MUNICH, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) and Pfalzsolar, GmbH, a fast-growing German solar project developer owned by Pfalzwerke AG, a public utility in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, today announced the signing of a new long-term supply agreement.
The latest in a series of utility-linked agreements initially foresees delivery of First Solar’s photovoltaic modules to Pfalzsolar, beginning immediately, for use in rooftop and free field solar projects in Germany.
“This agreement reinforces First Solar’s relationships with utility-owned project developers and demonstrates that local utilities increasingly see photovoltaic power as a necessary component of their future electricity generation portfolio,” said Stephan Hansen, managing director of First Solar GmbH.
“We are pleased to have gained Pfalzsolar as an additional customer in a key market at a key period for the evolution of solar electricity in Europe,” added John Carrington, executive vice president, global marketing & business development.
Ali Boukhalfa, managing director of Pfalzsolar GmbH, said the company was delighted to have reached a long-term supply agreement with First Solar. “The agreement gives us the guarantee of being able to offer high-performance modules at competitive prices, thereby helping us fulfill our ambitious growth targets,” he said.
Friday, May 29, 2009
SCHOTT Solar and SolarEdge Partner to Develop Power Harvesting System
HERTZLIA, Israel & ALZENAU, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SCHOTT Solar and SolarEdge today announced a joint design partnership agreement to develop and test a novel PV panel-integrated power harvesting system embedded directly into SCHOTT Solar’s modules. The outcome of the joint efforts will maximize power generation throughout the solar lifecycle while dramatically reducing complexities and costs.
While the solar industry has taken enormous strides to speed cell efficiency and other innovations, there are widely adopted array designs and system architectures that inherently create room for improvement. New architecture and standard design activate considerable power per solar field, as well as monitoring. Poor roof utilization, fire and maintenance safety issues, and ineffective panel theft prevention measures can be avoided.
“SolarEdge is an innovative company offering an original multi-disciplinary system solution that we at SCHOTT Solar are extremely impressed with,” said Jürgen Fortenbacher, Head Strategy & Business Development at SCHOTT Solar. “We believe that the outcome of our partnership will significantly enhance power output.”
“We are extremely honored to work with a leading industry player such as SCHOTT Solar,” said Guy Sella, chairman, CEO and founder of SolarEdge. “By combining both our technologies we will be able to make PV technology more efficient while at the same time reducing costs.”
SCHOTT Solar is embedding SolarEdge’s active electronics directly into their panels in order to achieve optimal power yield while reducing these installation and maintenance challenges and costs. The two partner companies are currently testing the combined technologies.
While the solar industry has taken enormous strides to speed cell efficiency and other innovations, there are widely adopted array designs and system architectures that inherently create room for improvement. New architecture and standard design activate considerable power per solar field, as well as monitoring. Poor roof utilization, fire and maintenance safety issues, and ineffective panel theft prevention measures can be avoided.
“SolarEdge is an innovative company offering an original multi-disciplinary system solution that we at SCHOTT Solar are extremely impressed with,” said Jürgen Fortenbacher, Head Strategy & Business Development at SCHOTT Solar. “We believe that the outcome of our partnership will significantly enhance power output.”
“We are extremely honored to work with a leading industry player such as SCHOTT Solar,” said Guy Sella, chairman, CEO and founder of SolarEdge. “By combining both our technologies we will be able to make PV technology more efficient while at the same time reducing costs.”
SCHOTT Solar is embedding SolarEdge’s active electronics directly into their panels in order to achieve optimal power yield while reducing these installation and maintenance challenges and costs. The two partner companies are currently testing the combined technologies.
Applied Materials Announces IEC Certification of World’s Largest Solar Panels
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applied Materials, Inc. announced today that the 5.7m2 solar photovoltaic (PV) modules produced by its SunFab Thin Film Line™, using both single and more advanced tandem junction technologies, were awarded International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certification, validating their exceptional performance under extended outdoor exposure. Certification of these SunFab™ modules, which are the world’s largest available solar PV panels, unleashes an opportunity for the widespread incorporation of SunFab panels in utility-scale, thin film solar farms to further drive down the price of clean electricity.
“We expect 5.7m2 modules to become the standard for utility-scale PV power,” said Dr. Randhir Thakur, senior vice president and general manager of Applied Materials’ Display and SunFab Solar Business Group. “Applying SunFab technology to ultra-large modules creates an unprecedented opportunity to reduce both manufacturing and installation costs, transforming solar PV into a long-term solution to provide the world with affordable energy from a renewable source.”
Certification was awarded by TÜV InterCert, confirming that the SunFab modules meet IEC standards 61646 and 61730. “Applied’s 5.7m2 modules are four times bigger than anything we’ve ever tested,” said Mr. Sergizzarea, president and CEO of TÜV InterCert. “We made modifications to the laboratory and added equipment to enable us to test modules this large. Creating a PV product of this size that can pass all of the IEC tests while maintaining mechanical and electrical integrity is an impressive feat of engineering.”
The quarter-sized 1.4m2 modules produced on the Applied SunFab Thin Film Line received IEC certification earlier this year. However, a full-size 5.7m2 panel designed to maintain high power output while subjected to years of exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, wind and precipitation was a new challenge. Applied’s technology and engineering expertise in flat-panel display and architectural glass systems enabled it to deliver the critical uniform conversion properties required across large areas. An innovative, integrated bonded rail support structure strengthens the module, allowing it to withstand wind and seismic loads while enabling the reduction of installation costs by greatly simplifying the mounting structure.
Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in Nanomanufacturing Technology™ solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat panel displays, solar photovoltaic cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient glass. At Applied Materials, we apply Nanomanufacturing Technology to improve the way people live. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.
“We expect 5.7m2 modules to become the standard for utility-scale PV power,” said Dr. Randhir Thakur, senior vice president and general manager of Applied Materials’ Display and SunFab Solar Business Group. “Applying SunFab technology to ultra-large modules creates an unprecedented opportunity to reduce both manufacturing and installation costs, transforming solar PV into a long-term solution to provide the world with affordable energy from a renewable source.”
Certification was awarded by TÜV InterCert, confirming that the SunFab modules meet IEC standards 61646 and 61730. “Applied’s 5.7m2 modules are four times bigger than anything we’ve ever tested,” said Mr. Sergizzarea, president and CEO of TÜV InterCert. “We made modifications to the laboratory and added equipment to enable us to test modules this large. Creating a PV product of this size that can pass all of the IEC tests while maintaining mechanical and electrical integrity is an impressive feat of engineering.”
The quarter-sized 1.4m2 modules produced on the Applied SunFab Thin Film Line received IEC certification earlier this year. However, a full-size 5.7m2 panel designed to maintain high power output while subjected to years of exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, wind and precipitation was a new challenge. Applied’s technology and engineering expertise in flat-panel display and architectural glass systems enabled it to deliver the critical uniform conversion properties required across large areas. An innovative, integrated bonded rail support structure strengthens the module, allowing it to withstand wind and seismic loads while enabling the reduction of installation costs by greatly simplifying the mounting structure.
Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in Nanomanufacturing Technology™ solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat panel displays, solar photovoltaic cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient glass. At Applied Materials, we apply Nanomanufacturing Technology to improve the way people live. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.
Evergreen Solar Closes on Public Offering, Including Exercise in Full of Underwriter’s Over-allotment Option
MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESLR) announced today that it closed the sale of its previously announced public offering of common stock at a price to the public of $1.80 per share for a total of 42.55 million shares, including the sale of 5.55 million shares pursuant to the exercise in full of the underwriter’s over-allotment option. Total proceeds, net of underwriter’s discount, resulting from the offering, including the exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option, were approximately $72.5 million.
Evergreen Solar expects to use the net proceeds from the offering (1) to fund its planned initial 100 MW wafer manufacturing facility in Wuhan, China, which, assuming the Wuhan government provides or facilitates financing for approximately two-thirds of the initial expansion cost, is expected to require between $15 million and $20 million; (2) to purchase capital equipment required for further expansion of its Midland, Michigan string factory; and (3) for general corporate purposes, including working capital and possible payments to its Sovello joint venture (or Sovello\'s lenders) that may be required under certain circumstances.
Piper Jaffray & Co. acted as sole underwriter for the offering.
Copies of the final prospectus for this offering may be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC\'s Web site at http://www.sec.gov or from Piper Jaffray & Co., Prospectus Department, 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 800, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, telephone: 612-303-8290 or email: prospectus@pjc.com.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the shares of common stock. Furthermore, Evergreen Solar will not sell any of the common stock and has been advised by Piper Jaffray & Co. that it and its affiliates will not sell any of the common stock in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification of the shares under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
Evergreen Solar expects to use the net proceeds from the offering (1) to fund its planned initial 100 MW wafer manufacturing facility in Wuhan, China, which, assuming the Wuhan government provides or facilitates financing for approximately two-thirds of the initial expansion cost, is expected to require between $15 million and $20 million; (2) to purchase capital equipment required for further expansion of its Midland, Michigan string factory; and (3) for general corporate purposes, including working capital and possible payments to its Sovello joint venture (or Sovello\'s lenders) that may be required under certain circumstances.
Piper Jaffray & Co. acted as sole underwriter for the offering.
Copies of the final prospectus for this offering may be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC\'s Web site at http://www.sec.gov or from Piper Jaffray & Co., Prospectus Department, 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 800, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, telephone: 612-303-8290 or email: prospectus@pjc.com.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the shares of common stock. Furthermore, Evergreen Solar will not sell any of the common stock and has been advised by Piper Jaffray & Co. that it and its affiliates will not sell any of the common stock in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification of the shares under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
Electric Utilities Rise to Meet Solar Call-to-Action
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As financial markets deteriorated in October 2008, Solar Electric Power Association Executive Director Julia Hamm challenged the solar and utility industries to deploy solar power on a massive scale despite new economic barriers. She issued the challenge in a speech at Solar Power International, the nation’s largest solar conference and trade show. Today, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) issued a report demonstrating that the industry has responded even amidst a tough economic climate.
SEPA’s “2008 Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings” report identifies the utilities in the U.S. that have the most significant amounts of solar electricity integrated into their portfolio, and records the increased collaboration of the U.S. electric utility and solar energy industries. The report demonstrates that the utility segment is making a major investment to increase the amount of solar energy in power portfolios, with many utilities doubling the amount of solar power in their portfolio in just one year. The overall installed solar capacity of the top ten ranked utilities rose from 711 megawatts to 882 megawatts, reflecting 25 percent growth. Ninety-two utilities participated in this year’s survey, an increase of more than 80 percent over last year, showing that the utility industry’s interest in solar power is stronger than ever.
“This year’s report demonstrates that solar electricity is finally on the radar screen of utilities across the country,” said Julia Hamm, executive director of the Solar Electric Power Association. “Solar plants large and small are ready for significant build-out, and the utility industry is moving quickly toward mass adoption to meet a variety of business needs.” Renewable portfolio standards, impending carbon policy, and fluctuating costs of power generation and fuel resources top the list of drivers towards improved utility perception of solar electric options.
The report also documents a wave of utility-driven installations, pointing to the growing importance of utilities in the solar power market, and the growing importance of solar power to the business of utilities. Historically, the solar power market has been dominated by customer-driven installations.
“Residential and commercial photovoltaic projects will continue to be important stimulants for job creation and small business growth, but they will be complemented by large-scale photovoltaic and concentrating solar power projects,” said Mike Taylor, director of research and education at SEPA. “The variety of ways solar power is being implemented signals an increased maturity in the market.”
The Challenge
At Solar Power International in October 2008, Julia Hamm challenged electric utilities and solar power providers to meet aggressive growth forecasts for the industry. Prior to the economic downturn, analysts had predicted a thirty-fold increase in solar capacity between 2009 and 2016, which would create 440,000 permanent jobs, and over $230 billion in investments and associated economic development benefits.
More specifically, the challenge called for a wider range of utilities to participate in solar adoption. “We must move beyond having 97 percent of all grid-connected solar installations in just 10 utilities’ service territories,” said Hamm at the time. This year’s “Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings” report shows that 88% of new annual growth was in the Top Ten service territories. The distribution of solar power is also spreading geographically. Twelve utilities in eight different states topped the annual and cumulative solar megawatts categories.
To foster an economically-driven solar business that benefits utilities, solar companies and electricity consumers, SEPA also called for increased collaboration on new business models and “bold new ideas developed in tandem for the mutual benefit of both industries, and society at large.” The 2008 Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings report documents that utilities have continued to develop renewable energy in innovative ways. For example, Arizona Public Service, Duke Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric, Public Service Electric & Gas, San Diego Gas and Electric, and Southern California Edison have all recently announced individual but similar PV programs that will provide more than the equivalent of an entire year’s worth of past solar installations in the U.S. These specific programs provide for the utility to own the panels at utility and customer sites in a “distributed power plant” design. Through SEPA’s Utility Solar Business Model initiative, electric utilities are collaborating around innovative business models to encourage solar power deployment.
“We are working with many creative companies to find utility business models that provide solid financial returns, increased renewable energy adoption, and customer benefits,” said Mike Taylor, SEPA’s lead on the Utility Solar Business Models initiative.
Report Reveals Major Trends
This year’s report shows that 2008 solar power growth came almost entirely from thousands of distributed generation projects, which grow more steadily and consistently than centralized plants. However, SEPA anticipates that in future years centralized solar electric plants will play an equal or larger role.
“Traditional fossil-fuel power plants come in two sizes, large and larger,” said report author Mike Taylor. “The solar market is more vigorous, complex and democratic because of the combination of distributed generation and large-scale projects.” Large-scale centralized solar plants will allow utilities to jump up in the rankings quickly, but are currently at an earlier stage of development with most large-scale projects in the contract or construction phase. The solar industry is developing a robust foundation for the future by using a diversified approach of distributed and centralized projects owned by a variety of market players.
The report also serves as a valuable tool to indicate the future direction of solar power markets. Solar power is entering a similar growth phase as wind power did a few years ago, with a dramatic increase in capacity expected. Large-scale solar projects could face some of the same challenges wind projects faced, but will also benefit from the experience and impact of the wind industry on grid integration. The last six months have seen a significant increase in the national conversation about increasing electricity transmission resources as well as changes to the grid that will allow it to manage integration of intermittent wind and solar power.
Key Findings and Methodology
This year’s report is based on the 2008 Utility Solar Electricity Survey completed by utilities in April 2009. The report catalogs how much solar electricity was interconnected by surveyed utilities in calendar year 2008 and what was installed cumulatively up through the end of 2008, including both photovoltaics and concentrating solar power. It includes all solar electricity generation integrated into the utility’s portfolio regardless of whether it was owned by the utility, their customer, or a third-party company, and regardless of whether it was installed on the utility or customer side of the meter. The participating utilities are generally self-selecting for having more active solar programs and projects, so results are not necessarily representative of a typical utility in the United States.
The “2008 Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings” report shows an average increase of 2 megawatts per participating utility over the twelve months of 2008. Two megawatts is enough to offset the use of over 300 homes on an annual basis. In the total solar-watts-per-customer category, utilities added an average of 33 watts per customer, or the equivalent of one residential-sized system for every 90 customers. However, the median utility added about one watt per customer, showing that watt-per-customer growth is still concentrated in certain utility markets.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, based in San Francisco, California, was the most solar integrated utility for the year 2008, interconnecting 85 MW of new capacity. This number represented over 44 percent of the survey total. Ranked second and third were Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, rounding out a sweep of the top three spots by California investor owned utilities. For the solar watts-per-customer category in 2008, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), a water utility that provides electrical generation to its municipal buildings, ranked first with almost 2700 watts per customer for its 340 customer sites. SFPUC has invested in many PV projects with the assistance of state incentive programs to achieve this coverage for its city buildings. Second and third were Kauai Island Utility Cooperative in Hawaii and Palo Alto Utilities in Northern California. On a cumulative solar megawatt basis, Southern California Edison was ranked first, followed by Pacific Gas & Electric and NV Energy, a Nevada utility. Cumulatively in watts per customer, SFPUC ranked first again, followed by the Port of Oakland, and Southern California Edison. Both the SFPUC and the Port of Oakland are not electrical utilities in the traditional sense, serving residential and commercial customers, but entities that procure electricity for their municipal and port accounts.
For the first time this year, the report provided separate rankings for what was installed in calendar year 2008 and what was installed cumulatively up through the end of 2008. Participating utilities had an average of 11 megawatts in their cumulative portfolio, and the Top Ten utilities represented 93 percent of all solar capacity. Because of their head-start, the large investor-owned utilities in California are likely to retain a lead in the overall cumulative rankings even as the year-to-year rankings shift.
Overall Rankings – Fast-Facts
New Projects in 2008
Total Solar Megawatts
* Participating utilities saw an average increase of 2 megawatts and a median of 0.1 megawatts of solar added to their portfolio in 2008.
* The Top Ten utilities represented 88% of the survey megawatt total.
* Utilities in seven different states placed in the Top Ten.
Total Solar Watts per Customer
* Participating utilities saw an average increase of 33 watts per customer and a median of 1 watt per customer of solar added to their portfolio in 2008.
* Nine of the Top Ten utilities are from California and Hawaii.
Cumulative
Total Solar Megawatts
* Participating utilities had an average of 11 megawatts and a median of 0.2 megawatts of solar in their cumulative portfolio.
* The Top Ten utilities represented 93% of the survey megawatt total.
* Utilities in six different states placed in the Top Ten.
Total Solar Watts per Customer
* Participating utilities had an average of 97 watts per customer and a median of 2 watts per customer of solar in their cumulative portfolio.
* Nine of the Top Ten utilities are from California and Hawaii.
About the Solar Electric Power Association: SEPA is comprised of over 550 utilities and solar industry members. From national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA is the go-to resource for unbiased and actionable solar intelligence. Breaking down information overload into business reality, SEPA takes the time and risk out of implementing solar business plans and helps turn new technologies into new opportunities. www.solarelectricpower.org
SEPA’s “2008 Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings” report identifies the utilities in the U.S. that have the most significant amounts of solar electricity integrated into their portfolio, and records the increased collaboration of the U.S. electric utility and solar energy industries. The report demonstrates that the utility segment is making a major investment to increase the amount of solar energy in power portfolios, with many utilities doubling the amount of solar power in their portfolio in just one year. The overall installed solar capacity of the top ten ranked utilities rose from 711 megawatts to 882 megawatts, reflecting 25 percent growth. Ninety-two utilities participated in this year’s survey, an increase of more than 80 percent over last year, showing that the utility industry’s interest in solar power is stronger than ever.
“This year’s report demonstrates that solar electricity is finally on the radar screen of utilities across the country,” said Julia Hamm, executive director of the Solar Electric Power Association. “Solar plants large and small are ready for significant build-out, and the utility industry is moving quickly toward mass adoption to meet a variety of business needs.” Renewable portfolio standards, impending carbon policy, and fluctuating costs of power generation and fuel resources top the list of drivers towards improved utility perception of solar electric options.
The report also documents a wave of utility-driven installations, pointing to the growing importance of utilities in the solar power market, and the growing importance of solar power to the business of utilities. Historically, the solar power market has been dominated by customer-driven installations.
“Residential and commercial photovoltaic projects will continue to be important stimulants for job creation and small business growth, but they will be complemented by large-scale photovoltaic and concentrating solar power projects,” said Mike Taylor, director of research and education at SEPA. “The variety of ways solar power is being implemented signals an increased maturity in the market.”
The Challenge
At Solar Power International in October 2008, Julia Hamm challenged electric utilities and solar power providers to meet aggressive growth forecasts for the industry. Prior to the economic downturn, analysts had predicted a thirty-fold increase in solar capacity between 2009 and 2016, which would create 440,000 permanent jobs, and over $230 billion in investments and associated economic development benefits.
More specifically, the challenge called for a wider range of utilities to participate in solar adoption. “We must move beyond having 97 percent of all grid-connected solar installations in just 10 utilities’ service territories,” said Hamm at the time. This year’s “Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings” report shows that 88% of new annual growth was in the Top Ten service territories. The distribution of solar power is also spreading geographically. Twelve utilities in eight different states topped the annual and cumulative solar megawatts categories.
To foster an economically-driven solar business that benefits utilities, solar companies and electricity consumers, SEPA also called for increased collaboration on new business models and “bold new ideas developed in tandem for the mutual benefit of both industries, and society at large.” The 2008 Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings report documents that utilities have continued to develop renewable energy in innovative ways. For example, Arizona Public Service, Duke Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric, Public Service Electric & Gas, San Diego Gas and Electric, and Southern California Edison have all recently announced individual but similar PV programs that will provide more than the equivalent of an entire year’s worth of past solar installations in the U.S. These specific programs provide for the utility to own the panels at utility and customer sites in a “distributed power plant” design. Through SEPA’s Utility Solar Business Model initiative, electric utilities are collaborating around innovative business models to encourage solar power deployment.
“We are working with many creative companies to find utility business models that provide solid financial returns, increased renewable energy adoption, and customer benefits,” said Mike Taylor, SEPA’s lead on the Utility Solar Business Models initiative.
Report Reveals Major Trends
This year’s report shows that 2008 solar power growth came almost entirely from thousands of distributed generation projects, which grow more steadily and consistently than centralized plants. However, SEPA anticipates that in future years centralized solar electric plants will play an equal or larger role.
“Traditional fossil-fuel power plants come in two sizes, large and larger,” said report author Mike Taylor. “The solar market is more vigorous, complex and democratic because of the combination of distributed generation and large-scale projects.” Large-scale centralized solar plants will allow utilities to jump up in the rankings quickly, but are currently at an earlier stage of development with most large-scale projects in the contract or construction phase. The solar industry is developing a robust foundation for the future by using a diversified approach of distributed and centralized projects owned by a variety of market players.
The report also serves as a valuable tool to indicate the future direction of solar power markets. Solar power is entering a similar growth phase as wind power did a few years ago, with a dramatic increase in capacity expected. Large-scale solar projects could face some of the same challenges wind projects faced, but will also benefit from the experience and impact of the wind industry on grid integration. The last six months have seen a significant increase in the national conversation about increasing electricity transmission resources as well as changes to the grid that will allow it to manage integration of intermittent wind and solar power.
Key Findings and Methodology
This year’s report is based on the 2008 Utility Solar Electricity Survey completed by utilities in April 2009. The report catalogs how much solar electricity was interconnected by surveyed utilities in calendar year 2008 and what was installed cumulatively up through the end of 2008, including both photovoltaics and concentrating solar power. It includes all solar electricity generation integrated into the utility’s portfolio regardless of whether it was owned by the utility, their customer, or a third-party company, and regardless of whether it was installed on the utility or customer side of the meter. The participating utilities are generally self-selecting for having more active solar programs and projects, so results are not necessarily representative of a typical utility in the United States.
The “2008 Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings” report shows an average increase of 2 megawatts per participating utility over the twelve months of 2008. Two megawatts is enough to offset the use of over 300 homes on an annual basis. In the total solar-watts-per-customer category, utilities added an average of 33 watts per customer, or the equivalent of one residential-sized system for every 90 customers. However, the median utility added about one watt per customer, showing that watt-per-customer growth is still concentrated in certain utility markets.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, based in San Francisco, California, was the most solar integrated utility for the year 2008, interconnecting 85 MW of new capacity. This number represented over 44 percent of the survey total. Ranked second and third were Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, rounding out a sweep of the top three spots by California investor owned utilities. For the solar watts-per-customer category in 2008, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), a water utility that provides electrical generation to its municipal buildings, ranked first with almost 2700 watts per customer for its 340 customer sites. SFPUC has invested in many PV projects with the assistance of state incentive programs to achieve this coverage for its city buildings. Second and third were Kauai Island Utility Cooperative in Hawaii and Palo Alto Utilities in Northern California. On a cumulative solar megawatt basis, Southern California Edison was ranked first, followed by Pacific Gas & Electric and NV Energy, a Nevada utility. Cumulatively in watts per customer, SFPUC ranked first again, followed by the Port of Oakland, and Southern California Edison. Both the SFPUC and the Port of Oakland are not electrical utilities in the traditional sense, serving residential and commercial customers, but entities that procure electricity for their municipal and port accounts.
For the first time this year, the report provided separate rankings for what was installed in calendar year 2008 and what was installed cumulatively up through the end of 2008. Participating utilities had an average of 11 megawatts in their cumulative portfolio, and the Top Ten utilities represented 93 percent of all solar capacity. Because of their head-start, the large investor-owned utilities in California are likely to retain a lead in the overall cumulative rankings even as the year-to-year rankings shift.
Overall Rankings – Fast-Facts
New Projects in 2008
Total Solar Megawatts
* Participating utilities saw an average increase of 2 megawatts and a median of 0.1 megawatts of solar added to their portfolio in 2008.
* The Top Ten utilities represented 88% of the survey megawatt total.
* Utilities in seven different states placed in the Top Ten.
Total Solar Watts per Customer
* Participating utilities saw an average increase of 33 watts per customer and a median of 1 watt per customer of solar added to their portfolio in 2008.
* Nine of the Top Ten utilities are from California and Hawaii.
Cumulative
Total Solar Megawatts
* Participating utilities had an average of 11 megawatts and a median of 0.2 megawatts of solar in their cumulative portfolio.
* The Top Ten utilities represented 93% of the survey megawatt total.
* Utilities in six different states placed in the Top Ten.
Total Solar Watts per Customer
* Participating utilities had an average of 97 watts per customer and a median of 2 watts per customer of solar in their cumulative portfolio.
* Nine of the Top Ten utilities are from California and Hawaii.
About the Solar Electric Power Association: SEPA is comprised of over 550 utilities and solar industry members. From national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA is the go-to resource for unbiased and actionable solar intelligence. Breaking down information overload into business reality, SEPA takes the time and risk out of implementing solar business plans and helps turn new technologies into new opportunities. www.solarelectricpower.org
PGE Ranks Among Highest in Nation in Solar Power Generation
PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Portland General Electric (PGE) (NYSE: POR) was recognized today by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) as a utility leader in the integration of solar into its generation portfolio.
In SEPA’s report issued today, the “2008 Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings,” PGE ranked eighth in the nation — and fourth in the West — in total solar megawatts. The annual rankings are based on the amount of solar electricity installed during the 2008 calendar year. PGE integrated more than 3.5 megawatts AC* of solar power into its system, more than tripling the amount of solar resources connected to its system.
“In 2008 Portland General Electric established itself as ‘one to watch’ regarding utility solar integration,” said Julia Hamm, SEPA executive director. “In today’s shifting energy landscape, electric utilities face a new challenge in determining how to integrate solar electricity in a way that benefits the utility, its shareholders, and society at large. PGE is one of the utilities leading the charge to find innovative business models that accomplish this goal.”
PGE also appeared on several other SEPA rankings for its 2008 solar activity, including:
* Sixth in the nation in total solar megawatts on the utility-side of the meter
* Eighth in the nation in total solar megawatts on the customer-side of the meter
* Ninth in the nation for solar watts per customer on utility-side of the meter
* Eighth in the nation for total solar megawatts and ninth in the nation in total solar watts per customer among investor-owned utilities
“PGE and our customers are committed to integrating more renewable energy, including solar, into our generation portfolio, which will help us reach the state’s renewable energy standards of 25 percent renewables by 2025,” said Bill Nicholson, vice president, customers and economic development, PGE.
“We could not have achieved this important milestone without the hard work and determination of our customers, business partners, community leaders, and the state of Oregon. We are all working together to ensure Oregon becomes a solar leader in everything from solar manufacturing to solar installations for our customers.”
During 2008, PGE installed two major solar installations in Oregon: the nation’s first solar highway project at the I-5/I-205 interchange in Tualatin and the Northwest’s largest rooftop installation in Portland.
The solar highway demonstration project, a collaboration by PGE, US Bank and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), began supplying renewable power in December 2008 to help light the way for drivers at the Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 interchange in Tualatin. The 104-kilowatt photovoltaic system covers about 8,000 square feet — roughly the length of two football fields — and will produce about 112,000 kilowatt hours a year, or 28 percent of the 400,000 kilowatt hours used to light the interchange.
“PGE’s exceptional leadership made it possible for Oregon to complete America’s first solar highway project,” said Allison Hamilton, solar highway project director, ODOT. “No other utility in the nation has made that commitment. Oregon values the innovative public-private partnership pioneered with PGE to power the transportation system of the future.”
The 1.1-megawatt rooftop ProLogis solar project, the largest in the Pacific Northwest, began generating solar power in December 2008. The project, which uses “thin-film” solar panels, is installed on the rooftops of three ProLogis distribution warehouses in northeast Portland and covers more than 328,000 square feet.
Currently, PGE has 6.5 megawatts of solar capacity interconnected in PGE’s operating area with almost 400 solar “net metering” customers (customers who generate their own electricity), which is enough to power 600 homes and offset 4,322 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
SEPA’s full report can be downloaded at www.solarelectricpower.org.
In SEPA’s report issued today, the “2008 Top Ten Utility Solar Integration Rankings,” PGE ranked eighth in the nation — and fourth in the West — in total solar megawatts. The annual rankings are based on the amount of solar electricity installed during the 2008 calendar year. PGE integrated more than 3.5 megawatts AC* of solar power into its system, more than tripling the amount of solar resources connected to its system.
“In 2008 Portland General Electric established itself as ‘one to watch’ regarding utility solar integration,” said Julia Hamm, SEPA executive director. “In today’s shifting energy landscape, electric utilities face a new challenge in determining how to integrate solar electricity in a way that benefits the utility, its shareholders, and society at large. PGE is one of the utilities leading the charge to find innovative business models that accomplish this goal.”
PGE also appeared on several other SEPA rankings for its 2008 solar activity, including:
* Sixth in the nation in total solar megawatts on the utility-side of the meter
* Eighth in the nation in total solar megawatts on the customer-side of the meter
* Ninth in the nation for solar watts per customer on utility-side of the meter
* Eighth in the nation for total solar megawatts and ninth in the nation in total solar watts per customer among investor-owned utilities
“PGE and our customers are committed to integrating more renewable energy, including solar, into our generation portfolio, which will help us reach the state’s renewable energy standards of 25 percent renewables by 2025,” said Bill Nicholson, vice president, customers and economic development, PGE.
“We could not have achieved this important milestone without the hard work and determination of our customers, business partners, community leaders, and the state of Oregon. We are all working together to ensure Oregon becomes a solar leader in everything from solar manufacturing to solar installations for our customers.”
During 2008, PGE installed two major solar installations in Oregon: the nation’s first solar highway project at the I-5/I-205 interchange in Tualatin and the Northwest’s largest rooftop installation in Portland.
The solar highway demonstration project, a collaboration by PGE, US Bank and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), began supplying renewable power in December 2008 to help light the way for drivers at the Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 interchange in Tualatin. The 104-kilowatt photovoltaic system covers about 8,000 square feet — roughly the length of two football fields — and will produce about 112,000 kilowatt hours a year, or 28 percent of the 400,000 kilowatt hours used to light the interchange.
“PGE’s exceptional leadership made it possible for Oregon to complete America’s first solar highway project,” said Allison Hamilton, solar highway project director, ODOT. “No other utility in the nation has made that commitment. Oregon values the innovative public-private partnership pioneered with PGE to power the transportation system of the future.”
The 1.1-megawatt rooftop ProLogis solar project, the largest in the Pacific Northwest, began generating solar power in December 2008. The project, which uses “thin-film” solar panels, is installed on the rooftops of three ProLogis distribution warehouses in northeast Portland and covers more than 328,000 square feet.
Currently, PGE has 6.5 megawatts of solar capacity interconnected in PGE’s operating area with almost 400 solar “net metering” customers (customers who generate their own electricity), which is enough to power 600 homes and offset 4,322 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
SEPA’s full report can be downloaded at www.solarelectricpower.org.
Acterra Honors SolarCity’s Green Business Practices
FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acterra has announced the winners of the prestigious 2009 Business Environmental Awards, identifying SolarCity® as a company that has demonstrated extraordinary environmental leadership. SolarCity, a national leader in solar power system design, financing, installation, monitoring and related services, was named the top medium-sized company in Acterra’s “Environmental Enterprise” category.
The award recognizes SolarCity’s achievements in building a business that is both economically and environmentally sustainable. Because the upfront cost is the largest barrier to adoption of solar power, SolarCity invented a groundbreaking solar lease option (SolarLease™) that can allow homeowners to install solar panels and save money from day one. To foster the spread of solar power, SolarCity also pioneered the community program model to encourage neighbors to adopt solar together and save on installation costs.
SolarCity estimates that the thousands of solar systems it has installed to date will collectively offset more than 600 million pounds of greenhouse gas pollution. In addition to making solar power feasible for thousands of businesses and homeowners, SolarCity’s own business practices offer a green example for other local companies. The company operates a highly fuel-efficient vehicle fleet of hybrids and light trucks. Even the company’s larger installation vans generally maintain better than 25 mile-per-gallon fuel economy. The majority of the company’s sales collateral is digital, and printed materials use recycled paper with soy inks. Excess construction materials are recycled, and the company offers carpool and public transit incentives to employees.
“We founded SolarCity to dramatically increase the adoption of clean power by making solar affordable and accessible for businesses and homeowners, and that is ultimately our greatest contribution to the environment,” said Peter Rive, co-founder and chief operating officer SolarCity. “But being a solar provider doesn’t automatically make a company ‘green’. We try to consider sustainability in every element of our operations, and for that reason, this award is particularly meaningful to us.”
During the rigorous three-month judging process, which involved 25 regional environmental and sustainability experts, the nominees showcased their environmental innovations in six categories including sustainability; sustainable built environment; environmental and sustainability education; environmental enterprise; commute and transportation, and pollution prevention/resource conservation. For information regarding the other award winning programs, please visit www.acterra.org/bea.
“In a very competitive business environment, SolarCity\'s business model makes installation of roof-top solar panels for single family homes affordable and cost effective,” said Robert Douglass, Business Environmental Awards Judging Team Captain. “As a result, families that wanted to reduce their energy bills by using solar panels, but were deterred by the cost, are now signing up in significant numbers. In addition, the management at SolarCity views its role as being supportive of their employees, training them and ensuring that they are equipped with the tools to do their jobs correctly. The judging committee was very impressed with this ‘management from the bottom up’ approach.”
Since 1990, Acterra’s Business Environmental Awards program has recognized over one hundred Bay Area businesses and academic and nonprofit organizations for excellence in environmental leadership. Past winners have included Adobe, Apple, HP, Roche-Palo Alto and Sun Microsystems.
The award recognizes SolarCity’s achievements in building a business that is both economically and environmentally sustainable. Because the upfront cost is the largest barrier to adoption of solar power, SolarCity invented a groundbreaking solar lease option (SolarLease™) that can allow homeowners to install solar panels and save money from day one. To foster the spread of solar power, SolarCity also pioneered the community program model to encourage neighbors to adopt solar together and save on installation costs.
SolarCity estimates that the thousands of solar systems it has installed to date will collectively offset more than 600 million pounds of greenhouse gas pollution. In addition to making solar power feasible for thousands of businesses and homeowners, SolarCity’s own business practices offer a green example for other local companies. The company operates a highly fuel-efficient vehicle fleet of hybrids and light trucks. Even the company’s larger installation vans generally maintain better than 25 mile-per-gallon fuel economy. The majority of the company’s sales collateral is digital, and printed materials use recycled paper with soy inks. Excess construction materials are recycled, and the company offers carpool and public transit incentives to employees.
“We founded SolarCity to dramatically increase the adoption of clean power by making solar affordable and accessible for businesses and homeowners, and that is ultimately our greatest contribution to the environment,” said Peter Rive, co-founder and chief operating officer SolarCity. “But being a solar provider doesn’t automatically make a company ‘green’. We try to consider sustainability in every element of our operations, and for that reason, this award is particularly meaningful to us.”
During the rigorous three-month judging process, which involved 25 regional environmental and sustainability experts, the nominees showcased their environmental innovations in six categories including sustainability; sustainable built environment; environmental and sustainability education; environmental enterprise; commute and transportation, and pollution prevention/resource conservation. For information regarding the other award winning programs, please visit www.acterra.org/bea.
“In a very competitive business environment, SolarCity\'s business model makes installation of roof-top solar panels for single family homes affordable and cost effective,” said Robert Douglass, Business Environmental Awards Judging Team Captain. “As a result, families that wanted to reduce their energy bills by using solar panels, but were deterred by the cost, are now signing up in significant numbers. In addition, the management at SolarCity views its role as being supportive of their employees, training them and ensuring that they are equipped with the tools to do their jobs correctly. The judging committee was very impressed with this ‘management from the bottom up’ approach.”
Since 1990, Acterra’s Business Environmental Awards program has recognized over one hundred Bay Area businesses and academic and nonprofit organizations for excellence in environmental leadership. Past winners have included Adobe, Apple, HP, Roche-Palo Alto and Sun Microsystems.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Owens Corning Installs Largest SolarWall(R) System of 2008
The SolarWall(R) technology is a solar air heating system that uses the sun's energy to heat ventilation air for commercial and industrial buildings. It substantially reduces traditional heating fuel expenses and CO2 emissions, requires no maintenance and lasts more than 30 years. The SolarWall(R) technology was invented by Conserval Engineering, which commercialized solar air heating around the world for the commercial and industrial sector. The SolarWall(R) technology has been used on thousands of projects to date in 30 countries.
The SolarWall(R) system at Owens Corning's
"Owens Corning is wholly dedicated to operating as a sustainable and environmentally friendly company," said Frank O'Brien-Bernini, chief sustainability officer of Owens Corning. "The use of solar energy in
The Owens Corning SolarWall(R) system will displace more than 630 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year. This means that during the 30-year life of the system and the building, Owens Corning will have displaced at least 19,000 tons of CO2 as a result of this one initiative.**
"In a time when a lot of companies are talking green, Owens Corning is walking green," says
National Semiconductor and SunEdison Initiate Trials to Optimize Output of Solar Arrays
SunEdison has initiated field trials in
SunEdison delivers solar energy services to utilities, commercial and government entities by providing a new way to engage in solar energy. The company's customers pay only for the energy produced by its solar power plants. In March of 2008, the company surpassed 100GWh of delivered energy, marking a new milestone for solar energy services in the North American marketplace.
"We're delighted to be working with SunEdison" said
Added Brian Jacolick, GM of the America's of SunEdison, "SolarMagic promises to offer a significant breakthrough on delivered energy for solar arrays. The net effect will be greater savings for our customers. National Semiconductor's leadership in analog and power management will serve SunEdison well as we build on this strength to make continued improvements for the solar industry."
Oerlikon's Advanced Nanotech system SOLARIS revolutionizes production of crystalline solar cells
BALZERS, Liechtenstein--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Oerlikon Systems (SWX:OERL) demonstrates for the first time SOLARIS, a revolutionary production solution that simplifies the manufacturing of crystalline solar cells. “The trick was to combine our vast experience on highly productive optical disc deposition equipment (CD/DVD/Blu-ray) as well as our leading nanocoating technology.” states Andreas Dill, Head of the Business Unit Oerlikon Systems. This resulted in the first single substrate Nanotech Machine designed for mass production. The crystalline solar business is now the first market Oerlikon Systems is targeting with SOLARIS.
Production costs of solar energy do not only depend on cell efficiency but also on the productivity of the manufacturing process. “If we want to significantly reduce costs for solar power to grid parity, we not only have to improve the cell itself but must rethink production”, states Oerlikon Systems head Dill. The existing standard fabrication method for coating crystalline solar cells is based on complex processes with high demands made on cleaning and manual maintenance.
In contrast to these traditional procedures, the SOLARIS system is based on advanced nanotechnology. In solar cell or photovoltaic production with SOLARIS, very thin layers of silicon nitride are applied on the front of the cells. However, the flexibility of SOLARIS also allows coating of the backside with various materials. Each wafer is handled and coated separately. With six coating chambers, a special carrier transport mechanism and a wide range of potential layer material, SOLARIS is not only highly flexible but at the same time enjoys unmatched productivity. The machine is able to treat standard wafer formats from 125mm2 to 156mm2 , with an average amounting up to 1,200 wafers per hour. Changing substrate formats, layer materials or processes takes less than an hour. A new system at a customer site can be ramped up in less than one week.
“With SOLARIS, we for the first time apply advanced nanotechnology in the production of crystalline solar cells”, explains Andreas Dill, Head of Oerlikon Systems – “with enormous advantages for solar cell manufacturing. Firstly, with a size of 2.0 x 3.3 meters, SOLARIS requires 80 % less floor space than competitive solutions. Secondly, the fully automated solution requires minimal maintenance. Thirdly, SOLARIS needs significantly less power (minus 50 percent). Last, but not least, lower maintenance requirements result in a significantly higher uptime.
The benefits of SOLARIS are quite obvious. It’s a revolutionary concept for solar cell manufacturing – the first of many ‘clean technologies’ possible with this new system”, says Dill.
The first solar cell customer, one of the leading solar cell manufacturers, is currently running production tests with SOLARIS. But the Oerlikon development teams have further, specific applications in mind:
* Touch panels: These devices are being integrated in a wide range of applications from smart phones to PCs and refrigerators. SOLARIS applies a key conductive layer and anti-reflective coatings on the touch screen panels.
* Thermoelectrics: These “green energy” devices generate electricity when heated. The thin film layers applied by SOLARIS are efficient at conducting electricity, but not heat, which keeps the device running.
* Energy storage: Actually a family of applications that includes highly efficient (smaller and lighter) thin film batteries and advanced super capacitors for energy storage; SOLARIS provides thin film processes for all of these.
For Oerlikon Systems, SOLARIS opens up a whole new world of advanced nanotechnology applications. “Entering the market of crystalline solar cells is just the beginning”, says Andreas Dill.
For further information see www.oerlikon.com/systems/solaris
Production costs of solar energy do not only depend on cell efficiency but also on the productivity of the manufacturing process. “If we want to significantly reduce costs for solar power to grid parity, we not only have to improve the cell itself but must rethink production”, states Oerlikon Systems head Dill. The existing standard fabrication method for coating crystalline solar cells is based on complex processes with high demands made on cleaning and manual maintenance.
In contrast to these traditional procedures, the SOLARIS system is based on advanced nanotechnology. In solar cell or photovoltaic production with SOLARIS, very thin layers of silicon nitride are applied on the front of the cells. However, the flexibility of SOLARIS also allows coating of the backside with various materials. Each wafer is handled and coated separately. With six coating chambers, a special carrier transport mechanism and a wide range of potential layer material, SOLARIS is not only highly flexible but at the same time enjoys unmatched productivity. The machine is able to treat standard wafer formats from 125mm2 to 156mm2 , with an average amounting up to 1,200 wafers per hour. Changing substrate formats, layer materials or processes takes less than an hour. A new system at a customer site can be ramped up in less than one week.
“With SOLARIS, we for the first time apply advanced nanotechnology in the production of crystalline solar cells”, explains Andreas Dill, Head of Oerlikon Systems – “with enormous advantages for solar cell manufacturing. Firstly, with a size of 2.0 x 3.3 meters, SOLARIS requires 80 % less floor space than competitive solutions. Secondly, the fully automated solution requires minimal maintenance. Thirdly, SOLARIS needs significantly less power (minus 50 percent). Last, but not least, lower maintenance requirements result in a significantly higher uptime.
The benefits of SOLARIS are quite obvious. It’s a revolutionary concept for solar cell manufacturing – the first of many ‘clean technologies’ possible with this new system”, says Dill.
The first solar cell customer, one of the leading solar cell manufacturers, is currently running production tests with SOLARIS. But the Oerlikon development teams have further, specific applications in mind:
* Touch panels: These devices are being integrated in a wide range of applications from smart phones to PCs and refrigerators. SOLARIS applies a key conductive layer and anti-reflective coatings on the touch screen panels.
* Thermoelectrics: These “green energy” devices generate electricity when heated. The thin film layers applied by SOLARIS are efficient at conducting electricity, but not heat, which keeps the device running.
* Energy storage: Actually a family of applications that includes highly efficient (smaller and lighter) thin film batteries and advanced super capacitors for energy storage; SOLARIS provides thin film processes for all of these.
For Oerlikon Systems, SOLARIS opens up a whole new world of advanced nanotechnology applications. “Entering the market of crystalline solar cells is just the beginning”, says Andreas Dill.
For further information see www.oerlikon.com/systems/solaris
Cool Energy Invited to Present Innovative Solar Solution at European Transatlantic Green Platform 2009
BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cool Energy, Inc., a clean energy technology company, today announced it has been selected and confirmed to participate in the Transatlantic Green Platform 2009 (www.transatlanticgreenplatform.com) being held in conjunction with the World Investment Conference in La Baule, France, June 3rd to June 5th 2009.
“We are very excited to have been invited to this year’s prestigious European Transatlantic Green Platform,” said Glenn Booth, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Cool Energy. “Cool Energy’s solar powered heat and power solution is particularly compelling to European customers. The Transatlantic Green Platform will allow us to present our underlying low-temperature Stirling engine technology and full solution to top European corporate executives.”
Hosted by Europe Plus Foundation and Avise Partners, the Transatlantic Green Platform (TGP) will feature some of the world’s most promising clean-tech companies and introduce them to European utility, energy and manufacturing leaders from BP, Total, EDF, Veolia, Siemens, Cool Energy and Renault among others.
This high-profile event will enable Cool Energy’s CEO, Sam Weaver to present and meet with high-level technology and business development executives from Europe\'s largest clean-tech players. “This is an excellent opportunity for Mr. Weaver and Cool Energy to engage with qualified prospects, partners, and investors,” said Jean-Bernard Guerrée, Managing Director at Avise Partners.
TGP 2009 sponsors include Business Wire, Invest in Western France, Europe+ Foundation, Nair & Co Inc., Avenir Finance and Caliber One. Global press coverage includes CNBC Europe, Euronews, Financial Times, LCI, Les Echos, M6, Public Broadcasting Service, Time Magazine and others.
“We are very excited to have been invited to this year’s prestigious European Transatlantic Green Platform,” said Glenn Booth, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Cool Energy. “Cool Energy’s solar powered heat and power solution is particularly compelling to European customers. The Transatlantic Green Platform will allow us to present our underlying low-temperature Stirling engine technology and full solution to top European corporate executives.”
Hosted by Europe Plus Foundation and Avise Partners, the Transatlantic Green Platform (TGP) will feature some of the world’s most promising clean-tech companies and introduce them to European utility, energy and manufacturing leaders from BP, Total, EDF, Veolia, Siemens, Cool Energy and Renault among others.
This high-profile event will enable Cool Energy’s CEO, Sam Weaver to present and meet with high-level technology and business development executives from Europe\'s largest clean-tech players. “This is an excellent opportunity for Mr. Weaver and Cool Energy to engage with qualified prospects, partners, and investors,” said Jean-Bernard Guerrée, Managing Director at Avise Partners.
TGP 2009 sponsors include Business Wire, Invest in Western France, Europe+ Foundation, Nair & Co Inc., Avenir Finance and Caliber One. Global press coverage includes CNBC Europe, Euronews, Financial Times, LCI, Les Echos, M6, Public Broadcasting Service, Time Magazine and others.
Satcon Powers Hawaii’s Largest Solar Farm
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Satcon (NASDAQ CM: SATC), a leading provider of utility scale distributed power solutions for the renewable energy market, announced today that their industry leading PowerGate® Plus Spectrum micro grid solution has been selected to power La Ola Hawaii’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) farm and Micro-Grid on the island of Lana’i. The 1.2 megawatt (MW) installation sits on a 10 acre site in south Lana’i on the Palawai Basin and is the first solar photovoltaic power plant to be controlled remotely by a utility, Maui Electric Company, Ltd. (MECO).
The micro grid developed, coordinated and operated by Lanai Sustainability Research, LLC, through its managing member, Castle & Cooke Solar Management, LLC, and designed and built by California-based SunPower, is expected to produce enough solar energy to supply up to 30 percent of the island’s electric demand. The advanced control capabilities and optimized power efficiencies of Satcon’s Spectrum micro grid solution, combined with SunPower’s solar tracking system, will increase the energy capture of the farm by more than 500,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually.
“Our goal of helping the state of Hawaii achieve energy independence has taken a significant step forward with the La Ola solar farm in Lana’i,” said Harry Saunders, President of Castle & Cooke Solar Management. “Satcon was the obvious partner choice for this project as we assembled a team of the industry’s most innovative minds to pioneer our micro grid solution. The combination of their deep expertise within solar power conversion, their experience with successful large scale renewable to grid interconnection, and their proven PowerGate Plus solutions helped enable our team to solve the challenges that faced us as we constructed a stable and reliable island grid built on a solar energy framework.”
The solar farm builds on the progress of Governor Lingle\'s Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative; an unprecedented state partnership launched in January 2008 with the U.S. Department of Energy which aims to have 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy needs come from clean sources by 2030. Satcon’s Spectrum channels renewable power into the Maui Electric Company grid, resulting in an increase of 14.4 percent of installed electric generating capacity to the island. La Ola offers an offset equivalent to burning 202,400 gallons of diesel fuel, thereby avoiding 4.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emission annually.
“We are honored to be a part of this best in class team of solar power innovators who are successfully supplying stable, high quality renewable power locally, at the point of demand,” said Leo Casey, Chief Technology Officer of Satcon. “What we have achieved with MECO and Castle & Cooke is a significant advancement in solving renewable energy challenges of intermittency and power storage and will ensure uninterrupted utility-grade renewable energy to deliver the energy security, reliability, safety, sustainability and cost effectiveness required for the island.”
“The La Ola, Lanai’s Solar Farm, will offer visibility to utilities around the world about how to successfully integrate solar PV power plants into the grid at high penetration levels,” said Jean Wilson, Vice President and General Manager of Utilities and Power Plants at SunPower Corp. “Satcon’s inverters provide low voltage ride-through as well as the production and consumption of reactive power, both of which are crucial to grid operation in this application, as the solar farm will provide up to 30 percent of peak generation on Lana’i. We believe that the solar power plant solution Castle & Cooke, MECO, Satcon and SunPower jointly developed will be the foundation for planning rapid growth in deployment of solar PV power plants around the world.”
The micro grid developed, coordinated and operated by Lanai Sustainability Research, LLC, through its managing member, Castle & Cooke Solar Management, LLC, and designed and built by California-based SunPower, is expected to produce enough solar energy to supply up to 30 percent of the island’s electric demand. The advanced control capabilities and optimized power efficiencies of Satcon’s Spectrum micro grid solution, combined with SunPower’s solar tracking system, will increase the energy capture of the farm by more than 500,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually.
“Our goal of helping the state of Hawaii achieve energy independence has taken a significant step forward with the La Ola solar farm in Lana’i,” said Harry Saunders, President of Castle & Cooke Solar Management. “Satcon was the obvious partner choice for this project as we assembled a team of the industry’s most innovative minds to pioneer our micro grid solution. The combination of their deep expertise within solar power conversion, their experience with successful large scale renewable to grid interconnection, and their proven PowerGate Plus solutions helped enable our team to solve the challenges that faced us as we constructed a stable and reliable island grid built on a solar energy framework.”
The solar farm builds on the progress of Governor Lingle\'s Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative; an unprecedented state partnership launched in January 2008 with the U.S. Department of Energy which aims to have 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy needs come from clean sources by 2030. Satcon’s Spectrum channels renewable power into the Maui Electric Company grid, resulting in an increase of 14.4 percent of installed electric generating capacity to the island. La Ola offers an offset equivalent to burning 202,400 gallons of diesel fuel, thereby avoiding 4.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emission annually.
“We are honored to be a part of this best in class team of solar power innovators who are successfully supplying stable, high quality renewable power locally, at the point of demand,” said Leo Casey, Chief Technology Officer of Satcon. “What we have achieved with MECO and Castle & Cooke is a significant advancement in solving renewable energy challenges of intermittency and power storage and will ensure uninterrupted utility-grade renewable energy to deliver the energy security, reliability, safety, sustainability and cost effectiveness required for the island.”
“The La Ola, Lanai’s Solar Farm, will offer visibility to utilities around the world about how to successfully integrate solar PV power plants into the grid at high penetration levels,” said Jean Wilson, Vice President and General Manager of Utilities and Power Plants at SunPower Corp. “Satcon’s inverters provide low voltage ride-through as well as the production and consumption of reactive power, both of which are crucial to grid operation in this application, as the solar farm will provide up to 30 percent of peak generation on Lana’i. We believe that the solar power plant solution Castle & Cooke, MECO, Satcon and SunPower jointly developed will be the foundation for planning rapid growth in deployment of solar PV power plants around the world.”
KYOCERA Solar Modules Help Power Morristown, N.J., Wastewater Treatment Plant to be Inaugurated Today
MORRISTOWN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Morristown, N.J., Wastewater Treatment Facility will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Thursday, May 28, 2009 for its new solar electric generating system –the town’s first publicly owned system – amid an audience of elected officials, local dignitaries and representatives of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Clean Energy Program. The celebration will take place at 1:00 p.m. on the facility grounds at 80 East Hanover Ave. in Cedar Knolls.
Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello, who championed the effort to install the system, reports that it will be green for the environment and green for Morristown’s taxpayers.
“This project saves taxpayer money,” Cresitello stated. “By reducing energy costs at the wastewater treatment facility, and bringing new revenue from sales of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, the system will pay for itself within 10 years.”
A New Jersey Clean Energy Program rebate of $1,464,734 significantly lowered the project’s net cost. The 578-kilowatt solar installation will provide approximately 40% of the electricity necessary to run the plant from the clean, renewable power of sunlight, saving the town a minimum of $90,000 a year. Additionally, the project will qualify for more than 600 Solar Renewable Energy Certificates per year to help offset the cost of the system, contributing up to $384,000 in the first year alone.
The system includes 2,550 Kyocera solar modules (205-watt KD205GX-LP and 200-watt KC200GT models) on ground-mounted arrays and carport structures, with 390 other modules making up the balance of the installation. The entire system is expected to produce more than 635,800 kilowatt hours per year — enough to power about 73 typical New Jersey households. By offsetting an estimated 359 metric tons of CO2 emissions, the system’s carbon impact is equivalent to removing 81 cars from the road.
During the event’s inauguration, Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC, the system integrator, will display the system’s real-time, online energy monitoring system. The state-of-the-art SunFlow Monitor™ by Noveda Technologies will track the amount of electricity being generated, along with the facility’s power consumption and the efficiency of the solar photovoltaic system.
“Kyocera is committed to environmental preservation, and we’re proud to help convert unusable space into a source of clean energy,” stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. “We are pleased to join Vanguard Energy Partners in contributing to New Jersey’s renewable energy goals with installations that reflect a growing trend.”
Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello, who championed the effort to install the system, reports that it will be green for the environment and green for Morristown’s taxpayers.
“This project saves taxpayer money,” Cresitello stated. “By reducing energy costs at the wastewater treatment facility, and bringing new revenue from sales of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, the system will pay for itself within 10 years.”
A New Jersey Clean Energy Program rebate of $1,464,734 significantly lowered the project’s net cost. The 578-kilowatt solar installation will provide approximately 40% of the electricity necessary to run the plant from the clean, renewable power of sunlight, saving the town a minimum of $90,000 a year. Additionally, the project will qualify for more than 600 Solar Renewable Energy Certificates per year to help offset the cost of the system, contributing up to $384,000 in the first year alone.
The system includes 2,550 Kyocera solar modules (205-watt KD205GX-LP and 200-watt KC200GT models) on ground-mounted arrays and carport structures, with 390 other modules making up the balance of the installation. The entire system is expected to produce more than 635,800 kilowatt hours per year — enough to power about 73 typical New Jersey households. By offsetting an estimated 359 metric tons of CO2 emissions, the system’s carbon impact is equivalent to removing 81 cars from the road.
During the event’s inauguration, Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC, the system integrator, will display the system’s real-time, online energy monitoring system. The state-of-the-art SunFlow Monitor™ by Noveda Technologies will track the amount of electricity being generated, along with the facility’s power consumption and the efficiency of the solar photovoltaic system.
“Kyocera is committed to environmental preservation, and we’re proud to help convert unusable space into a source of clean energy,” stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. “We are pleased to join Vanguard Energy Partners in contributing to New Jersey’s renewable energy goals with installations that reflect a growing trend.”
Signet Solar and Moncada Energy Group Execute Definitive Supply Agreement
MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Signet Solar and Moncada Energy Group today announced that the two companies have executed a definitive supply agreement for Signet to supply a minimum of 7.7MWp of its Gen 8.5 thin film modules before the end of 2009 and a continued supply relationship in 2010 and beyond. Moncada, the largest Sicilian producer of wind power (over 100MW) with projects focused in renewable energy across all of Europe, will deploy the purchased thin film modules in large solar PV farms beneath the towers of their wind farms to allow both the panels and the wind turbines to use the same infrastructure in place to collect energy for, what Moncada calls, “double-harvesting renewable energy.”
\"Our deployments will be the world’s first large scale installation of certified Gen 8.5 size (2.2 m x 2.6 m) modules,” said Salvatore Moncada, CEO of the Moncada Energy Group. “We believe that using these large modules in solar farms will allow for the lowest cost structure per installed watt due to the advances Signet Solar has made in thin film technology and module efficiency, and we are excited to work with Signet over the long term.”
“We are thoroughly excited to work with Moncada Energy Group, who falls perfectly into our strategy of being the world’s leader in providing thin film PV solutions for solar farms,\" said Gunter Ziegenbalg, Managing Director of Signet Solar. “We believe this kind of commitment is a testament to our extremely strong quality and reliability, and our customer first approach.\"
\"Our deployments will be the world’s first large scale installation of certified Gen 8.5 size (2.2 m x 2.6 m) modules,” said Salvatore Moncada, CEO of the Moncada Energy Group. “We believe that using these large modules in solar farms will allow for the lowest cost structure per installed watt due to the advances Signet Solar has made in thin film technology and module efficiency, and we are excited to work with Signet over the long term.”
“We are thoroughly excited to work with Moncada Energy Group, who falls perfectly into our strategy of being the world’s leader in providing thin film PV solutions for solar farms,\" said Gunter Ziegenbalg, Managing Director of Signet Solar. “We believe this kind of commitment is a testament to our extremely strong quality and reliability, and our customer first approach.\"
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Silver Spring Networks Names Solar Industry Veteran Thomas H. Werner to Its Board of Directors
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Silver Spring Networks, a leading Smart Grid networking solutions company, announced today that Thomas H. Werner, CEO of SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB), has joined its Board of Directors. Werner’s addition will lend the powerful and important voice of the renewable energy industry to Silver Spring Networks’ Board of Directors.
Werner has served as SunPower’s chief executive officer and as a member of the SunPower Board of Directors since June of 2003. Under his direction, SunPower has become a global leader in developing high-efficiency solar solutions for homes, businesses, commercial buildings and utility-scale power plants.
“We are thrilled to have Tom as the newest member of our Board,” said Scott Lang, President and CEO of Silver Spring Networks. “One of the most important benefits of a Smart Grid is that it enables utilities and their customers to integrate clean, renewable energy into our electric grid. SunPower is a true leader in solar energy solutions and we are very pleased to have Tom’s industry perspective.”
Prior to joining SunPower, Werner was chief executive officer of Silicon Light Machines, Inc., an optical solutions subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation. Previously, he was vice president and general manager of the Business Connectivity Group at 3Com Corp., a network solutions company. Werner has also held a number of executive management positions at Oak Industries, Inc., and General Electric Co., and currently serves as a Board member for Cree, Inc. and Silicon Valley Leadership Group.
“Silver Spring Networks’ technology gives utilities the ability to measure and monitor every device on the grid that transmits and consumes energy. This is vital to the safe, effective integration of solar and other types of renewable energy into our nation’s electric grid,” said Werner. “Silver Spring Networks has established itself as the leader in end-to-end Smart Grid network solutions and I am honored to be a part of their Board of Directors.”
Tom joins some of the industry’s most progressive leaders in policy, innovation and the financial sector, including:
Scott Lang, Chairman, President and CEO
Warren Weiss, Board Member
Adam Grosser, Board Member
Thomas R. Kuhn, Board Member
Corbin A. McNeill, Jr., Board Member
Ben Kortlang, Board Member
Silver Spring Networks provides an open-standards based, end-to-end Smart Grid networking solution including hardware, software and services, to US and international utility customers including Florida Power & Light Company, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Pepco Holdings Inc., Jemena Electricity Networks Limited and United Energy Distribution, among others.
Werner has served as SunPower’s chief executive officer and as a member of the SunPower Board of Directors since June of 2003. Under his direction, SunPower has become a global leader in developing high-efficiency solar solutions for homes, businesses, commercial buildings and utility-scale power plants.
“We are thrilled to have Tom as the newest member of our Board,” said Scott Lang, President and CEO of Silver Spring Networks. “One of the most important benefits of a Smart Grid is that it enables utilities and their customers to integrate clean, renewable energy into our electric grid. SunPower is a true leader in solar energy solutions and we are very pleased to have Tom’s industry perspective.”
Prior to joining SunPower, Werner was chief executive officer of Silicon Light Machines, Inc., an optical solutions subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation. Previously, he was vice president and general manager of the Business Connectivity Group at 3Com Corp., a network solutions company. Werner has also held a number of executive management positions at Oak Industries, Inc., and General Electric Co., and currently serves as a Board member for Cree, Inc. and Silicon Valley Leadership Group.
“Silver Spring Networks’ technology gives utilities the ability to measure and monitor every device on the grid that transmits and consumes energy. This is vital to the safe, effective integration of solar and other types of renewable energy into our nation’s electric grid,” said Werner. “Silver Spring Networks has established itself as the leader in end-to-end Smart Grid network solutions and I am honored to be a part of their Board of Directors.”
Tom joins some of the industry’s most progressive leaders in policy, innovation and the financial sector, including:
Scott Lang, Chairman, President and CEO
Warren Weiss, Board Member
Adam Grosser, Board Member
Thomas R. Kuhn, Board Member
Corbin A. McNeill, Jr., Board Member
Ben Kortlang, Board Member
Silver Spring Networks provides an open-standards based, end-to-end Smart Grid networking solution including hardware, software and services, to US and international utility customers including Florida Power & Light Company, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Pepco Holdings Inc., Jemena Electricity Networks Limited and United Energy Distribution, among others.
SolFocus Becomes First Company to Receive IEC Certification on Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) Modules
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SolFocus, the leading developer of Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) systems, announced today that its SF-1000P module is the first CPV product to meet the rigorous performance, qualification, and safety standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62108 standard. The IEC is the world’s leading organization that prepares and publishes international standards for electrical and electronic technologies.
“The real-world testing conducted for the IEC CPV standard proves that SolFocus systems meet both the performance, qualification, and reliability criteria, critical in bringing CPV to a truly global scale,” said Mark Crowley, president and chief executive officer of SolFocus. “We have already proven that CPV can yield nearly twice the efficiency of traditional PV systems, but meeting the IEC’s rigorous CPV requirements proves that SolFocus systems can perform consistently across a variety of climates and environments. This validation sends a message to developers, investors and customers that CPV is on track to global commercialization.”
The IEC 62108 standard for photovoltaic concentrators and receivers was created to verify the safety, photoelectric performance and environmental reliability of panels designed with CPV technology and ready to be introduced to this emerging marketplace. The standard was designed to be universal, taking into account different environments and manufacturing technologies across geographies.
The SolFocus system was shown to meet all requirements of the IEC 62108 standard, which specifies the design qualification and type approval of concentrator photovoltaic modules and assemblies suitable for long-term operation in general open-air climates. The electrical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the SolFocus CPV system were shown to be safe, high-performing and capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in varied climates.
Certification specialist Six 9’s Reliable, L.L.C. and Photovoltaic Testing Lab TÜV Rheinland PTL worked with SolFocus in achieving this first of its kind IEC CPV certification.
In addition to certification to the IEC standard, SolFocus has also just had its SF-1100 modules approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) to be placed on the Eligible California Solar Initiative (CSI) Solar Electric Equipment List. This listing assures customers that the solar equipment has been thoroughly tested for safety and meets the requirements of the CEC. SolFocus remains the only CPV system manufacturer to achieve CEC listing, which is required for customers in California to receive rebates for energy produced by solar systems.
The SolFocus CPV design employs a system of reflective optics to concentrate sunlight 650 times onto small, highly efficient solar cells. SolFocus systems use approximately 1/1,000th of the active, expensive solar cell material compared to traditional photovoltaic panels and is built primarily with readily available and cost-effective materials such as aluminum and glass, delivering zero emissions energy, with the lowest carbon footprint in manufacturing being over 97-percent recyclable.
“The real-world testing conducted for the IEC CPV standard proves that SolFocus systems meet both the performance, qualification, and reliability criteria, critical in bringing CPV to a truly global scale,” said Mark Crowley, president and chief executive officer of SolFocus. “We have already proven that CPV can yield nearly twice the efficiency of traditional PV systems, but meeting the IEC’s rigorous CPV requirements proves that SolFocus systems can perform consistently across a variety of climates and environments. This validation sends a message to developers, investors and customers that CPV is on track to global commercialization.”
The IEC 62108 standard for photovoltaic concentrators and receivers was created to verify the safety, photoelectric performance and environmental reliability of panels designed with CPV technology and ready to be introduced to this emerging marketplace. The standard was designed to be universal, taking into account different environments and manufacturing technologies across geographies.
The SolFocus system was shown to meet all requirements of the IEC 62108 standard, which specifies the design qualification and type approval of concentrator photovoltaic modules and assemblies suitable for long-term operation in general open-air climates. The electrical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the SolFocus CPV system were shown to be safe, high-performing and capable of withstanding prolonged exposure in varied climates.
Certification specialist Six 9’s Reliable, L.L.C. and Photovoltaic Testing Lab TÜV Rheinland PTL worked with SolFocus in achieving this first of its kind IEC CPV certification.
In addition to certification to the IEC standard, SolFocus has also just had its SF-1100 modules approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) to be placed on the Eligible California Solar Initiative (CSI) Solar Electric Equipment List. This listing assures customers that the solar equipment has been thoroughly tested for safety and meets the requirements of the CEC. SolFocus remains the only CPV system manufacturer to achieve CEC listing, which is required for customers in California to receive rebates for energy produced by solar systems.
The SolFocus CPV design employs a system of reflective optics to concentrate sunlight 650 times onto small, highly efficient solar cells. SolFocus systems use approximately 1/1,000th of the active, expensive solar cell material compared to traditional photovoltaic panels and is built primarily with readily available and cost-effective materials such as aluminum and glass, delivering zero emissions energy, with the lowest carbon footprint in manufacturing being over 97-percent recyclable.
Spire Receives U.S. Patent for Nanophotovoltaic Devices
BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR), a global solar company providing turnkey solar factories and capital equipment to manufacture photovoltaic modules worldwide, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 7,514,725 B2 entitled “Nanophotovoltaic Devices.”
This patent is for nanophotovoltaic devices formed from silicon or gallium arsenide having sizes in a range of about 50 nanometers to about 5 microns, and method of their fabrication.
Although there are a number of applications, the patent describes one application which is to inject nanophotovoltaic devices into diseased tissue, e.g., cancerous tissue, and activate these cells by the use of suitable radiation. These cells will generate electric fields in the tissue, causing a disruption of the cancerous cells.
Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire Corporations, and co-inventor, said, “This is an extension of our solar energy technology into biotherapeutics. Functionalized nanophotovoltaic devices can go to cancerous cells in the body and when exposed to tissue penetrating light, may provide sufficient electrical energy to destroy the cells. We are continuing to exploit this technology in our research and development activities.”
This patent is for nanophotovoltaic devices formed from silicon or gallium arsenide having sizes in a range of about 50 nanometers to about 5 microns, and method of their fabrication.
Although there are a number of applications, the patent describes one application which is to inject nanophotovoltaic devices into diseased tissue, e.g., cancerous tissue, and activate these cells by the use of suitable radiation. These cells will generate electric fields in the tissue, causing a disruption of the cancerous cells.
Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire Corporations, and co-inventor, said, “This is an extension of our solar energy technology into biotherapeutics. Functionalized nanophotovoltaic devices can go to cancerous cells in the body and when exposed to tissue penetrating light, may provide sufficient electrical energy to destroy the cells. We are continuing to exploit this technology in our research and development activities.”
New Record for Oerlikon Solar’s Micromorph® Technology
MUNICH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oerlikon Solar, the world’s leading supplier of thin film silicon photovoltaic (PV) production equipment, today announced that it has achieved a new record efficiency level for commercial thin film silicon PV modules. Recent test results from Oerlikon Solar’s pilot production line in Switzerland show that full-size Micromorph modules (1.4 m2) have 151 Watts initial power, or 11 percent initial power conversion efficiency. This result sets a new industry record for production thin film silicon modules. Oerlikon Solar was able to consistently reproduce modules with similar record results, demonstrating a stable and scalable process. “This achievement clearly demonstrates Oerlikon Solar’s technical leadership and is another key milestone on our path to grid parity”, stated Jeannine Sargent, CEO of Oerlikon Solar. Oerlikon Solar has previously announced an ambitious production cost target of USD 0.70 per Watt peak and is on track to achieve this target by end of 2010. Increased module efficiency and power are key contributors to this goal.
The excellent performance of the record modules demonstrates the advantage of Oerlikon Solar’s end to end manufacturing solution. Oerlikon Solar’s advanced PV technologies and process integration know-how result in an optimized manufacturing solution that is able to achieve higher conversion efficiencies and lower cost of ownership. An example of this technology optimization is Oerlikon Solar’s integration of a proprietary process to deposit high-quality transparent conducting oxide (TCO) on the front and back surfaces of the active thin film silicon junction. This TCO is engineered to optimize the performance of the Micromorph technology by improving light transmittance and light scattering, resulting in maximum efficiency and electricity output.
Success through best in class technology
Oerlikon Solar is the world leader in silicon-based thin film solar technology and end-to-end manufacturing solutions with 10 established customers in operation or ramp up worldwide representing 600 MWp of yearly production capacity, enough to power 480,000 households. This record panel is the latest result of this ongoing development program and reinforces Oerlikon Solar’s role as a technology and market leader.
Oerlikon Solar’s end-to-end solution as key enabler
“We successfully implemented several modifications of key processes of our end-to-end production line, leading to the increase in initial power output and efficiency,” emphasized Dr. Juerg Henz, Head of Thin Film Engineering and Operations at Oerlikon Solar. “We are confident that our ability to repeatedly achieve record results can be transferred into mass production soon.”
Low Cost, High Performance Technology
Oerlikon Solar’s IEC certified Micromorph® technology significantly boosts solar cell efficiency by adding a second microcrystalline absorber to the amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer. This layer converts the energy of the red and near-infrared spectrum, facilitating efficiency increases of up to 50 percent. The Micromorph technology also bolsters overall module power, enabling a growing number of PV module manufacturers around the globe to produce cost-effective high-performance thin film silicon solar modules.
“Just one more milestone in Oerlikon Solar’s mission to make Solar Power economically viable.”
The excellent performance of the record modules demonstrates the advantage of Oerlikon Solar’s end to end manufacturing solution. Oerlikon Solar’s advanced PV technologies and process integration know-how result in an optimized manufacturing solution that is able to achieve higher conversion efficiencies and lower cost of ownership. An example of this technology optimization is Oerlikon Solar’s integration of a proprietary process to deposit high-quality transparent conducting oxide (TCO) on the front and back surfaces of the active thin film silicon junction. This TCO is engineered to optimize the performance of the Micromorph technology by improving light transmittance and light scattering, resulting in maximum efficiency and electricity output.
Success through best in class technology
Oerlikon Solar is the world leader in silicon-based thin film solar technology and end-to-end manufacturing solutions with 10 established customers in operation or ramp up worldwide representing 600 MWp of yearly production capacity, enough to power 480,000 households. This record panel is the latest result of this ongoing development program and reinforces Oerlikon Solar’s role as a technology and market leader.
Oerlikon Solar’s end-to-end solution as key enabler
“We successfully implemented several modifications of key processes of our end-to-end production line, leading to the increase in initial power output and efficiency,” emphasized Dr. Juerg Henz, Head of Thin Film Engineering and Operations at Oerlikon Solar. “We are confident that our ability to repeatedly achieve record results can be transferred into mass production soon.”
Low Cost, High Performance Technology
Oerlikon Solar’s IEC certified Micromorph® technology significantly boosts solar cell efficiency by adding a second microcrystalline absorber to the amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer. This layer converts the energy of the red and near-infrared spectrum, facilitating efficiency increases of up to 50 percent. The Micromorph technology also bolsters overall module power, enabling a growing number of PV module manufacturers around the globe to produce cost-effective high-performance thin film silicon solar modules.
“Just one more milestone in Oerlikon Solar’s mission to make Solar Power economically viable.”
EVSO: Congress Picks Winners and Losers in the Energy Industries
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evolution Solar Corporation (PinkSheets: EVSO). Congress is nearing the passage of the Waxman-Markey bill that will produce winners and losers in the utility and energy sectors. Companies in the solar and wind industries are expected to be the big winners when the legislation is completed.
The bill proposes to require utilities to obtain 6% of their power from renewable sources by 2012 and 20% by 2020. This is expected to accelerate demand for solar farms and solar technologies in the near term.
“It never hurts to have powerful friends,” stated Robert Kaapke, CEO of Evolution Solar Corp. “We are glad to see that congress is putting the full force of the U.S. government behind alternative electrical power which will have to come almost entirely from solar and wind power.”
US solar leaders are expected to strongly support the current proposals including companies such as SunTech (NYSE: STP - News) and Energy Conversion Devices (NASDAQ: ENER - News).
The bill proposes to require utilities to obtain 6% of their power from renewable sources by 2012 and 20% by 2020. This is expected to accelerate demand for solar farms and solar technologies in the near term.
“It never hurts to have powerful friends,” stated Robert Kaapke, CEO of Evolution Solar Corp. “We are glad to see that congress is putting the full force of the U.S. government behind alternative electrical power which will have to come almost entirely from solar and wind power.”
US solar leaders are expected to strongly support the current proposals including companies such as SunTech (NYSE: STP - News) and Energy Conversion Devices (NASDAQ: ENER - News).
Evergreen Solar Rolls Out New Brand Campaign at Intersolar in Munich, Germany
MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESLR), a manufacturer of String Ribbon™ solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology, will use Intersolar, one of the world’s largest solar trade shows, to roll out its new brand campaign.
Evergreen Solar’s new positioning calls attention to the company’s promise to provide panels that not only perform well in the lab or on a spec sheet but deliver more electricity in the real world, while highlighting the fact that the panels have the lowest carbon footprint and quickest energy payback of any silicon based solar panel ever manufactured. A new theme, “More Electricity, Less Impact” will be featured in all Evergreen Solar advertising and promotional material to help bring the positioning to life.
The show, which will take place in Munich, Germany, from May 27-29, will also serve as a platform for Evergreen Solar to display its new black-framed ES-A Series String Ribbon solar panels, which will be available for viewing throughout Intersolar at the company’s booth located in Hall A1 stand 310.
The ES-A line of panels are a perfect example of the new positioning. The ES-A series panels include features like the best power tolerance available in the industry (-0/+2.5%), anti-reflective treated glass that helps the panel deliver more electricity throughout the day and one of the best temperature ratings for crystalline silicon panels. As a result String Ribbon panels received high rankings in recent TÜV and Photon performance tests. All Evergreen Solar panels are made using its proprietary silicon wafer technology which the Energy Research Foundation of the Netherlands just confirmed is the most environmentally-friendly manufacturing process for silicon based panels.
“When people purchase solar panels, they’re really buying electricity. It’s the expectation of the customer that the panels they purchase deliver the power that is promised and the electricity that is expected. Our ES-A series String Ribbon panels do exactly that and more, delivering more electricity while having the least impact on the environment of any silicon based panel,” said Dr. Terry Bailey, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales. “The ES-A series panels have been extremely well received and enhancing the product with a black frame makes these panels even more appealing.”
All panels in the ES-A series are produced at Evergreen Solar’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the USA and use the company’s proprietary Quad furnaces to create the solar wafers.
Evergreen Solar’s new positioning calls attention to the company’s promise to provide panels that not only perform well in the lab or on a spec sheet but deliver more electricity in the real world, while highlighting the fact that the panels have the lowest carbon footprint and quickest energy payback of any silicon based solar panel ever manufactured. A new theme, “More Electricity, Less Impact” will be featured in all Evergreen Solar advertising and promotional material to help bring the positioning to life.
The show, which will take place in Munich, Germany, from May 27-29, will also serve as a platform for Evergreen Solar to display its new black-framed ES-A Series String Ribbon solar panels, which will be available for viewing throughout Intersolar at the company’s booth located in Hall A1 stand 310.
The ES-A line of panels are a perfect example of the new positioning. The ES-A series panels include features like the best power tolerance available in the industry (-0/+2.5%), anti-reflective treated glass that helps the panel deliver more electricity throughout the day and one of the best temperature ratings for crystalline silicon panels. As a result String Ribbon panels received high rankings in recent TÜV and Photon performance tests. All Evergreen Solar panels are made using its proprietary silicon wafer technology which the Energy Research Foundation of the Netherlands just confirmed is the most environmentally-friendly manufacturing process for silicon based panels.
“When people purchase solar panels, they’re really buying electricity. It’s the expectation of the customer that the panels they purchase deliver the power that is promised and the electricity that is expected. Our ES-A series String Ribbon panels do exactly that and more, delivering more electricity while having the least impact on the environment of any silicon based panel,” said Dr. Terry Bailey, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales. “The ES-A series panels have been extremely well received and enhancing the product with a black frame makes these panels even more appealing.”
All panels in the ES-A series are produced at Evergreen Solar’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the USA and use the company’s proprietary Quad furnaces to create the solar wafers.
Solar Power, Inc. Enters into Sales Representation Agreement with Peja Stojaković’s Global Energy Services for Solar Product Sales in Greece and the Balkans
ROSEVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Power, Inc. (“SPI”) (OTCBB: SOPW) an international manufacturer, designer, distributor and installer of photovoltaic (PV) solar systems announced today that they have entered into an agreement with Global Energy Services (GES) to represent SPI’s unique line of solar products throughout Greece and the Balkans. Global Energy Services is NBA star Peja Stojaković’s newly formed company, dedicated to bringing affordable, renewable energy solutions to the region. GES will serve as the exclusive representative of SPI’s product line that includes highly efficient solar modules, SkyMountTM non-penetrating commercial mounting system and PeaqTM, SPI’s proprietary solar canopy system for covered parking areas. Peja will be present this week at Solar Power, Inc.’s exhibit, booth stand A2.557, at InterSolar 2009 in Munich, Germany.
“We are very pleased that Peja and his Global Energy Solutions organization have joined with SPI as we expand our international distribution network into a part of the world where demand for solar is growing rapidly. Peja’s remarkable career in the NBA and his outstanding leadership skills makes him a perfect ambassador for solar energy and Solar Power, Inc.’s proprietary line of innovative solar products,” said Steve Kircher, CEO of Solar Power, Inc. “Peja and the team he’s put together at GES are very strong and we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities they are developing throughout their territory.”
Peja Stojaković has been in the NBA for ten years. A majority of his NBA career was with the Sacramento Kings where he was a star player and leading scorer. Mr. Stojaković continues to distinguish himself as small forward for the New Orleans Hornets. The GES organization will deploy renewable energy solutions to the Balkans and Greece and be the exclusive Solar Power, Inc. representative throughout the region. “Solar Power, Inc. has an innovative line of photovoltaic solar energy products that are associated with very high-quality products and performance standards,” said Stojaković. “These are the standards I have built my career on and they have served me well. I look forward to a long and successful relationship with the SPI team.”
Solar Power, Inc. and the GES team, including Peja Stojaković, will be present this week at Europe’s largest solar trade show, InterSolar 2009 in Munich, Germany. SPI’s line of innovative solar products will be represented at the show. Visitors can learn more about the SPI and GES relationship and meet Peja at SPI’s exhibit in hall A2 at booth stand 557.
“We are very pleased that Peja and his Global Energy Solutions organization have joined with SPI as we expand our international distribution network into a part of the world where demand for solar is growing rapidly. Peja’s remarkable career in the NBA and his outstanding leadership skills makes him a perfect ambassador for solar energy and Solar Power, Inc.’s proprietary line of innovative solar products,” said Steve Kircher, CEO of Solar Power, Inc. “Peja and the team he’s put together at GES are very strong and we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities they are developing throughout their territory.”
Peja Stojaković has been in the NBA for ten years. A majority of his NBA career was with the Sacramento Kings where he was a star player and leading scorer. Mr. Stojaković continues to distinguish himself as small forward for the New Orleans Hornets. The GES organization will deploy renewable energy solutions to the Balkans and Greece and be the exclusive Solar Power, Inc. representative throughout the region. “Solar Power, Inc. has an innovative line of photovoltaic solar energy products that are associated with very high-quality products and performance standards,” said Stojaković. “These are the standards I have built my career on and they have served me well. I look forward to a long and successful relationship with the SPI team.”
Solar Power, Inc. and the GES team, including Peja Stojaković, will be present this week at Europe’s largest solar trade show, InterSolar 2009 in Munich, Germany. SPI’s line of innovative solar products will be represented at the show. Visitors can learn more about the SPI and GES relationship and meet Peja at SPI’s exhibit in hall A2 at booth stand 557.
RSi Unveils SuperPV: The World’s Most Powerful Commercial Solar Module at Inter-Solar 2009 (Munich)
MUNICH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rainbow Solar Inc. (RSi), the innovative clean energy company that introduced the world’s first transparent PV window announces the SuperPV: a breakthrough technology that increases the power generation of silicon solar cells by 60 - 200%.
This extraordinary gain in power output has been confirmed by Osaka University’s Center for Advanced Science and Innovation (CASI). “To the best of my knowledge,” reported Dr. Shozo Yanagida – Japan’s leading photovoltaic scientist, “the SuperPV is the only technology to have produced such results.”
As we approach the physical limits of silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) technology, even a 3% output gain has become extremely difficult to achieve. ThinFilm PV is even less efficient. The 60%+ power-generation increase made possible by the SuperPV is nothing short of revolutionary, “a milestone in solar technology”.
Under low-light conditions, SuperPV modules consistently generate a much more constant electrical output regardless of sunlight fluctuation and drop-offs than identical modules not equipped with the SuperPV. During peak sun periods, the SuperPV consistently generated power above sunlight levels.
California Summary days can stop power-generation on conventional solar panels caused by over-heating. CASI observed a phenomenon that SuperPV cause a ‘cooling-effect’ on the module, where the SuperPV recorded “astonishing” results of more than 200% power-output gain under strong sunlight conditions.
“Given its substantial benefits and broad compatibility, I expect that the SuperPV will become an integral component of all future photovoltaic modules,” predicts Professor Yanagida.
The implications of the SuperPV are enormous for the entire energy industry, beyond grid-tied applications: the SuperPV-BIPV can lead to self-powered buildings with utility class of solar energy, introduced at the ICSC Recon event in Las Vegas on May 18, 2009.
“Speaking also, as a special guest in both presentations…RSi Solar gave a stunning overview related to Solar Windows and SuperPV breakthrough technology. Representative of the accelerating advances in the Solar Industry, Pierce presented some compelling statistics demonstrating what could only be considered as a quantum leap in solar efficiency and overall viability.” - Timothy Boe, AIA (www.eco-tects.com)
RSi SuperPV-Module will be at the INTER-SOLAR, New Munich Trade fair center, Hall B6
No: B6.187, Booth Name: Thrust Energy Corporation (OTCBB:TEGC)/RSi-ZTC ENERGY (GmbH/Cz)
This extraordinary gain in power output has been confirmed by Osaka University’s Center for Advanced Science and Innovation (CASI). “To the best of my knowledge,” reported Dr. Shozo Yanagida – Japan’s leading photovoltaic scientist, “the SuperPV is the only technology to have produced such results.”
As we approach the physical limits of silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) technology, even a 3% output gain has become extremely difficult to achieve. ThinFilm PV is even less efficient. The 60%+ power-generation increase made possible by the SuperPV is nothing short of revolutionary, “a milestone in solar technology”.
Under low-light conditions, SuperPV modules consistently generate a much more constant electrical output regardless of sunlight fluctuation and drop-offs than identical modules not equipped with the SuperPV. During peak sun periods, the SuperPV consistently generated power above sunlight levels.
California Summary days can stop power-generation on conventional solar panels caused by over-heating. CASI observed a phenomenon that SuperPV cause a ‘cooling-effect’ on the module, where the SuperPV recorded “astonishing” results of more than 200% power-output gain under strong sunlight conditions.
“Given its substantial benefits and broad compatibility, I expect that the SuperPV will become an integral component of all future photovoltaic modules,” predicts Professor Yanagida.
The implications of the SuperPV are enormous for the entire energy industry, beyond grid-tied applications: the SuperPV-BIPV can lead to self-powered buildings with utility class of solar energy, introduced at the ICSC Recon event in Las Vegas on May 18, 2009.
“Speaking also, as a special guest in both presentations…RSi Solar gave a stunning overview related to Solar Windows and SuperPV breakthrough technology. Representative of the accelerating advances in the Solar Industry, Pierce presented some compelling statistics demonstrating what could only be considered as a quantum leap in solar efficiency and overall viability.” - Timothy Boe, AIA (www.eco-tects.com)
RSi SuperPV-Module will be at the INTER-SOLAR, New Munich Trade fair center, Hall B6
No: B6.187, Booth Name: Thrust Energy Corporation (OTCBB:TEGC)/RSi-ZTC ENERGY (GmbH/Cz)
BP Solar and SolarEdge Partner to Develop Power Harvesting System
FREDERICK, Md. & HERZLIYA, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BP Solar and SolarEdge today announced a joint agreement to explore commercialization of a PV module-integrated power harvesting system embedded directly into BP Solar modules. The combined solution will maximize energy generation throughout the life of the solar power system while dramatically reducing complexities and costs. Standard power system architectures and designs may lead to losses of up to 20 percent or more per solar field in some installations due to module and array mismatch and partial shading. Some system architectures also lack full monitoring, have suboptimal roof utilization and generally are weak in fire and maintenance safety, and ineffective in module theft prevention measures.
To achieve optimal energy yield while reducing these installation and maintenance challenges and costs, BP Solar is working to integrate SolarEdge’s and other active electronics directly into their modules. The combined technologies are currently undergoing rigorous thermal cycle testing to emulate 25 years of volatile solar field conditions.
“We are impressed with the initial performance and reliability tests of SolarEdge’s solution,” said Eric Daniels, Chief Technology Officer of BP Solar. “We believe the SolarEdge technology, when combined with BP Solar’s patented IntegraBus™ module power strip, can significantly enhance the energy output of residential and commercial scale systems.”
“BP Solar has contributed enormously to the advancement of the solar industry,” said Guy Sella, Chairman, CEO and Founder of SolarEdge. “By addressing the problems that the industry has overlooked or considered unavoidable, we can greatly improve solar economics through increasing energy output while reducing system costs.”
In support of this activity, BP Solar and SolarEdge have been awarded a research grant by the Israeli and US governments as part of the BIRD (Bi-national Industrial Research and Development) foundation, which contributes to joint development. Through the “BIRD Energy” initiative, the BP Solar-SolarEdge project has been recognized for its achievements in improving the effectiveness and economics of solar technology.
To achieve optimal energy yield while reducing these installation and maintenance challenges and costs, BP Solar is working to integrate SolarEdge’s and other active electronics directly into their modules. The combined technologies are currently undergoing rigorous thermal cycle testing to emulate 25 years of volatile solar field conditions.
“We are impressed with the initial performance and reliability tests of SolarEdge’s solution,” said Eric Daniels, Chief Technology Officer of BP Solar. “We believe the SolarEdge technology, when combined with BP Solar’s patented IntegraBus™ module power strip, can significantly enhance the energy output of residential and commercial scale systems.”
“BP Solar has contributed enormously to the advancement of the solar industry,” said Guy Sella, Chairman, CEO and Founder of SolarEdge. “By addressing the problems that the industry has overlooked or considered unavoidable, we can greatly improve solar economics through increasing energy output while reducing system costs.”
In support of this activity, BP Solar and SolarEdge have been awarded a research grant by the Israeli and US governments as part of the BIRD (Bi-national Industrial Research and Development) foundation, which contributes to joint development. Through the “BIRD Energy” initiative, the BP Solar-SolarEdge project has been recognized for its achievements in improving the effectiveness and economics of solar technology.
SPG Solar Names Thomas S. Rooney, Jr. as Chief Executive Officer
NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SPG Solar, Inc., today announced that Thomas S. Rooney, Jr. has been named chief executive officer. A visionary and strategic leader, Rooney brings more than 25 years of experience managing large-scale and publicly traded companies to one of the most experienced and well-respected solar development firms in the nation. Rooney succeeds SPG Solar’s founder Dan Thompson, who will move into the position of Chairman of the Board.
“We searched exhaustively to find an individual with the right experience, business acumen and integrity,” says Thompson. “Tom was a natural fit. The solar photovoltaic industry has arrived and is here to stay. We anticipate growing the company by leaps and bounds and Tom possesses the leadership and strategic vision necessary to capitalize on the opportunity before us.”
SPG Solar has demonstrated continued growth since being founded in Northern California in 2001.
“The decision to join SPG Solar was an easy one for me,” says Rooney. “The solar industry is entering a revolutionary period of rapid and dramatic growth and SPG Solar is uniquely positioned to capitalize on that growth both nationally and internationally. My experience leading companies through rapid geographic expansion makes this an ideal and exciting opportunity for me,” says Rooney.
Rooney plans to develop and refine the company’s internal operations while simultaneously expanding the company both vertically and geographically. Rooney’s previous experience managing extremely large-scale projects will lend itself well to the company’s ongoing development of utility-scale photovoltaic projects in addition to building upon SPG Solar’s well-established reputation in residential and commercial-scale solar.
Rooney, 49, holds an engineering degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Prior to joining SPG Solar, Rooney was a noted speaker and consultant in the clean-tech sector while also serving on a number of boards throughout Asia, Europe and North America. From 2003 to 2007 Rooney served as the president and CEO of Insituform Technologies (NASDAQ: INSU).
“This is an exciting time to be in the solar industry and SPG Solar is uniquely positioned as one of the truly innovative leaders in this industry,” says Rooney. “I look forward to working closely with Dan Thompson to capitalize on a very bright future for the company and indeed the entire solar industry.”
“We searched exhaustively to find an individual with the right experience, business acumen and integrity,” says Thompson. “Tom was a natural fit. The solar photovoltaic industry has arrived and is here to stay. We anticipate growing the company by leaps and bounds and Tom possesses the leadership and strategic vision necessary to capitalize on the opportunity before us.”
SPG Solar has demonstrated continued growth since being founded in Northern California in 2001.
“The decision to join SPG Solar was an easy one for me,” says Rooney. “The solar industry is entering a revolutionary period of rapid and dramatic growth and SPG Solar is uniquely positioned to capitalize on that growth both nationally and internationally. My experience leading companies through rapid geographic expansion makes this an ideal and exciting opportunity for me,” says Rooney.
Rooney plans to develop and refine the company’s internal operations while simultaneously expanding the company both vertically and geographically. Rooney’s previous experience managing extremely large-scale projects will lend itself well to the company’s ongoing development of utility-scale photovoltaic projects in addition to building upon SPG Solar’s well-established reputation in residential and commercial-scale solar.
Rooney, 49, holds an engineering degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Prior to joining SPG Solar, Rooney was a noted speaker and consultant in the clean-tech sector while also serving on a number of boards throughout Asia, Europe and North America. From 2003 to 2007 Rooney served as the president and CEO of Insituform Technologies (NASDAQ: INSU).
“This is an exciting time to be in the solar industry and SPG Solar is uniquely positioned as one of the truly innovative leaders in this industry,” says Rooney. “I look forward to working closely with Dan Thompson to capitalize on a very bright future for the company and indeed the entire solar industry.”
GT Solar Announces Resignation of CFO Bob Woodbury
MERRIMACK, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR) today announced that its chief financial officer, Robert Woodbury, has resigned for personal reasons, effective immediately. Woodbury has served as CFO of GT Solar since January 2008. Richard Johnson, vice president, finance and controller, will lead the finance organization on an interim basis.
“We greatly appreciate Bob Woodbury’s leadership and contributions during our first year as a public company and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Tom Zarrella, president and chief executive officer. “We are fortunate to have an experienced finance executive in Rich Johnson to oversee the finance team during our search for a new chief financial officer.”
About GT Solar International, Inc.
GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR) is a leading global provider of specialized manufacturing equipment and technology essential for the production of photovoltaic wafers, cells and modules and polysilicon utilized in the solar power industry. The company\'s principal products are directional solidification systems and chemical vapor deposition reactors and related equipment. For more information about GT Solar, please visit the company’s website at www.gtsolar.com.
“We greatly appreciate Bob Woodbury’s leadership and contributions during our first year as a public company and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Tom Zarrella, president and chief executive officer. “We are fortunate to have an experienced finance executive in Rich Johnson to oversee the finance team during our search for a new chief financial officer.”
About GT Solar International, Inc.
GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR) is a leading global provider of specialized manufacturing equipment and technology essential for the production of photovoltaic wafers, cells and modules and polysilicon utilized in the solar power industry. The company\'s principal products are directional solidification systems and chemical vapor deposition reactors and related equipment. For more information about GT Solar, please visit the company’s website at www.gtsolar.com.
BC Housing Complex Upgrades with Grid Tie Solar Power
VICTORIA, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A social housing development in Surrey, British Columbia is getting a green energy upgrade with the addition of a grid-tie solar power system from Carmanah Technologies Corporation (CMH:TSX). As part of BC Housing’s commitment to developing sustainable social housing, Greenbrook will be equipped with a grid-tie solar power system designed to provide 10 percent of the development’s annual electricity requirements to assist with common area loads such as area lighting and air source heat pumps.
Valued at approximately $1.34 million in total, the photovoltaic system will be installed in stages by Carmanah Technologies under contract with Yellowridge Construction Ltd., with completion scheduled for mid 2010. With a combined capacity of approximately 139 kW, the site-wide renovation project represents Carmanah’s largest grid-tie project to date, and Western Canada’s largest solar grid-tie project.
Located in Surrey\'s Newton Town Centre, the Greenbrook complex includes 29 buildings with 127 town houses. The grid-tie system will connect to the electric utility through multiple net metering connection points within Greenbrook’s common distribution electrical system.
In designing the photovoltaic system, Carmanah representatives combined a comprehensive site evaluation with best industry practices and practical implementation strategies to design a system that would meet the challenges of local shading issues, fixed orientation of structures and an annual energy target of 130 MWh. This solar power upgrade is one aspect of a site-wide building envelope replacement that addresses a range of other improvements such as drainage, electrical, landscaping and mechanical upgrades.
For more information on this or other solar grid-tie applications within Canada, contact Richard Wayte at rwayte@carmanah.com, or visit Carmanah at carmanah.com.
Valued at approximately $1.34 million in total, the photovoltaic system will be installed in stages by Carmanah Technologies under contract with Yellowridge Construction Ltd., with completion scheduled for mid 2010. With a combined capacity of approximately 139 kW, the site-wide renovation project represents Carmanah’s largest grid-tie project to date, and Western Canada’s largest solar grid-tie project.
Located in Surrey\'s Newton Town Centre, the Greenbrook complex includes 29 buildings with 127 town houses. The grid-tie system will connect to the electric utility through multiple net metering connection points within Greenbrook’s common distribution electrical system.
In designing the photovoltaic system, Carmanah representatives combined a comprehensive site evaluation with best industry practices and practical implementation strategies to design a system that would meet the challenges of local shading issues, fixed orientation of structures and an annual energy target of 130 MWh. This solar power upgrade is one aspect of a site-wide building envelope replacement that addresses a range of other improvements such as drainage, electrical, landscaping and mechanical upgrades.
For more information on this or other solar grid-tie applications within Canada, contact Richard Wayte at rwayte@carmanah.com, or visit Carmanah at carmanah.com.
Fairchild Semiconductor’s “Solar Power Shines” Article Wins GreenPower Leadership Award at PCIM Europe
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE: FCS), a leading global supplier of high performance products to drive energy efficiency, has been named the overall winner of the Power Systems Design Europe (PSDE) magazine 2nd annual, prestigious "GreenPower Leadership Awards" competition. Fairchild’s article titled "Solar Power Shines" by Alfred Hesener was announced the overall winner at Power Conversion Intelligent Motion (PCIM) Europe Exhibition & Conference. The monetary award for this article will be donated to the Institute of Robotics at the University of Maribor, Slovenia. The University conducts research on motion control solutions.
Hesener’s article points out that the market drivers for solar power vary significantly from country to country, but all shared one characteristic – a need for the highest levels of efficiency in solar cells and photovoltaic inverters and the pivotal role that semiconductor solutions play in this application space. The article also examines the implications of different solar panel technologies and system power ranges and explains the different technical requirements and how to solve them.
The PSDE GreenPower Leadership Awards competition is structured to recognize editorial contributions from the engineering community that promote energy efficiency in the electronic content of product designs. Finalists and the winner were selected from articles included in PSDE's digital edition by subscriber readership.
With advanced packaging, proprietary technologies and experience in both the design and manufacturing of power semiconductors, Fairchild’s products provide the electronics industry with innovative ways to conserve energy. Fairchild Semiconductor’s solutions continue to innovate and optimize energy in key applications such as power supplies, mobile, lighting, motor, computing, consumer and automotive applications.
Hesener’s article points out that the market drivers for solar power vary significantly from country to country, but all shared one characteristic – a need for the highest levels of efficiency in solar cells and photovoltaic inverters and the pivotal role that semiconductor solutions play in this application space. The article also examines the implications of different solar panel technologies and system power ranges and explains the different technical requirements and how to solve them.
The PSDE GreenPower Leadership Awards competition is structured to recognize editorial contributions from the engineering community that promote energy efficiency in the electronic content of product designs. Finalists and the winner were selected from articles included in PSDE's digital edition by subscriber readership.
With advanced packaging, proprietary technologies and experience in both the design and manufacturing of power semiconductors, Fairchild’s products provide the electronics industry with innovative ways to conserve energy. Fairchild Semiconductor’s solutions continue to innovate and optimize energy in key applications such as power supplies, mobile, lighting, motor, computing, consumer and automotive applications.
Skyline Solar Appoints Dr. Lars Podlowski to its Board of Directors
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. & MUNICH, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skyline Solar, a manufacturer of High Gain Solar (HGS) arrays for the commercial, industrial, government and utility markets, today announced the newest appointment to the Skyline Board of Directors, Dr. Lars Podlowski. Dr. Podlowski has spent more than a decade in solar industry technical and management roles, and is currently a Management Board member and CTO at SOLON SE. He combines extensive technical expertise in the implementation of large scale solar products, systems and plants with an intimate knowledge of European markets, which will help Skyline Solar as the company looks to expand globally into markets like Italy, Spain, Greece, the Middle East and Africa.
As part of the company’s move into international markets, Skyline CEO Bob MacDonald and other Skyline executives will attend the Intersolar Conference this week in Munich, Germany. Skyline Solar executives will be available to introduce the newly launched company to potential partners, customers and media attending the world’s largest solar event of 2009.
“Skyline Solar has gone from Series A funding to first installed PV power plant in eight months. I have been impressed with Skyline’s progress and am excited to work with them as they transition to manufacturing and deployment of large scale solar power plant equipment,” said Dr. Podlowski.
Skyline’s HGS architecture delivers ten times more energy per gram of silicon versus traditional flat-panel systems in sunny locations and offers industry-leading energy density. Skyline HGS arrays combine industry-proven silicon cells, durable reflector materials and single-axis tracking into a complete, easy-to-deploy system. Built primarily out of commodity materials with globally available manufacturing processes from the PV and automotive industries, Skyline HGS simultaneously improves financial payback and scalability. As a result, Skyline Solar believes the HGS architecture is the fastest path to grid parity.
“Dr. Podlowski’s executive experience leading technological innovation for SOLON, one of Europe’s largest solar module manufacturers and a leading supplier of photovoltaic systems for large-scale solar power plants, will be a great addition to the Skyline Solar leadership team,” said Bob MacDonald, CEO of Skyline Solar. “We are elated to have him on board as we develop our strategic position in the rapidly evolving solar landscape, especially within the competitive European market. As we move into full production of the Skyline HGS system later this year, we expect Europe to be a major strategic market for the company as project developers and financiers look for solutions that offer the performance and durability of tracked silicon at a cost competitive with thin-film solutions in sunny climates.”
For nearly two decades, Dr. Podlowski has been integral in the scientific development and innovation of solar modules and the realization of large-scale solar plants throughout Europe, making Europe the leader in solar power capacity. Today, he is CTO for a company that has expanding business and supply chain operations in North America. Prior to SOLON SE, Dr. Podlowski founded SolarWerk GmbH (Teltow) which was acquired by SOLON SE in 1999.
On May 4, 2009, Skyline announced the launch of the company and its HGS architecture after achieving key product, financing and customer milestones.
Company Milestones
* Construction of the Company’s First Demonstration Plant—Skyline Solar entered into a public-private partnership agreement with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) to construct its initial demonstration plant in San Jose, Calif.
* Pilot Manufacturing & Component Certification—after a year of under-sun reliability and system testing at the company’s Mountain View headquarters, Skyline has submitted components of its HGS system for certification and has entered pilot manufacturing in the U.S. and Asia.
* 24.6 million in Series A Venture Financing—Skyline Solar has received an equity investment from New Enterprise Associates (NEA), and several other financial and strategic investors.
* U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Funding—in the first quarter of 2009, the company signed a developmental contract with the DOE for $3 million. Skyline Solar was selected as one of six solar photovoltaic technology companies to receive funding under the DOE’s Solar America Initiative. The company was cited as developing a technology that could “make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional forms of electricity.”
* Key Executive and Board Member Appointments—in addition to Dr. Podlowski, Skyline Solar has attracted top executive talent from a number of relevant industries, including finance, manufacturing and logistics.
Intersolar Meeting Requests
Industry executives, partners, customers and media interested in meeting with Skyline Solar at Intersolar 2009 in Munich can contact Katy Garlinghouse at Schwartz Communications (+1-415-512-0770 or skylinesolar@schwartz-pr.com).
As part of the company’s move into international markets, Skyline CEO Bob MacDonald and other Skyline executives will attend the Intersolar Conference this week in Munich, Germany. Skyline Solar executives will be available to introduce the newly launched company to potential partners, customers and media attending the world’s largest solar event of 2009.
“Skyline Solar has gone from Series A funding to first installed PV power plant in eight months. I have been impressed with Skyline’s progress and am excited to work with them as they transition to manufacturing and deployment of large scale solar power plant equipment,” said Dr. Podlowski.
Skyline’s HGS architecture delivers ten times more energy per gram of silicon versus traditional flat-panel systems in sunny locations and offers industry-leading energy density. Skyline HGS arrays combine industry-proven silicon cells, durable reflector materials and single-axis tracking into a complete, easy-to-deploy system. Built primarily out of commodity materials with globally available manufacturing processes from the PV and automotive industries, Skyline HGS simultaneously improves financial payback and scalability. As a result, Skyline Solar believes the HGS architecture is the fastest path to grid parity.
“Dr. Podlowski’s executive experience leading technological innovation for SOLON, one of Europe’s largest solar module manufacturers and a leading supplier of photovoltaic systems for large-scale solar power plants, will be a great addition to the Skyline Solar leadership team,” said Bob MacDonald, CEO of Skyline Solar. “We are elated to have him on board as we develop our strategic position in the rapidly evolving solar landscape, especially within the competitive European market. As we move into full production of the Skyline HGS system later this year, we expect Europe to be a major strategic market for the company as project developers and financiers look for solutions that offer the performance and durability of tracked silicon at a cost competitive with thin-film solutions in sunny climates.”
For nearly two decades, Dr. Podlowski has been integral in the scientific development and innovation of solar modules and the realization of large-scale solar plants throughout Europe, making Europe the leader in solar power capacity. Today, he is CTO for a company that has expanding business and supply chain operations in North America. Prior to SOLON SE, Dr. Podlowski founded SolarWerk GmbH (Teltow) which was acquired by SOLON SE in 1999.
On May 4, 2009, Skyline announced the launch of the company and its HGS architecture after achieving key product, financing and customer milestones.
Company Milestones
* Construction of the Company’s First Demonstration Plant—Skyline Solar entered into a public-private partnership agreement with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) to construct its initial demonstration plant in San Jose, Calif.
* Pilot Manufacturing & Component Certification—after a year of under-sun reliability and system testing at the company’s Mountain View headquarters, Skyline has submitted components of its HGS system for certification and has entered pilot manufacturing in the U.S. and Asia.
* 24.6 million in Series A Venture Financing—Skyline Solar has received an equity investment from New Enterprise Associates (NEA), and several other financial and strategic investors.
* U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Funding—in the first quarter of 2009, the company signed a developmental contract with the DOE for $3 million. Skyline Solar was selected as one of six solar photovoltaic technology companies to receive funding under the DOE’s Solar America Initiative. The company was cited as developing a technology that could “make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional forms of electricity.”
* Key Executive and Board Member Appointments—in addition to Dr. Podlowski, Skyline Solar has attracted top executive talent from a number of relevant industries, including finance, manufacturing and logistics.
Intersolar Meeting Requests
Industry executives, partners, customers and media interested in meeting with Skyline Solar at Intersolar 2009 in Munich can contact Katy Garlinghouse at Schwartz Communications (+1-415-512-0770 or skylinesolar@schwartz-pr.com).
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
SolarMagic Power Optimizer Passes Rigorous Testing for Reliability, Durability
"National Semiconductor has long been known for quality and reliability, creating high-performance analog and power management products for extremely demanding applications in space, military and automotive areas. We are now applying that expertise in reliability to raise the performance bar for the PV industry," said Dr.
After decades of designing and manufacturing analog and power management integrated circuits (ICs), National has the proven ability to provide an exceptionally reliable product in SolarMagic. National currently produces billions of analog and mixed-signal ICs a year and has a very low defect rate of less than one defective part per million (DPPM).
National designed SolarMagic to have a very high reliability by incorporating proper component derating, extensive reliability Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), thermal analysis and pre-qualification reliability testing.
National's SolarMagic power optimizers have passed rigorous environmental qualification tests such as damp-heat exposure, humidity-freeze cycling and thermal cycling used for PV module qualifications. In addition, they have successfully undergone electronic-systems reliability qualification tests such as high temperature operating life tests, power temperature cycling and highly accelerated life tests (HALT). Data from more than two thousand hours of reliability stress testing of SolarMagic power optimizers demonstrated an MTBF of 455 years.
National manufactures critical analog IC components for SolarMagic power optimizers at its in-house wafer-fabrication plants and assembly facilities, where they are subjected to enhanced quality manufacturing flows. In addition, the power optimizers undergo stringent quality control during the system assembly process. Comprehensive tri-temperature testing and burn-in tests are performed on all production units, virtually eliminating any potential early life failures.
In addition to rigorous internal testing,
Using distributed electronics throughout a solar installation, SolarMagic recoups up to 57 percent of energy lost due to real-world conditions. SolarMagic power optimizers will be available to customers in
QD Soleil™ Acquires Critical Patents in Solar Energy
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--QD Soleil™, a division of Nanosys Inc., today announced the signing of an exclusive license agreement with Starfire Electronic Development and Marketing Corporation for patents covering the work of nanotechnology pioneer Dr. Avery Goldstein. The technologies under license have the potential to dramatically improve the economics of solar energy by increasing process efficiencies and reducing the amount of raw materials required in the manufacture of photovoltaic cells. The license relates to manufacturing methods for making semiconductor thin films using roll-to-roll processing and nanoparticle inks, and also includes seminal coverage of silicon and germanium nanocrystals, all of which are critical in the production of solar energy at cost parity with traditional energy sources. Silicon nanocrystals also have the potential to produce highly efficient photovoltaic cells.
“These patents complement our strong intellectual property position in the area of thin films and photovoltaic devices,” said Vijendra Sahi, vice president and general manager of QD Soleil. “Avery Goldstein has been one of the leading minds in nanotechnology since the beginning of this field. The licensed patents from Starfire cover fundamental applications of nanotechnology in photovoltaic technologies which will help keep QD Soleil at the forefront of solar innovation.”
“We are pleased to be working with QD Soleil, which is clearly the leader in semiconductor thin films and nanotechnology-enabled photovoltaic cells,” said Dr. Goldstein. “This is a natural fit for our intellectual property. I am excited about the opportunity to further the development and commercialization of this technology working in conjunction with QD Soleil.”
“These patents complement our strong intellectual property position in the area of thin films and photovoltaic devices,” said Vijendra Sahi, vice president and general manager of QD Soleil. “Avery Goldstein has been one of the leading minds in nanotechnology since the beginning of this field. The licensed patents from Starfire cover fundamental applications of nanotechnology in photovoltaic technologies which will help keep QD Soleil at the forefront of solar innovation.”
“We are pleased to be working with QD Soleil, which is clearly the leader in semiconductor thin films and nanotechnology-enabled photovoltaic cells,” said Dr. Goldstein. “This is a natural fit for our intellectual property. I am excited about the opportunity to further the development and commercialization of this technology working in conjunction with QD Soleil.”
Sunrise Solar Signs Agreement With Macon County, Alabama
SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sunrise Solar Corp. (OTCBB:SSLR) announced today that it has signed an agreement to assist Macon County, Alabama with the implementation of new alternative energy projects. The Company will evaluate green technologies that will benefit the County, government buildings, public lighting and educational facilities. Projects will then be designed and implemented to meet these needs.
Addressing energy needs will include both improving energy efficiency in the County and bringing new alternative energy resources to the area. Funds are available from government sources, including the $800 Billion stimulus package to provide energy solutions that will reduce costs and dependence on foreign oil across America.
“We are pleased to become a partner with the leaders of Macon County,” noted Maurice Stone, President of Sunrise Solar Corp. “We expect to expand this model of working closely with government leaders to municipalities across America.”
“We are excited to have this opportunity to work with Sunrise Solar Corporation in an effort to identify and develop alternative energy sources for Macon County,” stated Louis Maxwell, Chairman, Macon County Commission. “We realize that to continue doing business in the same way, will produce the same results; we must change if our children will have a chance to become energy independent.”
Sunrise Solar competes with green alternative energy players such as: Sun Power (Nasdaq:SPWRA), First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR), Trina Solar LTD (NYSE:TSL), and LDK Solar Co. LTD (NYSE:LDK).
Addressing energy needs will include both improving energy efficiency in the County and bringing new alternative energy resources to the area. Funds are available from government sources, including the $800 Billion stimulus package to provide energy solutions that will reduce costs and dependence on foreign oil across America.
“We are pleased to become a partner with the leaders of Macon County,” noted Maurice Stone, President of Sunrise Solar Corp. “We expect to expand this model of working closely with government leaders to municipalities across America.”
“We are excited to have this opportunity to work with Sunrise Solar Corporation in an effort to identify and develop alternative energy sources for Macon County,” stated Louis Maxwell, Chairman, Macon County Commission. “We realize that to continue doing business in the same way, will produce the same results; we must change if our children will have a chance to become energy independent.”
Sunrise Solar competes with green alternative energy players such as: Sun Power (Nasdaq:SPWRA), First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR), Trina Solar LTD (NYSE:TSL), and LDK Solar Co. LTD (NYSE:LDK).
GT Solar Commissions First Integrated Solar Wafer and Cell Turnkey Solution in Greece
MERRIMACK, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GT Solar, a global provider of specialized equipment and technology for the solar power industry, today announced that it has received final acceptance for the design, installation and commissioning of the first integrated photovoltaic (PV) solar wafer and cell turnkey fabrication line in Greece.
The state-of-the-art production line, created for Greece-based Solar Cells Hellas S.A., has an annual capacity of 30-megawatts (MW). It delivers a stable production process that produces high-quality multi-crystalline cells of optimum efficiency. With the commissioning of this turnkey solution, Solar Cells Hellas becomes the first PV manufacturer in Greece.
“The successful start-up of this wafer and cell turnkey line is additional confirmation that GT Solar delivers to our customers advanced technological solutions that are efficiently implemented through the application of our extensive process know-how,” said Ron Jones, vice president and general manager of GT Solar’s turnkey business. “We’re proud to have worked with Solar Cells Hellas to open this world-class facility in the Greek port city of Patras, and believe they are well-positioned to help meet the increasing demand for solar energy in Greece and throughout Western Europe.”
GT Solar is one of only a small number of equipment providers that offers turnkey solutions for every process involved in manufacturing PV wafers, cells, and modules. The company’s turnkey solutions, which integrate GT Solar and best of breed third party equipment, are built to increase customers’ productivity, boost quality and improve line yields, all resulting in a low cost of ownership. Comprehensive training and world-class service back each turnkey offering. GT Solar has successfully installed a variety of turnkey line configurations in countries around the globe including China, India, Italy, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
“Being new to the industry, Solar Cells Hellas needed a partner that we could rely on – one with significant PV manufacturing expertise and experience,” said Dimitris Panagakos, chairman for Solar Cells Hellas. “Not only was GT Solar able to build and deploy our equipment, but they also helped us design and configure our facility, and provided the training that will allow us to realize the best possible results. We’re pleased at how quickly we’ve been able to get our operations up-and-running, and we look forward to expanding relationship with GT Solar as we grow our company.”
A GT Solar turnkey solution is built on the solid foundation of GT Solar’s industry-leading directional solidification systems (DSS) furnace technology. GT Solar’s wafer fabrication line (GT-WAFFABTM) delivers high-quality multi-crystalline ingots to the wafer lines. It features leading-edge equipment technologies for squaring, polishing, chamfering, wafering, cleaning, and inspection. GT Solar’s cell turnkey line (GT-CELFABTM) is designed to produce high efficiency solar cells from round or square, mono or multi-crystalline silicon wafers.
The state-of-the-art production line, created for Greece-based Solar Cells Hellas S.A., has an annual capacity of 30-megawatts (MW). It delivers a stable production process that produces high-quality multi-crystalline cells of optimum efficiency. With the commissioning of this turnkey solution, Solar Cells Hellas becomes the first PV manufacturer in Greece.
“The successful start-up of this wafer and cell turnkey line is additional confirmation that GT Solar delivers to our customers advanced technological solutions that are efficiently implemented through the application of our extensive process know-how,” said Ron Jones, vice president and general manager of GT Solar’s turnkey business. “We’re proud to have worked with Solar Cells Hellas to open this world-class facility in the Greek port city of Patras, and believe they are well-positioned to help meet the increasing demand for solar energy in Greece and throughout Western Europe.”
GT Solar is one of only a small number of equipment providers that offers turnkey solutions for every process involved in manufacturing PV wafers, cells, and modules. The company’s turnkey solutions, which integrate GT Solar and best of breed third party equipment, are built to increase customers’ productivity, boost quality and improve line yields, all resulting in a low cost of ownership. Comprehensive training and world-class service back each turnkey offering. GT Solar has successfully installed a variety of turnkey line configurations in countries around the globe including China, India, Italy, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
“Being new to the industry, Solar Cells Hellas needed a partner that we could rely on – one with significant PV manufacturing expertise and experience,” said Dimitris Panagakos, chairman for Solar Cells Hellas. “Not only was GT Solar able to build and deploy our equipment, but they also helped us design and configure our facility, and provided the training that will allow us to realize the best possible results. We’re pleased at how quickly we’ve been able to get our operations up-and-running, and we look forward to expanding relationship with GT Solar as we grow our company.”
A GT Solar turnkey solution is built on the solid foundation of GT Solar’s industry-leading directional solidification systems (DSS) furnace technology. GT Solar’s wafer fabrication line (GT-WAFFABTM) delivers high-quality multi-crystalline ingots to the wafer lines. It features leading-edge equipment technologies for squaring, polishing, chamfering, wafering, cleaning, and inspection. GT Solar’s cell turnkey line (GT-CELFABTM) is designed to produce high efficiency solar cells from round or square, mono or multi-crystalline silicon wafers.
Pure Energy's Rechargeable Alkaline to Power Brinkmann Solar Lighting Products
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pure Energy Visions Corporation (TSX Venture Exchange “PEV”) (“Pure Energy” or the “Corporation”), the leading Canadian provider of environmentally responsible rechargeable battery products, announced today that it has signed an agreement with The Brinkmann Corporation (Brinkmann) based in Dallas, Texas. Beginning this fall, Pure Energy will supply Rechargeable Alkaline batteries for use in Brinkmann’s solar garden lights for sale in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Brinkmann offers a wide variety of different solar lights including garden path and spot lights, house number lights and security lighting. Brinkmann is a leading manufacturer of outdoor lighting, hand-held lighting, outdoor cookers and smokers, lawn & garden products, pet products, camping equipment, boat covers, and Remington branded clothing. Brinkmann products are available at a number of leading retailers including Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target, Menards, and Lowes.
“As a company concerned with the environmental impact of our products, we are very pleased to be making the shift from rechargeable nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries to non-toxic Rechargeable Alkaline batteries,” stated Baxter Brinkmann, President of Brinkmann. “Not only are we using the most environmental responsible rechargeable batteries in the world, we have a battery technology with significant performance benefits over NiCd and other rechargeable products. In addition to our solar lighting, we see several other opportunities to use Pure Energy’s Rechargeable Alkaline batteries.”
“We are very pleased to be working with one of the leading solar lighting companies in North America,” said Paul W. Simmonds, Pure Energy’s President and CEO. “Our Rechargeable Alkaline batteries and solar lighting are an excellent fit from both a performance and environmental perspective. With the banning of NiCd batteries in Europe last September and with this trend expected to continue worldwide, we see a significant opportunity for Pure Energy in this growing market sector.”
There are several key features that make Pure Energy’s Rechargeable Alkaline batteries the ideal choice for products utilizing solar charging. These include:
* Industry leading charge retention with a 7 year shelf life.
* Manufactured in the fully charged state, they are ready to go without initial recharge.
* Excellent intermittent discharge/recharge characteristics, with more than 5000 cycles possible.
* The higher nominal voltage of 1.5V of Rechargeable Alkaline batteries will provide greater brightness compared to 1.2V batteries.
* Pure Energy’s Rechargeable Alkaline is considered the most environmentally responsible battery system in the world and is the only battery to be awarded the “Eco Logo” from Environment Canada.
Brinkmann offers a wide variety of different solar lights including garden path and spot lights, house number lights and security lighting. Brinkmann is a leading manufacturer of outdoor lighting, hand-held lighting, outdoor cookers and smokers, lawn & garden products, pet products, camping equipment, boat covers, and Remington branded clothing. Brinkmann products are available at a number of leading retailers including Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target, Menards, and Lowes.
“As a company concerned with the environmental impact of our products, we are very pleased to be making the shift from rechargeable nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries to non-toxic Rechargeable Alkaline batteries,” stated Baxter Brinkmann, President of Brinkmann. “Not only are we using the most environmental responsible rechargeable batteries in the world, we have a battery technology with significant performance benefits over NiCd and other rechargeable products. In addition to our solar lighting, we see several other opportunities to use Pure Energy’s Rechargeable Alkaline batteries.”
“We are very pleased to be working with one of the leading solar lighting companies in North America,” said Paul W. Simmonds, Pure Energy’s President and CEO. “Our Rechargeable Alkaline batteries and solar lighting are an excellent fit from both a performance and environmental perspective. With the banning of NiCd batteries in Europe last September and with this trend expected to continue worldwide, we see a significant opportunity for Pure Energy in this growing market sector.”
There are several key features that make Pure Energy’s Rechargeable Alkaline batteries the ideal choice for products utilizing solar charging. These include:
* Industry leading charge retention with a 7 year shelf life.
* Manufactured in the fully charged state, they are ready to go without initial recharge.
* Excellent intermittent discharge/recharge characteristics, with more than 5000 cycles possible.
* The higher nominal voltage of 1.5V of Rechargeable Alkaline batteries will provide greater brightness compared to 1.2V batteries.
* Pure Energy’s Rechargeable Alkaline is considered the most environmentally responsible battery system in the world and is the only battery to be awarded the “Eco Logo” from Environment Canada.
Ascent Solar Modules to Be Designed into the Development of Hybrid Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), announced that its state-of-the-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules will be designed into the development of a hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (H-UAV) called the Silent Sentinel developed by Bye Aerospace, Inc. The H-UAV will be designed primarily for military use; however, its capabilities will also include a broad spectrum of civil applications.
The first of its kind hybrid utilizes stored electric power, thin film solar photovoltaics (PV), and other technologies to enhance its endurance, quiet operations and low emissions. Bye Aerospace is teamed with thin film PV manufacturer Ascent Solar to develop the solar energy capability on the aircraft. For primary propulsion the hybrid UAV will be coupled with an advanced Williams International FJ33 turbofan. The efficient engine will provide the UAV remarkable climb rates and high altitude quick access to areas requiring surveillance.
Charlie Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Bye Aerospace, said the Silent Sentinel is a robust, long-range UAV that will incorporate several proprietary clean energy features. “Ultimately, it will provide advanced tactical reconnaissance functionality while utilizing a uniquely long endurance, highly capable tactical sensor platform that is operationally stealthy and cost-effective to operate. The unique characteristics of the Ascent Solar flexible modules allow us to design this UAV to become very energy efficient.”
Dr. Joseph Armstrong, Chief Technical Officer of Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. stated, “Our flexible, monolithically integrated CIGS PV technology offers the ideal combination of low weight, higher voltage, and high performance that makes it ideal for applications such as the Silent Sentinel, and we look forward to providing Bye Aerospace the materials they require for their vehicle.”
Potential military applications include border patrol, search and rescue, visual and thermal reconnaissance, and forward air control. In addition, potential civil applications include traffic control, pipeline and power line inspection, aerial law enforcement, forest fire detection and aerial photography. Initial meetings are being conducted with US Government entities regarding the capabilities of the aircraft. More are planned in the near term.
The first of its kind hybrid utilizes stored electric power, thin film solar photovoltaics (PV), and other technologies to enhance its endurance, quiet operations and low emissions. Bye Aerospace is teamed with thin film PV manufacturer Ascent Solar to develop the solar energy capability on the aircraft. For primary propulsion the hybrid UAV will be coupled with an advanced Williams International FJ33 turbofan. The efficient engine will provide the UAV remarkable climb rates and high altitude quick access to areas requiring surveillance.
Charlie Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Bye Aerospace, said the Silent Sentinel is a robust, long-range UAV that will incorporate several proprietary clean energy features. “Ultimately, it will provide advanced tactical reconnaissance functionality while utilizing a uniquely long endurance, highly capable tactical sensor platform that is operationally stealthy and cost-effective to operate. The unique characteristics of the Ascent Solar flexible modules allow us to design this UAV to become very energy efficient.”
Dr. Joseph Armstrong, Chief Technical Officer of Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. stated, “Our flexible, monolithically integrated CIGS PV technology offers the ideal combination of low weight, higher voltage, and high performance that makes it ideal for applications such as the Silent Sentinel, and we look forward to providing Bye Aerospace the materials they require for their vehicle.”
Potential military applications include border patrol, search and rescue, visual and thermal reconnaissance, and forward air control. In addition, potential civil applications include traffic control, pipeline and power line inspection, aerial law enforcement, forest fire detection and aerial photography. Initial meetings are being conducted with US Government entities regarding the capabilities of the aircraft. More are planned in the near term.
Linde to Supply Italy’s First Thin-Film Solar Cell Plant with Environmentally Friendly Gases
MUNICH, GERMANY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Linde Gases, a division of The Linde Group, today announced that it has been awarded the exclusive contract to supply high purity gases to Italy’s first thin-film solar module manufacturing plant. The Moncada Energy Group s.r.l., a leading private producer of renewable energy in Italy, is building the plant in Campofranco (Sicily).
Under this agreement, Linde Gas Italia, a member of The Linde Group, will provide Moncada with turnkey installation of the plant’s bulk and specialty gases supply systems. On an ongoing basis, it will also deliver nitrogen (N2), hydrogen (H2), silane (SiH4) and chamber cleaning gases which are essential to making thin-film solar cells.
“Linde Gas Italia is excited to partner with Moncada to expand Italy\'s growing infrastructure of renewable energy installations,” said Fabrizio Elia, CEO of Linde Gas Italia. “Our collaboration with Moncada echoes our commitment to deliver innovative environmentally friendly processes, and it also builds on our aim to make solar energy more affordable for mass consumption – at par with the grid.”
Linde was selected based on its proven supply capability and strong global market position in turnkey solutions for thin-film solar module manufacturing. Its established R&D programme, which is focused on reducing production costs and delivering environmentally friendly solutions, was also key to the contract win. Linde has developed a process that can replace the powerful greenhouse gas nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) with pure fluorine (F2), which does not contribute to global warming.
Moncada’s thin-film PV plant in Campofranco, which becomes fully-operational in 2010, will produce large 5.7m2 single junction photovoltaic modules. The facility is expected to have an annual output capacity of 40MWp.
“Moncada’s mission is to enable the environmentally friendly and cost-effective production and installation of solar panels. Linde’s proven technology expertise mirrors our ambition to quickly achieve grid parity in Italy,” said Salvatore Moncada, CEO and founder of Moncada Energy Group. “Partnering with experts from The Linde Group and Applied Materials, Moncada is firmly placed to fuel the boom phase for renewable energy in Italy.”
Linde is the leading supplier of fluorine, producing it on-site, on-demand and at very low pressures. Developed in the late 1990s, this proven technology has been installed at more than 20 semiconductor, LCD and solar cell production sites, including Toshiba Matsushita Display, Samsung, and LG.
Under this agreement, Linde Gas Italia, a member of The Linde Group, will provide Moncada with turnkey installation of the plant’s bulk and specialty gases supply systems. On an ongoing basis, it will also deliver nitrogen (N2), hydrogen (H2), silane (SiH4) and chamber cleaning gases which are essential to making thin-film solar cells.
“Linde Gas Italia is excited to partner with Moncada to expand Italy\'s growing infrastructure of renewable energy installations,” said Fabrizio Elia, CEO of Linde Gas Italia. “Our collaboration with Moncada echoes our commitment to deliver innovative environmentally friendly processes, and it also builds on our aim to make solar energy more affordable for mass consumption – at par with the grid.”
Linde was selected based on its proven supply capability and strong global market position in turnkey solutions for thin-film solar module manufacturing. Its established R&D programme, which is focused on reducing production costs and delivering environmentally friendly solutions, was also key to the contract win. Linde has developed a process that can replace the powerful greenhouse gas nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) with pure fluorine (F2), which does not contribute to global warming.
Moncada’s thin-film PV plant in Campofranco, which becomes fully-operational in 2010, will produce large 5.7m2 single junction photovoltaic modules. The facility is expected to have an annual output capacity of 40MWp.
“Moncada’s mission is to enable the environmentally friendly and cost-effective production and installation of solar panels. Linde’s proven technology expertise mirrors our ambition to quickly achieve grid parity in Italy,” said Salvatore Moncada, CEO and founder of Moncada Energy Group. “Partnering with experts from The Linde Group and Applied Materials, Moncada is firmly placed to fuel the boom phase for renewable energy in Italy.”
Linde is the leading supplier of fluorine, producing it on-site, on-demand and at very low pressures. Developed in the late 1990s, this proven technology has been installed at more than 20 semiconductor, LCD and solar cell production sites, including Toshiba Matsushita Display, Samsung, and LG.
Ontario, Canada Invests in Greening its Office Space
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ontario, Canada is investing approximately $100 million in what is believed to be among the largest ever retrofits in North America, creating 1,000 new jobs and 455,000 square feet of state-of-the-art green office space.
The province of Ontario recently acquired the former head office building of Sears Canada in Toronto. This retrofit will reduce its carbon footprint by implementing many of the initiatives outlined in the Green Energy Act, recently passed legislation which will help transform Ontario’s economy to be more innovative, productive and competitive.
The design and construction of the base building retrofit will adhere to the guidelines and sustainability principles of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system, with a goal of achieving LEED® Gold standing. The building provides opportunities for energy-efficient building design initiatives such as:
* A green roof
* Solar energy
* Daylight & occupancy sensors for optimal lighting control
* State-of-the-art IT infrastructure
* Wireless infrastructure to reduce the need to travel to meetings
* Less parking and bicycle storage to encourage green commuting
Using solar energy and constructing a green roof are also being considered.
This $100 million retrofit is the first project in the Toronto Accommodation Plan, a major government economic endeavour to green and retrofit a number of Ontario government buildings in Toronto. The plan will be led by the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC), on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
“We are bringing to life our government’s commitment to greening Ontario’s buildings and along with it creating green jobs and fuelling a green economy. The Ontario government takes conservation leadership very seriously. We are getting our own house in order,” said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.
“ORC is embracing sustainability by retrofitting buildings to green standards and enhancing the value of the government’s real property in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner. This project presents a unique opportunity to renovate a 40-year old building and create a greener, more efficient workplace that will be used as a model for retrofits across the Province,” commented Dave Glass, President and CEO of Ontario Realty Corporation.
WZMH Architects, a Toronto-based firm, was selected in March to help design this green workplace. The retrofit will start in summer 2009 and is scheduled to be completed by spring 2011.
For more information on Ontario’s Green Energy Act, visit:
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, at http://www.mei.gov.on.ca/english/energy/gea/
The province of Ontario recently acquired the former head office building of Sears Canada in Toronto. This retrofit will reduce its carbon footprint by implementing many of the initiatives outlined in the Green Energy Act, recently passed legislation which will help transform Ontario’s economy to be more innovative, productive and competitive.
The design and construction of the base building retrofit will adhere to the guidelines and sustainability principles of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system, with a goal of achieving LEED® Gold standing. The building provides opportunities for energy-efficient building design initiatives such as:
* A green roof
* Solar energy
* Daylight & occupancy sensors for optimal lighting control
* State-of-the-art IT infrastructure
* Wireless infrastructure to reduce the need to travel to meetings
* Less parking and bicycle storage to encourage green commuting
Using solar energy and constructing a green roof are also being considered.
This $100 million retrofit is the first project in the Toronto Accommodation Plan, a major government economic endeavour to green and retrofit a number of Ontario government buildings in Toronto. The plan will be led by the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC), on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
“We are bringing to life our government’s commitment to greening Ontario’s buildings and along with it creating green jobs and fuelling a green economy. The Ontario government takes conservation leadership very seriously. We are getting our own house in order,” said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.
“ORC is embracing sustainability by retrofitting buildings to green standards and enhancing the value of the government’s real property in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner. This project presents a unique opportunity to renovate a 40-year old building and create a greener, more efficient workplace that will be used as a model for retrofits across the Province,” commented Dave Glass, President and CEO of Ontario Realty Corporation.
WZMH Architects, a Toronto-based firm, was selected in March to help design this green workplace. The retrofit will start in summer 2009 and is scheduled to be completed by spring 2011.
For more information on Ontario’s Green Energy Act, visit:
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, at http://www.mei.gov.on.ca/english/energy/gea/
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