Organic photovoltaics with Nanotubes: European Union funds research project with EUR 3.5 million

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 22:04 (Solarserver)

Researchers of the University of Würzburg are significantly involved in the new European collaborative project POCAONTAS. They intend to develop novel materials for photovoltaics (PV) from carbon nanotubes. The project is funded by the European Union with EUR 3.5 million. Tiny tubes of pure carbon that are arranged into larger structures seem to be excellent candidates: "This material has many properties holding considerable promise for a highly efficient energy conversion," says Professor Tobias Hertel of the University of Würzburg. Read more

MOFCOM challenges EU feed-in tariff provisions through the WTO

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 15:51 (Solarserver)

On November 5th, 2012 China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) filed a formal challenge through the World Trade Organization (WTO) to provisions in feed-in tariffs in EU member states that pay higher rates for systems using solar photovoltaic (PV) modules produced in the EU. MOFCOM states that these local content measures are against WTO regulations regarding national and most-favored-nation treatment, and constitute forbidden import substitution subsidies. The agency further states that such policies damage its PV exports and infringe on its rights as a WTO member. Read more

JFE Engineering to build 40 MW of PV in Japan

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 12:46 (Solarserver)

JFE Engineering Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) has announced that it will build six solar photovoltaic (PV) plants totaling roughly 40 MW of capacity across Japan, as its entry into the PV generation business. JFE plans to build one plant on unused land on the island of Hokkaido, with the other five throughout the nation, including two plants on land owned by subsidiary JFE Steel Inc. (Tokyo, Japan). The company expects orders from other customers for 200 MW of additional PV plants. Read more

Soitec secures PPA for 44 MW CPV project in South Africa

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 9:45 (Solarserver)

On November 5th, 2012 Soitec SA (Bernin, France) announced that it has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) to sell electricity generated by its 44 MW Touwsrivier concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) project in South Africa to public utility Eskom (Sunninghill, South Africa). The Touwsrivier plant will be larger than any currently operational CPV plant in the world. Soitec states that it will now seek to refinance the project and begin construction, with plans to commission the first units in mid-2013 and complete the plant during 2014. Read more

University of British Columbia files patent on battery type solar/light conversion cell

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 21:49 (Solarserver)

On November 2nd, 2012, the University of British Columbia (UBC) announced the international patent filing for a battery type solar/light conversion cell. The generator and storage approach allows both solar power generation and storage within a single cell. Based on photosynthesis, it can be implemented using abundant and readily replenished and renewable biomaterials, according to the university. Read more

Bridge to India: Tamil Nadu unlikely to reach solar policy goals under current mechanisms

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 21:13 (Solarserver)

Bridge to India Energy Pvt. Ltd. (New Delhi, India) reported that the Indian federal state Tamil Nadu is unlikely to reach its Solar Energy Policy 2012 goals under the current mechanism. The policy, which was announced earlier in October 2012, has an ambitious target of 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar installations by 2015. Read more

The Question Day 25: What is the Most Difficult Issue Facing the Solar Industry?

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 19:19 (Renewable Energy World)

It's been a year of both continued expansion and mounting challenges for the global solar industry. RenewableEnergyWorld asked solar industry executives to share their thoughts and insights on one burning question: Read more

Can We Really Blame China for Solar Manufacturer Bankruptcies? Yes.

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 19:01 (Renewable Energy World)

Today is the last day before the International Trade Commission makes its final ruling on the tariffs that will likely be added to solar panels that include cells that were manufactured in China. We'll report on the specifics as soon as we have them but it's a pretty safe bet that there'll be tariffs in the amount of about 24-36 percent added onto most panels that come from China. Read more

Can We Really Blame China for Solar Manufacturer Bankruptcies?

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 19:01 (Renewable Energy World)

Today is the last day before the International Trade Commission makes its final ruling on the tariffs that will likely be added to solar panels that include cells that were manufactured in China. We'll report on the specifics as soon as we have them but it's a pretty safe bet that there'll be tariffs in the amount of about 24-36 percent added onto most panels that come from China. Read more

SPG Solar relocates to Petaluma, California

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 18:06 (PV-Tech)

Solar power products and services provider SPG Solar has announced it will be relocating its corporate headquarters to Petaluma, California, effective January 1, 2013. Read more

Solar Power, Amul Style: Existing Model Can Be Extended to Rural Solar Generation

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 17:06 (Renewable Energy World)

Could the Amul milk cooperative success serve as a model for solar-based electricity in rural India? The "white" revolution can extend to the "light" revolution for 400 million Indians without electricity and burn kerosene for cooking and illumination. Just as farmers contribute milk daily to the cooperative, they could lease their rooftops or land for solar panels, as well. Read more

China Initiates Case Against EU Solar Subsidies with the WTO

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 16:57 (Renewable Energy World)

China initiated World Trade Organization proceedings to seek a ruling on whether some European Union nations violated global commerce rules through their green energy programs. Read more

Phoenix Solar to build two 2MWp PV power plants in Greece

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 16:36 (PV-Tech)

System integrator Phoenix Solar is to build a further two 2MWp PV power plants in Greece for private investors. Read more

Deal agreed for South Africa?s ?largest PV array?

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 16:29 (PV-Tech)

Solar Capital De Aar, the subsidiary of Italy?s Moncada Energy, has finalised a deal to build what it claims will be the largest PV array in South Africa. Read more

LDK and Sumitomo cancel long-term wafer supply contract

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 16:24 (PV-Tech)

Ingot furnace supplier LDK Solar and integrated trading company Sumitomo Corporation have announced the termination of their long-term solar wafer supply agreement. Read more

German solar power generation continues to grow; PV delivered 50 percent more electricity in Q 1-3 2012 than in 2011

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 15:57 (Solarserver)

According to latest figures from the German Federal Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW, Berlin, Germany) solar photovoltaic (PV) generation has increased by more than 50 percent compared to 2011. From January through September 2012 about 24.9 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar power were generated versus 6.5 billion kWh in the first three quarters of 2011. Read more

LDK Solar Rescue Continues in China With CEO Removal

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 15:50 (Renewable Energy World)

After a week of unusual quiet on the stormy solar panel front, the sector is splashing back into the headlines with word that struggling LDK (NYSE: LDK) is moving one step closer to a state-led takeover of the debt laden company. Meantime, China is also taking its own broader moves against recent protectionist actions in the west by lodging an offi Read more

S.A.G. Solarstrom prepares for 2MWp Chilean pilot installation

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 15:33 (PV-Tech)

German PV developer S.A.G. Solarstrom has announced it will begin constructing and complete a 2MWp pilot project in Paiguano in the region of Coquimbo in northern Chile during the first quarter of 2013. Read more

Activ Solar completes 43MWp PV power plant in Ukraine

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 15:12 (PV-Tech)

Austria-based PV project developer Activ Solar has completed a 43.14MWp PV power plant in the Odessa region of Ukraine. Read more

Colorado's Community Solar Program Allots 9 Megawatts in 30 Minutes

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

When you omit shady roofs, renters, and other factors, only about 25 percent of Americans have a place to install solar power.  With the high upfront cost of a complete system, the potential solar universe shrinks further. That changes with ?community solar.? After a long wait on the state?s Public Utilities Commission to finalize the rules, Colora Read more

Mexico's Sunny Sonora State Fosters Solar PV Growth

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Mexico's Sonora state, which has the highest insolation rate in North America, is working steadfastly to foster photovoltaic power research, generation and transmission lines for demand within the state and for export, say several state leaders. Read more

Gemserv suspends MCS registration for solar thermodynamic products

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 13:45 (Solarpowerportal)

Gemserv, the body responsible for the UK?s Microgeneration Certificate Scheme, is to temporarily suspend the registration of new solar thermodynamic products on to the MCS installation database. Read more

Engensa?s Tony Darbyshire scoops business leader award

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 13:31 (Solarpowerportal)

Tony Darbyshire, co-founder and Chief Executive of solar firm Engensa, has been named a winner in the MT Sky Future Leaders Awards. Read more

Engensa?s Toby Darbyshire scoops business leader award

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 13:31 (Solarpowerportal)

Toby Darbyshire, co-founder and Chief Executive of solar firm Engensa, has been named a winner in the MT Sky Future Leaders Awards. Read more

China Sunergy makes 10MW UK solar commitment

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 13:23 (PV-Tech)

China Sunergy (CSUN), a solar cell and module manufacturer, has announced it will develop its first two solar projects in the UK. Read more

Solar Guys International, Mitabu Australia secure funding for 50 MW PV project in Indonesia

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 12:50 (Solarserver)

A joint venture of the Solar Guys International (Darra, Australia) and Mitabu Australia report that they have secured funding for the first phase of a 250 MW, multi-site solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Indonesia. SGI-Mitabu has secured funds for an initial 50 MW plant through a SUKUK (Islamic Bond). The plant will be the first phase of the "One solar watt per person" program. Read more

China Sunergy announces plans for its first UK solar parks

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 12:48 (Solarpowerportal)

Chinese solar cell and module manufacturer China Sunergy (CSUN) has announced plans to develop its first two solar parks in the UK, which will each have a capacity of 5MW. Read more

LDK Solar Company changes CEO, appoints new directors

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 9:39 (Solarserver)

On November 5th, 2012 LDK Solar Company Ltd. (Xinyu City, China) announced the appointment of Xingxue Tong as CEO, to replace Xiaofeng Peng, who will continue to serve as board chairman. Xingxue Tong currently serves as president, chief operating officer and director of LDK Solar. LDK has also appointed five new members to its board of directors. These changes follow a number of steps taken by LDK to shore up its financial position, amid ongoing quarterly losses and a very heavy debt burden. Read more

PV capacity in the Czech Republic nears 2GW milestone

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 16:43 (PV-Tech)

Total installed cumulative PV capacity in the Czech Republic reached 1,999MW at the end of September 2012, according to the latest statistics published by the Czech Energy Regulatory Office (ERU). Read more

Algeria planning 22GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 15:40 (PV-Tech)

Algerian state-owned utility Sonelgaz is planning to build 4.2GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 in a move designed to meet future domestic demand and establish an export market for electricity. Read more

Dubai looks to renewables to meet future energy demand

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 15:17 (PV-Tech)

Resource-hungry Dubai is aiming to increase the contribution solar and other renewables make to its energy mix under a 2030 energy strategy published this week. Read more

Renewable Energy Careers Depend on Re-Elected Obama

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 14:37 (Renewable Energy World)

Jerry Limbeck and his son Andrew both got the bad news the same day in October, in the form of a folder with a color-coded sticker. It meant that after months of assembling turbines, they were losing their jobs in the Windsor, Colorado, factory of Vestas Wind Systems AS. Read more

California ISO creates new division focused on integration of renewable energy

Tuesday, 11.6.2012 - 9:34 (Solarserver)

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has established a new division focused on integrating renewable generation into the state's electricity supply mix, while maintaining electricity market quality. ISO's Market Quality and Renewable Integration Division will consolidate market performance review tasks previously managed by other divisions. The organization says that this will allow it to intensify its focus on price trend analysis and lead the organization's planning for system needs as large amounts of renewable energy are integrated into the ISO grid. Read more