Solectria Renewables supplies inverters for 30MW Alamosa project in Colorado

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 21:14 (PV-Tech)

Last week Cogentrix Energy officially began commercial operation of its 30MW Alamosa CPV project in Colorado. Today, Solectria advised that it had provided over 500 large CPV pedestals, smart inverters and dual axis trackers for the project, which has been dubbed the largest high CPV generating facility in the world. Read more

DuPont Solamet PV17x enables lightly doped emitter technology

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 17:49 (PV-Tech)

DuPont has announced its Solamet PV17x photovoltaic metallization paste has become the leading frontside silver paste series on the market today due to its ability to raise efficiency by up to 0.4% in standard solar cell constructions. Solamet PV17x is also claimed to enable cell makers to use up to 15% less material, in line with the company?s intent to accelerate product developments that help the photovoltaic industry reduce its dependence on silver metals and offset some of the impact that rising silver prices have on the cost of producing solar cells and modules. Read more

CASE releases statement ahead of US DoC ruling for imported Chinese solar cells

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 17:00 (PV-Tech)

The Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy has released a statement speaking out against SolarWorld?s campaign to raise tariffs on imported Chinese solar cells. CASE states that manufacturers including Dow Corning, Hemlock Semiconductor, GT Advanced Technologies, MEMC, REC Silicon and Suntech America, believe that free trade and global competition are good for the American solar industry and American jobs. The companies represent over 3,000 American jobs in every major region of the country, including states such as Arizona, California, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. Read more

IDTechEx Report: Organic photovoltaics market to reach USD 630 million by 2022

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 14:02 (Solarserver)

On May 10th, 2012, Global Information Inc. (Farmington, Connecticut, U.S.) announced two significant new renewable energy market forecasts in the growing field of organic photovoltaics (OPV). New organic photovoltaic (PV) market research, ?Organic Photovoltaic Technologies, Players and Forecasts 2012-2022? by IDTechEx, estimates that the OPV market will explode by over 1,300% by 2022, from a value of USD 4.6 million today up to over USD 630 million in just 10 years. Read more

Gintech launches its PID-free solution at SNEC 2012

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 13:34 (PV-Tech)

Solar cell manufacturer Gintech Energy Corporation has announced its PID (Potential Induced Degradation) free solution at SNEC 2012 this week in Shanghai, New International Expo Center. PID-free is regarded as one of the solutions that could prevent undesired power leakage caused at high system voltages. Read more

GTM Research: Smart grid market in China, Japan and South Korea to reach USD 19 billion by 2016

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 12:24 (Solarserver)

On May 10th, 2012, GTM Research (Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.) released a new report stating that smart grid market in China, Japan and South Korea is estimated to increase to USD 19 billion by 2016 from current value of USD 8.5 billion. The report, The Smart Grid in Asia, 2012-2016: Markets, Technologies and Strategies, provides a detailed five-year smart grid forecast, domestic vendor taxonomies, and strategic perspectives on how smart grid players should position themselves for success in each market. Read more

Enphase sees PV micro-inverter revenue increase, posts loss in 1Q 2012

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 12:10 (Solarserver)

On May 10th, 2012, Enphase Energy Inc. (Petaluma, California, U.S.) released financial results for the first quarter of 2012, its first such release as a public company. Enphase reported a 136% year-over-year increase in revenues to USD 42.6 million, a -22% operating margin, and a net loss of USD 10.2 million. The company reports that it sold 292,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) micro-inverters in the first quarter of 2012, a 137% increase over a year prior. Enphase also offered a business outlook for the second quarter of 2012, estimating revenues between USD 49 and 52 million. Read more

Germany-based Sovello files for insolvency

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 11:53 (PV-Tech)

In February, EuPD Research awarded Germany-based Sovello the TOP BRAND PV seal, this week the module manufacturer announced it has filed for insolvency in self-administration at the district court in Dessau. This very same court that handled proceedings for Q-Cells last month and CIGS thin-film firm Odersun. The dramatic reduction in government subsidies and competition from Chinese manufacturers are being blamed by German companies unable to pay mounting debt. Read more

KACO new energy partners with Ampt to optimize power output in utility-scale inverters

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 10:39 (PV-Tech)

Inverter manufacturer KACO new energy has announced collaboration with PV module electronics producer Ampt to produce inverters for utility-scale and commercial installations. KACO?s inverters will work in Ampt mode and use Ampt?s DC/CD converters. The use of Ampt mode in the inverters can result in a higher power output as well as lower costs due to a lower balance of system (BOS). Read more

IHS iSuppli: Polysilicon prices fall 11% in April 2012, spot market sales increase

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 10:04 (Solarserver)

On May 11th, 2012 IHS iSuppli (El Segundo, California, U.S.) released an analysis of polysilicon markets for solar photovoltaic (PV) applications, reporting that polysilicon prices declined a further 11% to an average of USD 27.20/kg in April 2012. The company also reports that buyers are increasingly choosing the spot market over long-term contracts. During the month trading on the spot market increased 22% by volume of material sold to represent 44% of polysilicon shipped during the month. IHS iSuppli warns that the continued increase in the proportion of spot market sales indicates that the oversupply situation and pricing decreases are likely to continue. Read more

MNRE: India reaches 979 MW of grid-tied PV

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 10:00 (Solarserver)

On May 11th, 2012, India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) reported to the nation's parliament that India has installed 979 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP) plants to date, 655 MW of which is located in the state of Gujarat. MNRE also reported that the entire capacity of 1.1 GW of grid-connected PV and CSP under Phase 1 of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) has been allocated. Three days later on May 14th, MNRE reported that over two years it has sanctioned projects to install over 13,900 stand-alone solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in rural areas. Read more

NASA taps Emcore to provide solar technology for SMAP mission

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 22:44 (PV-Tech)

Emcore has been awarded another contract by NASA, this time to provide its technology for the space program?s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission, which has a target launch in late 2014. Emcore?s ZTJ triple-junction solar cells will power the SMAP spacecraft and instrument suite in near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit for the duration of the mission. Read more

SunPower begins installations for Scottsdale Unified School District

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 21:32 (PV-Tech)

SunPower has begun installing 5.5MW of high efficiency solar systems at 11 Scottsdale Unified School District sites. The projects will be installed on rooftops and as solar shade structures in parking lots. All the systems will use SunPower panels and are expected to be complete and operational before the end of September. Read more

Senate Democrats: Exclude Chinese Solar Panels From ITC

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 20:46 (Renewable Energy World)

Two high-profile Senate Democrats introduced a proposal Tuesday that if passed would set domestic requirements on solar installations looking to qualify for the 30 percent Investment Tax Credit. Read more

Phoenix, Arizona US$25 million solar programme unveiled

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 18:33 (PV-Tech)

US Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Phoenix, Arizona, mayor Greg Stanton unveiled the details of a US$25 million programme to allow affordable solar power access to 1,000 Arizona homeowners. The second phase of the US? largest city-sponsored residential solar financing program launched today thanks to the cash infusion from the National Bank of Arizona (NBA). The program is estimated to generate 234 direct and indirect jobs. Read more

NPD Solarbuzz: 60% of PV demand will come from non-European countries in 2H?12

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 17:27 (PV-Tech)

NPD Solarbuzz?s PV Market Quarterly reports solar PV demand during 2H?12 will see increasing contributions from emerging markets in North America and Asia Pacific. New research shows 60% of PV demand will come from these non-European regions. Read more

Order Focus: DelSolar upgrades its production line with Despatch dryer

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 17:19 (PV-Tech)

Solar cell manufacturer DelSolar will be equipping its solar cell production lines with Despatch Industries? DriTech dryer, the company has announced. The DriTech dryer is currently pending to be patented and is used to dry pastes without VOC contamination. Once patented, the dryer will be used to dry aluminium, as it causes the highest amount of contamination. Read more

NPD Solarbuzz: North America, Asia to dominate PV markets in 2H 2012

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 16:08 (Solarserver)

On May 14th, 2012 NPD Solarbuzz Inc. (San Francisco, California, U.S.) released a new analysis of global solar photovoltaic (PV) markets, predicting that North America and the Asia-Pacific region will represent 60% of global demand in the second half of 2012. The company's ?PV Market Quarterly? estimates that China, India, Japan and the United States will represent 54% of demand during the final quarter of 2012, with utility-scale PV projects driving these markets. This will be a sharp contrast to the second half of 2011, when 50% of global demand came from Germany and Italy. Read more

PV systems integrator SPI Solar reports sales growth, slight losses in 1Q 2012

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 15:57 (Solarserver)

On May 14th, 2012 SPI Solar (Roseville, California, U.S.) released financial results for the first quarter of 2012, reporting a more than three-fold year-over-year increase in sales to USD 25.2 million, a -1.4% operating margin, and a net loss of USD 327,000. SPI Solar also released an outlook for 2012, stating that it expects 2012 sales to roughly double 2011 levels. This will represent continued growth for the company, as 2011 sales were nearly triple 2010 levels. Read more

Pallets of PV: Communities Purchase Solar and Drive Down Costs Together

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 15:57 (Renewable Energy World)

Think of it like Costco or Sam's Club for purchasing solar photovolatics (PV). Some savvy folks in Oregon thought it would be a great idea to buy PV in bulk for their neighborhood to get a big volume discount and share the savings with neighbors. Read more

Asia Report: Solar Dumping Announcement Set for May 17

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 15:56 (Renewable Energy World)

Seven months after a trade investigation was launched, American solar companies and Chinese solar manufacturers will finally get a clear picture of the challenges ahead. Read more

Trina Solar supplies 2.1MW for Tibetan off-grid installation

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 15:42 (PV-Tech)

Trina Solar will supply a 2.1MW off-grid system to Longyuan New Energy in Tibet, the company has announced. The companies have entered into a supply agreement for the system in the Nagu region of Tibet. After installing approximately 40 standalone systems throughout Tibet in 2002, this is the largest off-grid project for Trina in recent times. Read more

Order Focus: Suntech provides 120MW of solar panels to Krannich Solar

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 14:29 (PV-Tech)

Suntech has been selected by Krannich Solar to supply 120MW of solar panels under a sales agreement, the company announced. The two companies have been collaborating since 2007 and will continue to supply European and Australian installers and distributors with PV systems under the new agreement. Read more

Australian regulator selects Carmanah's solar roadway lighting

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 14:17 (Solarserver)

On May 10th, 2012, Carmanah Technologies (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) announced that the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (Australia) has certified the Carmanah EG320 outdoor solar lighting system for roadway lighting across the state and has selected Orion Solar, authorized Carmanah distributor, as preferred supplier. Read more

Solar art and power: Olafur Eliasson introduces PV-powered light "Little Sun" at the World Economic Forum

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 14:10 (Solarserver)

On May 11th, 2012, Danish artist Olafur Eliasson (Berlin, Germany) announced that he has introduced the small solar-powered light "Little Sun" at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The light's durable, versatile sun-like design utilizes a 6x6cm mono-crystalline solar photovoltaic (PV) module. When charged for four hours in the sunlight, ?Little Sun? will yield five hours of bright LED illumination. Read more

A Review of Arizona's Generous Utility and State Subsidies for Solar Hot Water

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 13:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Free Hot Water often highlights California’s generous subsidies for solar hot water installations, but it’s not the only state committed to solar water heating. Arizona’s utilities all offer different — but valuable — solar hot water incentives for both residential and commercial installations. Of course, these are Read more

aleo Solar profits from a surge in demand in Q1 2012 in Germany and lowers sales forecast

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 11:19 (PV-Tech)

aleo Solar has announced a revenue of ?74.6 million in Q1 of 2012. This is a 14.6% decrease compared to Q1 2011, where revenue was ?87.4 million. Earnings before interest tax (EBIT) was ?-8.2 million, with an EBIT margin of 11% compared to 2011 EBIT of ?2 million and a margin of 2.3%. Read more

aleo Solar profits from a surge in demand in Q1 2012 in Germany, lowers sales forecast

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 11:19 (PV-Tech)

aleo Solar has announced a revenue of ?74.6 million in Q1 of 2012. This is a 14.6% decrease compared to Q1 2011, where revenue was ?87.4 million. Earnings before interest tax (EBIT) was ?-8.2 million, with an EBIT margin of 11% compared to 2011 EBIT of ?2 million and a margin of 2.3%. Read more

Phoenix Solar secures EUR 132 million financing, reports preliminary 2011 results

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 9:57 (Solarserver)

On May 11th, 2012 Phoenix Solar AG (Sulzemoos, Germany) announced that it has concluded negotiations on a new EUR 132 million (USD 170 million) financing package, which it says will satisfy operational needs through March 31st, 2014. The company also released preliminary fiscal year 2011 financial results, noting a 38% fall in revenues to EUR 393 million (USD 505 million) and a -22% operating margin, largely impacted by write-downs on inventories. During the year Phoenix Solar's share of international business increased dramatically to 37%, as domestic revenues declined 64%. Read more

Discovery of Plant Proteins May Boost Agricultural Yields and Biofuel Production

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 16:00 (Renewable Energy World)

Scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Iowa State University discovered a family of plant proteins that play a role in the production of seed oils, substances important for animal and human nutrition, biorenewable chemicals and biofuels. Read more

Polysilicon prices continue decline

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 22:33 (PV-Tech)

According to a report released by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the price of polysilicon continued its downward march, dropping by 2.6% last week. The material?s average spot prices were US$23.17/kg last week, compared to US$23.78 the week before. The report further advised that the price is down around 15% this year. Read more

Lime Energy Strategy Validated by Award from Central Hudson

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 19:06 (Renewable Energy World)

Lime Energy (NASD:LIME) has been a star in the very competitive energy services space recently because of its ability to maintain margins in what has been a very competitive environment. While competing small efficiency companies have been closing up shop in the Northeast, Lime has been growing revenues at 30 percent a year, while maintaining a gross margin of around 20 percent. Read more

Renewable energy companies believe Electricity Market Reform only benefits nuclear

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 17:35 (Solarpowerportal)

A group of Britain?s leading renewable energy firms have written to the Energy Secretary to express concerns about the planned Electricity Market Reforms. Read more

Ed Davey: ?carbon emissions should be Europe?s key target?

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 17:30 (Solarpowerportal)

According to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, Europe should focus on cutting carbon emissions instead of revising renewables targets. Read more

National Energy Efficiency body offers Green Deal expertise

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 16:04 (Solarpowerportal)

The newly launched not-for-profit organisation, the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings, is aiming to create the largest network of potential Green Deal providers, financiers, product and service suppliers to represent industry?s views on the practical implementation of the Green Deal, ECO and other wider energy efficiency opportunities in the UK. Read more

Saudi Arabia Launches Massive Renewable Program with Hybrid FITs

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

While North America continues to dawdle on the road to the renewable revolution, the conservative, oil-rich Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has proposed one of the most sweeping and massive moves to renewable energy on the planet. Read more

Co-Operative Bank pledges £300m for UK renewable energy projects

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 13:24 (Solarpowerportal)

At a time when many solar companies are worrying about their financial situation, the Co-Operative Bank has pledged to provide approximately £300 million in loans for UK renewable energy projects throughout 2012. Read more

New Renewable Energy Capital team will support UK project developers

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 12:55 (Solarpowerportal)

Financial and professional services firm Jones Lang LaSalle has recently launched a new Renewable Energy Capital team to help raise capital and provide commercial and financial advice for UK renewable energy project developers. Read more

California ARB proposes linking cap-and-trade system with Québec

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 12:18 (Solarserver)

On May 9th, 2012, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) released proposed regulations to link its cap-and-trade greenhouse gas regulation program to a similar program in the Canadian province of Québec, which would create a joint carbon market. The release of the regulations began a 45-day public comment period, and the ARB will consider these comments and the proposed regulations at a meeting on June 28th, 2012. Read more

Eco Environments switches focus to commercial sector after turnover breaks £6 million

Tuesday, 5.15.2012 - 11:02 (Solarpowerportal)

Liverpool-based renewable energy company Eco Environments, has seen its turnover leap from £1.3 million last year to more than £6 million this year. Read more