BALTIMORE, USA: Kalahari Greentech Inc. released a statement detailing the benefits of Nanofluid additives for the Tri-Brid Solar Generator.
Nanofluid applications have the potential to increase solar thermal efficiency by approximately 10% with no redesign needed. New manufacturing techniques for 30 nm graphite spheres make this technology economically feasible for Kalahari's products. Using Nanofluids as a direct absorption solar collector has been demonstrated to offer unique advantages over conventional collectors.
Kalahari representatives are in exploratory discussion with research organizations for research and licensing of next generation Nanofluid formulations that have even greater efficiency benefits. A selection of materials will be conducted based on successfully concluded research results.
At a selling price of $6,000 per "Tri-Brid" system unit, the current market potential for 2 million homes is $12 Billion. Assuming manufacturing begins in early 2012 Kalahari should be able to place approximately 3,000 units in the field by December 2012. As a result, the expected sales for fiscal 2012 are $18,000,000 ($18 million).
The trend toward renewable sources of energy is growing. "Renewables accounted for 60 per cent of newly installed capacity in Europe and more than 50 per cent in the USA in 2009."
Internationally, China is expected to raise its 2020 solar power generation target to at least 10,000 MW. The Tri-Brid generator has a potential market of over 2.5 billion users including India and China.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Price of solar cells in 4Q10 estimated to drop by 8-12pc due to weak demand and climate impact
TAWIAN: Affected by the forecasted declining market demand in the first half of 2011 and the current severe cold weather in Europe, TrendForce, the research institute, indicates that the price of solar cells in the fourth quarter of 2010 may decrease by 8-12 percent to $1.21/per Watt～$1.26/per Watt.
According to TrendForce’s survey, the average price quote of solar cells in September slightly declined by $0.01. However, the average price quote still remained at $1.43/per Watt in the third quarter of 2010. Besides, the capacity utilization rate has maintained at high level. It is forecasted that the profitability level may remain high.
As for the outlook of solar cells in the fourth quarter of 2010, since the demand from the German market has started declining, the spot price in 1HOct arrived at $1.38/per Watt - $1.4/per Watt, declining by $0.02-0.04 MoM.
In terms of the price quotation of December in 2010, the bid price from solar module manufacturers dropped to around $1.3/per Watt, reducing by 6-7 percent compared to the current bid price. It is showed that module manufacturers took a conservative attitude towards the demand in the first half of 2011, which met TrendForce’s early forecast on the worldwide solar market demand in 2011.
Source：TrendForce, October 2010.
In terms of the demand and supply of solar cells in the latter half of 2010, the demand still remained strong. However, the dates of shipments were mostly scheduled before the end of November, which caused the declining price in the fourth quarter in 2010.
On the other hand, according to the latest weather forecast, influenced by anti-ENSO events, the severely cold weather in the European areas may occur. It is estimated that the opportunity of rush orders is low in Europe in December, and that is unfavorable for prices to increase.
TrendForce indicates that the price fluctuation of solar cells only limited to the transactions between solar cell manufacturers and module manufacturers at this stage.
Hence, the price of wafers still remains the same, which is not affected by the declining transaction price for the downstream clients. If the pressure from the decreasing solar cell price continues to increase, the solar cell manufacturers are forced to reduce the prices of wafers and Poly-Si to reflect costs.
According to TrendForce’s survey, the average price quote of solar cells in September slightly declined by $0.01. However, the average price quote still remained at $1.43/per Watt in the third quarter of 2010. Besides, the capacity utilization rate has maintained at high level. It is forecasted that the profitability level may remain high.
As for the outlook of solar cells in the fourth quarter of 2010, since the demand from the German market has started declining, the spot price in 1HOct arrived at $1.38/per Watt - $1.4/per Watt, declining by $0.02-0.04 MoM.
In terms of the price quotation of December in 2010, the bid price from solar module manufacturers dropped to around $1.3/per Watt, reducing by 6-7 percent compared to the current bid price. It is showed that module manufacturers took a conservative attitude towards the demand in the first half of 2011, which met TrendForce’s early forecast on the worldwide solar market demand in 2011.
Source：TrendForce, October 2010.In terms of the demand and supply of solar cells in the latter half of 2010, the demand still remained strong. However, the dates of shipments were mostly scheduled before the end of November, which caused the declining price in the fourth quarter in 2010.
On the other hand, according to the latest weather forecast, influenced by anti-ENSO events, the severely cold weather in the European areas may occur. It is estimated that the opportunity of rush orders is low in Europe in December, and that is unfavorable for prices to increase.
TrendForce indicates that the price fluctuation of solar cells only limited to the transactions between solar cell manufacturers and module manufacturers at this stage.
Hence, the price of wafers still remains the same, which is not affected by the declining transaction price for the downstream clients. If the pressure from the decreasing solar cell price continues to increase, the solar cell manufacturers are forced to reduce the prices of wafers and Poly-Si to reflect costs.
SoloPower now has IEC and UL certifications
SAN JOSE, USA: SoloPower Inc., a California-based manufacturer of flexible, thin film solar cells and modules has become the first solar company to obtain certification to both IEC (61646 and 61730) standards and UL 1703 standards for flexible, thin film CIGS modules.
This pacesetting accomplishment enables SoloPower to sell flexible, lightweight CIGS modules in Europe in addition to North America.
“Achieving these certifications clearly puts us in a position to offer our global customers a better solution to many of the challenges they are facing,” stated SoloPower CEO Tim Harris. “We are now on a path to developing global market channels for this powerful, lightweight, low-cost product offering.”
Mustafa Pinarbasi, SoloPower CTO, added, “Certification of our flexible modules against IEC and UL standards is a direct result of outstanding efforts by our team, demonstrating significant advances in our technology and products.”
SoloPower's flexible CIGS module achieved IEC 61646 and IEC 61730 certifications through TÜV SÜD America, Inc. Prior to that, SoloPower’s flexible module received ETL Mark certification to the UL 1703 standard by Intertek. These certification standards test product durability, safety, reliability, and performance.
SoloPower modules offer an unmatched combination of power and cost effectiveness, packaged in a durable, lightweight, flexible form. The company has obtained certification under IEC and UL standards for its initial module format, the SFX1 module (70Wp and 75Wp, 0.3m x 2.9m, 2.3kg / 5lbs.).
SoloPower’s SFX1-i3 module (up to 260Wp, 0.88m x 3m, 6.8kg/15lbs.) is currently completing certification testing.
This pacesetting accomplishment enables SoloPower to sell flexible, lightweight CIGS modules in Europe in addition to North America.
“Achieving these certifications clearly puts us in a position to offer our global customers a better solution to many of the challenges they are facing,” stated SoloPower CEO Tim Harris. “We are now on a path to developing global market channels for this powerful, lightweight, low-cost product offering.”
Mustafa Pinarbasi, SoloPower CTO, added, “Certification of our flexible modules against IEC and UL standards is a direct result of outstanding efforts by our team, demonstrating significant advances in our technology and products.”
SoloPower's flexible CIGS module achieved IEC 61646 and IEC 61730 certifications through TÜV SÜD America, Inc. Prior to that, SoloPower’s flexible module received ETL Mark certification to the UL 1703 standard by Intertek. These certification standards test product durability, safety, reliability, and performance.
SoloPower modules offer an unmatched combination of power and cost effectiveness, packaged in a durable, lightweight, flexible form. The company has obtained certification under IEC and UL standards for its initial module format, the SFX1 module (70Wp and 75Wp, 0.3m x 2.9m, 2.3kg / 5lbs.).
SoloPower’s SFX1-i3 module (up to 260Wp, 0.88m x 3m, 6.8kg/15lbs.) is currently completing certification testing.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Soaring PV demand drives record levels of manufacturing equipment spending
SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Quarterly manufacturing capacity added during Q3'10 broke through the GW barrier for the first time driving PV equipment spending to a new quarterly high, according to the Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly, a 200-slide report on PV equipment trends with accompanying cell manufacturer database.
Manufacturing equipment spending posted record returns, with c-Si ingot-to-module and thin-film panel spending in excess of $2.9 billion. Specifically, the dominant c-Si process tool types (etching, diffusion, passivation deposition and printing) each delivered quarterly served addressable market sizes over $120 million. Strong c-Si cell and thin-film panel expansion will continue through Q4'10 with a further 1.3 GW of quarterly ramped capacity projected to come online.
Source: Solarbuzz, USA.
"Chinese and Taiwanese c-Si cell manufacturers are expanding at an unprecedented rate, stimulated by record levels of downstream demand through 2010," noted Finlay Colville, Senior Analyst at Solarbuzz. "This wave of capacity expansion is driving equipment spending levels to record quarterly highs, reflected by strong revenues reported by leading process tool suppliers to the PV industry during 1H'10."
"While c-Si cell capacity expansions in China and Taiwan continue to benefit qualified c-Si process tool suppliers based in Europe and North America, thin-film capital equipment spending remains increasingly fragmented by thin-film absorber type, substrate, supply-chain and manufacturing region," Colville added.
The Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly provides quantitative 5-year forecasts and analysis to address technology trends, capacity expansions, fab productivity and equipment demand, while highlighting the key challenges awaiting c-Si cell and thin-film equipment manufacturers.
In 2011, c-Si cell equipment manufacturers must adapt product offerings to address new high-efficiency c-Si cell expansion, while thin-film tool suppliers have a window of opportunity as the second cycle of thin-film spending reaches its peak.
Q3'10 capacity expansion dominated by c-Si manufacturers
Capacity expansion during Q3'10 was heavily biased toward c-Si cell technologies, providing further indication that c-Si cell manufacturing has evolved into a mature process with qualified equipment readily available. New c-Si cell lines contributed an incredible 95 percent of the 1.12 GW of quarterly capacity brought online during Q3'10, compared to just 5 percent from all the thin-film panel types.
Furthermore, China and Taiwan cell manufacturers accounted for 80 percent of capacity added. Standard c-Si cell types dominated new lines ramped up during Q3'10, as c-Si cell manufacturers reverted to qualified process tools and employed low-risk process flows within these fabs.
Standard cell lines accounted for 78 percent of the new c-Si capacity during the quarter, with the remaining 22 percent spread across high efficiency variants. Top tier c-Si makers continue to implement high efficiency enhancement options, with 221 MW of new quarterly capacity comprised of incremental line improvements or dedicated selective emitter concepts.
Equipment spending on c-Si cell lines reaches $852 million in 2010
Equipment spending on c-Si cell lines during Q3'10 was $852M, down 5 percent Q/Q, following the record high in Q2'10 of $898 million. Tool spending was dominated by established c-Si cell makers such as China Sunergy, DelSolar, Gintech, JA Solar, Motech, Suntech and Solartech, but the industry saw sizeable contributions from new competitors in China including Hareon Solar, Jinko Solar, LDK Solar and ReneSola.
China and Taiwan now account for a combined 72 percent of all c-Si cell equipment spending over the trailing 12-month reporting period. With standard process tooling in strong demand, c-Si equipment suppliers such as Applied Materials, Amtech, Centrotherm, Despatch, and Roth & Rau were among the leading beneficiaries over the quarter.
Thin-film equipment spending grew 53 percent Q/Q, as a new cycle of thin-film capital equipment investment gained traction. Tool spending within this segment remains highly fragmented, with a wide range of tool types and supply-chains being implemented during the quarter. This was in part driven by CIGS tool spending which-while exceeding $200 million and returning 165 percent Y/Y growth-was spread across a wide range of absorber, substrate and process flow variants.
Equipment spending will remain strong for c-Si cell tooling though Q4'10, but with flat-to-negative growth. Conversely, the thin-film spending cycle will maintain its upward growth trajectory, as existing tool backlogs are delivered across a range of thin-film companies worldwide ramping up fabs for the first time.
However, PV equipment revenues are projected to decrease during 2011 as the threat of overcapacity impacts the expansion plans of leading cell and panel suppliers.
Source: Solarbuzz, USA.
Manufacturing equipment spending posted record returns, with c-Si ingot-to-module and thin-film panel spending in excess of $2.9 billion. Specifically, the dominant c-Si process tool types (etching, diffusion, passivation deposition and printing) each delivered quarterly served addressable market sizes over $120 million. Strong c-Si cell and thin-film panel expansion will continue through Q4'10 with a further 1.3 GW of quarterly ramped capacity projected to come online.
Source: Solarbuzz, USA."Chinese and Taiwanese c-Si cell manufacturers are expanding at an unprecedented rate, stimulated by record levels of downstream demand through 2010," noted Finlay Colville, Senior Analyst at Solarbuzz. "This wave of capacity expansion is driving equipment spending levels to record quarterly highs, reflected by strong revenues reported by leading process tool suppliers to the PV industry during 1H'10."
"While c-Si cell capacity expansions in China and Taiwan continue to benefit qualified c-Si process tool suppliers based in Europe and North America, thin-film capital equipment spending remains increasingly fragmented by thin-film absorber type, substrate, supply-chain and manufacturing region," Colville added.
The Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly provides quantitative 5-year forecasts and analysis to address technology trends, capacity expansions, fab productivity and equipment demand, while highlighting the key challenges awaiting c-Si cell and thin-film equipment manufacturers.
In 2011, c-Si cell equipment manufacturers must adapt product offerings to address new high-efficiency c-Si cell expansion, while thin-film tool suppliers have a window of opportunity as the second cycle of thin-film spending reaches its peak.
Q3'10 capacity expansion dominated by c-Si manufacturers
Capacity expansion during Q3'10 was heavily biased toward c-Si cell technologies, providing further indication that c-Si cell manufacturing has evolved into a mature process with qualified equipment readily available. New c-Si cell lines contributed an incredible 95 percent of the 1.12 GW of quarterly capacity brought online during Q3'10, compared to just 5 percent from all the thin-film panel types.
Furthermore, China and Taiwan cell manufacturers accounted for 80 percent of capacity added. Standard c-Si cell types dominated new lines ramped up during Q3'10, as c-Si cell manufacturers reverted to qualified process tools and employed low-risk process flows within these fabs.
Standard cell lines accounted for 78 percent of the new c-Si capacity during the quarter, with the remaining 22 percent spread across high efficiency variants. Top tier c-Si makers continue to implement high efficiency enhancement options, with 221 MW of new quarterly capacity comprised of incremental line improvements or dedicated selective emitter concepts.
Equipment spending on c-Si cell lines reaches $852 million in 2010
Equipment spending on c-Si cell lines during Q3'10 was $852M, down 5 percent Q/Q, following the record high in Q2'10 of $898 million. Tool spending was dominated by established c-Si cell makers such as China Sunergy, DelSolar, Gintech, JA Solar, Motech, Suntech and Solartech, but the industry saw sizeable contributions from new competitors in China including Hareon Solar, Jinko Solar, LDK Solar and ReneSola.
China and Taiwan now account for a combined 72 percent of all c-Si cell equipment spending over the trailing 12-month reporting period. With standard process tooling in strong demand, c-Si equipment suppliers such as Applied Materials, Amtech, Centrotherm, Despatch, and Roth & Rau were among the leading beneficiaries over the quarter.
Thin-film equipment spending grew 53 percent Q/Q, as a new cycle of thin-film capital equipment investment gained traction. Tool spending within this segment remains highly fragmented, with a wide range of tool types and supply-chains being implemented during the quarter. This was in part driven by CIGS tool spending which-while exceeding $200 million and returning 165 percent Y/Y growth-was spread across a wide range of absorber, substrate and process flow variants.
Equipment spending will remain strong for c-Si cell tooling though Q4'10, but with flat-to-negative growth. Conversely, the thin-film spending cycle will maintain its upward growth trajectory, as existing tool backlogs are delivered across a range of thin-film companies worldwide ramping up fabs for the first time.
However, PV equipment revenues are projected to decrease during 2011 as the threat of overcapacity impacts the expansion plans of leading cell and panel suppliers.
Source: Solarbuzz, USA.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
SunEdison secures financing from Bank of America Merrill Lynch for final phases of Duke Energy's 17.3MW deployment
BELTSVILLE, USA: SunEdison, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider and subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials (NYSE: WFR), announced that Bank of America Merrill Lynch has committed to financing the final two phases of SunEdison's 17.3 megawatt (MW) solar farm project in Davidson County, North Carolina.
The solar farm is being deployed through solar power purchase agreements between Duke Energy Carolinas and SunEdison.
Once all phases are activated, the 17.3MW solar farm is expected to generate over 510 million kilowatt hours of energy over 20 years—enough energy to power over 48,000 U.S. homes for one year.
"Bank of America Merrill Lynch is extremely pleased to help bring utility-scale solar power to our home market of North Carolina and build on our long-standing corporate relationship with MEMC," said Todd Karas, President of Banc of America Public Capital Corp. "Our financing of this project is a powerful example of Bank of America's 10-year, $20 billion business initiative focused on addressing climate change."
The financing of the 17.3MW solar farm affords SunEdison the opportunity to offer "no-upfront cost" solar solutions to Duke Energy with long-term predictable energy pricing. Through solar power purchase agreements, SunEdison will finance, construct, monitor and maintain the solar farm and Duke Energy will purchase the energy produced for 20 years to add to their renewable energy mix.
"Since 2004, SunEdison has deployed over 340 solar power plants across the globe," said William Lee, Vice President of Project Finance and Corporate Development at SunEdison. "Through our proven experience and timely deployments, we make solar an easy choice for our customers and our financing partners."
The solar farm is being deployed through solar power purchase agreements between Duke Energy Carolinas and SunEdison.
Once all phases are activated, the 17.3MW solar farm is expected to generate over 510 million kilowatt hours of energy over 20 years—enough energy to power over 48,000 U.S. homes for one year.
"Bank of America Merrill Lynch is extremely pleased to help bring utility-scale solar power to our home market of North Carolina and build on our long-standing corporate relationship with MEMC," said Todd Karas, President of Banc of America Public Capital Corp. "Our financing of this project is a powerful example of Bank of America's 10-year, $20 billion business initiative focused on addressing climate change."
The financing of the 17.3MW solar farm affords SunEdison the opportunity to offer "no-upfront cost" solar solutions to Duke Energy with long-term predictable energy pricing. Through solar power purchase agreements, SunEdison will finance, construct, monitor and maintain the solar farm and Duke Energy will purchase the energy produced for 20 years to add to their renewable energy mix.
"Since 2004, SunEdison has deployed over 340 solar power plants across the globe," said William Lee, Vice President of Project Finance and Corporate Development at SunEdison. "Through our proven experience and timely deployments, we make solar an easy choice for our customers and our financing partners."
Friday, October 15, 2010
GE acquires Opal Software — strengthens smart grid software portfolio
ATLANTA, USA: GE has expanded its smart grid software portfolio with the acquisition of data migration and SCADA simulation specialists Opal Software.
The acquisition allows GE’s Digital Energy business to deliver greater operational and network productivity to utility customers and increase the development speed and delivery of new solutions—securing GE as a smart grid technology leader. In addition, the Australia-based Opal Software team will improve GE’s ability to support growth in the Asia Pacific region by providing increased local workforce and technology.
“GE’s acquisition of Opal Software formalizes an already strong relationship,” said Bill Tarlinton, chief executive officer for Opal Software. “We are proud to be a part of GE Energy, and look forward to offering smart grid solutions to the regional and global marketplace.”
Opal Software is a well-respected specialty software designer, supplying professional engineering services and SCADA and DMS software products to electricity, water and gas utilities. Opal Software’s data migration capabilities are able to switch quickly between multiple platforms, easily integrating GE software into non-GE systems to provide greater flexibility and more options for customers.
“Opal Software’s products and project management services are integral to the delivery of GE Energy projects,” said Matt McKenzie, general manager, Asia region for GE’s Digital Energy business.
“By bringing Opal Software’s proven technologies together with GE’s solution platforms, our talented teams will drive the next wave of software solutions. Opal Software will help secure GE as a smart grid technology leader and meet the needs of the fast-growing Asia Pacific region.”
Opal Software’s employees will join GE’s Digital Energy business and the Asia Pacific team.
The acquisition allows GE’s Digital Energy business to deliver greater operational and network productivity to utility customers and increase the development speed and delivery of new solutions—securing GE as a smart grid technology leader. In addition, the Australia-based Opal Software team will improve GE’s ability to support growth in the Asia Pacific region by providing increased local workforce and technology.
“GE’s acquisition of Opal Software formalizes an already strong relationship,” said Bill Tarlinton, chief executive officer for Opal Software. “We are proud to be a part of GE Energy, and look forward to offering smart grid solutions to the regional and global marketplace.”
Opal Software is a well-respected specialty software designer, supplying professional engineering services and SCADA and DMS software products to electricity, water and gas utilities. Opal Software’s data migration capabilities are able to switch quickly between multiple platforms, easily integrating GE software into non-GE systems to provide greater flexibility and more options for customers.
“Opal Software’s products and project management services are integral to the delivery of GE Energy projects,” said Matt McKenzie, general manager, Asia region for GE’s Digital Energy business.
“By bringing Opal Software’s proven technologies together with GE’s solution platforms, our talented teams will drive the next wave of software solutions. Opal Software will help secure GE as a smart grid technology leader and meet the needs of the fast-growing Asia Pacific region.”
Opal Software’s employees will join GE’s Digital Energy business and the Asia Pacific team.
Molex SolarSpec portfolio drives innovation in renewable energy
Solar Power International 2010, LISLE, FRANCE: Molex Inc. showcased its SolarSpec solutions at Solar Power International 2010.
SolarSpec products are designed to support efficient, reliable and flexible interconnections for photovoltaic panels, solar trackers and concentrators, and solar inverters.
“Our interconnect products drive innovation in data, telecommunications, consumer electronics, industrial, transportation, medical, military/aerospace and, most recently, the solid state lighting and audio industries,” said Peter Commane, product manager, Molex. “In 2009, we unveiled 221 new products, including the SolarSpec portfolio for the renewable energy market. Across all industries, Molex solutions make our customers’ jobs easier and businesses more profitable.”
Addressing key applications within the global solar industry, SolarSpec products support efficient, reliable, and flexible solar interconnections. The Molex junction box and cable assemblies are designed for installation on the back of mono- and polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, providing the interface between the conductor ribbons on the panel and the DC I/O cables.
The innovative junction box can be attached to the PV solar panel using robotic pick-and-place, thereby simplifying panel assembly and reducing production time and costs.
“Tremendous growth within the solar-power market is fueling competition in the manufacture of PV solar panels. The automated fabrication of PV modules improves efficiencies, product integrity, and reduces production overhead,” adds Commane.
SolarSpec products are manufactured in ISO certified production plants and designed to resist long-term UV and ozone, and to meet stringent energy requirements, including: UL 1703, IEC, IP67/IP68/IP69, NEC and NEC2008, and RoHS compliance.
SolarSpec products are designed to support efficient, reliable and flexible interconnections for photovoltaic panels, solar trackers and concentrators, and solar inverters.
“Our interconnect products drive innovation in data, telecommunications, consumer electronics, industrial, transportation, medical, military/aerospace and, most recently, the solid state lighting and audio industries,” said Peter Commane, product manager, Molex. “In 2009, we unveiled 221 new products, including the SolarSpec portfolio for the renewable energy market. Across all industries, Molex solutions make our customers’ jobs easier and businesses more profitable.”
Addressing key applications within the global solar industry, SolarSpec products support efficient, reliable, and flexible solar interconnections. The Molex junction box and cable assemblies are designed for installation on the back of mono- and polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, providing the interface between the conductor ribbons on the panel and the DC I/O cables.
The innovative junction box can be attached to the PV solar panel using robotic pick-and-place, thereby simplifying panel assembly and reducing production time and costs.
“Tremendous growth within the solar-power market is fueling competition in the manufacture of PV solar panels. The automated fabrication of PV modules improves efficiencies, product integrity, and reduces production overhead,” adds Commane.
SolarSpec products are manufactured in ISO certified production plants and designed to resist long-term UV and ozone, and to meet stringent energy requirements, including: UL 1703, IEC, IP67/IP68/IP69, NEC and NEC2008, and RoHS compliance.
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