TOKYO, JAPAN: Sharp Corp. has developed a new single crystalline solar cell with high conversion efficiency.
Sharp will begin mass producing this solar cell at an annual production capacity of 200 MW within fiscal year 2010 at its solar cell plant in GREEN FRONT SAKAI, located in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The mass production will cover everything from solar cells to solar modules.
This single crystalline solar cell with high conversion efficiency uses a Back Contact structure (electrodes are connected on the back-side), which eliminates the need for electrodes to be set on the front-side. This new structure increases the light-receiving area on the front-side’s surface.
In addition, a new alignment technology (Alignment Sheet system), which reduces the connection resistance between adjacent cells, was also developed. A broad range of applications in the global market, including residential and industrial use, can be anticipated in the future.
Monday, December 6, 2010
PV book-to-bill in Q3'10 dips from previous eight-quarter high
SAN FRANCISCO, USA: In Q3'10 (ending September 30), the PV Book-to-Bill ratio fell after an eight-quarter high during Q2'10, to a three-month average of 1.16, according to new Solarbuzz PV Book-to-Bill analysis featured within the PV Equipment Quarterly report.
In addition, growth rates for the backlog of solar photovoltaic manufacturing equipment returned to single-digit percentage levels, similar to trends observed at the end of 2008 following the last phase of strong PV tool ordering activity.
Source: Solarbuzz, USA.
According to Finlay Colville, Senior Analyst at Solarbuzz, "The latest PV Book-to-Bill figures are a direct consequence of PV cell manufacturing equipment suppliers ramping up deliveries following the strong order backlog accumulated during 1H'10, and these figures were matched by record PV tool revenues reported by several leading PV suppliers during Q3'10."
Historically, Book-to-Bill ratios have been widely adopted by various technology sectors to assess their overall health. In general, a Book-to-Bill ratio of greater than 1 (or parity) is indicative of a strong market. Conversely, a Book-to-Bill ratio below parity provides signs of an unhealthy environment with softening equipment demand.
A Book-to-Bill ratio compares the total amount of orders received to the total amount of product shipped and billed within a given period. It is the ratio of demand versus supply in the equipment supply chain. If the supply chain receives the same level of new orders as it can deliver, this still represents a healthy scenario, but with scope for growth.
If the supply chain has fewer orders than it can deliver, this shows as negative growth. A PV Book-to-Bill ratio of 1.16 means that US$116 worth of orders were received by PV equipment suppliers for every US$100 of product billed for the preceding quarter under review.
Colville added: "Until now, there has been no Book-to-Bill information for the PV industry. Indeed, reporting on the PV equipment supply chain as a whole has received less attention when compared to other aspects of the solar industry. This has provided challenges for equipment suppliers when seeking to benchmark their performance against both industry averages and process tool segments within their served markets."
PV Book-to-Bill explains revenue growth patterns
During 2010, PV manufacturing equipment revenues will easily exceed the $10 billion level, with Applied Materials recently becoming the first equipment supplier to pass the $1 billion threshold for PV specific tools within a trailing twelve month trended period. Several other tool suppliers will also report PV revenues during 2010 in excess of $500 million.
While c-Si cells will account for 85-90 percent of PV production during 2010, the breakdown of PV equipment revenues by technology reflects a broader contribution from the c-Si and thin-film segments, indicative of continued investment into established and emerging production types.
In fact, the second cycle in thin-film fab investment is forecast to peak during 1H'11, with strong equipment revenues forecast from fabs currently at the build-out phase.
In contrasting to on-going capacity expansions, downstream demand for PV modules during 2011 is likely to be subject to a range of policy driven uncertainties. Therefore, specific checks are urgently needed to monitor the level and timing of the most recently announced expansion plans for 2011, with a more robust means of assessing pending capacity over-supply within the industry among top tier producers.
The PV Book-to-Bill analysis provides a direct measure of equipment ordered by PV producers, existing tool backlogs with suppliers, and tools currently being delivered to PV fabs. With equipment lead times ranging from 3 to 12 months, changes in the PV Book-to-Bill figures provide a direct means to assess whether announced expansion schedules are being enacted.
Source: Solarbuzz, USA.
In addition, growth rates for the backlog of solar photovoltaic manufacturing equipment returned to single-digit percentage levels, similar to trends observed at the end of 2008 following the last phase of strong PV tool ordering activity.
Source: Solarbuzz, USA.According to Finlay Colville, Senior Analyst at Solarbuzz, "The latest PV Book-to-Bill figures are a direct consequence of PV cell manufacturing equipment suppliers ramping up deliveries following the strong order backlog accumulated during 1H'10, and these figures were matched by record PV tool revenues reported by several leading PV suppliers during Q3'10."
Historically, Book-to-Bill ratios have been widely adopted by various technology sectors to assess their overall health. In general, a Book-to-Bill ratio of greater than 1 (or parity) is indicative of a strong market. Conversely, a Book-to-Bill ratio below parity provides signs of an unhealthy environment with softening equipment demand.
A Book-to-Bill ratio compares the total amount of orders received to the total amount of product shipped and billed within a given period. It is the ratio of demand versus supply in the equipment supply chain. If the supply chain receives the same level of new orders as it can deliver, this still represents a healthy scenario, but with scope for growth.
If the supply chain has fewer orders than it can deliver, this shows as negative growth. A PV Book-to-Bill ratio of 1.16 means that US$116 worth of orders were received by PV equipment suppliers for every US$100 of product billed for the preceding quarter under review.
Colville added: "Until now, there has been no Book-to-Bill information for the PV industry. Indeed, reporting on the PV equipment supply chain as a whole has received less attention when compared to other aspects of the solar industry. This has provided challenges for equipment suppliers when seeking to benchmark their performance against both industry averages and process tool segments within their served markets."
PV Book-to-Bill explains revenue growth patterns
During 2010, PV manufacturing equipment revenues will easily exceed the $10 billion level, with Applied Materials recently becoming the first equipment supplier to pass the $1 billion threshold for PV specific tools within a trailing twelve month trended period. Several other tool suppliers will also report PV revenues during 2010 in excess of $500 million.
While c-Si cells will account for 85-90 percent of PV production during 2010, the breakdown of PV equipment revenues by technology reflects a broader contribution from the c-Si and thin-film segments, indicative of continued investment into established and emerging production types.
In fact, the second cycle in thin-film fab investment is forecast to peak during 1H'11, with strong equipment revenues forecast from fabs currently at the build-out phase.
In contrasting to on-going capacity expansions, downstream demand for PV modules during 2011 is likely to be subject to a range of policy driven uncertainties. Therefore, specific checks are urgently needed to monitor the level and timing of the most recently announced expansion plans for 2011, with a more robust means of assessing pending capacity over-supply within the industry among top tier producers.
The PV Book-to-Bill analysis provides a direct measure of equipment ordered by PV producers, existing tool backlogs with suppliers, and tools currently being delivered to PV fabs. With equipment lead times ranging from 3 to 12 months, changes in the PV Book-to-Bill figures provide a direct means to assess whether announced expansion schedules are being enacted.
Source: Solarbuzz, USA.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
SOLARPLAZA to organize The Solar Future: India 2011 show in Delhi
NEW DELHI, INDIA: SOLARPLAZA, one of the leading international event organizers in the renewable energy space has now extended its footprint to India.
After six years of successful existence and over 25 events in other markets, the firm will kick-off its India footprint through The Solar Future: India 2011, which will be held over two days at The Grand, New Delhi on January 24-25, 2011. The theme for the India edition will be “India: Development of a New Solar Super Power".
“The Solar Future” PV conferences worldwide have been known for their large scale presentation, besides delivering significantly high value for the local solar/PV industry. The Delhi edition of this world-class, two day international conference is expected to not only attract high profile speakers from across the world, but also attract delegations who will visit India to understand the market, the potential and opportunities here.
According to Edwin Koot, CEO, SOLARPLAZA: “Endowed with abundant sunlight 300 days in a year, having the cost advantage in the production of solar cells & modules and the impetus provided by the rolling out of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission by the central government and followed upon by many state governments, India today has a huge opportunity to become a Solar Super Power.
The need of the hour is for the world to know firsthand of the opportunities here and for Indian companies to learn the best practices of other markets. This is something that SOLARPLAZA is positioned to do well and “The Solar Future: India” is the first step in that direction. We look forward to the successful conduct of this Delhi edition and there are more planned or on the anvil for the Indian market.”
Key topics deliberated at the two-day conference will be:
* The JN-NSM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission) and related solar PV targets, incentives, perspectives of international market and industry trends.
* Policy plans, programs and incentives of Indian states.
* Business opportunities in the Indian PV market, Practical experiences and challenges faced by established players in the industry.
* Very large scale PV power plants - Is cheap solar energy possible in three years? Can solar power plants compete with fossil fuel power plants?
* Crystalline silicon or thin film - which is better for power generation in India?
* The Solar Future in India: Will India become the New Solar Super Power?
The Solar Future: India 2011 is being held at the time that challenges related to capital cost, high expertise of the technology-intensive manufacturing processes and the environmental costs are being addressed with the support from the Government and breakthroughs are happening in R&D.
After six years of successful existence and over 25 events in other markets, the firm will kick-off its India footprint through The Solar Future: India 2011, which will be held over two days at The Grand, New Delhi on January 24-25, 2011. The theme for the India edition will be “India: Development of a New Solar Super Power".
“The Solar Future” PV conferences worldwide have been known for their large scale presentation, besides delivering significantly high value for the local solar/PV industry. The Delhi edition of this world-class, two day international conference is expected to not only attract high profile speakers from across the world, but also attract delegations who will visit India to understand the market, the potential and opportunities here.
According to Edwin Koot, CEO, SOLARPLAZA: “Endowed with abundant sunlight 300 days in a year, having the cost advantage in the production of solar cells & modules and the impetus provided by the rolling out of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission by the central government and followed upon by many state governments, India today has a huge opportunity to become a Solar Super Power.
The need of the hour is for the world to know firsthand of the opportunities here and for Indian companies to learn the best practices of other markets. This is something that SOLARPLAZA is positioned to do well and “The Solar Future: India” is the first step in that direction. We look forward to the successful conduct of this Delhi edition and there are more planned or on the anvil for the Indian market.”
Key topics deliberated at the two-day conference will be:
* The JN-NSM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission) and related solar PV targets, incentives, perspectives of international market and industry trends.
* Policy plans, programs and incentives of Indian states.
* Business opportunities in the Indian PV market, Practical experiences and challenges faced by established players in the industry.
* Very large scale PV power plants - Is cheap solar energy possible in three years? Can solar power plants compete with fossil fuel power plants?
* Crystalline silicon or thin film - which is better for power generation in India?
* The Solar Future in India: Will India become the New Solar Super Power?
The Solar Future: India 2011 is being held at the time that challenges related to capital cost, high expertise of the technology-intensive manufacturing processes and the environmental costs are being addressed with the support from the Government and breakthroughs are happening in R&D.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Power-One launches dedicated central solar inverter for Asian market
CAMARILLO, USA: Power-One Inc. has launched a newly designed central product specifically targeting the emerging Asian inverter market.
Power-One's new 250kW and 500kW utility grade central inverters have a number of key features, including a very high efficiency of 98.3%; electrolytic capacitor free, leading to longer MTBF (mean time between failures); compact size and weight; touch screen display; and 1000 Voc (open circuit voltage) rating.
"This product offers high performance with affordable capital expenditure and has been specifically designed for the fast growing Asian market," said Paolo Casini, Power-One's Vice President for Marketing. "Its design is the result of the experience we have acquired with more than 50MW of installation in the challenging Asian market."
Power-One is currently the world's second largest manufacturer of solar power inverters. With manufacturing centers in three continents, Power-One and its Aurora brand of solar and wind power inverters, ranging from 2kw to 2.5MW, offer best-in-class product performance and reliability along with a global customer care package.
Power-One's new 250kW and 500kW utility grade central inverters have a number of key features, including a very high efficiency of 98.3%; electrolytic capacitor free, leading to longer MTBF (mean time between failures); compact size and weight; touch screen display; and 1000 Voc (open circuit voltage) rating.
"This product offers high performance with affordable capital expenditure and has been specifically designed for the fast growing Asian market," said Paolo Casini, Power-One's Vice President for Marketing. "Its design is the result of the experience we have acquired with more than 50MW of installation in the challenging Asian market."
Power-One is currently the world's second largest manufacturer of solar power inverters. With manufacturing centers in three continents, Power-One and its Aurora brand of solar and wind power inverters, ranging from 2kw to 2.5MW, offer best-in-class product performance and reliability along with a global customer care package.
Solar Park Initiatives signs LoI for 7 MW project in Canada
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, USA: Solar Park Initiatives Inc., a Florida-based solar energy company dedicated to utility and commercial solar park developments in North America, has signed a Letter of Intent for a 7 MW solar project in Ontario, Canada.
The project, pending permitting, engineering, and financing, is estimated to generate up to $28 million in revenue once completed.
David Surette, CEO of Solar Park Initiatives stated: "We continue to search for solar energy opportunities that fit into our business model. This project in Ontario is a good fit with our business plan and we anticipate it being one of many successful upcoming projects in North America."
The project, pending permitting, engineering, and financing, is estimated to generate up to $28 million in revenue once completed.
David Surette, CEO of Solar Park Initiatives stated: "We continue to search for solar energy opportunities that fit into our business model. This project in Ontario is a good fit with our business plan and we anticipate it being one of many successful upcoming projects in North America."
Friday, December 3, 2010
Solarfun's SF260 polycrystalline module receives UL certification
SHANGHAI, CHINA: Solarfun Power Holdings Co. Ltd. a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic cells and modules in China, has received Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) certification for its SF260 polycrystalline module.
UL certifies that the SF260 polycrystalline module, along with the rest of Solarfun's UL-certified monocrystalline and polycrystalline module products, fully complies with all safety, environmental, and other performance requirements established by UL.
Suited for both residential and commercial customers, Solarfun's SF260 modules offer a sleek, all-blue appearance, with the performance required by large power output applications.
Bruce Ludemann, VP and GM of Solarfun, North America, said: "The UL certification of the SF260P module extends our North American offering. The larger model is well suited for ground-mounted and commercial rooftop applications, the two fastest growing solar segments in North America."
"Achieving UL certification for the SF260 polycrystalline module and offering a full line of UL-certified modules is a notable accomplishment," added Dr. Mohan Narayanan, VP of Technology at Solarfun.
"UL certification is essential to Solarfun's continuing expansion strategy in North America, ensuring that all our modules meet the stringent requirements of PV projects in the region. The certification further demonstrates Solarfun's commitment to providing our global customers with products that feature market-leading reliability, safety and performance."
UL certifies that the SF260 polycrystalline module, along with the rest of Solarfun's UL-certified monocrystalline and polycrystalline module products, fully complies with all safety, environmental, and other performance requirements established by UL.
Suited for both residential and commercial customers, Solarfun's SF260 modules offer a sleek, all-blue appearance, with the performance required by large power output applications.
Bruce Ludemann, VP and GM of Solarfun, North America, said: "The UL certification of the SF260P module extends our North American offering. The larger model is well suited for ground-mounted and commercial rooftop applications, the two fastest growing solar segments in North America."
"Achieving UL certification for the SF260 polycrystalline module and offering a full line of UL-certified modules is a notable accomplishment," added Dr. Mohan Narayanan, VP of Technology at Solarfun.
"UL certification is essential to Solarfun's continuing expansion strategy in North America, ensuring that all our modules meet the stringent requirements of PV projects in the region. The certification further demonstrates Solarfun's commitment to providing our global customers with products that feature market-leading reliability, safety and performance."
Yingli Green Energy awarded significant orders from Golden Sun program
BAODING, CHINA: Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd announced that it has been selected as a major PV module supplier to the Gold Sun Program, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Finance of China.
In November 2010, a total amount of 272 MW PV projects were announced under the Program, to which the Company is expected to supply approximately 70 percent of the PV modules.
Under the terms of the Company's secured sales agreements with system owners, the majority of the module shipments are scheduled in the second half of 2011. In addition, according to the guidelines of the Program, the Ministry of Finance will grant 70% of subsidy to the Company once the sales agreements are concluded and the relevant application procedures are fulfilled, which is expected to occur before product delivery.
"We are honored to become a major PV module supplier for the Golden Sun Program, which is a significant business milestone for our expansion in the Chinese solar market," Liansheng Miao, chairman and CEO of Yingli Green Energy commented.
"I am happy to witness that the Chinese government has demonstrated its strong commitment to boost renewable energy utilization in its recently announced Five-Year Plan. Meanwhile, the renewable energy industry, including solar energy, has been identified as one of China's strategic emerging industries by the central government of China.
"Earlier today, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and the National Energy Administration jointly hosted a meeting to further boost the utilization of renewable energy in China. In the meeting, the Chinese government declared its expectations to further expand its PV project portfolio in the next two years to reach a scale of at least 1,000 MW per year after 2012."
"As a solar pioneer based in China, Yingli Green Energy has demonstrated a firm commitment to the Golden Sun Program. The Company is responding to its mission and responsibility to meet the demand for affordable renewable energy in China by supplying high quality PV products from cutting-edge technologies. In addition, we expect this strategic move in emerging markets will further reduce the dependence on the German market, thus strengthening our long-term development dynamics," Miao concluded.
In November 2010, a total amount of 272 MW PV projects were announced under the Program, to which the Company is expected to supply approximately 70 percent of the PV modules.
Under the terms of the Company's secured sales agreements with system owners, the majority of the module shipments are scheduled in the second half of 2011. In addition, according to the guidelines of the Program, the Ministry of Finance will grant 70% of subsidy to the Company once the sales agreements are concluded and the relevant application procedures are fulfilled, which is expected to occur before product delivery.
"We are honored to become a major PV module supplier for the Golden Sun Program, which is a significant business milestone for our expansion in the Chinese solar market," Liansheng Miao, chairman and CEO of Yingli Green Energy commented.
"I am happy to witness that the Chinese government has demonstrated its strong commitment to boost renewable energy utilization in its recently announced Five-Year Plan. Meanwhile, the renewable energy industry, including solar energy, has been identified as one of China's strategic emerging industries by the central government of China.
"Earlier today, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and the National Energy Administration jointly hosted a meeting to further boost the utilization of renewable energy in China. In the meeting, the Chinese government declared its expectations to further expand its PV project portfolio in the next two years to reach a scale of at least 1,000 MW per year after 2012."
"As a solar pioneer based in China, Yingli Green Energy has demonstrated a firm commitment to the Golden Sun Program. The Company is responding to its mission and responsibility to meet the demand for affordable renewable energy in China by supplying high quality PV products from cutting-edge technologies. In addition, we expect this strategic move in emerging markets will further reduce the dependence on the German market, thus strengthening our long-term development dynamics," Miao concluded.
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