PONTE VEDRA BEACH, USA: Solar Energy Initiatives Inc., executing on a grass roots campaign, “RENEW THE NATION”, to help redeploy a portion of the US workforce and focus on reducing the world’s dependence on fossil fuels by selling solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) technologies, announced letters of intent with several municipalities in various locations in the United States to install and operate approximately 4 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) systems on government buildings.
The company anticipates that the projects will be completed by the second quarter of fiscal 2010.
The company will provide all solar equipment for the installation on the sites within the municipalities, as well as sell the newly generated solar energy to the buildings at a discounted rate compared to the previous electricity provider.
Upon completion of the agreements, Solar Energy expects to provide energy savings to the municipalities without any out of pocket costs to the municipalities. The utilization of approximately 20,000 solar panels for the 4 megawatts of projects is projected to reduce hazardous carbon dioxide emissions by 6,000 tons, annually.
"Management is pleased with the Company’s ability to attract these profitable government ventures," stated David Fann, Chief Executive Officer of Solar Energy Initiatives.
"We are encouraged with the recent influx of projects that the company is being offered, as well as, our ability to secure multiple agreements simultaneously. Solar Energy’s proven business model which offers low cost, high return energy production to municipalities is rapidly being accepted throughout the alternative energy markets. The company will continue to leverage its strategic business model and growing market presence in order to expand its geographic presence, increase earnings, and improve shareholder value.”
Solar Energy Initiatives will partner with a major funding source, installing the solar system at no "out of pocket" cost to the school district or municipality. In addition to the sale of solar panels into the projects, Solar Energy Initiatives will recognize energy sales over a 20-year period.
Showing posts with label solar/PV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solar/PV. Show all posts
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The giant awakens to solar power while America aleeps -- Evolution Solar grows roots in China
PHOENIX, USA: While the US is still floundering with ad-hoc investments in clean energy, China has developed a straight-forward, no-nonsense approach to reaching 2GW solar capacity by 2011.
It is gaining strong leadership in the solar industry by investing heavily in manufacturing and incentivizing installation. Chinese companies like, Suntech Power Holdings, (NYSE: STP) have succeeded in driving solar panel price reductions over the last six months by selling panels on the US market below the marginal cost. Further, China is circumventing protectionist legislation by constructing assembly plants in the US.
Evolution Solar is setting down roots in China to take advantage of this shift in the center of gravity for the solar industry. In the last century, the United States was the home of most TV manufacturers. By the end of the century, there were none left in America. They were all in Asia!
The same is happening with solar energy and Evolution Solar Corp. (EVSO) has positioned itself to be a resource to the green energy revolution from its new base in China.
“China has made a commitment to solar and placed substantial funds behind that commitment,” stated Robert Kaapke, CEO of Evolution Solar. “Talking about change is very different form actually changing; we want to be part of real change and that is why we are setting down our roots where real change is taking place.”
Nearly all solar providers in America will source parts and components from China in the years ahead. EVSO expects to position itself to compete with producers, such as SunTech and Energy Conversion Devices for a part of this market.
It is gaining strong leadership in the solar industry by investing heavily in manufacturing and incentivizing installation. Chinese companies like, Suntech Power Holdings, (NYSE: STP) have succeeded in driving solar panel price reductions over the last six months by selling panels on the US market below the marginal cost. Further, China is circumventing protectionist legislation by constructing assembly plants in the US.
Evolution Solar is setting down roots in China to take advantage of this shift in the center of gravity for the solar industry. In the last century, the United States was the home of most TV manufacturers. By the end of the century, there were none left in America. They were all in Asia!
The same is happening with solar energy and Evolution Solar Corp. (EVSO) has positioned itself to be a resource to the green energy revolution from its new base in China.
“China has made a commitment to solar and placed substantial funds behind that commitment,” stated Robert Kaapke, CEO of Evolution Solar. “Talking about change is very different form actually changing; we want to be part of real change and that is why we are setting down our roots where real change is taking place.”
Nearly all solar providers in America will source parts and components from China in the years ahead. EVSO expects to position itself to compete with producers, such as SunTech and Energy Conversion Devices for a part of this market.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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.
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: ISAIndustry-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.
Monday, August 31, 2009
groSolar named as SunEdison channel partner
BELTSVILLE & WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, USA: SunEdison has named groSolar as a channel partner. The announcement deepens the long-standing working partnership between two solar industry leaders.
SunEdison is North America’s largest solar energy services provider, and groSolar is North America’s premier distributor, installer and integrator of solar energy solutions for residential and commercial installations.
According to Paul Coughlin, Senior Vice President at groSolar, “SunEdison brings a sophisticated approach to solar project financing, as well as system monitoring and service. Employing the innovative tools they developed, including their Solar Power Services Agreement and their 24-7 monitoring program, means that we can deliver higher returns to our investors because we will maximize the energy we deliver to our customers.”
In speaking of this addition to the channel partner program, Brian Jacolick, General Manager for the Americas at SunEdison noted, “groSolar has the commercial customer relationships that will add to our pipeline of project opportunities. This partnership immediately extends the national footprint SunEdison enjoys, bringing added strength in the Northeast. groSolar understands the importance of the new energy marketplace, and we are delighted to welcome the company as a solar channel partner.”
SunEdison’s solar channel partner program provides national installers and integrators access to project financing capabilities, including the ability to deliver projects via a solar power purchase agreement.
In addition, for photovoltaic solar energy systems developed under the program, SunEdison will provide service, maintenance and monitoring through the company’s advanced control and management technologies.
SunEdison is North America’s largest solar energy services provider, and groSolar is North America’s premier distributor, installer and integrator of solar energy solutions for residential and commercial installations.
According to Paul Coughlin, Senior Vice President at groSolar, “SunEdison brings a sophisticated approach to solar project financing, as well as system monitoring and service. Employing the innovative tools they developed, including their Solar Power Services Agreement and their 24-7 monitoring program, means that we can deliver higher returns to our investors because we will maximize the energy we deliver to our customers.”
In speaking of this addition to the channel partner program, Brian Jacolick, General Manager for the Americas at SunEdison noted, “groSolar has the commercial customer relationships that will add to our pipeline of project opportunities. This partnership immediately extends the national footprint SunEdison enjoys, bringing added strength in the Northeast. groSolar understands the importance of the new energy marketplace, and we are delighted to welcome the company as a solar channel partner.”
SunEdison’s solar channel partner program provides national installers and integrators access to project financing capabilities, including the ability to deliver projects via a solar power purchase agreement.
In addition, for photovoltaic solar energy systems developed under the program, SunEdison will provide service, maintenance and monitoring through the company’s advanced control and management technologies.
PECO OK’d to go solar!
PHILADELPHIA, USA: PECO received approval today from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to purchase up to 80,000 solar alternative energy credits, the equivalent of six megawatts, during 10 years as part of the company’s ongoing fulfillment of the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS).
Enough energy to power nearly 1,000 homes for 10 years, it would take about eight football fields of solar panels to produce six megawatts of energy. Once complete, the company’s purchases could result in the same environmental benefit as planting more than 48,000 acres of trees or not driving more than 133 million miles.
“In 2008 PECO embarked on the first phase of a five-year major environmental initiative to preserve the environment and help our customers and the communities we serve become more environmentally responsible,” said Denis O’Brien, PECO president and CEO.
“The increased use of renewable types of energy is an important part of our efforts. By purchasing these credits and ‘banking’ them to meet future requirements we are helping encourage new solar projects and fostering the development of the renewable energy market.”
The AEPS legislation requires that, beginning in 2011, more of the energy used by PECO customers be generated from renewable resources such as wind and solar. This requirement is measured by renewable energy credits. Renewable energy credits are sold by electric generators on a one-to-one basis each time they produce one megawatt-hour of renewable energy.
The PUC approved PECO’s request to conduct a request for proposals (RFP) to competitively purchase 8,000 solar energy credits each year during 10 years. Both solar farms and businesses and institutions with large rooftop solar panel systems will be eligible to participate.
This competitive RFP will be similar to others PECO has used to purchase renewable energy credits in recent years. Since PECO’s first wind energy credit RFP in March 2008, the company has signed agreements to purchase more than 2.2 million renewable energy credits during five years.
Other PECO environmental projects include the installation of a green roof and new Crown Lights on the company’s Center City headquarters; the opening of PECO’s first ‘green building’ in West Chester, recently awarded silver certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED); improvements to secure LEED certification for many other company work sites; the increased use of hybrid and biodiesel vehicles; support for community environmental projects; and enhanced tools and programs to help customers use energy more efficiently.
These efforts support a broader environmental initiative at PECO and also are a component of Exelon 2020: A Low-Carbon Roadmap, the comprehensive environmental strategy of PECO’s parent company.
Exelon 2020 sets the goal of reducing, offsetting or displacing more than 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year by 2020. This is more than the company’s current annual carbon footprint and is equivalent to taking nearly 3 million cars off American roads and highways.
Enough energy to power nearly 1,000 homes for 10 years, it would take about eight football fields of solar panels to produce six megawatts of energy. Once complete, the company’s purchases could result in the same environmental benefit as planting more than 48,000 acres of trees or not driving more than 133 million miles.
“In 2008 PECO embarked on the first phase of a five-year major environmental initiative to preserve the environment and help our customers and the communities we serve become more environmentally responsible,” said Denis O’Brien, PECO president and CEO.
“The increased use of renewable types of energy is an important part of our efforts. By purchasing these credits and ‘banking’ them to meet future requirements we are helping encourage new solar projects and fostering the development of the renewable energy market.”
The AEPS legislation requires that, beginning in 2011, more of the energy used by PECO customers be generated from renewable resources such as wind and solar. This requirement is measured by renewable energy credits. Renewable energy credits are sold by electric generators on a one-to-one basis each time they produce one megawatt-hour of renewable energy.
The PUC approved PECO’s request to conduct a request for proposals (RFP) to competitively purchase 8,000 solar energy credits each year during 10 years. Both solar farms and businesses and institutions with large rooftop solar panel systems will be eligible to participate.
This competitive RFP will be similar to others PECO has used to purchase renewable energy credits in recent years. Since PECO’s first wind energy credit RFP in March 2008, the company has signed agreements to purchase more than 2.2 million renewable energy credits during five years.
Other PECO environmental projects include the installation of a green roof and new Crown Lights on the company’s Center City headquarters; the opening of PECO’s first ‘green building’ in West Chester, recently awarded silver certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED); improvements to secure LEED certification for many other company work sites; the increased use of hybrid and biodiesel vehicles; support for community environmental projects; and enhanced tools and programs to help customers use energy more efficiently.
These efforts support a broader environmental initiative at PECO and also are a component of Exelon 2020: A Low-Carbon Roadmap, the comprehensive environmental strategy of PECO’s parent company.
Exelon 2020 sets the goal of reducing, offsetting or displacing more than 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year by 2020. This is more than the company’s current annual carbon footprint and is equivalent to taking nearly 3 million cars off American roads and highways.
Friday, August 28, 2009
US solar PV equipments market estimated to generate $347.90 million by 2013
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of GlobalData's new report "The Future of the US Solar PV Equipments Market" to its offering.
The US federal government has provided a funding of $3.1 billion to the states, as part of its economic stimulus package, to encourage photovoltaic (PV) installations and expand solar PV support programs. This is part of the country's plan to encourage the growth of renewables in the energy portfolio.
The government has also extended federal tax credits for solar PV. These support mechanisms combined are expected to open up high-growth markets for PV equipments such as inverters and modules. The PV inverter market in the US is therefore expected to generate an estimated $347.90 million by 2013, while the modules market is expected to generate $2,741 million by 2013.
The US federal government has provided a funding of $3.1 billion to the states, as part of its economic stimulus package, to encourage photovoltaic (PV) installations and expand solar PV support programs. This is part of the country's plan to encourage the growth of renewables in the energy portfolio.
The government has also extended federal tax credits for solar PV. These support mechanisms combined are expected to open up high-growth markets for PV equipments such as inverters and modules. The PV inverter market in the US is therefore expected to generate an estimated $347.90 million by 2013, while the modules market is expected to generate $2,741 million by 2013.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
PV market rebound in Q2?
ENGLAND: Shipments of solar power (PV) equipment grew by 81 percent in the second quarter of 2009 from the first, according to latest analysis from IMS Research, indicating the worst of the industry’s downturn may now be over.
Latest quarterly data from IMS Research, which tracks PV inverter and module shipments, revealed that in spite of the difficulties the industry is facing, over 1GW of PV equipment was shipped by manufacturers in Q209.
However, for the first six months of 2009, shipments were still 34 percent down compared to the same period last year, mainly due to the sudden implosion of the Spanish market.
Research Director, Ash Sharma commented: “Although shipments were sequentially up by more than 80 percent in Q2, year-to-date sales and shipments are still considerably down on 2008. In addition, the PV market is strongly seasonal, and Q2 is typically much stronger than Q1. However, in 2007 and 2008, Q2’s sequential growth was somewhat lower, at 75 percent and 57 percent, respectively.”
Sharma continued: “Trading conditions were reported to have been very tough in Q1, however it now appears we are starting to turn a corner with more customers coming back to PV.
“In spite of this, large-scale PV plants are suffering in Europe due to difficulties in obtaining financing. Much hope is now being placed on newer markets, particularly the US and China, which are showing very promising signs. The US market is now being led by cash-rich utilities that are announcing multi-MW investments almost every week.”
Although the market is up in Q2, IMS Research still projects new installations will be 25 percent down on 2008, with around 4.5GW of new PV capacity added.
Latest quarterly data from IMS Research, which tracks PV inverter and module shipments, revealed that in spite of the difficulties the industry is facing, over 1GW of PV equipment was shipped by manufacturers in Q209.
However, for the first six months of 2009, shipments were still 34 percent down compared to the same period last year, mainly due to the sudden implosion of the Spanish market.
Research Director, Ash Sharma commented: “Although shipments were sequentially up by more than 80 percent in Q2, year-to-date sales and shipments are still considerably down on 2008. In addition, the PV market is strongly seasonal, and Q2 is typically much stronger than Q1. However, in 2007 and 2008, Q2’s sequential growth was somewhat lower, at 75 percent and 57 percent, respectively.”
Sharma continued: “Trading conditions were reported to have been very tough in Q1, however it now appears we are starting to turn a corner with more customers coming back to PV.
“In spite of this, large-scale PV plants are suffering in Europe due to difficulties in obtaining financing. Much hope is now being placed on newer markets, particularly the US and China, which are showing very promising signs. The US market is now being led by cash-rich utilities that are announcing multi-MW investments almost every week.”
Although the market is up in Q2, IMS Research still projects new installations will be 25 percent down on 2008, with around 4.5GW of new PV capacity added.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Solar market suffers inventory glut
EL SEGUNDO, USA: A massive oversupply of solar modules combined with disappointing demand caused average inventories throughout the solar supply chain to soar by 64.3 percent, spurring major oversupply and price erosion, according to iSuppli Corp.
Average days of inventory among solar module and cell makers, polysilicon and wafer suppliers and vertically integrated companies that provide all these items surged to more than 121 in the first quarter of 2009, up from 74.2 during the same period in 2008.
“The worldwide solar industry for the first quarter added the equivalent of one-and-a-half months of excess inventory in just one year,” said Dr. Henning Wicht, principal analyst, Photovoltaics (PV) research, for iSuppli. “With new polysilicon capacity coming online this year, the PV industry will suffer further price erosion, at all nodes of the value chain.”
iSuppli estimates the spot price per kilogram for polysilicon, the key raw material for making solar cells, will drop to $50 by the end of the year, down by 72 percent from $180 per kilogram at the beginning of 2009.
The figure presents average days of inventory for the major segments of the solar supply chain.
Source: iSuppli, July 2009
The perils of poly
On the demand side, the solar market is coping with a demand sinkhole that was left after Spain’s PV demand collapsed. Despite this, solar-cell makers are still compelled to take deliveries from their polysilicon suppliers due to their long-term contractual obligations.
On the supply side, polysilicon providers recently invested billions in new facilities, forcing them to produce in order to cover these new fixed costs.
Integrated firms holding the bag
Some of the hardest-hit entities in the PV industry have been the fully integrated players. These companies, including REC, Yingli, and SolarWorld, have operations in all three nodes of the value chain: polysilicon, wafer and cells.
Inventory levels for this segment jumped to more than 161 days in the first quarter, up from 86 days during the first three months of 2008.
One major reason these companies have borne the brunt of the inventory surge is their integrated structure. These firms possess integrated wafer and polysilicon production that help secure raw materials during periods of a supply bottleneck in the industry.
However, the integrated firms found their hands tied to their own capacity at various nodes when demand dropped off a cliff at the end of 2008.
This, in turn, created a lag time relative to other sectors in the industry that is now just reacting to the business environment, causing the severe inventory build-ups that led to margin compression.
Cell and module manufacturers
Cell and module manufacturers are currently experiencing significant increases in inventory, with levels rising to 105 days from the third-quarter level in 2008 of 47 days. This is due, in part, to pressure from wafer and polysilicon suppliers desiring that their customers adhere to shipment schedules negotiated in 2007 and 2008.
Polysilicon and wafer manufacturing have done the best job of maintaining inventories in this dynamic environment. With only a modest increase to 98 days from 74 days a year ago, it would seem that things are not looking so bad at this node compared to that of cell and module manufacturers.
However, as the year rolls on, this node in the chain will be hit with additional capacity coming online from major existing and relatively new polysilicon players. Such a development will lead to severe turmoil at this section of the value chain as the spot market will be flooded with excess capacity, with many looking to only cover variable costs.
iSuppli expects to see inventories at this node in the value chain to rise throughout this year and persist into 2010.
Average days of inventory among solar module and cell makers, polysilicon and wafer suppliers and vertically integrated companies that provide all these items surged to more than 121 in the first quarter of 2009, up from 74.2 during the same period in 2008.
“The worldwide solar industry for the first quarter added the equivalent of one-and-a-half months of excess inventory in just one year,” said Dr. Henning Wicht, principal analyst, Photovoltaics (PV) research, for iSuppli. “With new polysilicon capacity coming online this year, the PV industry will suffer further price erosion, at all nodes of the value chain.”
iSuppli estimates the spot price per kilogram for polysilicon, the key raw material for making solar cells, will drop to $50 by the end of the year, down by 72 percent from $180 per kilogram at the beginning of 2009.
The figure presents average days of inventory for the major segments of the solar supply chain.
Source: iSuppli, July 2009The perils of poly
On the demand side, the solar market is coping with a demand sinkhole that was left after Spain’s PV demand collapsed. Despite this, solar-cell makers are still compelled to take deliveries from their polysilicon suppliers due to their long-term contractual obligations.
On the supply side, polysilicon providers recently invested billions in new facilities, forcing them to produce in order to cover these new fixed costs.
Integrated firms holding the bag
Some of the hardest-hit entities in the PV industry have been the fully integrated players. These companies, including REC, Yingli, and SolarWorld, have operations in all three nodes of the value chain: polysilicon, wafer and cells.
Inventory levels for this segment jumped to more than 161 days in the first quarter, up from 86 days during the first three months of 2008.
One major reason these companies have borne the brunt of the inventory surge is their integrated structure. These firms possess integrated wafer and polysilicon production that help secure raw materials during periods of a supply bottleneck in the industry.
However, the integrated firms found their hands tied to their own capacity at various nodes when demand dropped off a cliff at the end of 2008.
This, in turn, created a lag time relative to other sectors in the industry that is now just reacting to the business environment, causing the severe inventory build-ups that led to margin compression.
Cell and module manufacturers
Cell and module manufacturers are currently experiencing significant increases in inventory, with levels rising to 105 days from the third-quarter level in 2008 of 47 days. This is due, in part, to pressure from wafer and polysilicon suppliers desiring that their customers adhere to shipment schedules negotiated in 2007 and 2008.
Polysilicon and wafer manufacturing have done the best job of maintaining inventories in this dynamic environment. With only a modest increase to 98 days from 74 days a year ago, it would seem that things are not looking so bad at this node compared to that of cell and module manufacturers.
However, as the year rolls on, this node in the chain will be hit with additional capacity coming online from major existing and relatively new polysilicon players. Such a development will lead to severe turmoil at this section of the value chain as the spot market will be flooded with excess capacity, with many looking to only cover variable costs.
iSuppli expects to see inventories at this node in the value chain to rise throughout this year and persist into 2010.
Solar Power Partners appoints G. Robert Powell as president and CEO
MILL VALLEY, USA: Solar Power Partners Inc. announced that G. Robert Powell, formerly the company’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. Alexander von Welczeck, former President and CEO, will continue with the company as Chief Strategy Officer.
Powell joined SPP earlier this year after his role as CFO at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, PG&E Corporation’s regulated California utility. Since his arrival, Powell’s vision, energy and utility background, and financial management experience have contributed significantly to the company’s growth as America’s premier independent solar power producer, said John Eastwood, SPP’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.
“We are delighted to have a recognized industry leader like Bob Powell at the helm at Solar Power Partners,” said Eastwood. “His extraordinary track record in the industry is a tremendous asset to SPP at this time of rapidly expanding business.
Combined with Alexander von Welczeck, who continues to make valuable contributions as Chief Strategy Officer, our management team is unrivaled in the industry.”
As Vice President and CFO, Powell oversaw SPP’s financial activities, which included working with financial partners, guiding the company’s overall finance strategy, and leading other corporate development functions. During his tenure as CFO of PG&E, the company completed both long and short-term financings in addition to executing power purchase contracts in the solar, wind, and biomass sectors.
Prior to PG&E, Powell was a Partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s national energy practice. Previously, Powell was a Partner at Arthur Andersen LLP’s worldwide energy and communications practice where he managed numerous project financing transactions. He is a CPA and holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MS in Management, both from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
“Solar Power Partners is transforming the way schools and public agencies embrace solar energy with its ‘no capital down’ power purchase agreement business model,” said Powell.
“With 37 systems and nearly 13 megawatts operational and more nearing completion, SPP has generated significant growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction in fewer than three years, and is clearly in the industry vanguard. I am very pleased to work with the best team in the business to move solar energy forward -- one school, university, airport, water district, and utility at a time -- throughout California and across the country.”
Powell joined SPP earlier this year after his role as CFO at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, PG&E Corporation’s regulated California utility. Since his arrival, Powell’s vision, energy and utility background, and financial management experience have contributed significantly to the company’s growth as America’s premier independent solar power producer, said John Eastwood, SPP’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.
“We are delighted to have a recognized industry leader like Bob Powell at the helm at Solar Power Partners,” said Eastwood. “His extraordinary track record in the industry is a tremendous asset to SPP at this time of rapidly expanding business.
Combined with Alexander von Welczeck, who continues to make valuable contributions as Chief Strategy Officer, our management team is unrivaled in the industry.”
As Vice President and CFO, Powell oversaw SPP’s financial activities, which included working with financial partners, guiding the company’s overall finance strategy, and leading other corporate development functions. During his tenure as CFO of PG&E, the company completed both long and short-term financings in addition to executing power purchase contracts in the solar, wind, and biomass sectors.
Prior to PG&E, Powell was a Partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s national energy practice. Previously, Powell was a Partner at Arthur Andersen LLP’s worldwide energy and communications practice where he managed numerous project financing transactions. He is a CPA and holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MS in Management, both from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
“Solar Power Partners is transforming the way schools and public agencies embrace solar energy with its ‘no capital down’ power purchase agreement business model,” said Powell.
“With 37 systems and nearly 13 megawatts operational and more nearing completion, SPP has generated significant growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction in fewer than three years, and is clearly in the industry vanguard. I am very pleased to work with the best team in the business to move solar energy forward -- one school, university, airport, water district, and utility at a time -- throughout California and across the country.”
Monday, July 20, 2009
SOLON SE concludes framework agreement with Statkraft for 40 MWp PV plant
BERLIN, GERMANY: SOLON SE recently concluded a framework agreement on the construction of photovoltaic power plants with Statkraft AS, Norway's biggest energy generator, for a total output of 40 MWp.
The agreement signals the acquisition of a key strategic customer for SOLON. The solar power plants will be constructed in Spain. The agreement also gives SOLON exclusive rights to Statkraft's photovoltaic power plant activities in Spain. Statkraft is Europe's largest generator of renewable energy.
The framework agreement runs from 2009 until the end of the project in 2011. Statkraft will assume responsibility for on-site project development, with SOLON handling engineering and the construction and maintenance of turnkey power plants.
Spain is a target area for solar power within Statkraft, which focuses on developing its own projects as well as acquiring licensed projects and operational solar parks.
"Supporting Statkraft in its comprehensive renewable energy operations and helping to develop the photovoltaic segment in the Statkraft portfolio will be an exciting project for us," says Thomas Krupke.
Olav Hetland, Statkraft's Senior Vice President of Solar Energy adds: "We are looking forward to cooperating with Solon on solar parks in Spain. With this framework agreement in place, we will be able to act quickly when projects are ready for construction."
Statkraft is Europe's largest renewable energy company. The Group develops and generates hydropower, wind power, gas power and district heating, and is a major player on the European power exchanges. Statkraft also develops marine energy, osmotic power, solar power, and other innovative energy solutions.
In 2008 Statkraft posted gross operating revenues of EUR 3.1 billion. The group employs 3,000 staff in more than 20 countries.
The agreement signals the acquisition of a key strategic customer for SOLON. The solar power plants will be constructed in Spain. The agreement also gives SOLON exclusive rights to Statkraft's photovoltaic power plant activities in Spain. Statkraft is Europe's largest generator of renewable energy.
The framework agreement runs from 2009 until the end of the project in 2011. Statkraft will assume responsibility for on-site project development, with SOLON handling engineering and the construction and maintenance of turnkey power plants.
Spain is a target area for solar power within Statkraft, which focuses on developing its own projects as well as acquiring licensed projects and operational solar parks.
"Supporting Statkraft in its comprehensive renewable energy operations and helping to develop the photovoltaic segment in the Statkraft portfolio will be an exciting project for us," says Thomas Krupke.
Olav Hetland, Statkraft's Senior Vice President of Solar Energy adds: "We are looking forward to cooperating with Solon on solar parks in Spain. With this framework agreement in place, we will be able to act quickly when projects are ready for construction."
Statkraft is Europe's largest renewable energy company. The Group develops and generates hydropower, wind power, gas power and district heating, and is a major player on the European power exchanges. Statkraft also develops marine energy, osmotic power, solar power, and other innovative energy solutions.
In 2008 Statkraft posted gross operating revenues of EUR 3.1 billion. The group employs 3,000 staff in more than 20 countries.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
SVTC, Roth & Rau in solar technology collaboration
SEMICON West 2009, SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Responding to emerging opportunities in the US solar market as well as economic stimulus funding, SVTC Technologies and Roth & Rau have renewed and expanded their partnership and are establishing a 30 megawatt (MW) world-class photovoltaic (PV) development and manufacturing center located in California’s Silicon Valley in the City of San Jose.
SVTC Technologies is a provider of technology development and commercialization services to global semiconductor-based clients, and Roth & Rau is a world-leading solar equipment manufacturer based in Germany.
Through the new 30 MW Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center, SVTC and Roth & Rau will offer a full range of manufacturing equipment and services to companies engaged in the development and production of solar cells.
Changing conditions favor solar success
Worldwide, the solar PV market is expected to reach $34 billion by 2013. The economic stimulus bill, signed into law in February 2009, is making billions of dollars available through the US Department of Energy (DoE) for renewable energy investment in US companies, including those engaged in solar energy development and manufacturing.
During 2008, almost $4 billion was invested in solar technologies. However, with the recent market down-turn, most solar development companies in the US, including both start-ups and established firms, do not have access to either the capital equipment or cost-effective, complete development solutions they need to succeed.
Without such access, it is unlikely that most US solar start-ups can survive more than two years, or that established companies will thrive and reach their potential.
“Our relationship with Roth & Rau, developed over a year ago, has enabled SVTC to respond rapidly to new opportunities resulting from changing market conditions and stimulus funding for solar energy development by the US government,” said Joe Bronson, CEO of SVTC Technologies.
“SVTC has proven the value of its business model of providing equipment and development capabilities for the commercialization of products in the semiconductor portion of its business.
"We will adapt the same concept to the emerging US solar business to accelerate its ability to grow the market for solar cells. We are delighted to move forward with a strong partner of Roth & Rau's standing and expertise and we both expect to accelerate the commercialization process in solar cell development while providing significant cost abatement to the industry resulting from their ability to access a world-class manufacturing line instead of investing considerable sums in their own pilot production facilities.”
“The timing is right for a big push into the US market for solar technologies, especially in California and Silicon Valley,” said Dietmar Roth, CEO of Roth & Rau AG.
“By partnering with SVTC, Roth & Rau will gain access to the nation’s highest concentration of solar product development companies as well as establish a high-profile presence in Silicon Valley. We are very enthusiastic about the market for PV development and manufacturing in the US, which we believe is poised for rapid growth.”
SVTC and Roth & Rau have significantly expanded the scope of their original plans for the Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center, increasing the capacity of the manufacturing line from 5 MW to 30 MW, to meet the greater demand from solar development companies.
The Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center, which is scheduled to be operational by Q1 2010, will offer a full range of low-cost development solutions along with the 30 MW solar cell production line. The manufacturing line will consist of state-of-the-art Roth & Rau equipment and will also include tools from other world-class solar equipment suppliers.
SVTC Technologies is a provider of technology development and commercialization services to global semiconductor-based clients, and Roth & Rau is a world-leading solar equipment manufacturer based in Germany.
Through the new 30 MW Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center, SVTC and Roth & Rau will offer a full range of manufacturing equipment and services to companies engaged in the development and production of solar cells.
Changing conditions favor solar success
Worldwide, the solar PV market is expected to reach $34 billion by 2013. The economic stimulus bill, signed into law in February 2009, is making billions of dollars available through the US Department of Energy (DoE) for renewable energy investment in US companies, including those engaged in solar energy development and manufacturing.
During 2008, almost $4 billion was invested in solar technologies. However, with the recent market down-turn, most solar development companies in the US, including both start-ups and established firms, do not have access to either the capital equipment or cost-effective, complete development solutions they need to succeed.
Without such access, it is unlikely that most US solar start-ups can survive more than two years, or that established companies will thrive and reach their potential.
“Our relationship with Roth & Rau, developed over a year ago, has enabled SVTC to respond rapidly to new opportunities resulting from changing market conditions and stimulus funding for solar energy development by the US government,” said Joe Bronson, CEO of SVTC Technologies.
“SVTC has proven the value of its business model of providing equipment and development capabilities for the commercialization of products in the semiconductor portion of its business.
"We will adapt the same concept to the emerging US solar business to accelerate its ability to grow the market for solar cells. We are delighted to move forward with a strong partner of Roth & Rau's standing and expertise and we both expect to accelerate the commercialization process in solar cell development while providing significant cost abatement to the industry resulting from their ability to access a world-class manufacturing line instead of investing considerable sums in their own pilot production facilities.”
“The timing is right for a big push into the US market for solar technologies, especially in California and Silicon Valley,” said Dietmar Roth, CEO of Roth & Rau AG.
“By partnering with SVTC, Roth & Rau will gain access to the nation’s highest concentration of solar product development companies as well as establish a high-profile presence in Silicon Valley. We are very enthusiastic about the market for PV development and manufacturing in the US, which we believe is poised for rapid growth.”
SVTC and Roth & Rau have significantly expanded the scope of their original plans for the Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center, increasing the capacity of the manufacturing line from 5 MW to 30 MW, to meet the greater demand from solar development companies.
The Silicon Valley Photovoltaic Development Center, which is scheduled to be operational by Q1 2010, will offer a full range of low-cost development solutions along with the 30 MW solar cell production line. The manufacturing line will consist of state-of-the-art Roth & Rau equipment and will also include tools from other world-class solar equipment suppliers.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Dust Networks intros SA-600 wireless sensor networking solution
Intersolar North America 2009, HAYWARD, USA: Dust Networks, the leading supplier of embedded wireless sensor networking (WSN) solutions, introduced the SmartMesh SA-600 system at Intersolar North America, a major trade show for the global solar market.
The SmartMesh SA-600 system enables customers to integrate a standards-based wireless mesh network with sensors and actuators to create scalable monitoring and control infrastructure without the cost and complexity of wires.
SmartMesh SA-600 is a self-forming, self-healing wireless mesh network that features dynamic network optimization and intelligent routing to provide levels of wireless network scalability, system-wide reliability and ultra low-power operation that are unmatched in the industry today.
Designed for use in line-powered, battery-powered, or energy-scavenging applications, SmartMesh SA-600 maximizes the flexibility of deployment options and allows sensors to be located wherever they need to go.
Dust’s solution also includes comprehensive APIs that allow customers to embed advanced wireless networking intelligence into existing monitoring and control solutions with low risk and rapid time-to-market.
By dramatically reducing the cost of capturing and managing sensor data, WSN solutions enable efficiency in a wide variety of markets, including renewable energy generation.
“For solar applications, particularly commercial and utility scale installations, WSN solutions can be used to monitor the health of inverters, control the orientation of solar collectors, relay temperature and weather information, and even measure the integrity of pumps, and then transmit the data wirelessly to any location,” said Steve Toteda, VP of Marketing of Dust Networks.
“Solar farms, which often span thousands of acres, can be wirelessly monitored more easily and economically than with traditional wired solutions, and SmartMesh SA-600 makes it easy to expand these installations by simply adding additional sensing and control points,” Toteda added.
Globally, estimates from McKinsey forecast dramatic growth in overall solar capacity, rising from today’s levels to over 200 GW by 2020.
The SmartMesh SA-600 system enables customers to integrate a standards-based wireless mesh network with sensors and actuators to create scalable monitoring and control infrastructure without the cost and complexity of wires.
SmartMesh SA-600 is a self-forming, self-healing wireless mesh network that features dynamic network optimization and intelligent routing to provide levels of wireless network scalability, system-wide reliability and ultra low-power operation that are unmatched in the industry today.
Designed for use in line-powered, battery-powered, or energy-scavenging applications, SmartMesh SA-600 maximizes the flexibility of deployment options and allows sensors to be located wherever they need to go.
Dust’s solution also includes comprehensive APIs that allow customers to embed advanced wireless networking intelligence into existing monitoring and control solutions with low risk and rapid time-to-market.
By dramatically reducing the cost of capturing and managing sensor data, WSN solutions enable efficiency in a wide variety of markets, including renewable energy generation.
“For solar applications, particularly commercial and utility scale installations, WSN solutions can be used to monitor the health of inverters, control the orientation of solar collectors, relay temperature and weather information, and even measure the integrity of pumps, and then transmit the data wirelessly to any location,” said Steve Toteda, VP of Marketing of Dust Networks.
“Solar farms, which often span thousands of acres, can be wirelessly monitored more easily and economically than with traditional wired solutions, and SmartMesh SA-600 makes it easy to expand these installations by simply adding additional sensing and control points,” Toteda added.
Globally, estimates from McKinsey forecast dramatic growth in overall solar capacity, rising from today’s levels to over 200 GW by 2020.
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
Semiconductor International launches PVSociety.com
OAK BROOK, USA: The staff of Semiconductor International is pleased to announce the launch of PVSociety.com, a destination for professionals in the photovoltaics manufacturing industry.
“We designed PVSociety.com to be a gathering place for engineers and researchers facing the day-to-day challenges of solar cell and module manufacturing,” said Laura Peters, Editor-in-Chief of PVSociety.com.
PVSociety.com is the place to go for the latest PV manufacturing and industry news, technical features, and insightful blogs from experts in the PV field. Site visitors are encouraged to participate in the conversations and network with industry professionals.
Topics will range throughout the PV manufacturing chain, from polysilicon to module, and cover all PV technologies, including crystalline silicon, thin film, organic and more, as the industry strives to find the best technologies and manufacturing methods to reach grid parity.
“We designed PVSociety.com to be a gathering place for engineers and researchers facing the day-to-day challenges of solar cell and module manufacturing,” said Laura Peters, Editor-in-Chief of PVSociety.com.
PVSociety.com is the place to go for the latest PV manufacturing and industry news, technical features, and insightful blogs from experts in the PV field. Site visitors are encouraged to participate in the conversations and network with industry professionals.
Topics will range throughout the PV manufacturing chain, from polysilicon to module, and cover all PV technologies, including crystalline silicon, thin film, organic and more, as the industry strives to find the best technologies and manufacturing methods to reach grid parity.
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.
MECASOLAR to produce solar trackers at new US production plant
SAN FRANCISCO, USA: MECASOLAR will open a new production plant in San Francisco (California), which will start producing at full capacity, 1- and 2-axis solar trackers and fixed structures in the first quarter 2010.
This initiative reflects the interest of MECASOLAR and the OPDE Group -- of which they form part -- in the US. market. In fact, the company already has a sales office in San Francisco.
Its commitment to the US market will become definite with the participation of MECASOLAR (Hall 1. Stand 9753) at the Intersolar North America to be held from July 14-16 in San Francisco.
At this exhibition they will present both their 2-axis solar trackers, and their two new products developed, designed and manufactured by the company, i.e., their new Fixed Structures, designed for ground level installations and large solar photovoltaic plants, and their new 1-Axis Azimuth Seasonal Trackers.
With this expansion to its product range MECASOLAR responds to the needs of the photovoltaic market for installations at ground level: from the 2-axis solar trackers - which they have been manufacturing since 2004 -- to fixed trackers and 1-axis solar trackers which they are launching at present.
The three ranges of products will be manufactured and assembled by the production plants in Spain (Navarra and Badajoz) and Greece (Thessaloniki); as well as the production plants scheduled to be started up in Italy and the U.S. at the end of 2009.
According to the company, with the new products, MECASOLAR expects to reach a production capacity for fixed structures and trackers (1 and 2 axis) by 2010 of 200 MW / year. The launch of the two new products will further strengthen its leadership in the 2-axis global photovoltaic market, with more than 140 MW manufactured in the year 2008 and 180MW accumulated to date.
The distribution of both the fixed structure and the 1-Axis Seasonal Azimuth tracker will be performed exclusively by PROINSO, an engineering and distribution company that was already conducting the distribution of 2-axis MECASOLAR trackers and also is a leader in the TRINA and REC distribution modules, as well as international partner of SMA in the supply of large photovoltaic plants.
This initiative reflects the interest of MECASOLAR and the OPDE Group -- of which they form part -- in the US. market. In fact, the company already has a sales office in San Francisco.
Its commitment to the US market will become definite with the participation of MECASOLAR (Hall 1. Stand 9753) at the Intersolar North America to be held from July 14-16 in San Francisco.
At this exhibition they will present both their 2-axis solar trackers, and their two new products developed, designed and manufactured by the company, i.e., their new Fixed Structures, designed for ground level installations and large solar photovoltaic plants, and their new 1-Axis Azimuth Seasonal Trackers.
With this expansion to its product range MECASOLAR responds to the needs of the photovoltaic market for installations at ground level: from the 2-axis solar trackers - which they have been manufacturing since 2004 -- to fixed trackers and 1-axis solar trackers which they are launching at present.
The three ranges of products will be manufactured and assembled by the production plants in Spain (Navarra and Badajoz) and Greece (Thessaloniki); as well as the production plants scheduled to be started up in Italy and the U.S. at the end of 2009.
According to the company, with the new products, MECASOLAR expects to reach a production capacity for fixed structures and trackers (1 and 2 axis) by 2010 of 200 MW / year. The launch of the two new products will further strengthen its leadership in the 2-axis global photovoltaic market, with more than 140 MW manufactured in the year 2008 and 180MW accumulated to date.
The distribution of both the fixed structure and the 1-Axis Seasonal Azimuth tracker will be performed exclusively by PROINSO, an engineering and distribution company that was already conducting the distribution of 2-axis MECASOLAR trackers and also is a leader in the TRINA and REC distribution modules, as well as international partner of SMA in the supply of large photovoltaic plants.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Applied Materials to demo power of scaling solar technology
Intersolar North America 2009, SANTA CLARA, USA: Applied Materials Inc. will showcase its strategy to make solar power affordable for everyone, everywhere, at the Intersolar North America event in San Francisco next week.
“Scale” is the key – scaling up power output through higher efficiency and bigger panels while scaling down cost through faster processing, tighter process control and lower material costs.
Applied is widely known for its award-winning SunFab Thin Film Line that produces panels with the world’s highest power output. Delivering more than 460 watts, each of these 5.7m2 panels has over three times the output of any other thin film glass panel on the market.
When used for large-scale applications, these panels can provide an entire manufacturing ecosystem, linking solar panel producers, utility companies and communities to attract local investment and create jobs for generating clean solar energy at a competitive cost.
Applied also serves over 40% of the crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV module manufacturing market with its broad portfolio of wafer and cell processing systems. By focusing on key steps of the c-Si fabrication process, Applied is working on providing new integration and automation solutions to enhance cell manufacturing.
New breakthroughs in the high-speed processing of ultra-thin wafers: wafer slicing, film deposition and integrated backend processing will enable lower manufacturing costs and superior cell properties.
“Scale” is the key – scaling up power output through higher efficiency and bigger panels while scaling down cost through faster processing, tighter process control and lower material costs.
Applied is widely known for its award-winning SunFab Thin Film Line that produces panels with the world’s highest power output. Delivering more than 460 watts, each of these 5.7m2 panels has over three times the output of any other thin film glass panel on the market.
When used for large-scale applications, these panels can provide an entire manufacturing ecosystem, linking solar panel producers, utility companies and communities to attract local investment and create jobs for generating clean solar energy at a competitive cost.
Applied also serves over 40% of the crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV module manufacturing market with its broad portfolio of wafer and cell processing systems. By focusing on key steps of the c-Si fabrication process, Applied is working on providing new integration and automation solutions to enhance cell manufacturing.
New breakthroughs in the high-speed processing of ultra-thin wafers: wafer slicing, film deposition and integrated backend processing will enable lower manufacturing costs and superior cell properties.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
SCHOTT Solar joins IMEC research program on silicon PV
LEUVEN, BELGIUM: SCHOTT Solar, a leading photovoltaics manufacturer, entered into a three-year research partnership with IMEC, Europe’s leading independent nanoelectronics research center.
SCHOTT Solar has joined IMEC’s newly launched silicon photovoltaics industrial affiliation program (IIAP). Within this multi-partner R&D program, IMEC aims to explore and develop advanced process technologies to fuel the steep market growth of silicon solar cells in a sustainable way. The program will concentrate on a sharp reduction in silicon use, while increasing cell efficiency and hence further lowering substantially the cost per watt peak.
By joining the silicon PV IIAP, researchers from SCHOTT Solar will be able to closely collaborate with IMEC’s research team to build up fundamental understanding and develop robust solutions for next-generation silicon based solar cells. The program will bring together silicon solar cell manufacturers, equipment and material suppliers and is based on a sharing of intellectual property, talent, risk and cost.
“We are excited that one of the leading photovoltaics manufacturers joins our multi-partner program. Building on our 25 years track record in silicon solar cells and our successful experience with Industrial Affiliation Programs on CMOS scaling, we are confident that we will provide our partners a dynamic research platform for accelerated process development;” said Jef Poortmans, Program Director Solar+ at IMEC.
“With over 50 years of experience in the solar market, including cell technology, SCHOTT Solar is established leader in the solar industry. In the highly dynamic market of solar power, short time to market for new products is essential. Therefore, SCHOTT Solar is pleased to announce that the company has joined the high-level IIAP R&D program at IMEC, the leading research institute in the field. We support IMEC’s ambitious goals and their work towards creating success their partners,” said Dr. Martin Heming, Chief Executive Officer at SCHOTT Solar AG.
Crystalline silicon solar cells are the workhorse of the photovoltaic industry, having a market share of more than 90 percent of the world production of solar cells. Within its IIAP, IMEC aims to reduce both the cost of producing crystalline silicon solar cells and the amount of Si/Watt that is needed by a factor of 2 to 3. Efficiencies over 20 percent are targeted.
IMEC’s program will explore both wafer-based bulk silicon solar cells and epitaxial cells. Within the bulk-silicon solar cell sub-program, generic process technology crucial for increased efficiency and manufacturing cost reduction will be developed. The active silicon layer thickness will be reduced from 150µm down to 40µm.
To meet efficiencies of up to 20 percent, alternative back-side dielectric stacks and interdigitated back-side contacts (i-BC) will be introduced in thin-wafers using a PERL-style (PERL = passivated emitter and rear local back surface field) concept in an industrial process flow. Cell module integration will be investigated since reduced wafer thickness will impose specific integration requirements.
As the guaranteed lifetime of cells and modules will further increase in the next decade from 20-25 years up to 35 years and more, reliability will also be assessed in depth. And new methods to realize and handle wafers as thin as 40µm will be pursued. The potential of the technology will be benchmarked in small area lab cells and large-area solar cells.
Besides the generic bulk silicon research which is of relevance for any crystalline silicon wafer-based solar cell technology, epitaxial thin-film (<20µm) silicon solar cells on low-cost silicon carrier will also be developed. Epitaxial thin-film silicon solar cell technology is expected to be the intermediate step before mainstream fabs will switch from bulk silicon solar cells to thin-film solar cells.
The process is generically similar to the bulk process and the epi-process can be implemented with limited equipment investment. To improve the optical confinement of light in the active part of the cell, a buried porous Si reflector will be developed.
SCHOTT Solar has joined IMEC’s newly launched silicon photovoltaics industrial affiliation program (IIAP). Within this multi-partner R&D program, IMEC aims to explore and develop advanced process technologies to fuel the steep market growth of silicon solar cells in a sustainable way. The program will concentrate on a sharp reduction in silicon use, while increasing cell efficiency and hence further lowering substantially the cost per watt peak.
By joining the silicon PV IIAP, researchers from SCHOTT Solar will be able to closely collaborate with IMEC’s research team to build up fundamental understanding and develop robust solutions for next-generation silicon based solar cells. The program will bring together silicon solar cell manufacturers, equipment and material suppliers and is based on a sharing of intellectual property, talent, risk and cost.
“We are excited that one of the leading photovoltaics manufacturers joins our multi-partner program. Building on our 25 years track record in silicon solar cells and our successful experience with Industrial Affiliation Programs on CMOS scaling, we are confident that we will provide our partners a dynamic research platform for accelerated process development;” said Jef Poortmans, Program Director Solar+ at IMEC.
“With over 50 years of experience in the solar market, including cell technology, SCHOTT Solar is established leader in the solar industry. In the highly dynamic market of solar power, short time to market for new products is essential. Therefore, SCHOTT Solar is pleased to announce that the company has joined the high-level IIAP R&D program at IMEC, the leading research institute in the field. We support IMEC’s ambitious goals and their work towards creating success their partners,” said Dr. Martin Heming, Chief Executive Officer at SCHOTT Solar AG.
Crystalline silicon solar cells are the workhorse of the photovoltaic industry, having a market share of more than 90 percent of the world production of solar cells. Within its IIAP, IMEC aims to reduce both the cost of producing crystalline silicon solar cells and the amount of Si/Watt that is needed by a factor of 2 to 3. Efficiencies over 20 percent are targeted.
IMEC’s program will explore both wafer-based bulk silicon solar cells and epitaxial cells. Within the bulk-silicon solar cell sub-program, generic process technology crucial for increased efficiency and manufacturing cost reduction will be developed. The active silicon layer thickness will be reduced from 150µm down to 40µm.
To meet efficiencies of up to 20 percent, alternative back-side dielectric stacks and interdigitated back-side contacts (i-BC) will be introduced in thin-wafers using a PERL-style (PERL = passivated emitter and rear local back surface field) concept in an industrial process flow. Cell module integration will be investigated since reduced wafer thickness will impose specific integration requirements.
As the guaranteed lifetime of cells and modules will further increase in the next decade from 20-25 years up to 35 years and more, reliability will also be assessed in depth. And new methods to realize and handle wafers as thin as 40µm will be pursued. The potential of the technology will be benchmarked in small area lab cells and large-area solar cells.
Besides the generic bulk silicon research which is of relevance for any crystalline silicon wafer-based solar cell technology, epitaxial thin-film (<20µm) silicon solar cells on low-cost silicon carrier will also be developed. Epitaxial thin-film silicon solar cell technology is expected to be the intermediate step before mainstream fabs will switch from bulk silicon solar cells to thin-film solar cells.
The process is generically similar to the bulk process and the epi-process can be implemented with limited equipment investment. To improve the optical confinement of light in the active part of the cell, a buried porous Si reflector will be developed.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
RFID system for solar industry
CHELMSFORD, USA: Brooks Automation Inc. has announced a new radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader specifically for the solar cell industry.
This innovative solution provides reliable traceability from the source ingot to the ready-to-use solar cell module. RFID usage increases manufacturing throughput, reduces handling errors and limits non-value handling.
The innovative HF80 Series developed by RFID specialist Brooks Automation offers a variety of functions and is obtainable with an Ethernet and/or serial RS232 interface. The system consists of an RFID reader, antenna and transponder. Working at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, the five antenna terminals minimize the cost per reading point and ensure best-in-class reading ranges and reliability.
The HF80 Series is intended for use in the production process where it is effortlessly integrated into production machines. An application in order picking stations is also conceivable. The HF80 enables solar cell manufacturers access to integrated, transparent production data throughout the manufacturing process.
RFID is the future ID-System for the PV-Industry. The read and write capability of the transponder, the accurate reading rate and the exceptional reliability of the system uniquely qualifies it for the solar production process.
This innovative solution provides reliable traceability from the source ingot to the ready-to-use solar cell module. RFID usage increases manufacturing throughput, reduces handling errors and limits non-value handling.
The innovative HF80 Series developed by RFID specialist Brooks Automation offers a variety of functions and is obtainable with an Ethernet and/or serial RS232 interface. The system consists of an RFID reader, antenna and transponder. Working at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, the five antenna terminals minimize the cost per reading point and ensure best-in-class reading ranges and reliability.
The HF80 Series is intended for use in the production process where it is effortlessly integrated into production machines. An application in order picking stations is also conceivable. The HF80 enables solar cell manufacturers access to integrated, transparent production data throughout the manufacturing process.
RFID is the future ID-System for the PV-Industry. The read and write capability of the transponder, the accurate reading rate and the exceptional reliability of the system uniquely qualifies it for the solar production process.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Sanyo develops HIT solar cells with 23pc energy conversion efficiency
TOKYO, JAPAN: SANYO Electric Co. Ltd. has broken its own record for the world’s highest energy conversion efficiency in practical size (100 cm2 or more) crystalline silicon-type solar cells, achieving a efficiency of 23 percent (until now 22.3 percent) at a research level for its proprietary HIT solar photovoltaic cells.
SANYO is pushing forward with the expansion of its solar business, based on its Brand Vision ‘Think GAIA’, and aims to realize a clean energy society.
The increase in the solar cell conversion efficiency this time is accompanied by significant advances in lowering the production cost of the photovoltaic system and the reduction in the use of raw materials such as silicon.
This achievement by SANYO represents the first time that a photovoltaic manufacturer has broken through the 23 percent mark in conversion efficiency at the research-level for practical-sizxed solar cells, and further cements the leadership of SANYO’s HIT solar cell which is renowned for its high conversion efficiency.
For now on SANYO will continue to advance its efforts into applying this research-level achievement into mass production, and promote further research into energy efficiency, as well as reductions in cost and materials.
SANYO is pushing forward with the expansion of its solar business, based on its Brand Vision ‘Think GAIA’, and aims to realize a clean energy society. The increase in the solar cell conversion efficiency this time is accompanied by significant advances in lowering the production cost of the photovoltaic system and the reduction in the use of raw materials such as silicon.
This achievement by SANYO represents the first time that a photovoltaic manufacturer has broken through the 23 percent mark in conversion efficiency at the research-level for practical-sizxed solar cells, and further cements the leadership of SANYO’s HIT solar cell which is renowned for its high conversion efficiency.
For now on SANYO will continue to advance its efforts into applying this research-level achievement into mass production, and promote further research into energy efficiency, as well as reductions in cost and materials.
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