Espe Sunparc Srl completes 10 MW of Italian PV plants in July, August 2011

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 21:37 (Solarserver)

On September 1st, 2011, Espe Sunparc Srl (Padova, Italy) announced that it has commissioned of a total of 10 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in five different regions of Italy in July and August 2011. The joint venture of Espe Srl (Padova, Italy) and Silfab SpA (Padova, Italy) also announced that Galileia Srl (Padova, Italy) has confirmed the performance ratio of its plants at greater than the market standard of 80%. Read more

Siliken to unveil 72-cell PV modules at EU-PVSEC

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 21:36 (Solarserver)

Siliken SA (Paterna, Spain) has announced that it will unveil its new 72-cell solar photovoltaic (PV) modules at the EU PVSEC trade show in Hamburg, Germany September 5th to 8th, 2011. The company's 72-cell monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV modules SLK72P6L and SLK72M6L, with ratings up to 310 watts, are both available in European markets and will be launched in the United States at the beginning of September 2011. Read more

EU PVSEC: Avancis claims new small-module aperture conversion efficiency record for CIGS

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 20:32 (PV-Tech)

CIS solar module manufacturer Avancis advised that its 30 x 30cm² fully encapsulated and framed Champion CIS solar module recorded a 15.8% aperture efficiency. The Avancis result was confirmed by TÜV Rheinland and comes six months after Solar Frontier released their in-house measurements of 17.2% aperture efficiency on its 30 x 30 cm CIS module. Solar Frontier did not advise that it had worked with a third party to confirm its measurements. Read more

Avancis claims new small-module aperture conversion efficiency record for CIGS

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 20:32 (PV-Tech)

CIS solar module manufacturer Avancis advised that its 30 x 30cm² fully encapsulated and framed Champion CIS solar module recorded a 15.8% aperture efficiency. The Avancis result was confirmed by TÜV Rheinland and comes six months after Solar Frontier released their in-house measurements of 17.2% aperture efficiency on its 30 x 30 cm CIS module. Solar Frontier did not advise that it had worked with a third party to confirm its measurements. Read more

Reaching grid parity ? it?s closer than we think

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 11:06 (Solarpowerportal)

Select European solar markets hold the potential to compete with grid electricity in less than two years, with all European solar markets reaching the same level by 2020. These findings come from a new study by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) which found that over the past two decades, the price of photovoltaic (PV) modules has decreased while the cumulative solar volume of PV modules has doubled. Read more

EPIA: PV generation to reach grid parity across Europe by 2020; Cost of PV modules has decreased by 20% every time the cumulative sold volume of modules has doubled

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 11:04 (Solarserver)

The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) has released a new report which states that electricity from solar photovoltaic (PV) generation can be competitive with grid electricity in all European market segments by 2020. "Solar Photovoltaics Competing in the Energy Sector - On The Road to Competitiveness" estimates that the cost of PV modules has decreased by 20% every time the cumulative sold volume of modules has doubled. Read more

China Sunergy amends module product warranty policy

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 10:55 (Solarserver)

On September 2nd, 2011, China Sunergy Co. Ltd. (Nanjing, China) announced that it decided to make amendment in module product warranty policy. Under the new policy, the company will extend its limited product warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship 10 years from five years for all standard Photovoltaic Solar Module products shipped after August 10th, 2011. Read more

EC JRC Report: PV among fastest growing industries in the world

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 10:41 (Solarserver)

On September 5th, 2011, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission (Brussels, Belgium) released a report which estimates that 23.5 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells were produced in 2010, a doubling of 2009 production levels. The JRC's "PV Status Report 2011" describes the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry as "among the fastest growing industries in the world", with growth rates between 40% and 90% since 2000, and notes that the most rapid growth can be seen in Asia. Read more

Hemholtz partner with Leybold to industrialize thin film PV

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 10:41 (PV-Tech)

Hemholtz Centre Berlin has awarded the order for two A600V7 depositions systems to Leybold Optics, Germany, following a Europe-wide tender process to transfer new thin film PV technology to industrial production. Read more

Tenesol?s CFQ002 certification guarantees 10% bonus from Italy?s FiT

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 10:33 (PV-Tech)

Tenesol has achieved ?Factory Inspection? (CFQ002) certification from the Institute of Industrial Certification for Mechanics (ICIM) in Italy, allowing the company?s PV modules to automatically receive 10% more return from Italy?s feed-in tariff (FiT). The certification also officially identifies that the company?s modules are ?Made in EU.? Read more

EU PVSEC: First Solar doubles length of solar module warranty

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 10:27 (PV-Tech)

Thin-film PV module-manufacturer First Solar has announced that it is to double the material and workmanship warranty on its Series 3 modules from 5 to 10 years, with effect from 1 October. As well as the extended warranty which covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, the company offers a 25-year power output warranty. First Solar also operates a prefunded collection and recycling program for its modules when they reach the end of their working life. Read more

Enecsys microinverters receive Italian and Spanish certification

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 0:59 (PV-Tech)

The Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services in Germany has granted Enecsys microinverters Italian and Spanish certification, which now allows the company?s products to be sold for the residential and commercial solar markets in the two countries. Read more

REC solar modules place first in first half of year-long Photon study

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 0:34 (PV-Tech)

REC advised that its solar modules had ranked first during the first half of the year-long Photon Field Performance Test. Over the first six months of the comparative quality study, REC modules are said to have produced more electricity than 46 other modules that were participating in the test and generated 6% more power on average between January to June. Read more

MEMC, SunEdison finalize Fotowatio Renewable Ventures acquisition

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 22:34 (PV-Tech)

MEMC Electronic Materials and its solar subsidiary, SunEdison, revealed that they had completed the acquisition of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, Inc. (FRV US), the US subsidiary of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures. MEMC paid a the disclosed consideration of US$112 million plus repayment of nearly US$19 million in intercompany loans and capital contributions. An additional consideration of up to US$103.6 million may be paid if FRV US reaches specified performance targets. Read more

SEMI India praises new guidelines under the nation's Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 21:38 (Solarserver)

On September 2nd, 2011 SEMI India (Bangalore, India) released a statement of support for new guidelines for grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) projects under the nation's Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), particularly noting an increase in the cap per developer to 50 MW. The guidelines for 350 MW of PV projects in the first phase, second batch of the JNNSM were released on August 24th, 2011. Developers for these projects will be selected during 2011-2012. Read more

Neo Solar Power unveils 19% efficient "Black 19" cells at EU PVSEC

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 21:37 (Solarserver)

On September 5th, 2011, Neo Solar Power Corporation (NSP, Hsinchu, Taiwan) unveiled its "Black 19" monocrystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) cell, which offers efficiencies greater than 19%, at the EU PVSEC trade show in Hamburg, Germany. The company states that its Black 19 is based on a mainstream pseudo-square wafer with a 200 mm diagonal length, and is produced using mass production tools at NSP facilities. Read more

Order Focus: First Solar lands 100MW supply agreement for Reliance Power?s Jaisalmer project

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 20:46 (PV-Tech)

Upon the US Export-Import Bank approving a US$84.2 million direct loan last month to Reliance Power?s Dahanu Solar Power unit, the company was able to secure an agreement with First Solar for the delivery of 100MW of solar modules. Under the supply contract, First Solar will deliver 40MW of its thin-film modules to Reliance Power by the end of the year, with the remaining 60MW delivered in 2012. The solar modules will be used for Reliance Power?s Jaisalmer solar project, which will supply solar electricity to Mumbai. The companies claim that this is the largest PV module supply agreement in India to date. Read more

SolarWorld to Consolidate, Close California Production

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 18:42 (Renewable Energy World)

In what seems to be a rough few weeks for the solar industry, SolarWorld announced plans to shut down its Camarillo, Calif. manufacturing plant and several aging German lines. Read more

Crompton Solar designs new plug and play installer switch

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 18:38 (Solarpowerportal)

Crompton Solar has launched a fully-tested plug and play switching system, designed to making it easier and more time efficient for solar installers to complete the fiddly wiring process to a high standard. The robust lightweight Combi-Switch, available in either plastic or steel casing, will simply plug in, saving up to 90 minutes on site per installation. Read more

Trade Skills 4U launches solar installation equipment offshoot

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 17:46 (Solarpowerportal)

Electrical and renewable energy training centre Trade Skills 4U yesterday announced the launch of Solar PV Tools, an equipment supplier for photovoltaic installers. The new website aims to complement the well-established training centre, providing tools, electrical equipment, training information and other paraphernalia for the installation, testing and maintenance of domestic and small-scale solar systems. Read more

NSW solar tariffs cause electricty price hike

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 17:21 (PV-Tech)

NSW?s defunct Solar Bonus Scheme feed-in-tariff (FIT) programme is to blame for an AUD$A12 a year expected increase in household electricity bills from 2013, according to coalition government politicians ? a finding met with incredulity by the Australian Solar Energy Society (Auses). Read more

Solar tariffs cause electricty price hike: NSW Government

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 17:21 (PV-Tech)

NSW?s defunct Solar Bonus Scheme feed-in-tariff (FIT) programme is to blame for an $A12 a year expected increase in household electricity bills from 2013, according to coalition government politicians ? a finding met with incredulity by the Australian Solar Energy Society (Auses). Read more

NSW solar tariffs cause electricity price hike

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 17:21 (PV-Tech)

New South Wales?s defunct Solar Bonus Scheme feed-in-tariff (FIT) programme is to blame for an AUD$A12 a year expected increase in household electricity bills from 2013, according to coalition government politicians ? a finding met with incredulity by the Australian Solar Energy Society (AUSES). Read more

High capacity for vogt solar?s first UK solar power plants

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 16:23 (Solarpowerportal)

With a total capacity of 10MWp, vogt solar has connected its first seven solar photovoltaic power plants ahead of the August 1 feed-in tariff deadline. Read more

11MW IBC Sukow solar to power-up for autumn

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 16:00 (PV-Tech)

The final module of an innovative ?Citizen Solar Power Plant? that lets residents invest in their local solar power plant was installed on Tuesday this week in Sukow, Germany. Read more

E.ON?s 29.6MW of Italian solar projects will be ready by end of 2011

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 15:07 (PV-Tech)

E.ON is on track to cut the ribbon at two new crystalline silicon photovoltaic installations in north-west Sardinia by the end of 2011. Read more

EU PVSEC: Saint-Gobain Solar promise a durable heat-tolerant membrane

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 14:05 (PV-Tech)

Saint-Gobain Solar has launched a high-performance silicone membrane designed to withstand the 155°C PV module lamination process. Read more

EU PVSEC: Saint-Gobain Solar promises a durable heat-tolerant membrane

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 14:05 (PV-Tech)

Saint-Gobain Solar has launched a high-performance silicone membrane designed to withstand the 155°C PV module lamination process. Read more

DERlab announces new standard for outdoor testing of PV modules

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 13:49 (PV-Tech)

The European Distributed Energy Resources Laboratories (DERlab) have announced a new standard for the outdoor testing of PV modules. Research institutions from both Europe and the US agreed to adopt the draft of the new standard while at a workshop hosted by the International Solar Energy Society last week in Kassel, Germany. DERlab will accept comments about the standard until September 20, before publishing it at the start of October. Read more

BioSolar supply ?green? backsheets to Asian manufacturers

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 13:02 (PV-Tech)

Californian company BioSolar has entered into an agreement with Korean sales reps Shin Ha to supply plant-based backsheet components to Asian PV manufactures targeting the lucrative North American market. Read more

BioSolar supplies bio-based backsheets to Asian manufacturers

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 13:02 (PV-Tech)

Californian company BioSolar has entered into an agreement with Korean sales reps Shin Ha to supply plant-based backsheet components to Asian PV manufactures targeting the lucrative North American market. Read more

Canadian Solar to present at Susquehanna Financial Summit

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 12:28 (PV-Tech)

Canadian Solar is to present at Susquehanna Financial?s Fifth Annual Beijing Management Summit on September 15. The PV company?s senior vice president and CFO, Michael G. Potter, and the director of investor relations, Ed Job, will present at the financial firm?s summit, which takes place at the Grand Hyatt Beijing Hotel. Investors will also be able to meet with Canadian Solar?s management at the summit. Read more

Victorian solar feed-in tariff cut: AUD$0.60c to AUD$0.25c per kWh

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 11:45 (PV-Tech)

The Victorian solar feed-in tariff scheme will award 60% less per kilowatt to future subscribers under government plans to slash the tariff rate to AUD$0.25c per kW hour. Read more

Victorian solar feed-in tariff cut: AUD$0.60c to AUD$0.25c per kW hour

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 11:45 (PV-Tech)

The Victorian solar feed-in tariff scheme will award 60% less per kilowatt to future subscribers under government plans to slash the tariff rate to AUD$0.25c per kW hour. Read more

Ex-Im Bank guarantees USD 456 million in loans to support First Solar PV exports to Canada

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 10:32 (Solarserver)

On September 2nd, 2011 the Export-Import Bank of the United States announced that it has authorized USD 456 million in project financing to support First Solar Inc.'s (Tempe, Arizona, U.S.) exports to 90 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in Ontario, Canada. The two transactions will represent the Ex-Im bank's largest financing in history supporting U.S. solar energy exports to any nation. The bank states that this support was needed because viable long-term financing was not otherwise available in the commercial marketplace. Read more

Concentrating solar power: Alstom to supply turbine for CSP plant in Nevada

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 10:15 (Solarserver)

On September 1st, 2011, Alstom SA (Levallois-Perret, France) announced that it has signed a contract with Cobra Thermosolar Plants Inc. to supply a 125MW steam turbine and generator for the Crescent Dunes Solar Project in Tonopah, Nevada, United States. Alstom will deliver the turbine and generator for the concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in September 2012. Solar Reserve plans to commission the plant by the end of 2013. Read more

Hybrid solar system comes on-line in Namibia thanks to juwi Solar

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 0:15 (PV-Tech)

On August 15, Tsumkwe, a small village in Northern Namibia was able to receive its first, around-the-clock electricity supply in three years thanks to a hybrid solar system completed by juwi Solar. The 200kW system, consisting of a 1MW battery storage unit and three integrated diesel generators, is claimed to be one of Africa?s largest off-grid solar systems and supplies Tsumkwe?s public buildings and 100 private households with electricity. Read more

Cure for Wind Farm Noise Policy Gridlock: Back Off, But Allow Easements

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Most wind advocates, including both industry players and regional renewable energy organizations, continue to be in a state of disbelief that the noise of turbines could possibly be a significant issue for nearby neighbors. Read more

Clean Power Finance closes US$25M investment from KPCB, names new CEO, three board members

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 21:34 (PV-Tech)

Clean Power Finance (CPF) is in the midst of what is shaping up to be quite a promising month. The company recently closed a US$25 million investment led by new investor Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB), received a US$3 million US Department of Energy (DOE) SunShot award and appointed three new board members and a new CEO. Read more

Video: Filmmaker Rides 700 Miles to Find Out Which Energy Is Best

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 19:46 (Renewable Energy World)

Documentary filmmaker Mark Pedri has put his own energy ? that of the pedal-pushing variety ? into determining which American-made power source best serves our interests. Read more

Germany Sets New Renewable Energy Record in 2011

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 19:08 (Renewable Energy World)

Germany's Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) reports that renewable energy supplied nearly 21 percent of the country's electricity during the first half of 2011. Read more

Dividends and Value Among Renewable Energy Power Producers

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 15:47 (Renewable Energy World)

Almost every stock market sector fell significantly in late July and August this year, and such market declines send me searching for value stocks paying good dividends that I can hold for the long-term. In mid-July, I found some decent values by sifting through the trash, but I was less enthused by the value proposition of conglomerates involved in the clean energy space. Read more

NextEra Energy applies to build 750 MW PV plant in Southern California

Tuesday, 9.6.2011 - 10:20 (Solarserver)

NextEra Energy Inc. (Juno Beach, Florida, U.S.) has filed an application to build a 750 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the desert of Southern California. On August 29th, 2011, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began a regulatory process to initiate environmental review of the McCoy Solar Energy Project, which will be located 21 kilometers Northwest of Blythe, California. Read more