MILL VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solar Power Partners, Inc. (SPPTM), the country’s largest independent solar power producer, today announced it has closed $115 million in financing, expandable up to $215 million. The financing comprises construction debt, term debt, and tax equity provided by U.S. Bank and WestLB AG, as well as corporate funding from new and existing investors to support the company’s aggressive, nation-wide growth in both commercial and utility markets. Project financing remains the key issue in the execution of solar projects, and this funding allows SPP to continue adding to its operating project portfolio.
“The SPP team continues to excel in executing with key lender and investor relationships,” said Bob Powell, President and CEO of Solar Power Partners. “SPP has accomplished what no other company of its size has managed, with over 40 major customer installations in several states. This round of funding allows us to continue our track record of project execution, and will more than double our installed system capacity. In an industry where delivering results rather than hype is scarce, SPP is focused on putting real shovels in the ground to construct projects.”
SPP provides industry-leading system modeling, design, engineering, and construction management, and long-term operations and maintenance. Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) allow customers to use clean solar energy without any upfront capital, while removing the risk of ongoing operations and maintenance. SPP’s systems to date all produce at or above the expectations of both investors and customers.
“The expandability in this financing round will enable the addition of new projects to our current development schedule. SPP has always been able to stand by our methods and our contracts, and our development team is excited about adding to our execution record,” said Todd Michaels, Senior Vice President of Project Development and Marketing.
Powell said, “Funding from our strategic investors enable us to grow our base of expertise and diversity of approach in the market. I’m proud of the extraordinary team that has helped bring solar energy to so many businesses and institutions. In the four years since the company’s inception, the SPP team has set the bar on what a true solar power producer brings to a project through vision and an energetic attention to detail that is grounded in reality. We’re pleased to add to that knowledge base with our new and existing partners.”
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
First Solar Agrees to Acquire NextLight Renewable Power, LLC
TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:FSLR) and NextLight Renewable Power, LLC today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for First Solar to acquire NextLight, a leading developer of utility-scale solar projects in the southwestern United States. The acquisition includes a 1,100 megawatt (MW) solar project pipeline, further solidifying First Solar’s position as a leader in the U.S. utility renewable power market.
The acquisition of NextLight includes:
NextLight’s projects, ranging in size from 30MW to 290MW, expand the scope and diversity of First Solar’s pipeline. The projects are largely located on private land.
“NextLight has assembled a project pipeline that very much complements First Solar’s project portfolio. We are looking forward to having the highly experienced NextLight team join First Solar,” said Rob Gillette, First Solar chief executive officer.
“The combination of NextLight and First Solar brings best-in-class power development experience and discipline to the emerging utility-scale solar industry. We look forward to joining the First Solar organization and leveraging their expertise to deliver high-quality solar generation to our customers,” said Frank De Rosa, NextLight chief executive officer.
The transaction represents another strategic step in First Solar’s expansion in the U.S. utility-scale power market, which began in 2007 with the acquisition of Turner Renewable Energy and continued with the acquisitions of solar project pipelines from OptiSolar in 2009 and Edison Mission Group in 2010.
“Success in today’s competitive solar market requires a complete solution for our customers’ renewable energy needs,” said Gillette. “First Solar is uniquely positioned to deliver utility scale solar power plants including project development, module manufacturing, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), project finance expertise and operations and maintenance.”
First Solar will acquire NextLight in an all-cash transaction that is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2010, pending the satisfaction of certain closing conditions specified in the merger agreement. Total consideration for the transaction is approximately $285 million, subject to certain closing adjustments as provided in the merger agreement.
For more information about this announcement, please see the summary on the investor section of First Solar’s website, http://investor.firstsolar.com
First Solar will file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, dated April 28, 2010, which will contain additional information regarding the merger agreement referenced in this press release.
The acquisition of NextLight includes:
- 570MW (AC) under signed power purchase agreements with western utilities, increasing First Solar’s contracted photovoltaic (PV) solar project pipeline to 2,200MW
- 530MW (AC) of additional PV projects in various stages of development
NextLight’s projects, ranging in size from 30MW to 290MW, expand the scope and diversity of First Solar’s pipeline. The projects are largely located on private land.
“NextLight has assembled a project pipeline that very much complements First Solar’s project portfolio. We are looking forward to having the highly experienced NextLight team join First Solar,” said Rob Gillette, First Solar chief executive officer.
“The combination of NextLight and First Solar brings best-in-class power development experience and discipline to the emerging utility-scale solar industry. We look forward to joining the First Solar organization and leveraging their expertise to deliver high-quality solar generation to our customers,” said Frank De Rosa, NextLight chief executive officer.
The transaction represents another strategic step in First Solar’s expansion in the U.S. utility-scale power market, which began in 2007 with the acquisition of Turner Renewable Energy and continued with the acquisitions of solar project pipelines from OptiSolar in 2009 and Edison Mission Group in 2010.
“Success in today’s competitive solar market requires a complete solution for our customers’ renewable energy needs,” said Gillette. “First Solar is uniquely positioned to deliver utility scale solar power plants including project development, module manufacturing, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), project finance expertise and operations and maintenance.”
First Solar will acquire NextLight in an all-cash transaction that is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2010, pending the satisfaction of certain closing conditions specified in the merger agreement. Total consideration for the transaction is approximately $285 million, subject to certain closing adjustments as provided in the merger agreement.
For more information about this announcement, please see the summary on the investor section of First Solar’s website, http://investor.firstsolar.com
First Solar will file a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, dated April 28, 2010, which will contain additional information regarding the merger agreement referenced in this press release.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Purple Pokeberries Hold Secret to Affordable Solar Power Worldwide
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., April 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pokeberries - the weeds that children smash to stain their cheeks purple-red and that Civil War soldiers used to write letters home - could be the key to spreading solar power across the globe, according to researchers at Wake Forest University's Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials.
Nanotech Center scientists have used the red dye made from pokeberries to coat their efficient and inexpensive fiber-based solar cells. The dye acts as an absorber, helping the cell's tiny fibers trap more sunlight to convert into power.
Pokeberries proliferate even during drought and in rocky, infertile soil. That means residents of rural Africa, for instance, could raise the plants for pennies. Then they could make the dye absorber for the extremely efficient fiber cells and provide energy where power lines don't run, said David Carroll, Ph.D., the center's director.
"They're weeds," Carroll said. "They grow on every continent but Antarctica."
Wake Forest University holds the first patent for fiber-based photovoltaic, or solar, cells, granted by the European Patent Office in November. A spinoff company called FiberCell Inc. has received the license to develop manufacturing methods for the new solar cell.
The fiber cells can produce as much as twice the power that current flat-cell technology can produce. That's because they are composed of millions of tiny, plastic "cans" that trap light until most of it is absorbed. Since the fibers create much more surface area, the fiber solar cells can collect light at any angle - from the time the sun rises until it sets.
To make the cells, the plastic fibers are stamped onto plastic sheets, with the same technology used to attach the tops of soft-drink cans. The absorber - either a polymer or a less-expensive dye - is sprayed on. The plastic makes the cells lightweight and flexible, so a manufacturer could roll them up and ship them cheaply to developing countries - to power a medical clinic, for instance.
Once the primary manufacturer ships the cells, workers at local plants would spray them with the dye and prepare them for installation. Carroll estimates it would cost about $5 million to set up a finishing plant - about $15 million less than it could cost to set up a similar plant for flat cells.
"We could provide the substrate," he said. "If Africa grows the pokeberries, they could take it home.
"It's a low-cost solar cell that can be made to work with local, low-cost agricultural crops like pokeberries and with a means of production that emerging economies can afford."
Wake Forest University's Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials uses revolutionary science to address the pressing needs of human society, from health care to green technologies. It is a shared resource serving academic, industrial and governmental researchers across the region.
This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.
Nanotech Center scientists have used the red dye made from pokeberries to coat their efficient and inexpensive fiber-based solar cells. The dye acts as an absorber, helping the cell's tiny fibers trap more sunlight to convert into power.
Pokeberries proliferate even during drought and in rocky, infertile soil. That means residents of rural Africa, for instance, could raise the plants for pennies. Then they could make the dye absorber for the extremely efficient fiber cells and provide energy where power lines don't run, said David Carroll, Ph.D., the center's director.
"They're weeds," Carroll said. "They grow on every continent but Antarctica."
Wake Forest University holds the first patent for fiber-based photovoltaic, or solar, cells, granted by the European Patent Office in November. A spinoff company called FiberCell Inc. has received the license to develop manufacturing methods for the new solar cell.
The fiber cells can produce as much as twice the power that current flat-cell technology can produce. That's because they are composed of millions of tiny, plastic "cans" that trap light until most of it is absorbed. Since the fibers create much more surface area, the fiber solar cells can collect light at any angle - from the time the sun rises until it sets.
To make the cells, the plastic fibers are stamped onto plastic sheets, with the same technology used to attach the tops of soft-drink cans. The absorber - either a polymer or a less-expensive dye - is sprayed on. The plastic makes the cells lightweight and flexible, so a manufacturer could roll them up and ship them cheaply to developing countries - to power a medical clinic, for instance.
Once the primary manufacturer ships the cells, workers at local plants would spray them with the dye and prepare them for installation. Carroll estimates it would cost about $5 million to set up a finishing plant - about $15 million less than it could cost to set up a similar plant for flat cells.
"We could provide the substrate," he said. "If Africa grows the pokeberries, they could take it home.
"It's a low-cost solar cell that can be made to work with local, low-cost agricultural crops like pokeberries and with a means of production that emerging economies can afford."
Wake Forest University's Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials uses revolutionary science to address the pressing needs of human society, from health care to green technologies. It is a shared resource serving academic, industrial and governmental researchers across the region.
This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.
Dow Corning and Reis Announce Alliance to Market Breakthrough Solar Encapsulation Technology
MIDLAND, Mich., April 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dow Corning Corp., a global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, and Reis Robotics, a worldwide leader in system integration, jointly announce an effort to promote the new Dow Corning® PV-6100 Encapsulant Series. Reis Robotics is now a preferred supplier of equipment used in a manufacturing process that significantly increases the production rate of solar panels, effectively lowering the cost per watt of solar power.
The manufacturing process works in conjunction with Dow Corning® PV-6100 Encapsulant Series, which provides protection to solar cells in a panel and can replace commonly used ethyl vinyl acetate resin. The liquid silicone-based material targets outperforming incumbent materials in durability, module efficiency, and manufacturing efficiencies providing an improved total cost for solar cell modules.
Reis, headquartered in Germany, is recognized for its technical innovations in robotics, global reach, and highly regarded reputation in the solar industry, said Gaetan Borgers, global industry director, Dow Corning Solar Business.
"We are looking for innovative collaborators who excel at providing next generation turnkey solutions to customers quickly," Borgers said. "By working with leaders in the field who share our vision of advancing the promise of solar technology, a complete manufacturing solution is possible."
"We are proud to work with Dow Corning to actualize energy efficiency gains in solar module line automation," said Dr. Michael Wenzel, General Manager, Reis Robotics. "We are confident that our proven robotics solutions will help the solar industry reach grid parity, lower production costs and achieve economy of scale."
Demonstration lines for customer evaluations will be installed at Reis' facility in Germany, as well as at Dow Corning's facility in Korea.
"This collaboration maximizes our strength as a material solution provider and Reis' strength as an equipment solution provider," said Don Buchalski, senior marketing specialist, Dow Corning Solar Business. "Our ultimate goal is to help advance solar power as a viable and sustainable option globally."
Dow Corning's encapsulant technology will help reduce the cost per kilowatt-hour of solar power by lowering the total cost of ownership through lower processing temperatures, faster throughput, lower capital and less factory space needed for the equipment.
The manufacturing process works in conjunction with Dow Corning® PV-6100 Encapsulant Series, which provides protection to solar cells in a panel and can replace commonly used ethyl vinyl acetate resin. The liquid silicone-based material targets outperforming incumbent materials in durability, module efficiency, and manufacturing efficiencies providing an improved total cost for solar cell modules.
Reis, headquartered in Germany, is recognized for its technical innovations in robotics, global reach, and highly regarded reputation in the solar industry, said Gaetan Borgers, global industry director, Dow Corning Solar Business.
"We are looking for innovative collaborators who excel at providing next generation turnkey solutions to customers quickly," Borgers said. "By working with leaders in the field who share our vision of advancing the promise of solar technology, a complete manufacturing solution is possible."
"We are proud to work with Dow Corning to actualize energy efficiency gains in solar module line automation," said Dr. Michael Wenzel, General Manager, Reis Robotics. "We are confident that our proven robotics solutions will help the solar industry reach grid parity, lower production costs and achieve economy of scale."
Demonstration lines for customer evaluations will be installed at Reis' facility in Germany, as well as at Dow Corning's facility in Korea.
"This collaboration maximizes our strength as a material solution provider and Reis' strength as an equipment solution provider," said Don Buchalski, senior marketing specialist, Dow Corning Solar Business. "Our ultimate goal is to help advance solar power as a viable and sustainable option globally."
Dow Corning's encapsulant technology will help reduce the cost per kilowatt-hour of solar power by lowering the total cost of ownership through lower processing temperatures, faster throughput, lower capital and less factory space needed for the equipment.
Evergreen Solar Announces the Closing of $165 Million of its 13% Convertible Senior Secured Notes Due 2015
MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NasdaqGM: ESLR) today announced that it has closed an offering of $165 million aggregate principal amount of its 13% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2015 to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Notes were offered and issued in a private placement and were resold inside the United States to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. Piper Jaffray managed the offering.
Evergreen Solar used a portion of the $159.1 million net proceeds from this offering to purchase $124.5 million of aggregate principal amount of its 4% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013. The company intends to use the remainder of the net proceeds, approximately $75 million, for general corporate purposes, working capital and capital expenditures for further expansion of its manufacturing facility in China.
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities (including Evergreen Solar’s common stock into which the notes will be convertible), nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Evergreen Solar used a portion of the $159.1 million net proceeds from this offering to purchase $124.5 million of aggregate principal amount of its 4% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013. The company intends to use the remainder of the net proceeds, approximately $75 million, for general corporate purposes, working capital and capital expenditures for further expansion of its manufacturing facility in China.
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities (including Evergreen Solar’s common stock into which the notes will be convertible), nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Solaria Introduces Solar Modules for Large Scale and Utility Projects
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solaria Corporation, a global manufacturer of solar modules, has begun shipping its crystalline photovoltaic (PV) solar module to customers in North America, Europe, and Asia. The new modules provide electric utilities, project developers and system integrators with the most cost effective and reliable PV module for large scale solar installations.
“The solar industry is entering an era where customers demand high output, low cost, long-term reliability, and reduced carbon footprint. The Solaria module meets and exceeds these criteria, raising the bar for high-performance solar products,” said Daniel Shugar, Solaria CEO.
“We’ve been testing Solaria’s new modules at our multi-megawatt facility in California,” said Eric Hafter, Chief Strategy Officer for Solar Power, Inc. “The modules have been yielding excellent performance; Solaria’s high efficiency modules offer industry leading costs with the reliability and performance of traditional crystalline solar modules. Since Solaria’s modules are built to industry standards, they’re ready to install on standard trackers using conventional installation methods.”
Solaria’s crystalline module uses patented technology to provide all the reliability, performance, and quality of a standard silicon module at a lower cost. Solaria uses only proven, UL‐listed materials that are standard in the PV industry, thereby eliminating risks associated with new materials. The Solaria modules are specifically optimized for tracking systems, which increase energy harvest by 20-30 percent, with the greatest increase in electricity output coinciding with times of peak demand.
The Solaria module, available in 230 Watts, 220 Watts and 210 Watts, is the first low-concentration flat-plate module to achieve international certification. Solaria’s module is certified to UL1703 and IEC61215 standards, and its performance and reliability has been validated by independent laboratories. In addition, according to Columbia University’s Center for Lifecycle Analysis, the carbon footprint per watt of modules manufactured with Solaria’s technology is approximately one third less than that of competing technologies, and have an “energy payback” of less than one year.
“The solar industry is entering an era where customers demand high output, low cost, long-term reliability, and reduced carbon footprint. The Solaria module meets and exceeds these criteria, raising the bar for high-performance solar products,” said Daniel Shugar, Solaria CEO.
“We’ve been testing Solaria’s new modules at our multi-megawatt facility in California,” said Eric Hafter, Chief Strategy Officer for Solar Power, Inc. “The modules have been yielding excellent performance; Solaria’s high efficiency modules offer industry leading costs with the reliability and performance of traditional crystalline solar modules. Since Solaria’s modules are built to industry standards, they’re ready to install on standard trackers using conventional installation methods.”
Solaria’s crystalline module uses patented technology to provide all the reliability, performance, and quality of a standard silicon module at a lower cost. Solaria uses only proven, UL‐listed materials that are standard in the PV industry, thereby eliminating risks associated with new materials. The Solaria modules are specifically optimized for tracking systems, which increase energy harvest by 20-30 percent, with the greatest increase in electricity output coinciding with times of peak demand.
The Solaria module, available in 230 Watts, 220 Watts and 210 Watts, is the first low-concentration flat-plate module to achieve international certification. Solaria’s module is certified to UL1703 and IEC61215 standards, and its performance and reliability has been validated by independent laboratories. In addition, according to Columbia University’s Center for Lifecycle Analysis, the carbon footprint per watt of modules manufactured with Solaria’s technology is approximately one third less than that of competing technologies, and have an “energy payback” of less than one year.
SunEdison to Develop Solar PV Program for Remington in Ontario
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunEdison, a division of MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (NYSE: WFR), announced today that it will be developing and constructing up to fourteen (14) roof-top solar photovoltaic (PV) projects with capacity totaling up to 3 Megawatts (MW) for The Remington Group, one of the leading real estate developers in Ontario.
Under the agreement, SunEdison will finance, build, own, operate, monitor and maintain photovoltaic solar energy systems hosted at Remington facilities, and the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) will purchase the energy produced under the terms of Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff Program (FIT)*.
The fourteen roof-top PV systems will all be located in the Greater Toronto Area, and will be launched using a phased rollout plan starting in the Summer of 2010. Over 20 years, the systems will generate sufficient energy to avoid the emission of over 42,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere--the equivalent of removing over 9,000 cars from the road for one year.
The Remington Group’s commitment to environmentally-friendly, sustainable growth practices is well established in Ontario. “Green energy has been and will be a key focus for Remington,” commented Christopher Bratty, President of the Remington Group.
“We chose SunEdison based on their track record of successful solar PV system installations,” continued Bratty. “They have tailored a solar program for Remington that will drive revenue from rooftop space that would otherwise be unused. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
“We are excited to have been selected by Remington,” commented Jason Gray, Canada Country Manager for SunEdison. “I’m pleased to see the momentum building in Ontario for clean, financially-rewarding solar energy. And, with respected companies like the Remington Group leading the way, others are sure to follow.”
Under the agreement, SunEdison will finance, build, own, operate, monitor and maintain photovoltaic solar energy systems hosted at Remington facilities, and the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) will purchase the energy produced under the terms of Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff Program (FIT)*.
The fourteen roof-top PV systems will all be located in the Greater Toronto Area, and will be launched using a phased rollout plan starting in the Summer of 2010. Over 20 years, the systems will generate sufficient energy to avoid the emission of over 42,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere--the equivalent of removing over 9,000 cars from the road for one year.
The Remington Group’s commitment to environmentally-friendly, sustainable growth practices is well established in Ontario. “Green energy has been and will be a key focus for Remington,” commented Christopher Bratty, President of the Remington Group.
“We chose SunEdison based on their track record of successful solar PV system installations,” continued Bratty. “They have tailored a solar program for Remington that will drive revenue from rooftop space that would otherwise be unused. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
“We are excited to have been selected by Remington,” commented Jason Gray, Canada Country Manager for SunEdison. “I’m pleased to see the momentum building in Ontario for clean, financially-rewarding solar energy. And, with respected companies like the Remington Group leading the way, others are sure to follow.”
Grape Solar Announces President Solar as Exclusive Distributor of its Photovoltaic (PV) Systems in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia
EUGENE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grape Solar, Inc., a leading solar photovoltaic (PV) module solutions provider, has forged a partnership with President Solar to make the company the exclusive distributor of Grape Solar’s photovoltaic (PV) solar systems in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Based in Fairfax, Va., newly formed President Solar will stock Grape Solar-branded PV panels, and other name brands of inverters and mounting systems in its warehouse.
Making the panels and complete solar systems available to installers in the tri-state area will reduce installers’ costs and wait times for equipment, as well as improve the overall efficiency of future installations.
President Solar will offer delivery of entire solar systems to any job site, or enable installers to pick up the equipment from its warehouse.
“It is currently difficult for installers to get all the components to the job site in a predictable and timely manner,” stated Roy Dunbar, chairman of President Solar. “This partnership is a smart, logical step for all parties in the supply chain. Installers can now plan projects with greater precision and predictability.”
“We have recently shifted to buying Grape Solar panels because of the unbeatable quality and pricing,” stated Steve Leighton, senior vice president of field operations with solar-systems installer Infinite Green Energy. “We are very excited that Grape Solar and other solar products are locally available and warehoused by President Solar. President Solar eliminates the need and hassle of multiple deliveries and added shipping costs. We can now save time and money.”
Significant federal, state, and local rebates and incentives are currently available to home and business owners in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Legislation proposed in Maryland in early April would provide a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) of $350 per megawatt hour, placing Maryland among the nation’s top 10 solar states.
“We expect the substantial, local incentives and rebates to generate strong potential growth for solar energy in the tri-state region in 2010 and for years to come,” said Ocean Yuan, president of Grape Solar.
Making the panels and complete solar systems available to installers in the tri-state area will reduce installers’ costs and wait times for equipment, as well as improve the overall efficiency of future installations.
President Solar will offer delivery of entire solar systems to any job site, or enable installers to pick up the equipment from its warehouse.
“It is currently difficult for installers to get all the components to the job site in a predictable and timely manner,” stated Roy Dunbar, chairman of President Solar. “This partnership is a smart, logical step for all parties in the supply chain. Installers can now plan projects with greater precision and predictability.”
“We have recently shifted to buying Grape Solar panels because of the unbeatable quality and pricing,” stated Steve Leighton, senior vice president of field operations with solar-systems installer Infinite Green Energy. “We are very excited that Grape Solar and other solar products are locally available and warehoused by President Solar. President Solar eliminates the need and hassle of multiple deliveries and added shipping costs. We can now save time and money.”
Significant federal, state, and local rebates and incentives are currently available to home and business owners in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Legislation proposed in Maryland in early April would provide a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) of $350 per megawatt hour, placing Maryland among the nation’s top 10 solar states.
“We expect the substantial, local incentives and rebates to generate strong potential growth for solar energy in the tri-state region in 2010 and for years to come,” said Ocean Yuan, president of Grape Solar.
SolarBridge Technologies Secures $15 Million in Series B Funding
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SolarBridge Technologies, the leading developer of module-integrated microinverter solutions that reduce the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) in solar installations, announced that it has secured $15 million in series B funding. The company has raised more than $27 million to date.
Rho Ventures, a new investor in the company, led the financing round. Battery Ventures, which led series A funding, also participated in series B. The funds will enable SolarBridge to finalize testing and certification, deploy additional beta sites, and ramp up production. They will also be used to expand its operations, sales and marketing teams.
“I am very pleased that SolarBridge’s innovative, module-integrated microinverter attracted both new and previous investors to this up round of funding. The interest that our integral, alternating current photovoltaic (ACPV) solution and monitoring system has generated in the investment community is a direct reflection of the significant opportunity we have in the solar market,” said Ron Van Dell, president and CEO, SolarBridge. “Our microinverter will dramatically reduce the LCOE for solar installations by improving system reliability, increasing energy production and simplifying the installation process.”
With the closing of the series B funding, SolarBridge adds Joshua Ruch, managing partner and co-founder of Rho Ventures, to its board of directors.
“SolarBridge has a proven management team with extensive experience in developing and commercializing power electronics, one of our firm’s core investment sectors,” commented Ruch. “SolarBridge’s solution is unrivaled by anything else we have seen. We are very confident in the company’s ability to ramp to volume production and quickly grow revenue with this fundamentally disruptive solar technology.”
Rho Ventures, a new investor in the company, led the financing round. Battery Ventures, which led series A funding, also participated in series B. The funds will enable SolarBridge to finalize testing and certification, deploy additional beta sites, and ramp up production. They will also be used to expand its operations, sales and marketing teams.
“I am very pleased that SolarBridge’s innovative, module-integrated microinverter attracted both new and previous investors to this up round of funding. The interest that our integral, alternating current photovoltaic (ACPV) solution and monitoring system has generated in the investment community is a direct reflection of the significant opportunity we have in the solar market,” said Ron Van Dell, president and CEO, SolarBridge. “Our microinverter will dramatically reduce the LCOE for solar installations by improving system reliability, increasing energy production and simplifying the installation process.”
With the closing of the series B funding, SolarBridge adds Joshua Ruch, managing partner and co-founder of Rho Ventures, to its board of directors.
“SolarBridge has a proven management team with extensive experience in developing and commercializing power electronics, one of our firm’s core investment sectors,” commented Ruch. “SolarBridge’s solution is unrivaled by anything else we have seen. We are very confident in the company’s ability to ramp to volume production and quickly grow revenue with this fundamentally disruptive solar technology.”
Solar Cell and Module Production Facility Opened in Xuzhou China by Aide Solar
TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aide Solar, a large-scale producer of solar modules for residential, commercial and utility scale projects worldwide and a subsidiary of the The PANJIT Group, today announced the grand opening of its over 1 million sq. ft. solar cell and module production facility located in Xuzhou, China. Construction of the new Aide Solar facility was completed in July, 2009 on a 600 acre campus owned by The PANJIT Group. The new Aide Solar facility features enhanced manufacturing lines that increases the company’s poly and mono-crystalline silicon PV module capacity by 40 percent to 350 MW annually to support growing customer demands worldwide. In addition, the new facility houses 12 solar cell production lines. The opening of the new facility brings the number of Aide Solar employees to 1,184 worldwide.
“The widespread adoption of solar power continues to gain traction globally, and has increased in importance as a viable source of renewable energy,” said Jason Fang, Chairman, Aide Solar. “The opening of this facility is a demonstration of Aide Solar’s commitment to expanding our success by providing highly reliable and cost-effective solar products to meet that increasing global demand.”
The solar industry is recognized as one of the fastest growing high technology industries in the world, with GreenTech Media Research estimating annual global PV demand to reach nine Giga-watts in 2010, with one Giga-watt in North America. Aide Solar established its North America headquarters in March, 2009 to address the forecasted growth projections in the U.S. market.
“We see the U.S. as presenting an explosive long-term growth opportunity for solar power,” said Raymond C. Wiley, director, North America Sales, Aide Solar, U.S.A. and member of the Arizona Department of Commerce’s Green Economy Advisory Committee. “Solar generated power is the only alternative energy technology that can be deployed and scaled to meet demand requirements in the shortest amount of time. The additional module production capacity from our new facility in China will allow us to respond to the high volume, rapid growth requirements that Aide Solar is seeing in the U.S. and around the world.”
“The widespread adoption of solar power continues to gain traction globally, and has increased in importance as a viable source of renewable energy,” said Jason Fang, Chairman, Aide Solar. “The opening of this facility is a demonstration of Aide Solar’s commitment to expanding our success by providing highly reliable and cost-effective solar products to meet that increasing global demand.”
The solar industry is recognized as one of the fastest growing high technology industries in the world, with GreenTech Media Research estimating annual global PV demand to reach nine Giga-watts in 2010, with one Giga-watt in North America. Aide Solar established its North America headquarters in March, 2009 to address the forecasted growth projections in the U.S. market.
“We see the U.S. as presenting an explosive long-term growth opportunity for solar power,” said Raymond C. Wiley, director, North America Sales, Aide Solar, U.S.A. and member of the Arizona Department of Commerce’s Green Economy Advisory Committee. “Solar generated power is the only alternative energy technology that can be deployed and scaled to meet demand requirements in the shortest amount of time. The additional module production capacity from our new facility in China will allow us to respond to the high volume, rapid growth requirements that Aide Solar is seeing in the U.S. and around the world.”
Saturday, April 24, 2010
SunPower Founder Dick Swanson Speaks To Solar's Future
Silicon Valley reveres its pioneers. And in the solar industry, Dick Swanson, the founder and president of San Jose-based SunPower, is a true technology legend.
As an electrical engineering student and then a professor at Stanford, Swanson was intrigued by the potential of solar power, which was primarily being used on satellites and in space research. He was one of the first to delve into solar's "terrestrial" applications. Solar presented a perfect engineering challenge: It was scientifically proven, but wasn't cost-effective to produce.
He founded SunPower on April 24, 1985, and the small company lived on research grants and small projects until a meeting with T.J. Rodgers led to a $150 million investment by Cypress Semiconductor in 2002. That changed everything, and Cypress' support came as the idea of putting solar on rooftops began to take off. SunPower, which went public in 2005, designs and manufactures high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems for residential, commercial and utility clients in the United States and around the world.
SunPower's solar systems can be seen on the roof of the Tech Museum in San Jose, at Agilent's Santa Clara headquarters and at the UC Merced campus. But like many solar companies, SunPower is increasingly working with utility clients on large-scale solar-generating projects and recently completed the 25-megawatt DeSoto power plant for Florida Power & Light, the largest operating solar power plant in the country.
The company had $1.5 billion in revenue in 2009, and this week announced it will locate its first domestic manufacturing facility in Milpitas. Swanson sat down recently at the company's San Jose headquarters to discuss SunPower's history.
Q "Efficiency" refers to the amount of sunlight that is converted into electricity, and SunPower's solar cells, which have a minimum efficiency of 22 percent, are the highest-efficiency solar cells on the market today. Why is efficiency so important? Isn't cost a more critical factor?
A When you are putting solar on a rooftop you have limited space. There are chimneys, dormers, shading from neighboring buildings, trees. Solar is what's known as an "area-constrained application." So if you have limited space, you want to maximize the ability of the solar cells to generate electricity.
Read the rest
Copyright © 2010 - San Jose Mercury News
As an electrical engineering student and then a professor at Stanford, Swanson was intrigued by the potential of solar power, which was primarily being used on satellites and in space research. He was one of the first to delve into solar's "terrestrial" applications. Solar presented a perfect engineering challenge: It was scientifically proven, but wasn't cost-effective to produce.
He founded SunPower on April 24, 1985, and the small company lived on research grants and small projects until a meeting with T.J. Rodgers led to a $150 million investment by Cypress Semiconductor in 2002. That changed everything, and Cypress' support came as the idea of putting solar on rooftops began to take off. SunPower, which went public in 2005, designs and manufactures high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems for residential, commercial and utility clients in the United States and around the world.
SunPower's solar systems can be seen on the roof of the Tech Museum in San Jose, at Agilent's Santa Clara headquarters and at the UC Merced campus. But like many solar companies, SunPower is increasingly working with utility clients on large-scale solar-generating projects and recently completed the 25-megawatt DeSoto power plant for Florida Power & Light, the largest operating solar power plant in the country.
The company had $1.5 billion in revenue in 2009, and this week announced it will locate its first domestic manufacturing facility in Milpitas. Swanson sat down recently at the company's San Jose headquarters to discuss SunPower's history.
Q "Efficiency" refers to the amount of sunlight that is converted into electricity, and SunPower's solar cells, which have a minimum efficiency of 22 percent, are the highest-efficiency solar cells on the market today. Why is efficiency so important? Isn't cost a more critical factor?
A When you are putting solar on a rooftop you have limited space. There are chimneys, dormers, shading from neighboring buildings, trees. Solar is what's known as an "area-constrained application." So if you have limited space, you want to maximize the ability of the solar cells to generate electricity.
Read the rest
Copyright © 2010 - San Jose Mercury News
Is The White House Ready For Solar?
A coalition of solar companies led by Sungevity is offering President Obama free rooftop solar panels for the White House. To get his support, they've launched the Globama campaign.
The White House has had solar panels before. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter installed a 32-panel system, but it was removed in 1986 during President Ronald Reagan's administration, which allowed Carter's solar tax credits to expire in 1985.
Should Obama accept the free solar offer?
Obama has made a big push to promote renewable energy, offering tax credits and other incentives. He's pledged to make the federal government more energy efficient, and this week, Vice President Joe Biden announced $452 million for a "Retrofit Ramp Up" program to do the same for homes and businesses.
Sungevity says its 102-panel, 17.85 kW solar system would reduce the White House's electric bills 81% or $1,610/month. It's encouraging people to sign a petition to get the White House to agree.
If Obama is uncomfortable with the donation, worth$107,900, it's offering a 10-year lease of the equipment for $537 monthly, including maintenance.
Copyright 2010 USAToday
The White House has had solar panels before. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter installed a 32-panel system, but it was removed in 1986 during President Ronald Reagan's administration, which allowed Carter's solar tax credits to expire in 1985.
Should Obama accept the free solar offer?
Obama has made a big push to promote renewable energy, offering tax credits and other incentives. He's pledged to make the federal government more energy efficient, and this week, Vice President Joe Biden announced $452 million for a "Retrofit Ramp Up" program to do the same for homes and businesses.
Sungevity says its 102-panel, 17.85 kW solar system would reduce the White House's electric bills 81% or $1,610/month. It's encouraging people to sign a petition to get the White House to agree.
If Obama is uncomfortable with the donation, worth$107,900, it's offering a 10-year lease of the equipment for $537 monthly, including maintenance.
Copyright 2010 USAToday
Friday, April 23, 2010
Universal Solar Technology Inc. Hires New CFO
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Solar Technology Inc. (UNSS.OB), a developer of solar grade ingot, wafers and high efficiency solar photovoltaic modules, today announced the appointment of Lijie Zhu as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Zhu brings 9 years of international finance, accounting, investor relations and media experience to her role at Universal Solar Technology.
“Lijie’s experience in a broad range of industries and companies, from startups to established multi-national corporations, will help Universal Solar through its rapid expansion,” said Wensheng Chen, the Board Chairman and CEO of the company.
Most recently, Ms. Zhu served as Vice President at Dragon Gate Investment Partners LLC, responsible for raising capital for Chinese companies. Her previous positions include Market Research Analyst, Aufhauser Securities; New York Bureau Chief, Global Entrepreneur Magazine; Credit Analyst, Rogge Global Partners; and Assistant Director, China Center Television.
Ms. Zhu earned an MBA degree and MS in Natural Resource Management from the University of Alaska and a Law Degree and a BA in Journalism from Lanzhou University, China. She is a member of the National Investor Relations Institute and the New York Society of Securities Analysts.
“Lijie’s experience in a broad range of industries and companies, from startups to established multi-national corporations, will help Universal Solar through its rapid expansion,” said Wensheng Chen, the Board Chairman and CEO of the company.
Most recently, Ms. Zhu served as Vice President at Dragon Gate Investment Partners LLC, responsible for raising capital for Chinese companies. Her previous positions include Market Research Analyst, Aufhauser Securities; New York Bureau Chief, Global Entrepreneur Magazine; Credit Analyst, Rogge Global Partners; and Assistant Director, China Center Television.
Ms. Zhu earned an MBA degree and MS in Natural Resource Management from the University of Alaska and a Law Degree and a BA in Journalism from Lanzhou University, China. She is a member of the National Investor Relations Institute and the New York Society of Securities Analysts.
3W Power Holdings(Formerly Germany1 Acquisition)/AEG Power Solutions
ZWANENBURG, the Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:
3W Power Holdings (formerly Germany1 Acquisition Ltd. -Euronext: 3WP) is the holding company of AEG Power Solutions (Amsterdam:GAL1S), a global player in power electronics announces that its Annual report for the year 2009 is available and can be consulted on the website of the company at: http://www.aegps.com/en/investor/index.html. It’s also made available on Euronext website.
The document is the 2009 Annual Report and consolidated financial statements of 3W Power Holdings (formerly Germany1 Acquisition Ltd (Germany1 Acquisition Limited), incorporating the results of AEG Power Solutions for the period from September 10, 2009 to December 31, 2009. The Annual Report also contains a pro-forma, unaudited consolidated income statement of 3W Power Holdings incorporating the results of AEG for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009.
About AEG Power Solutions
AEG Power Solutions is a world leading provider of premium power electronics. It offers one of the world’s most comprehensive product and service portfolios in power conversion and control, for customers spanning the infrastructure markets of energy, telecom, lighting, transportation and general industrial sectors. System solutions from AEG PS are designed to interface with the electrical power grid and to offer power solutions for mission-critical applications in harsh environments, such as power plants, offshore oil rigs, chemical refineries, and utility-scale renewable energy plants. Since 2005, the company has developed a full range of products for the solar energy industry, from solar inverters to turnkey solutions. The company is investing in solutions that will enable distributed power generation and smart micro-grids.
Renowned for engineering excellence, the company’s customers benefit from over a century of expertise and field proven products under the AEG PS, Harmer & Simmons, and Saft Power Systems brands.
Headquartered near Amsterdam, AEG PS had revenues of nearly €400 million (pro-forma and unaudited) in 2009 with more than 1,500 employees around the world.
AEG Power Solutions became a public company in 2009 following a business combination with 3W Power Holdings Ltd (formerly Germany1 Acquisition Ltd). Shares in 3W Power Holdings Ltd are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (ticker: 3WP).
3W Power Holdings (formerly Germany1 Acquisition Ltd. -Euronext: 3WP) is the holding company of AEG Power Solutions (Amsterdam:GAL1S), a global player in power electronics announces that its Annual report for the year 2009 is available and can be consulted on the website of the company at: http://www.aegps.com/en/investor/index.html. It’s also made available on Euronext website.
The document is the 2009 Annual Report and consolidated financial statements of 3W Power Holdings (formerly Germany1 Acquisition Ltd (Germany1 Acquisition Limited), incorporating the results of AEG Power Solutions for the period from September 10, 2009 to December 31, 2009. The Annual Report also contains a pro-forma, unaudited consolidated income statement of 3W Power Holdings incorporating the results of AEG for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009.
About AEG Power Solutions
AEG Power Solutions is a world leading provider of premium power electronics. It offers one of the world’s most comprehensive product and service portfolios in power conversion and control, for customers spanning the infrastructure markets of energy, telecom, lighting, transportation and general industrial sectors. System solutions from AEG PS are designed to interface with the electrical power grid and to offer power solutions for mission-critical applications in harsh environments, such as power plants, offshore oil rigs, chemical refineries, and utility-scale renewable energy plants. Since 2005, the company has developed a full range of products for the solar energy industry, from solar inverters to turnkey solutions. The company is investing in solutions that will enable distributed power generation and smart micro-grids.
Renowned for engineering excellence, the company’s customers benefit from over a century of expertise and field proven products under the AEG PS, Harmer & Simmons, and Saft Power Systems brands.
Headquartered near Amsterdam, AEG PS had revenues of nearly €400 million (pro-forma and unaudited) in 2009 with more than 1,500 employees around the world.
AEG Power Solutions became a public company in 2009 following a business combination with 3W Power Holdings Ltd (formerly Germany1 Acquisition Ltd). Shares in 3W Power Holdings Ltd are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (ticker: 3WP).
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Duke Energy Selects 10 Additional Sites for Innovative Solar Program
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ten new customer sites across North Carolina will have solar panels installed on their building or grounds as part of Duke Energy's distributed solar generation program.
The company launched the program in October 2009, when roof space was leased from four large manufacturing and commercial facilities for placement of solar panels. Today, the company is advancing the program by announcing 10 new sites. They include:
"Partnering with sites visible to our customers helps build knowledge and understanding of solar energy," said Brett Carter, president of Duke Energy Carolinas, North Carolina. "This innovative program brings more solar energy to our customers, and helps us meet the state's renewable energy portfolio standard in a way that balances costs to customers."
These 10 sites will generate approximately 4.1 megawatts of emission-free direct current electricity by 2011, enough to power approximately 525 average-sized homes.
When the distributed solar generation program is complete, Duke Energy will have invested approximately $50 million to construct and own a total of 10 megawatts of solar energy capacity in the state, capable of providing electricity to approximately 1,300 homes.
These sites were selected based on the organization's interest in solar energy, ready access to the electrical grid and solar potential, in addition to other essential lease agreement criteria. Installations are under way on a few of the sites, and construction is expected to be complete by fall 2010.
North Carolina's renewable energy standard requires each public electric utility to meet at least 12.5 percent of its North Carolina retail customers' electricity needs through new renewable energy sources or energy efficiency measures by 2021. Duke Energy is committed to providing products and services that enable our customers to directly participate in achieving the standard.
Duke Energy Carolinas owns nuclear, coal-fired, natural gas and hydroelectric generation. That diverse fuel mix provides approximately 19,000 megawatts of electricity capacity to approximately 2.4 million customers in a 22,000-square-mile service area of North Carolina and South Carolina.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 4 million customers located in five states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 11 million people. Its commercial power and international business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com. To learn more and contribute to the discussion about the energy issues of today and the possibilities of tomorrow see www.sheddingalight.org.
The company launched the program in October 2009, when roof space was leased from four large manufacturing and commercial facilities for placement of solar panels. Today, the company is advancing the program by announcing 10 new sites. They include:
- Lincoln Charter School, Denver, N.C.
- Gaston County Schools, Lowell, N.C.
- Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, N.C.
- Maple View Farm, Hillsborough N.C.
- City of Charlotte Department of Transportation Facility, Charlotte, N.C.
- Liberty Hardware/Johnson Development, Winston Salem, N.C.
- Childress Klein Properties, Charlotte, N.C.
- Carrier Centers, LLC, Charlotte, N.C.
- Siemens, Winston Salem, N.C.
- Daimler Trucks North America, Cleveland, N.C.
"Partnering with sites visible to our customers helps build knowledge and understanding of solar energy," said Brett Carter, president of Duke Energy Carolinas, North Carolina. "This innovative program brings more solar energy to our customers, and helps us meet the state's renewable energy portfolio standard in a way that balances costs to customers."
These 10 sites will generate approximately 4.1 megawatts of emission-free direct current electricity by 2011, enough to power approximately 525 average-sized homes.
When the distributed solar generation program is complete, Duke Energy will have invested approximately $50 million to construct and own a total of 10 megawatts of solar energy capacity in the state, capable of providing electricity to approximately 1,300 homes.
These sites were selected based on the organization's interest in solar energy, ready access to the electrical grid and solar potential, in addition to other essential lease agreement criteria. Installations are under way on a few of the sites, and construction is expected to be complete by fall 2010.
North Carolina's renewable energy standard requires each public electric utility to meet at least 12.5 percent of its North Carolina retail customers' electricity needs through new renewable energy sources or energy efficiency measures by 2021. Duke Energy is committed to providing products and services that enable our customers to directly participate in achieving the standard.
Duke Energy Carolinas owns nuclear, coal-fired, natural gas and hydroelectric generation. That diverse fuel mix provides approximately 19,000 megawatts of electricity capacity to approximately 2.4 million customers in a 22,000-square-mile service area of North Carolina and South Carolina.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 4 million customers located in five states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 11 million people. Its commercial power and international business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com. To learn more and contribute to the discussion about the energy issues of today and the possibilities of tomorrow see www.sheddingalight.org.
Trina Solar Introduces Powerful Utility Scale Solar Module
CHANGZHOU, China, April 22 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) products from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules, today announced that its subsidiary, Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co., Ltd., is launching its new utility-scale solar module ("TSM-PC14"). Trina Solar will unveil the new TSM-PC14 in May at Solarexpo 2010 in Verona, Italy. The utility-scale module is Trina Solar's most powerful module to date and is targeted to be available for sale in the European and North American markets in the fourth quarter of 2010.
With expected power output targets ranging from 265 to 290 watts, a positive power tolerance of 0/+3% and with a 72 cell arrangement, the large high-wattage modules are designed specifically for utility-scale installations and large scale, ground mounted systems. Equipped with high-efficiency multicrystalline cells, the TSM-PC14 is easy to handle and install and can be used in a wide variety of applications ranging from commercial and industrial installations to utility-scale facilities.
"Built to address increasing market demand for utility-scale solar installations around the world, this is our most powerful module and an excellent addition to our premium multicrystalline portfolio," said Mr. Jifan Gao, Chairman and CEO of Trina Solar. "Matching a competitive priced structure with proven high performance modules is the way the solar industry will achieve grid parity, and the introduction of the TSM-PC14 is a big step towards achieving this goal."
With expected power output targets ranging from 265 to 290 watts, a positive power tolerance of 0/+3% and with a 72 cell arrangement, the large high-wattage modules are designed specifically for utility-scale installations and large scale, ground mounted systems. Equipped with high-efficiency multicrystalline cells, the TSM-PC14 is easy to handle and install and can be used in a wide variety of applications ranging from commercial and industrial installations to utility-scale facilities.
"Built to address increasing market demand for utility-scale solar installations around the world, this is our most powerful module and an excellent addition to our premium multicrystalline portfolio," said Mr. Jifan Gao, Chairman and CEO of Trina Solar. "Matching a competitive priced structure with proven high performance modules is the way the solar industry will achieve grid parity, and the introduction of the TSM-PC14 is a big step towards achieving this goal."
Quantum Materials Corporation Subsidiary Solterra Implements High Volume Quantum Dot Manufacturing Plan
TEMPE, Ariz., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quantum Materials Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: QTMM) (formerly Hague Corporation) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Solterra Renewable Technologies, Inc., has entered into a process development agreement with a consortium of advanced chemistry companies in the Netherlands to validate high volume production methods for its proprietary low cost, high quality tetrapod quantum dots. This agreement is the product of the MOU that Solterra, FutureChemistry and Flowid signed in 2009, defining a collective output goal that supports daily production amounts that had previously taken months or possibly years to produce.
The continuous flow chemistry technology developed by the consortium, consisting of FutureChemistry Holding BV and Flowid BV, enables rapid assessment of input parameters to control output characteristics of the quantum dots and high parallel capacity for increased production. The unique properties of flow chemistry offer unprecedented control over the chemical manufacturing process. This tight quality control enables the quantum dots to be used in specific technology applications where the unique behavior of the quantum dots can be harnessed. Together, FutureChemistry and Flowid, both pioneers of continuous flow chemistry and on the forefront of the "lab to factory" concept, provide the expertise necessary to find optimal process conditions and subsequently scale the synthesis of the quantum dots to necessary levels. With larger quantities of quantum dots, Solterra will be enabled to pursue its near-term goal of reaching one Gigawatt of solar cell production.
Solterra's vision to significantly increase available solar energy generation and to bring low cost quantum dots to the LED, display, broader optoelectronic and biomedical research markets is enhanced by this project. Significantly increased production volumes will enable the Company to readily enter developing technology markets that will come to rely on a steady stream of affordable, high quality quantum dots.
Research Director of FutureChemistry Pieter Nieuwland explains about continuous flow chemistry: "Testing new chemical reactions is often performed in a traditional way: step by step. With the technology of FutureChemistry and Flowid, these reactions become full-continuous processes that we can optimize with our software and translate to much larger reactors. This project will be an exciting showcase for flow chemistry, and it will prove that the technology is now reaching maturity."
Stephen Squires, Chief Executive Officer of Solterra, commented, "We are very pleased with this collaboration and are eagerly looking forward to fruitful efforts with both FutureChemistry and Flowid. Their leading edge work essentially allows the Company to overcome barriers to entry of high volume, high tech markets. The imminent ability to sell stand alone quantum dots in large quantities at attractive pricing into various markets, while continuing to develop breakthrough solar cell technology, undoubtedly will generate significant revenue for Solterra, Quantum Materials Corporation and its shareholders."
The continuous flow chemistry technology developed by the consortium, consisting of FutureChemistry Holding BV and Flowid BV, enables rapid assessment of input parameters to control output characteristics of the quantum dots and high parallel capacity for increased production. The unique properties of flow chemistry offer unprecedented control over the chemical manufacturing process. This tight quality control enables the quantum dots to be used in specific technology applications where the unique behavior of the quantum dots can be harnessed. Together, FutureChemistry and Flowid, both pioneers of continuous flow chemistry and on the forefront of the "lab to factory" concept, provide the expertise necessary to find optimal process conditions and subsequently scale the synthesis of the quantum dots to necessary levels. With larger quantities of quantum dots, Solterra will be enabled to pursue its near-term goal of reaching one Gigawatt of solar cell production.
Solterra's vision to significantly increase available solar energy generation and to bring low cost quantum dots to the LED, display, broader optoelectronic and biomedical research markets is enhanced by this project. Significantly increased production volumes will enable the Company to readily enter developing technology markets that will come to rely on a steady stream of affordable, high quality quantum dots.
Research Director of FutureChemistry Pieter Nieuwland explains about continuous flow chemistry: "Testing new chemical reactions is often performed in a traditional way: step by step. With the technology of FutureChemistry and Flowid, these reactions become full-continuous processes that we can optimize with our software and translate to much larger reactors. This project will be an exciting showcase for flow chemistry, and it will prove that the technology is now reaching maturity."
Stephen Squires, Chief Executive Officer of Solterra, commented, "We are very pleased with this collaboration and are eagerly looking forward to fruitful efforts with both FutureChemistry and Flowid. Their leading edge work essentially allows the Company to overcome barriers to entry of high volume, high tech markets. The imminent ability to sell stand alone quantum dots in large quantities at attractive pricing into various markets, while continuing to develop breakthrough solar cell technology, undoubtedly will generate significant revenue for Solterra, Quantum Materials Corporation and its shareholders."
Suntech Celebrates Earth Day, Bringing Clean Power to Communities From Texas to East Africa
SAN FRANCISCO, April 22 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest manufacturer of crystalline silicon solar panels, today announced its participation in Earth Day activities across the world. With a focus on the expansion of awareness and adoption of solar energy, Suntech will take part in educational events and panel donations in communities from Austin, Texas to Morogoro, Tanzania.
Suntech's vision for a brighter, sustainable future through the delivery of affordable and reliable solar power is brought into particular focus on Earth Day, when the company celebrates the potential of clean power everywhere. Since its founding in 2001, Suntech has installed 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of solar power in over 80 countries, enough clean energy to replace approximately nine 250 megawatt (MW) coal fired power plants, which are a significant contributor to global carbon emissions.
As Suntech continues to grow the number of its global installations, it has sought out partnerships with local organizations across the world to promote greater access to clean energy. Suntech has focused its 2010 Earth Day efforts on the intersection of clean energy and education, in places where its solar panels can have a long-term impact on the next generation including:
"Suntech's donation to the Sega Girls School will help us get closer to our vision of educating 200 local Tanzanian girls every year by 2015," explained Polly Dolan, Founder, Nurturing Minds and SEGA -- the Tanzanian based nonprofit that operates the school. "In this area of Tanzania, we are too remote to even make use of the local grid. Having access to sustainable, reliable clean power will let us provide the energy we so need for the girls' residence as well as our computer lab. Solar power and education are a great match, particularly in this corner of the world."
Suntech's vision for a brighter, sustainable future through the delivery of affordable and reliable solar power is brought into particular focus on Earth Day, when the company celebrates the potential of clean power everywhere. Since its founding in 2001, Suntech has installed 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of solar power in over 80 countries, enough clean energy to replace approximately nine 250 megawatt (MW) coal fired power plants, which are a significant contributor to global carbon emissions.
As Suntech continues to grow the number of its global installations, it has sought out partnerships with local organizations across the world to promote greater access to clean energy. Suntech has focused its 2010 Earth Day efforts on the intersection of clean energy and education, in places where its solar panels can have a long-term impact on the next generation including:
-- The donation of 10kW of Suntech solar panels to non-profit Nurturing
Minds, which runs a girls school in Morogoro, Tanzania. This remote
region of Tanzania is home to the Sega Girls School, which currently
provides education and housing for over 50 local girls who would
otherwise receive no education. Solar energy plays a key role in the
organization's vision of educating 200 girls a year by 2015.
-- Suntech is proud to announce its work with Austin's McNeil High School
Green Club. Suntech subsidized the costs of a 10kW PV system for the
school through a partnership with local partner, URS Corporation. The
system will provide clean power for the high school's nearly 3,000
students and demonstrate the possibilities of alternative energy to the
community.
-- With customer CalTech, Suntech will be a part of an April 23rd Earth
Day celebration at the CalTech campus in Pasadena. The event will
celebrate CalTech's vision for a sustainable campus, which includes a
1.3MW Suntech solar system, currently in phase two of development.
Suntech will participate in the event by educating visitors about the
opportunity and savings from solar power.
-- Suntech participated in the EcoAvenues event in Arizona on April 17th,
celebrating its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Goodyear, Arizona.
The event was designed to engage local Phoenix-area residents in
imagining a more sustainable world, with practical information on
living a greener lifestyle."The truth is, every day is Earth Day for us at Suntech, where we take our commitment to a renewable energy future very seriously," said Steven Chan, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Global Sales and Marketing, Suntech. "That said, it's important to take a step back and examine what clean, solar energy can do for communities and organizations that are educating the next generation. We're very proud of the work our team has done to bring solar power to places that need it the most.""Suntech's donation to the Sega Girls School will help us get closer to our vision of educating 200 local Tanzanian girls every year by 2015," explained Polly Dolan, Founder, Nurturing Minds and SEGA -- the Tanzanian based nonprofit that operates the school. "In this area of Tanzania, we are too remote to even make use of the local grid. Having access to sustainable, reliable clean power will let us provide the energy we so need for the girls' residence as well as our computer lab. Solar power and education are a great match, particularly in this corner of the world."
Sony Electronics Headquarters Awarded New Construction LEED(R) Certification
SAN DIEGO, April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today the U.S. Green Building Council Institute announced the newest U.S. facility to earn the prestigious LEED® Gold certification – the Sony Electronics (SEL) headquarters building in San Diego. The LEED certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
"When we began laying out initial plans for our headquarters, we knew we wanted 'green' to play a major role in its construction," said Ed Cotter, Executive Vice President, Sony Electronics. "As a major consumer electronics company, we take sustainability very seriously and seek out efforts to reduce our environmental footprint wherever possible."
The building's design integrated a number of green elements in accordance with the Green Building Council's LEED requirements, including 80 bicycle racks, 140 spaces reserved for vehicles opting to carpool, and 76 set aside for fuel-efficient vehicles, to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
"Climate change remains a big environmental problem throughout the globe," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "But innovative companies like Sony Electronics are helping address the issue through local solutions such as building sustainable facilities."
SEL maneuvered more than 92 percent of the building's construction debris away from local landfills. In addition, open space accounts for 29 percent of the lot, with vegetation making up 52 percent – more than double the requirement.
Building materials, local resources
Nearly 15 percent of the buildings' materials are local, garnered from within 500 miles of the site's location in the Rancho Bernardo community. A minimum of 75 percent of the wood used in the framing, flooring and furniture is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council – a non-profit organization that promotes the responsible management of the world's forests – and 47 percent of the building materials have been manufactured using recycled materials.
Water efficiency
The building's use of low-flow water fixtures ensures rates of water usage up to 47 percent lower than current codes, in conjunction with the use of condensate water from air-conditioning units. The building also captures 90 percent of storm water runoff onsite.
Energy and atmosphere
SEL designed its headquarters to maximize energy performance by 22.6 percent with the installation of lighting sensors throughout the building in addition to variable speed drives for A/C units.
Solar panels are installed on the building's parking garage to collect energy for the local utility company, a feature that offsets nearly five percent of the total energy cost. The buildings' designers also optimized the use of natural lighting in its construction – 75 percent of the facility's total square footage receives natural sunlight.
Additionally, Sony purchases renewable energy credits – equivalent to 70 percent of total annual energy costs – to ensure its headquarters remains a carbon neutral site.
About Sony Electronics
Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Electronics is a leading provider of audio/video electronics and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, design, engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service.
The latest news and information is available at the company's web site at www.sony.com/news.
U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 140,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 35,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising over 4.5 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries.
By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation.
For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.
"When we began laying out initial plans for our headquarters, we knew we wanted 'green' to play a major role in its construction," said Ed Cotter, Executive Vice President, Sony Electronics. "As a major consumer electronics company, we take sustainability very seriously and seek out efforts to reduce our environmental footprint wherever possible."
The building's design integrated a number of green elements in accordance with the Green Building Council's LEED requirements, including 80 bicycle racks, 140 spaces reserved for vehicles opting to carpool, and 76 set aside for fuel-efficient vehicles, to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
"Climate change remains a big environmental problem throughout the globe," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "But innovative companies like Sony Electronics are helping address the issue through local solutions such as building sustainable facilities."
SEL maneuvered more than 92 percent of the building's construction debris away from local landfills. In addition, open space accounts for 29 percent of the lot, with vegetation making up 52 percent – more than double the requirement.
Building materials, local resources
Nearly 15 percent of the buildings' materials are local, garnered from within 500 miles of the site's location in the Rancho Bernardo community. A minimum of 75 percent of the wood used in the framing, flooring and furniture is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council – a non-profit organization that promotes the responsible management of the world's forests – and 47 percent of the building materials have been manufactured using recycled materials.
Water efficiency
The building's use of low-flow water fixtures ensures rates of water usage up to 47 percent lower than current codes, in conjunction with the use of condensate water from air-conditioning units. The building also captures 90 percent of storm water runoff onsite.
Energy and atmosphere
SEL designed its headquarters to maximize energy performance by 22.6 percent with the installation of lighting sensors throughout the building in addition to variable speed drives for A/C units.
Solar panels are installed on the building's parking garage to collect energy for the local utility company, a feature that offsets nearly five percent of the total energy cost. The buildings' designers also optimized the use of natural lighting in its construction – 75 percent of the facility's total square footage receives natural sunlight.
Additionally, Sony purchases renewable energy credits – equivalent to 70 percent of total annual energy costs – to ensure its headquarters remains a carbon neutral site.
About Sony Electronics
Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Electronics is a leading provider of audio/video electronics and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, design, engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service.
The latest news and information is available at the company's web site at www.sony.com/news.
U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 140,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 35,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising over 4.5 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries.
By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation.
For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.
Pro-Tech Energy Completes Installation of Solar Energy System at English Creek
BRANCHBURG, N.J., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Pro-Tech Energy Solutions LLC, a self-funded energy services company serving the Mid-Atlantic region's commercial properties, today announced the successful installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system in Egg Harbor, NJ at the self storage facility, English Creek. Pro-Tech's work at English Creek, the financing involved, and the ultimate savings a solar energy installation can provide a small business are featured in today's Wall Street Journal in an online article titled, "Businesses Wait for Green Energy Payback."
For this project, Pro-Tech installed a 101,660 kilowatt (kW) direct current PV system designed to offset the energy consumed largely by lighting the premises on a continual 24-hour basis. The system's (442) SolarWorld Sunmodule SW-230W modules divert about 153,114 cubic pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the atmosphere each year – this is the equivalent of the emissions released driving approximately 1,000,007 miles in an average-sized vehicle.
Pro-Tech Energy helped English Creek self storage facility identify and utilize a rebate from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), as well as the New Jersey Clean Energy Program's (NJCEP) Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) Pilot Program. An additional grant of 30% came from the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) enacted in 2008 to encourage the adoption of solar energy and designed to cut the cost of construction.
"English Creek now joins the rapidly growing group of self storage owners from New Jersey who are paving the way for greener business practices," said John Drexinger, COO, Pro-Tech Energy Solutions. "This savvy niche of businessmen and women realize they can take their operational costs down significantly by harnessing the power of the sun."
"We're very happy with the Pro-Tech team and the work they performed for our self storage facility. Their efficiency and professionalism delivered a quality product," said Nicolas Droboniku, owner of English Creek Self Storage. "They not only worked with us on the NJ BPU rebate process and accessing grants, but also provided us with a full audit that identified the areas of the facility that consumed the most energy. This was very helpful in identifying the best energy savings route to take."
For this project, Pro-Tech installed a 101,660 kilowatt (kW) direct current PV system designed to offset the energy consumed largely by lighting the premises on a continual 24-hour basis. The system's (442) SolarWorld Sunmodule SW-230W modules divert about 153,114 cubic pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the atmosphere each year – this is the equivalent of the emissions released driving approximately 1,000,007 miles in an average-sized vehicle.
Pro-Tech Energy helped English Creek self storage facility identify and utilize a rebate from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), as well as the New Jersey Clean Energy Program's (NJCEP) Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) Pilot Program. An additional grant of 30% came from the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) enacted in 2008 to encourage the adoption of solar energy and designed to cut the cost of construction.
"English Creek now joins the rapidly growing group of self storage owners from New Jersey who are paving the way for greener business practices," said John Drexinger, COO, Pro-Tech Energy Solutions. "This savvy niche of businessmen and women realize they can take their operational costs down significantly by harnessing the power of the sun."
"We're very happy with the Pro-Tech team and the work they performed for our self storage facility. Their efficiency and professionalism delivered a quality product," said Nicolas Droboniku, owner of English Creek Self Storage. "They not only worked with us on the NJ BPU rebate process and accessing grants, but also provided us with a full audit that identified the areas of the facility that consumed the most energy. This was very helpful in identifying the best energy savings route to take."
Mercury Solar Systems Partners with NREL to Advance Solar Energy Research
PORT CHESTER, N.Y., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Solar Systems, one of the leading solar integrators on the East Coast, today announced that it has partnered with The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to advance solar energy research. NREL will extract data for its own long-term research from Mercury Solar System's solar test-bed, the first solar photovoltaic testing facility in the Northeast. The system will be constructed on the roof of Mercury Solar Systems' corporate headquarters in Westchester County, NY, and is expected to be operational by the end of the summer. A grant from The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will help finance the project.
"Our partnership with NREL will help validate panel performance for the entire solar industry," said Lloyd Hoffstatter, VP of Engineering, Mercury Solar Systems. "Combining several different solar panels into one system is an innovative approach to evaluate and monitor panel performance. It will also give us quantifiable engineering data to design, construct and integrate the most state-of-the-art solar energy systems for our customers, giving us a significant edge over other firms in this industry."
The 81 kilowatt (kW) solar PV system will consist of several hundred panels from eight different manufacturers. It is expected to generate 90,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) each year or approximately seventy-five percent of the building's annual electricity needs. The system will also incorporate a hybrid PV/solar hot water system.
"We believe this partnership will supply us useful information to help evaluate solar panel performance in the Northeast," said NREL Senior Engineer Ryan Smith.
“At NYSERDA we believe innovation is critical to the long-term success of our State’s energy, economic, and environmental wellbeing. We commend NREL and Mercury Solar Systems for taking on this initiative as it will not only help the industry progress but increase the number of high efficiency solar systems in the market, producing more clean energy for our residents,” said Francis J. Murray, Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA.
"Our partnership with NREL will help validate panel performance for the entire solar industry," said Lloyd Hoffstatter, VP of Engineering, Mercury Solar Systems. "Combining several different solar panels into one system is an innovative approach to evaluate and monitor panel performance. It will also give us quantifiable engineering data to design, construct and integrate the most state-of-the-art solar energy systems for our customers, giving us a significant edge over other firms in this industry."
The 81 kilowatt (kW) solar PV system will consist of several hundred panels from eight different manufacturers. It is expected to generate 90,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) each year or approximately seventy-five percent of the building's annual electricity needs. The system will also incorporate a hybrid PV/solar hot water system.
"We believe this partnership will supply us useful information to help evaluate solar panel performance in the Northeast," said NREL Senior Engineer Ryan Smith.
“At NYSERDA we believe innovation is critical to the long-term success of our State’s energy, economic, and environmental wellbeing. We commend NREL and Mercury Solar Systems for taking on this initiative as it will not only help the industry progress but increase the number of high efficiency solar systems in the market, producing more clean energy for our residents,” said Francis J. Murray, Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA.
Residents of University Park, Maryland Band Together in First Community-Initiated Solar Electric System
UNIVERSITY PARK, Md., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Several Maryland citizens, with the help of Standard Solar, Inc. are celebrating the 40th Earth Day this week upon banding together to sign a community Solar Power Purchase Agreement for a 23 kilowatt photovoltaic electric system on the roof of local church in this leafy bedroom community just east of Washington, DC.
They're called University Park Community Solar LLC and the system they are purchasing is believed to be the first community-initiated solar electric system in the U.S. It will benefit the 30-plus area participants and generate clean electricity on site for the Church of the Brethren at a predictable price, thereby reducing their region's reliance on coal-fired power from the regulated utility, Pepco. Pepco burns coal to generate almost half of the electricity it supplies to University Park, the District of Columbia and other Maryland suburbs of DC.
While a solar system is not appropriate for their respective homes due to an expansive canopy of tall oak, pine and maple trees that dominates University Park, Standard Solar, Inc. helped the LLC members identify suitable sites in their neighborhood, designed a customized system for the Church roof and has begun to install it with completion expected next month and a formal unveiling in early June.
"By pooling members' money, we're displacing carbon with solar, offering a more sustainable source of electricity at a predictable price and we'll be getting a return on our investment," said David Brosch, one of the founders of University Park Community Solar LLC.
There are legislative efforts in states such as Connecticut to authorize community solar coops and at least one electric cooperative, in the middle Florida Keys, to lease a single solar panel in a large array but no program that has originated from this type of grass-roots effort as the University Park residents have succeeded in doing.
"This is a model for like-minded homeowners to benefit from solar for their community and for themselves, especially if a solar electric system is not suitable for their residences. Thumbs up to David and his neighbors for realizing their vision and leading by example," said Standard Solar Chief Technology Officer Lee Bristol who began working with the Coop in the Fall 2008.
Brosch said the LLC participants also wanted to set an example by expressly choosing panels made in America from Sharp USA. The 230-watt panels were made and assembled at Sharp's Memphis, Tennessee plant.
The Operating Agreement was drawn up pro bono by Caroline Gaudet in the Washington, DC office of Steptoe & Johnson LLP.
They're called University Park Community Solar LLC and the system they are purchasing is believed to be the first community-initiated solar electric system in the U.S. It will benefit the 30-plus area participants and generate clean electricity on site for the Church of the Brethren at a predictable price, thereby reducing their region's reliance on coal-fired power from the regulated utility, Pepco. Pepco burns coal to generate almost half of the electricity it supplies to University Park, the District of Columbia and other Maryland suburbs of DC.
While a solar system is not appropriate for their respective homes due to an expansive canopy of tall oak, pine and maple trees that dominates University Park, Standard Solar, Inc. helped the LLC members identify suitable sites in their neighborhood, designed a customized system for the Church roof and has begun to install it with completion expected next month and a formal unveiling in early June.
"By pooling members' money, we're displacing carbon with solar, offering a more sustainable source of electricity at a predictable price and we'll be getting a return on our investment," said David Brosch, one of the founders of University Park Community Solar LLC.
There are legislative efforts in states such as Connecticut to authorize community solar coops and at least one electric cooperative, in the middle Florida Keys, to lease a single solar panel in a large array but no program that has originated from this type of grass-roots effort as the University Park residents have succeeded in doing.
"This is a model for like-minded homeowners to benefit from solar for their community and for themselves, especially if a solar electric system is not suitable for their residences. Thumbs up to David and his neighbors for realizing their vision and leading by example," said Standard Solar Chief Technology Officer Lee Bristol who began working with the Coop in the Fall 2008.
Brosch said the LLC participants also wanted to set an example by expressly choosing panels made in America from Sharp USA. The 230-watt panels were made and assembled at Sharp's Memphis, Tennessee plant.
The Operating Agreement was drawn up pro bono by Caroline Gaudet in the Washington, DC office of Steptoe & Johnson LLP.
New REC Peak Energy Solar Module Delivers More Power Per Square Meter
SANDVIKA, Norway--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fourth generation module, the first commercial product from one of the world`s largest integrated solar manufacturing facilities, provides more power per square meter with efficient cell and glass design and an average increase of nine watts per module.
The REC Peak Energy Module is the first commercial product to be produced at REC’s new manufacturing facility in Singapore. This site is one of the most integrated and automated in the industry, allowing REC to increase solar cell and module volumes four fold. “The REC Peak Energy Module is a solid investment for customers in the commercial, residential, and utility segments, helping REC to become a leading module producer”, said John Andersen, Jr., Executive Vice President REC Solar and Group Chief Operating Officer. With the successful start-up of the plant and this product launch, REC has combined a commitment to quality, part of the company’s Norwegian heritage, with Singapore’s high-quality manufacturing capability.
The REC Peak Energy Module delivers more power per square meter due to several design improvements. Introduction of three bus bars and improved contact between the cell and metal fingers, improves electrical flow, producing an average power gain of nine watts. The unique glass etching process completed in house, utilizes Sunarc technology to increase energy production by two percent. The modules are easy to install with made-to-fit cables and multiple grounding points that reduce the ground wire needed in installation. Easy to lift and handle, the modules have a robust and durable design, supporting a large mechanical load (5400 pascal). “Delivering more power per square meter, with the REC Peak Energy Series we continue to innovate, producing high-performance modules with a focus on quality and efficiency”, said Åsmund Fodstad, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, REC. The REC Peak Energy Module is available worldwide for purchase now.
Committed to sustainability, REC modules have an industry leading energy payback time of one year. This is being reduced with innovations such as the new fluidized bed reactor (FBR) silicon production process which uses 80 to 90 percent less energy than traditional methods. One of the world`s most integrated solar companies, REC is in a competitive position for the long term, building on a range of products and increased production volumes.
The REC Peak Energy Module is the first commercial product to be produced at REC’s new manufacturing facility in Singapore. This site is one of the most integrated and automated in the industry, allowing REC to increase solar cell and module volumes four fold. “The REC Peak Energy Module is a solid investment for customers in the commercial, residential, and utility segments, helping REC to become a leading module producer”, said John Andersen, Jr., Executive Vice President REC Solar and Group Chief Operating Officer. With the successful start-up of the plant and this product launch, REC has combined a commitment to quality, part of the company’s Norwegian heritage, with Singapore’s high-quality manufacturing capability.
The REC Peak Energy Module delivers more power per square meter due to several design improvements. Introduction of three bus bars and improved contact between the cell and metal fingers, improves electrical flow, producing an average power gain of nine watts. The unique glass etching process completed in house, utilizes Sunarc technology to increase energy production by two percent. The modules are easy to install with made-to-fit cables and multiple grounding points that reduce the ground wire needed in installation. Easy to lift and handle, the modules have a robust and durable design, supporting a large mechanical load (5400 pascal). “Delivering more power per square meter, with the REC Peak Energy Series we continue to innovate, producing high-performance modules with a focus on quality and efficiency”, said Åsmund Fodstad, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, REC. The REC Peak Energy Module is available worldwide for purchase now.
Committed to sustainability, REC modules have an industry leading energy payback time of one year. This is being reduced with innovations such as the new fluidized bed reactor (FBR) silicon production process which uses 80 to 90 percent less energy than traditional methods. One of the world`s most integrated solar companies, REC is in a competitive position for the long term, building on a range of products and increased production volumes.
McCormick Adds More Solar Power from Constellation Energy
BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG) and McCormick & Company, Inc. (NYSE: MKC) today announced an agreement to develop a new 1.8-megawatt (DC) solar photovoltaic power system at the McCormick distribution center in Belcamp, Md. This will be the largest single rooftop solar installation in Maryland, and is the second solar installation developed for McCormick by Constellation Energy. In late 2008, the companies brought a nearly 1-megawatt solar installation online at McCormick’s Spice Mill in Hunt Valley, Md. Construction of this latest installation has been scheduled to begin in late June with estimated completion by the close of 2010.
“In order for renewables to expand and make a meaningful impact, you have to have organizations like McCormick that make a commitment to sustainability and developers such as Constellation Energy that make clean energy practical and reliable,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of green initiatives for Constellation Energy. “We are very pleased to be working again with McCormick on a new solar installation. This affirms that Constellation Energy’s solar model creates an affordable and realistic renewable energy solution for our customers.”
Constellation Energy will finance the project, including design and construction of the installation, and then own and maintain the solar power system for a period of 20 years. McCormick purchases energy produced by the solar installations hosted at its facilities. Structuring solar projects in this way creates an attractive business model that creates no upfront costs for customers and provides them with firm power costs over a long term. Constellation Energy expects McCormick to save an estimated $3.4 million in electricity costs over the term of the agreement.
“We have had a very positive response to our earlier solar installations from our customers, employees and shareholders,” said Alan Wilson, chairman, president, and CEO of McCormick. “With this new project, McCormick becomes one of the largest corporate users of solar power in the state of Maryland. This is a great source of pride and a clear sign of our ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainability in general. Sustainability makes great sense from a business perspective and is ‘Truly our Nature’ at McCormick.”
The McCormick Distribution Center solar project is currently designed to utilize 8,372 crystalline photovoltaic solar panels on the facility’s 363,000 square foot rooftop. The system is expected annually to generate power equivalent to the amount of electricity used by 195 homes in a year. Generating that same amount of electricity using non-renewable sources would result in the release of more than 1,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and the equivalent of the emissions from more than 300 passenger vehicles annually. The project will also create a number of new green jobs, requiring approximately 17,000 man-hours during construction.
Constellation Energy currently has approximately 25 megawatts of on-site solar projects completed or under development throughout the U.S. and announced recently that it has set aside $90 million to fund the development of similar solar installations in 2010. Qualifying projects of 500 kilowatts generally require at least 100,000 square feet of roof space or two acres of open ground. Commercial customers, universities, school systems, hospitals and government agencies interested in developing solar projects can contact Constellation Energy at Sustainable-Solutions@constellation.com or 1-877-427-2005.
“In order for renewables to expand and make a meaningful impact, you have to have organizations like McCormick that make a commitment to sustainability and developers such as Constellation Energy that make clean energy practical and reliable,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of green initiatives for Constellation Energy. “We are very pleased to be working again with McCormick on a new solar installation. This affirms that Constellation Energy’s solar model creates an affordable and realistic renewable energy solution for our customers.”
Constellation Energy will finance the project, including design and construction of the installation, and then own and maintain the solar power system for a period of 20 years. McCormick purchases energy produced by the solar installations hosted at its facilities. Structuring solar projects in this way creates an attractive business model that creates no upfront costs for customers and provides them with firm power costs over a long term. Constellation Energy expects McCormick to save an estimated $3.4 million in electricity costs over the term of the agreement.
“We have had a very positive response to our earlier solar installations from our customers, employees and shareholders,” said Alan Wilson, chairman, president, and CEO of McCormick. “With this new project, McCormick becomes one of the largest corporate users of solar power in the state of Maryland. This is a great source of pride and a clear sign of our ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainability in general. Sustainability makes great sense from a business perspective and is ‘Truly our Nature’ at McCormick.”
The McCormick Distribution Center solar project is currently designed to utilize 8,372 crystalline photovoltaic solar panels on the facility’s 363,000 square foot rooftop. The system is expected annually to generate power equivalent to the amount of electricity used by 195 homes in a year. Generating that same amount of electricity using non-renewable sources would result in the release of more than 1,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and the equivalent of the emissions from more than 300 passenger vehicles annually. The project will also create a number of new green jobs, requiring approximately 17,000 man-hours during construction.
Constellation Energy currently has approximately 25 megawatts of on-site solar projects completed or under development throughout the U.S. and announced recently that it has set aside $90 million to fund the development of similar solar installations in 2010. Qualifying projects of 500 kilowatts generally require at least 100,000 square feet of roof space or two acres of open ground. Commercial customers, universities, school systems, hospitals and government agencies interested in developing solar projects can contact Constellation Energy at Sustainable-Solutions@constellation.com or 1-877-427-2005.
Evolution Solar Completes Engineering of Breakthrough Severe-Duty Solar Panel
THE WOODLANDS, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Management of Evolution Solar Corp. (PinkSheets: EVSO) announced that they have completed the development and manufacture of a unique corrosion-resistant solar panel, which is expected to give the company a marketing edge in winning projects located on islands or near the ocean. The new systems are resistant to salt water and accumulate water condensation – which not only extends the product’s life, it is also becoming a new requirement for some projects – such as those located in Bermuda.
These panels were built for the Company in China and are currently being shipped to the US for marketing and for installations by Evolution Solar.
“We are glad that we are on the front line of developing these panels,” said Robert Hines, President of EVSO. “We anticipate that this will translate into greater sales and more projects for Evolution Solar.”
Evolution Solar is currently building a solar demonstration site in partnership with Texas Southern University, to be located at the University’s Houston Campus. The project should help Evolution Solar acquire new projects in a sector that is growing to compete in the energy industry, which contains LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK), Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL), Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO) and BP (NYSE: BP).
About Evolution Solar Corporation
Evolution Solar Corporation, (EVSO), commercializes leading edge alternative solar energy technologies and related photovoltaic technologies, equipment and next generation appliances. Evolution Solar is an emerging industry leader capitalizing on its understanding of solar technology and supporting the development of alternative energy plans for large corporations and government organizations. Evolution Solar is also an expert consultant agency to organizations in their strategic and procurement plans for alternative energy contracts with public utilities.
These panels were built for the Company in China and are currently being shipped to the US for marketing and for installations by Evolution Solar.
“We are glad that we are on the front line of developing these panels,” said Robert Hines, President of EVSO. “We anticipate that this will translate into greater sales and more projects for Evolution Solar.”
Evolution Solar is currently building a solar demonstration site in partnership with Texas Southern University, to be located at the University’s Houston Campus. The project should help Evolution Solar acquire new projects in a sector that is growing to compete in the energy industry, which contains LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK), Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL), Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO) and BP (NYSE: BP).
About Evolution Solar Corporation
Evolution Solar Corporation, (EVSO), commercializes leading edge alternative solar energy technologies and related photovoltaic technologies, equipment and next generation appliances. Evolution Solar is an emerging industry leader capitalizing on its understanding of solar technology and supporting the development of alternative energy plans for large corporations and government organizations. Evolution Solar is also an expert consultant agency to organizations in their strategic and procurement plans for alternative energy contracts with public utilities.
Spire Solar to Exhibit at PV Tech 2010 in Stuggart Germany
BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR), a global solar company providing production equipment and turnkey manufacturing lines to manufacture photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, and engineering, procurement and construction services for solar systems, announced its senior management team will exhibit at PHOTON’s 6th Photovoltaic Technology Show 2010 Europe from April 27 through 29 in Stuttgart, Germany.
PHOTON‘s Photovoltaic Technology Show is the world‘s leading trade fair for machinery and processing materials used in the production of wafers, cells and solar modules. Spire’s team will be available at the New Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre in Hall 6, Booth G5. To schedule a meeting with Spire or for more information, visit: http://www.spirecorp.com/spire-solar/contact-spire-solar/index.php.
About Spire Corporation
Spire Corporation, voted 2009’s Turnkey PV Manufacturing Line Company of the Year, is a global solar company providing capital equipment and turnkey production lines to manufacture PV cells and modules.
PHOTON‘s Photovoltaic Technology Show is the world‘s leading trade fair for machinery and processing materials used in the production of wafers, cells and solar modules. Spire’s team will be available at the New Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre in Hall 6, Booth G5. To schedule a meeting with Spire or for more information, visit: http://www.spirecorp.com/spire-solar/contact-spire-solar/index.php.
About Spire Corporation
Spire Corporation, voted 2009’s Turnkey PV Manufacturing Line Company of the Year, is a global solar company providing capital equipment and turnkey production lines to manufacture PV cells and modules.
Panda Energy and Con Edison Development Sign Joint Development Agreement
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panda Solar Ventures LLC, an affiliate of Panda Energy International Inc., and Con Edison Development, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison Inc., today announced that they have signed an agreement to develop, construct and operate utility-scale solar electric power projects in the northeast United States. The agreement initially calls for the development of two solar photovoltaic farms, between 15-20 megawatts in size, with the prospect of additional solar projects to be announced at a later date.
Under terms of the agreement, each company will be equal partners to the joint venture. Panda will assume primary responsibility for managing the development, engineering and construction of the projects. The company will also leverage its extensive relationships with various service providers and equipment builders, and will contribute the solar projects currently under development to the joint venture’s portfolio.
Con Edison Development will assume primary responsibility for managing the operation, maintenance and financing of the solar facilities and will support the development, engineering and construction efforts. The company will leverage its extensive knowledge in the energy field to market the Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECS) and the electricity generated by the projects.
“We are very pleased to form a strategic alliance with one of the oldest and largest investor-owned energy companies in the United States,” said Todd Carter, president of Dallas-based Panda Energy International Inc. “Con Edison brings a substantial market presence, long-standing operations expertise and a wealth of resources to the table. We look forward to working with them to help deliver clean, renewable energy to the mid Atlantic and New England areas of the country.”
“Our two companies have very complementary skill sets,” added Mark Noyes, vice president of Con Edison Development. “Panda Energy has one of the most experienced development teams in the business, a strong track record, substantial deal flow and expertise across the entire power development value chain.”
According to industry estimates, demand for solar energy over the past 15 years has grown at an annual rate of approximately 30 percent. Solar power is expected to play a key role in the new energy economy — creating jobs, enhancing the nation’s energy independence and providing clean, emissions-free electricity. The U.S. solar market is projected to double by 2011.
Under terms of the agreement, each company will be equal partners to the joint venture. Panda will assume primary responsibility for managing the development, engineering and construction of the projects. The company will also leverage its extensive relationships with various service providers and equipment builders, and will contribute the solar projects currently under development to the joint venture’s portfolio.
Con Edison Development will assume primary responsibility for managing the operation, maintenance and financing of the solar facilities and will support the development, engineering and construction efforts. The company will leverage its extensive knowledge in the energy field to market the Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECS) and the electricity generated by the projects.
“We are very pleased to form a strategic alliance with one of the oldest and largest investor-owned energy companies in the United States,” said Todd Carter, president of Dallas-based Panda Energy International Inc. “Con Edison brings a substantial market presence, long-standing operations expertise and a wealth of resources to the table. We look forward to working with them to help deliver clean, renewable energy to the mid Atlantic and New England areas of the country.”
“Our two companies have very complementary skill sets,” added Mark Noyes, vice president of Con Edison Development. “Panda Energy has one of the most experienced development teams in the business, a strong track record, substantial deal flow and expertise across the entire power development value chain.”
According to industry estimates, demand for solar energy over the past 15 years has grown at an annual rate of approximately 30 percent. Solar power is expected to play a key role in the new energy economy — creating jobs, enhancing the nation’s energy independence and providing clean, emissions-free electricity. The U.S. solar market is projected to double by 2011.
Sales of Carmanah 650 Solar LED Signaling Lights Reach 7,000 Units
VICTORIA, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With a recent order from Dubai-based PTL Solar for 1,000 units, sales of Carmanah Technology Corporation’s 650 series solar LED aviation and marine signaling lights have now exceeded 7,000 units since the line’s launch in mid-2009.
The recent order from PTL Solar is destined for airfields in the Middle East and will be deployed to improve airfield safety and enhance operational efficiency. The A650 has been installed in locations worldwide, including defense bases throughout the Middle East and Europe, and commercial airport installations in the Americas and Africa. Self-contained and self-powered, the A650 provides quick and easy deployment, making it ideal for expedited airfields and temporary marking of airfield obstructions. Designed to meet applicable ICAO and FAA Taxiway specifications, the versatile A650 solar LED light is in use as permanent primary lighting, temporary marking lighting, emergency backup lighting, and expedited portable lighting.
Carmanah distributor Prabissh Thomas of PTL Solar said, “In the Middle East/Africa region, airfield lights must perform reliably under incredibly harsh desert environments. With an operating temperature range of -45º to 190 ºF, the A650 is a failsafe choice for PTL’s commercial and defense airfield customers.”
The A650’s counterpart, the M650 has also seen uptake in the marine market as a highly reliable short-range visual aids-to-navigation light.
“The 650 signalling product line has had an impressive uptake since last year’s launch,” says Ted Lattimore, Carmanah CEO. “We believe a large part of the interest our customers are showing in the 650 revolves around the product’s rugged design, portability and ease of programming. A replaceable battery pack also extends the product’s life expectancy well beyond a decade, delivering an extremely low total cost of ownership.”
In addition to the success and continued growth of 650 sales through Carmanah’s own global distributor network, the marine and aviation product lines are expected to achieve overall growth in 2010 thanks, in part, to new strategic partnerships. “Together with our partners ADB Airfield Solutions and Sabik Oy, we are expanding our channels to market and maximizing the potential for the growth of our entire aviation and marine signaling product lines around the world,” Lattimore added.
The Carmanah 650 series solar LED lights grabbed considerable public and media attention at launch when an “extreme testing” video showing how the lights stood up to a range of hazards appeared on several industry websites. To view the video on YouTube, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/CarmanahSolar.
Carmanah and PTL solar will be demonstrating Carmanah’s complete line of solar LED airfield lights at the Airport Show in Dubai, April 25-27.
For more information, visit www.carmanah.com, or telephone 1.877.722.8877 (toll free in US and Canada). Images are available on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carmanahsolar/
The recent order from PTL Solar is destined for airfields in the Middle East and will be deployed to improve airfield safety and enhance operational efficiency. The A650 has been installed in locations worldwide, including defense bases throughout the Middle East and Europe, and commercial airport installations in the Americas and Africa. Self-contained and self-powered, the A650 provides quick and easy deployment, making it ideal for expedited airfields and temporary marking of airfield obstructions. Designed to meet applicable ICAO and FAA Taxiway specifications, the versatile A650 solar LED light is in use as permanent primary lighting, temporary marking lighting, emergency backup lighting, and expedited portable lighting.
Carmanah distributor Prabissh Thomas of PTL Solar said, “In the Middle East/Africa region, airfield lights must perform reliably under incredibly harsh desert environments. With an operating temperature range of -45º to 190 ºF, the A650 is a failsafe choice for PTL’s commercial and defense airfield customers.”
The A650’s counterpart, the M650 has also seen uptake in the marine market as a highly reliable short-range visual aids-to-navigation light.
“The 650 signalling product line has had an impressive uptake since last year’s launch,” says Ted Lattimore, Carmanah CEO. “We believe a large part of the interest our customers are showing in the 650 revolves around the product’s rugged design, portability and ease of programming. A replaceable battery pack also extends the product’s life expectancy well beyond a decade, delivering an extremely low total cost of ownership.”
In addition to the success and continued growth of 650 sales through Carmanah’s own global distributor network, the marine and aviation product lines are expected to achieve overall growth in 2010 thanks, in part, to new strategic partnerships. “Together with our partners ADB Airfield Solutions and Sabik Oy, we are expanding our channels to market and maximizing the potential for the growth of our entire aviation and marine signaling product lines around the world,” Lattimore added.
The Carmanah 650 series solar LED lights grabbed considerable public and media attention at launch when an “extreme testing” video showing how the lights stood up to a range of hazards appeared on several industry websites. To view the video on YouTube, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/CarmanahSolar.
Carmanah and PTL solar will be demonstrating Carmanah’s complete line of solar LED airfield lights at the Airport Show in Dubai, April 25-27.
For more information, visit www.carmanah.com, or telephone 1.877.722.8877 (toll free in US and Canada). Images are available on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carmanahsolar/
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Quantum Technologies Completes Acquisition of Schneider Power
IRVINE, Calif. and TORONTO, April 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW) ("Quantum") and Schneider Power Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SNE) ("Schneider Power") announced today the completion of their previously announced plan of arrangement under the Ontario Business Corporations Act pursuant to which Quantum acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Schneider Power. Following completion of the plan of arrangement, Jonathan Lundy, a former director and officer of Schneider Power, was appointed to Quantum's board of directors.
The business combination merges Schneider Power's wind and solar power generation development portfolio with Quantum's world-leading alternative fuel and solar power technologies to create a fully integrated renewable energy company. The combined portfolio will encompass products that enable energy efficient utilization in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles to solar module manufacturing and clean electricity generation for North American consumers.
Alan Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum, commented: "This acquisition creates a progressive, growth focused alternative energy company. We are excited about the upside potential Schneider Power brings to Quantum. The addition of Schneider's wind and solar renewable power projects is a significant step in our business strategy to become a more diverse alternative energy company. We welcome Mr. Lundy to our board of directors. His extensive experience in renewable energy will be of tremendous value to our board and stockholders."
The business combination merges Schneider Power's wind and solar power generation development portfolio with Quantum's world-leading alternative fuel and solar power technologies to create a fully integrated renewable energy company. The combined portfolio will encompass products that enable energy efficient utilization in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles to solar module manufacturing and clean electricity generation for North American consumers.
Alan Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum, commented: "This acquisition creates a progressive, growth focused alternative energy company. We are excited about the upside potential Schneider Power brings to Quantum. The addition of Schneider's wind and solar renewable power projects is a significant step in our business strategy to become a more diverse alternative energy company. We welcome Mr. Lundy to our board of directors. His extensive experience in renewable energy will be of tremendous value to our board and stockholders."
Rockville, Maryland Ice Arena Getting Ready To Tap the Sun to Freeze Its Ice
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The 40th anniversary of Earth Day this Thursday finds one of the largest solar electric systems in Maryland nearing completion atop a popular recreational destination for Maryland families: the Rockville Ice Arena.
The Rockville Ice Arena is poised in the coming weeks to start generating some of its own electricity when its owner, The Maven Group, flips the switch on its 701-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system installed by Standard Solar, Inc. The system will help control the Ice Arena's electricity costs and ensure the ice rink's future as a training ground for aspiring hockey stars.
"As our own Washington Capitals begin their march toward their first-ever Stanley Cup, it's especially fitting that the Rockville Ice Arena and the resident Montgomery Youth Hockey Association now are better equipped financially to continue training home-grown talent," said Stuart Schooler, Managing Member, The Maven Group of Bethesda, Maryland.
"We commend The Maven Group for seeing the light about how solar helps their business run more profitably, how it empowers them to do more for youth hockey in Montgomery County and how they are helping our state reduce its heavy dependence on coal to generate electricity," said Scott Wiater, President of Standard Solar.
The system is projected to meet about 30% of the Arena's annual electricity needs and will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2)-equivalent emissions by about 757 tons each year. The electricity generated by the Arena's solar system is enough to power approximately 72 average-sized American homes for a year.
For every 1,000 kilowatt hours (or one megawatt hour) of electricity generated by the system, The Maven Group will earn one Solar Renewable Energy Credit that under Maryland law it can currently sell in the open market for about $360 and are integral to financing many solar projects. Utilities in Maryland are required to buy these Credits as part of the state's goal of generating electricity from renewable sources. The Arena's solar system is expected to generate about 865 Solar Renewable Energy Credits every 12 months.
The Rockville Blades ice rink will include a computer kiosk where visitors can view how much electricity the solar panel system is producing at any given time or review historical performance. The system data also will be available via a password-protected web portal.
Click here to see photos of the completed solar arrays. And click here to see a brief video featuring Stuart Schooler explaining why The Maven Group chose to go solar at the Rockville Ice Arena.
Installation of the solar system at the Ice Arena served as the stage for leaders of the Montgomery County Green Economy Task Force to deliver their recommendations to County Executive Isiah Leggett on March 25. Leggett said the recommendations will help the County "move forward so that every segment of our population has an opportunity to thrive in the new green economy." For more information about how the Ice Arena fits into the County's strategy, click here for a photo and here for more information.
The Rockville Ice Arena is poised in the coming weeks to start generating some of its own electricity when its owner, The Maven Group, flips the switch on its 701-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system installed by Standard Solar, Inc. The system will help control the Ice Arena's electricity costs and ensure the ice rink's future as a training ground for aspiring hockey stars.
"As our own Washington Capitals begin their march toward their first-ever Stanley Cup, it's especially fitting that the Rockville Ice Arena and the resident Montgomery Youth Hockey Association now are better equipped financially to continue training home-grown talent," said Stuart Schooler, Managing Member, The Maven Group of Bethesda, Maryland.
"We commend The Maven Group for seeing the light about how solar helps their business run more profitably, how it empowers them to do more for youth hockey in Montgomery County and how they are helping our state reduce its heavy dependence on coal to generate electricity," said Scott Wiater, President of Standard Solar.
The system is projected to meet about 30% of the Arena's annual electricity needs and will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2)-equivalent emissions by about 757 tons each year. The electricity generated by the Arena's solar system is enough to power approximately 72 average-sized American homes for a year.
For every 1,000 kilowatt hours (or one megawatt hour) of electricity generated by the system, The Maven Group will earn one Solar Renewable Energy Credit that under Maryland law it can currently sell in the open market for about $360 and are integral to financing many solar projects. Utilities in Maryland are required to buy these Credits as part of the state's goal of generating electricity from renewable sources. The Arena's solar system is expected to generate about 865 Solar Renewable Energy Credits every 12 months.
The Rockville Blades ice rink will include a computer kiosk where visitors can view how much electricity the solar panel system is producing at any given time or review historical performance. The system data also will be available via a password-protected web portal.
Click here to see photos of the completed solar arrays. And click here to see a brief video featuring Stuart Schooler explaining why The Maven Group chose to go solar at the Rockville Ice Arena.
Installation of the solar system at the Ice Arena served as the stage for leaders of the Montgomery County Green Economy Task Force to deliver their recommendations to County Executive Isiah Leggett on March 25. Leggett said the recommendations will help the County "move forward so that every segment of our population has an opportunity to thrive in the new green economy." For more information about how the Ice Arena fits into the County's strategy, click here for a photo and here for more information.
Evergreen Solar Announces Selected Preliminary First Quarter 2010 Results
MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NasdaqGM: ESLR), a manufacturer of String RibbonTM solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology, today announced preliminary unaudited selected financial results for the first quarter of 2010, ended April 3, 2010.
Shipments for the first quarter of 2010 increased to a new Company record of approximately 35.4 megawatts. Revenues for the quarter were approximately $78.5 million and average selling price was approximately $2.20 per watt. Manufacturing costs were approximately $2.05 per watt, which is consistent with the fourth quarter of 2009.
Richard M. Feldt, Chairman, CEO and President stated, “Operationally, our Devens facility is performing very well, and as a result, we expect production and sales to increase to between 37 to 38 megawatts for the second quarter of 2010. Overall, demand for our product in the first quarter was strong and our selling prices decreased modestly by approximately 4% from the fourth quarter of 2009, mostly due to the stronger US dollar. Furthermore, our ongoing dialog with customers indicates that overall demand for our products in 2010 is expected to be consistent with the initial forecast of 175 megawatts we provided in February.” Mr. Feldt added, “Our progress in Wuhan, China is on schedule and we expect to begin production in mid 2010. I am particularly pleased to report that we produced our first wafers from Quad furnaces initially being used for training purposes, which were installed in Wuhan in mid-March.”
All data for the first quarter of 2010 are preliminary and subject to revision based upon our review through ordinary quarter-end closing procedures.
First quarter 2010 results will be reported after the market closes on May 4, 2010. Management will conduct a conference call to discuss the results on May 5, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. (ET). The call will be webcast live over the internet and can be accessed by logging on the “Investors” section of Evergreen Solar’s website, www.evergreensolar.com, prior to the event.
Shipments for the first quarter of 2010 increased to a new Company record of approximately 35.4 megawatts. Revenues for the quarter were approximately $78.5 million and average selling price was approximately $2.20 per watt. Manufacturing costs were approximately $2.05 per watt, which is consistent with the fourth quarter of 2009.
Richard M. Feldt, Chairman, CEO and President stated, “Operationally, our Devens facility is performing very well, and as a result, we expect production and sales to increase to between 37 to 38 megawatts for the second quarter of 2010. Overall, demand for our product in the first quarter was strong and our selling prices decreased modestly by approximately 4% from the fourth quarter of 2009, mostly due to the stronger US dollar. Furthermore, our ongoing dialog with customers indicates that overall demand for our products in 2010 is expected to be consistent with the initial forecast of 175 megawatts we provided in February.” Mr. Feldt added, “Our progress in Wuhan, China is on schedule and we expect to begin production in mid 2010. I am particularly pleased to report that we produced our first wafers from Quad furnaces initially being used for training purposes, which were installed in Wuhan in mid-March.”
All data for the first quarter of 2010 are preliminary and subject to revision based upon our review through ordinary quarter-end closing procedures.
First quarter 2010 results will be reported after the market closes on May 4, 2010. Management will conduct a conference call to discuss the results on May 5, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. (ET). The call will be webcast live over the internet and can be accessed by logging on the “Investors” section of Evergreen Solar’s website, www.evergreensolar.com, prior to the event.
Recurrent Energy and BlueWatt Sign Joint Development Agreement for Rooftop Distributed Solar Power Projects in France
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recurrent Energy, an independent power producer and a leading developer of solar power projects, today announced a joint development agreement with BlueWatt, a French solar power systems developer, to finance, build, and operate solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants on rooftops of industrial, commercial and logistics buildings across France.
Combining Recurrent Energy’s global experience in the financing and engineering of distributed PV power plants, which includes projects such as 4.8 MW in Barcelona and Madrid, 50 MW in Southern California, and 177 MW in Ontario, with BlueWatt’s local expertise in managing large infrastructure projects in France, will provide large building owners in France with options to lease out and utilize their unused rooftops as sites for solar power systems.
“This joint development agreement allows both Recurrent Energy and BlueWatt to bring many rooftop distributed-scale solar power opportunities to France,” said Karl Knight, Managing Director of International Development at Recurrent Energy. “We are committed to assisting the growth of the French solar market and playing a role in that market that allows us to work with a select group of high quality early stage developers in order to bring their pipelines to maturity.”
Under the terms of the agreement, BlueWatt shall seek to develop and co-invest in rooftop based solar power projects with major real estate firms in France. Recurrent Energy will finance, own and operate the solar power systems once appropriate contracts are in place. The renewable electricity generated by the distributed power plants will be fed back into the local utility grid, for which Recurrent Energy will be paid a feed-in tariff in accordance with French regulation. Recurrent Energy and BlueWatt are committed to working together on the first 50 MW of joint projects secured.
“The Recurrent Energy team’s experience in rooftop distributed-scale solar power projects strongly complements our local expertise in managing large infrastructure projects,” said Laurent Samama, President, BlueWatt. “Our joint development agreement will allow for new and existing projects in our pipeline to come online faster.”
Combining Recurrent Energy’s global experience in the financing and engineering of distributed PV power plants, which includes projects such as 4.8 MW in Barcelona and Madrid, 50 MW in Southern California, and 177 MW in Ontario, with BlueWatt’s local expertise in managing large infrastructure projects in France, will provide large building owners in France with options to lease out and utilize their unused rooftops as sites for solar power systems.
“This joint development agreement allows both Recurrent Energy and BlueWatt to bring many rooftop distributed-scale solar power opportunities to France,” said Karl Knight, Managing Director of International Development at Recurrent Energy. “We are committed to assisting the growth of the French solar market and playing a role in that market that allows us to work with a select group of high quality early stage developers in order to bring their pipelines to maturity.”
Under the terms of the agreement, BlueWatt shall seek to develop and co-invest in rooftop based solar power projects with major real estate firms in France. Recurrent Energy will finance, own and operate the solar power systems once appropriate contracts are in place. The renewable electricity generated by the distributed power plants will be fed back into the local utility grid, for which Recurrent Energy will be paid a feed-in tariff in accordance with French regulation. Recurrent Energy and BlueWatt are committed to working together on the first 50 MW of joint projects secured.
“The Recurrent Energy team’s experience in rooftop distributed-scale solar power projects strongly complements our local expertise in managing large infrastructure projects,” said Laurent Samama, President, BlueWatt. “Our joint development agreement will allow for new and existing projects in our pipeline to come online faster.”
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
GWS Technologies, Inc. Announces Plan for Solar Projects in Mexico
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GWS Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: GWSC) an alternative energy company developing renewable energy solutions, today announced that it is preparing plans for proposed solar farm sites ranging in size from 80 acres to 400 acres contiguous to electric substations in Veracruz and Chiapas, Mexico. GWS will provide engineering, project management, solar equipment and technology integration on the projects, with estimated costs ranging from $50M USD to $250M USD per project.
“There is a tremendous demand for 'green' energy technologies, especially solar energy and LEED-certified energy efficient products, in Mexico right now,” said Delgado & Associates’ managing partner Fernando Delgado, who recently returned from meetings with government planning and energy officials, as well as major private sector end-users on behalf of GWS. “The interest and support we have received over the last few weeks is extremely encouraging, and we are currently evaluating several proposed sites for GWS.”
In November 2008, the Mexican Congress passed the “Renewable Energy Usage and Energy Transition Financing Act” (Ley para el Aprovechamiento de Energías Renovables y el Financiamiento de la Transición Energética), a clear step towards implementing alternative energy policy at the federal level. While the Constitution of Mexico establishes that only the Government can generate, transport, transform, distribute or supply electricity for public use, the new law allows private companies to generate their own electricity by using renewables to supply their needs. When a generation surplus exists, the Energy Regulatory Commission (Comisión Reguladora de Energía - CRE) determines the price of purchase of the electricity generated in excess of the electricity used by the private generator; the surplus is then fed into the National Electric Grid.
“Delgado & Associates is uniquely qualified to act as our liaison with both Mexican governmental agencies and the private sector,” said GWS Technologies, Inc. President Richard Reincke. “Everyone in the solar industry agrees that Mexico has some of the best potential for solar power in the world, and we’re excited about this opportunity to participate in the emerging alternative electric sector in Veracruz and Chiapas,” Mr. Reincke added.
“There is a tremendous demand for 'green' energy technologies, especially solar energy and LEED-certified energy efficient products, in Mexico right now,” said Delgado & Associates’ managing partner Fernando Delgado, who recently returned from meetings with government planning and energy officials, as well as major private sector end-users on behalf of GWS. “The interest and support we have received over the last few weeks is extremely encouraging, and we are currently evaluating several proposed sites for GWS.”
In November 2008, the Mexican Congress passed the “Renewable Energy Usage and Energy Transition Financing Act” (Ley para el Aprovechamiento de Energías Renovables y el Financiamiento de la Transición Energética), a clear step towards implementing alternative energy policy at the federal level. While the Constitution of Mexico establishes that only the Government can generate, transport, transform, distribute or supply electricity for public use, the new law allows private companies to generate their own electricity by using renewables to supply their needs. When a generation surplus exists, the Energy Regulatory Commission (Comisión Reguladora de Energía - CRE) determines the price of purchase of the electricity generated in excess of the electricity used by the private generator; the surplus is then fed into the National Electric Grid.
“Delgado & Associates is uniquely qualified to act as our liaison with both Mexican governmental agencies and the private sector,” said GWS Technologies, Inc. President Richard Reincke. “Everyone in the solar industry agrees that Mexico has some of the best potential for solar power in the world, and we’re excited about this opportunity to participate in the emerging alternative electric sector in Veracruz and Chiapas,” Mr. Reincke added.
Samsonite Selects Ascent Solar Modules for Integration Into Carrying Case Products
THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), a developer of flexible thin-film solar modules, announced today that Samsonite, the worldwide leader in travel solutions, has selected flexible light-weight CIGS modules from Ascent Solar to be integrated into its new line of solar consumer products being initially rolled out this summer. The two companies have been working together through product development and today’s development symbolizes the progress and innovation from both companies to make portable power a part of an everyday product from a global leader in its industry.
Lynne Berard, Samsonite VP Sales & Marketing stated, “As our lives depend more and more on mobile electronics and the need to power and carry such devices, we believe that integrating solar panels into our carrying case solutions will be a game changer in the industry. By utilizing the unique, flexible, lightweight, rugged and subtle modules from Ascent Solar, we are able to provide our customers with power on the go, while not compromising our stringent standards for quality and style.”
“Samsonite is a name that needs no introduction. They are a global leader in luggage and consumer travel products through innovation and customer service,” said Farhad Moghadam, President and CEO of Ascent Solar. “Our selection by Samsonite gives Ascent Solar a clear path to market with solar integrated consumer products and establishes Ascent as a solar technology solution provider that can meet the needs of consumers demanding a rugged and light-weight portable way to power their electronics. We understand the evolution of the solar industry and how it can better relate to the consumer. With this in mind our goal is to enable and lead a new wave of portable solar charging solutions through Samsonite that will revolutionize the way we power our electronics anywhere and everywhere under the sun.”
Lynne Berard, Samsonite VP Sales & Marketing stated, “As our lives depend more and more on mobile electronics and the need to power and carry such devices, we believe that integrating solar panels into our carrying case solutions will be a game changer in the industry. By utilizing the unique, flexible, lightweight, rugged and subtle modules from Ascent Solar, we are able to provide our customers with power on the go, while not compromising our stringent standards for quality and style.”
“Samsonite is a name that needs no introduction. They are a global leader in luggage and consumer travel products through innovation and customer service,” said Farhad Moghadam, President and CEO of Ascent Solar. “Our selection by Samsonite gives Ascent Solar a clear path to market with solar integrated consumer products and establishes Ascent as a solar technology solution provider that can meet the needs of consumers demanding a rugged and light-weight portable way to power their electronics. We understand the evolution of the solar industry and how it can better relate to the consumer. With this in mind our goal is to enable and lead a new wave of portable solar charging solutions through Samsonite that will revolutionize the way we power our electronics anywhere and everywhere under the sun.”
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Canadian Solar Awarded Contract Offers for 176 MW (AC) of Distributed Solar Power Projects by Ontario Power Authority via Feed-in Tariff Program
KITCHENER, Canada, April 13 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq: CSIQ), one of the world's largest solar power companies, today announced it has been awarded Contract Offers for 176 megawatts (MW) of open field photovoltaic power generation projects under the new Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program that is part of the landmark Green Energy and Green Economy Act. Once final approval is obtained, these projects are expected to be completed in 2011 and 2012. The projects were developed, in partnership, with several leading renewable energy developers in the Ontario market, including 3G Energy Corp., Axio Power Inc., Saturn Power and UC Solar.
Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar said, "As a global company with strong financial backing and close to 700 MW of Canadian Solar modules installed in over 30 countries, we're very excited to have been offered these Contract Offers with our partners under Ontario's progressive FIT Program. The 176 MW of Contract Offers is a good start for Canadian Solar to help fight against climate change in Canada, including the goal of eliminating coal-fired power generation in Ontario by 2014. These projects, which represent 28 percent of the total approvals awarded to date, are also a good first step in Canadian Solar developing a leading market share position in Ontario. The projects that have received Contract Offers, and the ones still awaiting initial approval, are expected to create jobs in the province, including local manufacturing by Canadian Solar and its partners, as well as in engineering, construction, electrical, project development and other related services."
Canadian Solar expects that it will establish a state-of-art module manufacturing facility in Ontario by Q1 2011, which is expected to employ approximately 500 people. Further, the company will continue to supply installed solutions that meet Ontario FIT program content requirements for 2010 and 2011. Once final approval is obtained, the Ontario Power Authority will buy 100 percent of the power and renewable energy credits from the Canadian Solar projects under the FIT program.
Milfred Hammerbacher, President of Canadian Solar Solutions Inc., a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., said, "I am proud to see the Ontario government investing in the future of the province by helping improve the quality of life for our residents. With the continued leadership of the Ontario government, Canadian Solar Inc. will bring more solar energy to Ontario, our home province."
Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar said, "As a global company with strong financial backing and close to 700 MW of Canadian Solar modules installed in over 30 countries, we're very excited to have been offered these Contract Offers with our partners under Ontario's progressive FIT Program. The 176 MW of Contract Offers is a good start for Canadian Solar to help fight against climate change in Canada, including the goal of eliminating coal-fired power generation in Ontario by 2014. These projects, which represent 28 percent of the total approvals awarded to date, are also a good first step in Canadian Solar developing a leading market share position in Ontario. The projects that have received Contract Offers, and the ones still awaiting initial approval, are expected to create jobs in the province, including local manufacturing by Canadian Solar and its partners, as well as in engineering, construction, electrical, project development and other related services."
Canadian Solar expects that it will establish a state-of-art module manufacturing facility in Ontario by Q1 2011, which is expected to employ approximately 500 people. Further, the company will continue to supply installed solutions that meet Ontario FIT program content requirements for 2010 and 2011. Once final approval is obtained, the Ontario Power Authority will buy 100 percent of the power and renewable energy credits from the Canadian Solar projects under the FIT program.
Milfred Hammerbacher, President of Canadian Solar Solutions Inc., a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., said, "I am proud to see the Ontario government investing in the future of the province by helping improve the quality of life for our residents. With the continued leadership of the Ontario government, Canadian Solar Inc. will bring more solar energy to Ontario, our home province."
High Performance Solutions for Thin Film PV Energy Applications from H.C. Starck Inc.
EUCLID, Ohio, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Through research and product innovation, H.C. Starck Inc., Fabricated Products Group has developed sputtering targets offering superior sputtering performance for thin films PV (TFPV) energy applications.
Focusing on CIGS, a-Si (amorphous silicon) and CdTe thin films solar module manufacturers, H.C. Starck has been developing and successfully producing custom sputter targets in molybdenum (Mo) and nickel based (Ni) alloys along with its other core competency materials: tantalum (Ta), niobium (Nb) and tungsten (W).
H.C. Starck's planar and rotary sputtering targets were developed in response to the demand to lower the cost per watt in the rapidly growing photovoltaic industry. Their state-of-the-art Thin Film Materials Lab equipped with sputtering tools and supporting equipment for testing film characteristics made it possible for in-house prototyping and modeling to achieve this goal.
As a vertically integrated supplier, H.C. Starck is one of the world's largest producers of molybdenum, tungsten and tantalum powders, and has expertise in reducing, pressing and sintering these high performance materials and finishing them for market. H.C. Starck uses highly specialized equipment and technologies capable of producing rotatable sputtering targets at the height of the most demanding requirements of target users in the areas of LCD display, large area coating and solar cell applications.
Best in class production capabilities with premier extrusion facilities, H.C. Starck can produce molybdenum rotary targets with inside diameters of 125 mm (monolithic) and 135 mm (bonded) applications in molybdenum up through the current largest rotary target requirement. Tantalum, niobium, nickel-vanadium and other materials also can be produced in planar or rotary form. Targets in lengths of 4 m (or more) can be produced per customer specification. H.C. Starck's extruded rotary targets are fully dense with extremely low oxygen levels.
Visit Cristian Cretu and David Fuller at the Society of Vacuum Coaters TechCon 2010 Exhibition, April 20-21 in Orlando, Florida - Booth 628 to find out how H.C. Starck can become your strategic partner working together to develop solutions for your demanding photovoltaic applications in solar energy.
Focusing on CIGS, a-Si (amorphous silicon) and CdTe thin films solar module manufacturers, H.C. Starck has been developing and successfully producing custom sputter targets in molybdenum (Mo) and nickel based (Ni) alloys along with its other core competency materials: tantalum (Ta), niobium (Nb) and tungsten (W).
H.C. Starck's planar and rotary sputtering targets were developed in response to the demand to lower the cost per watt in the rapidly growing photovoltaic industry. Their state-of-the-art Thin Film Materials Lab equipped with sputtering tools and supporting equipment for testing film characteristics made it possible for in-house prototyping and modeling to achieve this goal.
As a vertically integrated supplier, H.C. Starck is one of the world's largest producers of molybdenum, tungsten and tantalum powders, and has expertise in reducing, pressing and sintering these high performance materials and finishing them for market. H.C. Starck uses highly specialized equipment and technologies capable of producing rotatable sputtering targets at the height of the most demanding requirements of target users in the areas of LCD display, large area coating and solar cell applications.
Best in class production capabilities with premier extrusion facilities, H.C. Starck can produce molybdenum rotary targets with inside diameters of 125 mm (monolithic) and 135 mm (bonded) applications in molybdenum up through the current largest rotary target requirement. Tantalum, niobium, nickel-vanadium and other materials also can be produced in planar or rotary form. Targets in lengths of 4 m (or more) can be produced per customer specification. H.C. Starck's extruded rotary targets are fully dense with extremely low oxygen levels.
Visit Cristian Cretu and David Fuller at the Society of Vacuum Coaters TechCon 2010 Exhibition, April 20-21 in Orlando, Florida - Booth 628 to find out how H.C. Starck can become your strategic partner working together to develop solutions for your demanding photovoltaic applications in solar energy.
eIQ Energy Signs Two Canadian Distributors for Parallel Solar; Deals Will Expand Available Market, Give Access to FIT Programs
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--eIQ Energy Inc., developer of Parallel Solar technology to make solar PV systems work more efficiently, has signed new distribution agreements with two Canadian companies supplying that country’s commercial and residential solar energy sectors. The agreements will broaden the available market for eIQ Energy’s vBoost DC-to-DC converter modules, and represent an important step forward in the company’s distribution strategy.
The newly signed distributors, Generation PV, Inc. of Markham, Ontario, and WSE Technology of Saskatoon, Canada both have non-exclusive national rights to sell vBoost and eIQ Energy’s Parallux family of products, which improve performance and reduce cost by allowing solar panels to be connected in parallel rather than the traditional series.
An important market driver in Canada is a pair of recently launched feed-in tariff programs, FIT and MicroFIT, sponsored by the Ontario Power Authority to boost that province’s already substantial renewable energy installations. The programs guarantee the right to connect solar arrays and other electrical sources to the main power grid, and pay a generous rate of 80.2 cents (Canadian) per kilowatt-hour of solar power fed into the grid – a strong incentive for commercial and residential installations.
In addition, eIQ Energy has also signed U.S. distribution agreements with Ra Power, Inc., SDE Solar Power, and Seven Summits Green. Like the Canadian distributors, each has non-exclusive national distribution rights for the vBoost modules.
“End-user demand for solar technology is bringing more and more installers into the market – we know of over 500 in California alone,” noted Gregg Cook, vice president of worldwide sales for eIQ Energy. “We’re expanding our roster of local and regional distributors because they typically have strong relationships with installers in their area. This group is very strong, and we are planning further expansion of our distribution network.”
eIQ Energy’s Parallux system uses advanced DC power management technology, incorporated in the vBoost DC-to-DC converter module, to allow easy connection of solar panels in parallel rather than in series. This approach allows the connection of an unprecedented number of panels on a single cable. In the case of thin-film photovoltaic panels, the company’s Parallel Solar architecture enables the connection of over 100 solar panels on each cable run — a twenty-fold improvement over conventional string architecture. In combination with distributed MPPT, this enables solar photovoltaic systems to harvest 5 to 30 percent more energy than conventional systems.
Interested distributors of eIQ Energy’s Parallel Solar products should contact Gregg Cook at gcook@eiqenergy.com, or 408-533-8560.
The newly signed distributors, Generation PV, Inc. of Markham, Ontario, and WSE Technology of Saskatoon, Canada both have non-exclusive national rights to sell vBoost and eIQ Energy’s Parallux family of products, which improve performance and reduce cost by allowing solar panels to be connected in parallel rather than the traditional series.
An important market driver in Canada is a pair of recently launched feed-in tariff programs, FIT and MicroFIT, sponsored by the Ontario Power Authority to boost that province’s already substantial renewable energy installations. The programs guarantee the right to connect solar arrays and other electrical sources to the main power grid, and pay a generous rate of 80.2 cents (Canadian) per kilowatt-hour of solar power fed into the grid – a strong incentive for commercial and residential installations.
In addition, eIQ Energy has also signed U.S. distribution agreements with Ra Power, Inc., SDE Solar Power, and Seven Summits Green. Like the Canadian distributors, each has non-exclusive national distribution rights for the vBoost modules.
“End-user demand for solar technology is bringing more and more installers into the market – we know of over 500 in California alone,” noted Gregg Cook, vice president of worldwide sales for eIQ Energy. “We’re expanding our roster of local and regional distributors because they typically have strong relationships with installers in their area. This group is very strong, and we are planning further expansion of our distribution network.”
eIQ Energy’s Parallux system uses advanced DC power management technology, incorporated in the vBoost DC-to-DC converter module, to allow easy connection of solar panels in parallel rather than in series. This approach allows the connection of an unprecedented number of panels on a single cable. In the case of thin-film photovoltaic panels, the company’s Parallel Solar architecture enables the connection of over 100 solar panels on each cable run — a twenty-fold improvement over conventional string architecture. In combination with distributed MPPT, this enables solar photovoltaic systems to harvest 5 to 30 percent more energy than conventional systems.
Interested distributors of eIQ Energy’s Parallel Solar products should contact Gregg Cook at gcook@eiqenergy.com, or 408-533-8560.
Poll Finds That Americans Firmly Support Solar Power
THE WOODLANDS, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Management of Evolution Solar Corp. (PinkSheets: EVSO) was pleased to learn the result of a new Rasmussen Reports national phone survey that finds solid support for solar power in the US. The survey found that many Americans are supportive of solar energy and that they are at least somewhat likely to consider such an investment for their own home.
According to the survey, 44% of Americans believe solar energy should become a standard method of heating homes in the United States, compared to 23% who disagree and 33% who weren’t sure. Also in the poll, 31% indicated that they are "at least somewhat likely" to make solar investments in their homes in the next five years, while 13% called themselves "very likely" to do so. Those in the 18 to 40 age group were said to be most likely to believe that solar will become a widespread home heating source in the United States.
According to the survey, nearly one-out-of-three adults (31%) say they are at least somewhat likely to use solar power in their homes in the next five years, including 13% who say they are very likely to do so. And, many Americans may still be reluctant to go solar because of the perception that it requires a high up-front investment. For example, 25% of those making more than $100,000 per year said they are very likely to install solar power at home in the next five years, compared to only 6 percent of those making between $20,000 and $40,000 per year.
“It is nice to see evidence that American support is trending upward for solar energy,” said Robert Hines, President of EVSO. “We have believed this was true, but the new survey provides credible proof of the positive trend among the American people.”
The survey also found that 55% of voters believe finding new sources of energy is more important than reducing the amount of energy Americans now consume. Support for finding new sources of energy has been this high or higher for months.
Evolution Solar is currently building a solar demonstration site in partnership with Texas Southern University, to be located at the University’s Houston Campus. The project should help Evolution Solar acquire new projects in a sector that is growing to compete in the energy industry, which contains Suncor Energy, Inc. (NYSE: SU), Southwestern Energy (NYSE: SWN), Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO) and BP (NYSE: BP).
According to the survey, 44% of Americans believe solar energy should become a standard method of heating homes in the United States, compared to 23% who disagree and 33% who weren’t sure. Also in the poll, 31% indicated that they are "at least somewhat likely" to make solar investments in their homes in the next five years, while 13% called themselves "very likely" to do so. Those in the 18 to 40 age group were said to be most likely to believe that solar will become a widespread home heating source in the United States.
According to the survey, nearly one-out-of-three adults (31%) say they are at least somewhat likely to use solar power in their homes in the next five years, including 13% who say they are very likely to do so. And, many Americans may still be reluctant to go solar because of the perception that it requires a high up-front investment. For example, 25% of those making more than $100,000 per year said they are very likely to install solar power at home in the next five years, compared to only 6 percent of those making between $20,000 and $40,000 per year.
“It is nice to see evidence that American support is trending upward for solar energy,” said Robert Hines, President of EVSO. “We have believed this was true, but the new survey provides credible proof of the positive trend among the American people.”
The survey also found that 55% of voters believe finding new sources of energy is more important than reducing the amount of energy Americans now consume. Support for finding new sources of energy has been this high or higher for months.
Evolution Solar is currently building a solar demonstration site in partnership with Texas Southern University, to be located at the University’s Houston Campus. The project should help Evolution Solar acquire new projects in a sector that is growing to compete in the energy industry, which contains Suncor Energy, Inc. (NYSE: SU), Southwestern Energy (NYSE: SWN), Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO) and BP (NYSE: BP).
SunLink Expands Solar Mounting Manufacturing Capabilities Into Canada
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunLink® Corporation today announced the commencement of manufacturing capabilities in Ontario, Canada. By establishing in-country operations, SunLink is able to supply its flagship roof mount system to commercial solar energy projects across the province, complying with the Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA) local manufacturing requirements under the progressive Green Energy and Green Economy Act.
In addition to delivering its industry-leading roof mount solution, SunLink offers comprehensive engineering services for its Canadian customers, including initial project layout and design support; extensive wind, snow, seismic and structural analysis; and pre-panelization services to speed on-site installation.
“The strong recent commitment by the Ontario government to institute the solar feed-in tariff program has enabled us to significantly increase our investment and build upon our established presence in Canada,” said Christopher Tilley, CEO of SunLink. “We enthusiastically support the Ontario Power Authority’s vision to bring renewable energy mainstream by providing developers and building owners with a locally-made ‘roof friendly’ mounting solution that includes all the services and support they’ve come to expect from SunLink.”
SunLink has worked some of the largest solar developers, installers and integrators in the world to install over 400 projects to date across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. As Richard Wayte, General Manager of Grid-Tied Division, from Canadian-based Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX: CMH) attests, “We’ve been working with SunLink across Ontario for five years already and have always been impressed with their responsiveness, engineering expertise, and understanding of our market needs.”
Wayte continued, “SunLink’s advantages in Canada are numerous, starting with their ability to mount panels in higher latitude areas by offering a 20-degree tilt and longer spacing between the module rows to accommodate for shading. As one of our preferred mounting suppliers, we’re pleased to now extend our relationship with SunLink to take advantage of the OPA’s feed-in tariff program.”
SunLink’s roof mount system is available in Ontario for commercial and large-scale solar energy installations. Future Canadian manufacturing plans include the ground mount system, which will be available in both the ballasted and post-mount options. For more information about SunLink, its products or engineering services, please visit www.sunlink.com. To contact sales, please email sales@sunlink.com or call +1. 415.925.9650.
In addition to delivering its industry-leading roof mount solution, SunLink offers comprehensive engineering services for its Canadian customers, including initial project layout and design support; extensive wind, snow, seismic and structural analysis; and pre-panelization services to speed on-site installation.
“The strong recent commitment by the Ontario government to institute the solar feed-in tariff program has enabled us to significantly increase our investment and build upon our established presence in Canada,” said Christopher Tilley, CEO of SunLink. “We enthusiastically support the Ontario Power Authority’s vision to bring renewable energy mainstream by providing developers and building owners with a locally-made ‘roof friendly’ mounting solution that includes all the services and support they’ve come to expect from SunLink.”
SunLink has worked some of the largest solar developers, installers and integrators in the world to install over 400 projects to date across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. As Richard Wayte, General Manager of Grid-Tied Division, from Canadian-based Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX: CMH) attests, “We’ve been working with SunLink across Ontario for five years already and have always been impressed with their responsiveness, engineering expertise, and understanding of our market needs.”
Wayte continued, “SunLink’s advantages in Canada are numerous, starting with their ability to mount panels in higher latitude areas by offering a 20-degree tilt and longer spacing between the module rows to accommodate for shading. As one of our preferred mounting suppliers, we’re pleased to now extend our relationship with SunLink to take advantage of the OPA’s feed-in tariff program.”
SunLink’s roof mount system is available in Ontario for commercial and large-scale solar energy installations. Future Canadian manufacturing plans include the ground mount system, which will be available in both the ballasted and post-mount options. For more information about SunLink, its products or engineering services, please visit www.sunlink.com. To contact sales, please email sales@sunlink.com or call +1. 415.925.9650.
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