Jamie Tang, SEMI China
China Photovoltaic Industry Sustainable Development Forum, Huhhot, Inner Mongolia, August 13, 2013, USA: Facing record low module average selling prices (ASPs) and upcoming anti-dumping (AD) duties in August from the European Commission, China’s PV community has to re-think incentive policies, market exploration, business models, cost control and technology innovation.
With large electricity subsidies from government, both PV manufacturing capacity and prices have improved in recent years. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) dropped to US $0.1/kWh in large scale power plants located in northwest China’s abundant sunshine. And it has been widely accepted that the PV market is no longer stimulated by policy, but by commercial interests.
According to present PV electricity subsidy prices, the Chinese government will pay more than US$1Billion, but only for newly installed PV capacity each year. Predicting how and when the feed-in-tariff will be reduced is unclear, but it would be implemented step by step.
More and more upstream PV manufacturers are lining up to develop power plants for higher profit as margins have been reduced in the manufacturing segment of the supply chain. The intent is to be the next First Solar and successfully operate both upstream and downstream business. Potential entrants must pay attention to the rising risk of policy change and cash flow fracturing.
The survival of solar players faced with all these risks and the challenge of sustainable development remains the key objective in the China PV community. In response to this new environment and changing market and policy trends, SEMI China will hold the China Photovoltaic Industry Sustainable Development Forum in Huhhot, Inner Mongolia, on August 13, 2013.
The proper incentive policies for the PV industry and market, mergers and acquisitions, new business models, cost controls and tech innovation will be intensely discussed. The goal is to collaboratively develop a new model of industry growth and revenue potential as well as restore confidence in the manufacturing sector.
Hohhot is the capital of the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region in north-central China, and serves as the region's administrative, economic, and cultural center. The region enjoys abundant sunshine with a daily average of 4.7 sunshine peak hours, and is characterized by large areas of desert, low electricity prices (less than 0.38yuan/kWh), abundant coal resources, and a convenient geographic location. All this makes Huhhot the ideal place to develop both PV manufacturing and PV power generation facilities.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Virtual power plants will reach $3.6 billion in annual revenue by 2020
USA: Using software systems, virtual power plants (VPPs) can combine a rich diversity of independent resources into a unified network via sophisticated planning, scheduling, and bidding of distributed energy resource-based services.
Driven by the integration of variable generation resources – especially from wind and solar – a viable VPP market is emerging and will see substantial growth, from a relatively small base, over the next several years. According to a recent report from Navigant Research, annual worldwide revenue from VPPs will grow from less than $1 billion in 2013 to $3.6 billion in 2020, under a base forecast scenario.
Under a more aggressive forecast scenario, VPP vendor revenue could reach $4.3 billion by 2020.
“The growth in distributed, renewable power generation sources requires additional supply and demand flexibility to accommodate fast ramping periods and corresponding supply forecast error,” says Peter Asmus, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “VPPs represent an ideal optimization platform for the coming transformation of the power grid.”
Rate-basing utility prerogatives still offer deployment barriers for both VPPs and the complementary market for microgrids. Although recent regulatory reforms are moving in the direction of a greater reliance on distributed energy resources, centralized fossil fuel power plants will still dominate electricity markets for quite some time. Compared to traditional coal and natural gas-fired plants, VPPs offer a low-cost platform to squeeze more value out of existing infrastructure assets and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with peaking power plants.
Driven by the integration of variable generation resources – especially from wind and solar – a viable VPP market is emerging and will see substantial growth, from a relatively small base, over the next several years. According to a recent report from Navigant Research, annual worldwide revenue from VPPs will grow from less than $1 billion in 2013 to $3.6 billion in 2020, under a base forecast scenario.
Under a more aggressive forecast scenario, VPP vendor revenue could reach $4.3 billion by 2020.
“The growth in distributed, renewable power generation sources requires additional supply and demand flexibility to accommodate fast ramping periods and corresponding supply forecast error,” says Peter Asmus, principal research analyst with Navigant Research. “VPPs represent an ideal optimization platform for the coming transformation of the power grid.”
Rate-basing utility prerogatives still offer deployment barriers for both VPPs and the complementary market for microgrids. Although recent regulatory reforms are moving in the direction of a greater reliance on distributed energy resources, centralized fossil fuel power plants will still dominate electricity markets for quite some time. Compared to traditional coal and natural gas-fired plants, VPPs offer a low-cost platform to squeeze more value out of existing infrastructure assets and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with peaking power plants.
Amtech obtains second high-efficiency N-type solar customer
USA: Amtech Systems Inc., a global supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells, semiconductors, and sapphire and silicon wafers, announced its solar subsidiary, Tempress Systems, received a multi-million dollar order (in the low teens) for its advanced diffusion and PECVD equipment to be used in Nexolon USA's facility located in San Antonio, Texas.
The order is for 100MW and is the first phase of a planned 200MW turnkey project executed by the n-PASHA Alliance for Nexolon. Shipment is expected in the first half of fiscal 2014.
The n-PASHA Alliance members consist of Tempress Systems, ECN (Energy Research Centre of The Netherlands), and RENA GmbH. The Alliance was established in 2012 to more effectively offer the n-PASHA technology, an n-type bi-facial cell concept developed by ECN, which yields high cell efficiencies at a competitive cost level to the solar industry.
The n-PASHA cells used for bi-facial modules generate electricity from light coming through both the front and rear side of the panel positioning the solar field to generate 10-20 percent more power at no additional cost. Additionally, the n-type modules do not suffer from LID (light induced degradation) compared to power loss of typically several percentage points for commonly used p-type modules.
The order is for 100MW and is the first phase of a planned 200MW turnkey project executed by the n-PASHA Alliance for Nexolon. Shipment is expected in the first half of fiscal 2014.
The n-PASHA Alliance members consist of Tempress Systems, ECN (Energy Research Centre of The Netherlands), and RENA GmbH. The Alliance was established in 2012 to more effectively offer the n-PASHA technology, an n-type bi-facial cell concept developed by ECN, which yields high cell efficiencies at a competitive cost level to the solar industry.
The n-PASHA cells used for bi-facial modules generate electricity from light coming through both the front and rear side of the panel positioning the solar field to generate 10-20 percent more power at no additional cost. Additionally, the n-type modules do not suffer from LID (light induced degradation) compared to power loss of typically several percentage points for commonly used p-type modules.
SolarEdge co-operates with ReneSola and Via Solis
ISRAEL & GERMANY: The renowned PV manufacturer ReneSola now offers PV modules with embedded power optimization technology from SolarEdge Technologies.
As partner, the Lithuanian module manufacturer Via Solis integrates the SolarEdge power optimizer technology into the prefabricated ReneSola modules, and supervises the distribution of the smart PV modules throughout Europe. The first smart ReneSola PV modules come in wattages of 250 Watt, and will be delivered to first customers at September 2013.
This agreement extends ReneSola’s product range to include smart PV modules. Smart ReneSola PV modules with embedded SolarEdge power optimizer technology offer cost saving installation due to fewer components compared with stand-alone optimization solutions. Via Solis’ one-stop service for both PV and optimizer components ensures fast and flexible deliveries to the customers.
The embedded SolarEdge technology prevents power losses caused by panel mismatch, soiling and partial shading, and thus enable up to 25 percent more power production. The module-level power optimizers also enable per module performance monitoring for cost efficient and advanced maintenance. The unique SafeDC feature of the power optimizers enables automatic DC voltage shutdown, thus ensuring maximum safety for installers, maintenance personnel and firefighters.
Smart modules offer faster ROI
“Our smart ReneSola modules equipped with SolarEdge power optimizer units will provide an even faster ROIs to our customers working with SolarEdge optimization technology. As the product is assembled in Europe by Via Solis, a manufacturer greatly experienced with SolarEdge technology, it will qualify for FIT bonuses for PV components assembled in Europe,” says Florian Dieckmann, marketing manager at ReneSola Europe.
“Thanks to high speed train connections between China and Lithuania, we are also able to fasten the transport of our products in an environmentally friendly way to our partner Via Solis.”
The Lithuanian module manufacturer and provider of PV system solutions has already installed more than 3 MW of PV projects with SolarEdge power optimizers and inverters in Lithuania. “With these new modules we will extend our business throughout Europe,” says Rimvydas Karoblis, CEO of Via Solis. “Together with our partners we offer high quality smart modules.”
“We are very pleased to have convinced another leading international module manufacturer to integrate our power optimizing technology,” says Joachim Nell, GM of SolarEdge, Central Europe. “This underlines the increasing importance of flexible system designs, which take into account mismatching between individual modules and hence deliver a higher energy yield.”
As partner, the Lithuanian module manufacturer Via Solis integrates the SolarEdge power optimizer technology into the prefabricated ReneSola modules, and supervises the distribution of the smart PV modules throughout Europe. The first smart ReneSola PV modules come in wattages of 250 Watt, and will be delivered to first customers at September 2013.
This agreement extends ReneSola’s product range to include smart PV modules. Smart ReneSola PV modules with embedded SolarEdge power optimizer technology offer cost saving installation due to fewer components compared with stand-alone optimization solutions. Via Solis’ one-stop service for both PV and optimizer components ensures fast and flexible deliveries to the customers.
The embedded SolarEdge technology prevents power losses caused by panel mismatch, soiling and partial shading, and thus enable up to 25 percent more power production. The module-level power optimizers also enable per module performance monitoring for cost efficient and advanced maintenance. The unique SafeDC feature of the power optimizers enables automatic DC voltage shutdown, thus ensuring maximum safety for installers, maintenance personnel and firefighters.
Smart modules offer faster ROI
“Our smart ReneSola modules equipped with SolarEdge power optimizer units will provide an even faster ROIs to our customers working with SolarEdge optimization technology. As the product is assembled in Europe by Via Solis, a manufacturer greatly experienced with SolarEdge technology, it will qualify for FIT bonuses for PV components assembled in Europe,” says Florian Dieckmann, marketing manager at ReneSola Europe.
“Thanks to high speed train connections between China and Lithuania, we are also able to fasten the transport of our products in an environmentally friendly way to our partner Via Solis.”
The Lithuanian module manufacturer and provider of PV system solutions has already installed more than 3 MW of PV projects with SolarEdge power optimizers and inverters in Lithuania. “With these new modules we will extend our business throughout Europe,” says Rimvydas Karoblis, CEO of Via Solis. “Together with our partners we offer high quality smart modules.”
“We are very pleased to have convinced another leading international module manufacturer to integrate our power optimizing technology,” says Joachim Nell, GM of SolarEdge, Central Europe. “This underlines the increasing importance of flexible system designs, which take into account mismatching between individual modules and hence deliver a higher energy yield.”
Renewable energy smart way to go
UK: Clean-tech entrepreneur Gerry McGowan, who heads the growing international developer of renewable energy projects ‘CBD Energy’, has expressed his concern for the future of clean technologies in the UK over what he referred to as “the country’s declining investment in, and commitment to, developing clean energy generating infrastructure.”
Executive chairman and MD, McGowan said: “I read with disappointment the most recent media reports, that the latest Energy Bill has failed to set any clear targets on carbon reduction in the energy supply. With UK investment in renewable energy at its lowest point in seven years, I’m deeply concerned at the lack of foresight and planning for future energy resources.”
McGowan, the man who earlier in his career developed Australia’s first low-cost airline carrier ‘Impulse’ (now rebranded Jetstar), says renewable energy:
• Can deliver energy security by utilising the natural resources of wind and solar, and avoid the costs associated with the import of fossil fuels, and their environmental impacts.
• Provides a hedge against carbon pricing in the medium to long term.
• Costs one fifth of the cost of nuclear plant to construct.
• Is virtually free once the infrastructure is in place, and is far more reliable in terms of pricing.
“The utilisation of renewable resources is plain common sense,” said McGowan.
He highlights the Australian Federal Government's Climate Commission report, released only this week, which states that most of the country’s coal reserves will have to remain in the ground if the world is to avoid catastrophic global warming. The report marks the first time a government agency has endorsed calls for fossil fuel industries to be phased out because of their contribution to climate change.
“With 300 years of coal reserves as well as an abundance of gas, the Australian people and their government have passed laws that require the electricity industry to deliver a minimum of 20% of their generation by 2020 from renewable sources. This target is real and supported by both sides of politics. The UK has no such reserves and is reliant on foreign nations - who don't always share its ideals - for energy fuels. No clear targets have been set for decarbonisation of the electricity supply and the financial and environmental costs continue to rise for UK consumers as development is ploughed instead into nuclear and shale gas projects.
‘The UK seems focused on developing other forms of generation which will need to be highly subsidised, and will be financially costly to develop. What is more, they do not pay to clean up their real waste which has a greater, long-term cost in terms of impacts on health and the environment.
“Surely now is the time for the UK to modernise its electricity generation to 21st century technologies. Value your own, clean, natural wind and solar resources – and derive value from them in turn. As the economies of India, China and many other economies industrialise they will increase the use of fossil fuels dramatically. It is incumbent on the western economies to develop smarter, low carbon technologies for its energy needs to counter these increases.”
CBD Energy, which has a successful track record in developing renewable energy projects across the globe, recently launched a green energy retail bond, which is designed to raise the capital to develop utility-scale solar and wind projects in the UK.
EnergyBonds are a fixed income investment, offering investors both a financial and social return; they pay interest quarterly in cash, at a fixed rate of 7.5 percent per annum, and enable direct investment in the development of renewable energy infrastructure, which will supply UK homes and businesses with cleaner, cheaper power and help consumers hedge against rising fuel costs.
“Individual investors can support the development of renewable energy in the UK - and can generate a financial and social return from this ethical investment,” says McGowan. “Facing a distinct lack of public funding or support, the UK can promote private investment in renewable energy that will deliver economic and social benefits.”
Executive chairman and MD, McGowan said: “I read with disappointment the most recent media reports, that the latest Energy Bill has failed to set any clear targets on carbon reduction in the energy supply. With UK investment in renewable energy at its lowest point in seven years, I’m deeply concerned at the lack of foresight and planning for future energy resources.”
McGowan, the man who earlier in his career developed Australia’s first low-cost airline carrier ‘Impulse’ (now rebranded Jetstar), says renewable energy:
• Can deliver energy security by utilising the natural resources of wind and solar, and avoid the costs associated with the import of fossil fuels, and their environmental impacts.
• Provides a hedge against carbon pricing in the medium to long term.
• Costs one fifth of the cost of nuclear plant to construct.
• Is virtually free once the infrastructure is in place, and is far more reliable in terms of pricing.
“The utilisation of renewable resources is plain common sense,” said McGowan.
He highlights the Australian Federal Government's Climate Commission report, released only this week, which states that most of the country’s coal reserves will have to remain in the ground if the world is to avoid catastrophic global warming. The report marks the first time a government agency has endorsed calls for fossil fuel industries to be phased out because of their contribution to climate change.
“With 300 years of coal reserves as well as an abundance of gas, the Australian people and their government have passed laws that require the electricity industry to deliver a minimum of 20% of their generation by 2020 from renewable sources. This target is real and supported by both sides of politics. The UK has no such reserves and is reliant on foreign nations - who don't always share its ideals - for energy fuels. No clear targets have been set for decarbonisation of the electricity supply and the financial and environmental costs continue to rise for UK consumers as development is ploughed instead into nuclear and shale gas projects.
‘The UK seems focused on developing other forms of generation which will need to be highly subsidised, and will be financially costly to develop. What is more, they do not pay to clean up their real waste which has a greater, long-term cost in terms of impacts on health and the environment.
“Surely now is the time for the UK to modernise its electricity generation to 21st century technologies. Value your own, clean, natural wind and solar resources – and derive value from them in turn. As the economies of India, China and many other economies industrialise they will increase the use of fossil fuels dramatically. It is incumbent on the western economies to develop smarter, low carbon technologies for its energy needs to counter these increases.”
CBD Energy, which has a successful track record in developing renewable energy projects across the globe, recently launched a green energy retail bond, which is designed to raise the capital to develop utility-scale solar and wind projects in the UK.
EnergyBonds are a fixed income investment, offering investors both a financial and social return; they pay interest quarterly in cash, at a fixed rate of 7.5 percent per annum, and enable direct investment in the development of renewable energy infrastructure, which will supply UK homes and businesses with cleaner, cheaper power and help consumers hedge against rising fuel costs.
“Individual investors can support the development of renewable energy in the UK - and can generate a financial and social return from this ethical investment,” says McGowan. “Facing a distinct lack of public funding or support, the UK can promote private investment in renewable energy that will deliver economic and social benefits.”
Solar Frontier manufactures 14.6 percent efficiency CIS module
JAPAN: Solar Frontier’s latest champion module from its flagship Kunitomi Plant in Miyazaki, Japan, has achieved 14.6 percent conversion efficiency. The rated capacity of this 1257mm x 977mm module has been certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) at 179.8W.
This achievement is at the same level* in terms of efficiency as mass-marketed polycrystalline silicon modules. Solar Frontier’s success in manufacturing this new CIS module on a production line at the Kunitomi Plant suggests an accelerated outlook for transferring this technology to full mass production.
2013 marks the 20th anniversary of R&D on CIS technology at Showa Shell Sekiyu, Solar Frontier’s parent company. Other recent milestones include the world’s highest aperture area efficiency of 17.8 percent for a 30cm x 30cm CIS Solar module, and a world-record energy efficiency of 19.7 percent for a cadmium-free CIS solar cell (approx. 0.5 cm2).
CIS technology has the potential to achieve even higher energy conversion efficiency, and there is also room for further production cost reductions. Solar Frontier’s manufacturing process requires a lower quantity of raw materials and energy, which also means its CIS solar modules have a lower environmental impact. The higher efficiencies strengthen the competitive edge of a CIS solar module that is rapidly gaining a reputation for higher actual output in real world conditions.
“Champion modules are a key validation of technology transfer from Solar Frontier’s laboratories,” said Solar Frontier CTO, Satoru Kuriyagawa. “This is the kind of result we look for in the production factory once we have confirmed experimental results and simulation in our pilot plant at Atsugi Research Center.”
*As of April, 2013, the conversion efficiency of polycrystalline silicon modules is considered to be around 15 percent," according to Shyam Mehta, senior solar analyst, GTM Research in “The module market landscape”, GTM Solar Summit 2013.
This achievement is at the same level* in terms of efficiency as mass-marketed polycrystalline silicon modules. Solar Frontier’s success in manufacturing this new CIS module on a production line at the Kunitomi Plant suggests an accelerated outlook for transferring this technology to full mass production.
2013 marks the 20th anniversary of R&D on CIS technology at Showa Shell Sekiyu, Solar Frontier’s parent company. Other recent milestones include the world’s highest aperture area efficiency of 17.8 percent for a 30cm x 30cm CIS Solar module, and a world-record energy efficiency of 19.7 percent for a cadmium-free CIS solar cell (approx. 0.5 cm2).
CIS technology has the potential to achieve even higher energy conversion efficiency, and there is also room for further production cost reductions. Solar Frontier’s manufacturing process requires a lower quantity of raw materials and energy, which also means its CIS solar modules have a lower environmental impact. The higher efficiencies strengthen the competitive edge of a CIS solar module that is rapidly gaining a reputation for higher actual output in real world conditions.
“Champion modules are a key validation of technology transfer from Solar Frontier’s laboratories,” said Solar Frontier CTO, Satoru Kuriyagawa. “This is the kind of result we look for in the production factory once we have confirmed experimental results and simulation in our pilot plant at Atsugi Research Center.”
*As of April, 2013, the conversion efficiency of polycrystalline silicon modules is considered to be around 15 percent," according to Shyam Mehta, senior solar analyst, GTM Research in “The module market landscape”, GTM Solar Summit 2013.
Powerway products warranted by global liability insurance
CHINA: Powerway is a world leader in the solar industry; an experienced and respected manufacturer and exporter of PV mounting systems. Our company has extremely high standards of product control, and our systems are widely recognized by customers as reliable and safe over the long term.
Now, however, our groundbreaking company is spearheading another innovation and is backing up its proven performance with an insurance warranty that covers product liability for its systems. This coverage gives customers the security that no matter what happens in the future, the warranty will be supported by a third-party, A-rated insurance company.
The liability insurance
Powerway products are insured by product liability coverage issued by Pacific Property Insurance Co. Ltd, a highly reputable, investment-grade insurance company in China. The insurance indemnifies our clients against any amounts for which they may become legally liable due to our products, with respect to accidental bodily injury or illness to third parties.
Benefits to customers
The purpose of the Powerway liability Insurance program is to reduce the risks inherent in any solar investment and provide solar investors and customers of Powerway products with absolute confidence that their investment is sound and well-protected. The company is proud to have raised the bar once again by offering a solid liability guarantee to back up its already industry-leading products.
Additionally, the credit risk reduction provided by third-party insurance should allow project developers to negotiate better credit terms and obtain financing more easily.
Developers and their capital providers can rest assured that their investment will be protected with world-class, sophisticated, and complete liability insurance for the full term of the warranty. In order to fund projects and plan for the future, bankers and investors require extremely high standards of product and performance over the long term, and anything that reduces their risk can increase the potential for funding and improve the probability of project success.
Now, however, our groundbreaking company is spearheading another innovation and is backing up its proven performance with an insurance warranty that covers product liability for its systems. This coverage gives customers the security that no matter what happens in the future, the warranty will be supported by a third-party, A-rated insurance company.
The liability insurance
Powerway products are insured by product liability coverage issued by Pacific Property Insurance Co. Ltd, a highly reputable, investment-grade insurance company in China. The insurance indemnifies our clients against any amounts for which they may become legally liable due to our products, with respect to accidental bodily injury or illness to third parties.
Benefits to customers
The purpose of the Powerway liability Insurance program is to reduce the risks inherent in any solar investment and provide solar investors and customers of Powerway products with absolute confidence that their investment is sound and well-protected. The company is proud to have raised the bar once again by offering a solid liability guarantee to back up its already industry-leading products.
Additionally, the credit risk reduction provided by third-party insurance should allow project developers to negotiate better credit terms and obtain financing more easily.
Developers and their capital providers can rest assured that their investment will be protected with world-class, sophisticated, and complete liability insurance for the full term of the warranty. In order to fund projects and plan for the future, bankers and investors require extremely high standards of product and performance over the long term, and anything that reduces their risk can increase the potential for funding and improve the probability of project success.
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