Odersun develops software tool that lets users design individually tailored solar modules

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 22:18 (PV-Tech)

Odersun has developed a new software tool, which essentially allows a user to design their own solar modules. Aptly named Solarmodule-Designer, the software lets users create solar modules that will fit an individual building project and system. Size, form, build-up and materials can all be customized by the user so that the modules can easily fit into their solar-integrated roofs and façades. Read more

PV LEGAL claims success in reducing barriers to PV in EU member states; Improvements in Greece, Slovenia

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 21:53 (Solarserver)

On May 19th, 2011, the PV LEGAL consortium announced that it has made substantial progress in removing legal and administrative barriers to solar photovoltaic (PV) development in a number of EU nations, in a statement accompanying a new update of its resource database. However, the project notes that in some nations, including Spain and the Czech Republic, procedures have actually become more difficult, in some cases as the result of deliberate efforts by national authorities to slow PV development. Read more

Ericsson upgrade to New Guinea broadband network to include hybrid PV power supply

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 21:51 (Solarserver)

On May 20th, 2011, Telefonaktiebolaget L. M. Ericsson (Stockholm, Sweden) announced that it has signed a contract with Digicel Pacific Ltd. (Hamilton, Bermuda) to upgrade Digicel's network on Papua New Guinea, including supplying a power solution involving solar photovoltaics (PV). Digicel Pacific will move from a 2G to a 3G network on the island, using a power solution that combines PV, rechargeable batteries and diesel generators. Read more

China starts compilation of criteria for building integrated photovoltaics

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 21:49 (Solarserver)

With the construction of solar photovoltaic (PV) demonstration project scope development, demand for engineering practice standards for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in China is growing, the China BIPV Applications Committee reports in a press release. Read more

Roth & Rau expanding manufacturing operations in Asia

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 15:06 (PV-Tech)

Roth & Rau has purchased a production facility from electronics firm, Possehl Electronics in, Shenzhen, China to better serve customers in the region. Financial details of the transaction are to remain confidential. As part of the deal, equipment and personnel of around 145 employees will be retained by the PV equipment supplier. Roth & Rau is being acquired by Meyer Burger. Read more

REC to temporarily reduce wafer and cell production in Norway: warns weak 2Q revenues

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 13:10 (PV-Tech)

The combination of a huge global inventory build and weak market conditions that have dragged on into the second quarter of 2011 has meant that REC is to reduce production of wafers, cells and modules, from July 1st 2011 onwards. REC said that it would also halt production at its oldest wafer plants at Herøya, Norway, and at the solar cell plant in Narvik, Norway to weather the weak market conditions. Read more

U.S., Japanese companies to develop smart grid project in Hawaii

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 12:34 (Solarserver)

On May 17th, 2011, a team of companies led by Hitachi Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) announced that it has been selected as contractors for a smart grid project on the island of Maui in the U.S. state of Hawaii. The participating companies will build and test a system that incorporates a number of components including power distribution control, demand side load control, support for electric vehicles (EVs), and information and communication technologies. Read more

BRE & TUV Rheinland provide world-wide access to UK microgeneration approval for PV systems

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 12:20 (Solarserver)

BRE Global (Yokohama, Japan) and TUV Rheinland (Cologne, Germany) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide access to the UK Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) approval for manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) systems. MCS is a UK-based scheme which certifies microgeneration technologies against robust criteria. Product manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) panels who use TUV Rheinland for testing and certification will be able to apply for MCS approval from BRE Global under a streamlined system. Read more

Solar module inventories reach a massive 10GW, says IMS Research

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 12:09 (PV-Tech)

PV module inventory levels have ballooned to record levels, according to market research firm, IMS Research. An incredible 8GW of modules are said to be in the supply chain, while a further 2GW is at PV manufacturers, yet to be shipped. The PV industry has been hit by weak demand across key European markets such as Germany and Italy. Feed-in tariff reviews in Italy and UK also contributed to lacklustre installation levels that have lasted through to May.  Inventory levels at manufacturers, distributors, integrators and installers have all climbed during the first half of 2011, according to IMS Research. Read more

Kyocera, APS Energy complete 750kW solar installation at Arizona State University

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 23:31 (PV-Tech)

Arizona State University is home to four new solar energy systems, which combined generate 750kW of solar electricity. Designed and installed by APS Energy Services (APSES), the Tempe, Arizona college campus installation utilizes 3,572 Kyocera Solar KD-210 solar modules. The system is expected to produce over 1.2 million-kilowatt hours of electricity every year. Read more

Cogenra Solar hybrid modules earn PV, thermal certifications

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 22:53 (PV-Tech)

Cogenra Solar is staking its claim as the first company to have its solar cogeneration modules pass the required testing for concentrating solar thermal and solar electric certifications by Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This achievement allows customers who use Cogenra?s solar cogeneration modules the opportunity to benefit from solar incentives in the US. Read more

GreenWorld appointed to assist development of 194 MW solar PV capacity in Bulgaria

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 21:56 (Solarserver)

Florida based GreenWorld Development, Inc., (West Palm beach, Fla.) the American-Irish "Green and Health Technologies" conglomerate, has been appointed as consultants with regard to a 194 MW solar photovoltaic (PC) supply in Bulgaria. Ireland based EGI Energy Generation Limited, a supplier of renewable energy, has appointed Greenworld Development, Inc. EGI agreed with Bulgarian interests for 194 megawatts (MW) of solar electricity supply, of which the first 25 MW plant is contract ready. Read more

Redland PV tile cements solar success in Hull

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 18:36 (Solarpowerportal)

East Riding Council has selected Redland’s roof-integrated Mini Stonewold Solar tile for its latest social housing scheme. Initially 100 houses will be fitted with the technology, while a further 231 across 33 sites are waiting in the pipeline. Read more

Hanwha SolarOne shipments higher but margins falling: weak Q2

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 17:49 (PV-Tech)

First quarter revenue and shipments at Hanwha SolarOne increased sequentially, adding to a growing theme that low-cost PV manufacturers can still find customers, despite weak demand. Total net revenues were US$335.2 million, an increase of 3.9% from 4Q10 and an increase of 48.7% from 1Q10. PV module shipments, including module processing services, reached 248.5 MW, an increase of 13.6% from 218.8 MW in 4Q10 and an increase of 65.0% from 1Q10. However, ASP declines and slightly higher material costs resulted in gross margins falling to 16.3% down from 20.3% in 4Q10. Read more

KYOCERA and APS Energy Services Provide 749kW of Solar Electricity to Nation's Leading Solar Campus, Arizona State University at Tempe

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 17:39 (Renewable Energy World)

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-Kyocera Solar, Inc. and APS Energy Services (APSES) today announced the completion of four solar energy systems at Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe campus. Collectively, the systems incorporate 3,572 Kyocera KD-210 solar modules. With combined peak generating capacity of 750 kilowatts (kW), the systems will generate more than 1.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) each year ? enough to power 70 typical homes. Read more

Azur Solar to install over 2,500 solar panels for Covers builders merchants

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 17:12 (Solarpowerportal)

UK-based timber and builders merchant Covers has signed an agreement with Azur Solar Systems, which will install solar photovoltaics on as many of its 12 sites as are suitable. With branches located in Chichester, Bognor, Portsmouth and Brighton the company hopes to meet a significant portion of its own energy needs. Read more

aleo solar?s S_18 module passes severity level 6 salt spray test

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 15:16 (PV-Tech)

A must for PV installations located in coastal regions, aleo solar?s S_18 module has passed the most stringent salt spray test, which was certified by SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. Certification from this independent body is based on IEC 61701:1995 / DIN EN 61701:2000-8, though is a voluntary quality test. Read more

Dr. Richard Swanson awarded Karl Boer Solar Energy Medal of Merit

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 14:29 (PV-Tech)

Dr. Richard Swanson, president emeritus and co-founder of SunPower has received further acknowledgments for his contributions to the PV industry with being the latest recipient of the Karl Boer Solar Energy Medal of Merit. The award is given every two years and honors Karl Wolfgang Boer, a University of Delaware faculty member, founder of the college?s Institute of Energy Conversion and a distinguished scientist in the field of solar cells. Read more

Zep Solar boosts European market hopes with appointment of Daniel Priem

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 14:07 (PV-Tech)

A veteran sales manager, Daniel Priem has been appointed as director of business development and sales for PV module mounting specialist, Zep Solar in Europe. The highly praised Zep mounting system has already attracted licenses from Canadian Solar, Centrosolar, Eco-Kinetics, ET Solar, Trina Solar and Upsolar. Priem has been tasked with penetrating key European regions, including Germany, Italy and the UK. Read more

aleo solar PV module passes most stringent salt spray test

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 12:51 (Solarserver)

aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany) on May 24th, 2011 announced that its aleo S_18 module has passed the salt spray test. On April 8th, 2011 aleo solar AG was granted the certificate by the Swiss certification body SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance SA). The salt spray test is a completely voluntary quality test. Certification from this independent body is based on IEC 61701:1995 / DIN EN 61701:2000-8 and confirms the premium quality of aleo modules even under adverse environmental and weather conditions, such as the salt-laden air found in coastal regions. Read more

Polysilicon production equipment provider GT Solar reports 65% year-to-year increase in revenues; PV business segment remains the largest contributor

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 12:42 (Solarserver)

On May 23rd, 2011, GT Solar International Inc. (Merrimack, New Hampshire, U.S.) announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year (FY) 2011. The company reported a 65% growth in annual revenues to USD 899 million and a record annual net income of USD 175 million. Also on May 23rd, 2011, GT Solar announced that it has shipped its 3000th DSS multicrystalline ingot growth furnace. Read more

Phoenix Solar commissions two PV plants totaling 18MW in Brandenburg

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 12:25 (Solarserver)

On May 23rd, 2011, Phoenix Solar AG (Sulzemoos, Germany) announced that it has commissioned two solar photovoltaic (PV) plants totaling 18MW in the state of Brandenburg, Germany. Project partner KGAL GmbH & Co. KG (Grünwald, Germany) supplied financing for the two plants, which are located on a former military airbase in Jocksdorf and Preschen. Read more

Solaredge Launches New Top Efficiency Power Optimizers and PV Safety Innovations at Intersolar Europe

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 10:05 (Renewable Energy World)

Read more

Residential solar company Solmentum installs 1,000th project

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 0:10 (PV-Tech)

Solmentum, a residential power sales company, has completed its 1,000th project putting it over 5MW in sales after only two years of being in business. With the milestone, Solmentum is considered one of California?s five largest residential solar companies when it comes to monthly sales. Read more

BPA Decision To Curtail Wind Power Sends "Chilling Signal" To Industry

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 3:05 (Renewable Energy World)

Wind power generators in the Pacific Northwest this week began seeing the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) break its contracts with them, thanks to what AWEA and the wind industry called a wrongheaded decision that BPA announced May 13. Read more

BPA Decision To Curtail Wind Power Sends 'Chilling Signal' To Industry

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 3:05 (Renewable Energy World)

Wind power generators in the Pacific Northwest this week began seeing the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) break its contracts with them, thanks to what AWEA and the wind industry called a wrongheaded decision that BPA announced May 13. Read more

AWEA Release: Selected quotes: Congressman Earl Blumenauer, the wind industry, county officials and conservationists push back on Bonneville Power Administration's irresponsible wind curtailment plan

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 0:14 (Renewable Energy World)

Read more

Fishing for Evidence: Identifying How Marine and Hydrokinetic Devices Affect Aquatic Environments

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

A relatively new generation of waterpower technologies, broadly categorized as "marine and hydrokinetic" (MHK) energy systems, offers the possibility of generating electricity from water without dams and diversions. The potential power that could be derived from currents, tides, waves, and ocean thermal gradients is enormous, and there are numerous plans in the U.S. and internationally to develop these renewable energy technologies. Read more

Renewable Energy World Asia moves to Malaysia in 2011 for annual gathering of renewables industry professionals

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 13:36 (Renewable Energy World)

Renewable Energy World Asia, the region's premier conference and exhibition for the renewable and sustainable energy industry, will move to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 27th to 29th September 2011. Read more

Ted Turner Calls for End of Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Tuesday, 5.24.2011 - 3:56 (Renewable Energy World)

During the first full day of the Windpower 2011 conference and expo, it was clear that the wind industry is raring to go.  CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Denise Bode, who rode into the keynote on a custom chopper made expressly to showcase wind power, enthusiastically ticked off the industry’s achievements so far such as creating jobs, creating vibrant economic development and contributing to the development of a renewable portfolio standards in 29 states plus DC.  She also unveiled the WindMade label, a new label that will be placed on consumer products that are manufactured with wind energy.  Much like the “USDA Organic” Read more