SEMI releases white paper on supporting U.S. PV manufacturing growth

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 22:46 (Solarserver)

On March 12th, 2012 the SEMI PV Group announced the release of a white paper containing policy recommendations to stimulate the growth of the U.S. solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry, emphasizing the creation of long-term, stable, market-side support policies. Policies recommendations in "Manufacturing Solar Photovoltaic Products in the U.S." include the creation of a national Renewable Clean Energy Standard (CES), state renewable portfolio standards, a maintenance of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) through 2016, and an extension of the Section 1603 Treasury Grant Program (TGP). Read more

Global PV Markets: Asia Rising, Europe Sinking

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 22:26 (Renewable Energy World)

Global PV installations soared 40 percent in 2011 to 27.4 gigawatts (GW) as sluggishness in the first half of the year swung to a scramble to complete projects before incentive programs expired or get rewritten, according to NPD Solarbuzz. (That's pretty close to what European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) had earlier calculated 27.7 GW in global grid-connected PV in 2011, with six regions topping 1 GW of capacity: Italy, Germany, China, USA, France, and Japan.) Read more

Building-integrated photovoltaics: Guardian Industries, Pythagoras Solar collaborate to launch SunGuard PV glass units

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 22:04 (Solarserver)

On March 15th, 2012, Guardian Industries (Auburn Hills, Michigan) and Pythagoras Solar (San Mateo, California) announced that they teamed up to manufacture and market SunGuard Photovoltaic Glass Units (PVGU) for commercial buildings. Guardian SunGuard PVGU combines Pythagoras Solar's PVGU tiles with SunGuard advanced architectural glass to create a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) product. This replaces standard vision and spandrel glass or skylights, with a glass product that converts direct sunlight into energy. Read more

Solarbuzz: World solar photovoltaic market grew to 27.4 gigawatts in 2011, up 40% Y/Y

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 14:24 (Solarserver)

Worldwide solar photovoltaic (PV) installations reached a record high of 27.4 gigawatts (GW) in 2011, market research company NPD Solarbuzz (Santa Clara, Calif.) reports in its "Marketbuzz", issued on March 19th, 2012. This growth correspondents to an increase by 40% year-on-year. Overall PV market growth in 2011 was boosted by strong second half demand ahead of further deep cuts in solar incentives. This followed a period of over-production in the first half that triggered the sustained price decline through the PV chain that came to characterize 2011. Read more

NPD Solarbuzz: Solar module prices to fall at least 29% in 2012 as market decline possible

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 13:40 (PV-Tech)

Feed-in tariff cuts in Germany and other European countries could lead to a decline in the global PV market in 2012, according to the annual PV market report, 2012 ?Marketbuzz,? produced by NPD Solarbuzz. As a result, average crystalline silicon module factory-gate prices in 2012 could decline a further 29%, compared to last year. Read more

Capital Dynamics acquires USD 300 million worth of PV projects in California and New Jersey

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 12:24 (Solarserver)

On March 15th, 2012 Capital Dynamics AG (Zug, Switzerland) announced that it has acquired three portfolios of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in California and New Jersey for a total value of over USD 300 million. Identified PV projects in the three portfolios total at least 113 MW, including utility-scale and commercial PV plants as well as an 8 MW rooftop plant to be built on a New Jersey warehouse. The projects are under various stages of construction, with 30 MW scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012. Read more

Ecobuild: Next generation roof insulation enters UK market

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 11:10 (Solarpowerportal)

The designers of Styrofoam insulation, Dow Building Solutions, are now set to launch Xenergy SL at Ecobuild 2012. The new product, made from extruded polystyrene (XPS) has been specifically developed for insulating inverter flat roofs. Read more

Arava gets license for 40 MW PV plant in Israel's Arava Valley

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 9:46 (Solarserver)

On March 12th, 2012 the Public Utility Authority of Israel granted a provisional license to Arava Power Company Ltd. (Ktura, Israel) to build a 40 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant 50 km north of Eliat in Israel's Arava Valley. Arava states that the USD 150 million PV plant planned for Kibbutz Ketura has already completed environmental and planning processes, and will be the first project of its size to go online in the nation. Arava plans to begin construction on the 59.9 hectare plant in the last quarter of 2012, with completion scheduled for mid-2014. Read more

Dutch Rabobank, SolarCity announce USD 42.5 million fund for commercial PV projects in California

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 22:51 (Solarserver)

On March 15th, 2012 Rabobank (Utrecht, The Netherlands) and SolarCity Corporation (San Mateo, California, U.S.) announced a USD 42.5 million fund intended to finance over 30 commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in California. The fund is the two company's latest collaboration in California, following on the establishment of a solar-powered electric vehicle charging corridor between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and a series of PV installations at local bank branches in the state. Read more

JinkoSolar, Premier Power receive 2011 business achievement award

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 22:40 (Solarserver)

On March 15th, 2012, JinkoSolar (Shanghai, China) and Premier Power (El Dorado Hills, Calif.) announced that they have received a 2011 Climate Change Business Journal (CCBJ) award for a joint solar power installation at The Dependable Companies' Los Angeles headquarters. The awards were presented at a special ceremony at the Environmental Industry Summit X in Coronado, Calif. Read more

Lightway Solar signs supply agreement with G&S Solar

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 22:00 (PV-Tech)

Lightway Solar America, the US subsidiary of Lightway Green New Energy, advised that it had entered into a supply agreement with G&S Solar for 34MW of multicrystalline solar modules. The supply agreement obliges G&S to purchase over 122,000 panels from Lightway over a one-year period. Deliveries for the agreement began in December 2011 as part of an original 8MW contract that was expanded to the current 34MW. Read more

Aide Solar debuts new Quasi-mono module portfolio, will supply modules for 60kW Xandex project

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 21:52 (PV-Tech)

Aide Solar has multiplied its module portfolio with the release of its Quasi-mono module line, which is comprised of 21 additional modules. The new line is available in 60 and 72 cell designs, with power ratings from 230 to 320W. The company noted that the new modules, which it states have up to a 4% higher conversion efficiency at the module level than traditional polycrystalline, have completed UL certification and are available for release in the US market. Read more

Aide Solar debuts new quasi-mono module portfolio, will supply modules for 60kW Xandex project

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 21:52 (PV-Tech)

Aide Solar has multiplied its module portfolio with the release of its Quasi-mono module line, which is comprised of 21 additional modules. The new line is available in 60 and 72 cell designs, with power ratings from 230 to 320W. The company noted that the new modules, which it states have up to a 4% higher conversion efficiency at the module level than traditional polycrystalline, have completed UL certification and are available for release in the US market. Read more

Solar Moves to Defend Against ITC Repeal

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 20:58 (Renewable Energy World)

The American solar industry's months-long push to extend then revive the popular 1603 Treasury grant has ceded ground to a parallel strategy to keep Congress from repealing the Investment Tax Credit. Read more

Real Goods Solar?s net revenue increase attributed to Alteris acquisition

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 18:59 (PV-Tech)

Results from Real Goods Solar, consolidated with Alteris following last summer?s merger, shows a fourth quarter net revenue increase of 99.8% to US$40.3 million for 2011. The revenue growth has been attributed to the acquisition of Alteris. Read more

EPIA demands stronger solar policy from EU

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 18:42 (PV-Tech)

The European Photovoltaic Industrial Association (EPIA) is demanding the European Union develop a competitive and specific policy for PV in Europe. Read more

Sonnedix acquires 5.4MW facility from Element Power Solar

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 18:07 (PV-Tech)

Solar IPP Sonnedix has announced the acquisition of a 5.4MW ground mounted facility in France from Element Power Solar. Fully operational since February 2011, the plant is located in St Martin Lalande, near Carcassonne and expected to generate in excess of 6,000MWh per annum. Read more

Japan's Renewables FiT Risks Delay, but Megasolar Plans Still Moving Ahead

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 16:27 (Renewable Energy World)

Concern is mounting that Japan's anticipated implementation of a feed-in tariff (FiT) to support renewable energy might not be ready for its original July timeframe, according to local reports. Read more

Lightway Solar America to supply G&S Solar with 34 MW of PV modules

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 15:50 (Solarserver)

On March 19th, 2012, Lightway Solar America Inc. (Iselin, New Jersey, U.S.) announced an agreement to supply G&S Solar Installers LLC (New York, New York, U.S.) with 34 MW of multi-crystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The contract is an expansion on an earlier 8 MW contract, under which deliveries began in December 2011. Under the new agreement, G&S will purchase over 122,000 PV modules from Lightway within a one-year period. Read more

LDK Solar downgrades 4Q 2011 guidance

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 15:41 (Solarserver)

On March 19th, 2012 LDK Solar Company Ltd. (Xinyu City, China) released an updated guidance for the fourth quarter of 2011, estimating revenues between USD 440 and 450 million, as well as downgrading shipment guidances to the lower end of ranges previously predicted. The company also states that it will report write-downs of inventories and impairment charges on contractual purchase agreements, and that this will result in a negative gross margin for the quarter. Read more

LDK Solar warns of more write downs and revised revenue for 2011

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 15:01 (PV-Tech)

Citing further pricing pressures in the fourth quarter of 2011, LDK Solar has revised down fourth quarter financial guidance and warned of further inventory write downs, expected to be from its polysilicon production operations. The company has already made several downward amendments to its expected quarterly results in 2011, resulting in excess of US$1 billion wiped-off expected revenue and over 1GW in expected wafer shipments alone. Read more

LDK Solar warns of more write downs and revised revenue again for 2011

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 15:01 (PV-Tech)

Citing further pricing pressures in the fourth quarter of 2011, LDK Solar has revised down fourth quarter financial guidance and warned of further inventory write downs, expected to be from its polysilicon production operations. The company has already made several downward amendments to its expected quarterly results in 2011, resulting in excess of US$1 billion wiped-off expected revenue and over 1GW in expected wafer shipments alone. Read more

Soitec acquires Soitec Solar and pursues technical collaboration with Fraunhofer ISE

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 14:40 (PV-Tech)

Semiconductors manufacturer Soitec has completed its acquisition of Soitec Solar, formerly Concentrix Solar. The purchase process began in 2009 and Soitec has finalized the acquisition of the remaining shares. Part of the company?s strategy for the last few years has been to purchase PV manufacturers and engage in PV and CPV systems development and technical collaborations. One of those collaborators is the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE). Soitec has been developing the SmartCell in co-operation with the ISE. Read more

Gaetan Borgers is appointed executive vice president of Soitec?s Solar Energy division

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 14:18 (PV-Tech)

Gaetan Borgers has been appointed as the new executive vice president of Soitec?s Solar Energy division. ?We are delighted to add Gaetan to our team,? said André-Jacques Auberton-Hervé, Soitec?s CEO. Read more

Gaetan Borgers appointed executive vice president of Soitec?s solar energy division

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 14:18 (PV-Tech)

Gaetan Borgers has been appointed as the new executive vice president of Soitec?s Solar Energy division. ?We are delighted to add Gaetan to our team,? said André-Jacques Auberton-Hervé, Soitec?s CEO. Read more

No D, no fee: EPC partnership provides support for UK solar installers

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 14:17 (Solarpowerportal)

With the Green Deal and new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements just around the corner, Leads2Trade has partnered with EPC House to provide a complete service for solar photovoltaics installers throughout the UK.  Under the terms of the agreement, the company will provide EPC assessments throughout the UK from this month forward. Read more

Vermont's Solar Deal: One Small State Makes a Big Solar Impact

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 14:00 (Renewable Energy World)

So, you want to put solar on your roof. You're part of the 94 percent of Americans who think it's important for the nation to develop solar energy, as evidenced by the SCHOTT Solar Barometer, a nationally representative survey conducted by independent polling firm Kelton Research. You call several companies for quotes, and come to find out ? a residential solar system is a bit more than you can afford, and your excitement to join the solar cause is diminished. Read more

Environmental Impact: Avoiding Long-term Cost and Conflict

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 14:00 (Renewable Energy World)

We've seen a large number of solar energy projects being proposed in California's desert area, along with subsequent backlash from environmentalists regarding the impact of endangered animals. For developers, the obvious solution is to avoid these tracts of land. But this is no small task Read more

Coletta is appointed new CFO of Real Goods Solar

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 12:55 (PV-Tech)

Erik Zech has stepped down as Real Goods Solar?s CFO effective end of March 2012. Zech?s decision followed Real Goods Solar?s decision to centralize finance and accounting departments at the company?s corporate centre in Louisville. He is succeeded by John Coletta, who, in his career, worked more than 14 years as CFO, including 10 years as CFO for the Rock Bottom restaurant chain. Read more

Isofotón secures US$15 million for Ohio facility

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 12:47 (PV-Tech)

Spanish Isofotón has received capital through seven-year bonds issued at 4%. The US$15 million financing will be put towards the completion of its solar panel module manufacturing plant in Ohio, US. Read more

Belgium remains solar profitable

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 12:31 (PV-Tech)

Market analysts insist Belgium remains a profitable investment for solar manufacturers and consumers alike. An annual growth of 737MW of solar capacity and high residential growth rates of Q2 2011 allayed fears brought on by the July 1 digression of green certificates and abolishment of tax reductions. Read more

SCHOTT Solar announces order for 12 MW of PV modules from Israel

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 12:07 (Solarserver)

On March 15th, 2012, SCHOTT Solar (Mainz, Germany) announced that it has received a large order for 12 megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) modules from Israel. The company did not disclose the financial details. The order was given by GreenTops, a turnkey PV solution provider and a market leader in Israel for the installation of solar systems. Read more

March 3: Assessing the impact

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 12:06 (Solarpowerportal)

The UK solar industry has experienced another incredible surge of installs after the implementation of yet another tariff drop for solar PV subsidies. Read more

March 3: assessing the impact

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 12:06 (Solarpowerportal)

The UK solar industry has experienced another incredible surge of installs after the implementation of yet another tariff drop for solar PV subsidies. Read more

Ecobuild: Bisol Group presents a range of solar solutions

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 12:06 (Solarpowerportal)

Bisol Group is set to showcase its high efficiency PV modules featuring anti-reflective layered glass at Ecobuild 2012. With new power classes of 257W and 263W, the modules are designed to help consumers maximise their available roof space. Read more

We're Standing on the Frontlines of Energy, but is America Aware?

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 20:10 (Renewable Energy World)

America is known for having focus. The tech boom of the nineties, the dot com boom of the 2000's, but what was the focus of the past decade? What are we focused on today? Read more

We're Standing on the Frontlines of Energy, but Is America Aware?

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 20:10 (Renewable Energy World)

America is known for having focus. The tech boom of the nineties, the dot com boom of the 2000's, but what was the focus of the past decade? What are we focused on today? Read more

South America and the Caribbean to receive US$600 million funding for renewable energy projects

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 16:35 (PV-Tech)

The International and Development Bank (IDB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have entered a co-financing agreement worth US$600 million to invest in renewable private-sector projects in South America and the Caribbean. Read more

Ecobuild: Natural Sparx set for UK launch

Monday, 3.19.2012 - 14:36 (Solarpowerportal)

Natural Sparx is set to make its debut at this year’s Ecobuild. The online wholesale supplier of renewable energy products has been launched with the backing of the Rexel Group, whose existing electrical wholesale distribution network will enable the prompt delivery of goods. Read more