Suniva PV modules power 120 kW plant at U.S. President's Marine One Helicopter pad

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 19:05 (Solarserver)

On January 10th, 2012, Suniva Inc. (Norcross, Georgia, US) announced that it has supplied 500 ART-245 solar panels to FLS Energy for installation of 120-kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Marine Helicopter Squadron 1's greenside hangar at Quantico, home to the president's Marine One helicopter. The solar system is expected to reduce the site?s electric bills by as much as USD 10,500 per year. Read more

Vishay releases new TMBS Rectifiers for PV cell bypass protection

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 19:04 (Solarserver)

On January 9th, 2012 Vishay Intertechnology Inc. (Malvern, Pennsylvania, U.S.) expanded its offering of Trench MOS Barrier Schottky (TMBS) Rectifiers with 12 new 45 volt devices in three power package options. The company notes that these rectifiers feature a wide range of current ratings from 10 amps to 40 amps. The rectifiers offer extremely low forward voltage drops down to 0.51 volts typical at 20 amps, and are optimized for use in solar photovoltaic (PV) cell junction boxes as bypass diodes. Read more

Actor Ed Begley to promote Panasonic HIT PV modules

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 19:04 (Solarserver)

On January 9th, 2012, Panasonic Corp. (Secaucus, New Jersey, US) announced an exclusive brand license and endorsement agreement with noted environmentalist and actor Ed Begley Jr. and his representatives. Under the terms of the agreement, Panasonic will use the endorsement of Ed Begley Jr. in print and online campaigns to support the marketing of Panasonic "HIT" solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Read more

VC investor to take reins of Amonix on interim basis

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 18:26 (PV-Tech)

The tragic death of Amonix CEO Brian Robertson late last year has led to Jan van Dokkum, an executive with venture capital firm, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, becoming interim CEO of the concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar systems company. The Board of Directors at Amonix said it had enlisted an executive search firm and has established a search committee for the selection and appointment of a new CEO. Read more

VC investor to take reigns of Amonix on interim basis

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 18:26 (PV-Tech)

The tragic death of Amonix CEO Brian Robertson, late last year has led to Jan van Dokkum, an executive with venture capital firm, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers becoming interim CEO of the concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar systems company. The Board of Directors at Amonix said it had enlisted an executive search firm and has established a search committee for the selection and appointment of a new CEO. Read more

PV inverter firm, Solectria Renewables, continues expansion and job opportunities

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 17:47 (PV-Tech)

Despite having a small market share, Solectria Renewables said it had increased its workforce by 65% in 2011, with plans to expand its team by over 50% through 2012. Solectria said that it currently had 25 positions open for various functions located in North America. Read more

IMS Research: U.K. PV prices fluctuate following FIT cut

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 16:04 (Solarserver)

On January 11th, 2012 IMS Research (Wellingborough, U.K.) issued an analysis of solar photovoltaic (PV) supply chain prices in the U.K., stating that prices appear to be fluctuating with the "chaos" of the nation's feed-in tariff (FIT) situation. The company notes that average U.K. prices for PV modules declined by 6% in December 2011 over November levels. On December 12th, 2011 the U.K. implemented PV FIT cuts of roughly 50% for smaller systems, however the timing of the cuts has since been ruled illegal by the U.K. High Court. Read more

PSEG to complete acquisition of 25.2 MW PV plant in southeast of Phoenix, Arizona

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 11:52 (Solarserver)

On January 11th, 2012 PSEG Solar Source (Newark, New Jersey, U.S.) announced that it has completed the acquisition of a 25.2 MW-DC (19 MW-AC) solar photovoltaic (PV) project under development by Juwi Solar Inc. (Boulder, Colorado, U.S.). PSEG Solar paid roughly USD 75 million for the PSEG Queen Creek Solar Farm, located on 158 acres of land approximately 30 miles southeast of Phoenix (Arizona). Construction on the plant is expected to begin in January 2012, with completion scheduled for the third quarter of 2012. Read more

Gestamp Solar wins first South African government auction of PV projects

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 20:55 (PV-Tech)

The first major renewable energy auction in Africa, undertaken by the Energy Department of South Africa saw Gestamp Solar, photovoltaic solar division of Gestamp Renewables win the opportunity to build 2 PV projects with a total power of 30MW in Northern Cape, South Africa. Read more

Gestamp Solar wins first South African Government auction of PV projects

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 20:55 (PV-Tech)

The first major renewable energy auction in Africa, undertaken by the Energy Department of South Africa saw Gestamp Solar, photovoltaic solar division of Gestamp Renewables win the opportunity to build 2 PV projects with a total power of 30MW in Northern Cape, South Africa. Read more

CPS Energy Partners with OCI Solar Power on 400-MW Project

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 19:22 (Renewable Energy World)

Five months after greatly widening its solar PV scope, Texas municipal utility CPS Energy has found a partner in OCI Solar Power to bring 400 MW of capacity to its customers ? and the potential to add a significant number of solar-related jobs to the region. Read more

Maldivian school powers up first of 652kW solar panels across six islands

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 19:21 (PV-Tech)

This is the first of a 652kW solar project in the Maldives launched this week. Through a power-purchasing agreement signed by State Electric Company (STELCO) with Renewable Energy Maldives (REM), 61kW panels, on the island of Villingili were switched on by Germany?s Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Katherina Reiche. German solar firm, Wirsol, provided technology and financing. Read more

IKEA adds five more rooftop PV systems to US stores

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 19:20 (PV-Tech)

Having already installed a total 12 rooftop PV systems at its US stores, IKEA has plans to add another five stores to its PV program in the Midwestern region. Currently, around 85% of its US stores have been fitted with systems. Collectively, the five Midwestern stores total 4.8MW of new solar generating capacity, using approximately 20,400 modules. IKEA will own and operate each system. Read more

IKEA adding 5 more rooftop PV systems to US stores

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 19:20 (PV-Tech)

Having already installed a total 12 rooftop PV systems at its US stores, IKEA has plans to add another 5 stores in the Midwestern region to its PV program. Currently, around 85% of its US stores have been fitted with systems. Collectively, the five Midwestern stores total 4.8MW of new solar generating capacity, using approximately 20,400 modules. IKEA will own and operate each system. Read more

Goal Zero launches solar generator, portable charger at Consumer Electronics Show

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 19:03 (Solarserver)

On January 10th, 2012, Goal Zero (Bluffdale, Utah, US) announced that it has new portable recharger and solar photovoltaic (PV) generator at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The news products are "a major milestone for consumers looking to improve their experience while working or playing off the grid", the company emphasizes. Read more

GreenVolts to commission a 288kW solar system in California

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 17:07 (PV-Tech)

GreenVolts has commissioned a 288kW project for Beneficial Insectary in Redding, California, US. The system will provide solar power that will offset more than 80% of the facility?s electric usage. Read more

Solar Grid Parity 101

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 17:04 (Renewable Energy World)

Solar grid parity is considered the tipping point for solar power, when installing solar power will cost less than buying electricity from the grid.  It’s also a tipping point in the electricity system, when millions of Americans can choose energy production and self-reliance over dependence on their electric utility. But this Read more

MAGE Solar appoints two new VPs

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 16:39 (PV-Tech)

Germany-based MAGE Solar has expanded its management board with the appointment of two new vice presidents. Jan Oliver Kessler has been with the company since 2010 and assumes the role of VP of products and marketing, while Kai Griesenbrock joins the company as VP for quality and purchasing, having departed a similar role at Schott Solar AG earlier this year. Read more

Californian utility, PG&E deployed 185MW of solar power in 2011

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 16:21 (PV-Tech)

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) said it had added more than 220MW of wind and solar power to its generation mix in 2011, while signing contracts for future delivery of 463MW of new renewable power. PG&E deployed 185MW of solar power in 2011 and said it had secured signed contracts for 200 MW of new solar power in coming years. Read more

Californian utility PG&E deployed 185MW of solar power in 2011

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 16:21 (PV-Tech)

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) said it had added more than 220MW of wind and solar power to its generation mix in 2011, while signing contracts for future delivery of 463MW of new renewable power. PG&E deployed 185MW of solar power in 2011 and said it had secured signed contracts for 200 MW of new solar power in coming years. Read more

Antaris Solar setting sights on UAE and Qatar

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 15:59 (PV-Tech)

As the Middle-East becomes an emerging solar market, more companies are set to seek business opportunities in the region. PV wholesaler and project developer, Antaris Solar is latest to announce it has opened trading posts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. Antaris Solar already operates in Italy, France, the United Kingdom and the USA. Read more

Germany Installed 3 GW of Solar PV in December ? The U.S. Installed 1.7 GW in All of 2011

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 15:15 (Renewable Energy World)

In the lead up to another 15 percent reduction in Germany's feed-in tariff (the price paid for solar electricity fed into the grid), the German solar industry finished 2011 off with a bang ? installing 3,000 megawatts of solar photovoltaic systems in December. Read more

UK solar industry prepares for DECC appeal results

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 15:01 (Solarpowerportal)

Tomorrow the Court of Appeal will decide whether it will grant a hearing for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), which holds fast in its opinion that it was necessary to cut solar feed-in tariff rates by up to 50 percent with a cut off date of December 12, 2011. Although the findings of a hearing – if granted – won’t be heard until next week, Friday the 13th could hold great significance for the future of the UK solar market. Read more

Work commences on Australia?s largest CPV solar installation

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 14:05 (PV-Tech)

Construction has begun of the initial stage of the 2MW CPV solar plant in Mildura, Victoria. The 2MW plant will serve as a form of demonstration facility for what the developers are planning could eventually be a 100MW solar farm by 2016. As equipment supplier to the facility, Solar Systems will provide its ?Dense Array? CPV technology which is said to use triple-junction solar cells to yield a 40% conversion efficiency. Read more

Unnamed investors plough US$18.7 million into AQT Solar

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 14:01 (PV-Tech)

Thin-film solar cells manufacturer AQT Solar has received US$18.7 million from investors to double production at its headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, US. Details of the investors have not been disclosed. Read more

First Solar named exclusive solar provider of 2012 Management Phoenix Open

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 13:25 (PV-Tech)

First Solar will use the Waste Management Phoenix Open, as part of the PGA Tour, in Scotsdale, Arizona, US, to showcase its solar PV arrays to power the event, including the waste management hospitality tent at the 18th hole. The company will have exclusive rights to the event as the only solar energy provider. Read more

Qinghai-Tibet Plateau welcomes plans for 1GW solar power plant

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 13:23 (PV-Tech)

The government of Qinghai Province?s Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Hainan has teamed up with GSF Capital to construct a 1GW solar power plant in inland Qinghai. Renewables investment firm GSF Capital signed an MOU with the government body recently for the development of the plant, the cost of which was undisclosed. Read more

CPS Energy, OCI Solar to develop a 400 MW PV project in Texas

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 12:06 (Solarserver)

On January 11th, 2012 OCI Solar Power LLC (Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.) announced a partnership with CPS Energy (San Antonio, Texas, U.S.) to enter into negotiations on the development of a 400 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project comprising several individual plants. OCI Solar will begin construction of the first PV plant in 2013, and plans to build additional facilities through 2016, subject to power purchase agreements. The company states that the project will also involve more than USD 100 million in capital projects and the creation of more than 800 jobs in the region. Read more

DECC release January solar installation figures

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 11:57 (Solarpowerportal)

The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has published the latest solar photovoltaic installation figures for 2012, which show that from January 1-8, only 532 solar PV installs were registered for the feed-in tariff scheme. Read more

Trina Solar unveils PV package solution for large rooftop PV plants in North America

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 11:44 (Solarserver)

On January 11th, 2012 Trina Solar Ltd. (Changzhou, China) unveiled a solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop solution for its North American customers including design services, its high-performance Honey PV modules and its Trinamount racking system. Through the package the company will offer complimentary design series including preliminary system layouts and performance estimates for large rooftop PV plants. The offering is concurrent with Trina's North American roll-out of its high-performance, 60-cell Honey module series, featuring modules up to 260 watts. Read more

Mecasolar to supply 55 adapted trackers to 600kW plant in Italy

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 11:26 (PV-Tech)

Mecasolar has adapted its tracker technology to supply single-axis solar trackers to an unspecified PV plant in Italy. Mecasolar, an OPDE group, has provided the 600kW plant 55 single-axis solar trackers, each producing 11.04kWp each and a rack that supports 48, 230W modules. The plant features 5x concentrators in addition to Tripower 10000TL inverters from SMA. The OPDE group started construction on six new solar farms in Italy at the beginning of last year to be situated in the cities of Tortona, Alessandria, Pedrosa and Fosano. Read more

The Litmus Test: 8 Projects for 2012 Will Test Perceptions, Reality for Advanced Biofuels

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 14:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Advanced, next-generation biofuels, chemicals and materials are on the march, say the supporters. Next-generation biofuels are a debacle, according to a chorus of skeptics including the editorial page writers of the Wall Street Journal. Read more

Latin America Report: Mixed Messages on Wind

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 20:17 (Renewable Energy World)

Vestas on Thursday announced a major restructuring of its global operations, though it remains unclear how the move could affect its plans for the growing and lucrative Latin America market. Read more

Vestas To Cut 2,335 Jobs Worldwide; 1,600 U.S. Jobs May Be Next

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 16:12 (Renewable Energy World)

Denmark-based turbine maker Vestas announced Thursday that it would lay off 2,335 employees worldwide, cease production at one of its 26 facilities, and warned that more cuts could be on the way. Read more

Home heating upheaval needed in order to meet UK carbon targets

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 12:28 (Solarpowerportal)

According to a report published today by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the UK has no hope of reaching its binding 2050 target for CO2 reductions without a serious shake-up of the way homes are heated. The publication, Heat: degrees of comfort, finds that even with the most modern gas boilers and state-of-the art insulation, we cannot continue to heat so many homes by natural gas and still achieve an 80 percent cut in emissions as laid down in the Climate Change Act 2008. Read more

Ontario alters tax assessment policies for renewable energy generation

Thursday, 1.12.2012 - 11:58 (Solarserver)

The government of Ontario has changed its tax assessment policies for electricity generation from renewable energy, including creating additional categories for assessment based on the size and location of systems. The amendments to Ontario Regulation 282/98 under the Assessment Act will apply to solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, and anaerobic digestion facilities. The changes took effect retroactively on January 1st, 2012. Read more