Following very strong growth - 139% - last year, global solar photovoltaic (PV) demand is off to a weak start this year, according to the latest Solarbuzz quarterly report. Preliminary estimates of the first quarter of this year's (Q1'11) end-market demand in Germany show that levels are running at less than 50% of their Q1'10 levels.
The gradual price reductions seen so far this year have been insufficient in energizing the market, Solarbuzz says. However, in Q2'11, global demand is still projected to reach 7.4 GW, representing 77% year-over-year growth.
During Q1'11, module manufacturers have been expanding sales channels, taking on a broader range of smaller distributors and brokers in order to both place increased production volumes and obtain better factory gate prices. As a result, total downstream inventories in Europe - and, to a lesser extent, in the U.S.. - have built to unsustainable levels at the end of Q1'11.
By mid-year, the top five European markets will see feed-in-tariff (FIT) cuts - some as high as 45%. Consequently, Q2'11 demand will be stimulated by the rush to beat mid-year FIT declines, especially in Germany and Italy, Solarbuzz predicts. There will also be steady growth in other European markets, the U.S., Canada, China and India.
This year, module manufacturers are planning to raise shipments by 55%, while full-year demand is projected to increase by just 12%. After the demand peak in Q2'11, the industry will face an exceptionally challenging second half of 2011 (2H'11) as it addresses a supply/demand imbalance. A period of negative production growth will be necessary to avoid excessive inventory build.
Any major changes to government PV policies as a consequence of the nuclear disaster that has followed the earthquake and tsunami in Japan are not expected to impact demand until 2012. At the same time, the disaster's impact on the nine major plants engaged in polysilicon, wafer and cell production in Japan so far appear to be minimal.
"2011 will be a challenging year for the industry as it manages a slowdown in the market," says Craig Stevens, president of Solarbuzz. "Europe will not be the growth engine it has been in recent years, and manufacturers will need to access new markets or be exposed to the risk of rising inventories or production cuts during a period of falling prices."
By Q4'11, the market share of Chinese, Taiwanese and other rest-of-world producers is projected to increase to 74%, up from 66% in Q4'10. The leading thin film manufacturer, First Solar, and the lowest-cost Asian producers will be the least vulnerable to reductions in shipments during 2H'11, but all manufacturers can expect to face extreme price pressure by the year-end, according to the report.
Lower-cost Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers are expected to continue to benefit from an increase in outsourcing of production from the major Japanese and Western solar manufacturers.
SOURCE: Solarbuzz
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
All San Francisco Government Buildings To be Solar Powered by 2020
As a former resident of the SF Bay area for 25 years before coming to Europe, I was happy (but not surprised) to read that the government of San Francisco is strengthening its commitment to renewable energy by installing solar panels on its City Hall roof. The city government will begin calling for bids from solar panel companies next month for the mounting of photovoltaic cells on the roofs of the San Francisco City Hall and the Davies Symphony Hall, a local music hub.
Solar panel installations will also push on in public buildings in government subdivisions like Chinatown and Potrero Hill.
“We want the whole city in 2020 to be powered 100 percent by renewable energy,” said Edwin Lee, Mayor of San Francisco, in a speech before solar energy enthusiasts last week.
Solar panel installations will also push on in public buildings in government subdivisions like Chinatown and Potrero Hill.
“We want the whole city in 2020 to be powered 100 percent by renewable energy,” said Edwin Lee, Mayor of San Francisco, in a speech before solar energy enthusiasts last week.
To read more about Solar Power in San Francisco - see our article on the AT&T Park (home of the world champion San Francisco Giants).
Source: Solar Plaza
India to Train Women from Rwanda To Install Solar Lighting
Four women from Bugesera district will travel to Barefoot College in India, for a six-month training in solar energy installation and maintenance. Claudine Uwimana, 48, Odette Mukarumongi, 50, Cecile Nyiramubandwa, 48 and Dative Mukantabana,47 all residents of Karambi village in Nyamata sector, will travel on Monday.
The training is funded by the government of India, while Rwanda United Kingdom Goodwill Organisation (RUGO) will raise 25,000 Pound Sterling required to install solar power in 110 houses in Karambi village.
The women will learn how to fabricate, install and maintain solar powered household lighting system.
They are expected to use their skills, to install lights in the Karambi homes.
The quartet were yesterday briefed on the arrangements and given the necessary travel documents.
Mike Hughes, the Chairman of RUGO, explained why this particular training is unique.
"It is amazing that illiterate women are trained to be formidable Solar Engineers. Wait after six months, these women will be performing miracles in Karambi village, yet they never went beyond primary school," he said.
Louis Rwagaju, the Mayor of Bugesera, reminded the women the importance of the training.
He appealed to them to focus all their attention on the training, saying that their fellow residents expected a lot from them.
Claudine Uwimana, the group leader, said that she was excited.
"The fact that I have never travelled beyond Kigali, notwithstanding, I am boarding a plane to India. I will beat all odds including the language barrier, to gain enough skills to have solar energy in my village," she said.
View: This story is truly inspiring ... and just a small example of why Solar Energy is more beneficial to more people than Nuclear Energy.
The training is funded by the government of India, while Rwanda United Kingdom Goodwill Organisation (RUGO) will raise 25,000 Pound Sterling required to install solar power in 110 houses in Karambi village.
The women will learn how to fabricate, install and maintain solar powered household lighting system.
They are expected to use their skills, to install lights in the Karambi homes.
The quartet were yesterday briefed on the arrangements and given the necessary travel documents.
Mike Hughes, the Chairman of RUGO, explained why this particular training is unique.
"It is amazing that illiterate women are trained to be formidable Solar Engineers. Wait after six months, these women will be performing miracles in Karambi village, yet they never went beyond primary school," he said.
Louis Rwagaju, the Mayor of Bugesera, reminded the women the importance of the training.
He appealed to them to focus all their attention on the training, saying that their fellow residents expected a lot from them.
Claudine Uwimana, the group leader, said that she was excited.
"The fact that I have never travelled beyond Kigali, notwithstanding, I am boarding a plane to India. I will beat all odds including the language barrier, to gain enough skills to have solar energy in my village," she said.
View: This story is truly inspiring ... and just a small example of why Solar Energy is more beneficial to more people than Nuclear Energy.
source: all Africa.com
Univ of Maryland East Shore activates 2.2 MW PV Farm
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) will officially activates its 2.2 megawatt photovoltaic solar farm on March 28, 2011. This is a significant event for a number of reasons.
This is the largest active solar farm in Maryland with more than 7,800 solar panels covering 17 acres --roughly the area of 13 football fields. It is expected to produce enough electricity each year to power the equivalent of about 315 average U.S. homes --that's 3.38 million kilowatt hours annually. During the next 20 years, UMES will purchase from SunEdison the electricity produced by the farm. SunEdison built and will operate and maintain the solar farm.
Significantly, UMES will pay a predictable and reasonable rate for that energy over the full 20 years of the power purchase agreement between the company and the campus. All rate increases are built in -- no unexpected price fluctuations.
Although it sounds strange to call sunlight "green," this project qualifies for the designation. It will reduce the environmental impact of UMES over the next two decades by removing some 121 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions -- the equivalent of removing more than 11,800 automobiles from the road for a year.
No public money was used for the project. SunEdison financed and built the array, and has agreed to maintain the facility for the next 20 years. The fuel for the electricity that will be produced -- sunlight -- is free and exists regardless of whether we choose to harness it for our own use.
We have been hearing talk about solar energy for many years. Like wind power, the fuel that provides the power is free. Also like wind, it has taken decades to develop technology that is reliable, capable of efficiently harnessing the power of the sun and, most importantly, affordable and cost-effective.
Today, we are beginning to usher in a new era on the Lower Shore. By developing alternative sources of energy, we can help ensure that when traditional sources of power are no longer viable -- whether because of increased costs, decreasing supply in a world of increasing demand or unacceptable environmental consequences --our society will continue to have access to affordable energy to maintain our quality of life.
UMES is setting an example we can all choose to follow.
This is the largest active solar farm in Maryland with more than 7,800 solar panels covering 17 acres --roughly the area of 13 football fields. It is expected to produce enough electricity each year to power the equivalent of about 315 average U.S. homes --that's 3.38 million kilowatt hours annually. During the next 20 years, UMES will purchase from SunEdison the electricity produced by the farm. SunEdison built and will operate and maintain the solar farm.
Significantly, UMES will pay a predictable and reasonable rate for that energy over the full 20 years of the power purchase agreement between the company and the campus. All rate increases are built in -- no unexpected price fluctuations.
Although it sounds strange to call sunlight "green," this project qualifies for the designation. It will reduce the environmental impact of UMES over the next two decades by removing some 121 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions -- the equivalent of removing more than 11,800 automobiles from the road for a year.
No public money was used for the project. SunEdison financed and built the array, and has agreed to maintain the facility for the next 20 years. The fuel for the electricity that will be produced -- sunlight -- is free and exists regardless of whether we choose to harness it for our own use.
We have been hearing talk about solar energy for many years. Like wind power, the fuel that provides the power is free. Also like wind, it has taken decades to develop technology that is reliable, capable of efficiently harnessing the power of the sun and, most importantly, affordable and cost-effective.
Today, we are beginning to usher in a new era on the Lower Shore. By developing alternative sources of energy, we can help ensure that when traditional sources of power are no longer viable -- whether because of increased costs, decreasing supply in a world of increasing demand or unacceptable environmental consequences --our society will continue to have access to affordable energy to maintain our quality of life.
UMES is setting an example we can all choose to follow.
Source: delmarvanow
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Chinese PV Cell Manufacturers Increased their Marketshare from 49% to 59% in 2010
Market research firm, Solarbuzz has reported its Top 10 rankings by cell capacity in 2010. Actually, there were 12 companies in the ranking due to several companies tying on capacity. Suntech Power and JA Solar tied for the first position, followed closely by First Solar.
On a geographical basis, there were four producers in the rankings that are headquartered in China, (Suntech (1), JA Solar (1), Trina Solar (9) and Canadian Solar (12)). Taiwan was also well represented with three firms in the rankings, (Motech (5), Gintech (6) and Neo Solar Power (11)).
Not surprising was the inclusion of two key producers headquartered in the U.S., First Solar and SunPower, ranked third and tenth, respectively.
Both Kyocera and Sharp were tied for seventh position and were the only two firms from Japan in the rankings.
Only one German manufacturer was included in the Solarbuzz rankings, Q-Cells at number 4. However, like SunPower the majority of cell production is in Asia.
According to Solarbuzz, worldwide solar cell production reached 20.5GW in 2010, up a massive amount from 2009 when production reached 9.86GW.
Thin film production accounted for 13.5% of total production, Solarbuzz said - down (as a percentage from 16.8% in 2009)
Producers in China and Taiwan continued to build market share, and accounted for 59% of global cell production in 2010, up from 49% in 2009.
On a geographical basis, there were four producers in the rankings that are headquartered in China, (Suntech (1), JA Solar (1), Trina Solar (9) and Canadian Solar (12)). Taiwan was also well represented with three firms in the rankings, (Motech (5), Gintech (6) and Neo Solar Power (11)).
Not surprising was the inclusion of two key producers headquartered in the U.S., First Solar and SunPower, ranked third and tenth, respectively.
Both Kyocera and Sharp were tied for seventh position and were the only two firms from Japan in the rankings.
Only one German manufacturer was included in the Solarbuzz rankings, Q-Cells at number 4. However, like SunPower the majority of cell production is in Asia.
According to Solarbuzz, worldwide solar cell production reached 20.5GW in 2010, up a massive amount from 2009 when production reached 9.86GW.
Thin film production accounted for 13.5% of total production, Solarbuzz said - down (as a percentage from 16.8% in 2009)
Producers in China and Taiwan continued to build market share, and accounted for 59% of global cell production in 2010, up from 49% in 2009.
Source: PV Tech and Solar Buzz
Solar Thermal Systems Installed On Municipal Buildings In North Carolina
North Carolina-based Southern Energy Management (SEM) says it has equipped six existing facilities and two new fire stations that are still under construction with new solar thermal water heating systems. The rooftop additions are part of a larger environmental sustainability effort by the city of Greensboro.
SEM installed all of the systems, along with one more with Pepco Energy, on the roof of Greensboro's city hall, the Melvin Municipal Office Building. Each installation includes two, three or four solar thermal collectors which pre-heat water that is sent to existing hot-water storage tanks, lessening the need for traditional electric- or natural gas-heated hot water tanks, SEM explains.
The solar installations are part of Greensboro’s Sustainability Action Plan, in which the city plans to invest in both PV and solar thermal systems in the coming years. The plan also calls for increased energy efficiency and green building practices in municipal buildings.
SOURCE: Southern Energy Management
SEM installed all of the systems, along with one more with Pepco Energy, on the roof of Greensboro's city hall, the Melvin Municipal Office Building. Each installation includes two, three or four solar thermal collectors which pre-heat water that is sent to existing hot-water storage tanks, lessening the need for traditional electric- or natural gas-heated hot water tanks, SEM explains.
The solar installations are part of Greensboro’s Sustainability Action Plan, in which the city plans to invest in both PV and solar thermal systems in the coming years. The plan also calls for increased energy efficiency and green building practices in municipal buildings.
SOURCE: Southern Energy Management
Prisoners Make The Solar Panels Selected to Power Federal Government
Constellation Energy has signed a 20-year federal contract with the U.S. Department of State (DOS) for solar and wind development in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The power purchase agreement (PPA) will provide an estimated 120,000 MWh of energy annually to the DOS and other federal government facilities.
Constellation Energy plans to construct a $50 million solar project on a 40-acre site in New Jersey by mid-2012. The solar panels for the project will be constructed by UNICOR, the federal prison industries service established in 1934 to provide job-skills training to inmates and produce market-priced goods for the federal government.
Constellation Energy has also committed to purchase power produced by a wind facility that will be developed in Pennsylvania under a long-term PPA. In addition, Constellation Energy will supply to the DOS Green-e Energy certified renewable energy certificates sourced from renewable energy facilities located within the U.S. pursuant to the contract.
The DOS, as well as other federal government facilities covered by the contract (including the White House campus), expects to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions associated with domestic electricity consumption by approximately 30% to 35% by December 2012, Constellation Energy adds.
SOURCE: Constellation Energy
Comment: Is this part of some master plan to use prison labor to compete with the Chinese and keep solar costs low? Seems like there should be a better way - like giving jobs to people who aren't in prison. I'm just saying.
Constellation Energy plans to construct a $50 million solar project on a 40-acre site in New Jersey by mid-2012. The solar panels for the project will be constructed by UNICOR, the federal prison industries service established in 1934 to provide job-skills training to inmates and produce market-priced goods for the federal government.
Constellation Energy has also committed to purchase power produced by a wind facility that will be developed in Pennsylvania under a long-term PPA. In addition, Constellation Energy will supply to the DOS Green-e Energy certified renewable energy certificates sourced from renewable energy facilities located within the U.S. pursuant to the contract.
The DOS, as well as other federal government facilities covered by the contract (including the White House campus), expects to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions associated with domestic electricity consumption by approximately 30% to 35% by December 2012, Constellation Energy adds.
SOURCE: Constellation Energy
Comment: Is this part of some master plan to use prison labor to compete with the Chinese and keep solar costs low? Seems like there should be a better way - like giving jobs to people who aren't in prison. I'm just saying.
OPEL Supplying PV Tracker Systems for Aquarion's Solar Project
OPEL Solar International Inc., a supplier of ground-based and rooftop photovoltaic tracker systems, and high concentration photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, has signed a definitive agreement to install a tracker-based solar system at the Aquarion Water Co.'s D.W. Loiselle water-treatment plant at Trap Falls Reservoir in Shelton, Conn.
This solar facility will use both the TF-800 single-axis tracker and the SF-45 dual-axis tracker. The Aquarion project is forecasted to produce approximately 43 MWh of energy per year, which is approximately 22% more energy than would be expected from the same panels in a fixed installation, according to OPEL Solar.
The project will be used to offset the energy required to operate the Aquarion facility and provide a demonstration site to Aquarion to confirm the effectiveness of implementing this type of system at other sites. As part of the agreement, OPEL will build and operate the solar power plant.
SOURCE: OPEL Solar International Inc.
This solar facility will use both the TF-800 single-axis tracker and the SF-45 dual-axis tracker. The Aquarion project is forecasted to produce approximately 43 MWh of energy per year, which is approximately 22% more energy than would be expected from the same panels in a fixed installation, according to OPEL Solar.
The project will be used to offset the energy required to operate the Aquarion facility and provide a demonstration site to Aquarion to confirm the effectiveness of implementing this type of system at other sites. As part of the agreement, OPEL will build and operate the solar power plant.
SOURCE: OPEL Solar International Inc.
German Integrator Takes Top Spot In New Global PV System Installer Rankings
Germany-based Belectric developed more than 300 MW of PV systems in 2010, propelling it to the top of IMS Research's newly released list of 2010 PV system integrator rankings.
However, despite the top spot and a three-fold increase in PV systems developed, Belectric still only managed to capture a 2.4% share of the non-residential PV market, estimated at 13.2 GW by IMS Research.
The company (formerly known as Beck Energy) narrowly edged out Germany-based juwi, and ranked five places ahead of 2009 leader Q-Cells International, which saw little growth last year.
"Our ongoing quarterly survey of close to 500 system integrators and engineering, procurement and construction contractors revealed a fragmented market - with the top 30 suppliers holding only a 22.1% aggregate share, down two percentage points on the previous year," says Ash Sharma, PV research director at IMS Research.
The latest global rankings also reveal Germany's ongoing PV dominance, with 13 of the top 30 system integrators from that market, IMS Research adds. Even though newly added annual German PV capacity is expected to decline in the coming years, it is clear that these companies will remain prominent, according to the report.
"German system integrators have become increasingly active in foreign markets, whilst maintaining a domestic stranglehold," explains Sharma. "They accounted for 19 of the top 20 rankings in Germany last year.”
U.S.-based system integrators are gaining ground rapidly, as revealed by IMS Research in January, and two players, SunPower and SunEdison, were the biggest integrators in 2010 in Italy, the world’s second-largest market. Surprisingly, only three Italian companies appear in their top 10 domestic rankings, with many large U.S., German and Spanish suppliers quickly moving into this exploding market.
IMS Research expects the U.S. non-residential market to become flooded by EPCs, with massive growth predicted for this year and 2012. "We've already identified close to 150 active U.S.-based system integrators, plus many more European and Asian companies that are entering this promising market," says Sharma.
The full rankings are available here.
SOURCE: IMS Research
However, despite the top spot and a three-fold increase in PV systems developed, Belectric still only managed to capture a 2.4% share of the non-residential PV market, estimated at 13.2 GW by IMS Research.
The company (formerly known as Beck Energy) narrowly edged out Germany-based juwi, and ranked five places ahead of 2009 leader Q-Cells International, which saw little growth last year.
"Our ongoing quarterly survey of close to 500 system integrators and engineering, procurement and construction contractors revealed a fragmented market - with the top 30 suppliers holding only a 22.1% aggregate share, down two percentage points on the previous year," says Ash Sharma, PV research director at IMS Research.
The latest global rankings also reveal Germany's ongoing PV dominance, with 13 of the top 30 system integrators from that market, IMS Research adds. Even though newly added annual German PV capacity is expected to decline in the coming years, it is clear that these companies will remain prominent, according to the report.
"German system integrators have become increasingly active in foreign markets, whilst maintaining a domestic stranglehold," explains Sharma. "They accounted for 19 of the top 20 rankings in Germany last year.”
U.S.-based system integrators are gaining ground rapidly, as revealed by IMS Research in January, and two players, SunPower and SunEdison, were the biggest integrators in 2010 in Italy, the world’s second-largest market. Surprisingly, only three Italian companies appear in their top 10 domestic rankings, with many large U.S., German and Spanish suppliers quickly moving into this exploding market.
IMS Research expects the U.S. non-residential market to become flooded by EPCs, with massive growth predicted for this year and 2012. "We've already identified close to 150 active U.S.-based system integrators, plus many more European and Asian companies that are entering this promising market," says Sharma.
The full rankings are available here.
SOURCE: IMS Research
Friday, March 25, 2011
Japanese Expected to Invest Heavily in Solar Power
The recent crisis in Japan has hit the country's power grid with intensity that may take months to rebuild, and could have lasting repercussions on parts of the Japanese economy. It may help spur growth in other power markets, such as alternatives and distributed generation.
New Frost & Sullivan market insights finds that problems with nuclear plants and the grid system can lead Japanese consumers and politicians to demand new solutions. These requests may include non-centralized electricity generation, solar power and micro combined heat and power (micro CHP).
"Japan is already a world leader in green and alternative power research and usage," said Frost & Sullivan energy and environment markets research director Roberta Gamble. "Expanding the market at a faster rate can help spur innovations that increase efficiencies and reduce costs, which can have a global impact in terms of making these technologies more attractive outside of Japan as well."
Alternative energy costs are high compared to traditional solutions, but Japan has a history of aggressive incentives and mandates that help grow the market. This factor, in addition to the nuclear crisis, could lead to further growth in distributed power and solar energy.
"The concerns of nuclear power and an extensive grid system, both of which have been adversely affected by the earthquake and tsunami, may further mobilize national sentiment," said Gamble. "Public officials may be pushed to pursue more aggressive green energy and distributed generation solutions."
source: Frost & Sullivan
New Frost & Sullivan market insights finds that problems with nuclear plants and the grid system can lead Japanese consumers and politicians to demand new solutions. These requests may include non-centralized electricity generation, solar power and micro combined heat and power (micro CHP).
"Japan is already a world leader in green and alternative power research and usage," said Frost & Sullivan energy and environment markets research director Roberta Gamble. "Expanding the market at a faster rate can help spur innovations that increase efficiencies and reduce costs, which can have a global impact in terms of making these technologies more attractive outside of Japan as well."
Alternative energy costs are high compared to traditional solutions, but Japan has a history of aggressive incentives and mandates that help grow the market. This factor, in addition to the nuclear crisis, could lead to further growth in distributed power and solar energy.
"The concerns of nuclear power and an extensive grid system, both of which have been adversely affected by the earthquake and tsunami, may further mobilize national sentiment," said Gamble. "Public officials may be pushed to pursue more aggressive green energy and distributed generation solutions."
source: Frost & Sullivan
P.S. My suggestion is that one of the first place they should build solar power systems is near all their nuclear power plants -- so when the next earthquake damages their nuclear plant and the tsunami washes away their backup electrical system they will be able to still have power from their solar system to pump water and keep the nuclear rods from melting and polluting the planet.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Will solar development survive in North Africa and Middle East?
In recent weeks the world has seen a dramatic change in the political structure in North Africa and Middle East. With all eyes of the world on the region the question remains what does the future economy hold and what does this mean for investment and the development of solar projects.
On first impression you are lead to think that solar energy development has been put to the back burner as these countries prioritise socio-economic stability, but that would not be telling the full story. There are two strong influences which have meant solar development is still on track in 2011.
Firstly, with the price of oil reaching $120 a barrel earlier this year and the fact that it has only dropped to $114 this week means the world is fast realising the vulnerability of relying on oil to meet the majority of our energy demands. Secondly, the nuclear power debate has been resurrected following the events in Japan, further promoting the use of alternative energy sources to meet our increasing power demands.
Dii a unique private industry joint venture, with the aim of exporting power to Europe have taken the perspective that the on-going transitions may perhaps delay their work temporarily, but they remain confident that it will not have any negative impact on the joint ambition to contribute to long-term prosperity by making better use of sustainable energy from the deserts.
Quite the contrary, they are convinced that the significance of large-scale renewable development for the local population and for export to EU will even grow, regardless of the political scenario. Desertec is also about the development of new industries in MENA, about investments, the creation of jobs and the transfer of knowledge and know-how.
Paul van Son, CEO of Dii will be speaking more about this at MENASOL 2011 taking place 4-5 May in Morocco. This is a key event in the solar calendar as senior level executives attend to gain critical market intelligence on the region and network with government officials and industrial heavyweights.
Heidi Hafes, Event Director of MENASOL 2011 said ‘We are daily communication with the CSP and PV industry and are acutely aware of the lucrative opportunities the North Africa and Middle East region presents these companies. That is why MENASOL 2011 remains an important forum that facilitates valuable business knowledge and making important connections. We are pleased to say that the some of the delegates already confirmed include ABB, Siemens, Abengoa, Applied Materials, Dow, Alstom, Areva, BP Solar, Schott Solar, Total, Taqa Arabia, which illustrate the point that solar in this region continues to be important to their business and is being pursed.
For more information contact:
Heidi Hafes
Event Director
CSP, CPV & Thin Film Today
heidi@csptoday.com
+44 207 375 7206
http://www.csptoday.com/solar-conference
Firstly, with the price of oil reaching $120 a barrel earlier this year and the fact that it has only dropped to $114 this week means the world is fast realising the vulnerability of relying on oil to meet the majority of our energy demands. Secondly, the nuclear power debate has been resurrected following the events in Japan, further promoting the use of alternative energy sources to meet our increasing power demands.
Dii a unique private industry joint venture, with the aim of exporting power to Europe have taken the perspective that the on-going transitions may perhaps delay their work temporarily, but they remain confident that it will not have any negative impact on the joint ambition to contribute to long-term prosperity by making better use of sustainable energy from the deserts.
Quite the contrary, they are convinced that the significance of large-scale renewable development for the local population and for export to EU will even grow, regardless of the political scenario. Desertec is also about the development of new industries in MENA, about investments, the creation of jobs and the transfer of knowledge and know-how.
Paul van Son, CEO of Dii will be speaking more about this at MENASOL 2011 taking place 4-5 May in Morocco. This is a key event in the solar calendar as senior level executives attend to gain critical market intelligence on the region and network with government officials and industrial heavyweights.
Heidi Hafes, Event Director of MENASOL 2011 said ‘We are daily communication with the CSP and PV industry and are acutely aware of the lucrative opportunities the North Africa and Middle East region presents these companies. That is why MENASOL 2011 remains an important forum that facilitates valuable business knowledge and making important connections. We are pleased to say that the some of the delegates already confirmed include ABB, Siemens, Abengoa, Applied Materials, Dow, Alstom, Areva, BP Solar, Schott Solar, Total, Taqa Arabia, which illustrate the point that solar in this region continues to be important to their business and is being pursed.
For more information contact:
Heidi Hafes
Event Director
CSP, CPV & Thin Film Today
heidi@csptoday.com
+44 207 375 7206
http://www.csptoday.com/solar-conference
Vote Solar Publishes Solar Permitting Practices in Colorado
The Vote Solar Initiative and the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) have released a report and online interactive map rating solar permitting practices in 34 cities and counties across Colorado. Local solar permitting practices have a significant impact on the cost of solar energy systems for homes and businesses, according to the report.
The research indicates that, although practices vary widely by municipality or county, the average fee for Colorado solar permitting is nearly twice as high and seven times longer than national permitting best practices. The findings reinforce the need for Colorado to adopt the standardized, streamlined solar permitting practices contained in the Fair Permit Act of 2011 (H.B.10) and to keep working to simplify permitting processes to drive down costs for consumers, Vote Solar and COSEIA explain.
"With a clear policy commitment to renewables in place, Colorado has become one of the nation’s most promising solar markets," says Gwen Rose, deputy director of Vote Solar and lead author of the report. "However, the state has an inefficient permitting landscape that directly undermines its renewable energy and economic development goals.
"Removing red tape and unnecessary fees from the solar permitting process is one simple and effective way that local governments can support Coloradan investment in clean energy," Rose continues.
When a Colorado energy customer invests in a solar electric or solar thermal system, that resident, business or other organization must first apply for and obtain a permit from the local government. According to best practices, this process should be transparent, standardized, expeditious and reflective of the municipality’s actual cost of review and issuance.
As the report indicates, costs still vary widely by municipality due to different permitting plan review processes and other extraneous fees. This has resulted in piecemeal, local permitting practices that are often costly, complex, non-transparent and time-intensive.
H.B.11 is designed to reduce Colorado's local solar permitting costs and clear the way for increased in-state investment in solar and related economic development, according to Vote Solar and COSEIA. Specifically, the Colorado Fair Permit Act would do the following:
- Extend existing $500 and $1,000 permit fee limitations to the plan review and permit issuance process for solar energy systems under 2 MW in size - these are currently set to expire on July 1;
- Reduce unnecessary costs by limiting plan review and permit issuance fees to their actual costs for solar energy systems larger than 2 MW in size; and
- Promote transparency by ensuring that local governments clearly and individually identify all fees and taxes assessed on an invoice.
In addition, the report found that permit fees for an average-sized residential solar system can cost $2,000 and take as many as 20 business days. The average cost of a solar permit in Colorado is $495, compared to a best practice fee of $250 or lower.
SOURCE: Vote Solar
The research indicates that, although practices vary widely by municipality or county, the average fee for Colorado solar permitting is nearly twice as high and seven times longer than national permitting best practices. The findings reinforce the need for Colorado to adopt the standardized, streamlined solar permitting practices contained in the Fair Permit Act of 2011 (H.B.10) and to keep working to simplify permitting processes to drive down costs for consumers, Vote Solar and COSEIA explain.
"With a clear policy commitment to renewables in place, Colorado has become one of the nation’s most promising solar markets," says Gwen Rose, deputy director of Vote Solar and lead author of the report. "However, the state has an inefficient permitting landscape that directly undermines its renewable energy and economic development goals.
"Removing red tape and unnecessary fees from the solar permitting process is one simple and effective way that local governments can support Coloradan investment in clean energy," Rose continues.
When a Colorado energy customer invests in a solar electric or solar thermal system, that resident, business or other organization must first apply for and obtain a permit from the local government. According to best practices, this process should be transparent, standardized, expeditious and reflective of the municipality’s actual cost of review and issuance.
As the report indicates, costs still vary widely by municipality due to different permitting plan review processes and other extraneous fees. This has resulted in piecemeal, local permitting practices that are often costly, complex, non-transparent and time-intensive.
H.B.11 is designed to reduce Colorado's local solar permitting costs and clear the way for increased in-state investment in solar and related economic development, according to Vote Solar and COSEIA. Specifically, the Colorado Fair Permit Act would do the following:
- Extend existing $500 and $1,000 permit fee limitations to the plan review and permit issuance process for solar energy systems under 2 MW in size - these are currently set to expire on July 1;
- Reduce unnecessary costs by limiting plan review and permit issuance fees to their actual costs for solar energy systems larger than 2 MW in size; and
- Promote transparency by ensuring that local governments clearly and individually identify all fees and taxes assessed on an invoice.
In addition, the report found that permit fees for an average-sized residential solar system can cost $2,000 and take as many as 20 business days. The average cost of a solar permit in Colorado is $495, compared to a best practice fee of $250 or lower.
SOURCE: Vote Solar
Ontario's Solar PV Installations May Surpass California in 2011
If ClearSky Advisors' forecast is correct, Ontario, Canada may become the leading market for solar PV in North America in 2011.
The summary of the forecast, one of a series on the Ontario solar market by ClearSky Advisors, will turn heads in the solar PV world.
ClearSky Advisors forecasts that Ontario will install more than 400 MW of solar PV in 2011. This would be nearly double that installed by California in 2010, presently the largest North American market for solar PV.
California has more than three times the population of Ontario, Canada.
With contracts on the books, Ontario is expected to reach 2,650 MW of solar PV by 2015. For comparison, the USA has installed slightly more than 2,000 MW of solar PV during the past thirty years. California has installed half of that amount.
Of the more than 30 module manufacturers ClearSky has been tracking, 17 to 24 are expected to become compliant with Ontario's domestic content rules by the end of the year.
The summary of the forecast, one of a series on the Ontario solar market by ClearSky Advisors, will turn heads in the solar PV world.
ClearSky Advisors forecasts that Ontario will install more than 400 MW of solar PV in 2011. This would be nearly double that installed by California in 2010, presently the largest North American market for solar PV.
California has more than three times the population of Ontario, Canada.
With contracts on the books, Ontario is expected to reach 2,650 MW of solar PV by 2015. For comparison, the USA has installed slightly more than 2,000 MW of solar PV during the past thirty years. California has installed half of that amount.
Of the more than 30 module manufacturers ClearSky has been tracking, 17 to 24 are expected to become compliant with Ontario's domestic content rules by the end of the year.
Source: Renewable EnergyWorld.com
Siemens Debuts Solar Power Purchase Program
Siemens Industry Inc. has introduced the Siemens solar power purchase agreement (PPA) program from its Building Technologies division. The program, implemented in collaboration with Siemens Financial Services, allows customers to bring solar energy projects on their properties without making an initial capital investment in solar equipment, the company explains.
“Demand for solar power is on the rise, but for many of our customers the initial capital investment requirements were just too high,” says Andreas Schierenbeck, president of the Building Technologies division of Siemens Industry, Inc. “With Siemens Solar PPA program both the financial and technical barriers associated with implementing solar energy are mitigated—we take on the risk—while our customers reap the rewards of clean energy and lower utility bills.”
A Siemens solar PPA is particularly advantageous for public-sector entities, according to Siemens. Because schools and other government agencies are tax-exempt, they are prevented from taking advantage of available federal tax incentives for solar energy projects.
Under the program, Siemens owns the solar equipment and builds the project on the customer's property. Customers work exclusively with Siemens over the project's life cycle: from financing, design, construction and implementation through ongoing maintenance.
SOURCE: Siemens Industry Inc.
“Demand for solar power is on the rise, but for many of our customers the initial capital investment requirements were just too high,” says Andreas Schierenbeck, president of the Building Technologies division of Siemens Industry, Inc. “With Siemens Solar PPA program both the financial and technical barriers associated with implementing solar energy are mitigated—we take on the risk—while our customers reap the rewards of clean energy and lower utility bills.”
A Siemens solar PPA is particularly advantageous for public-sector entities, according to Siemens. Because schools and other government agencies are tax-exempt, they are prevented from taking advantage of available federal tax incentives for solar energy projects.
Under the program, Siemens owns the solar equipment and builds the project on the customer's property. Customers work exclusively with Siemens over the project's life cycle: from financing, design, construction and implementation through ongoing maintenance.
SOURCE: Siemens Industry Inc.
Thin-Film Gets a Boost in India
Abound Solar, a manufacturer of cadmium telluride thin-film photovoltaic solar modules, has entered into a long-term sales agreement with Solarsis.
The companies will work together to provide solutions based on Abound's thin-film modules serving project developers in the Indian market. Solarsis will also establish a test facility with the purpose of optimizing balance-of-system designs around Abound Solar's modules that will lower total system costs for customers.
The first project under this agreement will be a 1 MW ground-mount array in Ananthapur, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.
SOURCE: Abound Solar
The companies will work together to provide solutions based on Abound's thin-film modules serving project developers in the Indian market. Solarsis will also establish a test facility with the purpose of optimizing balance-of-system designs around Abound Solar's modules that will lower total system costs for customers.
The first project under this agreement will be a 1 MW ground-mount array in Ananthapur, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.
SOURCE: Abound Solar
Yingli Solar to Sponsor GRID Alternatives
Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd. says its U.S. subsidiary, Yingli Green Energy Americas Inc., has formed a strategic partnership with GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit solar installer / solar training company.
Under the terms of the agreement, Yingli Americas will provide the largest donation in GRID Alternatives' history, and will become the organization's official solar module provider.
Combined with a network of community volunteers and green job trainees, Yingli Americas and GRID Alternatives will work together to install 1 MW of solar energy systems for 400 low-income families this year using a combination of donated modules and modules purchased from Yingli at fair market value.
SOURCE: Yingli Solar
Under the terms of the agreement, Yingli Americas will provide the largest donation in GRID Alternatives' history, and will become the organization's official solar module provider.
Combined with a network of community volunteers and green job trainees, Yingli Americas and GRID Alternatives will work together to install 1 MW of solar energy systems for 400 low-income families this year using a combination of donated modules and modules purchased from Yingli at fair market value.
SOURCE: Yingli Solar
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
7.25 GW Solar Installed in Germany in 2010
New figures released by Germany's Federal Network Agency show that 1,073 MW of PV were installed in the country in December - the second-highest monthly capacity for the year. Although no end-of-year rally took place, 2010 was another record-breaking year for the German PV industry, says Bonn, Germany-based market research firm EuPD Research.
Installed capacity in 2010 totaled 7.25 GW in 242,893 systems, representing year-over-year growth of 91%. "These figures are not a surprise," says Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO of EuPD Research. "Newly installed capacity is, for the most part, in line with our forecast."
Systems between 10 kW and 30 kW made up 26% of newly installed capacity, making them the greatest contributor to growth in 2010. The midsize to large-size market segment - systems between 100 kW and 500 kW - showed year-over-year growth of 174%.
Bavaria once again led Germany in 2010, with an installed capacity of 2,379 MW, EuPD Research adds. The state of Baden-Wuerttemberg came in second, and North Rhine-Westphalia came in third.
Although business was slow at the start of this year, the market is set to pull forward in the coming months, as soon as prices stabilize, EuPD Research predicts. The company also believes that development in the German market is likely to be somewhat dependent on the political decisions pending in Italy.
Overall, EuPD Research anticipates moderate growth in the German market this year.
SOURCE: EuPD Research
Installed capacity in 2010 totaled 7.25 GW in 242,893 systems, representing year-over-year growth of 91%. "These figures are not a surprise," says Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO of EuPD Research. "Newly installed capacity is, for the most part, in line with our forecast."
Systems between 10 kW and 30 kW made up 26% of newly installed capacity, making them the greatest contributor to growth in 2010. The midsize to large-size market segment - systems between 100 kW and 500 kW - showed year-over-year growth of 174%.
Bavaria once again led Germany in 2010, with an installed capacity of 2,379 MW, EuPD Research adds. The state of Baden-Wuerttemberg came in second, and North Rhine-Westphalia came in third.
Although business was slow at the start of this year, the market is set to pull forward in the coming months, as soon as prices stabilize, EuPD Research predicts. The company also believes that development in the German market is likely to be somewhat dependent on the political decisions pending in Italy.
Overall, EuPD Research anticipates moderate growth in the German market this year.
SOURCE: EuPD Research
76% of Americans More Supportive of Renewable Energy Post Japan Quake
The nuclear disaster in Japan has triggered a strong response among Americans, a majority of whom would freeze new nuclear power construction, stop additional federal loan guarantees for reactors, shift away from nuclear power and toward wind and solar power, and eliminate the indemnification of the nuclear power industry from most post-disaster clean up costs.
These findings were uncovered by a new survey conducted by ORC International for the nonprofit and nonpartisan Civil Society Institute (CSI).
Conducted March 15-16, the national opinion survey of 814 Americans also found the following:
Over half (53%) of Americans would now support "a moratorium on new nuclear reactor construction in the United States," if "increased energy efficiency and off-the-shelf renewable technologies such as wind and solar could meet our energy demands for the near term."
A total of 73% of Americans do not "think taxpayers should take on the risk for the construction of new nuclear power reactors in the United States through billions of dollars in new federal loan guarantees." Additionally, 74% of Americans would support "a shift of federal loan-guarantee support for energy away from nuclear reactors" in favor of wind and solar power.
Over three out of four (76%) Americans say they are now "more supportive than … a month ago to using clean renewable energy resources - such as wind and solar - and increased energy efficiency as an alternative to more nuclear power in the United States." In fact, nearly half (46%) of all Americans now say they are now "much more supportive" of relying on more clean energy and energy efficiency than they were a month ago.
"The Japanese crisis is an opportunity for America to make smarter choices about energy, and that process should start with a recognition that the problems with nuclear power cannot simply be ignored in the wake of the tragedy at Fukushima," says Pam Solo, founder and president of CSI.
SOURCE: Civil Society Institute
These findings were uncovered by a new survey conducted by ORC International for the nonprofit and nonpartisan Civil Society Institute (CSI).
Conducted March 15-16, the national opinion survey of 814 Americans also found the following:
Over half (53%) of Americans would now support "a moratorium on new nuclear reactor construction in the United States," if "increased energy efficiency and off-the-shelf renewable technologies such as wind and solar could meet our energy demands for the near term."
A total of 73% of Americans do not "think taxpayers should take on the risk for the construction of new nuclear power reactors in the United States through billions of dollars in new federal loan guarantees." Additionally, 74% of Americans would support "a shift of federal loan-guarantee support for energy away from nuclear reactors" in favor of wind and solar power.
Over three out of four (76%) Americans say they are now "more supportive than … a month ago to using clean renewable energy resources - such as wind and solar - and increased energy efficiency as an alternative to more nuclear power in the United States." In fact, nearly half (46%) of all Americans now say they are now "much more supportive" of relying on more clean energy and energy efficiency than they were a month ago.
"The Japanese crisis is an opportunity for America to make smarter choices about energy, and that process should start with a recognition that the problems with nuclear power cannot simply be ignored in the wake of the tragedy at Fukushima," says Pam Solo, founder and president of CSI.
SOURCE: Civil Society Institute
Monday, March 21, 2011
EcoSolargy Offering New Solar Loan Program
EcoSolargy Inc., an Irvine, Calif.-based solar PV manufacturer and energy solution provider, has introduced the Same As Cash Solar Loan program.
This program provides contractors the ability to offer homeowners no-interest and no-money-down loans for their desired solar PV systems, the company explains.
SOURCE: EcoSolargy
This program provides contractors the ability to offer homeowners no-interest and no-money-down loans for their desired solar PV systems, the company explains.
SOURCE: EcoSolargy
Energi Launches Installation Performance Warranty
Energi Holdings Inc., a Delaware-based holding company that provides specialized insurance and risk-management solutions to energy firms, has officially launched its Solar Installation Performance Warranty, a cover to insure against lost revenue from a solar array in the event that a solar contractor's design or installation causes reduced output.
The Solar Installation Performance Warranty is purchased by the contractor and provides project owners, developers and lenders additional security for the electricity and solar renewable energy credit revenue generated from commercial solar installations, the company explains. The cover also allows solar contractors to avoid posting balance-sheet liabilities for performance guarantee obligations.
Coverage is available for U.S.-based solar contractors following best practices and will be underwritten through International Insurance Co. of Hannover Ltd., an operating insurance company of Hannover Re.
SOURCE: Energi
The Solar Installation Performance Warranty is purchased by the contractor and provides project owners, developers and lenders additional security for the electricity and solar renewable energy credit revenue generated from commercial solar installations, the company explains. The cover also allows solar contractors to avoid posting balance-sheet liabilities for performance guarantee obligations.
Coverage is available for U.S.-based solar contractors following best practices and will be underwritten through International Insurance Co. of Hannover Ltd., an operating insurance company of Hannover Re.
SOURCE: Energi
Pennsylvania Power Co. Buys 19,800 SRECs
FirstEnergy Corp.'s subsidiary Pennsylvania Power Co. (Penn Power) has contracted for 19,800 solar renewable energy credits (SRECs). One SREC represents the solar renewable energy attributes of one megawatt-hour of generation from a solar generating facility.
The procurement is part of Penn Power's plan to purchase SRECs to meet the state's alternative energy portfolio standards through 2020. This purchase of SRECs is equivalent to approximately 2,200 MWh of solar power generation annually over the next nine years.
The average cost is $199.09 per SREC, with deliveries scheduled to begin this June and last through May 2020. The results of the procurement were approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on March 11.
SOURCE: FirstEnergy Corp.
The procurement is part of Penn Power's plan to purchase SRECs to meet the state's alternative energy portfolio standards through 2020. This purchase of SRECs is equivalent to approximately 2,200 MWh of solar power generation annually over the next nine years.
The average cost is $199.09 per SREC, with deliveries scheduled to begin this June and last through May 2020. The results of the procurement were approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on March 11.
SOURCE: FirstEnergy Corp.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
First Solar Plans New PV Module Factory in Mesa, Arizona
First Solar Inc. plans to build its new U.S. manufacturing center in Mesa, Ariz., investing approximately $300 million in the factory and creating up to 600 jobs. The facility is approximately 30 minutes from First Solar's corporate headquarters in Tempe, Ariz.
The facility will include four manufacturing lines with a capacity to produce more than 250 MW of thin-film photovoltaic modules per year. The new factory, in combination with First Solar's recently expanded facility in Perrysburg, Ohio, will increase the company's U.S. production capacity to more than 500 MW per year, the company notes.
Construction will begin in the second quarter of this year and is expected to last a year, creating an average of 400 to 500 construction jobs. Module shipments are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2012.
The facility is located on a 135-acre site that was previously home to a General Motors vehicle testing facility and is designed to accommodate future expansion. The facility will include a 3 MW rooftop solar installation, as well as an extensive ground-mounted PV testing facility.
SOURCE: First Solar
The facility will include four manufacturing lines with a capacity to produce more than 250 MW of thin-film photovoltaic modules per year. The new factory, in combination with First Solar's recently expanded facility in Perrysburg, Ohio, will increase the company's U.S. production capacity to more than 500 MW per year, the company notes.
Construction will begin in the second quarter of this year and is expected to last a year, creating an average of 400 to 500 construction jobs. Module shipments are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2012.
The facility is located on a 135-acre site that was previously home to a General Motors vehicle testing facility and is designed to accommodate future expansion. The facility will include a 3 MW rooftop solar installation, as well as an extensive ground-mounted PV testing facility.
SOURCE: First Solar
Main Street Power Co. Launches "Solar for All California" Training Program
Main Street Power Co. Inc., a national solar finance company, has begun its citizen training component of the solar energy pilot program it is implementing in partnership with MS Solar Solutions Corp., Central Coast Energy Services and California Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) providers.
The program is designed to deliver no-cost solar power to income-qualified residents of multifamily units across California. Training will be led by program partners Zep Solar, Enphase Energy and Canadian Solar.
The two-day training program will teach over 30 LIHEAP agency employees how to perform basic residential solar installation work. The systems they install are expected to provide power to more than 1,000 residential units.
SOURCE: Main Street Power Co.
The program is designed to deliver no-cost solar power to income-qualified residents of multifamily units across California. Training will be led by program partners Zep Solar, Enphase Energy and Canadian Solar.
The two-day training program will teach over 30 LIHEAP agency employees how to perform basic residential solar installation work. The systems they install are expected to provide power to more than 1,000 residential units.
SOURCE: Main Street Power Co.
Solectria Expands Massachusetts Manufacturing Facility
Solectria Renewables LLC, a PV inverter manufacturer, has held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate an 800 MW manufacturing capacity expansion at its facility in Lawrence, Mass.
According to Solectria, since 2009, the company has increased its total number of employees by 195%, boosted its professional staff (including engineering staff) by 140%, increased its customer service staff by 240% and grown its number of manufacturing jobs by 240%.
SOURCE: Solectria Renewables
According to Solectria, since 2009, the company has increased its total number of employees by 195%, boosted its professional staff (including engineering staff) by 140%, increased its customer service staff by 240% and grown its number of manufacturing jobs by 240%.
SOURCE: Solectria Renewables
Accadia Insurance Offering Solar Project Insurance
As yet another indication that Solar industry is maturing - Acadia Insurance, based in Westbrook, Maine, says it is now providing specialized green energy insurance for contractors installing solar power, as well as for businesses operating solar energy equipment.
"At Acadia, we recognize that more companies are going green by turning to renewable energy sources, and solar panel installation is a growing business that has a positive impact on the environment," says J. Barry May, vice president of marine at Acadia Insurance. "However, without up-to-date builders risk and special property coverage, building contractors and their customers could be opening up their businesses to significant exposure."
For installation contractors, specific builders risk insurance for solar power installations includes coverage for hard costs, with transit and off-site storage; testing and equipment breakdown; and delay in completion with soft costs, additional construction expense and loss of income. For companies that operate solar energy installations, property insurance includes special form property coverage, equipment breakdown and loss of income.
SOURCE: Acadia Insurance
"At Acadia, we recognize that more companies are going green by turning to renewable energy sources, and solar panel installation is a growing business that has a positive impact on the environment," says J. Barry May, vice president of marine at Acadia Insurance. "However, without up-to-date builders risk and special property coverage, building contractors and their customers could be opening up their businesses to significant exposure."
For installation contractors, specific builders risk insurance for solar power installations includes coverage for hard costs, with transit and off-site storage; testing and equipment breakdown; and delay in completion with soft costs, additional construction expense and loss of income. For companies that operate solar energy installations, property insurance includes special form property coverage, equipment breakdown and loss of income.
SOURCE: Acadia Insurance
Solaria Receives Financing for 8 MW PV Plant in Italy
Solaria Energia y Medio Ambiente SA says that Banca Infrastrutture Innovazione e Sviluppo, an Intesa San Paolo company, has agreed to provide 24 million euros in financing for the company's 8 MW Lazio solar project in Italy.
This ground-mounted solar plant is located in the vicinity of Orte (Viterbo, Venusia, Italy). It is owned by Solaria Aleph Generation FCR, which is 50% owned by Solaria Energia Y Medio Ambiente.
SOURCE: Solaria
Views: What makes this noteworthy is that many investors looking at putting money into Italian solar PV projects are sitting on the sideline waiting for the new FIT guidelines to be issued.
This ground-mounted solar plant is located in the vicinity of Orte (Viterbo, Venusia, Italy). It is owned by Solaria Aleph Generation FCR, which is 50% owned by Solaria Energia Y Medio Ambiente.
SOURCE: Solaria
Views: What makes this noteworthy is that many investors looking at putting money into Italian solar PV projects are sitting on the sideline waiting for the new FIT guidelines to be issued.
Centrotherm Opens New Indian Subsidiary
Confirming my own opinion that India will be an important market for solar energy - Blaubeuren, Germany-based solar technology provider Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG has opened an office in Bangalore, India.
According to Centrotherm (which sells manufacturing equipment to produce solar modules), this new subsidiary will allow the company to expand its sales and service activities in this growing market. A total of 95% of the company's sales are generated abroad.
SOURCE: centrotherm
According to Centrotherm (which sells manufacturing equipment to produce solar modules), this new subsidiary will allow the company to expand its sales and service activities in this growing market. A total of 95% of the company's sales are generated abroad.
SOURCE: centrotherm
Friday, March 18, 2011
Polysilicon Shortage in China Affecting Market Prices
China imported 5,521 tons of polysilicon in January, representing a year-on-year rise of 74.8 percent, according to the latest statistics released by the General Administration of Customs. The figure is 40 percent above the 2010 average monthly import, which was approximately 3,958 tons, providing evidence that the material is in tight supply across the country.
The domestic supply shortages are attributable to a production halt as a result of routine year-end audits performed by major polysilicon makers in China before the Chinese Spring Festival break as well as the down time during the 9-day break itself, leading to significantly decreased production and stock on hand, according to an industry analyst. The country's polysilicon imports for February are expected to remain at the same high level.
Driven by rising oil prices worldwide, combined with tight supplies, polysilicon, which is used in the manufacture of solar PV modules, is experiencing rapid price hikes. The spot price for polysilicon has reached US$114 per kilogram earlier this month an increase of nearly 100 percent from the end of last year.
Furthermore, the Polysilicon Industry Access Standards jointly released by several Chinese regulators in January of this year significantly raise the bar for entry into the polysilicon sector. As a result, growth in polysilicon production capacity is likely to lag behind that of market demand for a long while as 80 percent of the industry’s players are expected to be squeezed out of the market due to non-compliance with the standards.
Demand in the sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 30 percent, causing polysilicon prices to continue the upward trend, said Hou Wentao, a senior analyst at Hunan province, China-based Xiangcai Securities.
Some major polysilicon manufacturers are aggressively accelerating their efforts to expand capacity in order to take advantage of higher polysilicon prices and stronger market demand. Hong Kong-listed GCL-Poly Energy H
Chinese PV giants including Hanwha SolarOne have gotten off to a good start this year, and are reporting a substantial inflow of new orders, according to a source that attended the SNEC 5th (2011) International Photovoltaic Power held recently in Shanghai.
A report published by CIConsulting, a leading industry research firm in China, indicated that many European countries have put in place measures to cut subsidies to the PV industry since the second half of last year, leading to the speculation that the global PV market will see steep decline in 2011 given that Europe contributes significantly to worldwide sales of PV products.
However, the soaring prices for polysilicon reflect, at least to some degree, that global PV demand has not seen any dramatic drop for the time being.
The domestic supply shortages are attributable to a production halt as a result of routine year-end audits performed by major polysilicon makers in China before the Chinese Spring Festival break as well as the down time during the 9-day break itself, leading to significantly decreased production and stock on hand, according to an industry analyst. The country's polysilicon imports for February are expected to remain at the same high level.
Driven by rising oil prices worldwide, combined with tight supplies, polysilicon, which is used in the manufacture of solar PV modules, is experiencing rapid price hikes. The spot price for polysilicon has reached US$114 per kilogram earlier this month an increase of nearly 100 percent from the end of last year.
Furthermore, the Polysilicon Industry Access Standards jointly released by several Chinese regulators in January of this year significantly raise the bar for entry into the polysilicon sector. As a result, growth in polysilicon production capacity is likely to lag behind that of market demand for a long while as 80 percent of the industry’s players are expected to be squeezed out of the market due to non-compliance with the standards.
Demand in the sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 30 percent, causing polysilicon prices to continue the upward trend, said Hou Wentao, a senior analyst at Hunan province, China-based Xiangcai Securities.
Some major polysilicon manufacturers are aggressively accelerating their efforts to expand capacity in order to take advantage of higher polysilicon prices and stronger market demand. Hong Kong-listed GCL-Poly Energy H
Chinese PV giants including Hanwha SolarOne have gotten off to a good start this year, and are reporting a substantial inflow of new orders, according to a source that attended the SNEC 5th (2011) International Photovoltaic Power held recently in Shanghai.
A report published by CIConsulting, a leading industry research firm in China, indicated that many European countries have put in place measures to cut subsidies to the PV industry since the second half of last year, leading to the speculation that the global PV market will see steep decline in 2011 given that Europe contributes significantly to worldwide sales of PV products.
However, the soaring prices for polysilicon reflect, at least to some degree, that global PV demand has not seen any dramatic drop for the time being.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Energy supply the near-term problem for Japanese PV supply chain
The initial reports from a key number of PV manufacturers and suppliers highlighted that little damage to manufacturing operations occurred as a result of the massive earthquake last Friday. However, concern is now focused on the shortage of electricity that affects approximately 45 million people in Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) service area covering Tokyo, Tochigi, Gunma, Ibaraki, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama and Yamanashi prefectures.
TEPCO said that its service area would be divided into 5 zones and would need to suspend electricity supply for several hours each day to each zone on a rolling basis.
However, Tokyo is being sparred cuts at the moment as central government, company headquarters and financial institutions are heavily located in the capital city.
The Japanese Government has urged the country to conserve energy for the time being, which was also followed by major industries, resulting in plant closures across the country.
With TEPCO suffering from acute energy transmission shortages due to the shutdown of nuclear reactors along the east coast region of the country, the utility said that rolling blackouts would more than likely remain in place through to the end of April.
However, other power providers such as Tohoku Electric Power Co did not expect to implement blackouts, though it would be constantly evaluating the situation.
A prolonged disruption to power supplies would be expected to disrupt PV manufacturers output over the coming months, though with many in central and southern regions, disruptions could be minimal.
The problem will focus on those suppliers that do become impacted by TEPCO’s rolling blackouts, which would be expected to reduce capacity output during this period and could impact customers in other regions in their ability to continue full production.
In the case of previous major earthquakes in industrialized nations, such as Taiwan, which saw replacement equipment parts and materials hold back a return to full production, long after power supplies were restored.
Thermal processes such as ingot production depends on highly reliable power supplies as the processes have long cycle times. Despite planned blackouts, production would be severely limited or completely curtailed until full restoration of power.
TEPCO said that its service area would be divided into 5 zones and would need to suspend electricity supply for several hours each day to each zone on a rolling basis.
However, Tokyo is being sparred cuts at the moment as central government, company headquarters and financial institutions are heavily located in the capital city.
The Japanese Government has urged the country to conserve energy for the time being, which was also followed by major industries, resulting in plant closures across the country.
With TEPCO suffering from acute energy transmission shortages due to the shutdown of nuclear reactors along the east coast region of the country, the utility said that rolling blackouts would more than likely remain in place through to the end of April.
However, other power providers such as Tohoku Electric Power Co did not expect to implement blackouts, though it would be constantly evaluating the situation.
A prolonged disruption to power supplies would be expected to disrupt PV manufacturers output over the coming months, though with many in central and southern regions, disruptions could be minimal.
The problem will focus on those suppliers that do become impacted by TEPCO’s rolling blackouts, which would be expected to reduce capacity output during this period and could impact customers in other regions in their ability to continue full production.
In the case of previous major earthquakes in industrialized nations, such as Taiwan, which saw replacement equipment parts and materials hold back a return to full production, long after power supplies were restored.
Thermal processes such as ingot production depends on highly reliable power supplies as the processes have long cycle times. Despite planned blackouts, production would be severely limited or completely curtailed until full restoration of power.
Sun, Sun, Sun - Here It Comes
EcoBuild 2011 / Photo: SolarEdge
Not even the chilly London weather managed to deter the tens of thousands who flocked to the ExCeL Exhibition and Conference Centre from attending the annual EcoBuild exhibition. Over 1,300 exhibitors were on hand to present the latest innovations in sustainable design and green construction.
he massive presence of exhibitors from the PV market at this year’s exhibition speaks volumes of the UK PV market’s newfound growth, prompted primarily by the UK government’s generous feed-in-tariffs (FiT) – targeted at reducing carbon emissions by 35% by the year 2020 – up to 41.3p/kWh for PV generation and an extra 3p for export. At current conversion rates, that’s over 50 Euro cents and over 70 US cents for every kilowatt-hour produced.
The government’s new incentives promise a quite literal sunny new future for the UK PV market. With over 34 MW installed throughout the country since the FiT subsidization began in April 2010, the UK market became one of the world’s fastest growing PV markets. PwC’s research expects the UK PV market’s growth to continue, with a projected 1,000 Megawatts installed by 2015.
The new FiT introduced by the British government is highest for installations of up to 4kWp, which naturally makes residential-scale installations the most attractive.
 Residential PV installation in the UK. Chimneys and dormer windows cast shadows over the modules in certain parts of the day / Installed by Engensa | Everyone who has been to the UK is familiar with the image of long rows of terraced houses populating British cities and towns. Aside from their unique style and appearance, the interconnected roofs dictated by this architectural style have a huge advantage over separate buildings: they allow PV systems installed on them to be easily joined together as one installation, hence minimizing the amount of inverters required and making the most out of the 4kWp FiTs by maximizing the power produced from each installation. This, in turn, means a faster return on investment and happier homeowners and installers who benefit from both clean energy and a steady income thanks to the generous tariffs. |
But for traditional solar installations, the row houses’ roofs are as practically problematic as they’re theoretically attractive – which is part of the reason we still don’t commonly see sparkling PV modules lined against the brown chimneys on the UK rooflines. So, what’s the problem? The roofs of the terraced houses are often multi-faceted and feature varying tilts. And if that alone is not enough, chimneys, antennas and even the characteristic dormer windows cast shades over the modules’ potential locations during certain parts of the day.
Traditional installations require strings connected to the same inverter to be identical in length, orientation and tilt, along with other rigid design rules. The problem which the traditional approach poses here is twofold: first, to fully populate the different facets of the roof with PV modules requires multiple inverters – thus raising the cost of installation and reducing ROI, and secondly, even with multiple inverters, the partial shading on the roof creates a mismatch between the modules in the string and causes other, unshaded modules to generate less power than possible. In a traditional installation, the solution is to entirely avoid partially shaded areas – making utilized roof space even smaller.
| All hopes for green solar roofs in the UK are not lost, however – as demonstrated by the following case. Last November, Mr. Bakewell of Oxford contacted leading British installer Engensa in order to receive a second opinion about his planned grid-connected PV installation. Mr. Bakewell’s intention was to install PV modules on two houses in his property, which are approximately 10 meters apart. The first PV professional he contacted recommended installing two PV installations using two inverters, one for each roof. Why the two inverters? Because of the different tilts. One house’s roof has a 40 degree tilt, while the other has a 25 degree tilt. Mr. Bakewell was also told that his pine trees could pose a problem by casting shades on his roof in the mornings. |  Mr. Bakewell's solar installation in Oxford/ Installed by Engensa |
The surprise came when Engensa told Mr. Bakewell that it was in fact possible to incorporate the two roofs into one PV installation, using one SolarEdge solar inverter and per-module PowerBox Power Optimizers. The result was a 3.3kWp system consisting of 18 185W ET Solar modules and 18 SolarEdge PB250-AOB Power Optimizers. Each PowerBox is attached to a single module and tracks its individual Maximum Power Point (MPP), resulting in optimal MPPT regardless of mismatch between modules – which is created by different orientations (in Mr. Bakewell’s case, the two roofs) as well as by partial shading (in Mr. Bakewell’s case, the pine trees). You can read more about Mr. Bakewell’s PV installation – as well as what he has to say about it -here.
Another challenge posed by traditional installations is the need to use a single type of solar module in every string. But what happens when you want to use multiple types of solar modules – from different manufacturers and with different power outputs and sizes? The ability to use different types of modules in one string is an important advantage in a residential installation, because it can help an installer utilize more roof space by using modules of varying dimensions (and ultimately, outputs). To see how this can be done, we turn to another British installation – this time in Exeter, southwest England.
 Different types of modules in a single string in SunGift's test site in Exeter / Installed by SunGift SOLAR | The 3.91kWp Exeter installation was performed by another leading UK installer, SunGift Solar, as part of a test site. What makes this installation unique is the fact that SunGift Solar used five different types of modules, with five different power outputs, in the same string: six Sharp NU185 modules, four Sanyo HIT240 modules, four Conenergy PowerPlus 225 modules, four REC235 PV modules, and four DAY4 modules – a total of 22 modules in a single string. The PowerBoxes enabled this installation by eliminating mismatch between the PV modules. The entire string was connected to a SolarEdge SE4000 inverter. |
Sounds easy, doesn’t it? That’s because it is. The FiTs that paved the way towards the UK PV market’s boom are in place and the technology that addresses the challenges facing the segment most favored by the fresh FiT is already here. All that’s left now is to sit back and enjoy the sun.
Source: Renewable EnergyWorld.com
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