Lux Research names top companies in printed, flexible, organic electronics

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 21:45 (PV-Tech)

Lux Research?s latest report, Finding the Winning and Losing Companies in Printed, Flexible, and Organic Electronics, has rated technology developers in displays, OPVs, smart packaging, transparent conductive films and thin-film batteries to compile its list of some of the top companies in each category. Using its Lux Innovation Grid to reach each technology developer, Lux Research looked at the company?s technical value, business execution and maturity. Read more

PV company seeks EU aid to combat Greek FiT reduction claims

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 17:51 (PV-Tech)

Law firm Metaxas and Associates has been approached by a Greek PV equipment construction company (the details of which are yet to be disclosed) to draft a legal opinion regarding the compatibility of feed-in tariffs with EU State Aid Law. Read more

Insolvent Solon opens investor talks

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 14:20 (PV-Tech)

Berlin-based Solon has initiated investor proceedings and is said to be in due diligence talks with ?a handful? of potential buyers, with a deadline of the end of January. A Bloomberg report on the news revealed that the provisional insolvency advisor, Rüdiger Wienberg, commented by telephone that some of the potential investors are from Asia, and that the company is in a good position to find ?a strong partner?. The company filed for insolvency in mid-December 2011. Read more

ONS to discuss classification of FiT budget in April

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 14:06 (Solarpowerportal)

The current furore surrounding feed-in tariff levels for solar photovoltaic installations has been bought about by the impending depletion of the feed-in tariff budget. The spending envelope the feed-in tariff scheme operates within is a level agreed between Treasury and DECC to help minimise the impact feed-in tariff policies have on bill payers. Read more

Silex Systems begins work on 2 MW CPV plant in Mildura, Australia

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 12:12 (Solarserver)

Silex Systems Ltd.'s (Lucas Heights, Australia) solar subsidiary has announced the beginning of on-site construction work for the first 2 MW stage of a concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) plant in Mildura, Australia. The company states that the plant marks the first full-scale commercial deployment of Solar Systems' Dense Array CPV technology. In 2013 Silex subsidiary Solar Systems plans to build a 100 MW CPV plant on the site, with completion planned for 2016. Read more

GSE of Italy approves TÜV Rheinland to conduct testing for PV modules and systems

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 22:40 (PV-Tech)

According to Solar Novus Today, the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE) of Italy will allow TÜV Rheinland to conduct design qualification and type approval testing on PV modules and systems. The organizations noted that the agreement specifically calls for the testing of crystalline silicon flat-plate PV modules according to the IEC 61215 standard, thin-film flat plate PV modules under the IEC 61646 standard and CPV modules and assemblies in compliance with the IEC 62108 standard. Read more

SRP, SunPower to develop 1MW solar PV plant at ASU?s Polytechnic campus in Mesa, Arizona

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 22:32 (PV-Tech)

SunPower and Salt River Project (SRP) recently announced that they will be developing a 1MW solar PV plant at Arizona State University?s (ASU) Polytechnic campus in Mesa, Arizona. The organizations advised that this will be the first commercial deployment of SunPower?s C7 Tracker technology. SunPower will lead the engineering and construction of the plant while additionally operating and maintaining it upon completion. Read more

Solon completes SOLquick, 10kW pilot project on Tucson?s Biosphere 2 rooftop

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 21:21 (PV-Tech)

Solon advised that it had finished installing a 10kW pilot project of its SOLquick commercial rooftop solution at Tucson, Arizona?s Biosphere 2, an ecological research and teaching facility. Installed upon the conference centre of Biosphere 2, the SOLquick installation is part of the team effort that Solon and Biosphere initiated in order to develop a solar learning centre based on the power system. Solon will monitor the solar array for one year in order to continue training, time trials and research. Read more

CPS Energy looks to complete PPA with OCI Solar Power for 400MW of solar power

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 21:05 (PV-Tech)

CPS Energy has begun negotiations with OCI Solar Power for a power purchase agreement that would see the company acquire 400MW of solar energy while constructing new corporate headquarters and US manufacturing operations in San Antonio, Texas. The OCI Solar Power proposal will see the two entities develop various solar manufacturing facilities in the San Antonio area that will manufacture components for solar power plants, a capital investment of over US$100 million, and a 25-year PPA for 400MW of solar generation. Read more

The Year Ahead: Three Trends to Watch in Corporate and Institutional Solar

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 20:26 (Renewable Energy World)

In the past year, the U.S. solar industry has achieved record growth, with new installations passing the one-gigawatt mark in only three quarters.  For corporate and institutional solar customers, rapidly dropping prices and the Treasury Cash Grant helped to make solar more affordable. However, the outlook for 2012 might not be quite as bright Read more

SCHOTT Solar to close certain wafer manufacturing operations in Jena, Germany

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 20:13 (PV-Tech)

Severe wafer price declines that have already impacted SolarWorld and other European manufacturer?s production operations have led to SCHOTT Solar announcing the closure of its mutlicrystalline wafer operations in Jena, Germany impacting 290 workers. SCHOTT Solar said that its monocrystalline wafer production at Jena, as well as its thin-film module production is to continue. Industry overcapacity. Read more

Schott Solar to close certain wafer manufacturing operations in Jena, Germany

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 20:13 (PV-Tech)

Severe wafer price declines that have already impacted SolarWorld and other European manufacturer?s production operations have led to SCHOTT Solar announcing the closure of its mutlicrystalline wafer operations in Jena, Germany impacting 290 workers. SCHOTT Solar said that its monocrystalline wafer production at Jena, as well as its thin-film module production is to continue. Industry overcapacity. Read more

PSEG Solar Source buys 25MW solar park from juwi

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 19:08 (PV-Tech)

PSEG Solar Source has bought a 25.2MW solar project in Arizona from juwi solar for US$75 million. Construction work on the PSEG Queen Creek Solar Farm, which is being carried out by juwi, is expected to begin in January and finish in Q3. Read more

Skyline Solar begins construction on 200 kW of CPV systems at U.S. military bases

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 16:02 (Solarserver)

On January 10th, 2012 Skyline Solar Inc. (Mountain View, California, U.S.) announced that it has broken ground on the construction of two 100 kw concentrating solar power (CPV) plants using its X14 systems at U.S. military bases. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awarded Skyline Solar a USD 1.85 million contract on December 22nd, 2011 to build the systems at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California and Fort Bliss in Texas. The contract was awarded through the DoD's Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), a program to identfy technologies which serve DoD needs and have potential for widespread deployment. Read more

Universal Power Group to showcase solar generator, consumer products at Las Vegas electronics show

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 16:01 (Solarserver)

On January 9th, 2012, Universal Power Group (Carrollton, Texas, US) announced that it will be showcasing new products at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to be held from January 10th, 2012 through January 13th, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Read more

Chinese Company Sunbelt International to provide wind, solar PV services in developing nations

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 15:56 (Solarserver)

On January 6th, 2012, Sunbelt International (Shanghai, China) announced that it plans to offer solar and wind energy services in the developing nations. The company will offer a wide service range through the operation network to provide critically needed local turbine and solar photovoltaic (PV) services and technical support to the energy users in Africa. Read more

JinkoSolar forms French subsidiary to support its local partners, complement the growth of the region's solar PV industry

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 15:52 (Solarserver)

On January 10th, 2012 JinkoSolar Holding Company Ltd. (Shanghai, China) announced the incorporation of French subsidiary JinkoSolar SAS (Montpellier, France), as well as the opening of an office in Montpellier. JinkoSolar says that its presence in France will support its local partners and complement the growth of the region's solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. Read more

CEE purchases 11.4 MW of PV plants from Gehrlicher Solar

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 15:49 (Solarserver)

On January 9th, 2012 Conetwork Erneuerbare Energien Holding GmbH & Co. KGaA (CEE, Hamburg, Germany) announced that it has acquired two ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) plants totaling 11.4 MW from Gehrlicher Solar AG (Neustadt b. Coburg, Germany). CEE notes that these two plants, a 7.1 MW PV plant in Ebern, Germany and a 4.3 MW PV plant in Rohr, bring its total PV portfolio to over 70 MW. Since 2008, CEE has purchased four PV plants from Gehrlicher. Read more

Schmid and Schott Solar join forces to produce new cell

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 14:27 (PV-Tech)

Schmid Group and Schott Solar?s new high-performance solar cell has achieved an efficiency rate of 19.9%. Read more

President Obama?s Marine One helicopter hangar gets 120kW Suniva PV system

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 13:36 (PV-Tech)

Suniva has announced that it has supplied its PV modules for a rooftop installation with a difference. President Obama?s Marine One helicopter hangar, located in Quantico, Virginia, will be powered by a 120kW solar array installed by FLS Energy and equipped by 500 of Suniva?s ART-245 panels. Read more

Goal Zero launches new portable charger and solar generator at CES 2012

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 13:29 (PV-Tech)

The International Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas, US, was the stage for the launch of Goal Zero?s new portable recharger and solar generator. Goal Zero declared this to be a ?major milestone for consumers looking to improve their experience while working or playing off the grid?. Read more

SolarMax extends standard warranty for central inverters

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 12:21 (PV-Tech)

SolarMax is offering a free warranty upgrade from two to five years on its central inverters, with other guarantee extensions also being made available, according to the company. All material, travel and labour cost will be covered by the company if the purchased product is within its warranty period, and all that is required to avail of the free extension is that the inverters be registered on SolarMax?s database. Read more

Mercom Capital: VC, M&A activity increases in the solar industry in 2011

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 12:21 (Solarserver)

On January 9th, 2012 Mercom Capital Group LLC (Austin, Texas, U.S.) released its fourth quarter and annual 2011 funding and merger and acquisition (M&A) report for the solar sector, which revealed record numbers of venture capital (VC) deals and M&A activity. Mercom reported USD 1.9 billion in 111 VC transactions in 2011, the highest number of deals in a single year, as well as USD 4 billion in M&A activity in 26 disclosed transactions. The company also recorded USD 20 billion in debt financing, including USD 15.7 billion in loans, credit facilities and framework agreements in the nation of China. Read more

PV in France: Marguerite Fund acquires 36 MW of Toul-Rosières solar project

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 12:06 (Solarserver)

On January 9th, 2012 the Marguerite Fund (Luxembourg) announced that it has purchased 36 MW of a 115 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project under development by EDF Energies Nouvelles (La Défense, France) near Nancy, France. The Toul-Rosières project will comprise 1.5 million First Solar thin-film PV modules over an area of 522 hectares, and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2012. The Marguerite Fund secured financing for the construction of 36 MW of the project under a term loan facility arranged by BNP Paribas (Paris, France) and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank ( La Défense, France). Read more

SolarWorld plans to take anti-dumping case to European Commission

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 12:03 (PV-Tech)

SolarWorld is planning to expand its fight against China-based solar module rivals currently being played out in the US to Europe. According to reports from German publication, Handelsblatt and reported by various news agencies, SolarWorld?s CEO, Frank Asbeck was said to be seeking support from other European-based companies to take an anti-dumping case to the European Commission?s competition agency. Read more

Apisolar hints at 30% decrease in Portuguese solar subsidies

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 11:59 (PV-Tech)

The Portuguese national solar association, Apisolar, has insinuated expectations of a 30% decrease in newly installed collector areas this year due to changes in solar subsidies. Read more

Seraphim modules power Bavarian PV project

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 11:29 (PV-Tech)

Die Sonnenfirma has finished construction of a 1.45MW solar project in the Bavarian city of Würzburg. The system, which is the largest in north Bavaria, has already passed the EEG test and grid connection will be achieved in the coming weeks. Read more

JinkoSolar forms French subsidiary

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 0:33 (PV-Tech)

Having sold over 20MW of modules in France in 2011, JinkoSolar is further targeting France in 2012 to become a key European market for the vertically integrated module manufacturer. The company has established JinkoSolar S.A.S. and the opening of its office in Montpellier, in the province of Languedoc-Roussillon. Read more

Former Q-Cells VP joins merchant bank to head Solar Energy practice

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 0:19 (PV-Tech)

A former Vice President at Q-Cells, Matthias Altieri has joined UK-based merchant bank, ThomasLloyd Group to run its solar energy funding operations as Managing Director. The appointment was made at the beginning of December, 2011. In his new capacity, Mr Altieri will be responsible for sourcing new business both in the provision of technology and in the sourcing of new development opportunities. Read more

Generating Biogas from Biomass

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 14:26 (Renewable Energy World)

Farmers in the UK are still discussing the merits of anaerobic digestion, but in Italy things are moving on along. When the European Union first set out its environmental sustainability parameters, the Italian government responded with an incentive scheme to encourage small farms to generate electricity from biomass energy crops using anaerobic dig Read more

Energy for the Masses: Husk Power Helps Fuel India

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

In Bihar, one of the poorest states in India, 85 percent of people are not connected to the electricity grid. Households use kerosene lamps when they can afford it, and businesses use expensive and dirty diesel generators. Read more

Renewable Energy World Announces Awards Finalists! Vote Now for Readers' Choice

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Nominations have been submitted, finalists have been chosen, and now it's your turn to help pick a winner. Read more

Colorado's Energy Future: Local or Corporate Power?

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

The San Luis Valley, CO has been in the national spotlight recently as one of the "coolest" hot spots for solar energy generation. Since around 2005, plenty of corporate solar energy developers have lined up to exploit the valley's cool sun and high generation values for private profit. Read more

Only 100% electricity provider is named UK?s no.1

Wednesday, 1.11.2012 - 11:32 (Solarpowerportal)

The latest Which? consumer satisfaction survey saw Good Energy voted as best electricity supplier for a second time. The country’s only 100 percent renewable electricity supplier was closely followed by Utility Warehouse, Ecotricity, Ovo Energy and Ebico, according to responses received from over 8,000 energy users across the UK. Read more