Sunways postpones annual, Q1 2012 financial reports to end of May

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 22:24 (PV-Tech)

Sunways has advised that it has postponed releasing its financial statements, consolidated financial statements and other documents related to its annual financial report for fiscal year 2011 until May 31. Additionally, its Q1 2012 financial report has also been pushed back. The company was originally scheduled to release its financial reports on April 30. Read more

Meyer Burger raises US$121.3 million in long-term capital

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 21:58 (PV-Tech)

Meyer Burger Technology advised that it had raised US$121.3 (CHF110 million) in long-term capital through a Swiss Franc dominated straight bond issuance. The bond holds a coupon of 5% payable annually and maturity date of May 24, 2017.  Zürcher Kantonalbank, Credit Suisse and UBS Investment Bank collectively offered the bond issue to institutional and private investors. Read more

Chubb Group insures Jiangsu GoodWe inverters

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 16:41 (PV-Tech)

Chinese inverter manufacturer Jiangsu GoodWe has signed an agreement with the US Chubb Group insurance company to insure its products worldwide. The insurance includes complete claims for losses caused by machine applications. Read more

Alstom Grid to provide integrated distribution management system for Maui smart grid project

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 15:11 (Solarserver)

On April 25th, 2012, Alstom Grid (Washington, U.S.) announced that it has been selected to provide its e-terradistribution integrated distribution management system (IDMS) for Maui Electric Co.?s (MECO) Smart Grid demonstration project. The demonstration project, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and is co-led by the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawaii, will evaluate how smart grid technologies can help MECO reduce peak demand, improve service quality, inform consumer energy use decisions, and integrate renewable energy. Read more

Heliatek?s organic tandem solar cell verified at 10.7% record conversion efficiency

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 12:42 (PV-Tech)

Dresden, Germany-based OPV thin film developer, Heliatek has achieved a new organic tandem solar cell world record with 10.7 % cell efficiency on 1.1cm2 substrate. SGS undertook the testing and validated the figures. SGS also confirmed the OPV cells merits in low light and high temperature operation. Read more

PV production: Manz steps up integration of cSi process with new wet-chemical tool

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 12:24 (Solarserver)

Manz AG (Reutlingen, Germany) will show new equipment for wet-chemical processing of crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) cells at SNEC 2012 fair in Shanghai this May. Purpose of the tool named IPSG CEI 4800 is to remove the highly doped layer from the backside and the edges of a wafer and thereby produce a chemical edge isolation (CEI). In a second process step the remaining phosphor silicate glass (PSG) layer on the front side of the wafer that was created during the previous diffusion process step is removed. Read more

Japan announces preliminary FiT rates

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 12:00 (PV-Tech)

Finally taking positive steps to distance itself from the Fukishima disaster, the sixth Purchase Price Calculation Committee tasked with deciding the new feed-in tariff, has finally laid the foundations at a press conference earlier this week. The new rates will be effective from July 2012. Read more

Poll: SMEs recognise the benefits of Smart Meters

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 11:07 (Solarpowerportal)

New research by Opus energy, an independent UK business-to-business energy supplier, shows that SMEs are ready to embrace smart meters. Of the 500 business leaders questioned by Opus Energy, many recognised the benefits to their business of installing a smart meter on their property. Read more

Nanosolar completes all major tasks for US$42 million TPP grant from US DOE

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 21:41 (PV-Tech)

Six years after the US Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Nanosolar a US$42 million Solar American Initiative (SAI) Technology Pathway Partnership (TPP) grant, the company has advised that all 10 major tasks have been achieved or surpassed. The grant was originally awarded in 2006 for the development of large-scale PV systems for commercial buildings that would offer the best price per watt performance in the industry. Read more

Report: Solar Trust of America receives over US$43 million in capital loans, letters of credit

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 21:22 (PV-Tech)

Solar Trust of America has bought some more time in its bankruptcy proceedings as Bloomberg reports that the company was approved for new loans while it continually pursues to sell it assets. The company will receive financing arranged by Mason Capital Management, which includes US$25 million in working capital loans and US$18.3 million in letters of credit. Read more

Intersolar North America 2012 adds new display hall for July meeting

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 21:04 (PV-Tech)

Citing the ever increasing market for equipment, raw materials and services in PV production, Intersolar North America 2012, held July 9 ? 12 in San Francisco, has added the new PV Production and Technology Hall in Moscone North. The event organizers anticipate that the addition will provide more opportunities for networking across all segments of the PV manufacturing supply chain. Read more

Independent report confirms growth of Indian solar industry

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 16:33 (PV-Tech)

As Phase 1 of India?s National Solar Mission reaches half way, India stops to take stock of its progress with an independent report conducted by the National Resources Defence Council (NRDC) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEQ). The report has been drawn from extensive discussions with stakeholders and research and analysis of national, state and international programs, with the aim of aiding the government in overcoming obstacles to achieving the Mission?s goal of 20GW by 2022. Read more

France makes further cuts to FiTs

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 15:29 (PV-Tech)

Following its deliberations on April 19, the French Commission for Energy Regulation published the new feed-in tariffs for solar PV installations up to 100kW this week. The rate is dependant on the number of applications to the CRE in the previous trimester. Residential BIPV applications amounted to 37.4MW and non-residential applications were 102.4MW resulting in a decrease to the FiT of% and 9.5% respectively. Read more

Trina Solar donates 10kW PV plant to American Lung Association as part of clean air partnership

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 15:04 (Solarserver)

On April 25th, 2012, Trina Solar (U.S.) Inc., a subsidiary of Trina Solar Ltd. (Jiangsu, China), announced that it will donate 10.5 kW of its solar photovoltaic (PV) modules for the American Lung Association?s offices in San Diego, California. Everyday Energy (Oceanside, California), a solar energy company that specializes in the finance, design, and installation of solar energy systems, will install the cost-saving solar system, while solar distributor Sonepar will provide balance of system equipment for the project. Read more

BOS Series: Your New Solar Array (Actual Performance May Vary)

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

You just bought a large-scale solar array. The performance expectations you have for your new array, like a new car, are high. Just like the information on the window sticker that claims great gas mileage, your solar array comes with a forecast of how many MWh it should produce over its lifespan. This information is critical to your financing strategy, since this energy forecast and the cash flow it generates, are the basis for justifying the investment and the promises to your financial backers. However, how do you know that you got what you paid for? How will you know if it starts underperforming and what will you do to restore and maintain peak performance? Read more

California Solar Installer? Help! (Yourself and Job Security)

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

  The good people at the Vote Solar Initiative and SEIA need about a minute of your time, and believe me, that minute will be well spent. If you already know about California’s net-metering ticking clock, just click here now before it’s too late. If you don’t know what’s happening, read on: There’s a little sola Read more

SPG Solar to build 2.27 MW PV Plant at Oberlin College, Ohio; solar array to produce 3 Million kWh of electricity per year

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 14:52 (Solarserver)

Oberlin College has entered into a power purchasing agreement with Spear Point Energy to purchase electricity from a 2.27- megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) array to be constructed on college property, SPG Solar (Novato, California) reports in a press release. This will be the largest PV array on any college or university campus in Ohio, the company emphasizes. Construction is scheduled in early May, 2012, and is expected to be completed by the end of August. The array will consist of 7,722 polycrystalline PV panels bolted to a ground-mounted tracking system and will cover about 10 acres of agricultural land. Read more

VDMA reports on the state of German PV equipment industry

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 13:54 (PV-Tech)

German-based companies involved in the supply of manufacturing equipment for the global solar industry had a record sales year in 2011, according to the latest report from trade association, VDMA. German equipment suppliers benefited from a focus on advanced cell technology that supported a global market share of 46% in 2011. However, overcapacity is impacting sales to major markets in Asia and in particular, China in 2012. Read more

Solaria develops 25MW in Ecuador

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 12:40 (PV-Tech)

Solaria Energía y Medio Ambiente has entered an agreement to develop 25MW of energy in Ecuador. The first project, a ground mounted PV in the mountains surrounding the city of Quito will be developed in two phases: the first stage sees the construction of a 1MW pilot project, to be completed by the end of 2012. In the second stage, the project will be extended to 5MW. Stage two is estimated to be completed in the first half of 2013. Read more

Timminco sale producers business split

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 12:17 (PV-Tech)

Although subject to court approval, a successful action sale of bankrupt firm, Timminco has taken place. QSI Partners has acquired silicon metal business and assets of Bécancour Silicon, including its 51% ownership interest in Québec Silicon for approximately $31.87 million. The solar grade silicon business and assets of Timminco Solar, a division of Bécancour Silicon, were sold to Grupo FerroAtlántica for approximately $2.7 million. Read more

U.S. Solar Manufacturing: Intersolar North America launches new PV production and technology exhibition and program

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 12:14 (Solarserver)

Intersolar North America, the premier solar industry exhibition and conference in North America for solar professionals, will return to San Francisco July 9-12, 2012. Co-located with SEMICON West, the event is expected to draw approximately 950 exhibitors and registered visitors from more than 80 countries to provide a true global perspective of the solar industry. This year, the conference features a new, dedicated PV Production and Technology Hall located in Moscone North that will draw more than 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest in photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing and material science technology. Read more

tenKsolar completes USD 15.5 million financing round by Hanwha Corporation

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 12:06 (Solarserver)

On April 25th, 2012, tenKsolar (Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.) announced the completion of USD 15.5 million Series B financing round led by Hanwha Corporation (Seoul, South Korea) and ESB Novusmodus (London, UK). tenKsolar describes its relationship with Hanwha as a global partnership. Read more

China joins IEA Solar Heating and Cooling Programme

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 11:11 (Solarserver)

The China Academy of Building Research (CABR), on behalf of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), officially joins the IEA Solar Heating and Cooling Programme (IEA SHC). China becomes the 21st member of the SHC Programme, which promotes the research and deployment of solar heating and cooling technologies and solar buildings. Read more

IRENA and DLR launch global atlas for solar and wind energy

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 14:32 (PV-Tech)

At the Clean Energy Ministerial Forum in London (April 25. - 26.2012), the IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) and the DLR (German Aerospace Centre) have launched the Global Atlas for Solar and Wind Energy. The atlas features open access information about solar and wind energy and possibilities of exploitation in order to speed up the development of solar and wind energies. Read more

SunEdison grants ABB contract to build 24.8MW PV plant in North Las Vegas

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 20:49 (PV-Tech)

ABB advised that it had won a contract from SunEdison for the development of a 24.8MW PV plant at the Apex Industrial Park in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The plant will provide NV Energy with energy using 87,168 solar panels, built across 154 acres of private land. Power delivery to the grid from the project is anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2012. Read more

In Climate of Cheap Gas, Forecast for Renewable Energy Finance is Cloudy: Q&A with Michael Butler, CEO of Cascadia Capital

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 18:20 (Renewable Energy World)

Cascadia Capital CEO Michael Butler knows renewable energy finance. His investment banking firm has been a key player in some of the clean technology sector's most significant transactions. His forecast for renewable energy is "near term cloudy." The rush of investments into natural gas is siphoning capital that would have gone into the renewable energy sector. Renewable energy is a viable industry long term, it's just going to take longer than we all hoped. Read more

What's Profit Got To Do, Got To Do with It?

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 16:22 (Renewable Energy World)

As the losses add up for leading PV industry manufacturers, and as manufacturing capacities are idled, it is important to remember that the current correction taking place the PV industry could not necessarily have been avoided. But the severity of the current climate may have been mitigated and the landing made softer if new entrants and participants had paid attention to, and learned from, PV industry history. Manufacturers in China, currently dominating industry demand at 46 percent, might have been more circumspect with capacity growth had they understood that incentives are temporary. Read more

New York based Renewable Energy Solution Systems announces merger with Florida company of same name

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 15:20 (Solarserver)

On April 25th, 2012, Renewable Energy Solution Systems Inc. (Port Washington, New York, U.S.) announced that it has acquired 100% of Renewable Energy Solution Systems Inc. (Florida, U.S.) through a share exchange. Read more

What's Undermining Energy Efficiency?

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Exhilaration swept through the energy efficiency industry as city after city, state after state and nation after nation set aggressive energy saving goals over the last several years. But with target dates nearing in certain jurisdictions, a more sober attitude now permeates. Some governments are asking: Are we reaching too high? A  Read more

CEM3 roundup: what you need to know

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 14:06 (Solarpowerportal)

Energy Ministers from 22 national governments and the European Union gathered in London over the past two days to participate in the third Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM); a meeting designed to accelerate the progress of global clean energy by uniting policy makers responsible for 90 percent of global clean energy investment. Read more

Jamaican minister demands a ?call to action? over rising energy bills

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 13:08 (PV-Tech)

Citing high energy bills as a result of the colossal cost of importing electricity, the Jamaica Energy Council assembled on April 20 to discuss the implementation of an energy policy, reported the Jamaica Information Service. The focus of the council, comprised of bi-partisan and stakeholder members and chaired by the minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Phillip Paulwell, alongside opposition energy spokesman, Gregory Mair, set the agenda with renewable and indigenous energy source development for energy security, energy conservation and efficiency as well as opportunities to achieve and sustain price competitiveness as the priority. Read more

WEC, BNEF partner to publish new global energy report

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 11:08 (Solarserver)

The World Energy Council (WEC, London, U.K.) and Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF, New York, New York, U.S.) have signed an agreement to collaborate on a survey on the costs of new, renewable and conventional energy sources. The organizations will publish "World Energy Survey of Resources and Technologies" in October 2013 during the 22nd World Energy Congress in Daegu, South Korea. The report will bring together the specific competencies of BNEF and WEC to produce a comprehensive view of the global energy resource and technology landscape. Read more

Businesses beware: cold-calling utilities sweep the UK

Friday, 4.27.2012 - 10:48 (Solarpowerportal)

New information released by the UK?s Energy Advice Line shows a growing number of utility cold-calling scams, designed to pressure businesses into switching suppliers. Read more