QuantaSol?s order book surpasses 1MW: pilot production begins

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 20:15 (PV-Tech)

Tuneable ultra high efficiency concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar cell start-up, QuantaSol is to begin pilot production on the back of confirmed orders for its novel cell technology, valued at over 1MW. The company said that a successful period of global customer sampling of its combined quantum well and triple junction cell technology had led to orders that would delivered through the first half of 2011. Read more

NREL validates Konarka?s 8.3% ?Power Plastic? efficiency record

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 20:15 (PV-Tech)

A single-junction organic photovoltaic solar cell with a surface area of 1 square centimetre has been demonstrated by Konarka Technologies to have a 8.3% efficiency. The cell was certified by the National Energy Renewable Laboratory (NREL) as a new world record efficiency for an organic photovoltaic solar cell. Konarka believes the new record setting cell opens new large-scale commercial opportunities for its Power Plastic material. Read more

Order Focus: GETWATT installing first 65MW line using 3S ?Modultec? turnkey system

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 14:15 (PV-Tech)

Ambitious plans are unfolding with respect to Korean-based PV manufacturer, GETWATT the energy division of KISCO. According to 3S Swiss Solar Systems, a subsidiary of Meyer Burger Technology, GETWATT is expected to start crystalline solar module production on one its 65MW ‘Modultec’ lines by the spring of 2011 near Seoul. GETWATT was said to already have plans to expand production to 240MW, though timelines were not provided. The entire capital equipment from 3S will be shipped before the end of this year. Read more

Project Focus: EDF Energies Nouvelles to build two power plants in Italy using First Solar modules

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 11:15 (PV-Tech)

EDF Energies Nouvelles has commissioned two solar photovoltaic power plants in Italy with a combined capacity of 26.1MWp.  The first plant, located in Loreo, northern Italy will be a 12.6MWp ground-based project. The second, 13.5MWp facility is to be constructed in Priolo, in the south of the country. Both plants will utilize thin-film panels supplied by First Solar. Read more

Project Focus: Fidelis, ALS to build 100MW Spanish solar park

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 18:53 (PV-Tech)

Fidelis Energy has signed a long-term deal with ASD Lusiona Solar (ALS) to design and develop a 100MW solar park in Spain. An unnamed Spanish developer will assist Fidelis with the construction of the plant which, when completed, is expected to generate up to US$350 million in revenue. Read more

Westcott Venture Park fitted with 1,500 solar panels

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 18:18 (Solarpowerportal)

Independent property Fund Manager, Rockspring Property Investment Managers is to convert Westcott Venture Park in Buckinghamshire to run on solar energy. Rockspring, which is being advised by Renewable energy company Ownergy, will begin construction in the New Year. Read more

German government looks to temper solar growth

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 15:55 (PV-Tech)

The German government is looking to temper growth in solar panel installation in an attempt to protect consumers from rising costs. Angela Merkel?s Christian Democratic Union fear that the escalating costs of solar power may lead to a fall in demand and undermine the acceptance of alternative energy. Read more

LDK Solar takes polysilicon production to 10,000MT

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 14:15 (PV-Tech)

LDK Solar has reached a new milestone in its polysilicon production ramp, having reached the designed capacity of its second 5,000 MT polysilicon train in its Mahong polysilicon plant. Total annual production has reached a potential 10,000MT. LDK has a third 5,000MT train to ramp. Read more

Universities from four continents apply for Solar Decathlon Europe 2012

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 12:15 (PV-Tech)

For the past four months universities all over the world have been submitting proposals for the Solar Decathlon Europe (SDE) 2012 competition in Madrid, Spain. The inscription period has now closed with 33 teams out of 47 going through to the final selection stage. Read more

Solar Maps Help Foster Sustainable Cities

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 6:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Solar energy is more accessible to Americans than ever before. There are federal tax credits, cheaper photovoltaic systems on the market and hefty rebates that make a return on investment more attractive. Read more

Non-charity Solar Businesses Empower Rural Villages

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 6:00 (Renewable Energy World)

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Schneider Electric displaying FIT-compliant solutions at Solar Canada 2010 Conference and Exposition

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 6:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Schneider Electric's Renewable Energies Business is exhibiting a FIT-compliant grid tie inverter and a range of solutions at Solar Canada 2010, the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) annual conference and exhibition on December 6 and 7. The Schneider Electric exhibit will be at Booth 403 in the Toronto Convention Centre, with product displays and Schneider Electric experts. Read more

Connecticut Solar Power: Small State, Large Dreams and Depleted Funds

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 6:00 (Renewable Energy World)

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Performance/Cost Trade-offs in PV Systems Wiring/Cabling Selection

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 6:00 (Renewable Energy World)

As the solar industry develops, we find many variations in design and specification requirements. Along with these variations, there is a great deal of misinformation and misunderstanding of the distinctions among various cable types and the characteristics of different cable constructions. Read more

U.S. Growers Ready and Able To Grow Biomass Energy Crops

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 6:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Most experts in the biomass energy industry have put the food VS fuel debate behind them, recognizing that the spikes in food prices in 2008 were largely caused by the increased prices in oil and the greater demand for meat in China. Yet those growers who want to produce feedstock for the biomass energy industry still must consider just how much of their arable land they want to devote to growing crops for energy. Read more

Pennsylvania Embracing Wind Power (Wednesday, November 24, 2010)

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 6:00 (Renewable Energy World)

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Wind Turbines Whip Up Excitement, School Pride

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 6:00 (Renewable Energy World)

They're about 50 feet high, whirl like pinwheels and instill an excitement in students and a pride in a community that is hard to match. Read more

Project Focus: Tenesol completes first ground-mounted PV system in New Caledonia

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 15:42 (PV-Tech)

Tenesol has completed construction of New Caledonia?s first ground-mounted PV system. The 2.1MW plant, which is owned by Helios Bay and situated on the coast near Nouméa, has nearly 10,000 PV panels and can generate three million kilowatt hours of electricity per year - enough to power 1,000 households. Read more

ATS opens Ontario production facility

Monday, 11.29.2010 - 12:15 (PV-Tech)

Automation Tooling Systems (ATS) has officially opened its Photowatt Ontario Green Wing production facility. The 100MW plant was designed and built by the ATS Cambridge Automation division and unveiled by Brad Duguid, Ontario's Minister of Energy, and John Milloy, the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. Read more