EPFL reaches 12.3% efficiency with Grätzel solar cells

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 19:59 (Solarserver)

On November 11th, 2011, the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL, Ecublens, Switzerland) announced that it has reached a new efficiency record of 12.3% using dye-sensitized Grätzel solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. Scientists under the leadership of EPFL professor Michael Grätzel, for whom the cells are named, achieved the efficiency by replacing the previously used dye components with porphyrin and cobalt. Read more

Mediocredito Italiano adds Chinese CTDC modules to bankability list

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 19:53 (Solarserver)

On November 10th, 2011 China Technology Development Group Corporation (CTDC, Hong Kong, China) announced that its LSP solar photovoltaic (PV) modules have been added to Mediocredito Italiano SpA's (Milan, Italy) bankability list. CTDC states that this improves the odds that PV projects featuring its LSP modules will receive bank loans. Read more

Greg Wilson to lead NREL's National Center for Photovoltaics

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 19:42 (Solarserver)

Dr. Gregory Wilson has been named director of the National Center for Photovoltaics (NCPV) at the U.S. Department of Energy?s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), effective Nov. 28th, 2011. Wilson brings 17 years of experience in silicon research and in photovoltaic leadership to the NCPV from his work at MEMC in St. Louis, where he evaluated emerging photovoltaic technologies and helped spearhead MEMC?s acquisition of SunEdison. He most recently served as director of Corporate Business Development and External Technology Development for MEMC. Read more

Sunways sales still shrinking: 2H 2011 losses expected

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 18:10 (PV-Tech)

Continuous pressure on pricing as demand remains weak has further impacted PV product sales and profits at Sunways. Consolidated sales declined by ?35.0 million to ?23.3 million, compared to the same quarter a year ago when sales reached ?58.3 million. Lower cell manufacturing utilization, inventory write-downs on falling ASPs meant Sunways reported losses ? 6.3 million an a negative operating result (EBIT) of ?11.8 million in the third quarter. Read more

Indeotec receives new order for Octopus II tool

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 16:22 (PV-Tech)

Indeotec has received the first order and down payment for its Octopus II plasma processing tool. Octopus II was first unveiled at PVSEC in Hamburg and is the successor to Indeotec?s popular Octopus I. The new tool measures 300mm x 400mm and is characterized by several PECVD, PVD, heating and customised chambers around a central unit. Read more

Q-Cells reports wider than guided Q3 loss; lowers full-year guidance

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 13:47 (PV-Tech)

Q-Cells expects revenue to bounce back in the fourth quarter after posting financial results for the third quarter that are nearly half of those reported in the prior year period. Q-Cells reported revenue for the quarter of ?228.8 million and a negative EBIT of ?47.3 million. As its project business gains momentum, the share of solar cells sales fell from 69.2% in the prior year period to 46.5% in the previous year. Overhead costs are to be reduced by approximately 25% in 2012 with the loss of 250 jobs. Revenue guidance for the full year was ?1 billion with a negative three-digit million operating margin. Read more

Q-Cells reduced to two-member management team as CFO resigns

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 12:36 (PV-Tech)

More trials and tribulations at struggling Q-Cells have resulted in the resignation of its CFO, who has barely been in the job for 18 months since her appointment in April 2010. Effective today, coinciding with the release of the company?s third-quarter results, Marion Helmes?s position will be taken by CEO Nedim Cen, former holder of the CFO role, but who was appointed CEO to support initial restructuring efforts that led to a complete management change. Cen remains as CEO, while Andreas von Zitzewitz will take on the position of CSO in addition to his role as COO, resulting in an executive board of just two members. Read more

Promoting the use of solar energy: European Solar Days to take place May 1st to 13th, 2012

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 19:48 (Solarserver)

The European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) and the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) have announced that this year's European Solar Days will take place May 1st to 13th, 2012, as the work of more than 20 participating organizations in 16 nations. European Solar Days features a series of events to promote the use of solar energy. The organizations estimate 2011 Solar Days events drew more than 500,000 participants to more than 8,000 events in 19 nations throughout Europe. Read more

Mage Solar secures naming rights for SC Freiburg?s home stadium

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 19:47 (PV-Tech)

Mage Solar has strengthened its ties with German football club SC Freiburg by acquiring the naming rights for its home ground. Although the re-christening was only announced on Thursday, the Bundesliga club?s 24,000 capacity ground has been officially known as the Mage Solar stadium since August. Read more

Westminster forced to rethink solar plans post FiT cut

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 18:27 (Solarpowerportal)

The recently-announced Government proposals to cut the feed-in tariffs for solar power by more than 50 percent on December 12 threaten the development of a £12 million photovoltaic development program in Westminster. The council’s scheme was designed to help tackle fuel poverty, particularly as some areas of Westminster have the highest levels of fuel poverty in the UK. Read more

London Metropolitan University showcases its answer to sustainable urban development

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 18:07 (Solarpowerportal)

The London Metropolitan University has designed an innovative building that pulls together the latest energy saving and generation technology in order to compete in the Solar Decathlon competition. Read more

JinkoSolar lowers Q3 and full-year guidance on ASP declines

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 17:19 (PV-Tech)

Weak market demand and falling module prices have forced JinkoSolar to revise financial guidance for the third quarter and full-year 2011. Total solar module shipments for Q3 are expected to be in the range of 210MW - 220MW, down from previous guidance of between 230MW - 250MW. As a result and due to ASP declines, revenue is expected to be in the range of US$270 - US$280 million, down from previous guidance of US$310 - US$330 million. Read more

Solar sales suffer at Manz due to push-outs and order cancellations

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 16:46 (PV-Tech)

The changing PV equipment market forced Manz to slightly lower its full-year revenue guidance, despite strong sales growth, particularly in its flat panel display (FPD) business segment.  Manz reported revenue of ?192 million for the first 9-months of 2011, a 58 % increase, compared with the previous year?s figure of ?121.3 million. Read more

SolarWorld turns to loss and rising inventory: full-year guidance reduced

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 16:02 (PV-Tech)

Germany?s largest module manufacturer, SolarWorld reported weakening financial conditions in the third quarter. Shipments and revenue remained flat with the second quarter but margins declined as weak demand and declining prices impacted results. SolarWorld guided sales above ?1 billion for the full-year but below ?1.3 billion reported in 2010. Finished goods inventory levels have increased sequentially for 5 quarters, while total inventories reached close to ?500 million. Read more

Asia Report: Fearing 'Protectionism,' China May Expand Domestic Market

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 15:40 (Renewable Energy World)

While America continues to focus on increasing its energy security by manufacturing more of its own products, China officials are warning their domestic solar manufacturers about the inherent dangers of relying too heavily on foreign markets. Read more

SPI to supply modules for KDC projects; releases Q3 financial results

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 14:16 (PV-Tech)

SPI Solar has signed an agreement to supply KDC Solar with US$42 million of LDK modules for a range of upcoming PV projects in New Jersey. The contract further consolidates the relationship between the two firms; this June, SPI unveiled a three-year partnership with KDC, whereby it would serve as KDC?s preferred engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and operations and maintenance service provider. Read more

Technolgy provider Manz AG achieves continued revenue growth in the first nine months of 2011 and further boosts profitability; Solar segment performed below expectations

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 13:19 (Solarserver)

Manz AG (Reutlingen, Germany), one of the world's leading providers of production systems for the photovoltaic and Flat Panel Display (FPD) industry, generated EUR 192 million of revenues in the first nine months of 2011, representing 58% growth compared with the previous year's figure of EUR 121.3 million. Total operating revenues of EUR 217.9 million reflected 64.4% growth compared with EUR 132.6 million in the previous year. The primary growth driver in the period under review was the FPD segment, although the New Business segment, which focuses on lithium-ion batteries, also reported very good growth. The Solar segment performed below expectations in the first nine months, Read more

California Public Utilities Commission approves PPA for Mojave concentrating solar power plant

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 12:52 (Solarserver)

On November 10th, 2011 the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved a power purchase agreement (PPA) wherein Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E, San Francisco, California, U.S.) will purchase the electricity generated by the Mojave Solar concentrating solar power (CSP) plant. California's Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA) protested the CPUC's approval on the basis of the higher projected cost of the project relative to other renewable energy sources. Abengoa Solar SA (Seville, Spain) expects to commission the 250 MW plant in 2014. Read more

SMA Solar Technology AG revenues, shipments slip slightly in first nine months of 2011, SMA predicts 2011 contraction of global PV market

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 12:43 (Solarserver)

On November 11th, 2011, SMA Solar Technology AG (Niestetal, Germany) announced results for the first nine months of 2011, reporting EUR 1.2 billion (USD 1.6 billion) in revenues, a 15% EBIT margin and 174 million in net profit. The company's managing board has confirmed previous sales and earnings forecasts for 2011. SMA also expressed that it expects the global PV market to contract in 2011 to between 19 and 21 GW, down from 23 GW in 2010. Read more

Phoenix Solar reports increased revenues, net loss in 3Q 2011

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 12:37 (Solarserver)

On November 10th, 2011 Phoenix Solar AG (Sulzemoos, Germany) released results for the third quarter of 2011, reporting a 19% increase in revenues over the third quarter of 2010 to USD 155 million, but an EBIT margin of -12% and a net loss of USD 26 million. Over the first nine months of 2011, Phoenix Solar reports a 45% decline in revenues from 2010 at USD 347 million, with an EBIT margin of -16% and a net loss of USD 54.9 million. Read more

The meeco Group?s Italian subsidiary completes the transfer of 7 MWp solar projects in the region of Puglia

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 12:31 (Solarserver)

SunCarrier Services (SCS) Italia S.r.l., the Italian subsidiary of the Swiss-based meeco Group has finalized the transfer of seven solar photovoltaic (PV) plants in October 2011, totaling 7 MWp. All of the projects are located in the region of Puglia, South West Italy. ?The seven projects were finalized and structured into meeco vehicle SPV companies and coordinated with local developers,? explains Claudio Alberti, heading the Italian operations for The meeco Group. Read more

Interview: why Government?s FiT cuts present ?a huge opportunity for business?

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 11:55 (Solarpowerportal)

Speaking out in support of Government’s proposed feed-in tariff (FiT) rates, Barak Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer of Sunny Britain has commented on why – despite plentiful outrage from others in the UK solar industry – he thinks the changes are actually good for his business. Read more

Solar demand in US near inflection point for massive growth, says Keiser Analytics

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 11:48 (PV-Tech)

A unique bottom-up analysis of retail electricity prices across the US by Keiser Analytics paints an incredible picture of the potential adoption of solar power at the residential and commercial level as installation costs fall to reach retail grid parity and below. Should the inflection point be released, US solar module demand could top 100GW over the next 5-years, compared to the expected 2011 demand of approximately 2GW. Read more

Soitec, SDG&E sign PPAs for 155MW San Diego PV portfolio

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 11:45 (PV-Tech)

The California Public Utilities Commission has approved five power purchase agreements between Soitec Solar Development and San Diego Gas and Electric. Individual project sizes have not yet been disclosed, although the combined total of the PPAs is 155MW. Read more

CPUC approves Soitec, SDG&E PPAs for 155MW San Diego PV portfolio

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 11:45 (PV-Tech)

The California Public Utilities Commission has approved five power purchase agreements between Soitec Solar Development and San Diego Gas and Electric. Individual project sizes have not yet been disclosed, although the combined total of the PPAs is 155MW. Read more

13.78MW SunPower solar plant planned for US Naval Air Weapons Station - updated

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 11:43 (PV-Tech)

SunPower is continuing with its end-of-year building frenzy with a planned 13.78MW solar PV power system at a naval air weapons station at China Lake in California, with the intention of opening next month and to be in operation at the beginning of next year. Read more

13.78MW SunPower solar plant planned for US Naval Air Weapons Station

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 11:43 (PV-Tech)

SunPower is continuing with its end-of-year building frenzy with a planned 13.78MW solar PV power system at a naval air weapons station at China Lake in California, with the intention of opening next month and to be in operation at the beginning of next year. Read more

Offshore Health & Safety: A Spotlight on Industry Practice

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 15:47 (Renewable Energy World)

Health and safety practices in the young but growing offshore wind industry have suffered from a lack of international consistency. Developing any guidelines and practices outside individual projects or businesses is very much up to the industry itself; manufacturers, developers and operators have to tailor their approach to each country or project. Read more

ABB, AWS, Others Contributing to DOE Offshore Study Examining Sites

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 14:38 (Renewable Energy World)

Led by ABB, the contributing organizations ? which include business, government and academia ? will investigate important technical and economic questions about the integration of offshore wind energy through a range of transmission technologies. Read more

Electricity prices to soar by 2021, survey predicts

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 18:15 (Solarpowerportal)

Wholesale electricity prices have been predicted to rise by at least 40 percent over the next ten years, according to a survey of 71 leading industry figures. Read more

U.K. FIT cut draws fire from employer's group, environmental organization

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 16:15 (Solarserver)

As the U.K.'s December 12th, 2011 feed-in tariff (FIT) cut deadline looms and solar customers scramble to install systems, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is drawing criticism and challenges beyond the U.K. solar industry. On November 10th, 2011 Coalition for British Industry (CBI, London, U.K.) Director-General John Cridland blasted the DECC over the early FIT cut, stating that it will not only destroy projects and jobs, but create a "mood of uncertainty" among investors. Additionally, the U.K. Friends of the Earth (FOE, London, U.K.) has filed suit to stop the FIT cuts. Read more

UK Government announces extra £100 million for Scottish renewables

Monday, 11.14.2011 - 14:12 (Solarpowerportal)

The Chancellor and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury have announced around £100 million of additional funding for Scottish renewable energy, in addition to the existing Scottish Government budget. Read more