JinkoSolar modules pass ammonia corrosion testing by TÜV Rheinland

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 20:48 (PV-Tech)

JinkoSolar Holding?s modules have successfully passed ammonia corrosion testing, which was performed by TÜV Rheinland at its Solar Energy Assessment Centre in Cologne, Germany. The testing inspected the resistance to ammonia on JinkoSolar?s six poly- or monosilicon PV modules using relative power measurements, insulation testing and visual inspections. The testing confirms that all six JinkoSolar modules will receive ammonia corrosion certification. Read more

ISFH buys SoLayTec process development tool

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 19:44 (PV-Tech)

The Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH) advised that it had recently bought a process development tool (PDT) from SoLayTec, which will use A12O3 deposition and integrate the surface passivation layers into different type of silicon solar cells, which are under development. Read more

Ecobuild: Fronius embraces energy management

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 18:26 (Solarpowerportal)

Fronius has launched its new Energy Management Relay at Ecobuild 2012, designed to cater for the UK consumer?s growing interest in home energy management. Read more

Suntech, Trina reply to preliminary U.S. tariff ruling

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 15:18 (Solarserver)

On March 21st, 2012 two of China's largest solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturers issued statements regarding the U.S. Department of Commerce's (DOC) preliminary ruling in its countervailing duty investigation regarding imports of PV cells and modules from China. Suntech Power Holdings Company Ltd. (Wuxi, China) and Trina Solar Ltd. (Changzhou, China) were both named in the investigation. Suntech, which received a lower proposed tariff level, stated that the decision reflected that its success was not based on subsidies, whereas Trina issued a statement affirming its commitment to the U.S. market. Read more

Zentric awarded EPC contract for 20 MW Arizona PV plant

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 15:07 (Solarserver)

On March 20th, 2012 Zentric Inc. (South Melbourne, Australia) announced that it has signed an agreement with Matinee Energy Inc. (Southern Highlands, Nevada, U.S.) to provide engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for a 20 MW-DC solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the U.S. state of Arizona. The plant will be part of a 120 MW-DC PV project in Benson, Arizona. Zentric has established Zen Power Inc. as a Nevada corporation to manage the agreement, and has also secured 20 MW of PV modules from an un-named Chinese PV manufacturer. Read more

PsomasFMG to build CPV system at school district in Southern California

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 11:35 (Solarserver)

On March 20th, 2012 a school district in Southern California announced that it will award PsomasFMG LLC (Huntington Beach, California, U.S.) a contract to develop, build and operate a 2.5 - 3 MW concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) system on district land. Through the proposed arrangement, the Baker Valley Unified School district will pay no up-front costs and will receive a percentage of the revenue from the plant, which will use SolFocus Inc. (Mountain View, California, U.S.) CPV modules. Read more

Onyx terminates development of Honduran 22 MW PV project

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 11:15 (Solarserver)

On March 16th, 2012, Onyx Service & Solutions Inc. (Greenwood Village, Colorado, U.S.) announced that it has decided to terminate development of its 22-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project on the Island of Roatan, Honduras. The company has informed its Honduran partners as well as local government officials about its decision. The company has determined that the current political, financial, and regulatory situation in Honduras is ?unfriendly? to alternative energy projects. Read more

Solectria acquires New Power Labs

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 11:05 (Solarserver)

On March 20th, 2012 Solectria Renewables LLC (Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S.) announced that it has acquired New Power Labs Inc. (Fall River, Massachusetts) and its smart combiner technologies, as well as hiring New Power Founder Tom Johnson. Solectria states that the development of a smart combiner product is one part of its efforts to improve the intelligence of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which includes better utility power coordination and improved safety and performance measurement for solar arrays. Read more

U.S. DOC issues preliminary ruling to impose tariffs on Chinese PV products

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 8:55 (Solarserver)

On March 20th, 2012 the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) issued a preliminary ruling that imports of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules from China will be subject to countervailing duties. While this issue created a bitter divide in the U.S. solar industry, both sides appear to find the decision acceptable. SolarWorld Industries Americas Inc. (Hillsboro, Oregon, U.S.) stated that the ruling is an important step towards restoring a fair trade balance, while Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy (CASE) President Jigar Shah states that the low anticipated tariffs represent a "relatively positive" outcome. Read more

U.S. Solar Tariff Ruling Provides Much-Needed Certainty

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 20:48 (Renewable Energy World)

By far the biggest development at the PV America West 2012 show here in San Jose today was the much-awaited announcement from the Commerce Dept. on the preliminary tariffs that they will impose on imported Chinese-made solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Read more

Report: Qatar Science & Technology Park to be ready for testing later this year

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 20:17 (PV-Tech)

The Gulf Times has reported that Chevron Qatar?s and GreenGulf?s joint study, the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) is entering its final installation phases and should be ready to start testing within three to four months. The five-year project will examine various solar technologies in order to identify which is best suited for use in Qatar?s environment. Read more

Ecobuild: MAP Environmental launches two new module offerings

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 19:18 (Solarpowerportal)

MAP Environmental has increased its solar portfolio with the launch of non-gallium MAP Power modules and gallium-based MAP Power Plus modules. Both offerings have been launched in the UK for the first time at Ecobuild 2012. Read more

Ecobuild: Waxman Group teaches solar installers a lesson

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 18:48 (Solarpowerportal)

Adding to the growing support network for solar installers in the UK, the Waxman Group has launched a specialist training academy in Elland, West Yorkshire. Read more

Camco and Rex announce tender to install small scale solar projects in rural Tanzania

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 18:06 (PV-Tech)

The recently formed joint venture between Camco International and Rex Investment Ltd. (RIL) has been awarded a tender to distribute and install solar power systems in rural Tanzania. Read more

Osborne?s budget shuns solar in support of gas

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 18:01 (Solarpowerportal)

The Chancellor, George Osborne has today announced a raft of proposals to help stimulate the UK?s flat-lining economy. During the budget announcement, the Chancellor introduced a number of controversial proposals that are designed to support the gas industry, in an attempt to kick-start the lacklustre economy. Read more

Ecobuild: Romag pens partnership with LDK Solar

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 17:46 (Solarpowerportal)

Durham-based solar photovoltaic manufacturer Romag Ltd. has announced an alliance with Chinese module manufacturer LDK Solar, to share their respective expertise to drive the development of new solar technologies. Read more

Review committee debates Germany?s proposed FiT cuts

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 15:55 (PV-Tech)

The German Bundestag is collating information in order to make an authoritative decision on cutting solar FiTs in Germany by 20-30%. The environmental commission tasked with reviewing the draft bill has enlisted the guidance of six experts, one of whom is PHOTON publisher Philippe Welter. Read more

Zentric and Matinee Energy sign EPC agreement for a 20MW solar plant in Arizona

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 15:41 (PV-Tech)

Matinee Energy and Zentric have announced they have singed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreement for the construction of a solar plant generating 20MW in Benson, Arizona Read more

Innotech Solar appoints former Suntech executive David Hogg to CEO role

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 15:05 (PV-Tech)

Innotech Solar (ITS) and CEO Thor-Christian Tuv have decided to part ways after identifying differing opinions on the company?s future growth and expansion. The company?s board is now focusing on creating a new long-term growth strategy to meet the dynamic challenges of the photovoltaic industry. The ITS board views the introduction of new skills and expertise as an important priority, and has appointed David Hogg to the role of CEO at Innotech Solar with immediate effect. Read more

US Department of Commerce releases countervailing determination with lower-than-expected subsidies

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 14:49 (PV-Tech)

The US Department of Commerce has released its preliminary determination on countervailing on imports of silicon PV modules from China. The DoC will impose a subsidy ranging between 2.9-4.73% on Chinese producers and exporters. Many analysts had expected subsidies in the range of 20-30%. Suntech and Trina Solar appear to have been singled out with Suntech having received 2.9% and Trina 4.73%; all other Chinese companies will receive 3.61%. Read more

US Department of Commerce releases countervailing determination of lower-than-expected subsidies

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 14:49 (PV-Tech)

The US Department of Commerce has released its preliminary determination on countervailing on imports of silicon PV modules from China. The DoC will impose a subsidy ranging between 2.9-4.73% on Chinese producers and exporters. Many analysts had expected subsidies in the range of 20-30%. Suntech and Trina Solar appear to have been singled out with Suntech having received 2.9% and Trina 4.73%; all other Chinese companies will receive 3.61%. Read more

Solar shakeout: Solarhybrid files for bankruptcy

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 14:05 (PV-Tech)

German PV project developer, Solarhybrid has filed for insolvency in the local court of Arnsberg, Germany. In a brief statement, the company said that it had opened insolvency proceedings in relation to the assets of the company due to illiquidity issues. Read more

Solar Power in the Desert: MENA Update

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 14:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Wrought with desert conditions including sand, almost no rain and very hot sun, the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region of the world has recently captured the interest of solar power developers who see it as holding great potential for generating vast quantities of solar energy. Organizations are hard at work analyzing the region for its cost-competitiveness with conventional forms of energy. Other companies are performing R&D to figure out how to adapt solar power equipment to work in the hot, dry and gritty environment. For now, the region relies almost exclusively on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs but that may be changing soon. Read more

Waaree completes 10MW ground-mounted solar plant in India

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 13:49 (PV-Tech)

Waaree has announced it has completed the construction of a 10MW, ground-mounted solar project in Gujarat, India on a 60 acres site. The plant is one of the largest in the region and Waaree installed 40,000 multi-crystalline PV modules. Read more

Ecobuild: ET Solar unveils new ?Moly? range of PV modules

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 12:31 (Solarpowerportal)

Chinese module manufacturer, ET Solar, has unveiled a new quasi-mono solar module at the Ecobuild exhibition in London. The new high-efficiency module series will be called Moly PV. Read more

UC Davis develops fractal solar tree design for greater PV cell efficiency

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 11:28 (Solarserver)

Chemists at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis, U.S.), found that microscopic ?fractal trees? grown from silver could be the basis of a new type of solar cell. Fractals are patterns that repeat over multiple length scales. In this case, branches of silver 1-50th the width of a human hair are themselves branched, and smaller branches grow on those branches, forming a treelike pattern. Read more

Aide Solar unveils "Quasi-mono" PV modules

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 11:09 (Solarserver)

On March 19th, 2012 Aide Solar (Xuzhou, China) announced the release of its Quasi-mono module portfolio, comprised of 21 additional models and offering power ratings between 230 and 320 watts. Aide Solar notes that these modules have completed UL certification and are available for release in the U.S. market. The Quasi-mono modules which are available in 60- and 72-cell designs, and offer up to 4% greater conversion efficiency than traditional polycrystalline silicon modules. Read more

Ecobuild: Renewable Resources completes 6.9MW of solar across Sainsbury?s rooftops

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 9:50 (Solarpowerportal)

Milton Keynes-based Renewable Resources has announced the completion of 115 solar arrays across the roofs of several Sainsbury?s stores in the South of England, producing a total of 6.9MW of solar capacity for the supermarket chain. Read more

SolarPlaza: PV remains profitable in Belgium despite cuts

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 9:05 (Solarserver)

On March 19th, 2012 SolarPlaza (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) released a new analysis of the solar photovoltaic (PV) market in Belgium, noting that PV remains highly profitable for consumers and small businesses in the nation despite incentive cuts. Peter Segaar of Polder PV, who produced the analysis, stated that the Belgium PV market may have grown to larger than 750 MW in 2011, but expressed doubt regarding an earlier estimate of 880 MW. Segaar also anticipates a continued decline in the price of PV modules, and which he says could lead to record installations again in 2012. Read more

Dow Chemical opens new R&D centre in Seoul

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 20:36 (PV-Tech)

Dow Chemical announced that it had officially opened its Dow Seoul Technology Centre in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do. The R&D centre will focus on technological advances in display technologies and semiconductor-related applications including lithography, organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), display materials and advanced chip packaging. Read more

REC decides monocrystalline wafer plant in Glomfjord, Norway to close completely

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 14:22 (PV-Tech)

Renewable Energy Corporation said that operating its 300MW monocrystalline wafer plant in Glomfjord, Norway would continue to lose money despite cost reduction efforts and that it will therefore be closed permanently. The plant closure will affect 200 employees. Read more

Renewable Energy in Business Schools: Apply an Investment Focus

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 14:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Renewable Energy (RE) will likely enter business schools under the banner of sustainability. Good though this is, managing energy in all forms increasingly belongs in business strategy ? not in technology studies, environmental sciences, or public policy alone ? and deserves business school attention in its own right for at least four reasons. Read more

The Emerging Battle for Energy Security

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 14:00 (Renewable Energy World)

To some, it may seem like the United States military employs a blank check approach to its military operations at home and abroad. The reality, though, is that the Department of Defense is undergoing a fundamental shift in how it operates, and central to this new thinking is its energy strategy. Read more

7MW of rooftop installations on Sainsbury?s supermarkets

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 13:08 (PV-Tech)

Sainsbury?s has announced PV installations on the roofs of 115 of its supermarkets across the UK, totalling 7MW. The cylindrical PV modules were installed by British company Renewable Resources Energy Solutions. Read more

Sainsbury?s installs 7MW of PV modules on supermarket rooftops

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 13:07 (PV-Tech)

Sainsbury?s has announced PV installations on the roofs of 115 of its supermarkets throughout the UK, totalling 7MW. The cylindrical PV modules were installed by British company Renewable Resources Energy Solutions. Read more

US government publishes report on US energy strategy

Wednesday, 3.21.2012 - 11:31 (PV-Tech)

On March 12, the US government published a report on strategies regarding US energy generation and consumption. The report states that energy generated by solar, wind and geothermal energy has almost doubled since 2008. Read more