DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "India Solar Photovoltaic Market" to its offering.
Indian solar PV market enjoys its place in the sun following the infusion of large-scale private investments
The Indian solar PV market has come of age in the last two to three years, with the market growing from a ten-member sector to a well-organized market with more than 30 world-class PV module and cell suppliers.
The aggregate module production capacity rose from less than 60 MW in 2005 to more than 1 GW in 2009, setting India up as a possible major manufacturing hub for the global solar PV market. The market can now look forward to large-scale private investments across the PV value chain, especially in the production of polysilcion feedstock, silicon wafers, PV modules and cells, as well as balance of system components.
Successive reforms in the power sector and a plethora of policies initiated at the central and state level to control green house gas emissions and promote renewable energy has restored investor interest in the solar power industry, says the analyst of this research. Several private firms are expected make large investments to avail financial incentives and leverage the cost advantages of solar PV production in India.
The Indian Government has added impetus to the market by promoting solar energy to narrow the power deficit in the country. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) announced in 2009 is expected to infuse the much-needed competitiveness in the domestic market.
This program is mainly aimed at the wide-scale deployment of solar farms, roof top-based generation, and rural electrification. The successful implementation of the JNNSM can vastly benefit module suppliers, solar PV/ solar thermal-based independent power producers (IPPs), and system integrators.
The Indian solar PV market is likely to grow in terms of PV modules and cell exports to various developed nations in the world, notes the analyst. In fact, up to 75 percent of the total module production in India is anticipated to find its way to different solar markets in the European Union (EU) in the next two to three years.
Despite the robust government backing, the market is hindered by the high capital requirements and the risks posed by the lack for grid parity of large solar farms. Market participants will have to sort out the affordability issue if they desire wide-scale deployment of rural electrification programs.
The country also lacks a well developed transmission and distribution (T&D) network for evacuation of solar power from remotely located plants. Investors in solar power stand to gain greatly from the implementation of a renewable energy credit trading system, since it could significantly augment the chances of the development of solar farms, which are currently dependent on government subsidies.
Participants can feel hopeful about the future, as the solar PV market has already achieved global standards. In terms of quality, the PV modules and cells manufactured in India are considered at par with those manufactured in the developed nations. India, with its advantages of lower labor costs, offers domestic PV suppliers opportunities to manufacture economical, yet high quality modules and cells, enabling them to gain an edge in the world market, observes the analyst.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
SolarWorld concludes JV with Qatar Foundation
BONN, GERMANY & DOHA, QATAR: SolarWorld is acquiring a 29 percent stake in the newly founded joint venture Qatar Solar Technologies headquartered in the Emirate of Qatar.
The joint venture will establish the first production facility for polysilicon on the Arabian Peninsula. Partners are the Qatar Foundation (70 percent) and the Qatar Development Bank (1 percent).
Qatar Solar Technologies will invest a total of more than $500 million in construction of the production facility with a planned annual capacity of around 3,600 tons of high-purity polysilicon in its first stage of expansion. Start of production is planned for the third quarter of 2012.
At the Ras Laffan Industrial City location in the northeast of Qatar, the joint venture has access to an excellent chemicals infrastructure with favorable energy prices. Here, a forward integration along the entire solar value chain all the way to the finished solar power module could be implemented. A change of thinking is taking place on the Arabian Peninsula from which a larger and larger market for solar power systems is developing.
Qatar is one of the world’s largest supplier countries for natural gas that has so far been securing its power supply on the basis of natural gas. “With the conversion of natural gas via electricity into solar-grade silicon, the reach of the gas virtually increases by a factor of more than 25 for as long as our solar power modules generate, as guaranteed, clean energy from the sun,” says Frank H. Asbeck, chairman and CEO of SolarWorld AG upon signing a contract Monday in Doha in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned.
With the project, SolarWorld further secures its supply of solar-grade silicon in addition to the company’s own production, its own raw materials recycling activities and its long-term delivery contracts. The technology partner for the construction of the production line is the German company Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG with which SolarWorld AG has previously cooperated successfully in the development of its manufacturing facilities.
The joint venture will establish the first production facility for polysilicon on the Arabian Peninsula. Partners are the Qatar Foundation (70 percent) and the Qatar Development Bank (1 percent).
Qatar Solar Technologies will invest a total of more than $500 million in construction of the production facility with a planned annual capacity of around 3,600 tons of high-purity polysilicon in its first stage of expansion. Start of production is planned for the third quarter of 2012.
At the Ras Laffan Industrial City location in the northeast of Qatar, the joint venture has access to an excellent chemicals infrastructure with favorable energy prices. Here, a forward integration along the entire solar value chain all the way to the finished solar power module could be implemented. A change of thinking is taking place on the Arabian Peninsula from which a larger and larger market for solar power systems is developing.
Qatar is one of the world’s largest supplier countries for natural gas that has so far been securing its power supply on the basis of natural gas. “With the conversion of natural gas via electricity into solar-grade silicon, the reach of the gas virtually increases by a factor of more than 25 for as long as our solar power modules generate, as guaranteed, clean energy from the sun,” says Frank H. Asbeck, chairman and CEO of SolarWorld AG upon signing a contract Monday in Doha in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned.
With the project, SolarWorld further secures its supply of solar-grade silicon in addition to the company’s own production, its own raw materials recycling activities and its long-term delivery contracts. The technology partner for the construction of the production line is the German company Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG with which SolarWorld AG has previously cooperated successfully in the development of its manufacturing facilities.
SPG Solar appoints Ted Walsh as VP of business development
NOVATO, USA: SPG Solar Inc. announced the appointment of Ted Walsh as the company’s Vice President of Business Development. In his new role, Walsh is responsible for overseeing SPG Solar’s sales activities, partner opportunities, and strategic growth. He brings strong executive leadership, successful solar sales management experience, and a client-focused approach to the top sales position at one of the country’s most experienced and innovative solar developers.
“Ted’s passion for environmental stewardship, responsible sales ethics, and competitive leadership has helped SPG Solar sustain high growth and emerge as one of the most successful solar integrators in the United States,” says Thomas Rooney, CEO of SPG Solar. “He combines a high level of integrity, customer perspective and sales management experience with expertise in project finance and renewable energy.”
Since joining SPG Solar in 2006, Walsh has been a top producing sales representative and has managed sales teams to tremendous growth. During his tenure, he has implemented successful sales processes and led SPG Solar’s sales efforts on many of the company’s most notable projects; including the revolutionary Floatovoltaics systems at Far Niente and Gundlach Bundschu Wineries, the largest Solyndra (CIGS) system in the United States to date at Livermore Cinemas, and multi-megawatt systems for the Irvine Unified School District and Northern California Power Agency.
Walsh has a diverse background in sales and the sciences, having worked throughout the United States and Europe in fields ranging from infectious disease research and emergency care management to IT sales. He holds a degree in Economics and Managerial Accounting from the University of Rochester, New York, and a BS in Natural Sciences - Chemistry from the University of South Florida.
“SPG Solar is incredibly well-positioned for growth as a national leader in the photovoltaics industry,” says Walsh. “I am proud to be part of the remarkable team at SPG Solar. We’ve developed many of the most innovative solar solutions on the market, deliver premium products and services at very competitive prices, and above all else, we stand behind our commitments to our clients.”
“Ted’s passion for environmental stewardship, responsible sales ethics, and competitive leadership has helped SPG Solar sustain high growth and emerge as one of the most successful solar integrators in the United States,” says Thomas Rooney, CEO of SPG Solar. “He combines a high level of integrity, customer perspective and sales management experience with expertise in project finance and renewable energy.”
Since joining SPG Solar in 2006, Walsh has been a top producing sales representative and has managed sales teams to tremendous growth. During his tenure, he has implemented successful sales processes and led SPG Solar’s sales efforts on many of the company’s most notable projects; including the revolutionary Floatovoltaics systems at Far Niente and Gundlach Bundschu Wineries, the largest Solyndra (CIGS) system in the United States to date at Livermore Cinemas, and multi-megawatt systems for the Irvine Unified School District and Northern California Power Agency.
Walsh has a diverse background in sales and the sciences, having worked throughout the United States and Europe in fields ranging from infectious disease research and emergency care management to IT sales. He holds a degree in Economics and Managerial Accounting from the University of Rochester, New York, and a BS in Natural Sciences - Chemistry from the University of South Florida.
“SPG Solar is incredibly well-positioned for growth as a national leader in the photovoltaics industry,” says Walsh. “I am proud to be part of the remarkable team at SPG Solar. We’ve developed many of the most innovative solar solutions on the market, deliver premium products and services at very competitive prices, and above all else, we stand behind our commitments to our clients.”
Monday, March 1, 2010
AUO to showcase competitive edge in solar industry value chain at Japan's PV EXPO
HSINCHU, TAIWAN: AU Optronics Corp. will exhibit at PV EXPO 2010 in Tokyo Big Sight, Japan from March 3-5 to showcase its competitive edge in the solar industry value chain. High quality polysilicon, ingots and wafers produced by M.Setek and high-efficiency mono-crystalline and multi-crystalline PV modules from AUO will be on display.
The PV EXPO in Japan is one of the most noted professional PV trade shows in the world, as well as the most important business platform of the Asian PV industry. There are 570 exhibitors worldwide participating this year, displaying a full range of technologies for materials, equipment, solar cells and modules, photovoltaic systems and integration schemes. It is a must-attend event for vendors who wish to break into the Japanese and Asian PV markets.
AUO will be exhibiting the high-efficient module Mono 245W, which is capable of generating more power on space-limited rooftops with an impressive conversion rate of 14.7 percent. It weighs merely 20kg, around 15 percent lighter than modules of the same size in the market, and is also easy to install. Customers have their options of choosing black or white colored modules to match the designs of their buildings.
In its energy business, AUO has both the quality key materials from M.Setek in the upstream and photovoltaic system projects in the downstream to provide the most competitive total solution. Therefore, the company will exhibit quality material with high conversion rates at the PV EXPO to demonstrate its strategic position in the integration of the solar industry supply chain.
Being a major supplier to renowned solar cell companies around the world, M.Setek boasts leading technologies in Japan for upstream polysilicon and wafers with high conversion rates. It is one of the few global suppliers that can provide high quality and high-efficiency solar wafers. The Company is also among the first to employ diamond wire sawing and is capable of mass production. The technology helps increase conversion rates, eliminate the use of organic solvents to ensure eco-friendly production, and maintain cost competitiveness.
M.Setek is also equipped with the technologies to fully recycle its materials, to take their share of responsibility in carbon balance in the green energy industry. At the PV EXPO, M.Setek will display several wafers, among which the N-Type mono-crystalline wafer can be applied to the making of high-efficiency solar cells, with a conversion rate as high as 20-23 percent.
James Chen, AUO's Senior Associate Vice President of the Solar Photovoltaic Business Unit will be speaking at the Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Forum on the morning of March 4 during PV EXPO. The topic is to be AUO's Green Solutions.
AUO has actively invested in solar business and planned for the solar value chain from upstream to downstream. The Company has partners in Europe for the development of several solar projects. In addition, a reliability lab for the testing of solar modules has been set up in Taichung, with its product quality certified by TUV Rheinland, a global leader in independent testing and assessment services from Germany.
The plan is to next launch solar business operating points in China this year. With the strategy to provide total solutions, AUO will cooperate closely with partners in the industry value chain to further develop the global solar market.
The PV EXPO in Japan is one of the most noted professional PV trade shows in the world, as well as the most important business platform of the Asian PV industry. There are 570 exhibitors worldwide participating this year, displaying a full range of technologies for materials, equipment, solar cells and modules, photovoltaic systems and integration schemes. It is a must-attend event for vendors who wish to break into the Japanese and Asian PV markets.
AUO will be exhibiting the high-efficient module Mono 245W, which is capable of generating more power on space-limited rooftops with an impressive conversion rate of 14.7 percent. It weighs merely 20kg, around 15 percent lighter than modules of the same size in the market, and is also easy to install. Customers have their options of choosing black or white colored modules to match the designs of their buildings.
In its energy business, AUO has both the quality key materials from M.Setek in the upstream and photovoltaic system projects in the downstream to provide the most competitive total solution. Therefore, the company will exhibit quality material with high conversion rates at the PV EXPO to demonstrate its strategic position in the integration of the solar industry supply chain.
Being a major supplier to renowned solar cell companies around the world, M.Setek boasts leading technologies in Japan for upstream polysilicon and wafers with high conversion rates. It is one of the few global suppliers that can provide high quality and high-efficiency solar wafers. The Company is also among the first to employ diamond wire sawing and is capable of mass production. The technology helps increase conversion rates, eliminate the use of organic solvents to ensure eco-friendly production, and maintain cost competitiveness.
M.Setek is also equipped with the technologies to fully recycle its materials, to take their share of responsibility in carbon balance in the green energy industry. At the PV EXPO, M.Setek will display several wafers, among which the N-Type mono-crystalline wafer can be applied to the making of high-efficiency solar cells, with a conversion rate as high as 20-23 percent.
James Chen, AUO's Senior Associate Vice President of the Solar Photovoltaic Business Unit will be speaking at the Taiwan Photovoltaic Industry Forum on the morning of March 4 during PV EXPO. The topic is to be AUO's Green Solutions.
AUO has actively invested in solar business and planned for the solar value chain from upstream to downstream. The Company has partners in Europe for the development of several solar projects. In addition, a reliability lab for the testing of solar modules has been set up in Taichung, with its product quality certified by TUV Rheinland, a global leader in independent testing and assessment services from Germany.
The plan is to next launch solar business operating points in China this year. With the strategy to provide total solutions, AUO will cooperate closely with partners in the industry value chain to further develop the global solar market.
LDK Solar acquires Best Solar's crystalline module manufacturing plant
XINYU CITY, CHINA & SUNNYVALE, USA: LDK Solar Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of multi-crystalline solar wafers, has entered into an agreement to acquire the crystalline module manufacturing plant of Best Solar Co. Ltd.
Under the terms of the transaction LDK Solar will acquire Best Solar's crystalline module manufacturing plant at cash consideration of $21.5 million, representing the fair value of the assets acquired determined on an arms-length basis.
"This acquisition will significantly enhance LDK Solar's position in the downstream PV market," stated Jack Lai, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary of LDK Solar. "LDK Solar has been fulfilling the majority of its solar module needs through purchases from Best Solar over the past three quarters. We look forward to realizing cost efficiencies by bringing crystalline module manufacturing in-house. This acquisition represents an important step as we continue to expand the scope of our vertical integration and strengthens our competitive advantage within the sector."
Best Solar is wholly owned by LDK New Energy Holding Limited, which is LDK Solar's controlling shareholder, and wholly owned by Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar. The terms of the agreement have been reviewed and approved by LDK Solar and Best Solar on an arms-length basis using the fair market value of the acquired assets.
The fair market value was determined by a valuation analysis performed by a third party independent valuer and approved by LDK Solar's management team and Audit Committee. Best Solar has undertaken not to engage, and therefore compete with LDK Solar, in the module business after this transaction is completed.
Under the terms of the transaction LDK Solar will acquire Best Solar's crystalline module manufacturing plant at cash consideration of $21.5 million, representing the fair value of the assets acquired determined on an arms-length basis.
"This acquisition will significantly enhance LDK Solar's position in the downstream PV market," stated Jack Lai, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary of LDK Solar. "LDK Solar has been fulfilling the majority of its solar module needs through purchases from Best Solar over the past three quarters. We look forward to realizing cost efficiencies by bringing crystalline module manufacturing in-house. This acquisition represents an important step as we continue to expand the scope of our vertical integration and strengthens our competitive advantage within the sector."
Best Solar is wholly owned by LDK New Energy Holding Limited, which is LDK Solar's controlling shareholder, and wholly owned by Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar. The terms of the agreement have been reviewed and approved by LDK Solar and Best Solar on an arms-length basis using the fair market value of the acquired assets.
The fair market value was determined by a valuation analysis performed by a third party independent valuer and approved by LDK Solar's management team and Audit Committee. Best Solar has undertaken not to engage, and therefore compete with LDK Solar, in the module business after this transaction is completed.
Mitsubishi Electric's new strategies to expand solar business
TOKYO, JAPAN: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. announced its has completed construction of PV Cell Plant #2, a new photovoltaic (PV) cell production facility at its Nakatsugawa Works Iida Factory in Nagano Prefecture.
By March 2011, the company will raise its annual PV cell/module production capacity by 50 megawatts (MW) to 270MW, and ultimately plans to reach an annual capacity of 600MW at an early stage.
The global PV market is expected to grow from 5,550MW in fiscal 2009 (April 2008 – March 2009) to approximately 8,000MW in fiscal 2012 (April 2011 – March 2012), with the introduction of new PV-related stimulus programs in Japan, feed-in-tariff systems spreading in Europe, as well as projected growth in the North American market. Mitsubishi Electric‘s expansion of production capacity is in response to this sharp increase in global demand for PV systems.
Adding to its current lineup of polycrystalline silicon PV modules, Mitsubishi Electric plans to install new equipment at its Iida Factory to manufacture monocrystalline silicon PV cells, and start production by March 2011. At the same time, the company will build new production lines to manufacture monocrystalline silicon PV modules at its Nakatsugawa Works Kyoto Factory in Kyoto Prefecture.
Monocrystaline silicon PV modules will enable PV systems to generate relatively more electricity on limited surfaces compared to polycrystalline silicon PV modules.
Furthermore, using the technologies that enabled Mitsubishi Electric to achieve the world’s highest photoelectric conversion efficiency of 19.3 percent in a 150x150mm polycrystalline silicon PV cell, the company plans to develop highly efficient monocrystalline silicon PV cells. Mitsubishi Electric intends to incorporate these PV cells in its future PV modules.
In addition, to respond mainly to the large increase in demand for PV inverters for residential-use in the Japanese market, Mitsubishi Electric will raise its monthly PV inverter production capacity at its Nakatsugawa Works by 50 percent from 4,000 units to 6,000 units in May 2010.
By March 2011, the company will raise its annual PV cell/module production capacity by 50 megawatts (MW) to 270MW, and ultimately plans to reach an annual capacity of 600MW at an early stage.
The global PV market is expected to grow from 5,550MW in fiscal 2009 (April 2008 – March 2009) to approximately 8,000MW in fiscal 2012 (April 2011 – March 2012), with the introduction of new PV-related stimulus programs in Japan, feed-in-tariff systems spreading in Europe, as well as projected growth in the North American market. Mitsubishi Electric‘s expansion of production capacity is in response to this sharp increase in global demand for PV systems.
Adding to its current lineup of polycrystalline silicon PV modules, Mitsubishi Electric plans to install new equipment at its Iida Factory to manufacture monocrystalline silicon PV cells, and start production by March 2011. At the same time, the company will build new production lines to manufacture monocrystalline silicon PV modules at its Nakatsugawa Works Kyoto Factory in Kyoto Prefecture.
Monocrystaline silicon PV modules will enable PV systems to generate relatively more electricity on limited surfaces compared to polycrystalline silicon PV modules.
Furthermore, using the technologies that enabled Mitsubishi Electric to achieve the world’s highest photoelectric conversion efficiency of 19.3 percent in a 150x150mm polycrystalline silicon PV cell, the company plans to develop highly efficient monocrystalline silicon PV cells. Mitsubishi Electric intends to incorporate these PV cells in its future PV modules.
In addition, to respond mainly to the large increase in demand for PV inverters for residential-use in the Japanese market, Mitsubishi Electric will raise its monthly PV inverter production capacity at its Nakatsugawa Works by 50 percent from 4,000 units to 6,000 units in May 2010.
GT Solar announces multiple DSS orders worth over $200 million
MERRIMACK, USA: GT Solar International Inc., a global provider of specialized production equipment, process technology and turnkey manufacturing services for the solar power industry, has signed new contracts totaling more than $200 million for its market-leading DSS450 ingot growth furnaces and ancillary equipment and services.
This includes a $137 million follow-on order from a large Chinese customer, as well as orders from Tianwei New Energy Holdings Co. Ltd, Phoenix Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd, Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd, JA Solar Holding Co. Ltd, Taiwan-based Sino-American Silicon Products (SAS), and one other customer. The orders were booked in GT Solar’s current fourth fiscal quarter and revenue for these orders is expected to be recognized in periods subsequent to the current fiscal year.
“We are pleased that leading PV manufacturers continue to express confidence in our ingot growth technology, as evidenced by these orders from our valued Asian customers,” said Tom Gutierrez, president and CEO, GT Solar.
“GT Solar is well positioned in Asia to meet the needs of our growing base of customers with the investment we have made for additional service and support capability in our Shanghai facility. The reliability of our DSS450 ingot growth furnace continues to deliver proven value to our customers by providing a lower cost of ownership and reducing their cost of manufacturing.”
This includes a $137 million follow-on order from a large Chinese customer, as well as orders from Tianwei New Energy Holdings Co. Ltd, Phoenix Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd, Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd, JA Solar Holding Co. Ltd, Taiwan-based Sino-American Silicon Products (SAS), and one other customer. The orders were booked in GT Solar’s current fourth fiscal quarter and revenue for these orders is expected to be recognized in periods subsequent to the current fiscal year.
“We are pleased that leading PV manufacturers continue to express confidence in our ingot growth technology, as evidenced by these orders from our valued Asian customers,” said Tom Gutierrez, president and CEO, GT Solar.
“GT Solar is well positioned in Asia to meet the needs of our growing base of customers with the investment we have made for additional service and support capability in our Shanghai facility. The reliability of our DSS450 ingot growth furnace continues to deliver proven value to our customers by providing a lower cost of ownership and reducing their cost of manufacturing.”
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