Grid adoption in India. IEEE-SA is the Gold sponsor at GridWeek Asia, which is being held for the first time in India.

IEEE-SA has launched key standards and guidelines such as the IEEE 2030 Smart Grid Interoperability Guide, the first such standard that aids interoperability of energy, information and communications technologies; IEEE 1701 and IEEE 1702 advanced Smart Metering Standards; IEEE 1547, the first guide for implementation of Microgrids; and the IEEE 1901 standard for Broadband over Power Line.

More standards are expected to be introduced in the years ahead providing among the most comprehensive, globally accepted and validated set of standards that enable better interoperability, connection, communication and management of the various elements that go into a Smart Grid.

William Ash, strategic program manager, IEEE-SA, said: “India is the third market worldwide for Smart Grid investment behind only the United States and China, with its Smart Grid spending projected to increase from $1.1 billion in 2011 to $1.9 billion by 2015. Being among the most experienced and active global standard associations engaged in promoting Smart Grid standards across regions, the IEEE-SA is well positioned to play the role of ecosystem enabler.

“We have also been active in Smart Grid early and have been facilitating faster and easier implementation worldwide, which is beneficial for markets like India that are ramping up investments exponentially in this area. We are committed to increasing our engagement with key stakeholders in the year ahead.”

Srikanth Chandrasekharan, chairperson, IEEE-SA India SIG, said: “Smart Grid through efficient energy supply management will help bridge the 10 percent supply demand gap in peak load hours prevalent in India. We are looking to play a facilitation role in the eight pilot projects currently underway to increase operational efficiency besides conservation of energy in transmission and distribution management. We are closely interacting with the India Smart Grid Task Force and other key stakeholders in evolving strategies for effective implementation of Smart Grid in India.”

Smart Grid being a concept with hardware, software and interconnection elements, is complex. Without standards effective and efficient realization of Smart Grid in India would be difficult. The 100+ IEEE Smart Grid standards or standards in development will help make the system more efficient and adoptive to new innovations and technology in the future. IEEE-SA is investing in creating awareness and bringing multiple stakeholders together to transfer best practices and knowledge from Smart Grid markets and perspectives.

Solar3D announces go to market plan

2012-01-17T13:37:00.000+05:30

SANTA BARBARA, USA: Solar3D Inc. announced that its initial market focus will be on those applications that have limited space for solar cells. Over time, as the costs of manufacturing continue to decline, the company’s new technology will roll out to the mass market.

“One of the key strength of our new, super-efficient solar cell is its ability to produce more power in a smaller space,” said Jim Nelson, president and CEO, Solar3D. “Our ultimate goal is to offer a highly efficient solar cell for the mass market. To get from here to there, we intend to focus on immediate market opportunities where we can use our competitive advantage to add the most economic value. Today, low efficiency solar cells make up a majority of the solar market. In space limited applications, these low efficiency solar cells just don’t make economic sense.”

A much more efficient 3-dimensional solar cell translates into a much smaller solar footprint producing equivalent power. Smaller, more powerful systems are ideal for home or industrial roof solar applications where space is at a premium. Additional building applied or integrated applications are also ideal target markets. Other applications for which the super efficient solar cell system is ideal include military, law enforcement, solar powered consumer devices, outdoor sporting use, and even applications for vehicles and boats.

“These applications alone represent an enormous opportunity in the future of the solar industry,” said Nelson, “The profit margins from these space limited applications are much higher than conventional utility scale solar applications. In fact, IHS iSupply, a leading market intelligence firm, projects that the number of high efficiency silicon solar cells consumed by the market will double from 14 percent in 2011 to 31 percent in 2015. We are right on track to ride this new trend in the solar industry.”

Nelson continued, “As we penetrate the market and accumulate manufacturing experience, all of the benefits of that experience, including economies of scale, know how, fine tuning of the design, and modification of the process, will result in a cost competitive and highly efficiency solar cell for the mass market, including utility scale solar farms.”

The company has received numerous inquiries from prospective partners and customers and is initiating business development efforts to establish Solar3D cells in the marketplace.

Oerlikon Solar presents 2nd generation ThinFab

2012-01-17T04:12:00.000+05:30

ABU DHABI, UAE & TRUEBBACH, SWITZERLAND: Oerlikon Solar presented its 2nd generation ThinFab at the World Future Energy Summit 2012 (WFES) in Abu Dhabi. This end-to-end production line resets the standard for manufacturing sustainable solar modules at low cost and high quality.

The new design reduces capital expenditure by 23 percent to just $1/Wp, including engineering support and performance guarantees. The production line enables customers to produce high-quality thin film silicon modules for costs of around $0.5/Wp (€0.35/Wp), a record in the solar industry.

Oerlikon Solar also announced a new record thin film silicon cell. At 12.5 percent, the efficiency of this lab cell is 1.7 percentage points higher than the large scale production modules of the 2nd generation ThinFab (an increase of 16 percent) and clearly demonstrates the potential of Oerlikon Solar's thin film silicon technology.

The 2nd generation ThinFab, announced on December 19, 2011, is available in the market. In addition to lower capex requirements and the lowest module production costs, the upgraded ThinFab provides customers with a guaranteed average module efficiency of 10.8 percent (154 Wp) - an increase of 8 percent - and 17 percent higher output capacity compared with the first generation.

The new record cell with 12.5 percent efficiency was developed in cooperation with leading specialty glass manufacturer Corning Incorporated. Oerlikon Solar set the previous record in September 2010 when it developed a champion cell delivering 11.9 percent efficiency.

This significant efficiency increase in such a short period of time demonstrates the future potential of Oerlikon Solar's Micromorph thin film silicon technology and Oerlikon Solar's leading thin film silicon research and development capabilities.

Petra Solar and Enviromena to develop solar and smart grid in the Middle East and North Africa

2012-01-16T21:15:00.000+05:30

ABU DHABI, UAE: Petra Solar and Enviromena Power Systems announced an alliance agreement that enables the two market leaders to join forces to develop solar and smart grid projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Combining Petra Solar’s innovative smart energy technology with Enviromena’s expertise in development of renewable energy projects in MENA will advance the growth of solar and smart grid in the region. The partnership further demonstrates Petra Solar’s ongoing commitment to expanding its business internationally, and developing the solar and smart grid market in the Middle East.

“The increasing demand for solar energy and grid reliability provides a tremendous opportunity for Petra Solar throughout the Middle East and the world. Collaborating with Enviromena, the leading developer of solar projects in the Middle East and North Africa, will facilitate the international expansion of our products and business development in the region,” said Dr. Shihab Kuran, president and CEO of Petra Solar.

“Enviromena has an impressive list of completed projects including the Masdar 10MW Power Plant and has the largest installed capacity of any solar developer in the Middle East and North Africa.”

Petra Solar is the pioneer and market leader of distributed Smart Solar, an innovative approach that couples solar with smart grid technology to generate clean, safe renewable energy while making the electric infrastructure more stable, efficient and energy independent. The robust platform is scalable to future smart grid applications, including energy efficiency, energy conservation and smart microgrids. This approach builds large scale solar in a reliable fashion that avoids future costs of rebuilding the grid.

"Petra Solar's unique technology greatly expands our portfolio of photovoltaic solutions available to the MENA region," said Sami Khoreibi, CEO of Enviromena. "We see a large market here for distributed solar applications, particularly where smart grid initiatives are taking place."

Petra Solar will be a participant in the Project Village during the 2012 World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Jan. 16-19. It will be showcasing a 40 MW project with Public Service Electric & Gas of New Jersey, the world’s largest distributed solar project.

CSA unveils new testing and certification lab in Hong Kong

2012-01-16T20:11:00.001+05:30

HONG KONG: CSA, a leading testing and certification organization, officially announced the grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art testing and certification laboratory in Hong Kong. Equipped with advanced technology, the new lab will provide significant localized testing capabilities for manufacturing clients including: lighting, household appliances, battery operated tools, transformers, wiring devices and other electrical products.

The unveiling of the Hong Kong facility follows two similar CSA announcements this week of laboratory openings in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

"CSA is committed to helping companies in the Greater China region succeed in the global marketplace," said Ash Sahi, president and CEO, CSA Group. "The opening of CSA's new Hong Kong lab will provide our clients with testing and certification services for a wide range of products to meet various international standards for exports to North America and globally. We are determined to continue serving our valuable Hong Kong customers with the highest integrity and quality to help them achieve business success globally."

Located in Shatin, the new office and laboratory facility occupies 5,129 square feet. The new location provides qualified testing and certification services for Hong Kong's manufacturers locally, helping them reduce costs, time-to-market and improve product quality. With its new local laboratory in place, CSA's long-term expertise in this arena will contribute to the healthy development of the industry while helping to strengthen the Hong Kong brand of quality worldwide.

Greater China remains a key priority market for CSA. One of the company's key business strategies includes accelerating investments in LED lighting, energy efficiency verification (EEV), solar and photovoltaic, and expanding its core services and businesses in the region.

CSA's Hong Kong laboratory is staffed by a team of experienced testing professionals trained on relevant North American and international standards to best serve its customers. Working closely with clients in the testing and certification process, CSA provides high-quality and timely services to Hong Kong manufacturers seeking to export their products to North America.

SmartGridCIS expands executive team

2012-01-16T19:26:00.000+05:30

ALPHARETTA, USA: SmartGridCIS, a leading provider of smart grid utility solutions, announced two new executive appointments. Mark Adkins will be joining the company as VP of Product Development, and William Brumbelow as VP of Engineering.

With these appointments SmartGridCIS now offers best-in-class leadership and client support, as both leaders bring a strong track record of achievement in previous roles. This includes both early stage and mid-sized companies, and key consulting capacities for Fortune 100 clients. With four new clients coming on board, SmartGridCIS enters 2012 with some very positive momentum.

“By adding these key resources to our executive team we ensure pursuit of our vision to provide industry leading product innovation, technology and support services,” said John Bastian, president. “Key to our success is engaging leaders with deep industry expertise and vision in their particular areas of focus and I'm delighted to say that we have that level of skill within SmartGridCIS.”

Abound Solar and Solarsis announce commissioning of solar plant in Andhra Pradesh

2012-01-16T17:14:00.000+05:30

LOVELAND, USA & HYDERABAD, INDIA: Abound Solar, a leading manufacturer of next-generation thin-film photovoltaic modules, and Solar Integration Systems India Pvt Ltd (Solarsis), a leading solar system integration company in India, announced the commissioning of a 1MW solar photovoltaic plant in Kadiri, Andhra Pradesh, India.

The commissioning officially took place on January 14, 2012 and comes less than a year after the two companies announced a partnership targeting the fast-growing Indian solar market.

This project was commissioned under the Rooftop and Other Small Solar Power Generation Plant (RPSSGP) Scheme administered by IREDA under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). It is the first project in the state of Andhra Pradesh to use Abound Solar cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film modules. The combination of Abound Solar’s low-cost modules and Solarsis’ homegrown racking and mounting solution cuts down on the overall balance-of-system (BoS) cost of the project.

“This plant will generate operational data on different technology performance in Indian weather,” said Venkat Rajaraman, CEO of Solarsis.

“India is a key market for Abound Solar due to our US-made CdTe panel’s excellent performance in India’s climate, our commercial focus over the past two years and our successful use of US Export-Import Bank financing. We have a significant installed base in India and see this growing in 2012,” said Craig Witsoe, president and CEO of Abound Solar. “Solarsis is a good partner for us, offering project and local industry expertise.”

Chinese PV equipment suppliers grab further market-share gains

2012-01-16T13:20:00.001+05:30

SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Ambitious PV manufacturing capacity investments across the Asia Pacific region during 2011 have provided substantial revenue growth for local PV equipment suppliers, according to the latest NPD Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report.

Beneficiaries of these record investments include Japanese wire-saw producer Komatsu-NTC and an emerging group of Chinese tool suppliers that includes (Fujian) Apollo, 48th Research Institute (CETC-48), (Zhejiang) Jinggong, and Jingyuntong (JYT). Collectively, these four Chinese companies have posted a CAGR metric in excess of 200 percent for PV-specific equipment revenues covering the period from 2008 to 2011.

Applied Materials (AMAT) is forecast to retain the top spot as leading PV equipment supplier by recognized revenues. AMAT’s c-Si specific PV revenues for CY’11 are forecast to grow by more than 60 percent, as process tools for wafer and back-end cell production were widely implemented throughout all geographic regions and tier categories.

Many European equipment suppliers with a strong track record within the PV industry (Centrotherm, Meyer Burger, Schmid, RENA, Amtech-Tempress and DEK-Solar) are also forecast to post record PV tool revenues for 2011.

This is contrasted by other European suppliers that have seen their PV market share eroded by the new Chinese competition. Consolidated PV revenues of Roth & Rau, Manz, ALD-Vacuum, and PVA-TePla for 2011 are estimated to have been less than 50 percent of this grouping’s PV share in 2008.

Investment in turn-key a-Si lines—mainly from China—ensured continued revenue streams for Oerlikon and Apollo during 2011. While many thin-film investments are driven by unpredictable market-entry aspirations, this segment still offers attractive, but erratic, bookings potential for tool suppliers.

Finlay Colville, senior analyst at NPD Solarbuzz, said: “The euphoria of announcing record revenues for 2011 is countered by the realization that much of the tooling shipped last year was stimulated by highly ambitious capacity expansion plans that were not underpinned by market demand. Over-capacity reached chronic proportions across the c-Si value-chain during 2011, and only stronger than anticipated end-market demand in 2012 will mitigate a painful and severe equipment spending downturn.”

Equipment suppliers at risk of Y/Y revenue declines in the 60-70 percent range for 2012 are those most exposed to the c-Si ingot-to-module stages. Only GT Advanced Technologies, with strong market-share in polysilicon and downstream PV equipment (characterized by different spending cycles), is retaining healthy revenue guidance during and beyond 2012.Source: Solarbuzz, USA.

Market-share is determined using 3-quarter rolling averages (3QRA) of PV specific revenues recognized (Rev-Rec) across any given trailing 12-month (ttm) period. Above analysis incorporates NPD Solarbuzz PV Rev-Rec estimates for each supplier to 31 March 2012.

Technology-buy cycles continue to frustrate PV equipment suppliers
Excessive PV equipment that was shipped during 2011 is now contributing to a misleading (nameplate) capacity figure at the 50 GW level. However, many production lines are now shuttered, idled, awaiting tool installation, running at utilization rates below 50 percent, or simply not capable of meeting downstream requirements on cost or efficiency. As a result, annualized, effective (or commercial), ramped capacity is closer to 30 GW.

Dominated by tier 1 (and selected tier 2) manufacturers, the short-term goal has now shifted from adding more capacity to cash preservation and repairing damaged balance sheets during 2012. The rebound in equipment spending that will ultimately be driven by these manufacturers is therefore on hold until there is sufficient confidence that end-market demand will exceed the 30 GW mark.

In the meantime, PV equipment suppliers are eagerly searching for technology-buys that will both soften the revenue declines during 2012 and give a clear indication of the process tool types to be prioritized from 2013.

Changes in the c-Si equipment roadmap point firmly to an increase in high-efficiency cell variants, with over 75 percent of capacity added during 2012 capable of producing panels with efficiency gains of 0.5 percent or more, compared to industry averages through 2011.

“The strategic planning for PV equipment suppliers is now shifting to 2013 and beyond, with limited prospects for revenue upside in 2012,” added Colville. “Success will be provided to those suppliers that can align product portfolios with equipment process chains that are economic in the new low cost PV manufacturing environment.”Source: Solarbuzz, USA.

Standard: legacy p-type substrates, conventional process flows.
Standard Extra: efficiency delta of 0.2-0.5 percent, one incremental change.
High Efficiency (HE): advanced process flows, efficiency >1 percent, alternate process flow.

Solar industry limbo to continue

2012-01-13T22:45:00.000+05:30

UK: The solar industry remains in “total limbo” after a day of legal argument failed to determine if the Government has the right to appeal in the row over feed-in-tariff incentives.

David Hunt, a director with leading renewable energy company Eco Environments, said: “The Government has not covered itself in glory during this whole sorry saga, and today’s outcome further exacerbates the negative impact of their actions.

“The industry needs to move forward without the prospect of months of continued uncertainty hanging over it. While the reduction in the feed-in-tariff to 21p/kWh for domestic customers is greater than we would have wanted, the industry now accepts that we have to work with the new rate which still offers a fantastic return on investment for homeowners.

“The failure to even agree whether an appeal can be heard is another hammer blow to our industry – the only winners today are the lawyers.

“If the Government is ultimately successful with its appeal, the industry is spared the return to a 43p domestic FIT rate which will blow an already overspent budget, causing a short boom, and a catastrophic bust for the renewable energy industry, not just solar.

“The FIT budget is not separated by technology, if it is all spent on solar PV, then Wind, Hydro and other eligible technologies will lose FIT subsidy too. However, it would cause long term uncertainty for the industry, having created a precedent that Government can make retrospective changes to FIT and other subsidies, giving major concerns to any potential investor, domestic or commercial, now and in the future.

“If on the other hand the Government loses any appeal, then we will end up with the boom and bust, wiping out the FIT budget at a stroke. This will result in a nightmare for all renewable installers with short term ‘cowboy’ selling and long term job losses and company closures.

“To compound the issue the state of total limbo is likely to continue, with either side going to the Supreme Court if they lose. The only certainty is seems will be ongoing uncertainty which is already costing jobs and creating a crisis of confidence among potential investors. This will not help to secure the futures of many companies which simply will not survive another few months’ of paralysis.”

Hunt said that he and colleagues within the renewable energy sector still have their guns on a number of other aspects still out to consultation.

Perhaps, the most serious issue surrounds Ministers’ plans to insist from April that all homes must achieve a C-rated energy efficiency standard in order to qualify for the full feed-in-tariff subsidies.

Nine in 10 homes do not currently meet this rating and bringing homes up to the required standard would cost between £5,500 and £12,000 according to industry experts – an investment well beyond the majority of people.

Hunt added: “It is vitally important that the Government steps back from the brink and removes the requirement that says every home must achieve the C-rating for energy efficiency in order to qualify for the maximum feed-in-tariff incentive. That is if we still have any feed-in-tariff left after the High Court judgement!”

ANTARIS SOLAR establishes trading partnerships in the UAE and Qatar

2012-01-13T18:47:00.000+05:30

UK: ANTARIS SOLAR has extended its activities to the Middle East. The German photovoltaics specialist, with headquarters in Bavaria, has now opened trading partnerships in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

"Sun energy instead of oil" – this motto increasingly holds true for the world’s classic "oil countries". With huge amounts of solar radiation the Middle East is naturally predisposed for the application of photovoltaic (PV) technology. ANTARIS SOLAR has now entered these promising markets by opening trading posts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. At its new locations, the Bavarian PV wholesaler and project developer offers the complete range of PV technology, including ANTARIS SOLAR’s own mono- and polycrystalline module series.

Photovoltaics instead of oil
Despite their rich resources of oil and natural gas – the UAE possess the world’s seventh largest oil deposits – there is a trend among countries of the Arab Peninsula towards renewable energies and sustainable energy production. A perfect example of this trend is Masdar-City. Construction works for the ecological model city that will be entirely based on renewable energies started in Abu Dhabi in 2008.

The growing interest of “oil countries”, such as the UAE and Qatar, in PV and other renewables, underlines the profitability of these eco-friendly forms of energy supply.

“By establishing trading points on the Arab Peninsula ANTARIS SOLAR promotes the deployment of PV-technology in this region and supports the development of a sustainable energy power supply industry“, says ANTARIS SOLAR CEO Dr. Michael Goede.

ANTARIS SOLAR has been constantly expanding its international business activities over the last few years. The first international subsidiaries were established in Switzerland and the Czech Republic. At present ANTARIS SOLAR is running offices in Italy, France, the United Kingdom and the USA. “The opening of trading points in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar will shortly be followed by further international expansion of operations,” says Dr. Michael Goede.

ICAP to participate in panel discussion at GridWeek Asia 2012

2012-01-13T13:30:00.000+05:30

MUMBAI, INDIA: The IEEE Conformity Assessment Program (ICAP), a joint initiative of the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) and IEEE Industry Standards and Technology Organization (IEEE-ISTO) to advance and accelerate market adoption of conforming products, announced that Ravi Subramaniam, technical director, ICAP will participate in a panel titled “Standards for Smart Grid,” at GridWeek Asia in Mumbai, India January 16-18, 2012.

This inaugural event organized by Clasma and Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA), brings together an esteemed group of international technology companies, standards organizations, government entities, and utilities. IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) is a gold sponsor at this event and will be exhibiting its smart grid activities.

SolarFocus launches UNI-SOLAR powered Kindle cover

2012-01-13T04:36:00.000+05:30

CES 2012, AUBURN HILLS, USA: United Solar, a global manufacturer of UNI-SOLAR lightweight, flexible solar products and a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (ECD) announced the commercial launch of the world's first solar-powered cover for the Amazon Kindle e-reader by SolarFocus Technology Co. Ltd, a leader in solar-powered portable products.

SolarFocus' SolarKindle Lighted Cover uses UNI-SOLAR's proprietary technology to charge the Kindle's internal battery as well as the cover's integrated reserve battery, which is used to power the LED reading light featured on the inside of the cover. The solar cells, located on the front of the leather cover, are charged from direct exposure to the sun, providing unlimited extended power to the device.

The SolarKindle Lighted Cover will be revealed at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week (January 10-13, 2012) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The lightweight solar cover will be recognized as a 2012 Innovations Honoree in the Eco-Design and Sustainability Technologies category. The CES is hosted by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and showcases the ground-breaking products and technologies influencing consumer technology.

"The SolarKindle Lighted Cover is a great example of the success of United Solar's Open Solar initiative, which allows our strategic partner, SolarFocus, to leverage the differentiation of our unique high-performance, lightweight and flexible solar cells," said Chris Bala, VP of Sales-Open Solar. "This innovative product represents just how easily UNI-SOLAR technology can be integrated seamlessly and cost effectively into everyday applications."

NXP demos groundbreaking solar street lighting solution

2012-01-13T02:22:00.000+05:30

CES 2012, EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS & LAS VEGAS, USA: NXP Semiconductors N.V. has developed an innovative, sustainable and highly efficient solar-powered street lighting solution, together with Philips Lighting.

The groundbreaking Solar Gen2 solution, which NXP is demonstrating this week at CES 2012 (booth CP8), could have a major impact on energy consumption in urban areas at night. By charging street lamps during daylight hours, the new solar-powered solution from Philips Lighting and NXP can supplement the capacity of the conventional electricity grid, saving money and reducing CO2 emissions.

The key to the breakthrough lies in the combination of new High Brightness LEDs and unique patented optics from Philips Lighting, together with NXP's MPT61x range of configurable ICs for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), which can deliver 98% power conversion efficiency in solar photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Philips' High Brightness LEDs offer a highly energy-efficient solution, which is superior to any conventional lighting and allows street lamps to be spaced up to 50 meters apart -- much wider than is possible with other solutions. This makes Solar Gen2 the most cost-effective solution per km of road lighting and provides a serious alternative to grid-connected AC systems.

NXP's MPT61x intelligent charge controller family enables Solar Gen2 to transfer the maximum amount of power from the solar panels to the batteries. The MPT61x ICs also ensure that the charging and discharging of the battery happens in a smart way to maximize battery life. In addition, the controllers can dim light levels as needed based on a self-learning intelligence and history log.

Kees van der Klauw, SVP Technology & Development at Philips Lighting, says: "Solar Gen2 is a fantastic example of how several companies have worked together to create an innovative, best-in-class solution. It addresses a real need felt by 1.6 billion people in countries where the electricity grid cannot be relied upon to power street lighting at night. Solar Gen2 provides a cost-effective, reliable, off-grid outdoor lighting solution that can compete with existing on-grid lighting in performance, integral cost and energy consumption, improving the quality of people's lives around the world."

René Penning de Vries, CTO at NXP Semiconductors, says: "We're very proud to have developed this solution in collaboration with Philips Lighting. By making Solar Gen2 as power efficient as possible, we've produced something which is genuinely groundbreaking while remaining affordable in those countries that can benefit the most from it. Harnessing the energy of the sun as effectively as possible means reduced electricity demand and a more robust infrastructure."

The NXP MPT612 IC provides:
* NXP's patent-pending MPPT algorithm, which simplifies development and maximizes system efficiency.
* An application-specific software development kit including libraries and easy-to-use application programming interfaces (APIs).
* Dedicated hardware functions for PV panels, including voltage and current measurement, and panel parameter configuration for simple and fast design of end-products.
* Low-power ARM7TDMI-S RISC processor operating up to 70 MHz.
* Buck-boost charger topology supporting 98 percent system efficiency in battery charging.

AQT Solar secures $18.7 million to fuel growth through 2012

2012-01-13T00:10:00.000+05:30

SUNNYVALE, USA: AQT Solar, a leading developer of low-cost CIGS (copper-indium-gallium-diselenide) thin-film solar cells, has secured $18.7 million in venture funding to deploy a second CIGS line at the company’s Sunnyvale facility. The Series B investment, which was at a higher valuation for the company than the previous round of funding, brings the total amount of capital that AQT has attracted to date to almost $40 million.

This funding round follows a year of consistent progress and growth for AQT. The company’s Sunnyvale site is now operating around the clock and will have an installed solar cell capacity of more than 30MW by mid-year. AQT cells are currently used in 100 watt CIGS modules that are being field deployed. By year-end, up to 180 watt CIGS modules powered by AQT cells are expected to be available in the market.

AQT’s CIGS 2.0 technology allows for continuous in-line production, which simplifies and streamlines the manufacturing process, resulting in the highest projected capital efficiency in the industry, while minimizing component costs. This manufacturing pathway has resulted in the development, shipment and scaling of CIGS module product in just four years and for less than $40M in funding, making AQT the market leader in time-to-market and cost-to-market.

“Our business strategy uniquely positions us to compete and grow in an increasingly crowded, noisy and aggressive market,” said Michael Bartholomeusz, CEO of AQT Solar. “AQT is laser focused on what we believe are the key elements to success in any commodity industry: leverage, cost, risk mitigation, partnerships and future proofing.”

Solar market diversification continues

2012-01-12T21:49:00.000+05:30

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: With funding cuts and falling demand, the European photovoltaic market is shrinking. Asia, meanwhile, is performing well and expected to generate significant growth in 2012. PV companies looking to expand market are flocking to South Korea in February, 2012, to get a preview of what's to come in Asia over the next year.

In the Asia Pacific region, the PV market is forecast to grow 130 percent year-over-year in Q4'11 and installations of more than 2 GW of PV capacity are expected Q4'11, which will significantly raise the region's share of the global market, according to NPD Solarbuzz. Asia Pacific is poised to grow an additional 45 percent in 2012 as Asian governments introduce new installation targets.

From February 15-17, 2012, global solar companies wanting to drive growth in the Asian photovoltaic market are meeting at EXPO Solar 2012 to be held in the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX), Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea.

As Asia's platform for the international photovolatic industry, EXPO Solar focuses on forging new contacts and expanding existing company networks. From February 15-17, 2012, over 500 exhibitors and approximately 45,000 visitors from all over the world are expected to flock to KINTEX near Seoul.

EXPO Solar provides a joint platform to present technologies and companies from the entire PV industry supply chain spanning Cell Processing, PV Modules, Materials, Production Equipment and Power Generation. It brings together manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, service providers and government representatives under one roof.

Industry leaders including world's leading solar cell/module companies Yingli Solar and LDK Solar and world's renowned manufacturing equipment providers Schmid, MB Systems and Nisshinbo have all joined the growing list of solar vendors taking part in EXPO Solar 2012.

"We have worked hard to create an environment that offers the opportunity to spend three highly productive days conducting business and networking with a high concentration of qualified regional and international buyers. Their presence paired with roughly 500 other manufacturers and distributors should prove to be a great EXPO Solar event," said Jeongsik Choi, chairman of the EXPO Solar Organizing Committee.

eIQ Energy partners with Boots on the roof to train solar system installers in parallel solar technology

2012-01-12T19:45:00.000+05:30

SAN JOSE & FREMONT, USA: eIQ Energy and Boots on the Roof announced a partnership to introduce eIQ Energy’s vBoost module technology to Boots on the Roof’s solar photovoltaic (PV) training programs.

To start that process, eIQ Energy has contributed a dozen vBoost converter modules to the Boots on the Roof solar training program. Starting in January, this new equipment will be featured in the school’s commercial PV construction training program and added to the design exercises in its commercial PV design course.

By incorporating vBoost modules into the curriculum, Boots on the Roof students will gain valuable experience building systems with eIQ Energy’s innovative Parallel Solar technology.

In traditional series architectures, underperforming solar panels can affect the electricity output of an entire system, like a bad bulb in a string of Christmas lights. With eIQ Energy’s patent-pending Parallel Solar technology, panels are connected in parallel, allowing each panel to operate at its own peak performance while a vBoost module steps up the voltage to create a constant output that enables the system’s inverter to run at optimal efficiency.

“We’re excited to be adding eIQ Energy’s vBoost modules to our training lab,” said Dale Weber, lab manager at Boots on the Roof. “This technology increases energy harvest, while the simplicity of the Parallel Solar architecture significantly reduces installation time and material costs, making this a great product to train our students on.”

“Parallel Solar represents the future of solar energy power management,” said Oliver Janssen, eIQ Energy’s chief business development officer. “We’re pleased to be working with Boots on the Roof and that they are using our technology to train the next generation of solar energy contractors, electricians and designers on how to improve the overall economics of a solar power system.”

Dec. 2011 ends year with negative growth, small-scale revenue increase hopeful for Jan. 2012

2012-01-12T15:30:00.001+05:30

TAIWAN: According to EnergyTrend, a research division of TrendForce, due to both weak demand and limited demand boost from the rush order transfers from China, most Taiwanese solar manufacturers released their latest sales figures of December 2011 only to conclude the year with a negative growth.

Most manufacturers have kept the inventory level under control, and thus are unwilling to accept orders that might further jeopardize the gradually stabilizing prices. On the other hand, the increasing demand for high efficiency products has led manufacturers, when accepting orders, to evaluate the likelihood of selling both high efficiency and low efficiency products at the same time.

Generally, the majority of the manufacturers have taken a more conservative approach in response to the falling ASP. Gintech, with a relatively stable income performance, has been able to maintain its production utilization rate through additional OEM orders, exhibiting a relatively positive performance.Source: EnergyTrend, Taiwan.

January is a traditional low season for the solar industry. The limited orders from China--resulted from additional input stocking rate and re-directed OEM orders as many clients seek alternative source to evade tax impositions from anti-dumping investigations and anti-subsidy provision--could not make up for much of January revenues.

Additionally, EnergyTrend indicates that although the price may seem to be stabilizing for a rebound, the end market demand plays a critical role. At present, the order visibility remains relatively low and European and North American markets’ demand momentum slowed in December due to subsidy cuts and expiration of cash grants.

As a result, most manufacturers are attempting to adjust production levels in light of the upcoming Chinese New Year vacations. EnergyTrend believes that with a slow market where trading price and volume are not expected to increase dramatically in the short term, the revenues will, however, experience slight increase in January 2012 due to lower relative base numbers in December 2011.

December is the last chance for manufacturers to window-dress financial statements. Therefore, the critical matter at hand is whether the business operation can endure the downturn within reasonable losses and to survive until the market condition improves.

Most Taiwanese manufacturers’ sales performance decreased with the exception of Gintech and Sino-America Silicon Products (SAS), both showed slight sales increase, with 1.2 percent and 6.1 percent growths, respectively. Furthermore, cell makers Neo Solar Power, Solartech Energy Corp. and Motech -- all of them exhibited significantly decreased sales, with 44.1 percent, 46.5 percent and 24 percent declines, respectively, while wafer maker Green Energy Technology’s sales figure also slid by 15 percent.

PSEG Solar Source purchases 25.2 MW solar project in Arizona from juwi

2012-01-12T04:14:00.000+05:30

NEWARK, USA: PSEG Solar Source completed the acquisition of a 25.2 MW DC (19 MW AC) solar project developed by juwi solar Inc. The PSEG Queen Creek Solar Farm is expected to begin construction in January 2012 and be completed in the third quarter of 2012. The project will be located on 158 acres of land approximately 30 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona. PSEG Solar Source paid approximately $75 million for the project.

The PSEG Queen Creek Solar Farm will use crystalline panels and a single axis tracking system. In September 2011, the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District entered into a long term power purchase agreement to acquire all of the solar energy generated by the project for 20 years.

Under separate agreements, juwi solar Inc. will engineer, procure, and construct the facility as well as perform operation and maintenance services for the project. The project will be owned by PSEG Solar Source, a subsidiary of PSEG, a diversified energy company based in New Jersey.

"PSEG Solar Source is pleased to add the PSEG Queen Creek Solar Farm to our portfolio of high quality solar projects," said Diana Drysdale, president of PSEG Solar Source. "PSEG Solar Source will continue to seek opportunities throughout the US to provide clean, emissions-free solar energy and to help states meet their solar and renewable targets."

"juwi solar is proud to have closed its fourth deal in the United States with PSEG Solar Source, a company that is well-established in the utility-scale solar market," said Michael Martin, CEO of juwi solar Inc. "Our project development efforts for the Queen Creek project have been a great success, and we now look forward to building and operating a project in one of the most exciting solar markets in the United States."

This is the fourth solar project for PSEG Solar Source. It currently owns:
* The PSEG Wyandot Solar farm - a 12.0 MW DC solar farm in Wyandot, Ohio.
* The PSEG Jacksonville Solar Farm - a 15.0 MW DC solar farm on 100 acres in Jacksonville, Florida.
* The Mars Solar Garden - a 2.2 MW DC facility located adjacent to the Mars Snackfood's US headquarters in New Jersey.

PSEG Solar Source is one of two PSEG subsidiaries active in solar energy. PSEG's regulated gas and electric utility in New Jersey, PSE&G, currently owns 52 MW of solar in New Jersey, consisting of 18 solar farms and more than 150,000 pole attached solar panels. In addition PSE&G is administering a $105 million solar loan program.

Greentech Media bridges gap between utilities and vendors

2012-01-12T00:12:00.000+05:30

BOSTON, USA: Greentech Media has releases The Networked 150, a report that profiles more than 150 leading vendors in the smart grid ecosystem.

Along with profiles of all the market’s top vendors, the report offers an up-to-date analysis of the smart grid industry, including market taxonomy charts and forecasts. In this report, analysts at GTM Research have selected The Networked Grid Top Ten Vendors in Smart Grid as well as The Top Ten Vendors to Watch list for the Smart Grid industry.

This report launches the 2012 series of Networked Grid products from Greentech Media and GTM Research, including The Networked Grid 2012, a conference covering today’s market realities and trends going forward, as they shape next generation smart grid infrastructure and applications. The conference takes place April 4–5, 2012 at the Washington Duke Inn, Durham, NC. Along with the main focus on the national smart grid industry, The Networked Grid 2012 has selected the Raleigh-Durham, NC as the host region for its commitment to smart grid innovation.

David Leeds, Senior Manager, Smart Grid Research at GTM Research and lead author of the report emphasized the importance of an up-to-the minute look at the current state of the market because of the “billions, if not trillions, of dollars involved, the companies that ‘win’ stand to earn considerable income.”

REC successfully completes and finances one of the largest solar plants in the UK

2012-01-11T21:45:00.000+05:30

SANDVIKA, NORWAY: REC Systems, a business unit of REC, has successfully developed, constructed, financed, sold and received the 25-year feed-in tariff accreditation for the 5MW Durrants solar power plant located on the Isle of Wight, UK.

The Durrants solar power plant will produce 5400 MWh of electricity yearly and includes more than 19,000 high performance REC Peak Energy modules. The installation will offset 3,500 tons of CO2 per year and provide enough energy to support 1,450 four person homes per year. In addition, REC supplied solar panels to the 5MW for Ebbsfleet solar plant in Kent, UK.

These projects are amongst the largest grid-connected solar power plants in the UK, located in locations with excellent irradiation. They are also among the first PV plants in the UK to receive project financing for the UK feed-in tariff scheme. Given the changes in the FiT, REC had to ensure a quick construction of the Durrants project in order to achieve the completion and connection of the plant to the grid by the July 31st 2011 incentive scheme deadline.

The successful completion is a result of cooperation between REC Systems, Kronos Solar GmbH who originally developed the Durrants project and Vogt Solar GmbH who were subcontracted to undertake the construction and systems integration. Kronos Solar is a Munich-based project developer with a track record in project development in Europe. Vogt Solar is a Berlin-based system-integrator, who also developed and constructed the Ebbsfleet project.

Both projects were project financed by Bayern LB’s London branch which provided £36 million of debt including portions funded by the German Development Bank (KfW). The Durrants project was sold to a fund managed by Bluefield Partners LLP. Bluefield is a London based fund manager focused on solar and renewable energy investments which will also manage the Durrants project on behalf of its investors.

Terje Pilskog, SVP, REC Systems, said: “REC is pleased to work with Kronos, Vogt Solar, Bayern LB and Bluefield to realize this landmark project. Excellent collaboration throughout the development and construction process made it possible to realize this project in a very short period allowing us to effectively manage difficult market conditions. The sudden change in solar policy has brought challenges for large-scale developers in the UK. REC hopes that the government will provide a predictable framework to support the growing solar industry in the country.”

In Europe, REC Systems have offices in Munich, Germany and Milan, Italy, managing the development, design, installation and financing of large scale rooftop and free field projects. During 2011, REC Systems developed and constructed more than 70 MW of PV projects.

New management at Solarschmiede

2012-01-11T20:14:00.000+05:30

MUNICH, GERMANY: The software company Solarschmiede GmbH has three new managing directors: Rudi Haas, Harald Zeich and Felix Schneider will be leading the Munich-based solar company. The new management has long-term experience from both photovoltaics and software development.

Taking over the engineering department is Rudi Haas, who was instrumental in setting it up in the last few years. Besides providing yield reports, the department offers quality assurance for solar power plants and can expertly support customers in every phase of plant development.

The future leader of the software department, Harald Zeich, was previously active as a developer and project leader at Solarschmiede. His department develops individual software and license programmes to plan solar energy systems.

Felix Schneider, sales director of the Munich-based company since 2009, will become head of management and thus stands shoulder-to-shoulder between the software and engineering departments.

Expanding portfolio internationally
The change represents a logical step for the continued expansion of Solarschmiede, whose business fields have developed very positively in the last few years. Thanks to its sustainable growth, Solarschmiede plans to expand its portfolio; this includes services in every step of a solar plant’s life cycle – from yield reports to commissioning with thermography to performance assessments.

In particular, sales will become international for custom software and licensing programmes. For this purpose, Solarschmiede will be exporting its services and software solutions not only to Europe, but also to China, India and the USA.
The previous managing directors and company founders Mike Zehner and Nicolas Karg will remain with the company. They are resigning in order to dedicate themselves completely to software development and the scientific fields of photovoltaics at Solarschmiede.

Global smart grid market to invest $2 trillion by 2030, peaking at $155 billion in 2018

2012-01-11T18:44:00.000+05:30

LONDON, UK: By 2018 the world pure Smart Grid business will need to be running at $155 billion, some 50 percent larger than the current annual expenditure for all electrical transmission and distribution equipment. This will require major restructuring of both the supply and demand side if a truly “Smart” Grid is to be realized. Our research estimates that $2 trillion will need to be invested globally by 2030. Sales of Smart Grid systems in 2010 stood at just $16 billion, clearly showing the business still has a long way to go.

The need to reduce CO2 emissions within the existing electricity production and supply grid will drive the future growth of this business. The grid must be able to incorporate renewable electricity production from a multitude of distributed sources and be capable of matching the supply of electricity with demand at the point of usage and in real time.

In the space of five years, mergers and acquisitions have grown from $134 million in 2007 to $10.6 billion in 2011. Both the growth and now scale indicate the supply side is gearing up to meet the requirements of new technology and forecast demand for pure Smart Grid products and systems. Investment in the market is also on the increase with venture capital companies committing some $1 billion per year in 2010 and 2011 to Smart Grid suppliers.

Chinese tier 2 PV module utilization fell to record low in Q4’11

2012-01-11T17:00:00.000+05:30

UK: The average production capacity utilization rate of Chinese Tier 2 crystalline PV module manufacturers fell to just 35 percent in Q4’11 according to the latest quarterly report from IMS Research and is forecast to fall even lower in Q1’12.

As a result of high inventory levels and a weak outlook for demand in 2012, many suppliers closed down production lines, or suspended production entirely, resulting in utilization falling to the lowest level IMS Research has recorded. This is a sharp contrast to a year ago, when utilization rates of these suppliers hit 80 percent in Q4’10.

In 2010, most Chinese Tier 2 suppliers rapidly expanded their capacity as demand boomed, and these capacity expansions continued in 2011 with the expectation of another strong year. With global installations growing by ‘just’ 25 percent in 2011, compared to 160 percent in 2010, these rapid capacity expansions led to a severe over capacity. As a result, total PV module production capacity in 2012 will be nearly double the true market demand.Source: IMS Research, UK.

“During 2010 and early 2011, demand for Chinese Tier 2 modules had benefited from OEM supply agreements for Chinese Tier 1 and other suppliers,” commented Jessica Jin, PV market analyst at IMS Research. “As Chinese Tier 1 and other suppliers are now more able to meet demand for their products with their own production capacities, demand for OEM products has declined. Combined with high inventory levels, this has resulted in the shipments of Chinese Tier 2 suppliers declining each quarter in 2011, forcing suppliers to reduce production and resulting in record low utilization levels.”

Low utilization has also impacted on PV module prices. In an attempt to clear high inventory levels, Chinese Tier 2 suppliers have aggressively decreased their prices and the average price from Chinese Tier 2 suppliers in Q4’11 was 37 percent lower than in Q4’10. Despite the rapid decline of Chinese Tier 2 pricing, according to IMS Research’s Monthly PV Module Price Tracker, distributor pricing for these modules was 16 percent higher than supplier pricing in December, as local distributors capitalized on end-of-year rushes in major European markets.

IMS Research predicts that utilization of Chinese Tier 2 suppliers will begin to rise again in Q2’12, due to reduced inventory levels, most suppliers halting capacity expansions, and some suppliers exiting the market.

Upstream price quotes increase, downstream makers bide time

2012-01-11T16:17:00.001+05:30

TAIWAN: Due to continual orders from North American regions, solar cell makers’ capacity utilization rate has increased in January. Additionally, the end of holiday vacations brings more price inquiries from European clients, increasing trading activity on the market.

According to EnergyTrend, a research division of TrendForce, as order visibility has increased and supply has tightened due to the transition of demand to high efficiency products, suppliers are gradually regaining the upper-hand in terms of prices. In consideration of the current supply and demand situation as well as the price trend, 1Q12 price will see incremental price increases.Source: EnergyTrend, Taiwan.

EnergyTrend has confirmed the rising polysilicon price trend. According to EnergyTrend, many top-tier makers have already concluded Q1 contract price negotiations. Currently, only a few companies are still discussing details. In terms of contract price, makers have sold at prices of around $28-30/kg for priority clients, and $30-40/kg for others.

High-efficiency Si wafer demand remains strong, but currently only a portion of wafer makers are able to provide products with over 17 percent conversion efficiency. According to EnergyTrend, some Si wafer makers have already sold all of their January production and are engaging in price negotiations for February, a clear indication that high-efficiency products will remain in tight supply in the short term.

Although Taiwanese solar cell makers’ capacity utilization rate has seen significant increases due to the influx of North American orders, EnergyTrend research indicates that most orders are large-scale solar system contracts. In consideration of overall costs and IRR (internal rate of return), currently demand for high efficiency products is not high, with standard products accounting for most of demand.

Therefore, downstream solar cell and module makers are mostly quoting flat prices – prices have only been increased for a portion of high efficiency products, in order to test out the market. Furthermore, Chinese makers are still mainly providing standard products and quoting flat prices, resulting in a price trend discrepancy when it comes to different product quality.

EnergyTrend believes that unless the market sees a major change, based on the currently supply and demand status, in 1Q12 high efficiency products will see a gradual rise in price, while standard product price will stay flat.

As for this week’s spot prices, lowest polysilicon price increased slightly, to $23/kg. Affected by the slight market recovery, average polysilicon price increased by 7.81 percent to $27.06/kg – the largest price increase in the past few months. As for Si wafers, lowest prices stayed flat; $1/piece and $1.50/piece for multi-Si and mono-Si wafers, respectively. This week’s average multi-Si wafer price increased by 0.53 percent to $1.148/piece.

According to EnergyTrend, the Chinese market currently consists most of standard products, as Chinese makers are behind their Taiwanese counterparts in terms of high efficiency product development; this has pulled average multi-Si wafer price down.

Average mono-Si wafer price has also fallen slightly by 0.57 percent to $1.559/piece. This week’s average solar cell price increased slightly to $0.512/Watt, up by 1.39 percent. Module prices stayed flat. Related vendors indicate, as currently everyone is experiencing losses still, if upstream price continues to rise, shipment price may see appropriate adjustments in the future.

SunEdison commissions 5MW plant in Rajasthan

2012-01-11T15:15:00.000+05:30

RAJASTHAN: SunEdison, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider, announced the commissioning of a 5MW plant in Phalodi, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan.

The plant was inaugurated by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Honourable Minister for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister of the state of Rajasthan, in a ceremony marked by inspiring speeches by the eminent ministers, and Pashupathy Gopalan, Managing Director, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Operations, SunEdison.

The plant, set up under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), is spread over a sprawling 44 acres and uses thin-film PV technology. Still under ownership of SunEdison, the project was completed in just 2.5 months, a testament to SunEdison's track record of on-time project completions across the globe.

Connected to the national grid on the 31st of December 2011, the plant is expected to generate 8,000,000 KWh of electricity in its first full year of operation and offset carbon emissions of up to 3,000 metric tonnes every year.

Situated in Rajasthan, the plant will supply power to NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN), the nodal agency for augmenting purchase and sale of power generated from solar energy under the JNNSM mission. To contribute to the development of renewable energy in the country, SunEdison also put in place a 33 KV transmission line from the project site to the Bap substation.

Pashupathy Gopalan said: "Commissioning the plant in under three months is a significant milestone for SunEdison. Throughout India, we have consistently demonstrated our strong engineering and construction capabilities, and working with organizations and leadership like JNNSM, allows us to promote a sustainable energy future. We are eager to continue to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and clean energy generation in India and around the world."

Solar3D announces breakthrough design improvement to reduce manufacturing cost

2012-01-11T13:47:00.000+05:30

SANTA BARBARA, USA: Solar3D Inc., the developer of a breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity, today announced a design breakthrough that will substantially reduce the mass production cost of its new super-efficient solar cell.

“This is the type of design breakthrough that makes me proud to be working with innovative engineers and scientists,” said Jim Nelson, president and CEO of Solar3D. “Our original 3D cell was designed with two stages where light collecting elements, made from glass or polymer, are coupled with 3-dimensional light trapping micro-photovoltaic structures made on a silicon wafer. This original design allowed us to achieve high efficiency. However, integrating two different types of materials and elements into a single cell manufacturing process is costly.”

Nelson continued: “We challenged our technical team to come up with an improved design that will allow for low cost manufacturing. The result is an elegant single element design where the light collecting function is creatively merged into the micro-photovoltaic structures on a single silicon wafer. We believe that our improved design can be manufactured in a single silicon wafer processing line, instead of a complex multi-material process. In the world of PV, every step of manufacturing process adds a significant cost component. We are very excited about our new design breakthrough and expect our manufacturing cost to be dramatically reduced.”

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. Solar3D’s management believes that this breakthrough solar cell design will dramatically change the economics of solar energy.

Acclaimed German solar house, dasHAUS, announces tour stop in Tempe

2012-01-11T04:28:00.000+05:30

TEMPE, USA: The German American Chambers of Commerce are happy to announce that Tempe will mark the third stop on the North American tour of dasHAUS, an internationally acclaimed exhibition that connects industry professionals in North America with the latest market-ready renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions from Germany.

Presented in partnership with the City of Tempe, Arizona State University, and the German American Chambers of Commerce, the highly anticipated dasHAUS exhibit will be open to the public from January 21st to January 30th at the Tempe Arts Park, located at 700 West Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281. Admission is free.

"dasHAUS demonstrates the ultimate in energy savings," said Leisa B. Brug, energy policy advisor to Governor Jan Brewer and director of the Governor's Office of Energy Policy. "A ‘net zero’ strategy combines the best of both worlds in terms of energy-saving and renewable energy generation technologies, and is a great way to envision how these strategies can offer energy opportunities for Arizona as we move into the future."

dasHAUS is an integrated, multifaceted structure that demonstrates real-world technologies and solutions for meeting ultra-low energy building standards. It draws inspiration from the Technical University of Darmstadt’s 2007 and 2009 first-place entries in the Solar Decathlon, an international solar house competition presented by the US Department of Energy.

Several special events and presentations will be part of the dasHAUS pavilion, presented by thought leaders on sustainability, green building and new methods of integration for ultra-low energy buildings, including participants from the Arizona State Univeristy, the Greather Phoenix Economic Council and Valley Forward.

"No region of the US is more dedicated to the advancement and deployment of alternative fuel strategies than the desert Southwest. To experience the award-winning dasHAUS in this setting is a unique opportunity for us to see new technologies and a model of efficiency for the future," said senior VP of the ASU Foundation, Duke Reiter.

Visitors of dasHAUS in Tempe can find out about a multitude of sustainability technologies including:

• Thin film photovoltaic roof, facade and louvered panel systems.
• Heat-recovery climate control and ventilation systems, Passive House Standard triple-pane windows.
• Solar-powered LED lighting systems and high-efficiency appliances.
• Vacuum insulated panel systems.
• VRLA battery systems.
• Advanced wall construction materials and methods.

SOLON installs solar capacity at University of Arizona Biosphere 2

2012-01-10T20:37:00.000+05:30

TUCSON, USA: SOLON Corp,, one of the largest providers of turnkey solar power plants in the US, announced the installation of a 10 kilowatt (kW) pilot project of the SOLquick commercial rooftop solution at Biosphere 2, a unique ecological research and teaching facility located north of Tucson.

Installed on the roof of the Biosphere 2’s conference center, the SOLquick installation will provide clean energy to help power the facility. Together, SOLON and the Biosphere team will develop a solar learning center based on the system, which SOLON will continue to monitor for one year, to continue training, time trials and research, and to ensure all design functions are met.

SOLquick’s integrated unit ships directly to the work site with the laminate and racking as one. Requiring no tools, installation time is reduced by more than 85 percent. Weighing less than 2.8 pounds per square foot, SOLquick offers a lightweight solution for customers like the Biosphere to incorporate solar into their energy portfolio through their roof.

Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs tours Masdar

2012-01-10T19:56:00.000+05:30

ABU DHABI, UAE: Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs His Excellency Koichiro Gemba visited Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multifaceted renewable energy company. The Minister of Foreign Affairs met with Masdar officials to discuss ways the two nations can continue to grow their cooperation in the advancement, development and dissemination of renewable energy and clean technologies.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs and offered a comprehensive overview of the company’s progress in developing scalable and commercially viable renewable energy and clean technologies. In addition, he was updated on the progress of ongoing relationships between Masdar and Japanese companies.

Masdar is currently collaborating with various Japanese companies. Most notably, Masdar is working closely with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on an electric vehicle pilot project. As the Middle East’s first electric-vehicle car sharing pilot, the project deployed 10 electric vehicles to operate within Masdar City – and broader Abu Dhabi – to provide a smart, clean transportation system to its residents, staff and students.

Gemba, said: “Masdar serves as a reminder that through strong leadership and vision, nations can commit to innovation as a pathway to address some of the most pressing issues the world faces. I applaud the UAE for its role and focus to discover a blueprint for sustainable development and the development and dissemination of renewable energy. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship through collaborations in that field.”

Masdar has existing partnerships with other leading Japanese corporations such as Mitsubishi Holding, Mitsui Holding companies, GE Japan, Nippon Oil and Cosmo Oil, among others.

The relationship between the two countries also extends into the field of higher education. Most recently, two Emirati students completed their PhD programs at the Tokyo Institute of Technology before being re-instated at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology – the world’s first graduate level research driven institute focusing specifically on renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

“Our strong relationship with Japan is a testament to the visionary leadership of the UAE,” added Dr. Sultan Al Jaber. “Masdar is proud of its role in helping position the UAE as a renewable energy hub, and in forging strong partnerships with the international community. We are honored to welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and look forward to further strengthening our ties with one of the world’s most advanced, innovative countries.”

Japan recently announced its plans to develop an advanced national energy strategy. As part of the approach, renewable energy will play a major role in the country’s development of a diverse energy mix. Along with the launch of a solar and wind feed-in tariff program, Japan aims to increase its share of renewable energy to 20 percent of total electricity generated by 2020. Japan has also committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2020.

Japan expects that its energy policy will lower the cost of solar power generation to a third of its current level by 2020 and to a sixth by 2030. In addition, Japan has announced plans to install solar panels on more than 10 million roof tops by 2030.

During the visit, the Japanese delegation was taken on a tour of Masdar City and the campus of Masdar Institute. On the tour, the delegation rode in Personal Rapid Transit vehicles – a zero-carbon driverless vehicle system – walked through student laboratories, were briefed by professors and students on current research projects and visited Masdar’s 10MW solar power plant, which supplies energy to Masdar City.

Mindspeed and Rockethome to demo home automation and energy management solutions

2012-01-10T17:09:00.000+05:30

2012 International CES, NEWPORT BEACH, USA: Mindspeed Technologies Inc. will jointly demonstrate smart energy solutions with Rockethome, at the 2012 International CES trade show, that combine intelligent metering and home management capabilities on a single, integrated platform powered by Mindspeed’s Comcerto 1000 embedded packet processors.

“Smart energy metering and management is one of many exciting new rapidly emerging value-added services for the connected home, and will substantially enhance the comfort and efficiency of consumer residences,” said Laurent Hendrichs, senior product line manager, for customer premises equipment (CPE) marketing and product management at Mindspeed. “Our joint CES 2012 demonstration will showcase the convenience and simplicity of Rockethome’s integrated solution, delivered on a next-generation OSGi-gateway platform that features the performance, power efficiency and carrier-class quality and reliability of Mindspeed’s Comcerto 1000 multi-core embedded packet processors.”

Rockethome’s smart energy solutions combine intelligent metering and management with powerful web-based control and data analysis tools so that consumers can continuously assess and optimize their home environment for comfort and efficiency. Mindspeed’s Comcerto 1000 processor, powered by ProSyst’s Open Services Gateway initiative (OSGi) software, enables the Rockethome User Engagement Platform to interpret, visualize and control a variety of smart home and smart metering capabilities and applications.

Users can link home appliances and multimedia equipment both inside the home and over the Internet, and then control and automate functions while measuring usage and efficiency in a single, holistic application. The Rockethome software demonstrated at CES also integrates a home security management suite, in the same user-friendly application.

“Mindspeed’s Comcerto 1000 processors provide ample horsepower and the ultra-robust architecture required to deliver all of the valuable benefits of the Rockethome smart home metering and management solution,” said Yüksel Sirmasac, CEO of Rockethome. “Comcerto 1000 processors offer the ideal feature set for running our unique User Engagement Platform, which intelligently integrates data and applications into a single, flexible, easy-to-control system.”

SolarWorld showcases more than 1 MW of solar projects at US manufacturing hub

2012-01-10T16:44:00.000+05:30

HILLSBORO, USA: SolarWorld, the largest US solar manufacturer, has undertaken three on-campus projects to showcase and tap the high-performance solar technology that it manufactures at its US headquarters in Hillsboro, beginning with raw polysilicon chunks and ending with finished solar panels.

This month, SolarWorld initiated a project to install nearly 1 megawatt of high-performance solar panels atop a 210,000-square-foot secondary manufacturing facility that the company built in 2009. Last fall, SolarWorld completed a 30-kilowatt solar-covered carport using its proprietary canopy support structure above the site’s visitor parking lot as well as a solar demonstration park featuring four model rooftops exhibiting a variety of installation technologies.

“Our Hillsboro plant has grown to encompass all phases of the solar product life cycle: manufacturing, installation and power generation,” said Gordon Brinser, president of SolarWorld Industries America Inc., based in Hillsboro. “The feat is the ultimate demonstration of the proximity advantages of high-standard domestic operations.”

When the company completes its 1 MW rooftop installation in early 2012, it is expected to generate 1,200 megawatt hours of renewable solar electricity a year, enough to power 200 typical American households.

SolarWorld sells panels manufactured in Hillsboro into an ever-growing customer bases in the United States, Canada and Latin America. The new projects give customers a venue to observe SolarWorld products at work using a variety of mounting technologies. The demonstration park will serve as a hands-on classroom to train customers in best practices for mounting and wiring SolarWorld panels. It features three 150-square-foot, pitched roofs, each topped with a different SolarWorld product. It also includes a flat roof demonstrating ballasted and non-ballasted installations and a free-field system featuring SolarWorld’s Sunfix ground-mount racking product.

Near the demonstration park, the solar carport, featuring 130 SolarWorld solar panels, provides weather protection for 14 cars. Canopies are multi-benefit installations familiar in the California market, but less often seen in other regions; a 1.56-megawatt canopy project featuring SolarWorld solar panels over much of the expansive visitor parking lot of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, for instance, went into service last spring. The SolarWorld headquarters canopy also features an electric vehicle charging station.

“These projects demonstrate the versatility and installation of SolarWorld products,” said Kevin Kilkelly, president of SolarWorld Americas, the company’s commercial unit. “Prospective customers will see firsthand that whether you’re a homeowner with a tiled roof or a commercial customer with an industrial rooftop, open-air parking lot or vacant land, our panels can be efficiently and effectively mounted using a variety of applications for every market.”

Mahindra Solar One among first to commission 5 MW solar power plant in Rajasthan

2012-01-10T01:33:00.001+05:30

MUMBAI, INDIA: Mahindra Solar One, a leading solar power developer, announced the successful commissioning of its first 5 MW solar plant. This plant is part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) policy and is situated near Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan.

It holds the distinction of generating the highest output per MW of any solar plant in India with cutting-edge tracker technology that maximizes energy from the sun. The project was also the first to achieve non-recourse financing, demonstrating the confidence of the banking sector in the solar industry.

The Engineering, Procurement and Construction arm of Mahindra Solar - Mahindra EPC (MEPC) has commissioned this 5 MW project in record time of 100 days utilizing its proven expertise in design, engineering & construction. These quality techniques are being deployed in other solar projects including that of 3rd party developers.

Presiding over the launch ceremony in Mumbai, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Hon'ble Union Cabinet Minister for New and Renewable Energy, said: "The New & Renewable Energy Ministry recognizes the important role Solar Energy plays for our country's energy security. The JNNSM policy is crafted to create a robust and scalable solar industry and I am delighted to be launching one of the first solar plants commissioned under this scheme by a respected corporate like the Mahindra Group."

Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and MD, Mahindra & Mahindra, said "We are proud to be amongst the first in India to deploy solar technology under the JNNSM scheme successfully and in record time. We aim to be one of the top three companies in this industry. The Mahindra Group has been at the forefront of businesses that are in step with the nation's needs and Mahindra Solar One will provide a fillip to our nation's solar competencies. We are committed to be involved in enterprises that provide sustainable solutions for a better life."

The plant is expected to provide solar electricity equivalent to around 60,000 rural homes and avoid emissions of approx. 8,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year. "This plant has created over 200 new jobs in the region giving local employment and helping social inclusiveness," said Vish Palekar, business head, Cleantech Ventures, Mahindra Partners.

Mahindra Solar plans to play a larger role in solar power generation both as an EPC contractor in On-Grid and Off-Grid and as a developer setting up greater than 100 MW in the next two to three years. Along with partner Kiran Energy, it has already won 50 MW of solar projects in JNNSM Phase 1B.

"India has abundant solar energy and it is imperative to use this renewable source of energy to meet our nation's energy needs", said Zhooben Bhiwandiwala, executive VP and managing partner, Mahindra Partners Division.

"MNRE has created strong policies and mechanisms for solar development in India under JNNSM, which is driving the momentum for building solar power projects in India. These initial projects would be very critical for laying a strong foundation," adds Parag Shah, managing partner, Mahindra Partners Division. "The company is committed to enhancing their presence in the sphere of Clean Technologies and will focus on creating solutions around various green initiatives that reduce the carbon footprint."

Dubai launches Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

2012-01-09T19:52:00.001+05:30

This is from His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed's website, Dubai, as I could not locate a press release!

DUBAI, UAE: Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park project today in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Dh12-billion project, which will cover an area of 48 square kilometers, is to be located in Sieh Al Dahl area on Dubai-Al Ain Road.

In a speech by Chairman of the Dubai's Supreme Energy Council Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum on the occasion, delivered on his behalf by Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Energy Council Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed announced the launch of the project that is regarded as a pioneering and first of its kind in the region. Sheikh Ahmed pointed out that the implementation of the project, which is part of Dubai energy strategy 2030, will be in the second quarter of this year.

Sheikh Ahmed said that the project is a translation to Sheikh Mohammed’s vision towards achieving sustainable development in the UAE. He added that the UAE gives utmost attention to the diversification of energy sources thanks to the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and those of UAE Vice President Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who stresses the need for preserving resources, environment and energy.

Sheikh Ahmed concluded his speech by saying that the first stage of the project will be implemented through utilizing photoelectrical plates to produce 10 mega watts of energy in 2013 with a total productivity of 1000 mega watts at the completion of the project in 2030.

Sheikh Mohammed watched a demonstration about the future vision of the giant project and Dubai’s achievements in the various fields, highlighting the necessity to finding sustainable energy.

Sheikh Mohammed saw a huge maquette of the Solar Park before being briefed by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer about the project, its sections, implementation stages, operation and productivity. Sheikh Mohammed then signed on a special plate to mark the start of the project.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the project and thanked the people in charge for their great efforts, wishing them continuous success.

The launch ceremony was attended by FNC Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al-Murr, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group also Chairman of the Dubai's Supreme Energy Council Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Dubai Department of Information Director General Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Commander General of Dubai Police Lt. General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, several other ministers, dignitaries and senior officials.

IEEE Standards Association re-iterates commitment to Indian smart grid market

2012-01-09T15:33:00.000+05:30

BANGALORE, INDIA: IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) re-iterated its commitment to the growing Indian Smart Grid market and announced that it will be an active participant and the Gold sponsor of India’s first ‘GridWeek Asia’.

An extension of the annual GridWeek Conference held in Washington D.C, USA, the inaugural GridWeek Asia in India organized by IEEMA (Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association) and Clasma Events, is positioned to be the most influential gathering of Smart Grid players, regulators and other key stakeholders in Asia. The summit will be held at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai from January 16-18, 2012.

With more than 100 Smart Grid Standards being developed, IEEE-SA’s participation and sponsorship of GridWeek Asia follows the resounding success achieved by the organization and it’s India SIG (Standards Interest Group) in 2011 in increasing Smart Grid awareness and facilitating faster progress towards implementation in the country.

IEEE-SA conducted a series of Smart Grid workshops in the last year, besides introduction of some of the most important Smart Grid standards such as the IEEE 2030TM for interoperability, IEEE 1701 TM and IEEE 1702 TM advanced Smart Metering standards, IEEE 1902 TM for Broadband over Power Line, and IEEE 1547 TM guideline for deployment of Micro Grids.

William Ash - Strategic Program Manager, IEEE Standards Association of IEEE-SA, said: “There are undoubtedly huge potential for energy efficiency and the deployment of Smart Grids in India. India requires 1,00,000 MW of additional generation capacity in the next six years and 2500 MW of renewable power will be added to the grid annually. Our participation at GridWeek Asia reaffirms our commitment to work hand in hand with the Indian Government, industry and regulatory bodies to develop and introduce standards that will facilitate better and faster implementation.”

“We are keen to share our knowledge and experience in the Smart Grid space and believe that a global and premier event such as the GridWeek Asia, being held for the first time in the country is an important platform for us to do so and meet key stakeholders whom we could partner with in enhancing our efforts further,” added Srikanth Chandrasekaran, chairperson of IEEE-SA India SIG and the Smart Grid Workgroup in India IEEE-SA.

REC to make further adjustments

2012-01-09T11:00:00.001+05:30

SANDVIKA, NORWAY: To reduce its exposure towards a continued weak spot market for wafers, Renewable Energy Corp. ASA (REC) has decided to initiate a process with the trade unions, with the intention to temporary halt 50 percent of the capacity of the 300 MW monocrystalline wafer facility in Glomfjord, Norway throughout the first quarter 2012.

The temporary shutdown is expected to affect approximately 65 employees.
On November 29, REC announced temporary halt of 60 percent of the production at the 650 MW multicrystalline wafer facility at Herøya, Norway. After these adjustments REC expects to produce approximately 105 MW of multi- and monocrystalline wafers in Norway in the first quarter 2012.

The integrated wafer, cell and module facility in Singapore (700 MW annual wafer to
module capacity) and the polysilicon facilities in the US (19.000 MT annual polysilicon capacity) continues to operate at full capacity.

ET Solar supplies PV modules for government solar project in the UK

2012-01-06T20:30:00.000+05:30

NANJING, CHINA: ET Solar Group Corp., a China-based vertically integrated producer and provider of photovoltaic modules and related solutions to the global solar market, announced its supply of 600KW PV modules to various rooftop solar energy systems in the United Kingdom.

Located in Newcastle, the systems were installed on 30 commercial rooftops of Your Homes Newcastle (YHN), an entity that manages properties on behalf of Newcastle City Council (NCC). Grid connected in October this year, the project was designed and installed by OPUS Green, a UK commercial project developer focusing on renewable energy solutions.

Dennis She, CEO of ET Solar, commented: "We are pleased to have established business relationship with OPUS Green and supplied PV modules for NCC's solar project. The collaboration demonstrates our continued commitment to expand the role that we play in facilitating UK PV market growth."

Chris Cassells, MD of OPUS Green, said: "We are pleased to have selected ET Solar as the module supplier for our solar projects. Impressed by its excellent product quality and customer services, we very much look forward to expanding our working relationship with ET Solar in the UK market next year."

John Lee, chief executive of YHN, added: "This is a great example of a council taking a proactive approach to reduce its carbon footprint by adopting renewable energy solutions. Furthermore, it is also one of the first large commercial solar schemes in the region to benefit local residents for a clean source of energy and a better environment it offers."

Limitations of grid-parity and its implications for global solar PV development in 2012

2012-01-06T19:43:00.000+05:30

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Limitations of Grid-Parity and Its Implications for Global Solar PV Development in 2012" report to its offering.

Owing to considerable price drops of solar PV modules in 2011, some regions with relatively high costs for electricity are entering the era of grid-parity. Whether the solar PV companies can have a bright, promising future ahead should merit a closer look.

This report offers insight into the Implications of grid-parity for global solar PV development in the areas of financing system, policy planning, and market demand.

Canadian Solar and Ningxia State Power complete 10 MW China EPC project

2012-01-06T00:10:00.000+05:30

ONTARIO, CANADA: Canadian Solar Inc., one of the world's largest solar companies, and the Ningxia Electric Power Group announced the successful completion and grid-connection of a 10 MW ground mounted solar project, a part of a 50MW solar plant, in Hongsibao, Ningxia, in northwest China at the end of 2011.

This 10 MW project consists of an 8 MW fixed system and a 2 MW tracking system. The 10 MW project is expected to generate approximately 13,511,167 KWh and will reduce CO2 emissions by 18,900 tons annually -- the equivalent of saving 5,200 tons of standard coal. Ningxia Power Group funded and constructed the project, with Canadian Solar's JV Gaochuangte New Energy serving as the EPC contractor.

Yingkuan Liu, chairman of Ningxia Power Group, commented: "This is the first step of a strategic collaboration between Canadian Solar and Ningxia Power Group. Canadian Solar's global technology and finance experience in solar power plant EPC will definitely help the development of solar power plants in China."

Dr. Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, said: "We are pleased with the successful collaboration with Ningxia Power Group. The success of our EPC project reflects our shared vision for cost-effective, environmentally friendly solar energy solutions. Canadian Solar has built a strong track record of EPC project development and execution in top solar markets worldwide.

"We are actively working to build on this momentum in China and worldwide, including recent news of Canadian Solar's agreement to sell 9 solar projects in Canada valued at approximately $470 million Canadian dollars. As China continues to evolve into a major PV power market over the next few years, Canadian Solar plans to be a major player in driving such growth."

GT Advanced Technologies announces two new orders totaling $66.5 million for silane and TCS production equipment and technology

2012-01-05T21:45:00.000+05:30

MERRIMACK, USA: GT Advanced Technologies Inc. announced that it has received an order for Silane production equipment and technology from SMP Ltd. a joint venture between Samsung Fine Chemicals and MEMC Singapore, a subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials.

The silane equipment and technology will be used in the production of fluidized bed polysilicon using MEMC fluidized bed reactor technology. This sale represents GT’s continued efforts to diversify its product offerings and widen its portfolio. In addition, GT has received an order for its TCS technology and equipment from a new polysilicon customer. These two orders total $66.5 million and have been included in GT’s backlog for its Q3 FY12, which ended on December 31, 2011. These orders are not related to the engineering services contract booked with another incumbent polysilicon producer in Q2FY12.

“We have a strong record of helping to develop highly productive and low-cost TCS and now Silane production plants around the world and we are excited to be working with SMP Ltd. on this important project,” said Dave Keck, VP and GM of GT’s polysilicon business. “The SMP project is an important step in our continued support of the renewable energy industry in Korea and we are proud to be associated with this project and working with Samsung Fine Chemicals and incumbent MEMC.”

Sofics PowerQubic technology used by eSilicon to protect high-voltage solar panel IC from electrical overstress

2012-01-05T19:27:00.000+05:30

GISTEL, BELGIUM: Sofics, the world leader in on-chip design solutions for electrostatic discharge and electrical overstress (ESD/EOS) protection, announced that its PowerQubic EOS technology has been chosen by eSilicon Corp., the largest independent semiconductor value chain producer, for a high-voltage solar power application.

PowerQubic technology will protect the 15V interfaces on a new IC that eSilicon is creating for a customer who will use it in solar-panel power converters. The converters transform DC voltage from the solar panels into standard AC voltage for residential and commercial use.

“We needed to protect a 15V interface on a 0.18um high-voltage LDMOS chip that we will produce for our customer,” said Hugh Durdan, eSilicon COO. “The IC contains both the 15V interface and digital logic circuits. Sofics’ PowerQubic technology offered a great solution and Sofics delivered it in just two weeks.”

PowerQubic technology is designed to enhance reliability in high-voltage systems such as automotive and motor controls, power management and conversion circuits. Sofics offers TSMC-approved PowerQubic solutions in 0.25um BCD and is currently developing others. All versions can be ported to other processes.

“Our solution was already proven in another technology node, and given the portability of PowerQubic, eSilicon incurred no development charges or delays, which greatly reduced their overall IC cost,” said Koen Verhaege, Sofics CEO. “And PowerQubic requires no changes to standard processes. We were able to tailor the product to their exact needs, without incurring development expenses or adding manufacturing costs.”

PowerQubic technology prevents latch-up and mitigates electrostatic discharge (ESD) and other forms of EOS, enabling superior reliability in high-voltage systems. More information is available on the Sofics website.

Solar cell makers benefited from rush orders; polysilicon contract price likely to surge

2012-01-05T18:00:00.000+05:30

TAIWAN: Benefiting from the rush orders from clients in Europe and the United States, Taiwanese solar cell makers’ utilization rates increased evidently, which will affect the future development of contract and spot prices.

According to TrendForce, EnergyTrend’s survey, the contract price of polysilicon is still in negotiation as the buyers and suppliers are yet to reach a consensus. On the other hand, due to the utilization rate surge of solar cell makers propelled by rush orders, polysilicon suppliers took this opportunity to jack up the contract price, which affected the spot market and caused the polysilicon spot price this week to remain on an uptrend.Source: EnergyTrend, Taiwan.

As for the contract price, according to EnergyTrend, Asian polysilicon suppliers are leaning towards raising the price while the European and the US suppliers are maintaining the current prices. The major manufacturers expect the contract price in January to fall between $27/kg and $30/kg, EnergyTrend has learned. However, the downstream companies are still suffering from deficits and are unlikely to burden their clients with increasing costs. Therefore, thus far little prospect is seen for a price surge; whether or not the contract price can be increased to $30/kg remains to be seen.

Aside from polysilicon, this week’s Si wafer prices still underwent minor changes. Helped by rush orders, multi-Si wafer price increased moderately. As for the products with conversion efficiencies above 17 percent, the prices mainly ranged between $1.18/piece and $1.2/piece. Despite related manufacturers aggressively attempting to increase the product prices, it is hard to say if the price will surge above $1.2/piece in January.

EnergyTrend believes that if the rush orders continue to come in, there is a good chance for the aforementioned product’s price to remain $1.2/piece. As for the mono-Si wafer prices, they experienced a small setback, which EnergyTrend refers to the price drop of 5-inch products. According to EnergyTrend, the persisting price downtrend of 5-inch products and the recent releases of 6-inch multi-Si high-efficiency products largely impact the price trend of 6-inch products.

As for this week’s spot prices, lowest polysilicon price remained at $20/kg, while polysilicon ASP increased by 3.68 percent to $25.1/kg. As for Si wafers, lowest multi-Si wafer price was $1/piece, and lowest mono-Si wafer price was $1.50/piece.

This week’s multi-Si wafer ASP was $1.142/piece, an increase of 0.18 percent, mainly due to the cease of large scale inventory digestion at low prices and the rush orders. Mono-Si wafer ASP dipped to $1.568/piece, a 0.13 percent decrease. As for the solar cell price, this week’s ASP remained the same.

However, looking at it in detail, high efficiency products were $0.63/Watt, while standard product price was $0.5/Watt, the price gap per Watt ranging between 10cent and 15cent. In terms of module, both PV module prices and thin film prices declined, with the latter experiencing bigger fall. PV module ASP fell by 1.16 percent to $0.851/Watt; thin film’s ASP dipped to $0.80/Watt, a 3.50 percent decrease.

Solar panel monitoring and control powered by GreenPeak chips

2012-01-05T17:01:00.000+05:30

UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS: GreenPeak Technologies, a leading fabless semiconductor company, announced a wireless monitoring and control system solution for solar panel installations that will allow individual panel parameter tracking and control.

Photovoltaic solar panels are increasing in popularity and users need accurate information of their solar energy installation. Currently, most residential solar panel systems only provide energy information on a monthly basis and do not allow individual panel monitoring. The Smart Junction Box reference design utilizing GreenPeak wireless chips provides a solution to monitor solar systems in more detail and to control the chain from a central unit or remote device.

The GreenPeak solution allows solar panel builders to comply with new upcoming legal requirements requiring that solar panels can be individually switched off in case of calamities, as high DC voltages from a string of panels on a rooftop can cause danger for emergency services or fire responders.

By adding wireless Smart Junction Boxes on every individual panel, up to the minute status information on electricity generation of each panel can be provided and allows the operator to switch off individual panels or panel substrings for optimized overall solar panel system performance. Performance metrics enable system owners and service provider to actually monitor the condition of the solar panels in order to properly schedule maintenance and cleaning.

The data collected from each individual panel can also be shown in a configurable GUI software application. When a problem in the solar panel system occurs, performance gradually declines or suddenly drops, remote diagnosis and controlling via a mobile App on smart phone can be one of the use cases.

GreenPeak provides communication controller chips and a complete solar panel control reference design to be integrated in the next generation solar panel monitoring and controlling systems.

Cees Links, founder and CEO of GreenPeak, states: "Solar power is emerging as the number one competitive renewable energy resource. Improvement in the efficiency of solar systems and the need for a more developed understanding of solar panel performance, tracking and maintenance becomes increasingly important because of the rapid deployment of solar technologies in the marketplace. GreenPeak solutions for wireless monitoring, measuring and controlling individual panels, will enable the solar industry to create more efficient and more cost effective solar systems."

Installed base of smart water meters to reach nearly 30 million by 2017

2012-01-05T16:30:00.000+05:30

BOULDER, USA: The smart water meter market is poised for steady growth in the coming 5 years, driven by increasing demand for water itself, aging system infrastructure, and a need among utilities to operate their systems much more efficiently.

Some systems were built 50 to 100 years ago and badly need upgrading. As new pipes are constructed, utility operators will simultaneously evaluate the merits of upgrading to the latest meter technology, as well. According to a new report from Pike Research, the global installed base of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) smart meters with two-way communication capabilities will reach 29.9 million by 2017, up from 10.3 million in 2011.

The cleantech market intelligence firm finds that additional forces that will propel smart water shipments will include the need to conserve scarce water supplies, especially in desert regions like the Middle East or Southwestern United States, the need to reduce high levels of non-revenue water, and the need to satisfy regulatory requirements. Growth will also come from emerging markets in Asia Pacific and elsewhere as water metering rises along with rising standards of living and the need to manage this valuable resource efficiently.

“Smart water meters are a wise choice for improving how water systems are managed and billed,” says senior analyst Neil Strother. “However, there are significant financial and technical hurdles that will be impediments to progress and growth during the next several years.”

Pike Research’s analysis finds that new smart meters cost more than standard water meters, presenting a budgetary challenge to many water utilities. Smart meters also require additional IT expertise to facilitate data collection and data management, which is not always a welcome change to risk-averse system operators. And many water utilities are concerned about potential pushback from consumers, given the levels of resistance that some electric utilities have faced from customers in their smart meter rollouts.

All of these market barriers have contributed to Pike Research’s decision to downgrade its forecast for the installed base of smart water meters, compared to the previous edition of its report, which was published in mid-2010. In the last edition, the firm had forecast that the installed base would reach 31.8 million units by 2016, whereas the new forecast anticipates that the installed base will reach 25.2 million by the same year.

Consumer interest in plug-in electric vehicles declines to 40 percent

2012-01-05T16:02:00.000+05:30

BOULDER, USA: The year 2012 will be an important test of the commercial viability of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). Two automakers, Chevrolet and Nissan, ended 2010 with the launch of their first highway-capable PEVs for the mass market.

Many other auto manufacturers are working to electrify their lineups with new models. For example, Toyota plans to launch the PEV Prius in January 2012 and other manufacturers have plans to launch plug-in electric models in the near future.

However, as public awareness of electric vehicles continues to build with the increase in model launch activity, a new survey from Pike Research finds that consumer interest in purchasing PEVs has gradually declined over the past two years.

In late 2011, the cleantech market intelligence firm conducted the third annual edition of its Electric Vehicle Consumer Survey using a nationally representative and demographically balanced sample of 1,051 adults in the United States. In the first edition, conducted in 2009, 48 percent of respondents stated that they would be “extremely” or “very” interested in purchasing a PEV. In 2010 that number declined moderately to 44 percent, and in 2011 it fell further to 40 percent.

“Price is the most significant barrier to consumer interest in electric vehicles,” says research director John Gartner. “About two-thirds of our survey respondents who stated they would not be interested in purchasing a PEV said that they felt such a vehicle would be too expensive. Others said that they would want to wait a few years until the technology is more proven, and almost half said that a PEV would not have sufficient driving range for their needs. These are all key issues, both real and perceived, that automakers will need to address if PEVs are to move successfully out of the early adopter phase.”

Other key findings of the survey were as follows:

* Survey respondents stated that they would be most likely to choose Toyota (51 percent) and Ford (46 percent) when considering a PEV purchase, even though these two automakers did not have PEVs on the market at the time of the survey. Honda ranked third with 44 percent, followed by Chevrolet with 42 percent and Nissan with 35 percent.

* Consumers are willing to pay a premium for PEVs, just not as much of a premium as automakers must charge during the next few years due to the cost of batteries. Pike Research’s price sensitivity analysis indicates that for a traditional gasoline vehicle that would ordinarily cost $20,000, the optimal price point of a comparable PEV would be $23,750 – a premium of 18.75 percent.

* Interest in residential fast-charging equipment is high, with 80 percent of the consumers interested in a PEV stating that they would also be interested in such a unit in their home. However, pricing is once again an issue – while Pike Research’s analysis suggests that the first generation of residential fast-charging equipment will cost between $500 and $800, only 28 percent of survey respondents stated that they would be willing to pay $500 or more.

* Survey respondents expressed strong interest in smartphone applications that would provide useful information on the status of their PEV. The most popular feature was identifying the location of the nearest charging station (84 percent), followed by battery state of charge information (82 percent), electricity pricing data (76 percent), and the ability to schedule stop/start times for PEV charging (68 percent).

S.A.G. Solarstrom AG sells Italian 48 MWp project

2012-01-05T15:31:00.000+05:30

FREIBURG, GERMANY: S.A.G. Solarstrom AG has signed a purchase contract with an institutional investor for the 48 MWp project “Serenissima“ in Northern Italy on December 31. The contract is subject to the customary conditions precedent. Signing the contract was an important step in the selling process of this, the largest project in the corporate history of S.A.G. Solarstrom AG to date. It documents the flexibility and sales force of the Freiburg solar experts.

The project was completed and brought into service on August 31, 2011. Final processing and payment of the purchase price, which is in the triple-digit million-euro range, as well as transfer of the corporate shares, will take place in the first quarter of 2012.

“Serenissima is an important milestone for S.A.G. Solarstrom AG, both from a technical and a sales-oriented point of view. We have connected our – to date largest – project to grid almost four months before the originally planned date, and are feeding directly into the high-voltage network via a transformer substation that we constructed ourselves. The system is demonstrating the high level of performance we expected and we have now also sold the project as planned on schedule by the end of 2011,“ says Dr. Karl Kuhlmann, CEO of S.A.G. Solarstrom AG.

“This is thanks to the extraordinary performance of the entire S.A.G. team. Our technical team worked tirelessly up until completion and until the photovoltaic system was connected to the electricity grid. And our sales and financing team forged ahead with the project, ignoring Sundays and public holidays in 2011, up to and including December 31.“

In the negotiations, a European financial investor was accepted over other prospective customers as a buyer for the attractive project. The sale will be concluded with the institutional investor and the corporate shares of the project company, together with their financing and purchase price payment, transferred to the S.A.G. Solarstrom Group in the first quarter of 2012.

“We spent a very long time in intensive negotiations with various prospective customers regarding the project, and even decided against certain offers,“ explains Oliver Günther, sales director of S.A.G. Solarstrom AG. “The new Conto Energia, in particular, and the increasingly difficult general conditions in the solar industry dragged out negotiations. However, Serenissima is an extremely attractive project, so we deliberately took the time to negotiate a suitable price with the right investor. At the same time, the new Italian solar tax also needs to be taken into consideration.”

“The financing conditions, in particular for projects of this size, have increasingly deteriorated over the course of the year,” says Christoph Koch, financial director of S.A.G. Solarstrom AG. “The commitment by the Deutsche Bank to interim financing in the amount of €80 million in the middle of the financial crisis and the emerging bank crisis was really a major achievement and a mark of confidence, even though the financing costs were high and have unfortunately risen considerably due to the European debt crisis and resulting bank crisis over the course of the year.“

With this project, S.A.G. Solarstrom AG proved that it is can be considered one of the leading independent providers of photovoltaic systems in Europe, and with good reason. “That is why we are convinced that we will be able to maintain our market position, even in the very challenging mood of the emerging 2012“, says Dr. Kuhlmann.

LDK Solar provides update on China development bank financing

2012-01-05T14:34:00.000+05:30

XINYU CITY, CHINA & SUNNYVALE, USA: LDK Solar Co. Ltd has announced that China Development Bank Corporation (“CDB”) has recently approved a 15-year project loan for two solar power plants with a total capacity of 8 Megawatts combined.

The solar power plants are located in California and are wholly-owned by LDK Solar. CDB has also approved a fifteen-year buyer’s credit to KDC Solar LLC for its two New Jersey solar power plants, Imclone and White Rose, consisting of 14.7 MW of its 300 MW portfolio. Additionally, CDB approved two-year construction financing to EPC contractor, Solar Power Inc., a company majority owned by LDK Solar, for its undertaking of the New Jersey projects.

"The credit support from CDB not only satisfies LDK Solar’s own PV project financing demand, but also meets the end customer’s financing needs, which is expected to greatly promote LDK Solar’s module sales and EPC business,” stated Xiaofeng Peng, chairman and CEO of LDK Solar. “With the continuous support from CDB, LDK Solar will continue expanding its self-owned project development overseas, establish strategic partnerships and maintain a long-term stable cooperation with project owners to achieve a win-win situation for both parties.”

UPnP and the smart grid opportunity

2012-01-04T21:36:00.001+05:30

UK: Global home networking standards group, UPnP Forum, has published a new whitepaper detailing how its IP-based standards play a vital role in implementing next generation Smart Grid and Smart Energy networks.

The document, titled “UPnP Technologies for the Smart Grid-Enabled Home”, gives an in-depth account of UPnP device architecture and specifications, explains how these function, and describes the benefits they bring to vendors whose products embody UPnP specifications.

The white paper goes on to highlight the relevance to energy management of UPnP standards that provide a common communications architecture from a utility or energy service provider into the Home Area Network (HAN), and between all of the intelligent devices within the home. It also provides illustrations involving the use of UPnP technologies in different energy system scenarios.

In practice, the current widespread deployment of UPnP-based products means that utilities have a well-established developer and support ecosystem for delivering cost-effective energy management solutions. UPnP technologies already provide the foundation in the home to complement a variety of energy management gateways and device control scenarios incorporating well-vetted mechanisms for security, discovery and service advertisement.

Additionally, UPnP technologies support modular integration with multiple Smart Grid and Smart Energy protocol solutions while providing a robust, reliable, manageable and secure IP platform used to facilitate energy data communications targeting other data models including SEP 2.0, OpenHAN, OpenADR and OASIS. It is easy for utilities to become involved with the development and adoption of UPnP standards because there is no cost to join the UPnP Forum or to download and contribute to the specifications.

“UPnP-certified devices on existing home networks provide a perfect platform for communicating energy-related messages and performing load-shedding actions,” comments Dr. Alan Messer, president and chairman of UPnP Forum. “Smart Grid communications – related to pricing, alerts, meter readings and so on – can bridge easily to IP-based home or small business networks, allowing utilities and providers to communicate over the Internet or via a private IP backbone with their customers.

“Connecting Smart Grid devices in the home is easy, robust and secure using the installed base of UPnP-networks already in place,” adds Dr. Messer. “At the same time, a rich set of power systems interfaces are defined already by the UPnP Forum. And additional Home Energy Management System (HEMS) application enhancements are under discussion via liaisons between UPnP Forum and other industry efforts.”

European markets hot for solar despite financial crisis

2012-01-04T18:12:00.000+05:30

BOSTON, USA: Portugal’s solar market remains one of the hottest for investors able to build systems under that country’s installations cap, according to Lux Research’s latest Solar Demand Forecaster. The country’s internal rates of returns (IRR) for the six major solar technologies remain high in 2011 along with Cyprus and Greece, though the financial crisis in Europe could significantly hinder that market.

“Uncertainty surrounding Europe’s financial situation and its countries’ ability to pay out incentives will prevent wild growth – keeping that market relatively constant,” said Matt Feinstein, the Lux Research Analyst who led the Demand Forecast. “However, a number of Asian markets have high returns going into 2012 – notably Malaysia at 24.1 percent, the Philippines at 22.6 percent, and Japan at 20.9 percent. They will push demand toward that region in 2012 and 2013.”

IRR is the discount rate at which the net present value (NPV) of future cash flows from a capital investment equals zero. Capital expenditure is the primary factor in determining a market’s IRR, along with incentives and operating expenses. Put simply, it provides an apples-to-apples metric for investors to compare demand and project growth for solar across disparate markets.

Top 5 locations by IRR (1Q12)
1. Portugal
2. Cyprus
3. Hawaii
4. Greece
5. Israel

TFG Radiant increases ownership in Ascent Solar

2012-01-04T16:03:00.000+05:30

THORNTON, USA: Ascent Solar Technologies Inc., a developer of flexible CIGS solar panels, announced that TFG Radiant Investment Group Ltd (TFG Radiant), is poised to increase its ownership interest in the Thornton, Colo., based solar panel manufacturer.

TFG Radiant acquired approximately 20 percent of the outstanding shares of Ascent in August 2011. The increase will put TFG Radiant’s ownership at approximately 41 percent.

TFG Radiant will purchase the stake in the Company presently owned by Norsk Hydro Produksjon AS for $4 million, or approximately $0.50 per share. The transaction is expected to close within the next 90 days.

Victor Lee, MD of TFG Radiant and an Ascent board member, said: “We continue to be very excited about the market potential for Ascent’s transformational solar power technology. No other manufacturer can match the combination of power density and flexibility, which we believe will enable TFG Radiant to lead in rooftop and portable power applications in East Asia.”

“We are pleased to see that our most recent strategic partner, and licensee for our technology in East Asia, is increasing its commitment to Ascent,” commented Ron Eller, Ascent president and CEO. “We have the same vision for our unique, high performing flexible technology to bring solar power to everyday lives in a seamless and compelling manner.”

Revenue from remote microgrids will reach $10.2 billion by 2017

2012-01-04T15:00:00.000+05:30

BOULDER, USA: Remote power systems numbering in the thousands can be found in all corners of the world. For the most part these systems are powered by dumb, dirty diesel generation, hardly a technology of relevance to the smart grid and the fundamental networking advantages of the microgrid platform.

Nevertheless, once renewable distributed energy generation is added to the mix, then these remote microgrids begin to look like classic microgrids. In fact, the primary driver for remote microgrids over the next six years will be the integration of solar photovoltaics, a technology that will help reduce diesel fuel consumption.

A new report from Pike Research forecasts that the global remote microgrid market will expand from 349 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity in 2011 to over 1.1 gigawatts (GW) by 2017, an amount that equals or perhaps even surpasses all other microgrid segments combined, whether in the planning stages or already deployed.

That growth in capacity will translate into total projected revenue for the remote microgrid sector, under Pike Research’s average forecast scenario, of more than $10.2 billion by 2017. A more conservative base scenario – which may hold if the global economy continues to stumble – would still result in a healthy $4.5 billion market in 2017.

“The global remote microgrid segment is the most attractive of all microgrid segments from a revenue perspective,” says senior analyst Peter Asmus. “Recent research – also reflected in Pike Research’s recently updated Microgrid Deployment Tracker – indicates that this sector is far more robust than previously reported, and with solar PV prices continuing to decline, is poised for substantial growth, even without government incentives.”

Developing countries, which comprise approximately 80 percent of the world’s population, but consume only 30 percent of global commercially traded energy supplies, represent the top prospective market for remote microgrids. As energy consumption rises with increases in population and living standards, awareness is growing about the environmental costs of energy and the need to expand access to energy – especially cleaner electricity – in new ways.

Remote microgrids can serve as the anchors of new, appropriate scale infrastructure, helping to accelerate a shift to smarter ways to deliver both electricity and humanitarian services to the poor. Significant financial support for remote microgrids is being provided by the United Nations, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and entities such as the Clinton Climate Initiative and the Bill Gates Foundation.

New Energy appoints business partnering and scientific experts

2012-01-04T00:01:00.003+05:30

COLUMBIA, USA: New Energy Technologies Inc., a developer of innovative technologies for generating sustainable electricity, announced the appointments of Dr. Scott R. Hammond as Principal Scientist, and Dr. Christopher M. Harris to the company's Board of Advisors.

Both Drs. Hammond and Harris previously tenured at the United States Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), one of the world's most respected and advanced solar-photovoltaic research institutions. NREL and New Energy have been working through a co-operative research and development agreement to advance the company's SolarWindow technology, capable of generating electricity on see-through glass.

"I'm honored to welcome Dr. Harris and Dr. Hammond to our team," stated John A. Conklin, president and CEO of New Energy Technologies, Inc. "Dr. Hammond brings a special blend of organic chemistry and photovoltaic device fabrication experience important to advancing our SolarWindow(TM) technology towards commercial production. As a Nuclear Physicist, Patent Agent, and Licensing Executive who's successfully partnered new technologies with Fortune 5 corporations, Dr. Harris has the depth of technical insight and business expertise that we very much look forward to leveraging."

Dr. Christopher M. Harris joins New Energy's Board of Advisors with a proven track record of exploiting novel renewable energy technologies for commercial partnership, joint-venture, and technology and product development. His expertise includes evaluating a technology's technical strength, building key strategies for advancing product development with commercial partners, and negotiating tactical licensing agreements with public research institutions, private companies, and Fortune 500 corporations.

Dr. Harris is a Certified Licensing Professional, and a Registered Patent Agent at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He earned his PhD in Nuclear and Particle Physics, and Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Physics at the University of Virginia.

Dr. Christopher M. Harris currently serves as Director of Licensing at Vanderbilt University. Previously, he tenured as Associate Director, Licensing at National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and as Senior Licensing Manager at the University of Virginia Patent Foundation.

New Energy also announced the appointment of Principal Scientist, Dr. Scott R. Hammond. Dr. Hammond's expertise includes the development of coatings for generating electricity and the application of such coatings in the fabrication of photovoltaic device architectures. This combination of skills is important to the advancement of SolarWindow, which makes use of electricity-generating coatings applied to see-through glass surfaces.

Electricity-generating coatings, consisting largely of 'polymers', are first designed and subsequently produced by way of synthesis; Dr. Hammond's experience includes such polymer design and organic synthesis. He also brings skills specific to various systems and methods for applying these coatings to various material surfaces, including high-speed, high-volume industrial processes important to the eventual commercial manufacturing of SolarWindow products.

Once electricity-generating polymers are applied to a material surface, the resultant effect is the production of an 'organic photovoltaic' cell (OPV). The prospect of SolarWindow products generating electricity on see-through glass is made possible by way of OPV.

Dr. Hammond brings extensive experience in all areas of OPV, the underlying SolarWindow technology, including: the design and synthesis of small molecule and polymeric donor materials, the development of new solution-processed contact materials, the fabrication of OPV devices, large-area device fabrication using various coating methods, and the development of solution-processed flexible and transparent moisture barriers.

Dr. Hammond also has a strong background in nanostructured organic materials, with an emphasis on optoelectronic materials. His experience spans materials design, synthesis, nanoscale characterization, processing, and optoelectronic device fabrication. Of note, he has worked specifically on developing nanostructured materials in an attempt to improve performance, simplify processing, and increase useful life.

Dr. Hammond earned his PhD in Organic/Materials Chemistry and Nanotechnology from the University of Washington, Seattle and a BS in Chemistry with High Honors from the University of California, Berkeley. His awards include a Hypercube Scholar Award, a Mindlin Brothers Fellowship for Creativity in Science, a United States National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Honorable Mention, and a Joint Institute in Nanotechnology Fellowship. He is currently a member of the American Chemical Society and the Materials Research Society, and a Sigma-Aldrich Global Advisor.

LDK Solar announces investment in Sunways AG

2012-01-03T20:51:00.000+05:30

XINYU CITY, CHINA & SUNNYVALE, USA: LDK Solar Co. Ltd announced that it, through its wholly owned subsidiary, LDK Solar Germany Holding GmbH, has entered into an investment agreement, dated December 31, 2011, with Sunways AG, a German stock corporation with its shares listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, to acquire approximately 33 percent of Sunways' increased share capital following a capital increase from its authorized capital.

In the capital increase, LDK Solar will subscribe for a total of 5.79 million new shares of Sunways to be issued against a cash contribution and contributions in kind. The issue amount of the shares to be granted against the cash contribution amounts to a total of euro 2,201,805.50. Simultaneously, LDK Solar has announced its intention to submit to the Sunways shareholders a public takeover offer for all outstanding shares in the company.

Subject to the approval of the offer's publication by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – BaFin), the takeover offer is expected to be published in late January 2012. Under this offer, a cash consideration of euro 1.90 per share is to be offered to the Sunways shareholders. Both the capital increase as well as the completion of the takeover offer must be formally cleared by the Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt). Following the clearance under the cartel law, the completion of the offer is currently expected to occur in the first quarter of 2012.

By way of the capital increase against contributions in kind, Sunways will acquire the indirect ownership of a company based in China. Through this China-based subsidiary, Sunways will have access to LDK Solar's module production plants in China for the further joint development of high-performance solar modules cost-effectively.

As a part of the arrangements under the investment agreement signed on December 31, 2011, Sunways and LDK Solar have also agreed to terminate the formerly existing long-term contract for the supply of wafers by LDK Solar to Sunways. The wafer supply contract will, however, be reinstated if the capital increase should fail to be registered with the relevant German governmental authorities by June 30, 2012.

LDK Solar, despite its investment in Sunways and the takeover offer, has no intention to cause any delisting of Sunways shares from the Frankfurt Stock exchange or any other trading forum. Neither does LDK Solar intend to interfere with the Sunways brand.

Xiaofeng Peng, chairman, CEO and founder of LDK Solar is convinced of the prospect of a successful co-operation between LDK Solar and Sunways. "We are investing in Sunways because we are convinced of the synergies of our two companies in light of our and Sunways' products and business models. We also believe in the market potential of the Sunways brand. This is a perfect match for both sides."

Michael Wilhelm, chairman of the Management Board (CEO) of Sunways is also upbeat on the transaction. "We are happy that we have found in LDK a strategic anchor investor who shares our vision of the photovoltaic future and with whom we were able to develop over many years of intensive cooperation a relationship of trust with the highest appreciation and respect."

Smart meter shipments reached 19.2 million units worldwide during Q3-2011

2012-01-03T14:33:00.000+05:30

BOULDER, USA: Smart meter and smart grid deployments have risen significantly during 2011, particularly in North America. A number of large projects have been announced and key vendors have been selected to provide utilities with meters, communications modules, and meter data management services. Smart meter shipments in China continue to grow as well.

According to a new tracker report from Pike Research, the second and third quarters of 2011 included advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) smart meter announced deployments covering several million customers from three major utilities in North America.

Consumers Energy chose SmartSynch to help it build an AMI system for 1.8 million customers in Michigan; and in Canada, BC Hydro selected Itron to supply 1.8 million new meters over the next two years, while Hydro-Quebec chose Landis+Gyr to supply the bulk of the 3.75 million smart meters it plans to deploy over the next five years. According to Pike Research’s analysis, global smart meter shipments reached 19.2 million in 3Q 2011, which represents a 5.3 percent increase over 2Q 2011.

“Global smart grid deployments continue to enjoy strong growth momentum, particularly those involving smart meter rollouts,” says senior analyst Neil Strother. “Projects continue to expand in the United States and Canada, and we are seeing the beginning stages of a massive smart meter deployment in China.”

Pike Research’s analysis indicates that in North America, Landis+Gyr maintained its leadership position with a 25 percent share of cumulative smart meter vendor selections, in terms of total endpoints, as of 3Q 2011. The vendor was helped in a significant way by its win at Hydro-Quebec. Itron was in second place with 22 percent of cumulative utility selections, and Sensus and GE Energy were tied for third place, each holding a 16 percent share of selections as of 3Q 2011.

Solar3D sets world record for silicon solar cell

2012-01-03T13:00:00.000+05:30

SANTA BARBARA, USA: Solar3D Inc., the developer of a breakthrough 3-dimensional solar cell technology to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity, has performed a series of tests of its new silicon solar cell design that projects the efficiency to be 25.47 percent, dramatically higher than current technology.

“Our recent tests involve a larger design that contains multiple micro 3D photovoltaic structures that will make up a complete Solar3D cell. The results have exceeded our expectations,” said Jim Nelson, president and CEO of Solar3D. “If the results of the simulations hold up in fabrication, as we expect, our cell’s performance will be the highest conversion efficiency achieved in silicon solar cells.”

The company’s innovative solar cell technology utilizes a 3-dimensional design, with increased cell surface area, to permit each solar cell to extract the maximum energy possible out of incident sunlight. Solar3D’s management believes that this breakthrough solar cell design will dramatically change the economics of solar energy.

Nelson continued: “Our objective has always been to change the world by providing affordable solar power. At this level of conversion efficiency and expected manufacturing cost, we intend to do just that.”

Solar3D completed the design of its new innovation, the 3-dimensional solar cell, several weeks ago. As the Company nears the completion of its prototype, management will seek a fabrication partner, most likely in the semiconductor industry, who will participate in bringing the product to market.

“It will be continuing increases in solar cell efficiency, along with decreases in manufacturing costs, that will drive solar electricity to economic parity with current methods of power generation,” said Nelson. “With the efficiency that comes from our new design, we take a giant step in that direction.”

China’s SGCC and BYD launch world’s largest battery energy storage station

2012-01-02T04:40:00.000+05:30

ZHANGBEI, CHINA: BYD and the State Grid Corp. of China (SGCC) have finished construction on what may be the world’s largest battery energy storage station. This large utility-scale project, located in Zhangbei, Hebei Province, combines 140 Mega-Watts of renewable energy generation (both wind and solar), 36 Mega-Watt-Hours (MWh) of energy storage and a smart power transmission system.

While there are renewable generation systems of this scale in service today, there are no battery systems of this size. The State Grid system is demonstrating a stable solution for transferring vast amounts of renewable electricity safely to the grid on an unprecedented scale. Although BYD manufactures 1GW of solar panels annually, their role in this project was primarily providing energy storage batteries in arrays larger than a football field.

SGCC chose BYD’s Iron-Phosphate battery technology because of its superior service life (over 20 years) and also used BYD’s “peak shaving and load leveling” charge and discharge methodologies. BYD’s announcement September 30th, 2011, “China’s Largest and First Environmentally-friendly Battery Storage Station,” was the first of many MegaWatt-level cooperative projects with China’s Southern Power Grid (CSG).

This new project with the State Grid has outpaced other grid projects in China and, though independently designed by SGCC, is part of the national “Golden Sun” program. The first phase investment with 100MW of Wind, 40MW of Solar and 36MWh of Battery is worth over $500 million (~3.3 billion RMB).

“The large-scale implementation of clean and green energy, such as wind and solar power, can only be realized when the technical difficulties of this new energy application in the utility system are resolved,” said Xiu Binglin, deputy director of the National Energy Administration. “This State Grid project demonstrates a solution and will be the model of development for China’s new energy resources.”

BYD’s battery energy storage system provides a solution for the realization of energy storage in the smart grid that improves renewable energy efficiency by 5-10 percent.

He Long, VP of BYD, said, “BYD is honored to cooperate with China and SGCC to build this large energy storage station and to make a contribution in the utilization of renewable energy resources.”