HANGZHOU, CHINA: Astronergy has won a 2MW rooftop PV project located in Hangzhou Energy and Environment Industrial Park through a competitive and selective bidding process. This project is fully financed by China Energy Conservation Investment Corp., and is Zhejiang Province's first large-scale on-grid PV plant.
The industrial park is situated in the northeast corner of Hangzhou city, covering an area of 23.8 square kilometers. The rooftop of the Green Science and Technology Hall will be among the first to incorporate building-integrated PV (BIPV) technologies.
Astronergy's high efficiency tandem thin film PV modules with a light transmission rate of 30 percent will be used for the Hall's 58 square meters sunroof. This thin film PV module is also highly resistant to harsh climate conditions such as strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The Energy Conservation Hall on the other side of the industrial park will also employ Astronergy's high efficiency thin film PV modules on its 265 square meters curved building wall.
Astronergy will design and install the entire project with a combination of crystalline silicon based modules and high efficiency tandem thin film PV modules. This project will be completed by September 30th of 2009.
The Chinese government put forth the Golden Sun program on July 22nd, 2009 to financially support the growth and development of the domestic PV market and industry. Under this policy, the government plans to finance at least 500 MW in various PV stations and projects in a two to three year timeline.
"This program will create many excellent opportunities such as this project to showcase Astronergy's revolutionary new thin film technology, which will help us to differentiate ourselves and to establish our position in the industry," said Dr. Liyou Yang, CEO of Astronergy.
Showing posts with label photovoltaics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photovoltaics. Show all posts
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
DisplaySearch expands offerings to cover solar and photovoltaics
AUSTIN, USA: Building upon its expertise in providing market research within the flat panel display market for more than 13 years, DisplaySearch, the worldwide leader in display market research, today announced that it will roll out a new suite of reports to cover the rapidly growing solar and photovoltaics markets.
As the photovoltaics market takes off, it becomes increasingly important for the industry to have the tools they need the most to help businesses understand and capitalize on developments within this market.
DisplaySearch has been tracking the solar industry since 2006, covering photovoltaic (PV) solar cells in its newsletters and blogs, providing PV-related custom consulting, and presenting on solar at conferences.
The release of the first issue of the Quarterly PV Cell Capacity Database & Trends Report makes DisplaySearch’s proprietary solar cell capacity database and unique analysis available to clients around the world.
Using best-of-class research methodologies and a holistic supply chain approach proven in the display industry, DisplaySearch will expand its solar research offerings and support clients as they evaluate opportunities in the long-term solar growth industry.
“The photovoltaics market is poised for significant growth, with capacity forecast to grow at a CAGR of 49 percent from 2009 to 2013,” noted Paul Semenza, DisplaySearch Senior Vice President.
“We have covered solar as part of our display-related research for more than three years, and now that our FPD clients are expanding their business operations into solar, they’re demanding greater coverage in this market segment.
“We’ve built our reputation by demonstrating our expertise and quality in the FPD supply chain and look forward to expanding our reach into solar to further help our customers make smart business decisions by providing them with the data they need the most.”
Current market research on solar and photovoltaics often covers only certain regions and types of research. Based on its reliable methodologies, DisplaySearch’s planned reports will uniquely cover global data, and cover a breadth of data including market share and market forecasts, based on technology, equipment and capacity.
In addition, DisplaySearch will utilize the supply chain analysis developed for the flat panel display market, from equipment and raw materials to end-product shipments, to analyze supply-demand relationships…
As the photovoltaics market takes off, it becomes increasingly important for the industry to have the tools they need the most to help businesses understand and capitalize on developments within this market.
DisplaySearch has been tracking the solar industry since 2006, covering photovoltaic (PV) solar cells in its newsletters and blogs, providing PV-related custom consulting, and presenting on solar at conferences.
The release of the first issue of the Quarterly PV Cell Capacity Database & Trends Report makes DisplaySearch’s proprietary solar cell capacity database and unique analysis available to clients around the world.
Using best-of-class research methodologies and a holistic supply chain approach proven in the display industry, DisplaySearch will expand its solar research offerings and support clients as they evaluate opportunities in the long-term solar growth industry.
“The photovoltaics market is poised for significant growth, with capacity forecast to grow at a CAGR of 49 percent from 2009 to 2013,” noted Paul Semenza, DisplaySearch Senior Vice President.
“We have covered solar as part of our display-related research for more than three years, and now that our FPD clients are expanding their business operations into solar, they’re demanding greater coverage in this market segment.
“We’ve built our reputation by demonstrating our expertise and quality in the FPD supply chain and look forward to expanding our reach into solar to further help our customers make smart business decisions by providing them with the data they need the most.”
Current market research on solar and photovoltaics often covers only certain regions and types of research. Based on its reliable methodologies, DisplaySearch’s planned reports will uniquely cover global data, and cover a breadth of data including market share and market forecasts, based on technology, equipment and capacity.
In addition, DisplaySearch will utilize the supply chain analysis developed for the flat panel display market, from equipment and raw materials to end-product shipments, to analyze supply-demand relationships…
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Essential report on analyzing organic photovoltaics
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Analyzing Organic Photovoltaics" report to its offering.
The sun, believed by mankind to be just a mere centrepiece of the solar system in which we live, is in reality not just a unit but an entire symphonic system which was in place much before the first humans ever walked on planet earth.
This system which has been the primary energy source for the origin of life on earth is in fact very well adequately positioned by nature to fulfil the needs of energy for humans for many more centuries to come.
An effort by humans to harness this abundant source of energy available around us has manifested itself in the form solar energy being converted to many applications as diverse as heat channelling, electricity conversion, electro mechanical applications and much more.
The dream of solar energy for human applications was realized in the early part of this century by the invention of solar cells which when arranged in photovoltaic arrays deliver power for bigger applications.
The next leap of invention in this direction is "Organic Photovoltaics". This report "Analyzing Organic Photovoltaics" earmarks the immense potential that this technology holds for the future of mankind and the crucial impact it will have on the process of introduction of solar energy into large scale arenas of industrialized economies.
This report on Analyzing Organic Photovoltaics initiates a strong theoretical understanding of the Solar Cell system and their subsequent propagation into photovoltaic systems, including their applications derived from generational leaps as first to third generation cells.
The report presents the entire gamut of PV cells in a structured family tree for easy interpretation and also delves into the applications of PV technology in isolated environment.
One of the critical factors affecting PV systems is nature and this report also examines the effects of various factors as sunlight, weather, temperature as well as cloudy weather. In this context the report provides a picture of the global markets for PV solar cells and the commercial aspect is explored in the profiling of the markets as well as the statistics as growth patterns on the production side. The report also explores the commercialization potential and future for the market for PV conditions.
The environmental impact of any technology system has also been examined even though Solar PV systems are as close to addressing environmental concerns as possible through instances as a typical SWH system will, over its lifetime, displace 10.5 tons of CO2 if replacing a natural gas system, or 71.5 tons if replacing an electric system.
The report further analyzes the processing techniques of Organic PV cells and various types of concentrators as well as antenna photovoltaic cells. In order to address the efficiency factors which impact the Organic PV systems the report examines the application on nanostructures to this with a complete overview on the two major techniques in use today. There have been efforts to increase the longevity of OPV cells with the application of Exciton Blocking layers being added in order to ensure maximum mileage from any system implemented.
This report also provides a comprehensive look into the US National Solar Technology Roadmap on Organic PV which communicates the intent and the thoroughness of effort being put by the US behind OPV technologies. The report further adds depth to practical understanding of OPV systems by providing two case studies on OPV cells. Leading industry contributors which have globally made an impact on this industry are also elaborated in this report.
The sun, believed by mankind to be just a mere centrepiece of the solar system in which we live, is in reality not just a unit but an entire symphonic system which was in place much before the first humans ever walked on planet earth.
This system which has been the primary energy source for the origin of life on earth is in fact very well adequately positioned by nature to fulfil the needs of energy for humans for many more centuries to come.
An effort by humans to harness this abundant source of energy available around us has manifested itself in the form solar energy being converted to many applications as diverse as heat channelling, electricity conversion, electro mechanical applications and much more.
The dream of solar energy for human applications was realized in the early part of this century by the invention of solar cells which when arranged in photovoltaic arrays deliver power for bigger applications.
The next leap of invention in this direction is "Organic Photovoltaics". This report "Analyzing Organic Photovoltaics" earmarks the immense potential that this technology holds for the future of mankind and the crucial impact it will have on the process of introduction of solar energy into large scale arenas of industrialized economies.
This report on Analyzing Organic Photovoltaics initiates a strong theoretical understanding of the Solar Cell system and their subsequent propagation into photovoltaic systems, including their applications derived from generational leaps as first to third generation cells.
The report presents the entire gamut of PV cells in a structured family tree for easy interpretation and also delves into the applications of PV technology in isolated environment.
One of the critical factors affecting PV systems is nature and this report also examines the effects of various factors as sunlight, weather, temperature as well as cloudy weather. In this context the report provides a picture of the global markets for PV solar cells and the commercial aspect is explored in the profiling of the markets as well as the statistics as growth patterns on the production side. The report also explores the commercialization potential and future for the market for PV conditions.
The environmental impact of any technology system has also been examined even though Solar PV systems are as close to addressing environmental concerns as possible through instances as a typical SWH system will, over its lifetime, displace 10.5 tons of CO2 if replacing a natural gas system, or 71.5 tons if replacing an electric system.
The report further analyzes the processing techniques of Organic PV cells and various types of concentrators as well as antenna photovoltaic cells. In order to address the efficiency factors which impact the Organic PV systems the report examines the application on nanostructures to this with a complete overview on the two major techniques in use today. There have been efforts to increase the longevity of OPV cells with the application of Exciton Blocking layers being added in order to ensure maximum mileage from any system implemented.
This report also provides a comprehensive look into the US National Solar Technology Roadmap on Organic PV which communicates the intent and the thoroughness of effort being put by the US behind OPV technologies. The report further adds depth to practical understanding of OPV systems by providing two case studies on OPV cells. Leading industry contributors which have globally made an impact on this industry are also elaborated in this report.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Lotus Systems optimizes PV production processes
GUTMADINGEN, GERMANY: Lotus Systems GmbH, a leading manufacturer of wet process, cleaning, and chemical management systems for photovoltaic, semiconductor, and MEMS production, has developed new cleaners.
"Chemistry as an integral part of production helps to increase efficiency and lower costs," says CEO Joachim Mink with conviction. The new vertical spray cleaners allow manufacturers to clean the carriers themselves -– quickly, efficiently, and at their own facilities.
Spraying ensures that there is always a reactive medium on the surface and makes cleaning two to three times faster. Only about a tenth of the chemicals are needed, since the engineers have developed a special way to position and control the nozzles.
At about €20 per carrier, the cost of cleaning and drying is about a quarter of what it has traditionally been. Plus, the carriers are ready for use again after 12 hours. The vertical spray cleaners, with their extremely small base area of 1.8 square meters, can easily be integrated into the established production process.
"Chemistry as an integral part of production helps to increase efficiency and lower costs," says CEO Joachim Mink with conviction. The new vertical spray cleaners allow manufacturers to clean the carriers themselves -– quickly, efficiently, and at their own facilities.
Spraying ensures that there is always a reactive medium on the surface and makes cleaning two to three times faster. Only about a tenth of the chemicals are needed, since the engineers have developed a special way to position and control the nozzles.
At about €20 per carrier, the cost of cleaning and drying is about a quarter of what it has traditionally been. Plus, the carriers are ready for use again after 12 hours. The vertical spray cleaners, with their extremely small base area of 1.8 square meters, can easily be integrated into the established production process.
Friday, July 17, 2009
SEMI PV2 Standard presents framework to standardize PV manufacturing equipment communication interfaces
SAN JOSE, USA: SEMI announced the publication of three new technical standards applicable to the semiconductor, MEMS and photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry.
One of the new standards, PV2-0709, or “PV2,” marks a significant industry milestone, as it defines a unified equipment communication interface for PV production system, and is expected to provide multiple benefits to the PV industry including shorter ramp-up times, increased functionality, simplified requirement specifications, and increased potential cost savings for manufacturers.
“Up until now, the PV industry has lacked a unified communication standard between production equipment and the shop floor,” said James Amano, director of SEMI International Standards. “Through the creation and implementation of the PV2 standard, major production line processes can now be fully automated by shop floor IT systems that rely on communications with production equipment.”
The other new standards include:
SEMI D54–Specification for Substrate Management of FPD Production: standardizes communication between host and equipment at glass substrate transfer points in FPD fab automated material handling systems (AMHS).
SEMI E152–Mechanical Specification of EUV Pod for 150 mm EUVL Reticles: specifies the mechanical interface requirements of a new reticle handling and protection method, i.e., EUV-pod reticle carrier, in Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography of the next generation semiconductor manufacturing.
One of the new standards, PV2-0709, or “PV2,” marks a significant industry milestone, as it defines a unified equipment communication interface for PV production system, and is expected to provide multiple benefits to the PV industry including shorter ramp-up times, increased functionality, simplified requirement specifications, and increased potential cost savings for manufacturers.
“Up until now, the PV industry has lacked a unified communication standard between production equipment and the shop floor,” said James Amano, director of SEMI International Standards. “Through the creation and implementation of the PV2 standard, major production line processes can now be fully automated by shop floor IT systems that rely on communications with production equipment.”
The other new standards include:
SEMI D54–Specification for Substrate Management of FPD Production: standardizes communication between host and equipment at glass substrate transfer points in FPD fab automated material handling systems (AMHS).
SEMI E152–Mechanical Specification of EUV Pod for 150 mm EUVL Reticles: specifies the mechanical interface requirements of a new reticle handling and protection method, i.e., EUV-pod reticle carrier, in Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography of the next generation semiconductor manufacturing.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Deep Photonics opens materials processing lab for picosecond laser processing
CORVALLIS, USA: Deep Photonics, the ultra fast fiber laser company for the semiconductor, electronics and photovoltaic marketplace, announced the opening of a new materials processing applications lab at its corporate headquarters in Corvallis, Oregon.
The 1,500 sq. ft. clean room enables Deep Photonics to work closely with OEMs and manufacturers to test material samples and develop processes with Deep’s picosecond fiber lasers.
The lab will demonstrate how ultra fast fiber lasers are a unique and superior processing solution for a wide range of materials, including historically difficult-to-process materials for conventional nanosecond lasers, such as thin films, glasses, dielectrics and metals.
The facility includes state-of-the-art automation and analysis tools for inspection/measurement of processed materials including a linear stage in the clean room provided by Primatics Corporation of Tangent, Oregon.
This high-accuracy, high-throughput stage allows Deep Photonics to develop film side scribing for a-Si solar thin films at over 2 meters per second and deliver that process to OEM’s building systems for the thin film scribing for the solar industry.
Customers can access FIB (Focused Ion Beam) images, a profile meter and a variety of optical and electrical measurements of their samples the same day greatly reducing the cycle time for process development.
In the lab, customers also have access to Deep Photonics lasers including the FLP-1064-PPP, FLP-532-PPP and the FLP-355-PPP infrared, visible and ultra violet fiber laser which combines high output power with outstanding stability and reliability needed for demanding laser applications. The lasers feature Picosecond Packet Pulsing (P³) technology, providing a significant innovation in cold ablation of materials.
P³ technology delivers extremely accurate depth control with pulse packet energy effective for a variety of materials currently being utilized by the semiconductor, electronics and solar industry. This proprietary pulsing technology provides an optimum combination of precise, efficient material ablation while virtually eliminating the destructive effects due to thermal heating of adjacent material.
The lab is well equipped with optics, stages, microscopes and the other tools required to do process development. It is staffed by process engineers and laser scientists with years of experience in laser materials interaction.
“Deep Photonics’ new laser technology provides advanced, compact, efficient and long life lasers and an alternative to nanosecond laser technology,” said Joe Lachapelle, founder and CEO of Deep Photonics.
“Our new applications lab brings together our advanced laser technology with the expertise of our industrial customers to process materials more effectively using picosecond fiber laser products. While we are targeting the many known applications for lasers, like dicing, drilling and scribing, we are also learning the potential of ultra fast lasers for many industrial markets. With the opening of our new facility, customers have a means to test and deliver these new applications to the market.”
The 1,500 sq. ft. clean room enables Deep Photonics to work closely with OEMs and manufacturers to test material samples and develop processes with Deep’s picosecond fiber lasers.
The lab will demonstrate how ultra fast fiber lasers are a unique and superior processing solution for a wide range of materials, including historically difficult-to-process materials for conventional nanosecond lasers, such as thin films, glasses, dielectrics and metals.
The facility includes state-of-the-art automation and analysis tools for inspection/measurement of processed materials including a linear stage in the clean room provided by Primatics Corporation of Tangent, Oregon.
This high-accuracy, high-throughput stage allows Deep Photonics to develop film side scribing for a-Si solar thin films at over 2 meters per second and deliver that process to OEM’s building systems for the thin film scribing for the solar industry.
Customers can access FIB (Focused Ion Beam) images, a profile meter and a variety of optical and electrical measurements of their samples the same day greatly reducing the cycle time for process development.
In the lab, customers also have access to Deep Photonics lasers including the FLP-1064-PPP, FLP-532-PPP and the FLP-355-PPP infrared, visible and ultra violet fiber laser which combines high output power with outstanding stability and reliability needed for demanding laser applications. The lasers feature Picosecond Packet Pulsing (P³) technology, providing a significant innovation in cold ablation of materials.
P³ technology delivers extremely accurate depth control with pulse packet energy effective for a variety of materials currently being utilized by the semiconductor, electronics and solar industry. This proprietary pulsing technology provides an optimum combination of precise, efficient material ablation while virtually eliminating the destructive effects due to thermal heating of adjacent material.
The lab is well equipped with optics, stages, microscopes and the other tools required to do process development. It is staffed by process engineers and laser scientists with years of experience in laser materials interaction.
“Deep Photonics’ new laser technology provides advanced, compact, efficient and long life lasers and an alternative to nanosecond laser technology,” said Joe Lachapelle, founder and CEO of Deep Photonics.
“Our new applications lab brings together our advanced laser technology with the expertise of our industrial customers to process materials more effectively using picosecond fiber laser products. While we are targeting the many known applications for lasers, like dicing, drilling and scribing, we are also learning the potential of ultra fast lasers for many industrial markets. With the opening of our new facility, customers have a means to test and deliver these new applications to the market.”
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Photovoltaic incentive programs and country profiles
LYON, FRANCE: Yole Développement has released a new marketing & technology study dedicated to the photovoltaic industry: Photovoltaic Incentive Programs & Country Profiles. Yole Développement has interviewed key experts for each country to analyze each program.
The objective of this study is to provide the best information on each country active in the PV field including a concise summary of the type and the definition of incentive programs.
Market trends
With virtually unlimited potential, photovoltaic (PV) technology is the most promising source of electricity for the future. Driven by carbon concerns, desire for energy independence and limited oil and gas production, many governments want to increase the share of electricity produced by solar panels.
However, photovoltaic electricity production remains one of the most expensive. An effective way to increase PV electricity production is to reduce the cost through targeted incentives.
In the last 10 years, a number of government sponsored incentive programs have been established. Japan and Germany led the way and each encountered tremendous success.
The demand for solar panels experienced in recent years in those countries has been a direct result of their incentive programs. When a country decides to promote PV energy with incentives it will result in: immediate investment opportunities; creation of thousands of jobs; and shipping of solar products in substantial volumes.
However, incentive programs are complex and it is crucial for everyone involved to have a clear picture of the situation to make informed choices.
Detailed data & analysis for each country
In 2007, Spain launched interesting PV incentives which created demand and investors responded. As installed capacity exceeded targets, in 2008 the Spanish government limited the program.
The PV industry in Spain was hit hard. In 2007 all lights were green and companies expanded capacity. By 2009, the limitation of the incentives reduced demand and companies suffered due to over investment.
Source: Yole Développement.
To properly gauge the market, each new incentive program must be analyzed and converted into a number of peak megawatts (MWp) installed. As countries rush to promote this technology many new incentive programs have been announced. China, France, Czech Republic and Bulgaria among
others are rolling out programs.
For each country, Yole’s report provides general data (population 2006; GDP 2006, total energy production) as well as specific data on the PV industry: share of source of electricity, insolation map, description of incentive program, breakdown of installation.
“Industrial companies and/or investors that need accurate information on countries to make strategic decisions will benefit by acquiring this report” explains Gaetan Rull, Marketing Analyst at Yole Développement.
Information described in this report is based on an in‐depth investigation Yole Développement carried out on 80 countries in the world. The company has discussed with the main organizations and controlling bodies in each country of interest in order to get access to the most relevant information.
Catalogue price: Euros 2,990
The objective of this study is to provide the best information on each country active in the PV field including a concise summary of the type and the definition of incentive programs.
Market trends
With virtually unlimited potential, photovoltaic (PV) technology is the most promising source of electricity for the future. Driven by carbon concerns, desire for energy independence and limited oil and gas production, many governments want to increase the share of electricity produced by solar panels.
However, photovoltaic electricity production remains one of the most expensive. An effective way to increase PV electricity production is to reduce the cost through targeted incentives.
In the last 10 years, a number of government sponsored incentive programs have been established. Japan and Germany led the way and each encountered tremendous success.
The demand for solar panels experienced in recent years in those countries has been a direct result of their incentive programs. When a country decides to promote PV energy with incentives it will result in: immediate investment opportunities; creation of thousands of jobs; and shipping of solar products in substantial volumes.
However, incentive programs are complex and it is crucial for everyone involved to have a clear picture of the situation to make informed choices.
Detailed data & analysis for each country
In 2007, Spain launched interesting PV incentives which created demand and investors responded. As installed capacity exceeded targets, in 2008 the Spanish government limited the program.
The PV industry in Spain was hit hard. In 2007 all lights were green and companies expanded capacity. By 2009, the limitation of the incentives reduced demand and companies suffered due to over investment.
Source: Yole Développement.To properly gauge the market, each new incentive program must be analyzed and converted into a number of peak megawatts (MWp) installed. As countries rush to promote this technology many new incentive programs have been announced. China, France, Czech Republic and Bulgaria among
others are rolling out programs.
For each country, Yole’s report provides general data (population 2006; GDP 2006, total energy production) as well as specific data on the PV industry: share of source of electricity, insolation map, description of incentive program, breakdown of installation.
“Industrial companies and/or investors that need accurate information on countries to make strategic decisions will benefit by acquiring this report” explains Gaetan Rull, Marketing Analyst at Yole Développement.
Information described in this report is based on an in‐depth investigation Yole Développement carried out on 80 countries in the world. The company has discussed with the main organizations and controlling bodies in each country of interest in order to get access to the most relevant information.
Catalogue price: Euros 2,990
Monday, July 13, 2009
Solar Power, Aerojet launch employee solar discount program
ROSEVILLE, USA: Solar Power Inc. and Aerojet, a GenCorp company, announced that they have launched a discount program on photovoltaic solar home energy systems for employees of Aerojet’s operations in Sacramento.
The Aerojet Solar Advantage Program will be serviced by Yes! Solar SolutionsTM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Solar Power, Inc. and will provide Aerojet employees with a special discount on SPI’s proprietary line of Yes! Solar Solutions integrated home energy systems.
When coupled with the current Federal Investment Tax Credit and California Solar Initiative rebate, the discount reduces the total system cost by up to 60 percent, providing the 1,600 Sacramento Aerojet employees with cost-effective opportunities for reducing or eliminating home electricity costs.
In addition to helping employees mitigate rising electricity costs, the program also provides a way for Aerojet to indirectly extend the environmental benefits produced by its 3.5 megawatt solar system, currently under construction.
During its first year of use, the Aerojet system is expected to offset approximately 4,200 tons of carbon dioxide, 16.7 tons of sulfur dioxide and approximately 6.5 tons of nitrogen oxide that would have otherwise been produced using fossil fuel power production.
The first-year net clean energy benefits equate to offsetting approximately 8,270,000 car miles driven or the clean air benefits realized from planting 976,520 trees. With a system life expectancy of 25 years, the scope of this project will yield major cumulative life-cycle environmental offsets.
“The Aerojet Solar Advantage Program is a significant addition to both our sustainability initiative and our employee benefits offering,” said Scott Neish, President of Aerojet.
“By providing our Sacramento employees with access to discounted solar systems for their homes, we are extending to them our Company’s commitment to solar energy solutions, while also providing them with a deeply discounted hedge against rising electricity costs. This program is a win-win for all involved.”
Under the sustainability initiative, Aerojet has decreased the Company’s carbon footprint by instituting initiatives to track and improve energy usage and transportation practices, and is implementing conservation measures and recycling programs at many of their facilities across the country.
Aerojet has also established a sustainability council comprised of employees from all Aerojet locations to evolve the sustainability program.
“We are not aware of another employee program like this in the US,” said Steve Kircher, CEO of Solar Power. “It is a pleasure to work with a forward thinking company like Aerojet to develop and launch this innovative program.
"As more businesses around the world follow their example and adopt sustainability initiatives, providing employees access to discounted renewable energy to power their homes will no doubt become a more widely implemented form of employee benefit.”
Installation of Aerojet’s 3.5 megawatt system is now underway and on track for completion in November of this year.
The Aerojet Solar Advantage Program will be serviced by Yes! Solar SolutionsTM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Solar Power, Inc. and will provide Aerojet employees with a special discount on SPI’s proprietary line of Yes! Solar Solutions integrated home energy systems.
When coupled with the current Federal Investment Tax Credit and California Solar Initiative rebate, the discount reduces the total system cost by up to 60 percent, providing the 1,600 Sacramento Aerojet employees with cost-effective opportunities for reducing or eliminating home electricity costs.
In addition to helping employees mitigate rising electricity costs, the program also provides a way for Aerojet to indirectly extend the environmental benefits produced by its 3.5 megawatt solar system, currently under construction.
During its first year of use, the Aerojet system is expected to offset approximately 4,200 tons of carbon dioxide, 16.7 tons of sulfur dioxide and approximately 6.5 tons of nitrogen oxide that would have otherwise been produced using fossil fuel power production.
The first-year net clean energy benefits equate to offsetting approximately 8,270,000 car miles driven or the clean air benefits realized from planting 976,520 trees. With a system life expectancy of 25 years, the scope of this project will yield major cumulative life-cycle environmental offsets.
“The Aerojet Solar Advantage Program is a significant addition to both our sustainability initiative and our employee benefits offering,” said Scott Neish, President of Aerojet.
“By providing our Sacramento employees with access to discounted solar systems for their homes, we are extending to them our Company’s commitment to solar energy solutions, while also providing them with a deeply discounted hedge against rising electricity costs. This program is a win-win for all involved.”
Under the sustainability initiative, Aerojet has decreased the Company’s carbon footprint by instituting initiatives to track and improve energy usage and transportation practices, and is implementing conservation measures and recycling programs at many of their facilities across the country.
Aerojet has also established a sustainability council comprised of employees from all Aerojet locations to evolve the sustainability program.
“We are not aware of another employee program like this in the US,” said Steve Kircher, CEO of Solar Power. “It is a pleasure to work with a forward thinking company like Aerojet to develop and launch this innovative program.
"As more businesses around the world follow their example and adopt sustainability initiatives, providing employees access to discounted renewable energy to power their homes will no doubt become a more widely implemented form of employee benefit.”
Installation of Aerojet’s 3.5 megawatt system is now underway and on track for completion in November of this year.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
China Nuvo Solar Energy acquires additional PV IP
WEST PALM BEACH, USA: China Nuvo Solar Energy Inc. has acquired from Photovoltaics Inc. a variety of solar technologies/inventions consisting of six provisional or utility patents.
This newly acquired intellectual property relates to enhancements of currently available technologies ranging from increases in output and efficiency to the use of lower cost newly discovered photovoltaic materials and processes.
The Company believes that each of the technologies have the potential, when commercialized, of reducing the cost per kilowatt hour of solar energy thereby making it more competitive with other energy sources. China Nuvo is in the process of finalizing utility patents for those that are currently provisional.
The Company’s plans regarding a business model to fully exploit the value of these newly acquired technologies is presently under development and will be announced when fully developed.
China Nuvo Solar Energy is a nominally capitalized early stage company that owns a unique patent pending solar technology and is working to develop a commercially viable higher efficiency stacked photovoltaic solar cell.
This newly acquired intellectual property relates to enhancements of currently available technologies ranging from increases in output and efficiency to the use of lower cost newly discovered photovoltaic materials and processes.
The Company believes that each of the technologies have the potential, when commercialized, of reducing the cost per kilowatt hour of solar energy thereby making it more competitive with other energy sources. China Nuvo is in the process of finalizing utility patents for those that are currently provisional.
The Company’s plans regarding a business model to fully exploit the value of these newly acquired technologies is presently under development and will be announced when fully developed.
China Nuvo Solar Energy is a nominally capitalized early stage company that owns a unique patent pending solar technology and is working to develop a commercially viable higher efficiency stacked photovoltaic solar cell.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
VioSolar signs MoU to purchase Greek PV solar company
ATHENS, GREECE: VioSolar Inc. has signed an irrevocable memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a privately held Greek corporation to purchase 85 percent of its shares.
The target company has 100 kilowatts of production and licenses to build an additional 1 megawatt, with 200 kilowatts in the construction phase.
“We are very pleased with the result of this acquisition, as it establishes VioSolar as a valid player in the photovoltaic sector in Greece.” stated Rick Walchuk, President and CEO.
“Greece is an excellent market, with its high feed-in-tariffs and government grant policy. We are also pleased that the founder and majority shareholder of the target company will remain as an integral part of the company. His knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset for VioSolar Inc. going forward.”
“Concurrent with this MOU we are in discussions on a number of other projects in Greece and hope to announce further acquisitions in the near future. Our management team and consultants have identified several promising targets and have negotiations ongoing.” stated Walchuk.
Closing of the transaction is expected to take two weeks at which time VioSolar expects to release further details.
The target company has 100 kilowatts of production and licenses to build an additional 1 megawatt, with 200 kilowatts in the construction phase.
“We are very pleased with the result of this acquisition, as it establishes VioSolar as a valid player in the photovoltaic sector in Greece.” stated Rick Walchuk, President and CEO.
“Greece is an excellent market, with its high feed-in-tariffs and government grant policy. We are also pleased that the founder and majority shareholder of the target company will remain as an integral part of the company. His knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset for VioSolar Inc. going forward.”
“Concurrent with this MOU we are in discussions on a number of other projects in Greece and hope to announce further acquisitions in the near future. Our management team and consultants have identified several promising targets and have negotiations ongoing.” stated Walchuk.
Closing of the transaction is expected to take two weeks at which time VioSolar expects to release further details.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Energy Harvesting & Storage Conference expands
CAMBRIDGE, UK: The conference Energy Harvesting in Cambridge UK on June 3-4 has enhanced its first and second day line up with carefully chosen speakers giving the big picture, with a particular emphasis on commercialisation.
Energy harvesting -– making electronic and electric devices self sufficient for decades -- is rapidly moving from the laboratory into a plethora of new applications. The first day of this unique conference is dedicated to uses, potential uses and market sizes – the first time an energy harvesting conference has served this aspect.
Latest to join the speaker list on the first day is Lockheed Martin subsidiary Savi airing their need for energy harvesting in military and heavy logistics RFID.
The second day covers all the important technologies and what is possible when. Latest addition here is Dr Steven Novack of Idaho National Laboratory.
His flexible sheets of printable nano antennas promise to harvest light -- and beyond -- at up to double the efficiency of the best, highly expensive, photovoltaic solar cells yet be affordable and easily applied to any structure whatever its shape.
Dr. Peter Harrop, Chairman of analysts IDTechEx staging the conference says: “The first day is when we hear Rolls Royce Aeroengines and many other major users and potential users. It is now well complemented by the full range of technologies being compared on the second day -– piezoelectrics, electrodynamics, photovoltaics, nantennas and thermoelectrics with an emphasis on applications.
"For example, three very important aspects now receiving major attention are energy harvesting tolerant electronics –- where we have three speakers –- and use of several energy harvesting methods together to give greater security of supply. At the event, delegates specialising in one technology will be forming partnerships with those having complementary technologies.
"Then there is the fact that 90 percent of potential wireless sensor network applications are impossible without energy harvesting. Four speakers describe exciting advances in this aspect as well as other progress.”
There is an exhibition, Masterclasses and visits to local centres of excellence. The Masterclasses are led by world class authorities from IDTechEx and elsewhere, an example being Dr. Emma Kendrick of Fife Batteries with Dr. Peter Harrop and Dr. Harry Zervos of IDTechEx leading the Energy Storage Masterclass on the day after the conference.
The visit to see Cambridge University CAPE research on batteries, piezoelectrics and photovoltaics will be hosted by Dr. Andrew Flewitt at the University.
-- Peter Harrop, Chairman, IDTechEx
Energy harvesting -– making electronic and electric devices self sufficient for decades -- is rapidly moving from the laboratory into a plethora of new applications. The first day of this unique conference is dedicated to uses, potential uses and market sizes – the first time an energy harvesting conference has served this aspect.
Latest to join the speaker list on the first day is Lockheed Martin subsidiary Savi airing their need for energy harvesting in military and heavy logistics RFID.
The second day covers all the important technologies and what is possible when. Latest addition here is Dr Steven Novack of Idaho National Laboratory.
His flexible sheets of printable nano antennas promise to harvest light -- and beyond -- at up to double the efficiency of the best, highly expensive, photovoltaic solar cells yet be affordable and easily applied to any structure whatever its shape.
Dr. Peter Harrop, Chairman of analysts IDTechEx staging the conference says: “The first day is when we hear Rolls Royce Aeroengines and many other major users and potential users. It is now well complemented by the full range of technologies being compared on the second day -– piezoelectrics, electrodynamics, photovoltaics, nantennas and thermoelectrics with an emphasis on applications.
"For example, three very important aspects now receiving major attention are energy harvesting tolerant electronics –- where we have three speakers –- and use of several energy harvesting methods together to give greater security of supply. At the event, delegates specialising in one technology will be forming partnerships with those having complementary technologies.
"Then there is the fact that 90 percent of potential wireless sensor network applications are impossible without energy harvesting. Four speakers describe exciting advances in this aspect as well as other progress.”
There is an exhibition, Masterclasses and visits to local centres of excellence. The Masterclasses are led by world class authorities from IDTechEx and elsewhere, an example being Dr. Emma Kendrick of Fife Batteries with Dr. Peter Harrop and Dr. Harry Zervos of IDTechEx leading the Energy Storage Masterclass on the day after the conference.
The visit to see Cambridge University CAPE research on batteries, piezoelectrics and photovoltaics will be hosted by Dr. Andrew Flewitt at the University.
-- Peter Harrop, Chairman, IDTechEx
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Solmetric to develop PV layout and estimation software tool
BUFFALO, USA, AMERICAN SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY: National Semiconductor Corp. announced a partnership with Solmetric Corp., an innovative developer of test and measurement tools for solar installations. Solmetric has developed a software tool to estimate the energy production of solar arrays, including installations outfitted with National's SolarMagic power optimizers.
National's SolarMagic power optimizers enable solar panels to produce maximum energy regardless of whether other panels in the array are under-performing due to shade, debris, panel mismatch and aging. To help determine how much benefit an installation will gain by using SolarMagic power optimizers, PV installers and designers can capture site-specific shade information with Solmetric's SunEye, a handheld measurement instrument, then create a PV system design on the site with the new photovoltaic (PV) layout and estimation software.
The system uses data collected from real-world installation sites and enables a solar system designer to experiment with different array configurations, with and without SolarMagic power optimizers. Designers can compare different hardware and different roof layouts, and visualize shade over the array area.
The system estimates the resultant energy production, resulting in more confidence in a PV design in less time. Solmetric is offering a technology preview of the PV Simulator, which can be downloaded for a 30-day trial starting in late May 2009. The final release of the PV Simulator will be available to SolarMagic and Solmetric customers in August 2009.
National's SolarMagic power optimizers enable solar panels to produce maximum energy regardless of whether other panels in the array are under-performing due to shade, debris, panel mismatch and aging. To help determine how much benefit an installation will gain by using SolarMagic power optimizers, PV installers and designers can capture site-specific shade information with Solmetric's SunEye, a handheld measurement instrument, then create a PV system design on the site with the new photovoltaic (PV) layout and estimation software.
The system uses data collected from real-world installation sites and enables a solar system designer to experiment with different array configurations, with and without SolarMagic power optimizers. Designers can compare different hardware and different roof layouts, and visualize shade over the array area.
The system estimates the resultant energy production, resulting in more confidence in a PV design in less time. Solmetric is offering a technology preview of the PV Simulator, which can be downloaded for a 30-day trial starting in late May 2009. The final release of the PV Simulator will be available to SolarMagic and Solmetric customers in August 2009.
Friday, May 15, 2009
German PV market by far one of the world's biggest sales markets
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "BrandMonitor 2008/2009 -- Germany" report to its offering.
The German photovoltaic market is by far one of the biggest sales markets in the world. At the same time, the competition for consumers is already increasing in Germany.
At present, the market is changing. Sometimes the cost is regarded as the only criterion for purchase decisions. From the point of view of market research it is important not to underestimate the complexity of purchasing behavior.
Solely focusing on pricing does not necessarily result in sustainable market penetration, especially for complex products. With more than 350 cell and module manufacturers all over the world, the creation of suitable unique selling propositions might be problematic.
So far, the question of brand and brand awareness has only been discussed marginally within the photovoltaic sector.
It seems like the perception of the branch is dominated by the idea that solar products are simple consumer goods for which the brand plays a minor role. This fact corresponds with the general market development: a high demand of end customers meets with a still higher offer of solar producers.
New solar producers want to sustain their position toward well established solar brands and challenge them. Therefore, brand image and brand awareness play a even more important role nowadays when its about positioning of the own company in the market.
In case of corresponding product availability, the brand promise is a solid factor in the purchase process. The brand acquaintance is a positive factor in the selection process.
The main brand function is risk reduction of an investment for 20 years and a payback period of long above 10 years. Building up a brand is a sensitive and an interminable process. The present study is an essential support for companies on that way.
The German photovoltaic market is by far one of the biggest sales markets in the world. At the same time, the competition for consumers is already increasing in Germany.
At present, the market is changing. Sometimes the cost is regarded as the only criterion for purchase decisions. From the point of view of market research it is important not to underestimate the complexity of purchasing behavior.
Solely focusing on pricing does not necessarily result in sustainable market penetration, especially for complex products. With more than 350 cell and module manufacturers all over the world, the creation of suitable unique selling propositions might be problematic.
So far, the question of brand and brand awareness has only been discussed marginally within the photovoltaic sector.
It seems like the perception of the branch is dominated by the idea that solar products are simple consumer goods for which the brand plays a minor role. This fact corresponds with the general market development: a high demand of end customers meets with a still higher offer of solar producers.
New solar producers want to sustain their position toward well established solar brands and challenge them. Therefore, brand image and brand awareness play a even more important role nowadays when its about positioning of the own company in the market.
In case of corresponding product availability, the brand promise is a solid factor in the purchase process. The brand acquaintance is a positive factor in the selection process.
The main brand function is risk reduction of an investment for 20 years and a payback period of long above 10 years. Building up a brand is a sensitive and an interminable process. The present study is an essential support for companies on that way.
Photovoltaics in the USA -– stop or go?
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Photovoltaics in the USA" report to its offering.
First comprehensive study of the US photovoltaic market based on a broad quantitative data base released. New study by EuPD Research analyzes current developments in the US photovoltaic market. Market participants expect a moderate but steady growth. Stop-and-go political support one of the key hindrances for market growth.
Cautious optimism
There is good evidence that the US photovoltaic market will be one of the key future markets for photovoltaics. However, up to now, the market has had to struggle with erratic political support for renewable energies, as well as highly complex promotion structures and strong fragmentation due to the 50 separate state markets.
The results of the new survey of around 130 US photovoltaic companies and electric utilities show a clouded optimism after a prosperous year 2007. While the companies generally expect increased sales for the current year (plus 62.2 percent on average) and consequently also a market growth of 50 percent to 300 MWp in 2008, the sinking rebate levels in California as well as the failed extension of the tax credit are slowing down the positive development of the market.
Slowdown for the market
If not extended, the most important national promotion instrument - the investment tax credit (ITC) -- will go down from 30 to ten percent for commercial customers and to 0 percent for residential customers on December 31st, 2008. However, it has become very unlikely that this will happen under the current president.
While the sudden interruption of renewable energy promotion seems difficult to understand in view of the oil price shock and pressing climate change issues, events like these are not new to the market. "It continues the stop-and-go-policy that has characterized the market in the past", explains project manager Sarah Endres.
Special products for a special market
Availability is also an issue for the market players. In total, 62.8 percent of the respondents report problems when purchasing modules. Some market players stated that they pretty much sell what they can get.
Nevertheless, the survey results show some clear trends regarding which product characteristics are demanded in the market. "Design aspects seem to be a big issue in the residential segment", explains Endres.
First comprehensive study of the US photovoltaic market based on a broad quantitative data base released. New study by EuPD Research analyzes current developments in the US photovoltaic market. Market participants expect a moderate but steady growth. Stop-and-go political support one of the key hindrances for market growth.
Cautious optimism
There is good evidence that the US photovoltaic market will be one of the key future markets for photovoltaics. However, up to now, the market has had to struggle with erratic political support for renewable energies, as well as highly complex promotion structures and strong fragmentation due to the 50 separate state markets.
The results of the new survey of around 130 US photovoltaic companies and electric utilities show a clouded optimism after a prosperous year 2007. While the companies generally expect increased sales for the current year (plus 62.2 percent on average) and consequently also a market growth of 50 percent to 300 MWp in 2008, the sinking rebate levels in California as well as the failed extension of the tax credit are slowing down the positive development of the market.
Slowdown for the market
If not extended, the most important national promotion instrument - the investment tax credit (ITC) -- will go down from 30 to ten percent for commercial customers and to 0 percent for residential customers on December 31st, 2008. However, it has become very unlikely that this will happen under the current president.
While the sudden interruption of renewable energy promotion seems difficult to understand in view of the oil price shock and pressing climate change issues, events like these are not new to the market. "It continues the stop-and-go-policy that has characterized the market in the past", explains project manager Sarah Endres.
Special products for a special market
Availability is also an issue for the market players. In total, 62.8 percent of the respondents report problems when purchasing modules. Some market players stated that they pretty much sell what they can get.
Nevertheless, the survey results show some clear trends regarding which product characteristics are demanded in the market. "Design aspects seem to be a big issue in the residential segment", explains Endres.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Konarka, Arch Aluminum & Glass sign advanced product development agreement
LOWELL, USA: Konarka Technologies, Inc., an innovator in development and commercialization of Konarka Power Plastic, a material that converts light to energy, today announced the company has entered into an advanced product development agreement with Florida-based Arch Aluminum & Glass Co., Inc.
The companies plan to collaborate on building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), photovoltaic materials used to replace conventional building materials. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines the integration of Konarka’s patent-protected thin film solar material into glass for various commercial BIPV applications. BIPV is one of the fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry.
“Konarka is making great strides with our aggressive plans to expand into various markets, including building and construction,” commented Rick Hess, president and CEO at Konarka. “Because our solar material is flexible, lightweight and semi-transparent, it integrates easier and is more aesthetically appealing than other solar products, making it ideally suited for BIPV applications. We expect that our collaborative work with Arch Aluminum & Glass will advance the delivery of Konarka Power Plastic on a large scale basis into this market segment.”
Arch Aluminum specializes in a wide range of artistic and architectural glass products to keep pace with the demands of today's architects, designers and building developers. The company offers in-house laminating, heat-treating and fabrication technology as well as selective, engineered, off-the-shelf aluminum and glass products.
“Until today, aesthetic and performance concerns limited the ability of architects to use BIPV technology in their designs,” commented Arch CEO Leon Silverstein. “This product development investigation is about the creation of a new product category, one that had been unavailable until today. It is energy-efficient and transparent with superior vertical performance and a subtle red, blue or green aesthetic. With these features, BIPV will no longer need to be confined to spandrel or overhead applications. An entire building can be put to use, producing its own power, and looking good doing so. We’re excited about our efforts with Konarka to bring this technology to the building community.”
In October 2008, Konarka opened the largest roll-to-roll flexible thin film solar manufacturing facility in the world, preparing for the commercialization and mass production of its solar material for various market segments including sensors, consumer products, tent and fabric structures, greenhouses, marine and boating, building construction, as well as fashion and accessories, among others.
The companies plan to collaborate on building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), photovoltaic materials used to replace conventional building materials. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines the integration of Konarka’s patent-protected thin film solar material into glass for various commercial BIPV applications. BIPV is one of the fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry.
“Konarka is making great strides with our aggressive plans to expand into various markets, including building and construction,” commented Rick Hess, president and CEO at Konarka. “Because our solar material is flexible, lightweight and semi-transparent, it integrates easier and is more aesthetically appealing than other solar products, making it ideally suited for BIPV applications. We expect that our collaborative work with Arch Aluminum & Glass will advance the delivery of Konarka Power Plastic on a large scale basis into this market segment.”
Arch Aluminum specializes in a wide range of artistic and architectural glass products to keep pace with the demands of today's architects, designers and building developers. The company offers in-house laminating, heat-treating and fabrication technology as well as selective, engineered, off-the-shelf aluminum and glass products.
“Until today, aesthetic and performance concerns limited the ability of architects to use BIPV technology in their designs,” commented Arch CEO Leon Silverstein. “This product development investigation is about the creation of a new product category, one that had been unavailable until today. It is energy-efficient and transparent with superior vertical performance and a subtle red, blue or green aesthetic. With these features, BIPV will no longer need to be confined to spandrel or overhead applications. An entire building can be put to use, producing its own power, and looking good doing so. We’re excited about our efforts with Konarka to bring this technology to the building community.”
In October 2008, Konarka opened the largest roll-to-roll flexible thin film solar manufacturing facility in the world, preparing for the commercialization and mass production of its solar material for various market segments including sensors, consumer products, tent and fabric structures, greenhouses, marine and boating, building construction, as well as fashion and accessories, among others.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Will solar downturn lead to more mature PV industry?
The severe downturn in the global Photovoltaic (PV) market in 2009 actually could have a positive outcome for the worldwide solar industry, yielding a more mature and orderly supply chain when growth returns, according to iSuppli Corp.
Worldwide installations of PV systems will decline to 3.5 Gigawatts (GW) in 2009, down 32 percent from 5.2GW in 2008. With the average price per solar watt declining by 12 percent in 2009, global revenue generated by PV system installations will plunge by 40.2 percent to $18.2 billion, down from $30.5 billion in 2008.
The figures present iSuppli’s forecasts of global PV installations in terms of gigawatts and revenue.
Fig 1: Global Photovoltaic System Installation Forecast in Megawatts, 2008-2013
Source: iSuppli, April 2009
“For years, the PV industry enjoyed vigorous double-digit annual growth in the 40 percent range, spurring a wild-west mentality among market participants,” said Dr. Henning Wicht, senior director and principal analyst for iSuppli. “An ever-rising flood of market participants attempted to capitalize on this growth, all hoping to claim a 10 percent share of market revenue by throwing more production capacity into the market. This overproduction situation, along with a decline in demand, will lead to the sharp, unprecedented fall in PV industry revenue in 2009.”
However, the 2009 PV downturn, like the PC shakeout of the mid 1980s, is likely to change the current market paradigm, cutting down on industry excesses and leading to a more mature market in 2010 and beyond.
Fig 2: Global Revenues Generated by Photovoltaic Installations 2008-2013 in Millions of US Dollars
Source: iSuppli, April 2009
“The number of new suppliers entering and competing in the PV supply chain will decelerate and the rate of new capacity additions will slow, bringing a better balance between supply and demand in the future,” Wicht said.
Blame it on Spain
The single event most responsible for the 2009 PV market slowdown was a sharp decline in expected PV installations in Spain. Spain accounted for 50 percent of worldwide installations in 2008. An artificial demand surge had been created in Spain as the time approached when the country’s feed-in-tariff rate was set to drop and a new cap of 500 Megawatts (MW) loomed for projects qualifying for the above-market tariff. This set a well-defined deadline for growth in the Spanish market in 2009 and 2010.
While the Spanish situation is spurring a surge in excess inventory and falling prices for solar cells and systems, this will not stimulate sufficient demand to compensate for the lost sales in 2009. Even new and upgraded incentives for solar installations from nations including the United States and Japan—and attractive investment conditions in France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Greece and other countries—cannot compensate for the Spanish whiplash in 2009.
The Spanish impact will continue into 2010, restraining global revenue growth to 29.2 percent for the year. Beyond Spain, the PV market is being adversely impacted by the credit crunch.
“Power production investors and commercial entities are at least partially dependent upon debt financing,” Wicht noted. “Starting in the first quarter of 2009, many large and medium solar-installation projects went on hold as they awaited a thaw in bank credit flows.”
After the fall
After 2010, the fundamental drivers of PV demand will reassert themselves, bringing a 57.8 percent increase in revenue in 2011 and similar growth rates in 2012 and 2013.
“PV remains attractive because it continues to demonstrate a favorable Return on Investment (RoI),” Wicht said. “Furthermore, government incentives in the form of above-market feed-in-tariffs and tax breaks will remain in place, making the RoI equations viable through 2012. Cost reductions will lead to attractive RoI and payback periods even without governmental help after 2012.”
Furthermore, lower system prices will open up new markets by lowering incentives and subvention costs. The lower the PV system prices are, the lower the incentives will have to be. Developing regions will be big the beneficiaries of these lower prices and thus will grow faster than the global average, Wicht said.
Source: iSuppli, USA
Worldwide installations of PV systems will decline to 3.5 Gigawatts (GW) in 2009, down 32 percent from 5.2GW in 2008. With the average price per solar watt declining by 12 percent in 2009, global revenue generated by PV system installations will plunge by 40.2 percent to $18.2 billion, down from $30.5 billion in 2008.
The figures present iSuppli’s forecasts of global PV installations in terms of gigawatts and revenue.
Fig 1: Global Photovoltaic System Installation Forecast in Megawatts, 2008-2013
Source: iSuppli, April 2009“For years, the PV industry enjoyed vigorous double-digit annual growth in the 40 percent range, spurring a wild-west mentality among market participants,” said Dr. Henning Wicht, senior director and principal analyst for iSuppli. “An ever-rising flood of market participants attempted to capitalize on this growth, all hoping to claim a 10 percent share of market revenue by throwing more production capacity into the market. This overproduction situation, along with a decline in demand, will lead to the sharp, unprecedented fall in PV industry revenue in 2009.”
However, the 2009 PV downturn, like the PC shakeout of the mid 1980s, is likely to change the current market paradigm, cutting down on industry excesses and leading to a more mature market in 2010 and beyond.
Fig 2: Global Revenues Generated by Photovoltaic Installations 2008-2013 in Millions of US Dollars
Source: iSuppli, April 2009“The number of new suppliers entering and competing in the PV supply chain will decelerate and the rate of new capacity additions will slow, bringing a better balance between supply and demand in the future,” Wicht said.
Blame it on Spain
The single event most responsible for the 2009 PV market slowdown was a sharp decline in expected PV installations in Spain. Spain accounted for 50 percent of worldwide installations in 2008. An artificial demand surge had been created in Spain as the time approached when the country’s feed-in-tariff rate was set to drop and a new cap of 500 Megawatts (MW) loomed for projects qualifying for the above-market tariff. This set a well-defined deadline for growth in the Spanish market in 2009 and 2010.
While the Spanish situation is spurring a surge in excess inventory and falling prices for solar cells and systems, this will not stimulate sufficient demand to compensate for the lost sales in 2009. Even new and upgraded incentives for solar installations from nations including the United States and Japan—and attractive investment conditions in France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Greece and other countries—cannot compensate for the Spanish whiplash in 2009.
The Spanish impact will continue into 2010, restraining global revenue growth to 29.2 percent for the year. Beyond Spain, the PV market is being adversely impacted by the credit crunch.
“Power production investors and commercial entities are at least partially dependent upon debt financing,” Wicht noted. “Starting in the first quarter of 2009, many large and medium solar-installation projects went on hold as they awaited a thaw in bank credit flows.”
After the fall
After 2010, the fundamental drivers of PV demand will reassert themselves, bringing a 57.8 percent increase in revenue in 2011 and similar growth rates in 2012 and 2013.
“PV remains attractive because it continues to demonstrate a favorable Return on Investment (RoI),” Wicht said. “Furthermore, government incentives in the form of above-market feed-in-tariffs and tax breaks will remain in place, making the RoI equations viable through 2012. Cost reductions will lead to attractive RoI and payback periods even without governmental help after 2012.”
Furthermore, lower system prices will open up new markets by lowering incentives and subvention costs. The lower the PV system prices are, the lower the incentives will have to be. Developing regions will be big the beneficiaries of these lower prices and thus will grow faster than the global average, Wicht said.
Source: iSuppli, USA
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Solar sunburn likely in 2009? India, are you listening?
iSuppli's just issued a warning that 2009 could well see the coming of a solar market eclipse!
Come to think of it! Just last week, in the Semiconductor International webcast, the analysts did mention that there could be tough times ahead for solar! In fact, Aida Jebens, Senior Economist, VLSI Research Inc., did indicate that solar/PV would pick up in the next two years and that 2009 could be a tough year.
If you look at the India situation, I have been getting the feeling all the time that all of a sudden, too many companies were entering this market segment, as though it is a land of promised gold! Perhaps, it is, and one sincerely wishes that all of those investments proposed for solar do not come unstuck.
This August, following the announcement of the national semiconductor policy (the Special Incentive Package Scheme, or SIPS), the government of India received 12 proposals amounting to a total investment of Rs. 92,915.38 crore. Ten of these proposals were for solar/PV, from: KSK Surya (Rs. 3,211 crore), Lanco Solar (Rs. 12,938 crore), PV Technologies India (Rs. 6,000 crore), Phoenix Solar India (Rs.1,200 crore), Reliance Industries (Rs.11,631 crore), Signet Solar (Rs. 9,672 crore), Solar Semiconductor (Rs.11,821 crore), TF Solar Power (Rs. 2,348 crore), Tata BP Solar India (Rs. 1,692.80 crore), and Titan Energy System (Rs. 5,880.58 crore).
Then, late September, Vavasi Telegence (Rs. 39,000 crore), EPV Solar (Rs. 4,000 crore), and Lanco Solar (Rs. 12,938 crore), also announced major investments.
Now, given the quite ruthless kind of financial crisis the world is currently engulfed in, several have raised doubts whether solar players would be able to get the credit they need. Or, would they run into rough weather?
On paper, some of these companies are big corporate houses, with several years of standing. However, reality can be quite different, and can bite! I've yet to hear whether all of these companies have managed to raise the requisite capital. One sure wishes that they have all been busy and will be successful!
Otherwise, all one needs to look at is iSuppli's warning. According to iSuppli, 'Bringing an end to eight consecutive years of growth, global revenue for photovoltaic (PV), panels is expected to plunge by nearly 20 percent in 2009, as a massive oversupply causes prices to drop.'
Will it be a case of massive oversupply in India? We haven't exactly started. Hence, perhaps, we will come to deal with oversupply later. The key thing is to get all of these solar/PV projects off the ground!
The India Semiconductor Association (ISA), and now, SEMI India, have been promoting the solar/PV industry very aggressively. The work they've done so far has been commendable, and I've been witness to all of their activities. However, keep in mind that these are only industry associations, who can only advice, guide, debate and promote the industry, and also provide industry statistics for everyone to consume.
The real action can only happen once the proposals have been cleared by the Indian government and the players have managed to arrange for the requisite capital for their projects. The Indian fab story with SemIndia is all to familiar, and there should not be a repitition with solar/PV projects.
Therefore, the role of the government of India will be extremely critical and crucial. The good health of the Indian solar/PV industry is entirely in its hands, and not in the hands of the industry associations.
Perhaps, the Indian government could do well to look at how the Taiwan government is playing a critical role in reviving the hard hit DRAM industry and also at the German free state of Saxony, which has played a key role in financing the ailing Qimonda.
Otherwise, the Indian solar/PV industry could get hit, even before it takes off the ground! And, as a nation, we cannot afford that to happen!
India has so far has had a good story going in solar. There are hopes that solar/PV will trigger off a spate of manufacturing activities in India, besides creating lots of jobs. Don't think we can afford to spoil all of this!
The industry in India is still very much in its infancy. Let the baby play happily in the water (solar) tub, instead of throwing the water out! This baby needs a lot of hand-holding to get stronger in the years to come.
Come to think of it! Just last week, in the Semiconductor International webcast, the analysts did mention that there could be tough times ahead for solar! In fact, Aida Jebens, Senior Economist, VLSI Research Inc., did indicate that solar/PV would pick up in the next two years and that 2009 could be a tough year.
If you look at the India situation, I have been getting the feeling all the time that all of a sudden, too many companies were entering this market segment, as though it is a land of promised gold! Perhaps, it is, and one sincerely wishes that all of those investments proposed for solar do not come unstuck.
This August, following the announcement of the national semiconductor policy (the Special Incentive Package Scheme, or SIPS), the government of India received 12 proposals amounting to a total investment of Rs. 92,915.38 crore. Ten of these proposals were for solar/PV, from: KSK Surya (Rs. 3,211 crore), Lanco Solar (Rs. 12,938 crore), PV Technologies India (Rs. 6,000 crore), Phoenix Solar India (Rs.1,200 crore), Reliance Industries (Rs.11,631 crore), Signet Solar (Rs. 9,672 crore), Solar Semiconductor (Rs.11,821 crore), TF Solar Power (Rs. 2,348 crore), Tata BP Solar India (Rs. 1,692.80 crore), and Titan Energy System (Rs. 5,880.58 crore).
Then, late September, Vavasi Telegence (Rs. 39,000 crore), EPV Solar (Rs. 4,000 crore), and Lanco Solar (Rs. 12,938 crore), also announced major investments.
Now, given the quite ruthless kind of financial crisis the world is currently engulfed in, several have raised doubts whether solar players would be able to get the credit they need. Or, would they run into rough weather?
On paper, some of these companies are big corporate houses, with several years of standing. However, reality can be quite different, and can bite! I've yet to hear whether all of these companies have managed to raise the requisite capital. One sure wishes that they have all been busy and will be successful!
Otherwise, all one needs to look at is iSuppli's warning. According to iSuppli, 'Bringing an end to eight consecutive years of growth, global revenue for photovoltaic (PV), panels is expected to plunge by nearly 20 percent in 2009, as a massive oversupply causes prices to drop.'
Will it be a case of massive oversupply in India? We haven't exactly started. Hence, perhaps, we will come to deal with oversupply later. The key thing is to get all of these solar/PV projects off the ground!
The India Semiconductor Association (ISA), and now, SEMI India, have been promoting the solar/PV industry very aggressively. The work they've done so far has been commendable, and I've been witness to all of their activities. However, keep in mind that these are only industry associations, who can only advice, guide, debate and promote the industry, and also provide industry statistics for everyone to consume.
The real action can only happen once the proposals have been cleared by the Indian government and the players have managed to arrange for the requisite capital for their projects. The Indian fab story with SemIndia is all to familiar, and there should not be a repitition with solar/PV projects.
Therefore, the role of the government of India will be extremely critical and crucial. The good health of the Indian solar/PV industry is entirely in its hands, and not in the hands of the industry associations.
Perhaps, the Indian government could do well to look at how the Taiwan government is playing a critical role in reviving the hard hit DRAM industry and also at the German free state of Saxony, which has played a key role in financing the ailing Qimonda.
Otherwise, the Indian solar/PV industry could get hit, even before it takes off the ground! And, as a nation, we cannot afford that to happen!
India has so far has had a good story going in solar. There are hopes that solar/PV will trigger off a spate of manufacturing activities in India, besides creating lots of jobs. Don't think we can afford to spoil all of this!
The industry in India is still very much in its infancy. Let the baby play happily in the water (solar) tub, instead of throwing the water out! This baby needs a lot of hand-holding to get stronger in the years to come.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Practical to take solar/PV route: Dr. Atre, Applied
Solar/PV is perhaps, a practical route for India to enter manufacturing, contends Dr. Madhusudan V. Atre, president, Applied Materials India. Alternatively, another way to enter this field could be by having solar farms.According to Dr. Atre, India has a strong potential for manufacturing. The Indian scenario has the talent pool and an emerging middle class, along with the presence of system design and chip design companies. Only a fab seems to be the missing piece from this ecosystem!
Benefits of a fab include: fuels economic productivity, contributes to GDP and adds to national growth, creates jobs, helps set up the other expertise necessary for an ecosystem, and closes the loop between market, design, manufacture, test, customer.
Indian fab scenario
Commenting on the Indian scenario, Dr. Atre, says: "For PV, about $200-500mn is needed for a fab. If we can enter into manufacturing via the solar/PV route, the scale of investment required would be much less [than the investment needed for a wafer IC fab]. This can be practical route to enter manufacturing in India, and less complexity is involved, as compared to an IC fab." Another way of entering manufacturing is by having solar farms.
Applied's external face in India involves: Take leadership role in industry bodies; work with the government on various semiconductor and manufacturing policies; look for potential investments in start-ups; work with the academia on collaborative research in nanomanufacturing; be sponsors in key conferences; drive corporate social responsibility programs; and help enable semiconductor and solar manufacturing in India.
Touching on some emerging areas of interest, Dr. Atre highlights that packaging is very important in semiconductors. "We may look at some company in packaging R&D. We have invested a bit in Tessolve," he says. "We would also like to see the success of the nanotech lab in IIT-Mumbai, and see how it can help India." On a global scale, he notes that Applied would be setting up two-three SunFab lines with Masdar in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Applied Materials in India
Headquartered in Bangalore, Applied has been present in the country for over five years. It has approximately 1,500 employees and associates. A liaison office was originally set up in May 2002. Applied Materials India Pvt Ltd (AMIPL) was set up in July 2003, and operations started in November 2003 with cost + model. It consolidated all Applied operations in Bangalore into ITPL (~92,000sqft). It also merged Brooks Chennai (~100RFTs) into Applied India operations. Applied currently has R&D centers in Bangalore and Chennai.
Next, Applied established site operations in Delhi (~5000 sqft) to support Moser Baer. Its key partners are Satyam, Wipro and TCS, on various aspects of engineering and software services. In Delhi, Applied has 25-30 people to support Moser Baer, where it has the first SunFab line up and running.
In Mumbai, it has set up a nanomanufacturing lab with IIT-Mumbai. "We have put in equipment worth $7-8 million there, and do R&D projects," adds Dr. Atre. The nano lab at IIT-Mumbai was inaugurated in November 2007 by Mike Splinter, president and CEO, Applied Materials.
Applied is also involved in the potential upgrade of SCL. "We are working with some other companies on how we can upgrade SCL. We are more at the backend to set up some capabilities," he says.
Applied Ventures makes investment in emerging technologies and companies. It has funded a couple of companies in the semi start-up stage. Applied Ventures looks at global investments.
Moser Baer is Applied's first customer in India. It has a 35-40MW assembly line. This is the first time that 5+m2 solar panels will be coming out. The panel will now have to be taken up to the production ramp. Dr. Atre adds that Europe was much advanced in solar/PV. Germany, especially, was far advanced in the implementation aspect, as well as Italy and Spain.
Nanomanufacturing simplified
Nannomanufacturing, as per Wikipedia, is "the near-term industrial-scale manufacture of nanotechnology-based objects, with emphasis on low cost and reliability." To manufacture at this level requires a lot of expertise, skills, etc., says Dr. Atre. Cost is definitely an important driver, and so is reliability, he adds. According to him, nanomanufacturing technology combines the two core strengths of Applied: nano + manufacturing.
Applied's vision has been to apply nanomanufacturing technology to improve the way people live. Its mission: To lead the Nanomanufacturing technology revolution with innovations that transform markets, create opportunities, and offer a cleaner, brighter future to people around the world.
Applied Materials is a global leader in nanomanufacturing technology solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products for fabrication of: semiconductor chips, flat panel displays (using TFTs), solar photovoltaic cells and modules (in crystalline and thin film vectors), flexible electronics, and energy efficient glass (BIPV). The last three categories fall under EE or the Environment and Energy Division.
Dr. Atre says: "We have the SunFab line for solar/PV. In flexible electronics, as an example, you can have solar cells wrapped around an object." As for energy-efficient glass, you can save on AC costs, etc., by using building integrated photovoltaics.
Core capabilities
Applied's core capabilities include: commercialize sophisticated systems and thin-film engineering, besides a global culture. "Our technological strengths include semiconductors, solar/PV cells and FPDs. We have nanomanufacturing technology as the common theme." Touching on the loss per watt, he says it is currently around $14, which needs to come down to at least $2 or one-fourth.
Applied makes systems used to produce virtually every new microchip in the world, taking care of thermal, etching, inspection, PVD, CVD and CMP. For LCD flat panel display systems, Applied offers a variety of systems, such as PECVD systems, e-beam array testers, PVD systems and color filter sputtering systems.
The processing panels can be up to 2.2x2.5 meters. For solar manufacturing, Applied offers crystalline silicon, flexible PV and thin-film line, or the Applied SunFab lines. For architectural glass and flexible electronics, it offers both glass and Web coating systems.
"We have three key businesses, silicon systems, displays and energy and environmental solutions," said Dr. Atre. These are supported by Applied Global Services.
Applied's goals for 2010 include: Expanded revenue streams, to become a $13-15 billion company; increased operating efficiency, with margins >25 percent, and increased cash flow, about >20 percent of revenue.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Has the Indian silicon wafer fab story gone astray?
The recent news of the Hyderabad Fab City giants -- SemIndia Fab Pvt Ltd and Nano-Tech Silicon India Pvt Ltd -- being served notice by the local state government and to explain the reasons for their delay in setting up the Fab City in Shamshabad on the outskirts of Hyderabad, does not come as a surprise at all!
Setting up of a silicon wafer fab takes up a lot of time and money, and I am not sure how this bit is perceived by many. Also, the rate of return is not exactly immediate! Maybe, it is time for everyone to realize that semiconductor is a very different industry from any other, and there is a need to understand how it really functions! Besides, one needs to keep an eye on the global semiconductor industry and associate movements there with what kind of value would a fab in India bring to the world.
This May, I'd done a reality check on where the global semiconductor is placed. Several folks have contacted me since, pointing out my accuracy. While it is good to be spot on with the assessment of the global (and Indian) semiconductor industry, the assessments should serve as a warning for the global (and Indian) semiconductor industry -- that it is not going to be an easy ride ahead!
On the same note, I had earlier questioned whether this was the right timing for setting up fabs in India. Perhaps, there is a need to examine whether we started on the fab path a bit too late! If we are found to be wrong or hasty in our assessment, let us feel no anguish in accepting that! This is not the first time such a thing will happen in the semiconductor industry, nor will it be the last. Having said that, if a wafer fab or two do start functioning in India later in 2009 or beyond, that would be exemplary!
Let us hope that the Indian silicon wafer fab story does not go astray for the overall benefit of the Indian semiconductor industry. There is a need on part of the Indian semicon planners to integrate clear vision with careful planning.
Yes, several solar fabs are coming up globally, and investments in solar/PV are rising as well in India, but that was along expected lines.
It was also pointed out earlier that investments in photovoltaics (PV) had somewhat eased the pressure on capital equipment makers and spend. In fact, 2007 is now well documented as the year when the PV industry emerged as a key opportunity for the subsystems suppliers and provided a timely boost in sales for those actively addressing this market.
Perhaps, here lies an opportunity for India, and I'm repeating this to the extent of sounding boring!
Further, even though it has been quite a while since the Indian semicon policy was announced, some feel that India should continue to focus on design services and embedded -- its well known strengths, rather than go after something as mature as wafer fabs. We don't have to 'force ourselves to believe' that we are good at product development? We are not!
Yes, like most things, it can change, but that would need great effort on part of all industry stakeholders. The question is: are we ready to bring about that change?
Setting up of a silicon wafer fab takes up a lot of time and money, and I am not sure how this bit is perceived by many. Also, the rate of return is not exactly immediate! Maybe, it is time for everyone to realize that semiconductor is a very different industry from any other, and there is a need to understand how it really functions! Besides, one needs to keep an eye on the global semiconductor industry and associate movements there with what kind of value would a fab in India bring to the world.
This May, I'd done a reality check on where the global semiconductor is placed. Several folks have contacted me since, pointing out my accuracy. While it is good to be spot on with the assessment of the global (and Indian) semiconductor industry, the assessments should serve as a warning for the global (and Indian) semiconductor industry -- that it is not going to be an easy ride ahead!
On the same note, I had earlier questioned whether this was the right timing for setting up fabs in India. Perhaps, there is a need to examine whether we started on the fab path a bit too late! If we are found to be wrong or hasty in our assessment, let us feel no anguish in accepting that! This is not the first time such a thing will happen in the semiconductor industry, nor will it be the last. Having said that, if a wafer fab or two do start functioning in India later in 2009 or beyond, that would be exemplary!
Let us hope that the Indian silicon wafer fab story does not go astray for the overall benefit of the Indian semiconductor industry. There is a need on part of the Indian semicon planners to integrate clear vision with careful planning.
Yes, several solar fabs are coming up globally, and investments in solar/PV are rising as well in India, but that was along expected lines.
It was also pointed out earlier that investments in photovoltaics (PV) had somewhat eased the pressure on capital equipment makers and spend. In fact, 2007 is now well documented as the year when the PV industry emerged as a key opportunity for the subsystems suppliers and provided a timely boost in sales for those actively addressing this market.
Perhaps, here lies an opportunity for India, and I'm repeating this to the extent of sounding boring!
Further, even though it has been quite a while since the Indian semicon policy was announced, some feel that India should continue to focus on design services and embedded -- its well known strengths, rather than go after something as mature as wafer fabs. We don't have to 'force ourselves to believe' that we are good at product development? We are not!
Yes, like most things, it can change, but that would need great effort on part of all industry stakeholders. The question is: are we ready to bring about that change?
Friday, March 21, 2008
Will the solar bubble really burst in 2009?
Will this actually happen? Will the solar bubble burst in 2009 as supply exceeds demand? I don't know, but I came across this news and am pleased to share with you.
According to Lux Research, the overall solar industry revenues will grow to $70.9 billion in 2012, but oversupply and new technologies will squeeze today’s leaders! This has been reported in its new report titled "Solar State of the Market Q1 2008: The End of the Beginning."
As per Lux Research's study, the solar industry has been having a remarkable run, attracting the attention of all stakeholders. However, all of this activity has also led to the growth of a bubble, which will most likely burst some time soon.
Lux Research says that while growth will continue to be robust -- solar industry revenues will grow at a brisk 27 percent annual rate to reach $70.9 billion in 2012, up from $21.2 billion in 2007 -- the solar industry will look very different just two years from now!
"Government subsidies in countries like Japan, Germany, and Spain have helped make large-scale solar a reality, with annual installations reaching 3.43GW in 2007," said Lux Research Senior Analyst Ted Sullivan, the report’s lead author. "During this period, solar demand has consistently outpaced supply. But the market is now approaching a tipping point. We project that the supply of solar modules will exceed demand in 2009, leading to falling prices and a shake-out among companies that aren’t prepared to thrive in this new environment -– particularly crystalline silicon players that haven’t invested in new thin-film technologies."
Interesting comments! At the recently concluded ISA's Vision Summit, it was disclosed by Jairam Ramesh, union minister of state for Commerce, that the Indian government had received seven confirmed investments in the Hyderabad Fab city, with a total value of $7 billion for 10 years.
Five firms have been given principle approval with $1 billion investment. Proposals of three other firms -- Videocon, Moser Baer, and Hindustan Semicon Manufacturing Corporation (HSMC), have yet to be considered.
Reliance is said to have put forward a proposal for solar/PV manufacturing facility with an investment of $5 billion in Jamnanagar. This proposal is under consideration. The majority of firms proposed to set up in Fab city are mainly focused on solar/PV.
As I said in that blog, the last bit is the interesting part. If everyone focuses on solar/PV, who will focus on the other ancillaries required to complete the semicon ecosystem? What about the LCD, OLED plants, etc., that were mentioned in the semiconductor policy? Now, with the Lux Research report predicting a squeeze next year, these Indian companies investing in solar/PV fabs need to be careful about how they go about setting up their businesses.
The solar business will surely be a space worth watching over the coming years!
According to Lux Research, the overall solar industry revenues will grow to $70.9 billion in 2012, but oversupply and new technologies will squeeze today’s leaders! This has been reported in its new report titled "Solar State of the Market Q1 2008: The End of the Beginning."
As per Lux Research's study, the solar industry has been having a remarkable run, attracting the attention of all stakeholders. However, all of this activity has also led to the growth of a bubble, which will most likely burst some time soon.
Lux Research says that while growth will continue to be robust -- solar industry revenues will grow at a brisk 27 percent annual rate to reach $70.9 billion in 2012, up from $21.2 billion in 2007 -- the solar industry will look very different just two years from now!
"Government subsidies in countries like Japan, Germany, and Spain have helped make large-scale solar a reality, with annual installations reaching 3.43GW in 2007," said Lux Research Senior Analyst Ted Sullivan, the report’s lead author. "During this period, solar demand has consistently outpaced supply. But the market is now approaching a tipping point. We project that the supply of solar modules will exceed demand in 2009, leading to falling prices and a shake-out among companies that aren’t prepared to thrive in this new environment -– particularly crystalline silicon players that haven’t invested in new thin-film technologies."
Interesting comments! At the recently concluded ISA's Vision Summit, it was disclosed by Jairam Ramesh, union minister of state for Commerce, that the Indian government had received seven confirmed investments in the Hyderabad Fab city, with a total value of $7 billion for 10 years.
Five firms have been given principle approval with $1 billion investment. Proposals of three other firms -- Videocon, Moser Baer, and Hindustan Semicon Manufacturing Corporation (HSMC), have yet to be considered.
Reliance is said to have put forward a proposal for solar/PV manufacturing facility with an investment of $5 billion in Jamnanagar. This proposal is under consideration. The majority of firms proposed to set up in Fab city are mainly focused on solar/PV.
As I said in that blog, the last bit is the interesting part. If everyone focuses on solar/PV, who will focus on the other ancillaries required to complete the semicon ecosystem? What about the LCD, OLED plants, etc., that were mentioned in the semiconductor policy? Now, with the Lux Research report predicting a squeeze next year, these Indian companies investing in solar/PV fabs need to be careful about how they go about setting up their businesses.
The solar business will surely be a space worth watching over the coming years!
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