Sunpreme closes on US$50M in financing round for construction of new solar cell facility in China

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 21:51 (PV-Tech)

Sunpreme revealed that in its latest financing round the company had secured over US$50 million, which will go towards the construction of a new solar cell manufacturing facility in Jiaxing, China. The financing round was led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a private entity of the World Bank Group. Capricorn Investment and Environment Fund III, managed by Tsing Capital also contributed to the funding round. Read more

PV manufacturing equipment: Singulus unveils vacuum coating processing system for CIGS cells

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 21:17 (Solarserver)

On October 13th, 2011, Singulus Technologies AG (Kahl am Main, Germany) unveiled a new processing system for vacuum coating copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. The company also reported its first order for the system to an un-named customer. Singulus states that the main advantage of the system is that it can be used for the vertical vacuum-based coating of glass substrates. Read more

AU Optronics provides high-efficiency solar cells for Apollo VI solar car

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 21:01 (Solarserver)

On October 13th, 2011, AU Optronics Corp. (Hsinchu, Taiwan), announced that it is one of the main sponsors of Apollo VI, a solar car created by Taiwan's National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences. Apollo VI is covered with high-efficiency solar cells provided by AUO. The solar cells due to AU generate more than 1,200 watts of electricity and enable the car to reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h. Read more

Photovoltaics equipment spending downturn prolonged into 2013, says Solarbuzz

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 18:04 (PV-Tech)

Having warned mid-year that global PV equipment spending would shrink significantly in 2012, Solarbuzz has warned that the spending downturn period is expected to continue into 2013. Solarbuzz noted that PV equipment spending would reach US$13.1 billion this year, a new record, though down from a previous projection of US$14.2 billion, indicating the spending slowdown is already underway. Read more

SPI 2011: EDR and Grand Capital to invest in Suntrix HCPV programme

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 17:48 (PV-Tech)

Grand Capital and Edmond de Rothschild Private Equity China have given a major boost to China?s high-concentrating PV (HCPV) industry by investing in Shainghai-based Suntrix. Read more

Fronius extends 20-year inverter warranty until the end of 2011

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 16:46 (Solarpowerportal)

Fronius has announced a promotion extending its manufacturer’s warranty by ten years. Until December 31 this year, customers who extend their standard inverter warranty from five to 10 years will see their guarantee increased to 20 years free of charge. Read more

PV Trackers Seek Their Place in the Sun

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

The use of tracking technology allowing solar modules to follow the course of the sun (and so optimise the incident angle of sunlight on their surface) can increase electricity production by around a third, and some claim by as much as 45% in some regions, compared with modules at a fixed angle. Read more

SunEdison secures USD 250 million in financing to build Thai PV plants

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 14:12 (Solarserver)

On October 12th, 2011, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) announced that it has approved USD 250 million in financing to assist SunEdison LLC (Belmont, California, U.S.) in developing 520 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants in Thailand. SunEdison will use the financing to construct a total of 51 PV plants between 1 MW and 50 MW in size. Read more

Enphase ships millionth PV microinverter

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 14:11 (Solarserver)

On October 12th, Enphase Energy Inc. (Petaluma, California, U.S.) announced that it has shipped its millionth solar photovoltaic (PV) microinverter, after only three years of sales. The company will demonstrate its microinverter solutions and monitoring software at the Solar Power International trade show in Dallas, Texas, U.S., October 17th-20th, 2011. Read more

PV producer TSMC completes equipment move-in for phase 1 of CIGS fab in Taiwan

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 13:04 (Solarserver)

On October 13th, 2011, TSMC Solar Ltd. (Hsinchu, Taiwan) announced that it has completed the first phase of equipment move-in in preparation for commercial production at its new copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) factory in Taichung, Taiwan. TSMC Solar's new S-Fab is a highly automated plant that occupies a six-story 65,000 square meter facility. Initial Phase 1 investment due to the company totaled USD 258 million with manufacturing capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) per year in 2012, ramping to 300MW at Phase 1 completion. TSMC Solar's planned addition of a 300MW Phase II, when coupled with productivity improvements, will take total facility Read more

SPI 2011: SunPower?s first ACM uses SolarBridge ?Pantheon? microinverter

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 23:42 (PV-Tech)

Enphase hasn?t cornered all of the new wave of solar modules integrated with a microinverter for the US market. PV module manufacturer, SunPower has launched its E18 & E19 AC Solar Panel series using SolarBridge?s ?Pantheon? microinverter. The all-black, E18/225 watt AC solar panel and the maximum-efficiency E19/240 watt AC solar panel will be available in the U.S. in early 2012. The AC panels feature SunPower?s 22.4% efficient ?Maxeon? cell technology. Read more

SPI 2011: Hanwha SolarOne launches ACM with Enphase microinverters

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 23:19 (PV-Tech)

On the first day of Solar Power International 2011, another module manufacturer has launched a module for the US market with and integrated microinverter. Hanwha SolarOne has launched its first AC Module (ACM) employing market leader Enpase?s third generation microinverter and on display at Hanwha?s booth #3527. Read more

Solar Foundation census concludes that over 100,000 Americans are employed in the solar industry

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 23:13 (PV-Tech)

In its second annual review of the US solar workforce, The Solar Foundation?s ?National Solar Jobs Census 2011: A Review of the US Solar Workforce? concluded that the over 100,000 Americans are gainfully employed in the solar industry.  Moreover, the organization found that solar employers are looking to increase the number of solar workers by 24%, nearly 24,000 jobs, by August 2012. Read more

SPI: 2011: PG&E teams with Q-Cells on two solar power plants in California

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 22:52 (PV-Tech)

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has been increasingly active in announcing planned PV projects as part of its utility-owned generation (UOG) program. In July this year, PG&E chose the three project developers charged with installing its 50MW Californian solar portfolio, which included; Recurrent Energy, Fotowatio Renewable Ventures and Westlands Solar Farms; that would be built in Kings County (20MW), Kern County (12MW) and Fresno County (18MW) respectively. Read more

PG&E taps Cupertino Electric to design and build 20MW Huron, California solar project

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 22:47 (PV-Tech)

Cupertino Electric has been chosen by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to design and build the 20MW Huron, California PV project. Engineering for the utility?s solar PV project has begun and construction is dually underway with the project expected to be completed and inter-connected by mid-2012. Read more

SPI 2011: Phoenix Solar appoints five US regional sales directors for advancement of solar plants

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 22:35 (PV-Tech)

Phoenix Solar revealed that it had appointed five new regional sales directors who will be tasked with furthering developing solar power plants across the US. John Marcarelli, Stephen Scott, Glenn Tomasyan, Matt Kyriakos and Joe Borkowski will all be working in specific US regions to enhance Phoenix Solar?s business and project development. Read more

Renewable Resource Capital, Youil Ensys partner for 100MW of solar projects over next three years

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 22:11 (PV-Tech)

US-based solar developer Renewable Resource Capital (RRC) has partnered with Youil Ensys, a Seoul, South Korea EPC and solar tracking manufacturer, for the development of 100MW of solar projects over the next three years. The companies did not specify exact locations of the 100MW project pipeline, but alluded to Youil?s expansion into the US market. Read more

pvXchange supports Joint Forces for Solar initiative

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 21:18 (Solarserver)

pvXchange, operator of the leading online solar exchange, on October 14th, 2011 announced it is the newest supporter of Joint Forces for Solar (JF4S), a global synergy of stakeholders along the solar supply chain. pvXchange will be among the sponsors of the organization?s Fourth U.S. Breakfast Briefing & Networking Forum at Solar Power International in Dallas. The event will have a strong focus on the growing Texas solar market, which was ranked 10th in the United States in 2010. Read more

Nanosolar supplies utility panels for 538-kW PV system at Camp Perry Ohio National Guard Base

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 21:16 (Solarserver)

On October 12th, 2011, Nanosolar Inc. (San Jose, California) announced that its 2,750 utility photovoltaic (PV) panels were used in the 538-kW solar installations at the Camp Perry Ohio National Guard Base in Port Clinton, Ohio. Romanoff Electric was responsible for engineering, procurement and construction of the solar PV array. Read more

India establishes world's first national helpline for solar water heaters

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 21:14 (Solarserver)

The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has established a voice-activated national helpline on solar thermal water heaters to raise awareness of the technology and answer the questions of consumers. The move by Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is part of the initiatives of the UNDP/GEF Global Solar Water Heating Project (GSWHP). The helpline has been operating since September 15th, 2011, and is managed by the Solar Thermal Federation of India. Read more

REgeneration finances solar project for Buckeye Union High School District

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 18:51 (PV-Tech)

Three schools in Arizona?s Buckeye Union high school district are to be the recipients of a PV installation. REgeneration Finance, LLC, an experienced solar finance and development firm, has arranged the financing for an estimated 4.29MWp (DC) solar project. Read more

The Question Day 25: How Can the U.S. Solar Industry Meet Expectations?

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 17:40 (Renewable Energy World)

RenewableEnergyWorld asked solar executives and our social media community to lend their voices and define what three strategies they think will lead to a thriving solar industry. Answers were varied, and many valid opinions were brought to light. Responses will be updated here daily, and feel free to look at previous insights by clicking on the page links below. Read more

Elettra Energy and Solaria announce successful solar project in Italy

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 17:28 (PV-Tech)

A dual axis solar tracking power plant in Pontinia, Italy, is celebrating six months of successful operation. Elettra Energy, an electricity provider owns and operates the plant, commissioned in April 2011. Solaria Corporation, a leading solar module manufacturer, designed and constructed the 585KW plant using their advanced PV modules. Read more

Asia Report: The Intensity Increases Over China Pricing

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 16:41 (Renewable Energy World)

American Sen. Ron Wyden continued to air his concerns about the price of panels coming out of China and about whether his country could compete with those figures in a paper titled "China's Grab for Green Jobs." His latest public statements come as the international solar community gathers in Dallas this week for Solar Power International. Read more

Oakapple Renewable Energy adds architects to solar team

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 15:58 (Solarpowerportal)

Oakapple Renewable Energy has employed two architectural technologists to help design and build its pipeline of UK solar projects. The new recruits, Andrew Brearley and Kit Maplethorpe, are part of the company’s £100 million investment programme. Read more

Public sector sparks new solar surge in Scotland

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 15:19 (Solarpowerportal)

A recent surge of interest in solar by the public sector in Scotland is raising hopes of a brighter future for the energy source north of the Border. Read more

Canadian Solar guides plummeting profits

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 15:11 (PV-Tech)

The lack of demand elasticity in the third quarter has meant PV module prices have continued to fall, impacting gross margins. The latest victim of plummeting profits is Canadian Solar, which has revised gross margin guidance be in the range of 2% to 5%, compared to prior guidance of 9% to 12% for the quarter. Read more

Concentrating solar power: BrightSource files application with CEC to develop 750 MW

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 13:11 (Solarserver)

On October 14th, 2011, BrightSource Energy Inc. (Oakland, California, U.S.) announced that it has filed an application with the California Energy Commission to develop three 250 MW concentrating solar power (CSP) plants in Southern California. The proposed plants will use BrightSource's LPT solar power tower, and the company notes that the design of these plants utilizes a higher tower and increased mirror density than other solar power tower designs, reducing land usage. Read more

CENTROSOLAR reports positive operating result for third quarter of 2011

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 13:02 (Solarserver)

CENTROSOLAR Group AG (Munich) defied the PV market trend to achieve a positive EBIT for the third quarter according to preliminary results, reducing the losses of EUR 4.9 million incurred in the first half of the year. The anticipated recovery in demand for solar systems failed to materialise despite attractive rates of return for end customers, and revenue for the quarter therefore fell short of expectations at around EUR 72 million, the company reports in a press release. Read more

Phoenix Solar builds solar power plant in Greece

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 12:57 (PV-Tech)

Phoenix Solar, an international PV system integrator, has been given the role of EPC contractor. Its Greek subsidiary Phoenix Solar E.P.E. has been charged with the task of building a solar power plant in Kolindros, Central Macedonia, with a peak power of 1.1MW. Read more

Premier Home Solar will provide free solar power to UK homeowners

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 12:28 (Solarpowerportal)

Joining the growing number of rent-a-roof companies currently working in the UK, Premier Home Solar Ltd (PHS) is now installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on domestic properties, completely free of charge. Read more

BrightSource Energy files AFC for 750MW solar thermal portfolio

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 12:26 (PV-Tech)

Solar thermal project developer BrightSource Energy has filed an Application for Certification with the California Energy Commission to install three 250MW power plants in California?s Riverside County. Each system is to have its own solar field and solar power tower and the portfolio will be situated on 5,750 acres of land owned by the Metropolitan Water District. Read more

SPI 2011: pvXchange becomes newest supporter of Joint Forces for Solar initiative

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 12:13 (PV-Tech)

Joint Forces for Solar (JF4S), a global synergy of stakeholders along the solar supply chain, has gained a new backer. pvXchange, who is an online business-to-business brokerage of PV modules and inverters, will be among the sponsors of JF4S?s fourth U.S. breakfast briefing and networking forum at Solar Power International in Dallas in October. Read more

SPI 2011: AU Optronics to showcase modules at Dallas conference

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 12:11 (PV-Tech)

AU Optronics (AUO) is using this week?s Solar Power International event in Dallas, Texas to showcase its latest range of PV products. On display will be the Taiwan-based firm?s flagship AC Unison residential module and also its soon-to-be-released EcoDuo PM290P00. Read more

Republican U.S. Presidential hopeful Rick Perry unveils energy plan focused on fossil fuel production

Monday, 10.17.2011 - 13:08 (Solarserver)

On October 14th, 2011, Candidate for U.S. President and Texas Governor Rick Perry (R) unveiled a plan for U.S. energy production and job creation, based on expansion of fossil fuel production and the reduction of environmental regulations. The plan, titled "Energizing American Jobs and Security" includes removing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) authority to regulate greenhouse gases. Environmental organizations including the Sierra Club immediately condemned the plan, and the Council for Foreign Relations has challenged Perry's job creation numbers. Read more