REC produces PV module with lead-free soldering

Saturday, 6.2.2012 - 13:19 (Solarserver)

On May 30th, 2012, Renewable Energy Corp. (REC, Munich, Germany) announced that it has launched the REC Peak Energy Eco, a new solar photovoltaic (PV) module produced with lead-free soldering. "We are seeing that an increasing number of our customers and regulators require information about the environmental footprint of solar solutions," stated Luc Graré, senior vice president, sales and marketing, cells and modules, REC. Read more

SunEdison plans "Eradication of Darkness" in rural India

Saturday, 6.2.2012 - 13:07 (Solarserver)

On May 30th, 2012 SunEdison LLC (Beltsville, Maryland, U.S.) unveiled a program to install, maintain and manage distributed-generation solar photovoltaic (PV) plants in rural villages in India that do not have access to the electricity grid. SunEdison is currently searching for financial and other partners for its "Eradication of Darkness" program. The program will be implemented in stages, with 29 villages in the Guna District of Madhya Pradesh state identified for the next phase. Read more

Solar Shakeout: Konarka Technologies files for bankruptcy

Saturday, 6.2.2012 - 18:25 (PV-Tech)

Failure to secure further funding has forced flexible thin-film manufacturer, Konarka Technologies into bankruptcy. The Chapter 7 bankruptcy via a Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court means full liquidation and asset sale to pay creditors. Since its initial venture capital funding in 2001, the company had raised around US$190 million to develop and market its roll-to-roll OPV (organic photovoltaic) technology. Read more

Intersolar North America goes in-depth on energy storage

Saturday, 6.2.2012 - 13:30 (Solarserver)

Intersolar North America, the premier solar industry exhibition and conference in North America for solar professionals to exchange information and develop business opportunities in the U.S. solar market, returns to San Francisco July 9th -12th , 2012 for its fifth year. This year, Intersolar North America features a new special exhibit that promotes innovative energy storage technologies. PV Energy World, located in the Moscone Center, North Hall ? Booth 5135, will offer expert presentations on energy storage and grid integration. Read more

Solar research: Northwestern University develops new Graetzel cell

Saturday, 6.2.2012 - 13:16 (Solarserver)

Researchers at the Northwestern University, Chicago, have developed a new Graetzel solar cell that addresses the limitations of current solar cells. These limitations include high production cost, low operating efficiency and durability, and many cells rely on toxic and scarce materials. Graetzel cells however use a molecular dye to absorb sunlight and convert it to electricity, much like chlorophyll in plants. But the cells typically don?t last more than 18 months, making them commercially unviable. Read more

SolarFrameWorks launches PowerCurb BIPV module line

Saturday, 6.2.2012 - 13:16 (Solarserver)

On May 30th, 2012, SolarFrameWorks Co. (Golden, Colorado, U.S.) announced that it has launched PowerCurb. The new product is an addition to the company's CoolPly Plus building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) product line for commercial roofs and field applications. Read more

Wilson Electric installs 1.5-MW solar PV plant with Solar Frontier modules in Prescott Valley, Ariz.

Saturday, 6.2.2012 - 13:00 (Solarserver)

On May 30th, 2012, Wilson Electric (Sierra Vista, Arizona, U.S.) announced that it has completed a 1.5 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Prescott Valley, Arizona, U.S. The project will provide solar power for the Tank Farm and Wastewater Treatment Plant. Read more

Transform Solar to quit 20 MW PV production line in Idaho

Saturday, 6.2.2012 - 12:55 (Solarserver)

On May 30th, 2012, Transform Solar (Boise, Idaho, U.S.) announced that it has decided to discontinue production of its 20 megawatt (MW) SLIVER photovoltaic (PV) module facility in Idaho, U.S. The company states that its decision follows its strategic review of opportunities in light of the current global oversupply of solar PV capacity and resultant challenging market conditions. Read more