NexPower a-Si thin film module shipments reach 72.51MW

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 18:51 (PV-Tech)

Indicating that business may be tough but demand for a-Si thin-film modules hasn?t waned, Taiwan-based NexPower Technology Corp said it had almost surpassed last year?s shipment levels of 74.10MW by the end of this year?s third quarter. Topping 72.51MW in module shipments so far this year, NexPower has seen first-half year shipment growth of 24%, compared with the same period a year ago. On a 3Q basis only, the company claims a 64% increase in shipments compared to last year. Read more

Enecsys SMI microinverters now feature Ember ZigBee technology

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 15:51 (Solarpowerportal)

Aiming to boost solar photovoltaics installation monitoring and performance Enecsys has teamed up with Ember to bring wireless ZigBee communication technology to UK homes and businesses. Read more

Snapshot of Feed-in Tariffs around the World in 2011

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 15:46 (Renewable Energy World)

Feed-in tariffs are the world's most popular renewable energy policy mechanism. Despite the economic recession, more and more jurisdictions are turning to feed-in tariffs to spur not only renewable energy development but also industrial development and the attendant jobs that it creates. Read more

Fronius and Obvius partner to provide PV inverter direct monitoring solution

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 15:24 (Solarserver)

On October 3rd, 2011, Fronius International GmbH (Pettenbach, Austria) and Obvius Holdings LLC (Hillsboro, Oregon, U.S.) announced a strategic partnership to provide a scalable inverter direct monitoring solution with plug-and-play integration. As a result of the collaboration between the two companies, Fronius IG Plus and CL inverters will now be supported by the Obvius AcquiSuite, AcquiSuite EMB and AcquiLite EMB product lines. Read more

Able Skills opens new PV training centre

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 12:22 (Solarpowerportal)

Adding to the growing number of training schools in the UK, Able Skills has opened its new solar photovoltaic (PV) centre at its Dartford-based headquarters. The new centre, which has larger roofs for a lifelike teaching experience, will provide students with the experience they need to get started as a solar installer. Read more

Saudi Arabia inaugurates first solar photovoltaic power plant (500 kW)

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 11:37 (Solarserver)

On October 1st, 2011 Saudi Arabia inaugurated its first solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant, as it continues to diversify its energy sources. The 500-kilowatt PV array located on Farasan Island, will save the equivalent of transferring 28,000 barrels of diesel fuel to the island annually. Read more

Satcon to supply 40 MW of Prism Platforms for Starwood PV project in Ontario

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 11:22 (Solarserver)

On October 5th, 2011, Satcon Technology Corporation (Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.) announced that it has been chosen by Q-Cells North America (San Francisco, California, U.S.) to supply 40 MW of its Prism Platform inverter and power harvesting solutions for the second and third plants which comprise the Starwood solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Ontario, Canada. Satcon will deploy a combination of eight 1.25 MW Equinox Prism Platforms and 24 1.25 MW Solstice Prism Platforms for the project. These platforms leverage Equinox PV inverters and Solstice Systems power harvesting and array management solutions. Read more

Building integrated photovoltaics: Dow to introduce Powerhouse Solar Shingles to U.S. markets

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 11:04 (Solarserver)

On October 4th, 2011, Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Michigan, U.S.) announced that it will bring its Powerhouse Solar Shingle to U.S. markets, starting in the state of Colorado in October 2011. The company will expand into targeted state markets through 2012. Dow states that this market introduction is a key part of its strategy to invent and innovate new technologies, particularly in the field of energy. Read more

SunWize expands US solar products distribution, pre-installation assembly facilities

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 23:22 (PV-Tech)

SunWize Technologies has increased the size of its solar distribution facilities in New York and California. The company constructed a new warehouse and added on to its current facilities so that it now has 200,000 square feet between its California and New York sites. SunWize advised that the expansion would allow it to better provide same-day shipping of its products to North American customers. Read more

Solar industry awaits outcome of Ontario election

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 19:37 (PV-Tech)

The Canadian solar industry faces an anxious wait over the next 24 hours as Ontario, the country?s most PV-friendly province, goes to the polls to elect a new Premier. Defeat for current Premier Dalton McGuinty would spell the end not just to the Liberals? term in office but also Ontario?s burgeoning solar sector. Read more

Updated: Qatar Solar Technologies plans US$1bn polysilicon plant; operations to commence in 2013

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 18:08 (PV-Tech)

Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) has revealed that it will be constructing an 8,000 MTPY (metric tons per year) high-purity solar grade polysilicon manufacturing plant in Ras Laffan Industrial City, north-east Qatar. The approximately US$1 billion plant will be built on 1.2 million square metres of land, and is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2013. Read more

ArrayPower announces appointment of Nick Cravalho, Kris Jernstedt and Milan Ilic as VPs

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 18:06 (PV-Tech)

Bringing more than 60 years combined experience in the solar, semiconductor and power electronics industries, ArrayPower, a Silicon Valley-based power electronics company, announced the appointment of three members to its core leadership team. Read more

SPI Solar to provide EPC services for 6.8MW solar park in New Jersey

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 17:42 (PV-Tech)

PV project developer SPI Solar has been selected by a subsidiary of KDC ? for whom SPI is preferred EPC services provider ? for the construction of a 6.8MW ground-mounted solar project in Middlesex County, New Jersey. SPI will deliver construction management services and project financing as set out in the companies? provider agreement of June 2011, as well as 26,000 of LDK Solar?s PV modules. Read more

The Question Day 18: How Can the U.S. Solar Industry Meet Expectations?

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 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

Romag to lift manufacturing capacity by 300%

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 17:35 (Solarpowerportal)

UK Solar panel giant and specialist glass maker Romag plans to lift production capacity by 300 percent by the end of this year. Read more

Nanosolar?s flexible foil technology achieves 17.1% aperture efficiency in NREL tests

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 17:00 (PV-Tech)

The US Department of Energy?s National Renewable Energy Laboratory has officially certified an aperture efficiency of 17.1% for a solar cell fabricated using Nanosolar?s non-vacuum, flexible foil technology. The tests were carried out on September 1 under standard test conditions of 1000W/m2 at 25°C. Read more

Zep Solar responds to Westinghouse Solar?s ITC complaint

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 16:53 (PV-Tech)

Solar module mounting specialist, Zep Solar has vigorously responded to Westinghouse Solar?s International Trade Commission (ITC) complaint actions over two Westinghouse patents being infringed. The surprise move to use the ITC was made clear, according to Zep Solar in a brief emailed press statement, claiming that Westinghouse had already failed in a district court to enforce the two patents. Read more

Demand for modules remains healthy in the UK

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 16:17 (PV-Tech)

Despite global oversupply and plummeting demand for PV modules and components, the UK solar market is still experiencing large install figures and has had an explosive year with 900% growth. Over 300MW has already been installed and forecasts suggest that 550MW could be deployed by the end of the current FiT period. Read more

Concentrating solar power: California Energy Commission begins review of 500 MW Hidden Hills solar tower plant; solicited by BrightSource Energy subsidiary

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 15:45 (Solarserver)

The California Energy Commission (Sacramento, Calif.) has started the review of the proposed "Hidden Hills" concentrating solar power project (CSP) in Inyo County. At a regular business meeting on October 5th, 2011, the Energy Commission voted to accept the application for certification for the 500-megawatt solar thermal power project as data adequate. Read more

Martifer Solar commissioned to build 22MW solar plant in Portugal

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 15:37 (PV-Tech)

Martifer Solar has signed a contract to install a 22MW PV project in Portugal. The system, which will be the largest in Portugal when completed next year, is being commissioned by an unnamed client of BNP Paribas Clean Energy Partners. Read more

Westinghouse Solar files ITC complaint against Canadian Solar and Zep Solar

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 15:19 (Solarserver)

On October 4th, 2011, Westinghouse Solar Inc. (Campbell, Calif.), a designer and manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems, announced that it has filed a complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC) against Zep Solar (San Rafael, Calif.) and Canadian Solar (Ontario, Canada). Read more

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas announces Technology Test Drive Program to academic institutions in PV market

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 15:12 (Solarserver)

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas Inc. (KMSA, Ramsey, N.J.), world-wide provider of industrial measurement solutions for color, light and shape, announced the availability of their Technology Test Drive Program to U.S. based academic institutions involved in the solar technology industry. The Technology Test Drive Program, which was originally launched at InterSolar North America 2011, focuses on providing colleges and universities equipment like solar spectroradiometers used to measure solar simulators on a 1 week evaluation period. Read more

Project Funding, Supply Chains,and LCOE: A Lot in Common

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

One of the strategic problems plaguing the growth of the solar power industry in North America is uncertainty around project funding. Over the last few years, we have seen many apparently healthy deals get hung up when financiers cannot raise the necessary funds. Read more

Project Funding, Supply Chains and LCOE: A Lot in Common

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

One of the strategic problems plaguing the growth of the solar power industry in North America is uncertainty around project funding. Over the last few years, we have seen many apparently healthy deals get hung up when financiers cannot raise the necessary funds. Read more

Solar Millennium sells 2.25GW US project pipeline

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 13:38 (PV-Tech)

Troubled solar-thermal power plant specialist Solar Millennium has agreeed to sell its 2.25GW project pipeline to solarhybrid. Consequently, Solar Millennium said it would focus its future business plans on planned solar-thermal and hybrid power plants in Europe, Asia, North Africa and Latin America, leaving the door open for solarhybrid to develop the US projects. Read more

World Bank approves USD 172 million for installing 630,000 solar PV home systems in Bangladesh

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 11:51 (Solarserver)

The World Bank on October 4th, 2011 approved USD 172 million to support the installation of an additional 630,000 solar home systems (off-grid photovoltaic systems) and other renewable energy mini-grid schemes in rural Bangladesh. The credit from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank?s concessionary arm, has 40 years to maturity with a 10-year grace period; it carries a service charge of 0.75 percent. The credit is an additional financing to the ongoing "Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Development Project" (RERED), following the project?s success in installing solar home systems (SHS) in rural areas where grid electricity is not economically Read more

Nanosolar reaches 17.1% aperture area efficiency with printed CIGS PV cell

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 11:31 (Solarserver)

On October 5th, 2011, Nanosolar Inc. (San Jose, California, U.S.) announced that the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL, Golden, Colorado, U.S.) has confirmed a 17.1% aperture area efficiency for a thin-film solar photovoltaic (PV) cell that it has printed on flexible foil. This printed PV cell utilizes copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) PV technology. Nanosolar notes that its printed flexible CIGS cells can utilize high-throughput roll-to-roll printing methods. Read more

solarhybrid AG and Solar Millennium AG conditionally agree on purchase of solar power projects in the United States; Construction of the Blythe solar power project in California expected to start in 2013

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 9:38 (Solarserver)

solarhybrid AG (Brilon, Germany), a specialist in the construction of photovoltaic (PV) power plants, and Solar Millennium AG (Erlangen, Germany), a specialist in the construction of concentrating solar power plants (CSP), have signed conditional contractual agreements which are subject to finalization of advanced due diligence. Subsequent to the completion of the transaction which is planned for the end of October 2011, solarhybrid will own a pipeline for solar power projects with a total capacity of up to 2.25 gigawatts (GWp), the company announces in a press release. solarhybrid AG thus would emerge as one of the largest PV project developers in the US. solarhybrid also Read more

Republic Services installs landfill cap system integrated with 1MW of solar PV near Atlanta

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 0:17 (PV-Tech)

What is being called one of the largest landfill solar energy cap systems and the first of its kind in Georgia has been dedicated near Atlanta. The 1MW system featuring Uni-Solar thin-film PV laminates, installed by Republic Services over the closed Hickory Ridge landfill, accounts for 10 acres of the 45-acre closure system. Read more

10 Clean Energy Stocks for 2011: It's 2008 All Over Again

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 17:26 (Renewable Energy World)

Few investors have good memories of 2008, but when it comes to the performance of my annual model portfolio of ten clean energy stocks, I'm finding the resemblance to 2008 remarkably striking. Read more

OECD and IEA urge governments to reduce fossil fuel subsidies

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 15:36 (Solarserver)

On October 4th, 2011, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, Paris, France) and the International Energy Agency (IEA, Paris, France) issued a joint statement urging governments globally to reform their fossil fuel subsidies. The organizations have also compiled a inventory of estimated budgetary support and tax expenditures for fossil fuels, with information on mechanisms that support fossil fuel production and use in OECD member nations. Read more

Obama Administration to accelerate seven major U.S. transmission projects; additional benefits for integration of renewable energy sources

Thursday, 10.6.2011 - 11:15 (Solarserver)

On October 5th, 2011, the Administration of U.S. President Barack Obama announced that it will accelerate the permitting and construction of seven proposed electrical transmission lines across 12 U.S. states, which will serve as pilot projects for streamlined federal project review and approval. The Administration states that through the work of its Interagency Rapid Response Team for Transmission (RRTT) it will not only increase grid reliability, but assist the integration of a larger amount of renewable energy in the nation's electricity mix. Read more