EU PVSEC: Europe installs two-thirds of total global new PV capacity in 2011, report reveals

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 18:50 (PV-Tech)

According to the 2012 Photovoltaics Status Report published by the European Commission?s Joint Research Centre, Europe accounted for two-thirds of all newly installed global PV capacity in 2011. It added an extra 18.5GW during the year bringing its total PV capacity to 52GW. Read more

LDK modules pass PID test by TÜV Rheinland and PV Lab

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 18:15 (PV-Tech)

LDK Solar modules have passed the potential-induced degradation (PID) tests performed at TÜV Rheinland?s and PV Lab?s laboratories. LDK states that in both tests, its modules demonstrated a reduction in performance under test conditions of less than 1%, earning LDK modules a Class A rating. Read more

EU PVSEC: US PV policymakers should adopt common nationwide practices for stability

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 17:15 (PV-Tech)

Speaking at The Europe-Asia PV Forum at the 27th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC) which kicked off today, Minh Le, acting programme manager of the Solar Program for the US Department of Energy, highlighted that US PV policymakers should look to streamline local PV policies and adopt common nationwide practices to ensure stability in the PV market. Read more

China Sunergy supplies 72 kW of PV modules for installation in Dubai, UAE

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 15:43 (Solarserver)

On September 20th, 2012, China Sunergy Co. Ltd. (Nanjing, China), a specialized solar photovoltaic (PV) cell and module manufacturer, announced that it has shipped 72 kW of multi-crystalline modules to Carillion Construction Ltd., a U.K.-headquartered multinational company dedicated to sustainable and green energy projects. Emrill, an affiliate company of Carillion Construction, will install China Sunergy's PV modules in a trial project in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). The project marks China Sunergy's first shipment into the UAE. Read more

Suntech PV production facility wins Arizona's Most Admired Companies Award

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 15:38 (Solarserver)

On September 20th, 2012, Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. (Wuxi, China) announced that its manufacturing plant located in Goodyear (Arizona, U.S.) has received the 2012 Arizona's Most Admired Companies Award (MAC). Suntech's Goodyear plant has been selected by ?Arizona Business Magazine and BestCompaniesAZ? as one of 40 winners for the MAC award. All 40 winners are featured in the September/October issue of the business magazine. Read more

Roth & Rau develops coating process for solar cell busbar metalization using nickel

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 15:30 (Solarserver)

Roth & Rau AG (Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany) has developed a coating process to use nickel in busbar metalization for the electrical contacting in solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, replacing silver. This coating process includes both the front and rear sides, and Roth & Rau has made the production tool for the system commercially available. The company will display the concept and system at the EU PVSEC trade show in Frankfurt, Germany from September 25th to 28th, 2012. Read more

27th EU PVSEC Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition is now open

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 15:28 (PV-Tech)

The 27th EU PVSEC in Germany?s financial capital, Frankfurt, opened its doors today with a press conference. Journalists echoed the concerns of the solar PV industry, whilst experts from across the supply chain attempted to infuse the room with some optimism. The word ?normal? was stressed many a time, comparing the PV industry?s struggle with those of the automotive trade. Read more

27th EuPVSEC Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition is now open

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 15:15 (PV-Tech)

The 27th EuPVSEC in Germany?s financial capital, Frankfurt, opened its doors today with a press conference. Journalists echoed the concerns of the solar PV industry, whilst experts from across the supply chain attempted to infuse the room with some optimism. The word ?normal? was stressed many a time, comparing the PV industry?s struggle with those of the automotive trade. Read more

NYSE warns Suntech of potential de-listing

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 12:48 (Solarserver)

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has notified Suntech Power Holdings Company Ltd. (Wuxi, China) that it has not met the NYSE's price criteria for continued listing, as the average price of Suntech stock has fallen below USD 1 per share over a 30-day period. Suntech has six months following receipt of the notification to regain compliance with this requirement, which the company says that it intends to do. The company's shares will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE, subject to compliance with NYSE standards and oversight. Read more

EU PVSEC: ALD passivation process for i-PERC cell tops 19.6% conversion efficiency

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 10:15 (PV-Tech)

Without the use of selective emitter technology, imec, RENA and SoLayTec have demonstrated a 156mm x156mm i-PERC-type c-Si solar cell with an ALD (atomic layer deposition) passivation technique that was claimed to achieve a cell efficiency of 19.6%, within imec?s solar cell pilot line. Read more

EU PVSEC: Meyer Burger offering suite of technologies to join the 300W club

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 9:15 (PV-Tech)

Based on a standard 60-cell solar module, rather than a recent wave of larger-sized modules using many more cells to push module wattage output above 300 watts, Meyer Burger will be showcasing a 303W module at EU PVSEC that has been verified by the SGS Fresenius IEC Institute. Read more

EU, China agree to cooperate on PV market competition issues

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 9:06 (Solarserver)

Representatives of the European Union and the Chinese government have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to increase cooperation between the European Commission's (EC) competition department and Chinese antitrust authorities. The MoU follows calls for dialogue from both German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, amid an EU investigation of potential dumping of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from China. The MoU creates a framework for cooperation between the EC and China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and State Administration of Industry and Commerce (SAIC). Read more

PV production equipment: Heraeus on track to complete facilities in Taiwan, Shanghai

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 8:52 (Solarserver)

Heraeus (Hanau, Germany) has provided an update on the progress of expansion activities in its Photovoltaics (PV) Business Unit. The company reports that its Taiwan production facility will be operational by the fourth quarter of 2012, and that expansion of its Shanghai facility is scheduled to be complete in the first quarter of 2013. The company opened its research and development (R&D) center and production facility in Singapore at the end of 2011, and completed expansion of its German facility in 2012. Haraeus notes that it is making these investments despite the overall market downturn in the PV manufacturing industry. Read more

EU PVSEC: Singulus touts c-Si and thin film processes that boost efficiency and lower costs

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 8:15 (PV-Tech)

Continuing its efforts to become a key development partner and supplier of production systems to the PV industry, Singulus Technologies is using EU PVSEC this year to showcase new machine concepts and process technologies that are designed to increase cell efficiencies and the reduction of production costs for thin-film and c-Si solar cells. Read more

EU PVSEC: 4JET?s new laser scribing system designed for flexible solar cells

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 8:15 (PV-Tech)

Following-on from its introduction at Intersolar Europe,  4JET?s new laser scribing system designed for both CIGS and a-Si flexible thin-film solar cells will take centre stage at its booth during EU PVSEC. The new roll-to-roll monolithic integrated process is claimed to provide advantages over connecting individual small cell shingles to a module. Read more

IKEA?s Central Texas store marks company?s 33rd US rooftop solar installation

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 23:15 (PV-Tech)

IKEA?s Round Rock, Texas store recently saw the completion of a 1,633kW system built atop its roof. The system, when combined with the solar projects in IKEA?s Houston and Dallas-area Frisco stores make the Swedish company the state?s largest solar owner. The Round Rock store array consists of 6,664 panels installed across 273,700 square feet. The system was developed, designed and installed by REC Solar. Read more

California?s Verengo Solar opens regional headquarters in Northern California

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 23:15 (PV-Tech)

Residential solar installation company Verengo Solar advised that it has opened new regional headquarters in Northern California. The office, located in Concord, will host a job fair on October 6 in order to hire local candidates for its neighborhood canvass program and to join its solar sales consulting team. Read more

Canadian Solar delivers modules for German ski resort

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 22:58 (PV-Tech)

Canadian Solar advised that it had recently provided 3.6MW capacity of its solar modules for a rooftop PV installation on the aplincentre in Hamburg-Wittenburg, Germany. The PV project allows the ski facility to operate year-round, using only self-generated power and allowing the facility to operate independently from the public grid and EEG subsidies. The project was planned and implemented by Dr. Metje Consulting. Read more

PSEG Solar finalizes acquisition of 15MW DC solar project from juwi solar

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 22:15 (PV-Tech)

PSEG Solar Source advised that its acquisition of juwi solar?s 15MW DC solar project in Milford, Delaware, has been completed. JSI will remain as the engineer, procure and oversee the construction of the solar site as well as perform O&M services for the installation. PSEG Solar Source noted that it expects construction to begin this month. Read more

Suntech to donate up to 300kW of solar panels to DRC hospital

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 22:15 (PV-Tech)

Suntech Power Holdings revealed that it plans to donate up t 300kW of its solar panels to the Panzi Hospital in Bukayu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The announcement is part of the company?s participation in the Commitment to Action, a part of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The Panzi Hospital has 334 patient beds with specialties in obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, dentistry and nutrition. Read more

Are Solar Jobs in the U.S. Rising or Declining?

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 20:12 (Renewable Energy World)

Too often, encouraging stories about our economy are replaced by disheartening stories of bankruptcies and layoffs. These types of front-page features discourage companies and job seekers alike. Although unemployment rates are still in the double digits in some states, the solar industry has been a strong and growing segment of our national economy. Read more

Solar for All: Xcel Energy Teams with REC Solar and CEC to Bring Community Solar to Colorado

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 19:39 (Renewable Energy World)

Xcel Energy has launched an initiative called Solar*Rewards Community in Colorado, which will enable residential and business customers to buy access to solar power without the need to install PV panels on their homes and businesses. The program will also make it possible for customers who have no choice ? those without access to the required amount of direct sunlight necessary to power solar panels, as well as those leasing properties, renting, or living in apartment buildings ? to invest in solar power and see returns on that investment. Read more

Semprius to Open Solar Manufacturing Plant in North Carolina

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 18:50 (Renewable Energy World)

Semprius Inc., a U.S. solar-panel maker, will open its first manufacturing plant this month in Henderson, North Carolina, countering the trend of solar factories shutting their doors. Read more

Sorry, Critics - Solar Is Not a Rip-Off

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 18:46 (Renewable Energy World)

On September 21, the LA Times ran a story about large-scale solar projects titled, "Taxpayers, ratepayers will fund California solar plants," with the subhead: A new breed of prospectors -- banks, insurers, utility companies -- are receiving billions in subsidies while taxpayer and ratepayers are paying most of the costs. Critics say it's a rip-off. Read more

German solar PV installations surpass 30 GWp milestone

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 16:22 (Solarserver)

Germany installed roughly 320 megawatts (MWp) of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation capacity in August 2012, according to initial reports. This addition has bumped Germany past 30 gigawatts (GWp), the first country in the world to reach this level of PV capacity, Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI, Berlin, Germany) reports in a press release. Total German solar PV installations make up more than the rest of Europe combined. Read more

Dutch Oskomera Solar Power Solutions to build 3.3 MW carport PV plant on the Caribbean island of Aruba

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 16:14 (Solarserver)

Oskomera Solar Power Solutions BV (Deurne, The Netherlands) has won a bid to build a 3.3 MW carport solar photovoltaic (PV) plant on the Caribbean island of Aruba. This will be the first large-scale PV plant build in the island nation, and will serve as a shade structure for a parking lot at the island's airport. The company also completed 3.5 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants at three locations in the English county of Devon in the summer of 2012. Read more

Company seeks regulatory permission to create solar utility in U.S. state of Georgia

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 16:07 (Solarserver)

Georgia Solar Utilities Inc. (Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.) has requested permission from the Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC) to create a solar utility, with a 90 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project as its first power generation project and the first phase of 2 GW planned for the state. The proposal will require regulatory changes as current law prohibits competition with Southern Company (Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.) subsidiary Georgia Power. Commissioner Lauren "Bubba" McDonald and a GPSC candidate have backed the plan. Read more

Global PV installations to fall just short of 30GW in 2012, says NPD Solarbuzz

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 15:53 (PV-Tech)

A sobering reality-check has been dished-out by market research firm, NPD Solarbuzz as it has revised down its 2012 forecast for the PV sector.  Global PV installations in the second-half of the year are expected to reach 16GW, an increase of 25% compared to the first-half of the year when installations reached 13GW. Only a late surge in shipments and installations in China and India, as well as a strong recovery across European markets would support a 30GW-plus market this year. Read more

Spanish P4Q Electronics to locate solar electronics factory in New Mexico

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 15:22 (Solarserver)

P4Q Electronics SL (Bilbao, Spain) has announced that it will locate the headquarters and manufacturing facility of its North American subsidiary in Albuquerque (New Mexico, U.S.). The factory will produce P4Q's Suntrack solar tracking system electronics as well as other products, and will employ 15 persons in its first year. P4Q USA plans to announce its grand opening event in October 2012. Read more

Solar Commitment: SEIA Environmental Initiative Grows

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is rolling out new developments for its evolving Solar Industry Commitment to Environmental and Social Responsibility (Solar Commitment) with the addition of three new members of its advisory group, BSR, As You Sew, and Boston Common. According to John Smirnow, the vice president of SEIA, in Washington, these new advisors will work with other organizations to help determine the reporting parameters for SEIA's first sustainability report, expected in first quarter 2013. Read more

Tech Tour: Orlando Convention Center 1-MW Rooftop Solar Array

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

On top of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), there's a 1-megawatt array that covers an area equivalent to five football fields. The system is the largest rooftop solar array in the Southeast. Johnston Controls developed the system, which features almost 6,000 SolarWorld panels that were installed by Florida-based Solar Source. Read more

Safety First: Florida's Solar-Powered E-Shelters Enhance Schools Throughout the State

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) ? think of it as a solar energy amusement park. Each door reveals a new wonder: solar efficiency labs, hydrogen experimentation, inverter and module testing, controlled environments, and more, much more. But amidst this techie heaven is also a large educational center dedicated to all ages and interests, from kindergarteners learning about solar energy to solar installer training. Local universities are also involved at FSEC, and allow students to take courses for college credit. The facility receives over 15 million in grants and contracts each year, according to Bill Young, a senior research engineer at FSEC. Read more

EU PVSEC: Vitronic to parade its Vinspec Solar inspection system

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 9:05 (PV-Tech)

Having launched the ?Vinspec Solar? inspection system at the beginning of the year, Vitronic is using EU PVSEC this week to reiterate the need to make manual checking a thing of the past. Read more

Elkem to temporarily stop production of solar-grade polysilicon in Kristiansand

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 8:57 (Solarserver)

Elkem Solar AS (Kristiansand, Norway) has announced that it will temporarily stop production of solar-grade polysilicon at its facility in Kristiansand, Norway, temporarily laying off the plant's workforce. The company states that the extent of the temporary layoffs will be clarified in the next few weeks. Elkem will use the period of shutdown to implement improvement projects to better position the facility to compete in the future. Read more

EU PVSEC: Vitronic to parade its ?Vinspec Solar? inspection system

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 8:15 (PV-Tech)

Having launched the ?Vinspec Solar? inspection system at the beginning of the year, Vitronic is using EU PVSEC this week to reiterate the need to make manual checking a thing of the past. Read more

Q&A on Waiving the Renewable Fuel Standard in the Wake of the 2012 Heat Wave and Drought

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 12:17 (Renewable Energy World)

In the wake of the devastating heat wave and drought which covered much of the United States this year, it has become clear that there will be less corn available on the market for the remainder of the year and for much of 2013 than there had been in recent years. Livestock, poultry, and ethanol producers already have been hit especially hard by the sharp increase in the price of corn, because corn comprises such a large portion of their production costs. Many livestock and poultry producers have had to liquidate herds and flocks as pastures and forage crops withered, and a number of ethanol producers have had to shut down or curtail production at plants. Further effects Read more

Aspen Hopes to Tap Geothermal Energy with Additional Test Drilling

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 17:37 (Renewable Energy World)

Aspen city officials are hoping the third time's the charm for a geothermal test-drilling project in the parking lot of the Prockter Open Space on the east side of town. Read more

Davey: ?Denying green energy is good for growth is as perverse as denying climate change?

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 18:04 (Solarpowerportal)

Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change has vigorously defended the Liberal Democrats green credentials during his keynote speech at the Liberal Democrats party convention. Read more

First Saudi Arabia Utility-Scale Clean Energy Plant to be Built in Mecca

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 17:56 (Renewable Energy World)

Mecca, which hosts millions of pilgrims a year visiting Islam's most holy shrine, is working toward becoming the first city in Saudi Arabia to operate a utility-scale plant generating electricity from renewables. Read more

Ed Miliband calls for carbon-free power sector by 2030

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 17:23 (Solarpowerportal)

Ed Miliband has called on Governments across the world to commit to decarbonsising the energy sector by 2030. In addition to the 2030 pledge, the Leader of the Labour Party has stressed the importance of a thriving green economy to help lift the country out of its current economic mire. Read more

Germany: Lies About Electricity Prices

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 15:00 (Renewable Energy World)

We have to talk about prices one more time. It?s all over the media that Germany?s transition to renewables is killing ? or going to kill ? Germany industry. How can Germany compete abroad when it pays so much for its energy? It?s all a consequence of the Energiewende! This is a lot of rubbish. It?s that simple. The weekly Die Zeit summed it up in Read more

California modifies interconnection procedures

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 12:43 (Solarserver)

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has made changes to the state's interconnection procedures, which Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC, Latham, New York, U.S.) says remove barriers to the growth of the state's renewable energy market and establish new national best practices. The new Rule 21 creates a screening process to sort applicants into different levels of review, as well as new screening processes and establishing timelines for review completion. The changes represent a settlement between the state's three large private utilities and 11 other stakeholders, including IREC. Read more

EU PVSEC: BASF to feature SELURIS C2000 eco-friendly c-Si cell cleaning solution

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 8:40 (PV-Tech)

A wide range of products are being showcased by BASF at EU PVSEC this week, ranging from engineered plastics ?AIXTRALIGHT? for photovoltaic mounting systems through to its added range of ?eco-friendly? cleaning solutions to its ?SELURIS? product porfoilo. Read more

EU PVSEC: BASF to feature ?SELURIS C2000? eco-friendly c-Si cell cleaneing solution

Monday, 9.24.2012 - 8:15 (PV-Tech)

A wide range of products are being showcased by BASF at EU PVSEC this week, ranging from engineered plastics ?AIXTRALIGHT? for photovoltaic mounting systems through to its added range of ?eco-friendly? cleaning solutions to its ?SELURIS? product porfoilo. Read more