Enphase microinverters installed in 660KW system in Wisconsin, said to be one of largest deployments

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 21:52 (PV-Tech)

Enphase Energy?s microinverter system is helping to power a 600kW solar farm near Delavan, Wisconsin. Developed by Convergence Energy, the solar installation sits on a 14 acre site and is the first in the state that allows qualified individuals to own part of the solar farm. The site holds 99 dual axis trackers, using almost 2,000 Enphase microinverters and is said to be the second largest installation in Wisconsin. Read more

Kyocera modules power largest PV system on Palau

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 20:57 (PV-Tech)

Kyocera?s solar modules are powering a 226.8kW solar system for the Republic of Palau?s international airport; the largest solar installation on the island nation. Kyocera worked with Wakachiku Construction for the design and implementation of the project, which was funded with help from the Japanese government?s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program. Read more

Fidelis ships 18 MW of PV modules to TinSol in South Africa

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 14:43 (Solarserver)

On December 15th, 2011 Fidelis Energy Inc. (Beverly Hills, California, U.S.) announced that it has completed delivery of more than 18 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to TinSol Energy Pty Ltd. (Johannesburg, South Africa). This marks Fidelis' third shipment, bringing the total delivered to date to 76 MW out of 207 MW arranged through a USD 475 million long-term PV module supply agreement between the companies. Read more

NREL achieves 114% external quantum efficiency with quantum dots

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 14:30 (Solarserver)

On December 15th, 2011 the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL, Golden, Colorado, U.S.) announced that it has created the first solar photovoltaic (PV) cell that produces more electrons in its photo-current than solar photons entering the cell. NREL states that it has reached an external quantum efficiency of 114% with sub-microscopic semiconductor crystals, also called quantum dots, photo-excited with photons from high-energy light. The results of the organization's research have been originally published in the December 16th, 2011 issue of Science Magazine. Read more

Semprius reaches 41% efficiency with PV cell under concentration

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 13:33 (Solarserver)

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL, Golden, Colorado, U.S.) has confirmed a conversion efficiency greater than 41% for a solar photovoltaic (PV) cell constructed by Semprius Inc. (Durham, North Carolina, U.S.). Semprius' design uses very small triple-junction gallium arsenide PV cells under a concentration of 1,100 suns. The project was developed with seed money from the DOE under NREL's Sunshot Incubator Program. Read more

Two European rooftop projects are beneficiaries of 208kW of Xunlight?s solar modules

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 12:44 (PV-Tech)

Thin-film silicon solar module manufacturer Xunlight, has announced the sale of 208kW of its solar panels through European channel partner for two rooftop installations in Europe. The company received its IEC 61646 and 61730 certification, conducted by TÜV InterCert Group, at the beginning of this year, which enables the US-based company to market its products in Europe. Read more

Avancis ramps Fab 2

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 12:09 (PV-Tech)

Avancis has said that its new state-of-the-art CIS thin film module production plant has begun ramping. Construction of the 100MW capacity facility started in June 2010 and enables the company offer a new products, boost efficiencies and lower costs, compared to its previous 20MW facility. The number of employees at Avancis is set to double from the current 250 to almost 500. Read more

New Solar Energy Estimate report helps residential customers compare PV system performance

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 21:25 (PV-Tech)

SolarTech has launched its new Solar Energy Estimate (SEE) Report, available at SolarHub.com, which aims to help consumers compare PV systems? performances, not unlike the Federal government?s new-car MPG rating system. The one page SEE report uses standardized calculations combined with the installer?s site-specific design variables and local solar insolation data, which is used to produce an annual estimated energy production for the solar system. Read more

NRG, Kraft Group sign deal to expand PV installations at Patriot Place

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 21:11 (PV-Tech)

The Kraft Group is bringing more power to the Patriots ? solar power that is. The company recently signed a deal with NRG, which will see a 1MW installation completed at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, the New England Revolution and Patriot Place. Additionally, the companies plan to develop a full-sized wind turbine while NRG has agreed to provide all the additional power for the football stadium, retail and entertainment complex. Read more

On Track for Maximum Solar Production

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 20:14 (Renewable Energy World)

In their efforts to deliver solar energy systems capable of maximum power production, designers consider numerous factors to ensure they install effective, reliable systems capable of optimum performance in any environment. In New England, for example, solar technologies have to operate in challenging climate conditions that range from harsh, freezing winters with frequent snowstorms to high-temperature summers. Other primary considerations In solar installations include site conditions, structural issues, panel-mounting options, and project lifecycle costs. Read more

NPD Solarbuzz: global demand projected to grow 6% in 2012

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 17:16 (PV-Tech)

NPD Solarbuzz?s latest Solarbuzz Quarterly report states that global demand is projected to grow 6% in 2012, with market declines in Europe to be offset by 43% growth outside that region. Therefore, solar companies will face the challenge of re-building margins during a period of increasing diversity in end solar market mix. PV companies will need to shift focus from seeking market share to instead prioritizing a return to profitability after losses incurred throughout the industry following problems with over-production, excess inventories and collapsing market process. Read more

Recurrent Energy wins US$250 million in financing for 200MW North American solar pipeline

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 16:46 (PV-Tech)

San Francisco-based Recurrent Energy, Sharp?s US project developer subsidiary, has won a four-year construction revolver credit facility from Mizuho Corporate Bank of US$250 million. The loan will facilitate the construction of 20 PV power plants in Ontario, Canada and is said to be one of the largest non-recourse credit facilities granted for the development of solar PV in North America. Read more

aleo solar warns 2011 losses could reach ?30 million

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 16:23 (PV-Tech)

In a brief market update, aleo solar said that it expected losses in 2011 to be in the range of ?25-?30 million. The PV module manufacturer had reported an EBIT profit of ?7.4 million, with an EBIT margin of 2.2% for the first 9-months of the year. Read more

ReneSola completes 20MW project in central China

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 16:17 (PV-Tech)

ReneSola has connected its 20MW solar power plant in Wulan County, China to the grid. The system is ReneSola?s first in China and is to be powered exclusively by the company?s modules. Read more

Canada?s solar industry asks for improvements to FiTs

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 16:10 (PV-Tech)

Following the Canadian government?s announcement to reduce FiT prices for new projects, The Green Energy Act Alliance and Shine Ontario Association have joined forces by releasing the Ontario Feed-in Tariff 2011 Review: More Jobs, Affordable, Clean Energy, and a Brighter Future for Ontario report. The groups represent Canada?s leading environmental and energy groups, as well as the key players in Canada?s solar industry. Read more

Asia Report: China Takes Sharp Turn in Push for Solar Energy

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 15:20 (Renewable Energy World)

Facing a manufacturing overcapacity and a growing need for clean energy, China announced a plan that could have impacts on both fronts. Read more

Million Solar Roofs bill to go before U.S. Senate

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 14:48 (Solarserver)

Legislation is currently before the U.S. Senate to assist American communities with reducing permitting costs for solar, including a goal of installing 10 million solar photovoltaic (PV) plants on homes and businesses by 2020. The "10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2011" was passed 13-8 through the U.S. Senate's Energy and Natural Resources Committee on December 15th, 2011, which will put it before the full Senate for a vote. Read more

Dyesol claims DSC strip cell lab efficiencies reach 8%

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 13:34 (PV-Tech)

Dye-sensitized solar thin-film specialist, Dyesol has claimed a 15% increase in the efficiency performance of large DSC strip cells has been achieved, bringing industrial DSC efficiency up from 6.9% to 8% in 2011. The increase in efficiency results were said to come from improvements in materials and structural design elements. Read more

FiT cut leaves Dundee Council?s solar scheme in jeopardy

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 13:01 (Solarpowerportal)

The BBC has reported that Dundee council may have to scrap its plan to install solar panels on all suitable council-owned properties. Read more

Utility-scale PV: California PUC approves PPA for 150 MW Copper Mountain Solar 2 plant; Construction begins this year

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 12:49 (Solarserver)

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on December 15th, 2011 approved Pacific Gas and Electric Company's 25-year contract to purchase 150 megawatts (MW) of renewable power from Sempra Generation's Copper Mountain Solar 2 project in Boulder City, Nev. With state regulatory approval of the contract secured, Sempra Generation announced that construction on the 1,100-acre solar plant will begin this year. The first 92 MW of solar panels at Copper Mountain Solar 2 are expected to be installed by year-end 2012, with the remaining 58 MW slated for completion by 2015. Read more

Manz completes takeover of Würth Solar?s production line

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 12:42 (PV-Tech)

Würth Solar has sold its CIGS production line in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany to Manz. Ownership of the plant, its 118 employees and all of Würth?s PV licenses will be officially transferred on January 1, 2012. Read more

IHS iSuppli publishes bill of materials for Power-One PV inverter; Solar Inverter shipments to reach USD 30.2 million by 2015

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 12:37 (Solarserver)

On December 15th, 2011 IHS iSuppli (El Segundo, California, U.S.) presented a tear-down analysis of a solar photovoltaic (PV) inverter, in an effort to provide more information for cost-reduction efforts. The company chose the Power-One Aurora PVI-4.2-OUTD for its analysis, presenting a USD 641 bill of materials (BOM). IHS iSuppli states that such analyses will be important for manufacturers in an increasingly competitive environment. Read more

Dow Corning executives on striking balance: Solar industry benefits from the U.S. & China

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 12:21 (Solarserver)

"The trade case brought against Chinese solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers by U.S. solar-panel producer SolarWorld and six other domestic equipment makers could undermine the solar industry?s significant progress at the very moment it is poised for success," stated Robert D. Hansen, president and CEO, Dow Corning Corporation, Dow chairman Stephanie A. Burns, and Andy Tometich, president of Hemlock Semiconductor Group. With a largely jobless recovery in the U.S. and a Chinese economy that is ?cooling down?, a trade war over solar module production threatens both nations? economies and the global viability of the solar industry overall, Dow executives emphasized. Read more

Rajasthan opens bidding for 200MW of solar projects

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 11:33 (PV-Tech)

The state of Rajasthan in India has opened the bidding process for its latest round of solar projects to developers. At stake is 200MW of capacity, divided equally between solar thermal and PV. Companies are permitted to bid for both, with individual project sizes totalling 50MW for solar thermal and between 5MW and 10MW for PV. Read more

Oerlikon Solar announces thin-film PV industry record: 2nd generation "ThinFab" reduces Capex to USD 1/Wp with lowest Cost of Production at USD 0.5/Wp

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 9:43 (Solarserver)

Oerlikon Solar?s 2nd generation "ThinFab" resets the standard for low cost, high quality solar module manufacturing, the company announces in a press release. The new design allows a capital expenditure (Capex) reduction of more than 20 %, Oerlikon Solar (Trübbach, Switzerland) accentuates. Read more

Navigant Finds PTC Extension Will Create and Save 54,000 Jobs; Expiration Will Kill 37,000 Jobs

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 20:30 (Renewable Energy World)

A new study released this week finds that with stable tax policy the wind industry can create and save 54,000 American jobs in the next four years, including growing the wind manufacturing sector by one third to 46,000 American manufacturing jobs. This will keep the wind sector on track toward supporting the 500,000 jobs by 2030 projected in a report by the U.S. Department of Energy during the George W. Bush administration. Read more

2nd large-scale PV deal in December 2011: MidAmerican Energy Holdings acquires 49% stake in 290 MW Agua Caliente Solar Project

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 13:00 (Solarserver)

MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company (Princeton, N. J.) will acquire a 49% interest in the Agua Caliente solar project from NRG Energy (Des Moines Iowa). The USD 1.8 billion project, which is being constructed by First Solar (Tempe, Ariz.) and expected to be complete by 2014, is supported by a USD 967 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy and a long-term power purchase agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric for all of the project?s generation. The deal is subject to certain customary closing conditions, including U.S. Department of Energy approval. Read more

Fidelis signs additional US$77 million contract with Lagofrio Energy

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 19:19 (PV-Tech)

Fidelis Energy has entered into a further long-term solar module supply agreement with Lagofrio Energy Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TinSol Energy, for installations in the development and build-out of numerous solar park locations across the African continent. Under the terms of the new contract, Fidelis will supply a total of 207MW, having completed shipments of 76MW thus far, for a total product value of US$475 million. Shipments for this new contract is to commence during the second quarter of 2012. Read more

Cuts will ?starve? renewable energy industry say German ministers

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 18:50 (PV-Tech)

Alterations to Germany?s green policy is causing outrage. The country?s environment minister, Norbert Röettgen, has rejected the economy minister?s calls to cut renewable energy subsidies further. Economy minister Philipp Roesler has proposed that Germany should have an annual ceiling of 1,000MW although some ministers have argued that this would ?starve? the industry, following a record installation of 7,400MW of solar panels last year. Röettgen believes that Germany needs to speed up investments to expand the power grid and do more to reduce overall energy consumption. Read more

Cuts will ?starve? renewable energy industry, say German ministers

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 18:50 (PV-Tech)

Alterations to Germany?s green policy are causing outrage. The country?s environment minister, Norbert Röttgen, has rejected the economy minister?s calls to cut renewable energy subsidies further. Economy minister Philipp Roesler has proposed that Germany should have an annual ceiling of 1,000MW although some ministers have argued that this would ?starve? the industry, following a record installation of 7,400MW of solar panels last year. Röettgen believes that Germany needs to speed up investments to expand the power grid and do more to reduce overall energy consumption. Read more

Cleantech sector is confident of growth despite faith in the Coalition eroding

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 18:41 (Solarpowerportal)

Ernst and Young have published a report showing that optimism in the UK cleantech sector has witnessed a strong increase over the last eight months. Read more

Gera, Thuringia welcomes 1.2MWp PV plant on site of former gas plant

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 16:06 (PV-Tech)

Project developer Energieversorgung Gera has announced that its 1.2MWp PV plant, built on the site of a former gas power plant, is now active. On December 9, the Gera, Thuringia-based power plant, which is equipped with 4,900 PV modules supplied by project contractor SunEnergy Europe, was completed with the help of a ?2.1 million investment from Energieversorgung Gera. Read more

DECC reveal deadline week figures

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 16:03 (Solarpowerportal)

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has revealed how many installs were registered on the MCS system in the week running up to the December 12 deadline. Read more

A Cleantech VC Unconvinced of Man-made Climate Change

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 15:58 (Renewable Energy World)

Go ahead -- call me a hypocrite. I claim to be a cleantech venture capitalist yet I tell you here and now that I am not convinced of anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change (aka global warming). And I will audaciously tell you that my convictions on climate change in no way run contrary to my strong belief in the need for a cleantech revolution. Read more

Editor's Letter: What Will The Future Hold?

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Listening to a recent roundtable discussion among American utility executives, I was surprised to learn that most of them factor in the price of carbon when accounting for future energy costs. I thought that boat had passed in 2009 when the Cap and Trade bill was introduced in the House and then abandoned in favor of health care reform. Read more

ABB to invest USD 20 million in U.S. CPV systems integrator Greenvolts

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 14:13 (Solarserver)

On December 14th, 2011, ABB Ltd. (Zurich, Switzerland) announced that it has agreed to invest about USD 20 million for a substantial minority stake in California-based GreenVolts, which provides turnkey concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems. ABB's investment is as part of a USD 35 million financial round. The investment, which was made through ABB's venture capital arm ABB Technology Ventures, gives ABB access to GreenVolts' proprietary technology and can now offer turnkey solutions for concentrating photovoltaic power plants in addition to its current capabilities in solar thermal and conventional photovoltaic power plants. Read more

Québec to begin cap-and-trade CO2 regulation, will join California in regional carbon market

Monday, 12.19.2011 - 13:28 (Solarserver)

On December 15th, 2011 the Canadian Province of Québec announced the adoption of cap-and-trade regulations for greenhouse gases, becoming the second major political jurisdiction to do so in North America after California. The rules will come into full effect on January 1st, 2013 following a one-year transition period. The decision was announced by Québec's Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks Pierre Arcand, and the system will be based on rules established by the Western Climate Initiative (WCI). Read more