Solar Power executes sales agreement with Solarmarkt

ROSEVILLE, USA: Solar Power Inc. has signed a sales order agreement to supply German solar project developer Solarmarkt Sued Park with up to 25 megawatts of SPI’s high-performance 200 and 205-watt modules for a project currently being executed by Solarmarkt Sued Park.

The agreement also includes up to 50 megawatts of SPI’s proprietary SkyMount commercial rooftop racking systems. Under the agreement several megawatts of SPI solar modules and SkyMount racking are to be delivered during the remainder of 2009. The sales order agreement is set to extend through 2010 with product orders commencing immediately.

Solarmarkt Sued Park is a leading solar project developer focused on developing large-scale commercial photovoltaic solar systems throughout Germany. “The
performance of SPI’s solar modules is world-class. We share a common commitment to quality and place high value on their solutions-based approach to commercial systems,” said Frank Weckerle, President of Solarmarkt Sued Park.

“The quality and design features of Solar Power, Inc.’s SkyMountTM rooftop racking system are superior. We have selected SPI’s SkyMount system because it is an adaptable solution for a variety of unique installation requirements and offers an innovative non-penetrating option. We look forward to working with SPI as we execute both our current book of business and our developing project portfolio,” Mr. Weckerle concluded.

“The German solar market is very important to us. Our agreement with Solarmarkt Sued Park represents significant progress as we continue to pursue our international product sales strategy,” said Bradley Ferrell, President of Solar Power, Inc’s Commercial Sales Division. “As a large-scale project developer with an excellent reputation and strong demand for their services, we are very pleased to have our products play a significant role in the solar systems they are installing across Germany.”

Solar Power will immediately commence processing orders to meet Solarmarkt Sued Park’s active project requirements through the remainder of 2009. The balance of the agreement will be fulfilled throughout 2010. SPI continues to advance international sales of its high-performance modules, proprietary SkyMountTM racking systems, and its Peaq solar canopies.

Indian government, solar industry interact on MNRE’s solar PV program

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had recently announced a unified solar photovoltaic (SPV) program to promote the use of decentralised SPV systems for various applications in rural/ urban areas and SPV roof top systems for diesel saving in urban areas.

To promote this program, the MNRE organized a one-day seminar today, in New Delhi, along with the India Semiconductor Association (ISA), and the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA), to share the modalities for the implementation of the program with the concerned stakeholders such as manufacturers of solar PV modules and equipment, system integrators, service providers, consultants, banks and financial institutions, and reputed NGOs. A government-industry interaction on the MNRE’s program was also intiated during the event.

Welcoming the delegates, Poornima Shenoy, president, ISA, stressed on the very strong partnership between the MNRE and the ISA. She added that this workshop was a first in a series of such workshops that will be held across the country. She requested the delegates to add as much value as possible to this edition, adding, “We look forward to your feedback, so that we can improve on our future programs.”Source: ISA

Industry-government interaction step in right direction
B.V. Naidu, chairman, ISA said that it was good to be part of a new revolution taking place in India. He added: “We have seen the success of the Indian IT industry and the Indian semiconductor design sector. That the MNRE is organizing an industry interaction on solar photovoltaics is a step in the right direction.” Naidu noted that India has all the features required for becoming a successful solar country.

Incidentally, the current installed capacity of solar PV is said to be over 400-500MW, but about 90 percent of that capacity is exported. As a case, in Germany, 4 percent of the overall power generation capacity has been generated out of solar. A lot of emphasis on solar PV also been happening in the USA and Chima.

Naidu added: “The Government of India has set an ambitious target of reaching 20GW by 2020. A lot of things need to be done in the country, and by the Indian solar PV industry. We are also looking at an equal amount of participation from the academia, so that we can look at ways of reducing costs and improving the efficiency of solar PV.

The ISA has already created the roadmap for the FabCity in Hyderabad. It is also organizing a solar conference in Hyderabad this November.

Solar to assure green technology in India
Dr B.M.S. Bist, Advisor, MNRE, said that solar PV is going to play a big role in assuring green technology in the country. A date of Nov. 14 has been set for Solar Mission Program, as already mentioned.

The MNRE’s focus has been at decentralized programs. Today, there are said to be 75MW of systems across the country. Dr. Bist added that significant targets have been set for the SPV systems. The ministry has now tried to make new schemes. These will be presented to the delegates and their views welcomed. Those views will be compiled and the ministry will revert to the industry, so both of them can march together.

Massive potential for solar PV in India
Addressing the delegates, Debashish Majumdar, chairman and managing director, IREDA, said the reason for the gathering today was very clear – what exists on the MNRE website is potential for renewable energy. However, it does not really highlight the potential for solar PV, which is massive!

He added: “When solar PV started about 15 years ago in India, we had small manufacturers starting in garages, etc., and who have now grown to become very large companies. It gives us a lot of hope that things can be done very well here as well. Any new technology, to begin with, is expensive. Therefore, it is the prerogative of the rich to adopt it. We all hope that we will have the volumes and the technologies that can be replicated in India.

“We look at solar from two aspects — off-grid and on-grid. We would like to see what kind of demand can we convert in the off-grid applications. In the subsequent session, we will see the steps that the ministry has taken. The policy has been made keeping the best interests of the industry. We would like to get your feedback and see how best to get the market going.”

Huge opportunity in off-grid applications
Ms Gauri Singh, IAS, joint secretary, MNRE said that the purpose of this interaction between the government and the industry is to give a loud and clear message to ind that “we would like to work with you as partners.”

She added: “A large portion of the solar mission target will come from grid connected solar power. However, the off-grid opportunity is also huge. We have tried to open up our policy slightly — and take the whole process forward by taking inputs from you — and open up the policy for suggestions. One part of the scenario is — we already have large manufacturers who can provide us solar modules. The other part — is our policy encouraging innovation.

“Now, the time is ripe where we can do only the broad technical specifications, etc., but leave the innovation and configuration of the off-grid solutions to the industry, and make it an enabling flavor.” She also called for a need to put out a third party monitoring system.

She further added that the MNRE was also working to see whether it could get the IREDA into a refinance operation with banks.

There are schemes in place, where if anyone wants to work with a bank, a lot of incentives are available to the banks. Now, the ministry would like to see incentives being given to the manufacturers.

This is an honest attempt on part of the MNRE to work closely with the industry. Hopefully, everything will go well, following this interaction as it will sow the right seeds toward reaping a full harvest — in shape of achieving the very ambitious target of the national solar mission plan!

There were presentations on the following topics as well:

* Details of the solar PV off-grid program (rooftop systems) — Dr. AK Varshney, MNRE
* Details of the solar PV off-grid program (other applications) — Dr. A. Raza, MNRE
* Financing of IREDA schemes for solar — BV Rao, IREDA

These presentations were followed by a marathon discussion between the MNRE and IREDA officials on behalf of the government of India and the members of the Indian solar photovoltaics industry.

DuPont to invest $120mn to increase capacity for Tedlar PV module materials

WILMINGTON, USA: As a leading supplier of materials to the solar photovoltaic industry, DuPont is providing further details of a multi-phase production expansion for its high-performance DuPont Tedlar polyvinyl fluoride (PVF)product line.

This phase of the expansion represents more than $120 million in investment which increases, by over 50 percent, the capacity of monomer and resin used in producing Tedlar films. Tedlar films serve as the critical backsheet component, providing long-term durability for photovoltaic modules in all-weather conditions.

Site selections for this phase of the Tedlar(R) capacity expansion are complete, and construction has begun for new monomer and resin facilities at the DuPont Louisville, Ky., and Fayetteville, N.C., sites, respectively. The facilities are scheduled to start up in mid-2010.

"This investment supports the significant increase in the global market demand for clean, renewable energy," said David B. Miller, group vice president -- DuPont Electronic & Communication Technologies.

"Our capacity expansions are critical steps in growing the Tedlar business and maintaining our market leadership in backsheets for solar panels that deliver the long-term, reliable power supply that our customers have come to expect from their investment in renewable power generation."

The investment reflects the company's commitment, announced last week, to focus on meeting four emerging global trends, one of which is decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.

DuPont anticipates that the photovoltaic market will grow rapidly over the next several years, and this growth will drive the demand for Tedlar and other new materials that increase the lifetime and efficiency of solar cells and modules. DuPont expects that overall sales of its family of products into the photovoltaic industry will exceed $1 billion by 2012.

DuPont already has implemented capacity expansions in 2009 for Tedlar PV2100 series film and is completing the engineering and design for a planned expansion of Tedlar PV2000 series film production, which together will more than double Tedlar film capacity for the photovoltaic industry.

DuPont Tedlar PVF films have been an essential component of photovoltaic backsheets for more than 25 years. Tedlar is widely recognized as the industry standard due to its excellent strength, weather resistance, ultraviolet resistance and moisture barrier properties.

As a result, Tedlar enables solar modules to achieve long-life performance providing a long-term sustainable energy source for the marketplace. Tedlar films also are used in key applications for aerospace, construction and graphics arts because of their durability and weatherability. Tedlar is manufactured at DuPont sites in Fayetteville, N.C.; Louisville, Ky.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Parlin, N.J.; Fort Madison, Iowa and Towanda, Pa.

DuPont Tedlar PVF films are part of the broad and growing portfolio of products from DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, which applies DuPont science and technology to support the dramatic growth of the photovoltaic industry globally.

Suntech in contract with Recurrent Energy for 5MW modules

SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd, the world's largest crystalline silicon PV module manufacturer, recently announced that it has been selected to supply over 25,000 modules for Recurrent Energy's 5MW municipal solar power project atop the Sunset Reservoir in San Francisco, California. All modules are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2009.

The project, contracted by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission in late 2008 and signed into law by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom in May 2009, will more than triple San Francisco's total municipal solar power output from 2MW today to 7MW upon completion in 2010. According to the SFPUC, it will be California's largest solar photovoltaic (PV) system to date.

"Suntech America and Recurrent Energy are both San Francisco-based companies and we are proud to jointly participate in bringing a green energy future to this wonderful city," said Steven Chan, Suntech's Chief Strategy Officer and President, Global Sales/Marketing.

"Working together, we can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels throughout North America. Forward-thinking projects such as the Sunset Reservoir system set a notable precedent for reducing greenhouse gases and stimulating a national green economy."

After extensive vetting, Recurrent Energy chose Suntech's high-efficiency solar modules to help maximize energy production after considering the site's urban setting and finite usable roof space.

Suntech modules are effective in converting the sun's rays into electricity in low and indirect light, an important factor given the site's wide variety of weather conditions during the year.

"The combination of the system design and Suntech modules will help us to deliver the maximum amount of solar energy and environmental benefits over the lifetime of the Sunset Reservoir project," said Arno Harris, CEO of Recurrent Energy.

"This PV system is expected to produce enough renewable energy to provide for 1,000 typical City residents, avoiding the release of more than 109,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions."

Recurrent Energy will own and operate the system and sell all the renewable electricity to the City and County of San Francisco under a 25-year power purchase agreement.

The anticipated production for the 5MW project is 6,560,000 kWh in the first year. Under the agreement, Recurrent Energy assumes all financing, construction, and operating obligations for the project.

Spire delivers turnkey solar module manufacturing line to India's Sova

BEDFORD, USA: Spire Corp. a global solar company providing turnkey solar factories and capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules, and solar systems worldwide, announced that it has delivered a PV module assembly line to Sova Power Ltd in Durgapur, West Bengal, India.

Stepping up into the green and renewable energy sector, Sova, along with Spire’s industry expertise and superior equipment line, will provide a state-of-the-art PV module assembly line in India.

Spire has provided Sova with a semi-automated crystalline silicon module manufacturing line capable of producing up to 12 megawatts of solar modules per year. It will integrate Spire's key interconnect, lamination, and testing machines, along with intermediate tooling stations.

Spire will supply the process technology and training to operate the factory, as well as assistance in qualifying the factory’s modules to international standards and certification. The line is designed to be easily expandable at a later date.

“We are excited Sova has chosen Spire to provide our turnkey line solution. This order demonstrates how India is becoming a major player in the solar industry and continuously strives to be the leader,” said Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire.

“Spire’s ability to deliver a complete solar factory, as well as the training needed to succeed in the solar market, enables companies with limited exposure to the industry to efficiently add solar module manufacturing to their business portfolio,” concluded Little.

“We are excited to work with Spire, the industry leader, on this important new venture,” said Sajal Das, CEO of Sova Power. “The solar market is expanding rapidly in India and Spire offers the quickest, most efficient path to joining the industry. We are confident that Spire’s industry expertise and superior manufacturing equipment position us for success as we integrate solar manufacturing into our existing business.”

2008 was record year for solar PV sales

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Solar PV Report Ed 6 2009" report to its offering.

2008 was a record year for solar PV sales, with 5.7 GW of new capacity added. Spain shot into top place, with 2.7 GW added, the largest volume of annual sales achieved by any country ever, followed by Germany with 1.5 GW. Between them they accounted for three quarters of world sales.

However, Spain's pre-eminence was short-lived and in the wake of the financial crisis the Spanish government announced a cap on the feed-in subsidy for solar PV installations at 500 MW in 2009.

This will not only put a brake on Spanish sales but will reduce the global solar PV total in 2009, we believe by at least 50 percent. The Spanish renewable associations are looking ahead at least two years before recovery starts in Spain.

The slowdown in solar PV sales has had some good outcomes however. The shortage of silicon, which has been restraining development, is no longer a major issue and by the time recovery starts new supply should be in place.

Secondly, prices of solar modules are coming down. Thirdly, small companies in the supply chain are merging and being taken over, consolidating the industry.

The report, monitors the progress of two new players in the international market, China and Korea. Chinese solar PV companies have developed very fast and a number conducted IPOs in China and other countries in 2007 and 2008.

A mushrooming production capacity for solar cells and modules has been accompanied by growing production and re-cycling of silicon. This is affected by the global slow-down but the Chinese industry is already well placed for the future. Domestic demand in China has not kept pace and it is an export oriented industry to date.

With the cut-back in Spain, Germany, followed by Japan and the USA still remains the global leader, but new countries are entering the market and the industry is spreading beyond its historical areas.

Kyocera solar modules exceed performance expectations

SCOTTSDALE, USA: If you’re considering a solar electric generating system but need assurance about the reliability of solar power, take note.

Kyocera Solar Inc. announced that its 500-kilowatt (kW) solar array at the PPL Renewable Energy Park in Camden County, N.J., has exceeded performance expectations consistently since it began operating in September 2006. The system is part of a major initiative to adopt renewable energy at the county’s Pennsauken Landfill.

“The 2,500 Kyocera KC200 modules are performing at 105 percent of expected output after nearly three years of operation,” said Steve Gabrielle, PPL Renewable Energy’s director. “Each year, this system is producing about 30,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) more than planned.”

In total, this installation produces 630,000 kWh annually, enough to power 72 typical area homes while offsetting 198 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions — the equivalent of taking 36 cars off the road and saving 900 barrels of oil each year.

“We’re very pleased that our collaboration with Kyocera resulted in an installation that is over-performing,” Gabrielle continued. “That’s great news for PPL, its energy customers, and the state of New Jersey. This partnership is an example of PPL’s commitment to renewable energy options in cultivating the next generation of power.”

PPL Renewable Energy is one of the largest owner-operators of renewable energy projects on the US East Coast. The 5.4 megawatt PPL Renewable Energy Park is composed of three solar power installations and one landfill gas generating plant built by PPL Renewable Energy, a subsidiary of PPL Corp. Two of the four plants feature solar energy systems comprised of Kyocera solar modules.

“Kyocera is committed to environmental preservation and providing quality solar energy solutions to the world,” said Chris Brown, sales manager for Kyocera Solar, Inc. “For this reason, we are pleased to have Kyocera’s solar modules utilized as one of the key technologies demonstrated in the PPL Renewable Energy Park.”

Martifer Solar completes 50MW automated module line

BEDFORD, USA & OLIVEIRA DE FRADES, PORTUGAL: Martifer Solar, located in Portugal, and Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR), located in Bedford, Massachusetts, jointly announced that Martifer Solar accepted last month Spire’s 50 megawatt (MW) per year automated module production.

Both Spire and Martifer are fully satisfied with the performance of the Portuguese company’s photovoltaic (PV) factory. The fully automated turnkey module manufacturing line uses robotic systems for material handling and processing.

Leandro Bento, Factory Manager of Martifer Solar, said: “It is complex to establish a high-tech automated factory. We are pleased with the support that we received from Spire to reach our designated goals and to achieve unequivocal acceptance. This line makes Martifer Solar one of the most efficient manufacturers in the solar industry and we are proud to have completed our first two megawatts of PV module production.”

Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire, stated: “This line is completely automated, making it one of the most advanced module factories in the world. We combined Spire’s process knowledge with our state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and the latest in robotics and automation. The result is a high speed, high yield cost effective production line producing top quality PV modules.”

Spire has successfully automated the steps that are typically done manually. These included automation of string bussing, encapsulate trimming, module framing, junction box attachment, hi-pot testing and module simulation characterization.

For this project, Spire subcontracted with KUKA Systems GmbH in Germany. The quality robots and engineering expertise provided by KUKA were critical in the success of the program.

Q-Cells increases share in Solibro to 100pc

BITTERFELD-WOLFEN, GERMANY: Q-Cells SE has increased its interest in Solibro GmbH from previously 67.5 percent to 100 percent by acquiring the Swedish joint venture partner Solibro AB.

Solibro's modules rank among those with the highest efficiency rating in the field of thin-film technologies. At present, Solibro's modules achieve an average efficiency rating per module of around 10 percent; the peak values are in excess of 11 percent.

"The potential of Solibro's thin-film modules lies in the combination of high efficiency ratings with extremely low costs per watt. After we successfully implemented this potential in mass production as well, Solibro became an integral component of Q-Cells' thin-film strategy," said Dr. Florian Holzapfel, member of the Executive Board of Q-Cells SE and Head of the New Technologies division.

"Taking this step is a sign of our confidence in the technology. This way, we have the degree of freedom we need to develop Solibro into a leading global provider of thin-film technologies," added Dr. Johannes Segner, COO and Managing Director of Solibro GmbH.

Solibro GmbH was formed by Q-Cells and Solibro AB at the end of 2006 to commercialise a CIGS thin-film technology developed at the University of Uppsala. The first test modules were created on the production line in Saxony-Anhalt's Solar Valley as early as spring 2008. Mass production began in the third quarter of 2008.

The foundations for a second production line were laid in Thalheim at the end of last year. It is expected to commence production in the fourth quarter of this year and achieve full capacity of 90 MWp after about twelve months with a module efficiency rating of around 12 percent.

The acquisition is being implemented as a capital increase against non-cash contributions. In return for their shares in Solibro GmbH, the shareholders of Solibro AB, amongst others the pension fund "6th Swedish National Pension Fund", will receive 3,988,170 shares in Q-Cells SE.

Fifty percent of these shares are subject to a lock-up period of at least 180 days. As a result, Solibro GmbH will now become a fully consolidated, wholly owned subsidiary of Q-Cells SE rather than an investment carried at equity.

Solar Power inks solar modules deal with Australian solar developer

ROSEVILLE, USA: Solar Power Inc. has entered into an exclusive agreement with the Australian solar developer Beyond Building Systems Pty Ltd for the purchase of SPI’s 170–220-watt solar modules.

The agreement provides BBS with exclusive access to SPI’s highly rated panels for use throughout Australia. The two-year supply agreement calls for a minimum purchase of 5.7 megawatts of SPI modules with shipments commencing in June.

“We are very pleased to engage with Beyond Building Systems as a key supplier of solar modules for their projects as they work toward meeting the demands of the growing solar market throughout Australia,” said Bradley Ferrell, President of SPI’s commercial sales division.

“Our relationship supports the significant growth objectives BBS has in order to meet the installation demands of Australia’s national Solar Neighborhoods program,” Ferrell concluded. The agreement with Beyond Building Systems marks SPI’s entry into the Australian photovoltaic solar market as the company continues to expand its international presence.

“Our company’s remains focused on deploying high-quality solar solutions into Australia’s growing solar market,” said Henrih Horthy, CEO of Beyond Building Systems. “Solar Power Inc. and Beyond Building Systems share common core values and a commitment to high-quality products. These are key attributes we look for in a strategic relationship. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with the Solar Power, Inc. team.”

Beyond Building Systems is located in Byron Bay Australia. The company’s mission is to build affordable, high quality, energy efficient housing and infrastructure, fully equipped to meet the global challenges of an ecologically and economically sustainable future.

Renewable energy has been featured as an integral part of the design of their new homes since the company’s inception. Beyond Building Systems operates across Australia and in the USA, Pacific Rim and Asia.

Ascent's solar modules to be designed into development of hybrid, unmanned aerial vehicle

THORNTON, USA: Ascent Solar Technologies Inc. announced that its state-of-the-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules will be designed into the development of a hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (H-UAV) called the Silent Sentinel developed by Bye Aerospace, Inc. The H-UAV will be designed primarily for military use; however, its capabilities will also include a broad spectrum of civil applications.

The first of its kind hybrid utilizes stored electric power, thin film solar photovoltaics (PV), and other technologies to enhance its endurance, quiet operations and low emissions. Bye Aerospace is teamed with thin film PV manufacturer Ascent Solar to develop the solar energy capability on the aircraft.

For primary propulsion, the hybrid UAV will be coupled with an advanced Williams International FJ33 turbofan. The efficient engine will provide the UAV remarkable climb rates and high altitude quick access to areas requiring surveillance.

Charlie Johnson, COO of Bye Aerospace, said the Silent Sentinel is a robust, long-range UAV that will incorporate several proprietary clean energy features.

“Ultimately, it will provide advanced tactical reconnaissance functionality while utilizing a uniquely long endurance, highly capable tactical sensor platform that is operationally stealthy and cost-effective to operate. The unique characteristics of the Ascent Solar flexible modules allow us to design this UAV to become very energy efficient.”

Dr. Joseph Armstrong, Chief Technical Officer of Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. stated: “Our flexible, monolithically integrated CIGS PV technology offers the ideal combination of low weight, higher voltage, and high performance that makes it ideal for applications such as the Silent Sentinel, and we look forward to providing Bye Aerospace the materials they require for their vehicle.”

Potential military applications include border patrol, search and rescue, visual and thermal reconnaissance, and forward air control. In addition, potential civil applications include traffic control, pipeline and power line inspection, aerial law enforcement, forest fire detection and aerial photography.

Initial meetings are being conducted with US Government entities regarding the capabilities of the aircraft. More are planned in the near term.

Sanyo to launch high output HIT-HD solar modules in Europe

MUNICH, GERMANY: Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd has announced the development of new 240W and 235W HIT-HD photovoltaic modules, with the highest output of any SANYO solar panel, based on performance improvement for the HIT-HD*1 series.

The new modules are to begin mass production at SANYO Hungary Plant by October 2009. The new HIT-HD module will be on display at the Intersolar trade show being held in Munich, Germany, from May 27 to 29, 2009.

High Output 240/235W HIT-HD PV Modules (HIT-240/235HDE4)
Greater output and efficiency through manufacturing process optimization
Previous SANYO solar panels had a maximum rated power output of 230 watts per module (i.e., HDE Series 230W).

Now, with this improved HIT-HD module, a rated power of 240 watts has been achieved through the optimization of the cell manufacturing process. A cell conversion efficiency of 20 percent has also been reached (module conversion efficiency of 17.3 percent), which is the highest efficiency for a mass-produced SANYO model.

Kyocera supplies solar modules for Toyota Prius

KYOTO, JAPAN: Kyocera Corp. announced that it is supplying solar modules for the new Toyota Prius solar ventilation system, an optional feature for the hybrid car model introduced in Japan by Toyota Motor Corp. on May 18.

The system ventilates the air inside of the car by using the electricity generated by the solar module on the rooftop to drive the fans while the car is parked during the daytime. This feature automatically moderates temperature rise inside of the vehicle even during hot seasons.

For this product, Kyocera has implemented strict quality control evaluations, done through rigorous testing to confirm heat resistance, vibration resistance, shock resistance and other aspects, in order to ensure that the quality meets the standards required for onboard components used on the new Prius. For the production of this module, Kyocera has set up a dedicated production line with specialized manufacturing engineers to ensure thorough manufacturing control.

By supplying solar modules for the Prius, a leading eco-car that has won praise all over the world, Kyocera is proud to offer a new function for the use of solar modules to the owners of the vehicles.

Rapid growth likely for chemicals and materials in PV solar cells/modules

BOSTON, USA: The market for advanced chemicals and materials used in PV solar cells and modules will decline in 2009 to $2.3 billion before resuming strong growth to approximately $15 billion by 2015, according to a new industry analysis report from Linx-AEI Consulting, a leading international consulting firm serving the photovoltaics and electronics industries.

The new report entitled Chemicals & Materials for Photovoltaic Cells and Modules, 2009, examines emerging materials requirements in solar cell and module production, and quantifies the global markets for these advanced chemicals and materials as follows:

PV Cell and Module Chemical and Material Demand
According to the new report, the driver of growth in the PV market will be the global end market demand for solar power, which is likely to grow from 5.7 GW to 36 GW over the same time period.

Combining unique perspectives on the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) as a function of module performance with geography-specific considerations such as local incentives and irradiance, Linx-AEI has developed long-term forecasts by cell type. As a result, this report includes detailed perspectives and insights into chemicals needs for individual cell and module types for crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, tandem-junction, CdTe and CI(G)S cells and modules.

Chemicals & Materials for Photovoltaic Cells and Modules, 2009, outlines market opportunities available to chemicals and materials suppliers as a result of strong volume growth in addition to technology-driven opportunities to deliver progress towards lower cost.

However, Mark Thirsk of Linx-AEI cautions: "This industry is still driven by the need to achieve grid parity and its evolution is still strongly impacted by policy. Therefore, there is a critical need for all value chain participants to continually monitor and understand LCOE, technology development, existing investment and changes in policy. This need has been clearly illustrated with the current turmoil in the supply of polysilicon."

Suntech joins PV CYCLE Association to develop solar module recycling program

SCHAFFHAUSEN, SWITZERLAND & WUXI, CHINA: Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd, the world's largest manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules, announced that it has joined the PV CYCLE association which is engaged in establishing a voluntary take-back and recycling program for end-of-life PV modules.

"Sustainability and minimizing the impact of energy generation on the environment are two of the key principles driving the development of solar energy," said Jerry Stokes, Suntech's Vice President of Strategy and Business Development. "We believe that module life-cycle management and comprehensive recycling is a natural extension of these concepts."

"With over 1.1GW of Suntech solar products shipped worldwide since our inception, we believe it is essential that Suntech take a proactive role in developing effective recycling programs. We are looking forward to collaborating with the PV CYCLE association and further developing our internal module recycling initiative," added Mr. Stokes.

"PV CYCLE welcomes Suntech as the latest member to our Association, which now covers around 80 percent of the European photovoltaic market with its 35 member companies spread around the globe. We look forward to seeing many more members joining our voluntary take-back and recycling program. We need to ensure the inclusion of all photovoltaic manufacturers and importers enforcing and maximizing the representation of our responsibility as producers. Doing so will make the photovoltaic industry truly DoubleGreen," declared Jan Clyncke, Managing Director of PV CYCLE aisbl.

PV modules are designed to generate clean, renewable energy for over 25 years. With the first significant installations in the early 1990s, full-scale end-of-life recycling is still another 10 to 15 years away.

Nevertheless, the PV CYCLE Association is already developing concrete plans to develop a recycling program that minimizes waste and maximizes re-use of valuable resources such as glass, silicon and aluminum.

PV CYCLE was founded in 2007 with the specific purpose of implementing the photovoltaic industry's commitment to set up a voluntary take-back and recycling program for end-of-life waste PV modules.

To produce green and renewable energy, end-of-life modules need to be recovered and recycled. This will minimise waste and allow the re-use of valuable raw materials to produce new modules.

By closing the life cycle of photovoltaic modules, industry players take their responsibility and are "Making the photovoltaic industry DoubleGreen."

Solar energy: A bright spot in renewables

MENLO PARK, USA: Solar energy is gaining market share, as interesting new technologies are being developed to drive this renewable energy source forward.

The oil price fluctuations and global warming concerns have sparked a concentrated interest in promoting solar energy applications. In fact, the outlook for the global solar energy market is projected to more than double to reach $70 billion by 2013.

SRI Consulting (SRIC) has published its new Materials and Technologies for Solar Energy report that details the solar materials and technologies used in 1st through 4th generation photovoltaic applications, including an overview of solar thermal.

Solar power, like so many new energy processes, makes demands of chemicals during equipment manufacturing or operations. The 1st and 2nd generation photovoltaic cells require different forms of silicon, rare transition metals and metalloid elements. As a result of increased silicon costs, the 3rd and 4th generation technologies are focusing on organic polymers or nanomaterials and the lower manufacturing costs they offer.

Bob Davenport, Director of the Safe and Sustainable Chemicals series at SRIC said: "Developments in organic photovoltaic technology have made significant improvements in recent years, with cell efficiencies reaching over 5 percent. However, silicon based cells in the commercial photovoltaic industry are still the predominant technology because of higher efficiencies reaching over 25 percent."

The Materials and Technologies for Solar Energy report explores new applications where solar energy is being applied. Many opportunities exist for companies in the solar energy area from material research to manufacturing where breakthrough developments are being made at a surprising rate. The developments in organic manufacturing pose promising synergies with the printed electronics industry.

The number of specific technologies for producing photovoltaic solar cells is almost as numerous as the number of companies participating in the industry, especially with newer generation technologies. In addition, manufacturers are coming together and establishing standards. The Materials and Technologies for Solar Energy report includes information on key manufacturers and major technologies.

First Solar, Juvi secure financing for 53MW PV power plant in Germany

TEMPE, USA: First Solar Inc. and Juwi Holding AG announced that they have secured financing for a 53 megawatt (MW) DC photovoltaic (PV) power plant near the German city of Cottbus.

More than 80 percent of the required project capital is financed through non-recourse debt from a consortium of banks. First Solar and Juwi intend to sell the majority of the project after its completion. Construction of the project began in January 2009, and the first 15MW have been completed. The remaining 38MW are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009.

The project is being constructed on 162 hectares of land that is part of the Soviet Army's former 26,000 hectare Lieberose training area north of Cottbus in eastern Germany. The project's low cost enables the required return to fund an attractive land lease for the State of Brandenburg. The lease, in turn, finances the environmental cleanup of this former military zone, which is littered with tons of land mines, grenades and other munitions.

Matthias Platzeck, minister president of the German state government of Brandenburg, where Lieberose is located, said the project is a model for the conversion of former military land to productive use. "This kind of project helps us heal the scars of the Cold War and meet our ambitious targets for renewable energy production at the same time," he said.

"First Solar's mission is to enable a world powered by clean, affordable solar electricity," said Stephan Hansen, managing director, First Solar GmbH. "This project alone is expected to displace approximately 35,000 tons of C02 emissions a year. But we are particularly proud of this project because it adds an additional element to 'clean.' Not only will the project produce clean electricity, but it will also result in the removal of hazardous munitions from this project site."

Upon completion, the PV power plant will consist of approximately 700,000 modules and is projected to be the largest in Germany, producing enough power to provide for the annual electricity needs of more than 14,000 homes, and the second largest worldwide.

"The sheer size of the project helps us achieve economies of scale that are a significant factor in helping PV energy become competitive with fossil fuels and to be able to provide an increasing contribution to national renewable energy targets," said Hansen.

Brandenburg Economics Minister Ulrich Junghanns said the project underlines the state's credentials as an energy producer. "The Lieberose project will shine far and wide and help Brandenburg solidify its top billing as a center of solar power production," he said.

Matthias Willenbacher, Juwi chief executive, said, "Large projects like this one demonstrate that solar power is already capable of making significant contributions to addressing climate change." With this project, Juwi, using First Solar modules, has developed the three largest PV power plants in Germany.

Dramatic price forecast to reshape PV industry: iSuppli

I was very fortunate to attend a webinar on solar PV a couple of days back, thanks to iSuppli, USA. The webinar looked at:

* Polysilicon -- what is going on in the market?
* Cells and modules -- where will the prices go?

Dr. Henning Wicht, senior director and principal analyst, iSuppli, made it clear that the intention was to show what's coming out of primary industry research.

He said: "We believe that solar is a fantastic market. It has been growing over the last four years by revenue. It will continue to grow! There are not many industries with a growth path like that! However, in last the 18 months, the supply has been disconnected from demand."

This is exactly the point iSuppli addressed in its webinar. Dr. Wicht was accompanied by Stefan de Haan, senior analyst, photovoltaics, iSuppli.

iSuppli's recent findings are:
* Severe supply chain imbalances exist at polysilicon/wafer and cell/module levels.
* Short term polysilicon and module prices will decrease significantly.

Polysilicon: What's going on with supply and pricing?
If you looked at the global solar PV industry, many plants are under construction, and there are huge capacity expansion plans. There has been a dramatic decrease in production. In 2008, iSuppli estimated total production of solar PV at 60,000 metric tons. In 2009, about 100,000 metric tons will be produced!

What are the reasons for this supply situation? In 2005-06, the high margins of this industry attracted several newcomers. The cycle time to ramp up a polysilicon plant is 24-36 months, and including another 12 months to get finance, it takes about four years.

He said: "The decisions taken in year 2005-06 are coming to the market now. This is also why we see the big ramp in 2009-10. This is also the reason why the industry will have big difficulties to react on a short term notice. The polysilicon industry is a big super tanker, which has difficulties to maneuver on short term."

Looking at the demand side of things, iSuppli showed a graph where the two curves -- polysilicon supply and polysilicon demand meet, or rather cross, in early 2010. From that point on, the supply line passes the demand line. "That means, from that time onward, we definitely see prices for polysilicon decreasing," he said.

What will happen in 2009?
The key point to note is that the ramping rates of polysilicon and solar cells are completely different! The ramping rate of polysilicon is much steeper, than on the cell side. Polysilicon is more than doubling, while the cell industry is growing at 34 percent.

According to Dr. Wicht, the gap between demand and supply is already shrinking fast in 2009, which will lead to a price decrease in 2009.

Coming to prices, the polysilicon market boasts two kinds of prices -- long term and spot market. According to Dr. Wicht, the long term prices are already decreasing from around $100/kg in 2008, and it is expected to be around $80/kg in 2009.

On the other hand, the spot market price peaked in 2008 at around $400/kg. Now, it has already dropped. It will continue to drop, far beyond today's long term contract price, which will then, from 2010 onward, make up another round of discussion. This is because companies might tend to get out of their long term contracts to secure their silicon on the spot!

Summarizing, he said that polysilicon production will increase heavily. Next, supply will pass demand from 2010 onward, and then the industry will enter the oversupply situation for the next three to four years. The polysilicon industry will also react. In fact, iSuppli anticipates a recent announcement from a solar PV company to expand production capacity would be the last for quite a while!

What about projects on the way? These projects have to come on to the market and many of those will! This is precisely the reason why the industry will see silicon passing solar cells in capacity over the next few years.

Stefan de Haan added that the output of the PV modules industry will grow. The total module prod will likely grow to 11GW this year and to 20GW in 2012. Thin film modules will continuously gain market share and it probably account for 1/3rd of the total market by 2012. Production of crystalline cells will run in parallel. It is likely to reach 9GW for 2009 and 18GW for 2012.

Commenting on the competitive landscape, he added that many new players would be entering production in 2009, especially in the thin film business. "However, the current leaders -- QCells, Suntech and First Solar -- will increase their edge over the competition in terms of absolute production volumes," he said.

In general, it is a good thing that the industry is growing and that all of this capacity is coming online. However, this raises the question: can demand can keep up with the supply?

According to iSuppli, in 2009, the installation market will be flattening. In the sense, iSuppli projects that 4.2GW will be installed this year, or about 10 percent growth. However, this growth is much smaller in comparison to the previous years. Some of the reasons for slower growth in 2009 include changes in sustained feed-in tariffs and the global economic slowdown.

Hann added, "In H2-2010, module demand will probably return to the previous growth rates, of more than 20 percent per year."

Combining demand and supply, there is a massive oversupply of modules that has already been building up since early 2008. Back in 2008, this did not impact on the module prices as there was short term heavy demand from countries like Germany and Spain, from project developers and installation companies, etc. So, this was not noticeable earlier. However, in 2009, the oversupply situation is quite serious!

As a consequence, many suppliers will not be able to react to this situation in the short term. They will still need to run their factories to try and generate some revenue and satisfy the industry. Many had bet on some strong demand coming from USA and also China.

This year, the module prices will decline. Consequently, the declining prices will also create some additional demand. However, for the next two years, this fundamental oversupply situation will not change.

How far will prices drop?
So, what are the message for 2009? First, crystalline module prices will drop to about $2.50 per watt, and second, cost is going to be the differentiating factor! This was a point emphasized strongly by the iSuppli analysts.

Further, how should companies manage this situation, where supply is disconnected by demand? According to Dr. Wicht, there is 11.1GW of module supply vs. 4.2GW of installations. "We do not see that the demand is elastic and that everything will be good after the end of 2009. The gap is too large between demand and supply, and will last till end of 2010."

Installation capacity will surely become a bottleneck. There will be falling prices for silicon, as well as solar cells and modules. Also, the demand is not that elastic enough to absorb all modules produced.

Therefore, given this situation, what are the options for success, rather, what are the ideas to re-orient the solar PV business?

The first option could be to shut down 50 percent of production till price recovers. However, this is not a realistic option. Another could be to put expansion plans on hold. Yet another option for producers would be to become the best in class in production cost, an option, which is excellent, but difficult!

Probably, the best option would be for makers to integrate downstream. This includes new demand simulation in established markets as well as developing new markets.

Dr. Wicht said: "Anticipating bottlenecks are key for solar. The next bottlenecks are the bureaucracy and installation capacity. The production capacity would not be influential. Production cost and downstream integration are key." He advised solar PV producers to monitor their PV market demand and supply situation regularly.

Outlook for solar photovoltaics in 2009!

Friends and dear readers, this is my last blog post for 2008! Indeed, what a year this has been!!

Let me bid this year goodbye with a general outlook on the global solar photovoltaics industry for 2009.

iSuppli had recently put out a report on solar eclipse coming in 2009! I had blogged about the possible solar sunburn ahead, as well, earlier last week!

Another point that has interested me is: what happens to the top 20 global solar photovoltaic companies, based on iSuppli's analysis! This blog post has perhaps been the most popular in recent times.

I was very lucky to re-associate with Dr. Henning Wicht, Senior Director, Principal Analyst, iSuppli Deutschland GmbH, in Munich, Germany, for this discussion, thanks to the efforts of Jon Cassell and Debra Jaramilla!

How bad is solar?
The first and the most obvious question: how bad is the global solar market right now and why?

According to iSuppli, bringing an end to eight consecutive years of growth, global revenue for photovoltaic (PV), panels is likely to plunge by nearly 20 percent in 2009, as a massive oversupply causes prices to drop!

Worldwide revenue from shipments of panels will decline to $12.9 billion in 2009, down 19.1 percent from $15.9 billion in 2008. A drop of this magnitude has not occurred in the last 10 years and likely has not happened in the entire history of the solar industry.

Dr. Henning Wicht says that the upstream part of the solar business (cell, module, etc.) will suffer from price decline due to strong oversupply. The downstream side will benefit (installation, end-user, investor, etc.) by lower system prices.

Therefore, what can the solar players do to get over this coming bad phase in 2009? Well, three things: improve the cost structure, improve the sales side, and diversify downstream… These points hold strong for all fully integrated and non-integrated solar panel suppliers as well. By the way, fully integrated solar panel suppliers are likely to suffer less severe losses than non-integrated competitors.

There must be some way around to to bring about some balance within the current imbalance in the demand and supply situation. While Dr. Wicht agrees this is a difficult one to answer this early, he adds that supply and demand are diverging heavily. "With the current trajectories even in 2012, 100 percent more modules are produced than installed," he says. I promise to discuss this question again with the good Dr. in another six months time.

Word of wisdom
There are various support programs in place, and it is important to know whether they will continue to remain beneficial, both to support markets to become independent sustainable and to develop the regional industry.

Dr. Wicht believes the support programs are still required and beneficial. "If China, India, Mexico and other sunny regions would start to support solar installations, that could change the picture drastically," he notes.

A note of warning for new entrants in the solar photovoltaic space! Be aware that this warning has been earlier highlighted in the global semiconductor outlook for 2009! In tune with what the various analysts have maintained earlier, iSuppli also forsees newcomers in the solar photovoltaic line having problems in getting the required credit for their projects.

What next for Europe, emerging regions?
According to iSuppli, the short-term boost in demand from Spain and Germany has kept the installation companies busy, and solar orders and module prices high. But this boom is over. So, what's next for European players?

According to Dr. Wicht, Germany and Spain should continue their leading role as solar installation regions, even after the boom. France, Italy and Czech Republic are attractive, but still much smaller markets, he maintains.

iSuppli has also mentioned that the race to larger manufacturing scale comes to an end when the production is not sold anymore! In that case, what's the case for the emerging nations, like China and India? Aren't there buyers in such places?

Dr. Wicht says: "Demand in the traditional solar markets is not elastic enough to absorb all of the solar production. Potential new markets, for example, China and India, do not yet have installation capacities and administration to significantly change the global solar demand short term."

iSuppli also feels that the newer Chinese and Taiwanese suppliers will be hit particularly hard during 2009. The reason being, many suppliers have expanded their production capacities heavily without securing equally the sales/downstream part.

Global top 20 rankings to change?
Now to the most interesting part! Most of you have read about the top 20 global solar photovoltaic suppliers. Following the iSuppli warning of a 'solar eclipse' in 2009, there is every likelihood that there will be changes in that table!

Dr. Wicht adds, "However, the top 10 companies are typically better placed than the competition regarding their cost structures, downstream integration and vertical integration."

Obama's solar plans!
Now on to yet other interesting point! The US President-elect, Barack Obama's, New Energy for America plan could well have a significant impact on the US solar industry.

The plan's provisions include:

• A federal renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that requires 10 percent of electricity consumed in the US to come from renewable sources by 2012.
• A $150 billion investment over 10 years in research, technology demonstration and commercial deployment of clean energy technology.
• Extension of production tax credits for five years to encourage renewable energy production.
• A cap-and-trade system of carbon credits to provide an incentive for businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr. Wicht says: "We all know that Obama is in favor of renewable energy. However, he will not change a 160 percent oversupply of solar panels in 2009."

Bumpy ride to grid parity?
On another note, and a pretty favorite one: Is it going to be a "bumpy road" to grid parity? How will the subsidies be kept going?

Dr. Wicht notes: "Subsidies will continue. It will always be a bumby road because the ramping cycles differ heavily among silicon, cells, modules and the installation capacity. Please remember that the installation business will now benefit from low module prices. It will recover some of the margins it has lost in the last years due to high module prices."

Also, up to when will polysilicon constraints last? iSuppli had earlier indicated PV strategy changes. According to Dr. Wicht, the polysilicon prices are coming down already. "Our indication from October 2008 seems to be fairly good," he says.

Lastly, will iSuppli be still sticking by solar, semicon investments being equal by 2010?

Dr. Wicht says: "Please let me cite again our interview in October: The investments for solar production raising up to several hundreds of Mio USD, up to 1 Bio $ per production site. That is coming close to a semiconductor fab. The total capex of semiconductor is still 10 times larger than PV. However, PV is rising much faster."

That will be all for this year, folks!

Look forward to sharing much more captivating moments in semiconductors, electronics, solar photovoltaics, telecom, etc., in 2009!

Wishing all of you a very happy, prosperous and successful 2009. Be safe and look after yourself! See you next year!! :)