Soitec?s CPV system in Jordan delivers impressive early results

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 17:30 (PV-Tech)

Six months after being installed, Soitec?s concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) system in Jordan continues to deliver impressive early results. Soitec hopes to establish its system as the premier choice for large-scale solar power plants in hot and arid regions, and its successful negotiation of the Jordanian summer ? where daytime temperatures can regularly exceed 35°C ? has considerably enhanced its reputation. Read more

Solarbuzz: PV manufacturers added 11.5GW of new capacity in 2010

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 16:12 (PV-Tech)

The latest Solarbuzz ?PV Equipment Quarterly Report? highlights that the fourth quarter of 2010 saw a further 1.25GW of quarterly solar manufacturing capacity come online. According to the market research firm, annualized c-Si cell and thin-film module capacity increased by a further 11.5GW, in 2010. Equipment spending grew for the sixth consecutive quarter to reach US$2.9 billion in the fourth quarter. At the end of the year, 20 equipment suppliers to have order backlogs in excess of US$100 million, with the majority of these orders scheduled for shipment during the first half of 2011. Read more

Masdar PV, Beck Energy finish work on Europe?s largest ground-mounted solar system

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 16:08 (PV-Tech)

Masdar PV and Beck Energy have finished work on Europe?s largest ground-mounted solar system in the east German town of Luckenwalde. Around 6.1 million kWh of electricity will be generated by the site ? enough to power over 2,000 homes in the region. The 30-hectare facility is fitted with 65,000 Masdar modules and was connected to the German grid in just two months. Read more

Masdar PV, Beck Energy finish work on ground-mounted solar system

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 16:07 (PV-Tech)

Masdar PV and Beck Energy have finished work on a ground-mounted solar system in the east German town of Luckenwalde. Around 6.1 million kWh of electricity will be generated by the site ? enough to power over 2,000 homes in the region. The 30-hectare facility is fitted with 65,000 Masdar modules and was connected to the German grid in just two months. Read more

Finding the Apple Computer of Solar Power

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 15:20 (Renewable Energy World)

Have you noticed the corporate pitches that compare their products to iPhones or iPads to try and force the feeling that they are "like Apple?" Bill Ford just pitched the Ford electric car in this manner. If Apple is the gold standard, the question becomes, what solar company is closest to being just like Apple? I think the answer is none, at least not yet. Read more

Plans submitted for 5MW plant in Cambridge

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 15:03 (Solarpowerportal)

Vogt Solar has now officially submitted plans for the 5MW solar plant to be constructed on land to the north of Bourn, Cambridgeshire. The District Council will now process the intended project, which could power up to 1,200 homes. The farm, which would be over 38 acres of land, with a third of the land being covered by solar panels, was originally announced at the end of last year. Read more

Kier construction acquires solar energy installer

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 14:06 (Solarpowerportal)

Devon-based construction company, Kier, has completed the acquisition of renewable energy specialist Totnes-based Beco Limited. Read more

SMA Solar cautious over 2011 global installation figures

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 11:44 (PV-Tech)

The largest solar inverter firm, SMA Solar Technology has noted that changes in the German feed-in tariff in mid-2010 had resulted in a considerable reduction in installations, though overall, installations are expected to have reached approximately 7GW last year. Read more

Solar Energy International launches free Introduction to Renewable Energy online course

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 1:27 (Renewable Energy World)

Introduction to Renewable Energy is Solar Energy International's NEW free online course for those who wish to learn the basics of renewable energy - including where it is found, how we can harvest it for use in our homes and how it can help ease pressures on the environment. You will not become an expert through this course, but you will get to know renewable energy in its many forms - helping you decide whether solar, wind or other renewable technologies are right for you. Read more

Turkey Adopts Limited Feed Law

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 17:13 (Renewable Energy World)

Turkey has had a limited feed-in tariff policy since 2005. The previous policy paid the equivalent of $0.07 per kWh for wind energy for a period of seven years. By international standards, the policy was a failure. Read more

The Wind Industry Blows Steadily Over to Asia

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 6:41 (Renewable Energy World)

With demand for power down, natural gas prices low and project financing still tight, it's no surprise that the U.S. wind market declined in 2010. The official numbers aren't out yet, but it looks like 5 gigawatts (GW) were installed in the country last year. That's half of what was installed in 2009. Read more

Enel Green Power opens 1MW Deruta system

Monday, 1.17.2011 - 18:10 (PV-Tech)

Enel Green Power has completed work on a ground-based photovoltaic plant in the Italian town of Deruta. The 1MW system is being built on two-and-a-half hectares of agricultural land owned by the University of Perugia. Read more