CHANGZHOU, CHINA: Trina Solar Ltd (TSL), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from ingots to modules, announced through its subsidiary, Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co. Ltd, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with TUV Rheinland Group, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and China General Certification Centre (CGC).
Trina Solar entered into a 'Testing at Manufacturers Premises Scheme' with TUV Rheinland and a 'Witness Test Data Program' with UL to perform product certification tests within the Company's Changzhou PV Testing Centre whereby in accordance with IEC 17025, processes performed are witnessed by respective certification body engineers.
The arrangement will allow the Company to introduce its newest certified product lines in the shortest time to its customers. In addition, CGC will partner with Trina Solar to provide in-house photovoltaic testing and certification services for end users in China and abroad.
"We are proud to announce that Trina Solar is the first PV solar company to simultaneously cooperate with these three leading certification bodies to ensure world class product quality standards," said Jifan Gao, Chairman and CEO of Trina Solar. "The partnership is a remarkable milestone for Trina Solar as well as recognition of the Company's strong commitment to implement world-class quality and testing methodology to ensure solar module performance."
Anthony Chia, Vice-President of Quality said, "It is a privilege for Trina Solar to work with the three parties in several key fields including laboratory cooperation, product certification and exchange of technology information."
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Apollo Solar Energy to build 2MW demo solar power station in Ningguo City, Anhui Province, China
CHENGDU, CHINA: Apollo Solar Energy Inc., a refiner and producer of high purity tellurium (Te) and tellurium-based metals for the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry and specific segments of the electronic materials market worldwide, in the People's Republic of China, has signed an agreement with the Ningguo Municipal Government to build a 2MW demo solar power station in Ningguo City, Anhui Province, China.
According to the agreement, Apollo Solar will invest 60 MM RMB (US $8.75 MM) to build the 2 MW demo solar power station and will be responsible for the construction of the entire project, including planning, design, construction and installation of the solar power station.
The 2MW demo solar power station is expected to become operational in September 2010. The agreement provides for the payment of subsidies to Apollo Solar from central, provincial and local government entities in the PRC for electricity generated by the power station, as follows:
-- 2.15 Yuan RMB (US $0.31) per kilowatt hour (kwh) during the first year of operation of the power station;
-- 1.70 Yuan RMB (US $0.25) per kwh during the second year of operation of the power station; and
-- 1.50 Yuan RMB (US $0.21) per kwh during the third and following years of operation of the power station, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the central government of China.
Apollo Solar believes that the availability of these types of subsidies could make solar power stations profitable and could attract potential investors to invest in commercial solar power stations.
"We are very pleased to sign the agreement with Ningguo Municipal Government to build the 2 MW demo solar power station, the first project of those contemplated by the non-binding letter of intent signed in April between Apollo Solar and the Ningguo Municipal Government" stated Renyi Hou, the CEO of the Company.
"Apollo Solar has purchased 2 MW of thin film solar panels in the US and we expect the shipment to arrive at Ningguo City in mid- June of 2010. We then anticipate completing the installation of the 2 MW of thin film solar panels, and beginning testing of the operation, by the end of September, 2010."
"We believe that governmental support for the solar PV industry, including Cadmium-Telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar cells, could lead to the commercialization of solar power stations. At the Mediterranean Solar Plan Conference on May 11, in Valencia, Spain, the International Energy Agency, IEA, predicted that 20-25 percent of total electricity supply will come from solar power stations before 2050 if governments continue current subsidy policies for the solar PV industry, though current solar power is far below 1 percent," Hou commented.
"Apollo Solar plans to procure high quality thin film solar panels with competitive pricing through OEM agreements which we believe will allow us to enter the downstream solar PV industry to build and operate solar power stations."
According to the agreement, Apollo Solar will invest 60 MM RMB (US $8.75 MM) to build the 2 MW demo solar power station and will be responsible for the construction of the entire project, including planning, design, construction and installation of the solar power station.
The 2MW demo solar power station is expected to become operational in September 2010. The agreement provides for the payment of subsidies to Apollo Solar from central, provincial and local government entities in the PRC for electricity generated by the power station, as follows:
-- 2.15 Yuan RMB (US $0.31) per kilowatt hour (kwh) during the first year of operation of the power station;
-- 1.70 Yuan RMB (US $0.25) per kwh during the second year of operation of the power station; and
-- 1.50 Yuan RMB (US $0.21) per kwh during the third and following years of operation of the power station, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the central government of China.
Apollo Solar believes that the availability of these types of subsidies could make solar power stations profitable and could attract potential investors to invest in commercial solar power stations.
"We are very pleased to sign the agreement with Ningguo Municipal Government to build the 2 MW demo solar power station, the first project of those contemplated by the non-binding letter of intent signed in April between Apollo Solar and the Ningguo Municipal Government" stated Renyi Hou, the CEO of the Company.
"Apollo Solar has purchased 2 MW of thin film solar panels in the US and we expect the shipment to arrive at Ningguo City in mid- June of 2010. We then anticipate completing the installation of the 2 MW of thin film solar panels, and beginning testing of the operation, by the end of September, 2010."
"We believe that governmental support for the solar PV industry, including Cadmium-Telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar cells, could lead to the commercialization of solar power stations. At the Mediterranean Solar Plan Conference on May 11, in Valencia, Spain, the International Energy Agency, IEA, predicted that 20-25 percent of total electricity supply will come from solar power stations before 2050 if governments continue current subsidy policies for the solar PV industry, though current solar power is far below 1 percent," Hou commented.
"Apollo Solar plans to procure high quality thin film solar panels with competitive pricing through OEM agreements which we believe will allow us to enter the downstream solar PV industry to build and operate solar power stations."
Solar Electric Power Association forms Utility Solar Interest Groups
WASHINGTON, USA: The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), a non-profit organization that helps utilities make smart solar decisions, recently formed Utility Solar Interest Groups (USIG) for its utility members. USIGs provide forums to identify industry concerns, examine potential solutions, share ideas, develop best practices, and more.
"The newly created Utility Solar Interest Groups are a great way for SEPA's utility members to exchange information and ideas, and to get updates on emerging issues," said SEPA Executive Director Julia Hamm. "The Interest Groups also provide opportunities to develop peer-to-peer relationships and provide feedback and strategic direction to SEPA on its research and education initiatives."
SEPA utility members can join one or more of the following groups to address solar issues of most importance to utilities:
Grid Integration: distributed and centralized grid analysis, design, operation, and management.
Policy: federal, state legislation, and regulation.
Program Management: customer incentive, marketing, or educational needs.
Strategic Issues: long-term, proactive interests such as workforce development, grid parity, and climate change.
Utility Solar Business Models: innovative program and projects that provide utility value streams.
Each USIG sets its own schedule and agenda on a consensus basis, and uses online tools so that participants can easily contact each other, share meeting summaries and other documents, and post announcements.
"The newly created Utility Solar Interest Groups are a great way for SEPA's utility members to exchange information and ideas, and to get updates on emerging issues," said SEPA Executive Director Julia Hamm. "The Interest Groups also provide opportunities to develop peer-to-peer relationships and provide feedback and strategic direction to SEPA on its research and education initiatives."
SEPA utility members can join one or more of the following groups to address solar issues of most importance to utilities:
Grid Integration: distributed and centralized grid analysis, design, operation, and management.
Policy: federal, state legislation, and regulation.
Program Management: customer incentive, marketing, or educational needs.
Strategic Issues: long-term, proactive interests such as workforce development, grid parity, and climate change.
Utility Solar Business Models: innovative program and projects that provide utility value streams.
Each USIG sets its own schedule and agenda on a consensus basis, and uses online tools so that participants can easily contact each other, share meeting summaries and other documents, and post announcements.
Solar Gard window film cuts carbon emissions
SAN DIEGO, USA: Bekaert Specialty Films today announced its flagship Solar Gard and elite Panorama architectural solar control window films produce a net reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
They are the first building improvement products made in the US to measure and report their carbon footprint.1 By reducing the amount of energy used to cool commercial buildings and homes, Solar Gard and Panorama window films help decrease carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and help achieve zero energy building goals.
Solar Gard window films are carbon negative in all 50 states and across the globe. On average, they are carbon neutral within one year of installation. More efficient than low-e coatings at rejecting solar heat, Solar Gard window films are both carbon-effective and cost-effective, reducing a building’s carbon footprint more effectively and for less money than new windows. In fact:
* One square meter of a low-e wood window, the type with the smallest carbon footprint, has a carbon cost of 253 kilograms. The carbon cost of Solar Gard window film is less than one kilogram per square meter.
* Solar Gard window film saves 1001 times more GHG emissions from entering the atmosphere than is used and/or created during its manufacture.
* Solar Gard window film installed between 2007 and 2008 saved 3.6 million tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere; this is equivalent to the carbon output of 16,350 American families (with four people).
* Solar Gard’s impact on the reduction of global carbon emissions is enormous because heating and cooling systems in buildings produce significant levels of GHG emissions. Improved fenestration can lower energy consumption and GHG emissions by 10-40 percent in both commercial buildings and homes,5 and an installation of Solar Gard window film transforms standard glass into high performance windows.
They are the first building improvement products made in the US to measure and report their carbon footprint.1 By reducing the amount of energy used to cool commercial buildings and homes, Solar Gard and Panorama window films help decrease carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and help achieve zero energy building goals.
Solar Gard window films are carbon negative in all 50 states and across the globe. On average, they are carbon neutral within one year of installation. More efficient than low-e coatings at rejecting solar heat, Solar Gard window films are both carbon-effective and cost-effective, reducing a building’s carbon footprint more effectively and for less money than new windows. In fact:
* One square meter of a low-e wood window, the type with the smallest carbon footprint, has a carbon cost of 253 kilograms. The carbon cost of Solar Gard window film is less than one kilogram per square meter.
* Solar Gard window film saves 1001 times more GHG emissions from entering the atmosphere than is used and/or created during its manufacture.
* Solar Gard window film installed between 2007 and 2008 saved 3.6 million tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere; this is equivalent to the carbon output of 16,350 American families (with four people).
* Solar Gard’s impact on the reduction of global carbon emissions is enormous because heating and cooling systems in buildings produce significant levels of GHG emissions. Improved fenestration can lower energy consumption and GHG emissions by 10-40 percent in both commercial buildings and homes,5 and an installation of Solar Gard window film transforms standard glass into high performance windows.
Molex launches SolarSpec junction box for silicon PV solar panels
LISLE, USA: Molex Inc. has released the SolarSpec Junction Box and Cable Assemblies designed for installation on the back of mono- and polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) solar modules.
These products provide the interface between the conductor ribbons on the panel and the DC I/O cables. Molex SolarSpec solutions are specifically designed for applications in the solar and renewable energy industry.
“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,” states Peter Commane, product manager, Molex.
“By utilizing automated production lines, assembly time of a junction box to a PV panel can be considerably reduced. The SolarSpec Junction Box from Molex is specially designed for pick-and-place panel assembly.”
The SolarSpec Junction Box features spring terminals connecting the base directly to the PV ribbon conductors, without need for retention clamps or clips. Optional patented Solder Charge Technology facilitates high-speed assembly and eliminates the need for hand-soldering of the ribbon, significantly reducing any process variation. Optional double-sided tape removes the need for curing time on silicone when attaching the connector base to a module.
The compact dimensional profile can supply current ratings comparable with traditional larger products. The SolarSpec Junction Box assembly is supplied with two removable DC cables available in dual-qualified (TÜV and UL) or single-qualified (TÜV). The junction box contains bypass diodes to protect the PV panel from reverse current during hours of darkness, shade or when covered by leaves or other debris.
The junction box assembly houses the diodes and DC cable in the "removable" top cover of the housing to facilitate ease of field repair or replacement in the event of damage or wear. The top cover and base module are secured together with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental exposure of high-voltage contacts.
The SolarSpec Junction Box is manufactured in ISO certified production plants. The Molex SolarSpec designation ensures the unique requirements of solar applications are being addressed through the use of proven technology, solar-compliant materials and unmatched reliability in rugged environments. The SolarSpec Junction Box is the latest addition in a developing range of Molex connectors and cables assemblies for solar applications.
These products provide the interface between the conductor ribbons on the panel and the DC I/O cables. Molex SolarSpec solutions are specifically designed for applications in the solar and renewable energy industry.
“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,” states Peter Commane, product manager, Molex.
“By utilizing automated production lines, assembly time of a junction box to a PV panel can be considerably reduced. The SolarSpec Junction Box from Molex is specially designed for pick-and-place panel assembly.”
The SolarSpec Junction Box features spring terminals connecting the base directly to the PV ribbon conductors, without need for retention clamps or clips. Optional patented Solder Charge Technology facilitates high-speed assembly and eliminates the need for hand-soldering of the ribbon, significantly reducing any process variation. Optional double-sided tape removes the need for curing time on silicone when attaching the connector base to a module.
The compact dimensional profile can supply current ratings comparable with traditional larger products. The SolarSpec Junction Box assembly is supplied with two removable DC cables available in dual-qualified (TÜV and UL) or single-qualified (TÜV). The junction box contains bypass diodes to protect the PV panel from reverse current during hours of darkness, shade or when covered by leaves or other debris.
The junction box assembly houses the diodes and DC cable in the "removable" top cover of the housing to facilitate ease of field repair or replacement in the event of damage or wear. The top cover and base module are secured together with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental exposure of high-voltage contacts.
The SolarSpec Junction Box is manufactured in ISO certified production plants. The Molex SolarSpec designation ensures the unique requirements of solar applications are being addressed through the use of proven technology, solar-compliant materials and unmatched reliability in rugged environments. The SolarSpec Junction Box is the latest addition in a developing range of Molex connectors and cables assemblies for solar applications.
Envision Solar, American Clean Energy join forces for solar energy financing partnership
SAN DIEGO, USA: Envision Solar International Inc., a leading solar master planner, architect and inventor designing and deploying advanced solar systems globally, is partnering with American Clean Energy to bring clean solar energy to organizations, without any capital investment required of them.
The partnership enables companies to incorporate large-scale solar developments through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), eliminating their need to finance the solar infrastructure themselves, making clean energy a sound solution that is both financially and environmentally attractive.
The alliance will provide financing options for commercial developments to integrate Envision Solar’s innovative products, which include Solar Trees, Solar Rows and others. Organizations that take advantage of the partnership will not only be able to reduce their overall carbon footprint through clean energy generation and usage, but will also gain protection against fluctuating electricity prices and future rate hikes.
Envision Solar has an extensive portfolio of solar parking arrays and solar integrated building solutions at several locations including Dell, Kyocera, the University of California and others.
American Clean Energy connects commercial and industrial customers with clean solar energy through PPAs, which allow them to save money and gain immediate green benefits, with no out of pocket costs. The company is led by Stephen E. Morgan, formerly CEO and Chairman of the Board at Jersey Central Power and Light, the second largest electric utility in the state of New Jersey.
“With sustainability being a key feature of many commercial, industrial and educational development projects, the need for organizations to have access to clean energy is paramount,” said Bob Noble, CEO of Envision Solar. “This partnership will open that door to a new wave of forward-thinking companies that will be able to secure their future energy needs in a cost-effective and easily-managed fashion. We look forward to this partnership bringing solar energy to a new generation of customers.”
“American Clean Energy’s vision is to bring affordable clean energy to companies that are looking to reduce their carbon footprint while controlling cash flow,” said Steve Morgan, CEO of American Clean Energy. “Envision Solar is the ideal partner for us because they have a proven track record of delivering the beautiful installations with cutting-edge technology that our customers are craving.”
The partnership enables companies to incorporate large-scale solar developments through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), eliminating their need to finance the solar infrastructure themselves, making clean energy a sound solution that is both financially and environmentally attractive.
The alliance will provide financing options for commercial developments to integrate Envision Solar’s innovative products, which include Solar Trees, Solar Rows and others. Organizations that take advantage of the partnership will not only be able to reduce their overall carbon footprint through clean energy generation and usage, but will also gain protection against fluctuating electricity prices and future rate hikes.
Envision Solar has an extensive portfolio of solar parking arrays and solar integrated building solutions at several locations including Dell, Kyocera, the University of California and others.
American Clean Energy connects commercial and industrial customers with clean solar energy through PPAs, which allow them to save money and gain immediate green benefits, with no out of pocket costs. The company is led by Stephen E. Morgan, formerly CEO and Chairman of the Board at Jersey Central Power and Light, the second largest electric utility in the state of New Jersey.
“With sustainability being a key feature of many commercial, industrial and educational development projects, the need for organizations to have access to clean energy is paramount,” said Bob Noble, CEO of Envision Solar. “This partnership will open that door to a new wave of forward-thinking companies that will be able to secure their future energy needs in a cost-effective and easily-managed fashion. We look forward to this partnership bringing solar energy to a new generation of customers.”
“American Clean Energy’s vision is to bring affordable clean energy to companies that are looking to reduce their carbon footprint while controlling cash flow,” said Steve Morgan, CEO of American Clean Energy. “Envision Solar is the ideal partner for us because they have a proven track record of delivering the beautiful installations with cutting-edge technology that our customers are craving.”
Evergreen Solar intros String Ribbon solar panels certified for coastal installations
Genera Solar Show, MARLBORO, USA: Evergreen Solar Inc., a manufacturer of String Ribbon solar power products with its proprietary silicon wafer technology, will feature its ES-A series solar panels, now one of the few products in the industry certified for installation in coastal climates, at the Genera Solar Show in Madrid, Spain, May 19-21, 2010.
The ES-A series is a range of high quality String Ribbon solar panels offering exceptional performance, industry-leading environmental credentials and the ability to be installed in virtually any climate.
The ES-A series recently passed rigorous IEC 61701 salt mist corrosion testing for PV panels which exposes the panels to a concentrated salt solution for at least 96 hours. No mechanical deterioration or corrosion of the panel components was identified.
This certification confirms that the ES-A series panels are now ideal for installations susceptible to sea mist in coastal areas or on islands. The ES-A series panels will be available for viewing throughout Genera at the company’s booth located in Hall 9, Booth 9G20.
“This recent certification extends the ability of Evergreen Solar panels to be installed virtually anywhere that solar power is viable, and makes our powerful, environmentally-friendly solar panels available to more people,” said Scott Gish, Evergreen Solar’s Vice President, Sales and Marketing.
“These panels are already certified for use in climates which have heavy snow or high winds. We are now proud to have one of the few solar panels available in the industry with IEC 61701 certification. This feature is extremely beneficial for customers in regions where sea mist can be an issue like Spain, Italy, France and the coastal regions of the United States.”
All Evergreen Solar String Ribbon solar panels are constructed using its proprietary wafer manufacturing technology which is the most environmentally-friendly process in the industry with virtually no wasted silicon. The carbon footprint of these panels is up to 30% smaller than that of its competitors. These solar panels also have the quickest energy payback, now as fast as 12 months for installed panels.
The ES-A series is a range of high quality String Ribbon solar panels offering exceptional performance, industry-leading environmental credentials and the ability to be installed in virtually any climate.
The ES-A series recently passed rigorous IEC 61701 salt mist corrosion testing for PV panels which exposes the panels to a concentrated salt solution for at least 96 hours. No mechanical deterioration or corrosion of the panel components was identified.
This certification confirms that the ES-A series panels are now ideal for installations susceptible to sea mist in coastal areas or on islands. The ES-A series panels will be available for viewing throughout Genera at the company’s booth located in Hall 9, Booth 9G20.
“This recent certification extends the ability of Evergreen Solar panels to be installed virtually anywhere that solar power is viable, and makes our powerful, environmentally-friendly solar panels available to more people,” said Scott Gish, Evergreen Solar’s Vice President, Sales and Marketing.
“These panels are already certified for use in climates which have heavy snow or high winds. We are now proud to have one of the few solar panels available in the industry with IEC 61701 certification. This feature is extremely beneficial for customers in regions where sea mist can be an issue like Spain, Italy, France and the coastal regions of the United States.”
All Evergreen Solar String Ribbon solar panels are constructed using its proprietary wafer manufacturing technology which is the most environmentally-friendly process in the industry with virtually no wasted silicon. The carbon footprint of these panels is up to 30% smaller than that of its competitors. These solar panels also have the quickest energy payback, now as fast as 12 months for installed panels.
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