GWS developing proprietary PV solar panel

SCOTTSDALE, USA: GWS Technologies Inc., an alternative energy company developing and marketing solar and wind-powered renewable energy products and solutions, announced that it is working with Shanghai Top Resources Import and Export Co. Ltd. and America China Technology Systems LLC in Shanghai, China, and the Shanghai Institute of Space Power Sources to develop a proprietary 210 watt polycrystalline silicon solar panel specifically adapted for commercial retrofits and the demanding climate of Arizona and the desert Southwest.

The panel is exceptionally lightweight with an aluminum frame designed for ease of installation. Each panel provides guaranteed power of 80 percent rated power output for 25 years and has a two year workmanship guarantee.

Global demand for solar panels is growing at about 50 percent per annum, according to industry sources, with government programs in Germany, Japan, and the United States accelerating the demand.

“There’s a ‘perfect storm’ of federal tax credits, grants, state tax credits and utility incentive programs that have created a solar boom in the Southwest,” said GWS Technologies President Richard Reincke.

“Installing commercial solar systems makes economic sense. In Arizona, a 100-kilowatt system that costs $100,000 can receive utility incentives of 35 percent, a federal tax credit of 30 percent, accelerated depreciation tax savings, and long term electricity production rebates, which reduces a business’s net investment to under a third of the original outlay,” Reincke said.

He added that the rapid escalation of utility rates makes commercial solar installations even more attractive.

All of Arizona's regulated utility companies have been mandated by the Arizona Corporation Commission to spend more than $185 million to subsidize energy efficiency projects and renewable energy (solar power) programs in 2009, and more than $1.2 billion through 2025.

Globally, higher demand for solar energy, triggered by concerns about global warming, are projected to drive an increase in the annual revenues of the global solar equipment industry to $90 billion in 2010, with profit margins expected to accelerate even faster, pushing margins up to nearly 60 percent.

In recent years China has become a major producer of both photovoltaic products and polysilicon, the main ingredient in solar panels.

GWS Technologies announces planned solar project

SCOTTSDALE, USA: GWS Technologies Inc., an alternative energy company developing renewable energy solutions, announced that it has submitted preliminary plans to the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District (SRP) to develop a solar farm near the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona.

Since the submission was prior to the June 1, 2009 deadline, when SRP reduced its rebate to $2.25 per watt from $2.50 per watt for commercial solar production, GWS secured the higher rebate for the first phase of the project.

GWS will provide equipment and technology integration on the project, with initial cost estimates for solar equipment for the entire project at approximately $30 million.

Arizona has recently become a focal point for solar projects because of a climate uniquely suited to solar energy production, as well as the availability of significant state and federal subsidies and billions of dollars in economic-stimulus money earmarked for solar power.

SRP provides electricity to nearly 930,000 retail customers in the Phoenix area. It operates or participates in 11 major power plants and numerous other generating stations, including thermal, nuclear, natural gas and hydroelectric sources. SRP also invests in renewable energy technologies such as solar power and landfill gas projects.

In the spring of 2006, SRP's Board of Directors approved a management proposal that sets a target of 15% of SRP retail sales to be met through sustainable resources by fiscal year 2025.