KYOTO, JAPAN: Kyocera Corp. announced that its main 210-watt solar module is the first in the world to have passed the major sub-tests of the new "Long-Term Sequential Test" performed by TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd. which independently evaluates solar module quality and reliability.
The Long-Term Sequential Test which is conducted by the third party certification organization, TUV Rheinland, evaluates solar modules with four sub-tests: Damp Heat, Thermal Cycling, Humidity Freeze, and Bypass Diode.
These test the module's overall performance and quality by putting it under harsher conditions than those standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Furthermore, while conventional testing dictates that a separate individual module be used per sub-test, the Long-Term Sequential Test carries out all four sub-tests on the same module, thereby evaluating it under conditions closer to those a product faces over its actual lifetime.
The company's main 210-watt solar module (comprised of 54 multicrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells; mass-produced since 2008) has passed TUV Rheinland's major sub-testing for Damp Heat and Thermal Cycling — and Kyocera's module has proven to maintain a constant level of power output throughout.
Furthermore, compared to conventional industry testing methodology, these two sub-tests evaluate modules over a longer time period. Currently, the company's module is undergoing the remaining sub-tests — Humidity Freeze and Bypass Diode — with the full Long-Term Sequential Test planned to be completed by December 2010.
"With many years of experience in the solar energy business dating back to 1975, Kyocera was the first company in the industry to successfully mass-produce multicrystalline silicon solar cells. Evidence of the long-term quality and reliability of our modules can be found in a 43kW solar power generating system that we installed in 1984 on our research center which is still generating electricity at an extremely high level compared to its original power output. The results of TUV Rheinland's new test further support Kyocera's own data collected over the years from actual installations," stated Tatsumi Maeda, vice president and general manager of Kyocera Corporation's Solar Energy Group.
"TUV Rheinland's test results and data from our own long-standing installations prove the reliability of Kyocera modules, and provide our residential- and large-scale-use customers peace-of-mind in their solar investment."
"Now that the market is promising up to 25 years of life for a PV module, end users are asking for more evidence to give them confidence in a solar investment," says Stefan Kiehn, head of the PV testing facilities at TUV Rheinland Japan.
"TUV Rheinland's Long-Term Sequential Testing does not guarantee that the product will be as perfect in 25 years as when it was purchased, but it can help manufacturers to better understand how their modules may behave after being in use for a long time. Until now this was only possible through real outdoor lifetime testing."
Kyocera provides products with outstanding reliability, assessing its product quality in-house and with third-party testing, in order to contribute to further development and expansion of solar energy use. As a manufacturer, Kyocera will continue to develop its solar cell technologies to create solutions for the energy and environmental problems our world is currently facing.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
3Sun appoints chairman and CEO
ROME, ITALY, OSAKA, JAPAN & GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: Enel Green Power, Sharp and STMicroelectronics announced the appointment of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of their new joint venture company 3Sun by its Board of Directors, constituted at the end of July 2010. The appointment is in line with the agreement signed by Enel Green Power, Sharp and STMicroelectronics on January 4, 2010.
The goal of the joint venture is to start operations at the Catania factory for integrated production of innovative photovoltaic cells and panels.
The new Chairman of 3Sun is Andrea Cuomo, STMicroelectronics' Executive Vice President for the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region. Cuomo will also retain his position at ST, which he has held since January 2008, and will continue to head up ST's Advanced Systems Technology (AST) group and be a member of ST's Corporate Strategic Committee. Born in Milan, Italy, in 1954, Cuomo joined SGS Microelettronica, a predecessor company of STMicroelectronics, in 1983.
The new Chief Executive Officer of 3Sun is Mauro Curiale, since January 2007 in charge of Enel SOLE, a subsidiary of Enel Group and a leading company in the construction and management of public and artistic lighting systems. Curiale is also a member of the Board of Directors of AIDI (Italian Lighting Association).
Born in Ancona, Italy, in 1952, Curiale began his professional career with ENEL in 1981.
The new Chairman and CEO are members of the 3Sun Board of Directors. The headquarters of 3Sun is in Catania, Italy.
The goal of the joint venture is to start operations at the Catania factory for integrated production of innovative photovoltaic cells and panels.
The new Chairman of 3Sun is Andrea Cuomo, STMicroelectronics' Executive Vice President for the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region. Cuomo will also retain his position at ST, which he has held since January 2008, and will continue to head up ST's Advanced Systems Technology (AST) group and be a member of ST's Corporate Strategic Committee. Born in Milan, Italy, in 1954, Cuomo joined SGS Microelettronica, a predecessor company of STMicroelectronics, in 1983.
The new Chief Executive Officer of 3Sun is Mauro Curiale, since January 2007 in charge of Enel SOLE, a subsidiary of Enel Group and a leading company in the construction and management of public and artistic lighting systems. Curiale is also a member of the Board of Directors of AIDI (Italian Lighting Association).
Born in Ancona, Italy, in 1952, Curiale began his professional career with ENEL in 1981.
The new Chairman and CEO are members of the 3Sun Board of Directors. The headquarters of 3Sun is in Catania, Italy.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Solar Frontier and GE enter global CIS module supply agreement
SANTA CLARA, Solar Frontier will supply GE with its proprietary CIS (copper, indium, and selenium) thin-film solar modules as part of GE’s globally marketed portfolio of solar energy solutions.
The company will provide GE branded panels to help meet the growing global demand for reliable clean-energy solutions. In return, GE will be providing its power plant expertise to enhance the development of Solar Frontier’s CIS technology for use in utility-scale solar installations.
GE’s extensive testing and benchmarking determined that Solar Frontier modules offered a compelling combination of performance and efficiency, meeting the established high standards of GE’s globally respected brand.
“By teaming up with a billion-dollar global industry leader, Solar Frontier demonstrates that the solar market has matured to support large-scale players,” said Shigeaki Kameda, President and CEO, Solar Frontier. “GE’s selection of Solar Frontier’s thin film technology establishes our leadership in bringing bankable, reliable and ecological solar technology to the global market.”
The modules produced for GE by Solar Frontier will be part of GE’s utility-scale solar projects. The contract will ensure that its customers have a reliable supply of standard-setting thin-film solar modules for large ground-mount and roof-top installations.
“Our modules have been proven in field tests since 2003, and we will have gigawatt-scale production online by next year,” added Kameda. “For a stable, mature solar market, we have to combine reliable panels with reliable supply chains.”
The modules will be manufactured at Solar Frontier’s state-of-the-art, automated production plant in Miyazaki, Japan. The Miyazaki facility will be the world’s largest PV factory when the third phase of production comes online next year.
The agreement with Solar Frontier was included in GE’s announcement of an expanded portfolio of highly differentiated solar solutions that would establish GE “as the global leader in the Renewable Energy space,” offering both leading technology and “the unique bankability that comes with one of the world’s leading brands.”
Solar Frontier uses fewer natural resources and raw materials than competing crystalline-silicon processes, enabling an industry leading energy payback time of less than one year, and less carbon emissions per kilowatt of production capacity. Materials like cadmium or lead are not used in the production process, minimizing the environmental impact and offering superior PV panel recyclability.
The company will provide GE branded panels to help meet the growing global demand for reliable clean-energy solutions. In return, GE will be providing its power plant expertise to enhance the development of Solar Frontier’s CIS technology for use in utility-scale solar installations.
GE’s extensive testing and benchmarking determined that Solar Frontier modules offered a compelling combination of performance and efficiency, meeting the established high standards of GE’s globally respected brand.
“By teaming up with a billion-dollar global industry leader, Solar Frontier demonstrates that the solar market has matured to support large-scale players,” said Shigeaki Kameda, President and CEO, Solar Frontier. “GE’s selection of Solar Frontier’s thin film technology establishes our leadership in bringing bankable, reliable and ecological solar technology to the global market.”
The modules produced for GE by Solar Frontier will be part of GE’s utility-scale solar projects. The contract will ensure that its customers have a reliable supply of standard-setting thin-film solar modules for large ground-mount and roof-top installations.
“Our modules have been proven in field tests since 2003, and we will have gigawatt-scale production online by next year,” added Kameda. “For a stable, mature solar market, we have to combine reliable panels with reliable supply chains.”
The modules will be manufactured at Solar Frontier’s state-of-the-art, automated production plant in Miyazaki, Japan. The Miyazaki facility will be the world’s largest PV factory when the third phase of production comes online next year.
The agreement with Solar Frontier was included in GE’s announcement of an expanded portfolio of highly differentiated solar solutions that would establish GE “as the global leader in the Renewable Energy space,” offering both leading technology and “the unique bankability that comes with one of the world’s leading brands.”
Solar Frontier uses fewer natural resources and raw materials than competing crystalline-silicon processes, enabling an industry leading energy payback time of less than one year, and less carbon emissions per kilowatt of production capacity. Materials like cadmium or lead are not used in the production process, minimizing the environmental impact and offering superior PV panel recyclability.
Ascent Solar launches USB OEM ready modules for portable and remote power solutions
Solar Power International 2010, THORNTON, USA: Ascent Solar Technologies Inc., a developer of flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules, announced the launch of its OEM ready USB charger integrated modules for portable, off-grid charging solutions.
The integration of the USB outlet makes it a universally acceptable application that can meet the need for a diverse and growing market for portable power needs in developed and emerging market countries. Ascent Solar will be exhibiting the new product to OEM interested customers and the general public at booth number 4653 during the upcoming Solar Power International trade show on October 12-14, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.
Rafael Gutierrez, SVP of Sales and Marketing for Ascent Solar, stated: “With the growing proliferation of power on the go needs to meet the rising electronic application from cell phones to other personal electronic devices, our USB integrated light-weight, rugged and efficient CIGS modules can meet this demand. This OEM product will be an important solution for our off-grid portable power portfolio.”
The integration of the USB outlet makes it a universally acceptable application that can meet the need for a diverse and growing market for portable power needs in developed and emerging market countries. Ascent Solar will be exhibiting the new product to OEM interested customers and the general public at booth number 4653 during the upcoming Solar Power International trade show on October 12-14, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.
Rafael Gutierrez, SVP of Sales and Marketing for Ascent Solar, stated: “With the growing proliferation of power on the go needs to meet the rising electronic application from cell phones to other personal electronic devices, our USB integrated light-weight, rugged and efficient CIGS modules can meet this demand. This OEM product will be an important solution for our off-grid portable power portfolio.”
Accent closes 5 million Euros in series B funding to expand smart grid technology offerings
MILAN, ITALY & PALO ALTO, USA: Accent, a world leader in semiconductor integration of communications and metering technologies, announced today that it has closed a new round of financing of 5 million Euros from Silicon Valley investor Tallwood Venture Capital.
The funding will be used to accelerate development and productization of key communication technologies for system-on-chip solutions required by Smart Meter as well as emerging Smart Home applications.
According to Pike Research, Smart Grid deployments are quickly accelerating at a 30 percent growth rate with an installed base reaching 18 percent of 1.4 billion electric meters worldwide by 2015.
Thanks to major Smart Grid design wins in North America and China with industry leaders such as Itron and Topscomm, Accent has amassed significant traction in the AMR/AMI market space. As the Smart Grid industry continues to define an open, standard-based framework for deployments, meter vendors need quick access to cost effective silicon solutions incorporating the latest technologies for in-home networks and communication back to the utility.
Accent’s ASMgrid flexible silicon platform already supports critical meter functions — such as ZigBee Pro, AMI application processing, power-line communication — enabling system vendors the highest levels of silicon integration with mass volume deployment in as little as three months.
“We were attracted by Accent’s ability to innovate the semiconductor landscape for smart grid equipment manufacturers, providing tangible performance and cost benefits. Looking forward, we expect Accent to extend its leadership position with more advanced solutions combined with their comprehensive semiconductor capabilities,” said Luis Arzubi, general partner at Tallwood Venture Capital.
“We are delighted to add a prestigious firm like Tallwood to our shareholders. The closure of this funding is a strong endorsement of our global market reach and technology position,” said Federico Arcelli, CEO of Accent. “This funding will enable us to accelerate market introduction of next generation Smart Grid technologies, as part of our ASMgrid offering, and continue to optimally address the needs of our customers worldwide.”
The funding will be used to accelerate development and productization of key communication technologies for system-on-chip solutions required by Smart Meter as well as emerging Smart Home applications.
According to Pike Research, Smart Grid deployments are quickly accelerating at a 30 percent growth rate with an installed base reaching 18 percent of 1.4 billion electric meters worldwide by 2015.
Thanks to major Smart Grid design wins in North America and China with industry leaders such as Itron and Topscomm, Accent has amassed significant traction in the AMR/AMI market space. As the Smart Grid industry continues to define an open, standard-based framework for deployments, meter vendors need quick access to cost effective silicon solutions incorporating the latest technologies for in-home networks and communication back to the utility.
Accent’s ASMgrid flexible silicon platform already supports critical meter functions — such as ZigBee Pro, AMI application processing, power-line communication — enabling system vendors the highest levels of silicon integration with mass volume deployment in as little as three months.
“We were attracted by Accent’s ability to innovate the semiconductor landscape for smart grid equipment manufacturers, providing tangible performance and cost benefits. Looking forward, we expect Accent to extend its leadership position with more advanced solutions combined with their comprehensive semiconductor capabilities,” said Luis Arzubi, general partner at Tallwood Venture Capital.
“We are delighted to add a prestigious firm like Tallwood to our shareholders. The closure of this funding is a strong endorsement of our global market reach and technology position,” said Federico Arcelli, CEO of Accent. “This funding will enable us to accelerate market introduction of next generation Smart Grid technologies, as part of our ASMgrid offering, and continue to optimally address the needs of our customers worldwide.”
SunWize announces availability of Samsung solar modules
Solar Power International 2010, KINGSTON, USA: SunWize Technologies, the solar industry’s leading wholesale distributor, has been selected by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. to introduce and distribute its solar modules to the North American market.
The first Samsung solar module offered by SunWize is the LPC241SM, available for immediate delivery. SunWize will be exhibiting the LPC241SM at Solar Power International 2010 in Los Angeles, CA, October 12-14, at Booth 3911 in South Hall.
Samsung Electronics, a global leader in consumer electronics, semiconductor and display technologies, has been developing its solar cell production capabilities for several years and recently entered the marketplace. It has taken its manufacturing expertise in semiconductors and developed its own line of highly efficient monocrystalline solar cells and modules. Samsung chose SunWize as its distribution partner for the LPC line, and as the primary distributor of Samsung modules for the North American market.
The LPC241SM solar module stands out in today’s marketplace with its 15+ percent module efficiency, higher than any other product in its class. It sets a new benchmark for price/performance and narrows the performance gap against premium priced modules.
The superior PTC power density of the LPC241SM provides residential and commercial installers a competitive edge, as well as higher value to end-users in terms of cost per kWh. The quality of Samsung modules is evidenced by a world class peak power tolerance rating of -0%/+2 percent, guaranteeing full performance.
“We are excited to have been chosen by Samsung to launch their products into the North American market. Samsung is a prominent and well trusted consumer brand that will be quickly embraced by both installers and homeowners,” states David Kulik, President and CEO of SunWize. “We look forward to a long partnership.”
The first Samsung solar module offered by SunWize is the LPC241SM, available for immediate delivery. SunWize will be exhibiting the LPC241SM at Solar Power International 2010 in Los Angeles, CA, October 12-14, at Booth 3911 in South Hall.
Samsung Electronics, a global leader in consumer electronics, semiconductor and display technologies, has been developing its solar cell production capabilities for several years and recently entered the marketplace. It has taken its manufacturing expertise in semiconductors and developed its own line of highly efficient monocrystalline solar cells and modules. Samsung chose SunWize as its distribution partner for the LPC line, and as the primary distributor of Samsung modules for the North American market.
The LPC241SM solar module stands out in today’s marketplace with its 15+ percent module efficiency, higher than any other product in its class. It sets a new benchmark for price/performance and narrows the performance gap against premium priced modules.
The superior PTC power density of the LPC241SM provides residential and commercial installers a competitive edge, as well as higher value to end-users in terms of cost per kWh. The quality of Samsung modules is evidenced by a world class peak power tolerance rating of -0%/+2 percent, guaranteeing full performance.
“We are excited to have been chosen by Samsung to launch their products into the North American market. Samsung is a prominent and well trusted consumer brand that will be quickly embraced by both installers and homeowners,” states David Kulik, President and CEO of SunWize. “We look forward to a long partnership.”
Advanced Energy highlights market-leading PV inverters and service offerings
Solar Power International 2010, FORT COLLINS, USA: Advanced Energy Industries Inc. (NasdaqGM: AEIS) will be featuring its complete line of market-leading PV inverter solutions and PV system operations and maintenance (O&M) capabilities at Solar Power International 2010. The show, one of North America’s largest events for the solar industry, is scheduled for October 12-14 in Los Angeles, CA.
Advanced Energy’s innovative offerings are part of the company’s strategy to provide customers with a complete portfolio of inverter solutions that address the entire range of the fast-growing solar inverter market. This includes innovative Solaron and PV Powered solar inverter technologies, coupled with the company’s SiteGuard whole-site O&M offerings. This strategy has enabled the company to achieve the number one share position in North America for PV inverters in the first half of 2010.
Visit the Advanced Energy’s Inverter Showcase at Booth #1201 and the PV Services Showcase at Booth #3313 to learn firsthand about new breakthroughs in PV inverter technology and whole-site service offerings:
Broadest line of market-leading PV inverter products: Advanced Energy offers a complete line of PV inverters that span utility-scale installations to smaller residential needs. Solaron and PV Powered inverters are raising the bar on solar power performance by delivering industry leading efficiency, a better levelized cost of energy, and a complete portfolio of lifecycle services.
Solaron PowerStation: The latest addition to the award-winning product line includes integrated Solaron PowerStation solutions from 1 MW to 2 MW. The PowerStation solutions incorporate the Solaron commercial and utility-scale grid-tie inverters, delivering a record-breaking 97.5 percent CEC-weighted efficiency and 98.5 percent European-rated weighted average efficiency.
The PowerStation integrated solutions maximize energy harvest and reduce project costs by providing easy, fast, repeatable installation. They are available in open skid and enclosed container configurations and include inverters, switch-gear, and a medium-voltage transformer. Recent installations include a 1 MW PowerStation for REC Solar’s coastal PV array in California.
PV Powered PowerVault: The PowerVault is a factory-assembled turnkey inverter power plant with DC inputs on one side and medium voltage outputs on the other. Its integrated design eliminates the need for separate pads, trenching and conduits between components, significantly reducing the need for field labor and accelerating the construction schedule.
This makes the PowerVault ideal for use in the North American market and for getting the most power out of the new lower-cost thin-film solar arrays. These value-added features have enabled significant market traction in 2010, with five new PowerVault-based projects being installed in Q4 2010.
SiteGuard Program: The SiteGuard whole-site O&M program covers all of the maintenance needs of the PV array. It simplifies O&M by consolidating the activities with a Global Services organization that for decades has supported multi-billion dollar, 24x7 manufacturing facilities in the semiconductor and other industries.
Sites with AE inverters can opt for the SafeGuard 99 percent uptime guarantee program to maximize power production and reduce LCOE further. Asset owners, integrators, and EPCs gain from AE’s inverter expertise and site quality benchmarking reports and have awarded AE dozens of sites, of which over two-thirds do not have an AE inverter, demonstrating the confidence the market has in Advanced Energy’s Global Services.
PV Data Monitoring Solutions: Advanced Energy’s innovative data systems deliver choice, convenience, and simplicity. Both Solaron and PV Powered inverters connect to many industry-leading third-party solutions. The company also offers low-cost, easy-to-use inverter direct data monitoring of commercial and residential installations through myPVpower.com and the Solaron IDS remote monitoring solutions.
Expansion into Canada: The company recently announced the expansion of its operations in Ontario, Canada. The expansion includes the creation of a new legal entity and a strategic relationship with a global leader in electronics manufacturing services based in Ontario to manufacture the Solaron and PV Powered PV grid-tie inverter products.
Advanced Energy’s innovative offerings are part of the company’s strategy to provide customers with a complete portfolio of inverter solutions that address the entire range of the fast-growing solar inverter market. This includes innovative Solaron and PV Powered solar inverter technologies, coupled with the company’s SiteGuard whole-site O&M offerings. This strategy has enabled the company to achieve the number one share position in North America for PV inverters in the first half of 2010.
Visit the Advanced Energy’s Inverter Showcase at Booth #1201 and the PV Services Showcase at Booth #3313 to learn firsthand about new breakthroughs in PV inverter technology and whole-site service offerings:
Broadest line of market-leading PV inverter products: Advanced Energy offers a complete line of PV inverters that span utility-scale installations to smaller residential needs. Solaron and PV Powered inverters are raising the bar on solar power performance by delivering industry leading efficiency, a better levelized cost of energy, and a complete portfolio of lifecycle services.
Solaron PowerStation: The latest addition to the award-winning product line includes integrated Solaron PowerStation solutions from 1 MW to 2 MW. The PowerStation solutions incorporate the Solaron commercial and utility-scale grid-tie inverters, delivering a record-breaking 97.5 percent CEC-weighted efficiency and 98.5 percent European-rated weighted average efficiency.
The PowerStation integrated solutions maximize energy harvest and reduce project costs by providing easy, fast, repeatable installation. They are available in open skid and enclosed container configurations and include inverters, switch-gear, and a medium-voltage transformer. Recent installations include a 1 MW PowerStation for REC Solar’s coastal PV array in California.
PV Powered PowerVault: The PowerVault is a factory-assembled turnkey inverter power plant with DC inputs on one side and medium voltage outputs on the other. Its integrated design eliminates the need for separate pads, trenching and conduits between components, significantly reducing the need for field labor and accelerating the construction schedule.
This makes the PowerVault ideal for use in the North American market and for getting the most power out of the new lower-cost thin-film solar arrays. These value-added features have enabled significant market traction in 2010, with five new PowerVault-based projects being installed in Q4 2010.
SiteGuard Program: The SiteGuard whole-site O&M program covers all of the maintenance needs of the PV array. It simplifies O&M by consolidating the activities with a Global Services organization that for decades has supported multi-billion dollar, 24x7 manufacturing facilities in the semiconductor and other industries.
Sites with AE inverters can opt for the SafeGuard 99 percent uptime guarantee program to maximize power production and reduce LCOE further. Asset owners, integrators, and EPCs gain from AE’s inverter expertise and site quality benchmarking reports and have awarded AE dozens of sites, of which over two-thirds do not have an AE inverter, demonstrating the confidence the market has in Advanced Energy’s Global Services.
PV Data Monitoring Solutions: Advanced Energy’s innovative data systems deliver choice, convenience, and simplicity. Both Solaron and PV Powered inverters connect to many industry-leading third-party solutions. The company also offers low-cost, easy-to-use inverter direct data monitoring of commercial and residential installations through myPVpower.com and the Solaron IDS remote monitoring solutions.
Expansion into Canada: The company recently announced the expansion of its operations in Ontario, Canada. The expansion includes the creation of a new legal entity and a strategic relationship with a global leader in electronics manufacturing services based in Ontario to manufacture the Solaron and PV Powered PV grid-tie inverter products.
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