FORT COLLINS, USA: IXYS Corp. announced the introduction of the SIV-3028 handheld solar curve tracer by its IXYS Colorado division.
The SIV-3028 Handheld Solar Curve Tracer is a 30A, 28V solar cell analyzer designed specifically for personnel in the field. It is small, light and easy to operate with a graphic display that shows the IV curve of the solar cell or panel as well as environmental light intensity in watts per meter squared. The SIV-3028 is ideal for verifying cell/panel operation during installation; troubleshooting and for routinely monitoring individual cell/panel performance.
SIV-3028 features:
Flexibility - with the ability to test up to 30A, 28V and 150W the SIV-3028 is flexible enough to be used with a wide variety of solar cells and panels.
Internal Storage – the unit can store up to 100 measurements which can later be downloaded via RS232 or USB.
Autoranging – users do not have to worry about setting up the parameters for a specific cell or panel. With the SIV-3028 users simply hook up the terminal cables and press ‘Run Test’. The unit will then autorange to the optimal settings for the application.
Long Battery Life – users can operate in the field for up to eight hours before needing to recharge the batteries (included). The unit is designed to shut off when not in use to conserve energy and extend field operating time.
Ease of Operation – the SIV-3028 is controlled by a backlit, touch screen display with only necessary, easily identifiable controls. Key information including Isc, Voc, Pmpp and ambient light level are all displayed along with the IV curve when the 45 second test is complete.
Compact and Light – the functionality of the SIV-3028 has been packed into a handheld device measuring 6.5”x3”x1” and weighing in at just under one pound making it easy to keep in the toolbox, attached to a belt or even in a jacket pocket.
IXYS SolarBit Technology – by utilizing the high performance SolarBit from IXYS, the ambient light sensor will provide consistent and accurate light readings reliably for the life of the instrument.
Through a unique combination of features and technology the SIV-3028 will provide performance and troubleshooting results quickly and easily.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
German solar installations undergo end-of-year resurgence, straining supply chain
EL SEGUNDO, USA: After slumping in July and August, Germany’s orders for new photovoltaic (PV) solar systems are set to soar in October and November, generating a surge in demand that may be difficult for major suppliers to accommodate, according to the IHS iSuppli Photovoltaic Service.
The boom in orders in Germany, the world’s largest PV installation market, is being driven by the looming drop in the country’s feed-in-tariff (FIT) in January of next year. The FIT acts as a major incentive for PV installations. Investors and homeowners are rushing to place orders for solar systems before this incentive decreases.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
The spike in demand had been expected since July. However, decreasing PV module prices compelled buyers to delay their orders until cost conditions were more favorable. Furthermore, many buyers in Germany were on vacation in July and August, also delaying orders.
The rapid rise in demand is presenting challenges for the leading solar suppliers, which are based in China.
“Given the sluggish demand in the third quarter, the major Chinese suppliers reduced their factory utilization levels in the third quarter,” said Dr. Henning Wicht, senior director and principal analyst for IHS. “Because of this, some Chinese suppliers may not be able to ramp up production in time to capitalize on the demand surge in Germany. With delivery time of six weeks, these suppliers have a short window of opportunity to get their products shipped to Germany.”
First- and second-tier module manufacturers closely linked to wholesalers in Germany should be able to react to the rise in demand quickly and fulfill the additional business. However, less known module companies selling on the spot market may face difficulties in meeting orders.
Even with the fourth-quarter increase in orders, Germany’s solar installations are expected to decrease for the full year of 2011 compared to 2010. This is because of weak sales earlier in the year.
German PV installations in 2011 are forecasted to amount to 5.9 gigawatts (GW), down 20.4 percent from 7.4 GW in 2010, as presented in the figure below. Installations in 2012 will decline another 15.3 percent to 5.0 GW.
Despite the shrinking PV markets in Germany and other European countries, global PV installations will rise 21.7 percent in 2011 and 13.7 percent in 2012. The year 2012 will see consolidation on the supply side before demand in emerging countries accelerates in 2013.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
The boom in orders in Germany, the world’s largest PV installation market, is being driven by the looming drop in the country’s feed-in-tariff (FIT) in January of next year. The FIT acts as a major incentive for PV installations. Investors and homeowners are rushing to place orders for solar systems before this incentive decreases.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.The spike in demand had been expected since July. However, decreasing PV module prices compelled buyers to delay their orders until cost conditions were more favorable. Furthermore, many buyers in Germany were on vacation in July and August, also delaying orders.
The rapid rise in demand is presenting challenges for the leading solar suppliers, which are based in China.
“Given the sluggish demand in the third quarter, the major Chinese suppliers reduced their factory utilization levels in the third quarter,” said Dr. Henning Wicht, senior director and principal analyst for IHS. “Because of this, some Chinese suppliers may not be able to ramp up production in time to capitalize on the demand surge in Germany. With delivery time of six weeks, these suppliers have a short window of opportunity to get their products shipped to Germany.”
First- and second-tier module manufacturers closely linked to wholesalers in Germany should be able to react to the rise in demand quickly and fulfill the additional business. However, less known module companies selling on the spot market may face difficulties in meeting orders.
Even with the fourth-quarter increase in orders, Germany’s solar installations are expected to decrease for the full year of 2011 compared to 2010. This is because of weak sales earlier in the year.
German PV installations in 2011 are forecasted to amount to 5.9 gigawatts (GW), down 20.4 percent from 7.4 GW in 2010, as presented in the figure below. Installations in 2012 will decline another 15.3 percent to 5.0 GW.
Despite the shrinking PV markets in Germany and other European countries, global PV installations will rise 21.7 percent in 2011 and 13.7 percent in 2012. The year 2012 will see consolidation on the supply side before demand in emerging countries accelerates in 2013.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Enecsys selects Ember's ZigBee technology to help optimize solar PV system performance
BOSTON, USA & CAMBRIDGE, UK: Enecsys Ltd has teamed with Ember to bring wireless ZigBee communications to roof-top solar photovoltaic (PV) systems so that households and businesses can better monitor and optimize their systems' performance.
Enecsys has integrated Ember's ZigBee system-on-chip (SoC) and ZigBee PRO software into its SMI series of micro inverters, which convert the DC output of solar panels into AC for connection to the electricity grid. Unlike traditional centralized string inverters, Enecsys' micro inverters connect to each module of a solar PV system, or each pair of modules in the case of the "Duo" product. They deliver better energy harvest, higher reliability, longer life expectancy, and greater solar PV design flexibility.
Each Enecsys micro inverter has Ember's ZigBee technology built-in to communicate detailed information on the performance of each solar module, which string inverters cannot do. The Ember-enabled micro inverters provide real-time and historical data to a user-friendly graphical interface so that users can ensure PV system performance is optimized over the life of its installation.
The ZigBee-based monitoring system can be used to detect performance issues and pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem, such as shading or dust on a section of a module. The micro inverter also connects to an Ember-enabled ZigBee-to-IP gateway that enables monitoring from any Internet device. And an Enecsys iPhone app enables remote monitoring from anywhere in the world using the mobile device.
"Ember's ZigBee technology enabled us to deliver a micro inverter solution with robust wireless communications that's easy and inexpensive to install," said Louis-Philippe Lalonde, VP of worldwide marketing and product management at Enecsys. "We selected Ember because of the company's leadership in the ZigBee industry and the reliability of their technology."
Ember's ZigBee networking systems – chips, ZigBee protocol software and tools – simplify the complexity of integrating embedded software, networking and RF for developing low-power, wireless products in the connected home, smart energy, and other remote monitoring and control applications.
"While ZigBee is already the wireless standard of choice for devices in Smart Home and Smart Energy applications, Enecsys is leading the charge in extending ZigBee communications on to the roof for grid-connected solar PV systems," said Bert Lutje Berenbroek, Ember's vice president of sales for EMEA. "The long life, reliability and robustness of its micro inverter family demands the same level of performance for its wireless communications capabilities, which Ember is proud to deliver."
Enecsys has integrated Ember's ZigBee system-on-chip (SoC) and ZigBee PRO software into its SMI series of micro inverters, which convert the DC output of solar panels into AC for connection to the electricity grid. Unlike traditional centralized string inverters, Enecsys' micro inverters connect to each module of a solar PV system, or each pair of modules in the case of the "Duo" product. They deliver better energy harvest, higher reliability, longer life expectancy, and greater solar PV design flexibility.
Each Enecsys micro inverter has Ember's ZigBee technology built-in to communicate detailed information on the performance of each solar module, which string inverters cannot do. The Ember-enabled micro inverters provide real-time and historical data to a user-friendly graphical interface so that users can ensure PV system performance is optimized over the life of its installation.
The ZigBee-based monitoring system can be used to detect performance issues and pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem, such as shading or dust on a section of a module. The micro inverter also connects to an Ember-enabled ZigBee-to-IP gateway that enables monitoring from any Internet device. And an Enecsys iPhone app enables remote monitoring from anywhere in the world using the mobile device.
"Ember's ZigBee technology enabled us to deliver a micro inverter solution with robust wireless communications that's easy and inexpensive to install," said Louis-Philippe Lalonde, VP of worldwide marketing and product management at Enecsys. "We selected Ember because of the company's leadership in the ZigBee industry and the reliability of their technology."
Ember's ZigBee networking systems – chips, ZigBee protocol software and tools – simplify the complexity of integrating embedded software, networking and RF for developing low-power, wireless products in the connected home, smart energy, and other remote monitoring and control applications.
"While ZigBee is already the wireless standard of choice for devices in Smart Home and Smart Energy applications, Enecsys is leading the charge in extending ZigBee communications on to the roof for grid-connected solar PV systems," said Bert Lutje Berenbroek, Ember's vice president of sales for EMEA. "The long life, reliability and robustness of its micro inverter family demands the same level of performance for its wireless communications capabilities, which Ember is proud to deliver."
BioSolar starts supplying sample BioBacksheet to Asian PV manufacturers
SANTA CLARITA, USA: BioSolar Inc., developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, reported that the company added a number of sizable Asian solar companies to its growing list of manufacturers that have received samples and are actively evaluating BioBacksheet for use in their solar panels.
The company previously reported that it entered into a sales rep agreement with ShinHa, Inc, a Korean firm representing large Asian PV panel manufacturers targeting the North American solar market. As a result of this announcement, the company has received growing interest from Asian manufacturers and has delivered samples for their testing and evaluation.
“Our BioBacksheet, which costs less than incumbent petroleum-based backsheets, has become very appealing to Asian PV panel manufacturers that export to the North American market. We are also seeing increased interest from foreign PV panel manufacturers pursuing sales to the US government because of our USDA BioPreferred Certification,” said Dr. David Lee, BioSolar’s CEO. The USDA BioPreferred Program operating under Presidential Executive Order 13514 mandates preferential consideration by all government agencies of products that are certified by the USDA to be substantially “green” (not petroleum based).
“According to the latest UL correspondence, the provisional RTI of BioBacksheet, which is tentatively scheduled to be issued later this month, is expected to be well above the minimum required by PV panel manufacturers,” said Dr. Stanley Levy, BioSolar’s CTO. Once a provisional RTI rating is assigned by UL, the company expects most PV manufacturers will be able to submit their modules for accelerated re-certification without going through a lengthy new panel certification process. Once solar panels are re-certified with BioBacksheet, they will be available for sale in the general marketplace.
The company previously reported that it entered into a sales rep agreement with ShinHa, Inc, a Korean firm representing large Asian PV panel manufacturers targeting the North American solar market. As a result of this announcement, the company has received growing interest from Asian manufacturers and has delivered samples for their testing and evaluation.
“Our BioBacksheet, which costs less than incumbent petroleum-based backsheets, has become very appealing to Asian PV panel manufacturers that export to the North American market. We are also seeing increased interest from foreign PV panel manufacturers pursuing sales to the US government because of our USDA BioPreferred Certification,” said Dr. David Lee, BioSolar’s CEO. The USDA BioPreferred Program operating under Presidential Executive Order 13514 mandates preferential consideration by all government agencies of products that are certified by the USDA to be substantially “green” (not petroleum based).
“According to the latest UL correspondence, the provisional RTI of BioBacksheet, which is tentatively scheduled to be issued later this month, is expected to be well above the minimum required by PV panel manufacturers,” said Dr. Stanley Levy, BioSolar’s CTO. Once a provisional RTI rating is assigned by UL, the company expects most PV manufacturers will be able to submit their modules for accelerated re-certification without going through a lengthy new panel certification process. Once solar panels are re-certified with BioBacksheet, they will be available for sale in the general marketplace.
Cupertino Electric selects Suntech for 35MW solar projects
SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd has supplied solar panels for two solar power plants in central California. Built and engineered by Cupertino Electric, Inc.'s (CEI) Energy Alternatives Division, the 20MW (AC) and 15MW (AC) projects, located in Helm and Five Points, Calif., respectively, feature more than 150,000 of Suntech's multicrystalline solar panels for utility-scale electricity generation.
Construction of the two fast-track projects began in earnest in April 2011. The projects were designed and built by Cupertino Electric for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) under the utility's five-year, 500MW clean energy initiative. The PG&E program includes up to 250MW of utility-owned solar generation.
"Suntech's ability to deliver large volumes of high-quality solar panels, backed by meaningful guarantees, helped us to meet PG&E's fast-paced schedule," said Tim Jensen, project executive with Cupertino Electric. "Our successful delivery of this project to PG&E was made possible by the contributions of reliable subcontractors and suppliers like Suntech."
"Solar is one of the fastest generation assets that you can build, as demonstrated by Cupertino Electric with these two well-designed and well-executed projects," said Mick McDaniel, VP of Utility Sales Division for Suntech America. "Although the economics will continue to improve, solar technology is ready today to provide cost-effective, large-scale solutions for electricity generation."
Construction of the two fast-track projects began in earnest in April 2011. The projects were designed and built by Cupertino Electric for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) under the utility's five-year, 500MW clean energy initiative. The PG&E program includes up to 250MW of utility-owned solar generation.
"Suntech's ability to deliver large volumes of high-quality solar panels, backed by meaningful guarantees, helped us to meet PG&E's fast-paced schedule," said Tim Jensen, project executive with Cupertino Electric. "Our successful delivery of this project to PG&E was made possible by the contributions of reliable subcontractors and suppliers like Suntech."
"Solar is one of the fastest generation assets that you can build, as demonstrated by Cupertino Electric with these two well-designed and well-executed projects," said Mick McDaniel, VP of Utility Sales Division for Suntech America. "Although the economics will continue to improve, solar technology is ready today to provide cost-effective, large-scale solutions for electricity generation."
JinkoSolar wins bid for 38 MW of solar module supply
SHANGHAI, CHINA: JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd has won a bid to supply China Guangdong Nuclear Solar Energy Development Co. Ltd (China Guangdong Nuclear, or CGN-SEDC) with 38 MW of photovoltaic (PV) modules for two grid-connected PV power plant projects planned in Dunhuang city, Gansu Province and Qinghe County in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China. JinkoSolar is the only solar module supplier for the two projects.
JinkoSolar entered into an agreement with China Guangdong Nuclear to supply 18 MW of PV modules for the PV power plant project in Dunhuang City on September 27, 2011, pursuant to which Jinko will make the first delivery by October 25, 2011.
China Guangdong Nuclear Engineering will provide the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) expertise for the project. JinkoSolar’s obligation to supply the remaining 20 MW of PV modules is subject to the entry into of a separate supply agreement between both parties. The two PV power plant projects are an integral part of a 128 MW large-scale ground-mounted project that stretches across Western provinces in China and is owned and operated by CGN-SEDC.
“We are honored to be working with China Guangdong Nuclear,” said Xiande Li, chairman of the Board of Directors at JinkoSolar. “This validates our reputation as a large-scale producer of some of the highest quality solar modules available in the market today.”
“It also represents an important step forward in expanding our global footprint, especially in China where we already have significant reach in a market that is expected to grow rapidly following the nation’s new feed-in tariff announcement last month,” added Li. “We hope to build a long-term relationship with China Guangdong Nuclear and the various other players in China’s solar power plant industry. This is one of the top priorities for our global sales and marketing teams.”
JinkoSolar entered into an agreement with China Guangdong Nuclear to supply 18 MW of PV modules for the PV power plant project in Dunhuang City on September 27, 2011, pursuant to which Jinko will make the first delivery by October 25, 2011.
China Guangdong Nuclear Engineering will provide the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) expertise for the project. JinkoSolar’s obligation to supply the remaining 20 MW of PV modules is subject to the entry into of a separate supply agreement between both parties. The two PV power plant projects are an integral part of a 128 MW large-scale ground-mounted project that stretches across Western provinces in China and is owned and operated by CGN-SEDC.
“We are honored to be working with China Guangdong Nuclear,” said Xiande Li, chairman of the Board of Directors at JinkoSolar. “This validates our reputation as a large-scale producer of some of the highest quality solar modules available in the market today.”
“It also represents an important step forward in expanding our global footprint, especially in China where we already have significant reach in a market that is expected to grow rapidly following the nation’s new feed-in tariff announcement last month,” added Li. “We hope to build a long-term relationship with China Guangdong Nuclear and the various other players in China’s solar power plant industry. This is one of the top priorities for our global sales and marketing teams.”
Tenaska Solar Ventures chooses First Solar to construct Imperial Solar Energy Center South
OMAHA, USA: In a major step in the development of the Imperial Solar Energy Center South, Tenaska Solar Ventures, the solar energy affiliate of Tenaska, has selected First Solar to be the technology provider and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the project.
First Solar will provide EPC services, using advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules for the solar generating plant to be located on approximately 950 acres in the southern part of Imperial County, near El Centro, California.
“The selection of First Solar to design and build Imperial Solar Energy Center South is a significant milestone in the development of new renewable sources of energy for Southern California,” said Bart Ford, Tenaska VP of Development. “First Solar is among the most respected and experienced manufacturers of solar energy systems in the United States, and we are pleased to obtain the company’s services for our Imperial Solar facility.”
The proposed Imperial Solar Energy Center South will be a ground-mounted PV solar power generating system with a capacity of approximately 130 megawatts (MW) of electricity. PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity with panels using semiconductors that do not produce noise or emit any greenhouse gases. When operating at peak times, the project will produce enough electricity to meet the needs of at least 44,000 California homes. The electricity produced by the project will be sold under a 25-year power-purchase agreement to San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).
“We are excited to work with Tenaska on this project, bringing our industry-leading engineering, construction and operations expertise in utility-scale solar projects to the Imperial Valley,” said Jim Lamon, First Solar senior VP of EPC and Operations and Maintenance.
First Solar, formed in 1999 and headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., is a world leader in the manufacture of advanced, thin film PV solar modules, with over 4 gigawatts (GW) of working installations worldwide and factory production of 2 GW of modules per year, and is a premier provider of comprehensive PV solar systems.
The project is expected to create about 250 jobs at peak construction and four to five direct, long-term jobs to support ongoing operations. Construction is expected to begin in late 2011, with commercial operation in 2014.
Tenaska Solar Ventures will manage the Imperial Solar Energy Center South project for CSOLAR IV South, LLC, which will develop, own and operate the project. Both Tenaska Solar Ventures and CSOLAR IV South, LLC are affiliates of Tenaska. Tenaska is an energy company based in Omaha, Nebraska, with a proven track record of developing, constructing, owning, and operating state-of-the-art electric generation and cogeneration plants.
First Solar will provide EPC services, using advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules for the solar generating plant to be located on approximately 950 acres in the southern part of Imperial County, near El Centro, California.
“The selection of First Solar to design and build Imperial Solar Energy Center South is a significant milestone in the development of new renewable sources of energy for Southern California,” said Bart Ford, Tenaska VP of Development. “First Solar is among the most respected and experienced manufacturers of solar energy systems in the United States, and we are pleased to obtain the company’s services for our Imperial Solar facility.”
The proposed Imperial Solar Energy Center South will be a ground-mounted PV solar power generating system with a capacity of approximately 130 megawatts (MW) of electricity. PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity with panels using semiconductors that do not produce noise or emit any greenhouse gases. When operating at peak times, the project will produce enough electricity to meet the needs of at least 44,000 California homes. The electricity produced by the project will be sold under a 25-year power-purchase agreement to San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).
“We are excited to work with Tenaska on this project, bringing our industry-leading engineering, construction and operations expertise in utility-scale solar projects to the Imperial Valley,” said Jim Lamon, First Solar senior VP of EPC and Operations and Maintenance.
First Solar, formed in 1999 and headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., is a world leader in the manufacture of advanced, thin film PV solar modules, with over 4 gigawatts (GW) of working installations worldwide and factory production of 2 GW of modules per year, and is a premier provider of comprehensive PV solar systems.
The project is expected to create about 250 jobs at peak construction and four to five direct, long-term jobs to support ongoing operations. Construction is expected to begin in late 2011, with commercial operation in 2014.
Tenaska Solar Ventures will manage the Imperial Solar Energy Center South project for CSOLAR IV South, LLC, which will develop, own and operate the project. Both Tenaska Solar Ventures and CSOLAR IV South, LLC are affiliates of Tenaska. Tenaska is an energy company based in Omaha, Nebraska, with a proven track record of developing, constructing, owning, and operating state-of-the-art electric generation and cogeneration plants.
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