Suntech opens U.S. module plant: capacity to expand on early demand

Friday, 10.8.2010 - 19:15 (PV-Tech)

The world’s biggest crystalline module manufacturer, Suntech has officially opened its first module assembly plant in the U.S., just ahead of North America’s major solar energy exhibition, Solar Power International in Los Angeles, California. The 30MW plant, located in Goodyear, Arizona is assembling Suntech’s 280W Vd-series modules, used primarily for commercial and utility-scale applications rather than residential as they are compliant for procurement in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) projects.  Arizona Governor, Jan Brewer presided over the grand opening ceremony. Read more

First ?smart? modules to go into production

Friday, 10.8.2010 - 16:14 (PV-Tech)

Currently under test at TUV Rheinland, Green Energy Solar (GESOLAR) is now sampling the first ‘smart’ modules with customers, using National Semiconductor’s ‘SolarMagic’ power optimizer chipset within a HUBER+SUHNER NS3 junction boxes. Pre-testing was claimed to show that the GESOLAR smart module could recoup an average of 50% of energy loss and could capture as much as 75% compared to standard panel performance. Read more

First commercial CPV system opens in China

Friday, 10.8.2010 - 13:21 (PV-Tech)

With approximately 50% of all conventional crystalline solar modules made in China, the concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) manufacturing sector in the country has been easily overshadowed in the past. However, that could be changing with the inauguration of the first commercial-grade CPV system on the Weihai campus of Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), which was built and installed by China-based Suntrix. The project been listed as the ‘Golden Sun HCPV Demonstration Power Plant’ by the China General Certification Centre (CGC) through the Golden Sun Project. Read more

First commercial CPV system in China

Friday, 10.8.2010 - 13:15 (PV-Tech)

With approximately 50% of all conventional crystalline solar modules made in China the concentration photovoltaic (CPV) manufacturing sector in the country has been easily overshadowed in the past. However, that could be changing with the inauguration if the first commercial-grade CPV system on the Weihai campus of Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), which was built and installed by China-based Suntrix. The project been listed as the ‘Golden Sun HCPV Demonstration Power Plant’ by the China General Certification Centre (CGC) through the Golden Sun Project. Read more

Project Focus: Solon completes first 3MW of largest roof installation in Italy

Friday, 10.8.2010 - 11:15 (PV-Tech)

Solon has now completed and grid connected the first three megawatts of the 12.5MW rooftop installation on the logistics centre of Interporto Padova in northern Italy. Once complete, the installation, located in the city of Padua, will be the largest roof-mounted system in the country. Read more

Tenesol teams with AGC Glass Europe for custom BIPV module manufacture

Friday, 10.8.2010 - 15:15 (PV-Tech)

A customized laminated-glass BIPV dedicated manufacturing plant is to be established in a new joint venture between Tenesol and AGC Glass Europe. The partners claim that AGC Vertal Sud-Est plant in Lyon, France will from next year be able to offer advanced crystalline BIPV modules that will feature both solar thermal properties and solar power. Targeted markets include façades, glass-roofs and sunshades. Read more

Order Focus: JA Solar secures 13MW supply deal with U.S. module maker

Friday, 10.8.2010 - 1:15 (PV-Tech)

Right on the heels of its 184MW supply contract with BP Solar, JA Solar Holdings announced that it has landed another supply agreement for the delivery of over 13MW of its mono-crystalline solar cells to a U.S. solar module manufacturer and systems company. Although the company’s name was not disclosed, JA Solar publicized that delivery of the solar cells begin in the third quarter and will continue through the remainder of this year. Read more

Project Focus: SunEdison closes US$60M project financing deal with JPMorgan; 30MW contract with CPS

Friday, 10.8.2010 - 1:15 (PV-Tech)

Exercising its usual busy business practices, SunEdison made two large announcements this week starting with the agreement it has entered into with JPMorgan Capital to fund around US$60 million in project financing for SunEdison solar deals in the U.S. The agreement will be funded through SunE Solar Fund X and used towards the financing of several megawatts of solar projects in the commercial and government sectors throughout the United States. Read more

AccuStrata obtains US$432,000 grant for TF Auto-Pilot program

Friday, 10.8.2010 - 1:15 (PV-Tech)

AccuStrata recently received its sixth grant in an eighteen month period for its real-time process control system, TF Auto-Pilot. The company is developing the TF-Auto Pilot to discover manufacturing flaws in solar panels thereby permitting manufacturers to correct the panel and bring it back to its targeted specification. Ultimately, the company looks for this technology to be able to facilitate higher-power panels with fewer products rejects... Read more

Project Focus: United Solar completes one of the largest solar installations in Paris, France

Friday, 10.8.2010 - 1:07 (PV-Tech)

United Solar announced the completion of the848kWp solar installation on the rooftop of Sisley, a luxury cosmetic brand, in Paris, France; considered one of the largest solar installations in Paris. United Solar worked with Soprema using its modified roofing material, SopraSolar, which is powered by Uni-Solar PV laminates and has integrated the PV laminates into the waterproofing function. Read more