VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Oct. 29, 2010) - P2 Solar, Inc. (the "Company") (OTCBB:PTOS) is pleased to announce that it has acquired a 34% strategic interest in the advanced solar panel technology developed by Darry Boyd (the "Developer"). The worldwide intellectual property rights associated with this technology have been transferred to a newly incorporated company, Solarise Power, Inc. ("Solarise"), in which P2 Solar has joint control of the Board of Directors and management affairs.
This acquisition represents a significant advancement in the relationship between the Company and the Developer, wherein P2 Solar will now play an integral part in the technology's deployment in exchange for a direct equity interest. Previously, P2 Solar held license and manufacturing rights for India, Canada and the state of Hawaii.
Under the acquisition agreement, P2 Solar acquired 1,004,999 shares of common stock of Solarise for a total purchase price of $2,500,000 paid as follows: i) Cash in the amount of $250,000 ii) The issuance to Solarise of 1,000,000 Series "A" Non-Voting Convertible Preferred shares of P2 Solar valued at $2.25 million. The 1,004,999 shares of Solarise, Inc. common stock that P2 acquired represent approximately 34% of the issued and outstanding shares of Solarise.
Mr. Raj-Mohinder Gurm, CEO of P2 Solar, Inc. said, "By expanding our involvement in the development of the technology, we are in a position to significantly advance this exciting and revolutionary solar panel. We hope this move will significantly benefit our shareholders, and I want to thank them for their patience."
Friday, October 29, 2010
CNPV Commits to Supply AE Photonics 300MWp PV Modules
LUXEMBOURG and DONGYING, China, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- CNPV Solar Power SA, a public limited liability company organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and AE Photonics, a leading project development and distribution company based in Dresden, Germany jointly, today announced that they have entered into an extended long-term strategic partnership agreement for the supply of 300MWp PV modules from 2011 to 2013.
Under the terms of this agreement, CNPV will supply AE Photonics with 60MWp of high performance PV modules during 2011. The remaining 96MWp and 144MWp are scheduled for delivery in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The agreement signing in the presence of the local Government, Sinosure and China Development Bank officials is the largest contract in the history of both companies. In fact it is an extension of the existing successful relationship with a proven ability to satisfy end customers with reliable, cost effective solutions.
"Success breeds success," quoted B. Veerraju Chaudary, COO, CTO & Member of the Board of CNPV. We are thrilled to continue our strong partnership with AE Photonics. This extension is strategic for us; aligning ourselves with a leading international energy developer, and together jointly seizing market opportunities. "The extended contract will significantly help us to grow new projects in the solar market worldwide. The combination of CNPV's supply of tier 1 high quality PV modules with AE Photonics' ever growing solar project expansion further increases our brand recognition internationally and expands our market share." Mr Zhang Shunfu CEO & Mr. B. Veerraju Chaudary COO, CTO & Member of the Board of CNPV together publically proclaimed: "We look forward to continuing to expand and strengthen our relationship with one of our most loyal and strategic partners."
Mr. Marco Lamsouguer, CEO of AE Photonics responded, "AE Photonics is proud of continuing our trusted partnership with CNPV. We have always held that it is important for leading solar players to work together in order to supply our customers with state-of-the-art PV systems, it was therefore natural for us to extend our cooperation with CNPV and develop our agreements and interactions to the next level. CNPV has a proven reputation for delivering premium quality PV modules, as evidenced in our own experience. We are also proud to say that several recent independent testing reports in Europe support our selection of the CNPV products for AE's growth plan. We have spent several years reviewing potential long term strategic partners, and we can confidently say we have found and committed to the best in the world."
Both fervent Companies, celebrating their historic success by committing to greater future success were clear in their message "It's the proven facts that make the difference. Together, by providing the 'real' customer value, our solar PV future opportunities grow for the benefit of all involved."
Under the terms of this agreement, CNPV will supply AE Photonics with 60MWp of high performance PV modules during 2011. The remaining 96MWp and 144MWp are scheduled for delivery in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The agreement signing in the presence of the local Government, Sinosure and China Development Bank officials is the largest contract in the history of both companies. In fact it is an extension of the existing successful relationship with a proven ability to satisfy end customers with reliable, cost effective solutions.
"Success breeds success," quoted B. Veerraju Chaudary, COO, CTO & Member of the Board of CNPV. We are thrilled to continue our strong partnership with AE Photonics. This extension is strategic for us; aligning ourselves with a leading international energy developer, and together jointly seizing market opportunities. "The extended contract will significantly help us to grow new projects in the solar market worldwide. The combination of CNPV's supply of tier 1 high quality PV modules with AE Photonics' ever growing solar project expansion further increases our brand recognition internationally and expands our market share." Mr Zhang Shunfu CEO & Mr. B. Veerraju Chaudary COO, CTO & Member of the Board of CNPV together publically proclaimed: "We look forward to continuing to expand and strengthen our relationship with one of our most loyal and strategic partners."
Mr. Marco Lamsouguer, CEO of AE Photonics responded, "AE Photonics is proud of continuing our trusted partnership with CNPV. We have always held that it is important for leading solar players to work together in order to supply our customers with state-of-the-art PV systems, it was therefore natural for us to extend our cooperation with CNPV and develop our agreements and interactions to the next level. CNPV has a proven reputation for delivering premium quality PV modules, as evidenced in our own experience. We are also proud to say that several recent independent testing reports in Europe support our selection of the CNPV products for AE's growth plan. We have spent several years reviewing potential long term strategic partners, and we can confidently say we have found and committed to the best in the world."
Both fervent Companies, celebrating their historic success by committing to greater future success were clear in their message "It's the proven facts that make the difference. Together, by providing the 'real' customer value, our solar PV future opportunities grow for the benefit of all involved."
Day4 Energy Announces Solar Module Sales Agreement with Italy's Enerpoint S.p.A.
BURNABY, BC, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ - Day4 Energy Inc. (TSX: DFE), a leading global provider of solar photovoltaic (pv) products and solutions, announces an important agreement that strengthens its position in the growing Italian market. Enerpoint S.p.A., one of Italy's largest solar pv distributors, has selected Day4 Energy's advanced 60MCI solar module to address the premium segment of the Italian market.
A leading distributor of monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film silicon photovoltaic modules in Italy, Enerpoint's selection of Day4 Energy's modules represents a strong endorsement of its advanced technology and excellent quality.
"Enerpoint's business is built around quality and performance in everything they do. We are confident that Day4 Energy modules will fully address the needs of their most demanding and discerning clients. We look forward to working together and serving Enerpoint's Italian customers with the highest value solutions to meet their solar energy needs" noted Luigi Fusi, Director of Sales and Corporate Development for Southern Europe.
Day4 solar pv modules incorporate significant technological advances, all designed to accomplish one thing - provide more energy in daily operations and over the life-time of the product.
"Over the course of the last 12 months we have maintained our focus on extending the success that Day4's technology has enjoyed in Germany into other markets. With this goal in mind we have been working hard to establish a strong presence in the Italian market - clearly one of the most important solar markets in the world. Our partnership with Enerpoint - one of the most respected solar companies in Italy, offers us a great opportunity to better serve the Italian market, and is an important element of our overall growth strategy." concluded George Rubin, President of Day4 Energy.
A leading distributor of monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film silicon photovoltaic modules in Italy, Enerpoint's selection of Day4 Energy's modules represents a strong endorsement of its advanced technology and excellent quality.
"Enerpoint's business is built around quality and performance in everything they do. We are confident that Day4 Energy modules will fully address the needs of their most demanding and discerning clients. We look forward to working together and serving Enerpoint's Italian customers with the highest value solutions to meet their solar energy needs" noted Luigi Fusi, Director of Sales and Corporate Development for Southern Europe.
Day4 solar pv modules incorporate significant technological advances, all designed to accomplish one thing - provide more energy in daily operations and over the life-time of the product.
"Over the course of the last 12 months we have maintained our focus on extending the success that Day4's technology has enjoyed in Germany into other markets. With this goal in mind we have been working hard to establish a strong presence in the Italian market - clearly one of the most important solar markets in the world. Our partnership with Enerpoint - one of the most respected solar companies in Italy, offers us a great opportunity to better serve the Italian market, and is an important element of our overall growth strategy." concluded George Rubin, President of Day4 Energy.
Carmanah Named to Canada’s Cleantech Top 10
VICTORIA, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the fourth consecutive year, Canadian solar pioneer Carmanah Technologies Corporation has been named to Corporate Knights Magazine’s Cleantech 10™, a list of Canada’s preeminent publicly-traded cleantech companies compiled by Corporate Knights Inc. and Cleantech Group LLC, the leading producer of cleantech indices and information globally.
According to this week’s announcement, Rafael Coven, Managing Director and Index Manager of the Cleantech Index and creator of the Cleantech 10, sought out technology-driven growth companies that have big impacts on resource efficiency and the environment for this year’s list, not simply those re-branding themselves as “green”. A heavy emphasis was place on purity (percentage of revenues or income from cleantech business, and whether or not it’s really “clean”) and quality (strategy, management, financial strength, sector leadership). Other key criteria included growth, earnings, liquidity, capitalization, technology/intellectual property, and overall impact. Since the Cleantech 10’s inception in 2007, it has outperformed the S&P/TSX Composite by 23 percent (using an unweighted average of the past three Cleantech 10’s returns as of October 25, 2010, excluding dividends).
Of this year’s Cleantech 10 winners, Corporate Knights Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Toby A. A. Heaps said, “With nine billion people on the horizon on a planet of finite resource, the space race for which country can make the most productive use of resources is on, and these companies are Canada’s great green hope.” Corporate Knights is a Canadian-based media company focused on promoting and reinforcing sustainable development in Canada.
For more information, visit www.carmanah.com, or telephone 1.877.722.8877 (toll free in US and Canada). File images are available on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carmanahsolar/.
According to this week’s announcement, Rafael Coven, Managing Director and Index Manager of the Cleantech Index and creator of the Cleantech 10, sought out technology-driven growth companies that have big impacts on resource efficiency and the environment for this year’s list, not simply those re-branding themselves as “green”. A heavy emphasis was place on purity (percentage of revenues or income from cleantech business, and whether or not it’s really “clean”) and quality (strategy, management, financial strength, sector leadership). Other key criteria included growth, earnings, liquidity, capitalization, technology/intellectual property, and overall impact. Since the Cleantech 10’s inception in 2007, it has outperformed the S&P/TSX Composite by 23 percent (using an unweighted average of the past three Cleantech 10’s returns as of October 25, 2010, excluding dividends).
Of this year’s Cleantech 10 winners, Corporate Knights Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Toby A. A. Heaps said, “With nine billion people on the horizon on a planet of finite resource, the space race for which country can make the most productive use of resources is on, and these companies are Canada’s great green hope.” Corporate Knights is a Canadian-based media company focused on promoting and reinforcing sustainable development in Canada.
For more information, visit www.carmanah.com, or telephone 1.877.722.8877 (toll free in US and Canada). File images are available on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carmanahsolar/.
Spire Named New England’s 5th Largest Cleantech Employer
BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spire Corporation (Nasdaq: SPIR), a global solar company providing capital equipment and turn-key manufacturing lines to produce photovoltaic (PV) modules, today announced that it has been ranked 5th in New England of the largest cleantech company employers by “Mass High Tech: The Journal of New England’s Technology”.
“With over forty years in the cleantech industry, Spire does business worldwide while maintaining its headquarters in Massachusetts,” said Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire Corporation. “As we grow in the renewable energy field, we will continue to be one of New England’s largest cleantech employers.”
“With over forty years in the cleantech industry, Spire does business worldwide while maintaining its headquarters in Massachusetts,” said Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire Corporation. “As we grow in the renewable energy field, we will continue to be one of New England’s largest cleantech employers.”
First Solar, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2010 Financial Results
TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 25, 2010. Third quarter 2010 net sales were $797.9 million, an increase of $210.0 million from the second quarter of 2010, primarily due to increased system sales (driven principally by the sale of the 60 megawatt (AC) Sarnia Phase 2 project in Canada), partially offset by a decline in our module average selling prices and lower blended euro exchange rates. Quarterly net sales grew 66% from $480.9 million in the third quarter of 2009, due to increased systems revenue and module production volumes, partially offset by a decline in our module average selling prices and lower blended euro exchange rates.
Third quarter net income per fully diluted share was $2.04, up from $1.84 in the second quarter of 2010 and up from $1.79 in the third quarter of 2009. The third quarter net income includes a one-time tax expense of $14.7 million, or $0.17 per fully diluted share, relating to the Company’s decision to repatriate $300 million of earnings from certain of its foreign subsidiaries. Quarter over quarter, the net income increase was primarily driven by higher net sales partially offset by the one-time tax expense. Year over year, the net income increase was primarily driven by higher module production, lower module cost per watt and increased system sales, partially offset by reduced module average selling prices and the above one-time tax expense.
“We continue to execute on our growth strategy and to develop sustainable markets for solar electricity,” said Rob Gillette, CEO of First Solar. “Our investment in research and development combined with plans to nearly double our manufacturing capacity will help us meet robust customer demand while continuing to drive down the cost of solar power.”
For 2010, First Solar projects:
* Net sales of $2.58 to $2.61 billion, increased from the previous guidance range of $2.5 to 2.6 billion.
* Earnings per fully diluted share of $7.50 to $7.65, increased from the previous guidance range of $7.00 to $7.40.
* Total capital spending of $550 to $600 million.
* Operating cash flow of $595 to $620 million.
First Solar has posted its Third Quarter Earnings Call Presentation, which includes 2010 guidance and additional details regarding the key assumptions relating to this guidance, in the Investors section of its website at www.firstsolar.com.
First Solar will discuss these results and the outlook for 2010 in a conference call scheduled for today at 4:30 p.m. EDT. Investors may access a live audio webcast of this conference call and the earnings call presentation in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.firstsolar.com.
An audio replay of the conference call will also be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. The audio replay will remain available until Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. EDT and can be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 if you are calling from within the United States or 719-457-0820 if you are calling from outside the United States and entering the replay pass code 8458462. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investors section of the Company’s website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and remain available for approximately 90 calendar days. If you are a subscriber of FactSet or Thomson One, you can obtain a written transcript approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call.
Third quarter net income per fully diluted share was $2.04, up from $1.84 in the second quarter of 2010 and up from $1.79 in the third quarter of 2009. The third quarter net income includes a one-time tax expense of $14.7 million, or $0.17 per fully diluted share, relating to the Company’s decision to repatriate $300 million of earnings from certain of its foreign subsidiaries. Quarter over quarter, the net income increase was primarily driven by higher net sales partially offset by the one-time tax expense. Year over year, the net income increase was primarily driven by higher module production, lower module cost per watt and increased system sales, partially offset by reduced module average selling prices and the above one-time tax expense.
“We continue to execute on our growth strategy and to develop sustainable markets for solar electricity,” said Rob Gillette, CEO of First Solar. “Our investment in research and development combined with plans to nearly double our manufacturing capacity will help us meet robust customer demand while continuing to drive down the cost of solar power.”
For 2010, First Solar projects:
* Net sales of $2.58 to $2.61 billion, increased from the previous guidance range of $2.5 to 2.6 billion.
* Earnings per fully diluted share of $7.50 to $7.65, increased from the previous guidance range of $7.00 to $7.40.
* Total capital spending of $550 to $600 million.
* Operating cash flow of $595 to $620 million.
First Solar has posted its Third Quarter Earnings Call Presentation, which includes 2010 guidance and additional details regarding the key assumptions relating to this guidance, in the Investors section of its website at www.firstsolar.com.
First Solar will discuss these results and the outlook for 2010 in a conference call scheduled for today at 4:30 p.m. EDT. Investors may access a live audio webcast of this conference call and the earnings call presentation in the Investors section of the Company’s website at www.firstsolar.com.
An audio replay of the conference call will also be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. The audio replay will remain available until Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. EDT and can be accessed by dialing 888-203-1112 if you are calling from within the United States or 719-457-0820 if you are calling from outside the United States and entering the replay pass code 8458462. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investors section of the Company’s website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and remain available for approximately 90 calendar days. If you are a subscriber of FactSet or Thomson One, you can obtain a written transcript approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
AllEarth Renewables to Install 2.2 MW of Solar Power for Largest Solar Array in the State of Vermont
WILLISTON, Vt., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- AllEarth Renewables, a Vermont manufacturer of grid-connected wind turbines and solar tracking systems, has received a contract to install 382 AllSun Trackers at a solar farm in South Burlington, Vermont. Final permits have been issued on the project, and construction is scheduled to begin in early November. The installation will be the largest solar array to date in the State of Vermont and is anticipated to be operational on a 32-acre site off of DuBois Drive in South Burlington, Vermont by early 2011.
The AllSun Tracker solar electric system was designed by AllEarth Renewables CEO David Blittersdorf and his engineering team based in Williston, Vermont, and will be manufactured in Vermont.
"This project was made possible through incentives that the State of Vermont passed last year to spur the development of new renewable energy generation," says Mr. Blittersdorf. "Part of this incentive package was Vermont's Standard Offer for solar energy which was established at a rate of $0.30 per kWh. This rate provided an economic incentive to develop projects like this and help create sustainable jobs in Vermont's hard-hit manufacturing sector."
Because of the enhanced efficiency of the AllSun Tracker technology, which follows the movement of the sun throughout the day with a GPS system, total kilowatt hours produced by the South Burlington Solar Farm are estimated to be over 3,000,000 per year, 45% more than the amount of electricity produced by same number of fixed photovoltaic panels.
The project will be owned and operated by Chittenden County Solar Partners, LLC. AllEarth Renewables has been contracted to perform the installation, which includes design of the solar farm's electrical infrastructure and oversight and management of all subcontractors, as well as manufacturing the 382 AllSun Trackers required for the farm.
About AllEarth Renewables, Inc. www.allearthrenewables.com
AllEarth Renewables is a Vermont company that specializes in the design, manufacture and installation of complete grid-connected wind and solar renewable energy systems that lessen dependence on nuclear and fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company's goal is to provide turnkey products that harness the power of wind and sun for homes and businesses while creating sustainable, well-paying jobs.
The AllSun Tracker solar electric system was designed by AllEarth Renewables CEO David Blittersdorf and his engineering team based in Williston, Vermont, and will be manufactured in Vermont.
"This project was made possible through incentives that the State of Vermont passed last year to spur the development of new renewable energy generation," says Mr. Blittersdorf. "Part of this incentive package was Vermont's Standard Offer for solar energy which was established at a rate of $0.30 per kWh. This rate provided an economic incentive to develop projects like this and help create sustainable jobs in Vermont's hard-hit manufacturing sector."
Because of the enhanced efficiency of the AllSun Tracker technology, which follows the movement of the sun throughout the day with a GPS system, total kilowatt hours produced by the South Burlington Solar Farm are estimated to be over 3,000,000 per year, 45% more than the amount of electricity produced by same number of fixed photovoltaic panels.
The project will be owned and operated by Chittenden County Solar Partners, LLC. AllEarth Renewables has been contracted to perform the installation, which includes design of the solar farm's electrical infrastructure and oversight and management of all subcontractors, as well as manufacturing the 382 AllSun Trackers required for the farm.
About AllEarth Renewables, Inc. www.allearthrenewables.com
AllEarth Renewables is a Vermont company that specializes in the design, manufacture and installation of complete grid-connected wind and solar renewable energy systems that lessen dependence on nuclear and fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company's goal is to provide turnkey products that harness the power of wind and sun for homes and businesses while creating sustainable, well-paying jobs.
RMT Starts Construction on Largest Solar Facility in Northeastern U.S.
MADISON, Wis., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- RMT, Inc. (RMT), a leading renewable energy engineering and construction company, has contracted with Pilesgrove Solar LLC to construct the largest solar energy facility in the Northeastern U.S. RMT has commenced construction on the 18 MWac facility located in Pilesgrove, NJ.
Pilesgrove Solar LLC is a joint venture between Panda Power Funds and Con Edison Development. Panda Power Funds is responsible for managing development, engineering and construction of the solar project.
"We partnered with RMT on this project because they have successfully designed and constructed dozens of utility-scale renewable energy facilities across the U.S.," explains Todd Carter, President and Senior Partner of Panda Power Funds. "We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with RMT."
Con Edison Development will be managing the operation, maintenance, energy management and financing of the solar facility.
"The Pilesgrove solar facility will help boost America's energy independence and provide long-term environmental benefits," said Robert Mennella, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Con Edison Development. "We tapped RMT for this project because they have a track record of designing and constructing high quality renewable energy facilities."
RMT is responsible for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the civil infrastructure, solar modules and racking system, DC and AC electrical systems, SCADA system, and meteorological system. The project entails installation of over 71,000 photovoltaic solar modules. RMT also provided preliminary engineering and permitting support for the project.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Panda Power Funds and Con Edison Development on this state-of-the art solar energy facility," said Frank Greb, RMT Vice President. "The facility will create enough clean energy to power over 5,100 homes and will create over 100 construction jobs."
The Pilesgrove solar facility is expected to commence commercial operation next spring. Atlantic City Electric will be the host utility for the project.
Pilesgrove Solar LLC is a joint venture between Panda Power Funds and Con Edison Development. Panda Power Funds is responsible for managing development, engineering and construction of the solar project.
"We partnered with RMT on this project because they have successfully designed and constructed dozens of utility-scale renewable energy facilities across the U.S.," explains Todd Carter, President and Senior Partner of Panda Power Funds. "We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with RMT."
Con Edison Development will be managing the operation, maintenance, energy management and financing of the solar facility.
"The Pilesgrove solar facility will help boost America's energy independence and provide long-term environmental benefits," said Robert Mennella, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Con Edison Development. "We tapped RMT for this project because they have a track record of designing and constructing high quality renewable energy facilities."
RMT is responsible for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the civil infrastructure, solar modules and racking system, DC and AC electrical systems, SCADA system, and meteorological system. The project entails installation of over 71,000 photovoltaic solar modules. RMT also provided preliminary engineering and permitting support for the project.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Panda Power Funds and Con Edison Development on this state-of-the art solar energy facility," said Frank Greb, RMT Vice President. "The facility will create enough clean energy to power over 5,100 homes and will create over 100 construction jobs."
The Pilesgrove solar facility is expected to commence commercial operation next spring. Atlantic City Electric will be the host utility for the project.
Snyder's of Hanover Begins Construction of Largest Ground-based Solar Farm in Pennsylvania
HANOVER, Pa., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Snyder's of Hanover will begin construction on a solar farm that will be the largest ground-based solar energy system in Pennsylvania with over 16,000 panels spanning twenty acres.
After gaining approval from the Penn Township Planning and Zoning Board to build the solar farm, Snyder's of Hanover plans to begin construction this month. The solar farm will be built on the field across route 116 from the plant and corporate headquarters.
"We're incredibly eager to take the next step in reducing our carbon footprint. This is an exciting event for our company, community, and environment," said Jim Butt, vice president of technical services at Snyder's of Hanover and project manager for the solar project.
The solar farm will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in excess of 230 million pounds of carbon dioxide over a 25 year period. As a comparison, the energy created from the solar field equals more than 111 million miles not driven by a medium sized car and more than 11 million trees would need to be planted to equal the same level of carbon dioxide reduction.
"We are always looking for ways to be a greener and environmentally friendly company and the solar farm is an important step. The solar field joins other Snyder's of Hanover sustainability initiatives including compostable packaging and takes the company one step closer to achieving our five year sustainability goals established last year. It demonstrates that we can still be passionate about pretzels and better-for-you snack foods while caring for our environment," said Carl E. Lee, Jr., president and CEO of Snyder's of Hanover.
The global leader in pretzels and the nation's second largest snack food company, Snyder's of Hanover was founded in 1909 and is a privately held company that employs over 2,250 associates and operates nearly 1,900 distribution routes nationwide.
Snyder's is headquartered in Hanover, PA, also the location of its flagship snack food manufacturing and distribution center where products are produced and distributed to the eastern half of North America, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe. The Goodyear, Arizona plant produces products for the Western half of the United States and Pacific Rim countries. The Jeffersonville, Indiana "Krunchers!" plant produces and distributes Krunchers!™ kettle potato chips, Jays™ potato chips, and Grande™ tortilla chip products primarily for the Midwest, Central, and Eastern United States.
After gaining approval from the Penn Township Planning and Zoning Board to build the solar farm, Snyder's of Hanover plans to begin construction this month. The solar farm will be built on the field across route 116 from the plant and corporate headquarters.
"We're incredibly eager to take the next step in reducing our carbon footprint. This is an exciting event for our company, community, and environment," said Jim Butt, vice president of technical services at Snyder's of Hanover and project manager for the solar project.
The solar farm will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in excess of 230 million pounds of carbon dioxide over a 25 year period. As a comparison, the energy created from the solar field equals more than 111 million miles not driven by a medium sized car and more than 11 million trees would need to be planted to equal the same level of carbon dioxide reduction.
"We are always looking for ways to be a greener and environmentally friendly company and the solar farm is an important step. The solar field joins other Snyder's of Hanover sustainability initiatives including compostable packaging and takes the company one step closer to achieving our five year sustainability goals established last year. It demonstrates that we can still be passionate about pretzels and better-for-you snack foods while caring for our environment," said Carl E. Lee, Jr., president and CEO of Snyder's of Hanover.
The global leader in pretzels and the nation's second largest snack food company, Snyder's of Hanover was founded in 1909 and is a privately held company that employs over 2,250 associates and operates nearly 1,900 distribution routes nationwide.
Snyder's is headquartered in Hanover, PA, also the location of its flagship snack food manufacturing and distribution center where products are produced and distributed to the eastern half of North America, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe. The Goodyear, Arizona plant produces products for the Western half of the United States and Pacific Rim countries. The Jeffersonville, Indiana "Krunchers!" plant produces and distributes Krunchers!™ kettle potato chips, Jays™ potato chips, and Grande™ tortilla chip products primarily for the Midwest, Central, and Eastern United States.
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Begins Installation of North America's Largest Rooftop Solar Array
YORK, Pa., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) Consumer Healthcare is taking its commitment to renewable energy to the next level. Today, GSK begins installing North America's largest rooftop solar array at its Northeast Regional Distribution Center (RDC) in York, Pa. GSK's sustainability initiatives were just recognized in Newsweek's "2010 Green Ranking" as ranking fifth among the greenest companies in the world.
Nearly 11,000 solar panels will cover an area on the roof which is about the size of seven American football fields. The solar panels will generate enough electricity to meet the annual energy needs of the nearly 500,000 square foot building. That's equivalent to the power needed each year for almost 400 average sized homes.
"This solar rooftop array is a demonstration of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare leadership not just in solar power, but in sustainability," said John Clarke, president of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. "We hope that GSK's renewable energy strategy will inspire other companies to look for ways to protect our planet."
Solar Panel Installation
Each solar panel weighs about 60 pounds and is more than six feet long and more than three feet wide. The panels are installed in a grid system in sets of three. Nearly 100 workers will spend the next two months hoisting the panels to the roof with a crane, securing them into place and networking them into the power system. American Capital Energy, the company responsible for the project, plans to install about 500 panels per day.
The 3-megawatt system is expected to generate approximately 3.4 million kilowatt hours of energy per year. This will enable the facility to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3,000 tons annually. It would take nearly 15,000 trees to absorb that much carbon dioxide in a single year. When the project is completed, it will be the first time a GSK facility anywhere in the world will be completely reliant on solar energy.
Government Incentives Key to Project's Start
"Solar power is helping to propel Pennsylvania towards a sustainable energy future," said Andrew Place, Acting Deputy Secretary, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment. "We need strong, business-leading advocates such as GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare to help us achieve this goal. The installation of this solar project shows how private sector leadership helps us all achieve a greener future."
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare received government funding and solar incentives to help finance the project. A $1 million grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority and $4.1 million in federal tax credits will help pay for the project. GSK will also utilize energy savings and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) to offset costs.
"The support of state and federal leaders is instrumental in helping GSK expand our solar energy initiatives," said Larry Brown, Vice President, North America Supply, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. "This solar panel array provides a blueprint for GSK to bring solar power to each of its North American distribution facilities in the next few years. As a next step, we will then install solar panels at our Fresno, Ca. RDC by spring of 2011. Together, the York and Fresno facilities will generate 60 percent of the total GSK Consumer Healthcare North America RDC electricity supply from clean renewable solar energy. This is a remarkable step toward us becoming a more energy-efficient company"
Four other solar panel projects were recently completed at GSK facilities in Upper Providence and Collegeville, Pa., North Carolina; Belgium and Singapore.
GSK Consumer Healthcare and Sustainability
GlaxoSmithKline is dedicated to enhancing its efforts to become a more sustainable company. The corporate sustainability efforts are focused on six core areas, including packaging, total supply, water, product stewardship, climate, and communication.
Since 2007, the company has been implementing a climate change program with ambitious targets for emissions and energy use in operations and transport. GSK aims to reduce energy use by 45 percent by 2015, compared to 2006 levels.
About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include the leading smoking cessation products, Nicorette® and NicoDerm®CQ®, and Commit®, as well as many medicine cabinet staples -- alli®, Aquafresh®, Sensodyne®, and TUMS® -- which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit: http://www.gsk.com.
Nearly 11,000 solar panels will cover an area on the roof which is about the size of seven American football fields. The solar panels will generate enough electricity to meet the annual energy needs of the nearly 500,000 square foot building. That's equivalent to the power needed each year for almost 400 average sized homes.
"This solar rooftop array is a demonstration of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare leadership not just in solar power, but in sustainability," said John Clarke, president of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. "We hope that GSK's renewable energy strategy will inspire other companies to look for ways to protect our planet."
Solar Panel Installation
Each solar panel weighs about 60 pounds and is more than six feet long and more than three feet wide. The panels are installed in a grid system in sets of three. Nearly 100 workers will spend the next two months hoisting the panels to the roof with a crane, securing them into place and networking them into the power system. American Capital Energy, the company responsible for the project, plans to install about 500 panels per day.
The 3-megawatt system is expected to generate approximately 3.4 million kilowatt hours of energy per year. This will enable the facility to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3,000 tons annually. It would take nearly 15,000 trees to absorb that much carbon dioxide in a single year. When the project is completed, it will be the first time a GSK facility anywhere in the world will be completely reliant on solar energy.
Government Incentives Key to Project's Start
"Solar power is helping to propel Pennsylvania towards a sustainable energy future," said Andrew Place, Acting Deputy Secretary, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment. "We need strong, business-leading advocates such as GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare to help us achieve this goal. The installation of this solar project shows how private sector leadership helps us all achieve a greener future."
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare received government funding and solar incentives to help finance the project. A $1 million grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority and $4.1 million in federal tax credits will help pay for the project. GSK will also utilize energy savings and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) to offset costs.
"The support of state and federal leaders is instrumental in helping GSK expand our solar energy initiatives," said Larry Brown, Vice President, North America Supply, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. "This solar panel array provides a blueprint for GSK to bring solar power to each of its North American distribution facilities in the next few years. As a next step, we will then install solar panels at our Fresno, Ca. RDC by spring of 2011. Together, the York and Fresno facilities will generate 60 percent of the total GSK Consumer Healthcare North America RDC electricity supply from clean renewable solar energy. This is a remarkable step toward us becoming a more energy-efficient company"
Four other solar panel projects were recently completed at GSK facilities in Upper Providence and Collegeville, Pa., North Carolina; Belgium and Singapore.
GSK Consumer Healthcare and Sustainability
GlaxoSmithKline is dedicated to enhancing its efforts to become a more sustainable company. The corporate sustainability efforts are focused on six core areas, including packaging, total supply, water, product stewardship, climate, and communication.
Since 2007, the company has been implementing a climate change program with ambitious targets for emissions and energy use in operations and transport. GSK aims to reduce energy use by 45 percent by 2015, compared to 2006 levels.
About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include the leading smoking cessation products, Nicorette® and NicoDerm®CQ®, and Commit®, as well as many medicine cabinet staples -- alli®, Aquafresh®, Sensodyne®, and TUMS® -- which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit: http://www.gsk.com.
SunPower and Iberdrola Renewables Sign Contract to Build 30-Megawatt Solar Power Plant in Colorado
SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) today announced an agreement with Iberdrola Renewables to design and build a 30-megawatt photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant, the San Luis Valley Solar Ranch, on 216 acres of private, former agricultural land in Colorado's Alamosa County. Expected to be fully operational by the end of 2011, construction will begin this year and create approximately 100 jobs.
Iberdrola Renewables is developing the solar ranch, and will own and operate it. The company will sell the electricity under a long term contract to Xcel Energy, for distribution on the region's utility grid. The project will create employment opportunities and provide revenue for schools, health, fire, and other critical services in Alamosa County.
"Partnering with skilled performers like SunPower is always vital when developing successful renewable energy projects," said Martin Mugica, executive vice president of Iberdrola Renewables. "Proven construction experience and established technology make for an excellent choice and allow Iberdrola Renewables to deliver reliable products to our customers."
The plant will use SunPower E19 solar panels, the most efficient solar panels on the market, mounted on SunPower® Tracker systems, which generate up to 25 percent more energy per land area than conventional systems and reduce land-use requirements. SunPower Trackers tilt the solar panels toward the sun as it moves across the sky, increasing energy capture and providing more power on hot summer days when utilities need it most.
"Today, high-efficiency solar PV technology is competitively-priced for power plant applications. It's fast to install, and reliably delivers clean power, particularly during peak demand hours," said Howard Wenger, president of SunPower's utility and power plant business group. "We congratulate Iberdrola Renewables for its leadership in the promotion of solar power development, and for demonstrating how renewable technologies are part of the solution to ensure the health of our economy and our environment."
SunPower has more than 600 megawatts of large solar power systems installed or under contract worldwide.
Iberdrola Renewables is developing the solar ranch, and will own and operate it. The company will sell the electricity under a long term contract to Xcel Energy, for distribution on the region's utility grid. The project will create employment opportunities and provide revenue for schools, health, fire, and other critical services in Alamosa County.
"Partnering with skilled performers like SunPower is always vital when developing successful renewable energy projects," said Martin Mugica, executive vice president of Iberdrola Renewables. "Proven construction experience and established technology make for an excellent choice and allow Iberdrola Renewables to deliver reliable products to our customers."
The plant will use SunPower E19 solar panels, the most efficient solar panels on the market, mounted on SunPower® Tracker systems, which generate up to 25 percent more energy per land area than conventional systems and reduce land-use requirements. SunPower Trackers tilt the solar panels toward the sun as it moves across the sky, increasing energy capture and providing more power on hot summer days when utilities need it most.
"Today, high-efficiency solar PV technology is competitively-priced for power plant applications. It's fast to install, and reliably delivers clean power, particularly during peak demand hours," said Howard Wenger, president of SunPower's utility and power plant business group. "We congratulate Iberdrola Renewables for its leadership in the promotion of solar power development, and for demonstrating how renewable technologies are part of the solution to ensure the health of our economy and our environment."
SunPower has more than 600 megawatts of large solar power systems installed or under contract worldwide.
CNPV Signs 150MWp Extended Supply Agreement with Stand-by Europe
LUXEMBOURG and DONGYING, China, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- CNPV Solar Power SA, a public limited liability company organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and a leading integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products and Stand-by Europe, a leading Czech based international project developer and distribution company, today announced that they have entered into an extended long-term strategic partnership agreement for the supply of 150MWp high performance PV modules from 2011 to 2013. This agreement was signed in the presence of the local government, Sinosure and China Development Bank officials on October 22, 2010 in Dongying City.
Under the terms of this agreement, CNPV will supply Standby Europe with 40MWp of PV modules scheduled for delivery in 2011 and the remaining 50MWp and 60MWp are scheduled for deliveries in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
During Stand-by Europe's recent visit to a CNPV facility October 22, Mr. Vaclav Prihoda and Mr Jan Buric, Joint Managing Directors of Stand-by Europe expressed their commitment to continued co-operation with the Company: "The introduction of CNPV to our market has proven an immense success. Surpassing our initial anticipated volumes we have proven that our market has accepted CNPV as the PV module supplier of choice. Notably achieving a certain price premium over other brands, together we have continued to validate the CNPV/Stand-by Europe offering as 'The' most cost effective solution as well as the largest return generated on the capital deployed. Most of our competitors in the local market are looking to 2011 with reductions in scale. Due to our relationship with CNPV, we (Stand-by Europe) are increasing projections as exhibited in our increased volumes within this agreement."
Mr Zhang Shunfu CEO & Mr. B. Veerraju Chaudary COO, CTO & Member of the Board of CNPV commented, "We are equally delighted with our collective performance to date, and our ability to increase our presence within Stand-by Europe's markets. The mutual support and the continued presentation of facts, backed up by independent tests have allowed us to grow in this highly competitive market. Our investment in technological development and systems controls are allowing us to dramatically increase market share. We know this only comes from the fact that the market can see the effect on project financials by using the Stand-by Europe/CNPV offering."
Clearly both partners are delighted with the progress to date, and on the topic of the future: "Satisfy the customer with sustainable solutions that are improvements on what others can 'really' offer and deliver it. They will then come back for more," said Mr Jan Matusik, Stand-by Europe's Sales Director."
Under the terms of this agreement, CNPV will supply Standby Europe with 40MWp of PV modules scheduled for delivery in 2011 and the remaining 50MWp and 60MWp are scheduled for deliveries in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
During Stand-by Europe's recent visit to a CNPV facility October 22, Mr. Vaclav Prihoda and Mr Jan Buric, Joint Managing Directors of Stand-by Europe expressed their commitment to continued co-operation with the Company: "The introduction of CNPV to our market has proven an immense success. Surpassing our initial anticipated volumes we have proven that our market has accepted CNPV as the PV module supplier of choice. Notably achieving a certain price premium over other brands, together we have continued to validate the CNPV/Stand-by Europe offering as 'The' most cost effective solution as well as the largest return generated on the capital deployed. Most of our competitors in the local market are looking to 2011 with reductions in scale. Due to our relationship with CNPV, we (Stand-by Europe) are increasing projections as exhibited in our increased volumes within this agreement."
Mr Zhang Shunfu CEO & Mr. B. Veerraju Chaudary COO, CTO & Member of the Board of CNPV commented, "We are equally delighted with our collective performance to date, and our ability to increase our presence within Stand-by Europe's markets. The mutual support and the continued presentation of facts, backed up by independent tests have allowed us to grow in this highly competitive market. Our investment in technological development and systems controls are allowing us to dramatically increase market share. We know this only comes from the fact that the market can see the effect on project financials by using the Stand-by Europe/CNPV offering."
Clearly both partners are delighted with the progress to date, and on the topic of the future: "Satisfy the customer with sustainable solutions that are improvements on what others can 'really' offer and deliver it. They will then come back for more," said Mr Jan Matusik, Stand-by Europe's Sales Director."
Yingli Green Energy to Announce Third Quarter 2010 Financial Results on November 19, 2010
BAODING, China, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) ("Yingli Green Energy" or the "Company"), a leading solar energy company and one of the world's largest vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturers, which markets its products under the brand "Yingli Solar," today announced that it plans to release its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010, before the U.S. market opens on Friday, November 19, 2010.
The Company has scheduled a corresponding conference call and live webcast to discuss the results at 8:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on November 19, 2010, which corresponds to 9:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong time the same day.
The dial-in details for the live conference call are as follows:
-- U.S. Toll Free Number: +1-866-783-2140
-- International dial-in number: +1-857-350-1599
-- Passcode: 16539009
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of Yingli Green Energy's website at http://www.yinglisolar.com . A replay will be available shortly after the call on Yingli Green Energy's website for 90 days.
A replay of the conference call will be available until December 3, 2010 by dialing:
-- U.S. Toll Free Number: +1-888-286-8010
-- International dial-in number: +1-617-801-6888
-- Passcode: 45207870
The Company has scheduled a corresponding conference call and live webcast to discuss the results at 8:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on November 19, 2010, which corresponds to 9:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong time the same day.
The dial-in details for the live conference call are as follows:
-- U.S. Toll Free Number: +1-866-783-2140
-- International dial-in number: +1-857-350-1599
-- Passcode: 16539009
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of Yingli Green Energy's website at http://www.yinglisolar.com . A replay will be available shortly after the call on Yingli Green Energy's website for 90 days.
A replay of the conference call will be available until December 3, 2010 by dialing:
-- U.S. Toll Free Number: +1-888-286-8010
-- International dial-in number: +1-617-801-6888
-- Passcode: 45207870
PV TRACKERS® Automatic Wash Cycle Proves 8-12% Increase in Energy Production at 1 MW AC Installation
BEND, Ore., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- PV Trackers Inc. (PVT) announced today: Data proves washing solar panels increases energy production by 8-12%. PV Trackers, the leading supplier of dual-axis trackers in the US, designs power plants focused on delivering the lowest cost of energy through the life of the system. "We design, engineer and monitor each of our installations to ensure industry-leading performance. Data from our installations shows that we are consistently overproducing estimates from programs such as PVSyst by 4-9% each month," said Bill Taylor, PV Tracker CEO.
One of the simplest and most cost-effective solutions to maximize energy capture is panel washing (see video at www.pvtrackers.com/gallery-video.aspx). Bill Taylor continues, "In the design of every one of our power plants, we incorporate serviceability, which includes an automatic wash mode, into the layout. This capability is unique to the PVT 6.0DX tracker, and it decreases our customer's annual O&M costs." At Red Top, when energy production decreased due to accumulated dust from the rice drying process, a washing was scheduled with PV Trackers. Using web-based software, PVT was able to facilitate the cleaning from their Operations Center in Bend, Oregon by sending positioning instructions to the field of trackers. The PVT Site Master software positioned the trackers in a nearly-vertical orientation to allow room for a water truck with a high-pressure washer to drive between the rows of trackers. Washing was completed at a rate of 15 seconds/ tracker during off-peak hours, requiring no down-time. PV Trackers provides a quick, cost-effective solution to washing panels that is unique to the solar industry.
"In this economy we are always looking for ways to decrease our rice production costs, so a 10% increase in energy production substantially helps the bottom line. PV Trackers made it easy to schedule and operate our panel washing," said Steve Cribari, VP of Operations for Red Top Rice Growers, Inc.
One of the simplest and most cost-effective solutions to maximize energy capture is panel washing (see video at www.pvtrackers.com/gallery-video.aspx). Bill Taylor continues, "In the design of every one of our power plants, we incorporate serviceability, which includes an automatic wash mode, into the layout. This capability is unique to the PVT 6.0DX tracker, and it decreases our customer's annual O&M costs." At Red Top, when energy production decreased due to accumulated dust from the rice drying process, a washing was scheduled with PV Trackers. Using web-based software, PVT was able to facilitate the cleaning from their Operations Center in Bend, Oregon by sending positioning instructions to the field of trackers. The PVT Site Master software positioned the trackers in a nearly-vertical orientation to allow room for a water truck with a high-pressure washer to drive between the rows of trackers. Washing was completed at a rate of 15 seconds/ tracker during off-peak hours, requiring no down-time. PV Trackers provides a quick, cost-effective solution to washing panels that is unique to the solar industry.
"In this economy we are always looking for ways to decrease our rice production costs, so a 10% increase in energy production substantially helps the bottom line. PV Trackers made it easy to schedule and operate our panel washing," said Steve Cribari, VP of Operations for Red Top Rice Growers, Inc.
Perpetual Energy Systems and Santa Clara University Activate Solar Energy Installation
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Perpetual Energy Systems (Perpetual), a national power purchase agreement (PPA) provider/financier of solar-powered, renewable energy systems, and Santa Clara University (SCU) have activated a 967.68 kilowatt solar energy system. The system complements SCU’s existing solar array and is projected to generate an estimated 1.42 million kW hours of clean energy in its first full year of operation. That’s enough electricity to power 129 average size American homes for an entire year.
The systems are located on the rooftops of the University’s Leavey Event Center, the Pat Malley Recreation Center, and the parking garage. This is SCU’s second solar installation phase. In 2007, the University installed a 50 kW system on its main facilities building. According to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), SCU’s system is currently the 13th largest solar installation among colleges and universities in the U.S.
SCU entered into a PPA with Perpetual enabling SCU to host the solar installations without any capital outlay. Under the PPA, SCU will purchase clean solar energy produced by each installation at a predetermined, fixed rate. The system is owned, operated and will be maintained by Perpetual.
“SCU has been a champion of renewable energy, through its repeated participation in the biennial Solar Decathlon as well as its new renewable energy certificate for engineering graduate students. Adding a new solar energy system further exemplifies its leadership,” said Joseph Rodriguez, president and CEO of Perpetual. “Through Perpetual’s comprehensive PPA financing, we are helping institutions like SCU take advantage of clean and renewable energy solutions without any capital outlay.”
Perpetual combined conventional financing with federal energy tax incentives to fund the project. As owner, Perpetual retains the renewable energy certificates and environmental attributes generated by the system’s actual kilowatt hour output.
“This partnership with Perpetual marks a major step forward in fulfilling our energy strategy goals for clean, reliable, and cost effective energy,” said Joe Sugg, assistant vice president for University Operations. “Moreover, it is a strong visual statement of the University’s commitment to environmental justice.”
The system will eliminate approximately 23,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) throughout its operating lifespan. This reduction of CO2 in the environment is equivalent to reducing the use of 2,360,211 gallons of gasoline.
The systems are located on the rooftops of the University’s Leavey Event Center, the Pat Malley Recreation Center, and the parking garage. This is SCU’s second solar installation phase. In 2007, the University installed a 50 kW system on its main facilities building. According to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), SCU’s system is currently the 13th largest solar installation among colleges and universities in the U.S.
SCU entered into a PPA with Perpetual enabling SCU to host the solar installations without any capital outlay. Under the PPA, SCU will purchase clean solar energy produced by each installation at a predetermined, fixed rate. The system is owned, operated and will be maintained by Perpetual.
“SCU has been a champion of renewable energy, through its repeated participation in the biennial Solar Decathlon as well as its new renewable energy certificate for engineering graduate students. Adding a new solar energy system further exemplifies its leadership,” said Joseph Rodriguez, president and CEO of Perpetual. “Through Perpetual’s comprehensive PPA financing, we are helping institutions like SCU take advantage of clean and renewable energy solutions without any capital outlay.”
Perpetual combined conventional financing with federal energy tax incentives to fund the project. As owner, Perpetual retains the renewable energy certificates and environmental attributes generated by the system’s actual kilowatt hour output.
“This partnership with Perpetual marks a major step forward in fulfilling our energy strategy goals for clean, reliable, and cost effective energy,” said Joe Sugg, assistant vice president for University Operations. “Moreover, it is a strong visual statement of the University’s commitment to environmental justice.”
The system will eliminate approximately 23,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) throughout its operating lifespan. This reduction of CO2 in the environment is equivalent to reducing the use of 2,360,211 gallons of gasoline.
Cyrium Technologies Celebrates Its Contributions to the National Research Council of Canada SUNRISE Solar Project
OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cyrium Technologies, Inc., a leading developer of multi-junction concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) cells, today announced the incorporation of its quantum dot enhanced solar cells in the CPV solar tracker deployed as part of the SUNRISE (Semiconductors Using Nanostructures for Record Increases in Solar-cell Efficiency) project.
On October 21, 2010 the National Research Council of Canada announced the unveiling and introduction of the SUNRISE solar tracker, installed at the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology site in Ottawa, Ontario. For Cyrium, SUNRISE demonstrates that its advanced patented nanotechnology (quantum dots) can be used to enhance the performance of multi-junction cells in CPV systems and enable the delivery of higher conversion performance at higher concentrations.
The SUNRISE project stems from the National Research Council of Canada’s research and development efforts to bring clean power generation technologies to Canadians, and is a research collaboration between the National Research Council of Canada, the University of Ottawa, the Université de Sherbrooke and industrial partners Cyrium Technologies and Opel International. The project is funded by the National Research Council of Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Business Development Bank of Canada and demonstrates the success that can be achieved when industry, government, and academia work together with a common goal. As the engine driving CPV systems, Cyrium’s patented quantum dot enhanced cells (QDEC) were critical to the success and execution of the SUNRISE project. When used in advanced solar modules on dual axis trackers, such as those provided by Opel, Cyrium’s QDEC cells enable the system to achieve some of the highest efficiencies in the CPV industry.
"I am very proud of Cyrium’s participation in SUNRISE,” said Harry R. Rozakis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cyrium Technologies. “Seeing our patented cell technology at the core of the project is exciting not only for Cyrium but also for all of those who see CPV as a viable and cost effective source of solar power. SUNRISE clearly demonstrates how the combination of our unique quantum dot nanotechnology with state of the art solar concentrator and tracker designs can enable cost effective, high efficiency renewable energy generation.”
On October 21, 2010 the National Research Council of Canada announced the unveiling and introduction of the SUNRISE solar tracker, installed at the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology site in Ottawa, Ontario. For Cyrium, SUNRISE demonstrates that its advanced patented nanotechnology (quantum dots) can be used to enhance the performance of multi-junction cells in CPV systems and enable the delivery of higher conversion performance at higher concentrations.
The SUNRISE project stems from the National Research Council of Canada’s research and development efforts to bring clean power generation technologies to Canadians, and is a research collaboration between the National Research Council of Canada, the University of Ottawa, the Université de Sherbrooke and industrial partners Cyrium Technologies and Opel International. The project is funded by the National Research Council of Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Business Development Bank of Canada and demonstrates the success that can be achieved when industry, government, and academia work together with a common goal. As the engine driving CPV systems, Cyrium’s patented quantum dot enhanced cells (QDEC) were critical to the success and execution of the SUNRISE project. When used in advanced solar modules on dual axis trackers, such as those provided by Opel, Cyrium’s QDEC cells enable the system to achieve some of the highest efficiencies in the CPV industry.
"I am very proud of Cyrium’s participation in SUNRISE,” said Harry R. Rozakis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cyrium Technologies. “Seeing our patented cell technology at the core of the project is exciting not only for Cyrium but also for all of those who see CPV as a viable and cost effective source of solar power. SUNRISE clearly demonstrates how the combination of our unique quantum dot nanotechnology with state of the art solar concentrator and tracker designs can enable cost effective, high efficiency renewable energy generation.”
Hawaii's Largest Concentrating Solar Power Project Using Sopogy MicroCSP Technology Announces Groundbreaking
HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sopogy, Inc., a leader in micro Concentrated Solar Power (MicroCSP™) technology, will be supplying its proprietary solar thermal collectors for a five-megawatt MicroCSP plant, which broke ground on October 27 in the Kalaeloa district of Oahu – marking the largest CSP project in Hawaii.
The Kalaeloa Solar One project is a partnership between the State of Hawaii, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Keahole Solar Power (KSP) for land to establish a home base for the clean energy project. The State of Hawaii has also recently announced a Feed-In Tariff to enable renewable energy projects.
According to the chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Kaulana Park, the groundbreaking marks a tremendous step forward in implementing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative to source 70% of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030. The project will supply clean energy for Hawaii as well as provide DHHL with rent monies which will in turn be used to build homes and fund educational programs for native Hawaiians.
“I'm excited about the future and know this is just the first of many more projects here in Hawaii,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “I look forward to it coming online and showing that Hawaii is in fact a renewable energy leader in the region and in the world. We know the things we learn and achieve can be used worldwide to allow others to achieve that same kind of energy security and independence, especially other island communities, island nations and island states.”
“Sopogy developed a fast and simple template solution which meets our internal rate of return goals,” said Edward Lui, member of the board of directors at KSP. “The MicroCSP package includes the concentrating solar collectors and thermal storage which is delivered quickly and assembled on-site at a very cost-effective price.”
Key advantages of MicroCSP technology include high efficiencies, low cost and robust applications which can be highly effective on buildings or ground installations to provide electricity, heat and cooling. The storage and backup capabilities of CSP plants offer significant benefits for the grid by providing a buffer for short-term variations during cloudy conditions or at night.
“Another key benefit is Sopogy’s manufacturing process and use of conventional materials,” says Darren T. Kimura President and CEO of Sopogy. “Not only can our modules be produced locally, but our collectors can also be manufactured anywhere in the world.”
The Kalaeloa Solar One project is a partnership between the State of Hawaii, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Keahole Solar Power (KSP) for land to establish a home base for the clean energy project. The State of Hawaii has also recently announced a Feed-In Tariff to enable renewable energy projects.
According to the chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Kaulana Park, the groundbreaking marks a tremendous step forward in implementing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative to source 70% of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030. The project will supply clean energy for Hawaii as well as provide DHHL with rent monies which will in turn be used to build homes and fund educational programs for native Hawaiians.
“I'm excited about the future and know this is just the first of many more projects here in Hawaii,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “I look forward to it coming online and showing that Hawaii is in fact a renewable energy leader in the region and in the world. We know the things we learn and achieve can be used worldwide to allow others to achieve that same kind of energy security and independence, especially other island communities, island nations and island states.”
“Sopogy developed a fast and simple template solution which meets our internal rate of return goals,” said Edward Lui, member of the board of directors at KSP. “The MicroCSP package includes the concentrating solar collectors and thermal storage which is delivered quickly and assembled on-site at a very cost-effective price.”
Key advantages of MicroCSP technology include high efficiencies, low cost and robust applications which can be highly effective on buildings or ground installations to provide electricity, heat and cooling. The storage and backup capabilities of CSP plants offer significant benefits for the grid by providing a buffer for short-term variations during cloudy conditions or at night.
“Another key benefit is Sopogy’s manufacturing process and use of conventional materials,” says Darren T. Kimura President and CEO of Sopogy. “Not only can our modules be produced locally, but our collectors can also be manufactured anywhere in the world.”
BrightSource Energy Breaks Ground on Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System
NIPTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BrightSource Energy, Inc., developer of utility scale solar power plants, today celebrated the commencement of construction on its Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System (ISEGS). California Governor Schwarzenegger, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar joined with members of the BrightSource Energy team, project partners, and local, state and federal officials to commemorate the historic event. When constructed, Ivanpah will be the world’s largest solar power plant.
“Today we are breaking ground on the largest solar project in the world, right here in California,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The construction of this renewable energy plant is great news for our state, and further proof that it is possible to both protect the environment and grow the economy. Projects like this one are helping us meet our long-term energy and environmental goals, while creating jobs and moving us toward a cleaner, more sustainable future – a future where California leads the nation and the world in a clean energy revolution.”
"Ivanpah is an outstanding example of the progress we are making in building a renewable energy economy," U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said at the groundbreaking. "With private sector initiative and government coordination and encouragement, we are helping to meet the President's goals for stimulating local economies, creating new jobs for American workers, reducing carbon emissions, promoting energy independence and strengthening our national security."
“Today’s groundbreaking of the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System represents a historical moment in our nation’s move to a clean energy economy,” said John Woolard, President and CEO of BrightSource Energy. “At Ivanpah, we’re demonstrating that the U.S. can lead in the clean energy race by building the largest solar plant in the world.”
In addition to the Ivanpah groundbreaking event, BrightSource Energy today announced that power generation company NRG Energy will secure the largest ownership stake in the project by making an investment of up to $300 million. With this equity position, NRG will join BrightSource in the construction, ownership, and operation of Ivanpah.
The Ivanpah Project: Clean Energy, Union Jobs, Environmentally-Responsible Design
Once completed, the 392 megawatt gross (370 megawatts nominal) Ivanpah project will nearly double the amount of solar thermal electricity produced in the United States today. When constructed, the project will:
The approximately 3,500 acre Ivanpah project is located in southeastern California’s San Bernardino County, approximately 50 miles northwest of Needles, California, and about five miles from the California-Nevada border. The project will be built by BrightSource’s engineering and construction partner, Bechtel Corporation, and will consist of three separate solar thermal power plants.
“The innovative technology and size of Ivanpah make this a first-of-its kind project in many ways,” said Ian Copeland, president of Bechtel’s Renewable Power business. “The engineering and construction of Ivanpah will help shape the future development of solar power plants and demonstrate that they are now a utility scale source of clean, renewable energy.”
The Ivanpah project received its federal permits by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management on October 7, 2008, and its state permits from the California Energy Commission on September 22, 2010. In February 2010, BrightSource received a conditional commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy for $1.37 billion in loan guarantees to support the financing of the Ivanpah project.
The power generated at Ivanpah will be sold under separate contracts with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE). PG&E will purchase approximately two-thirds of the power generated at Ivanpah and SCE will purchase approximately one-third. In all, BrightSource has contracted with PG&E and SCE to deliver 2,600 megawatts of electric power.
Ivanpah: Creating Union Jobs
BrightSource and Bechtel, the engineering and construction contractor for the Ivanpah project, estimate that the Ivanpah project will create 1,000 union jobs at the peak of construction. In December 2009, Bechtel signed a project labor agreement with the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California (SBCTC) and the Building & Construction Trades Council of San Bernardino and Riverside counties to ensure that California’s local workforce benefits from the project. The project will also provide $300 million in local and state tax revenues, and produce $650 million in wages, over its first 30-year of operation.
“The first of many expected utility-scale solar projects to break ground, Ivanpah is having a transformative effect on the High Desert Region’s workforce and economy,” said Bob Balgenorth, President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California. “President Obama’s stimulus and Senator Boxer’s tireless efforts helped make this project a reality. It is already starting to employ union labor and putting local people back to work. It will grow to be one of the region’s most impactful projects over the next three years.”
Ivanpah: An Environmentally-Responsible Project
BrightSource’s proprietary LPT technology enables the company to employ a low-impact environmental design. Instead of the extensive land grading and concrete pads used by other competing solar technologies, BrightSource mounts mirrors on individual poles that are placed directly into the ground, allowing the solar field to be built around the natural contours of the land and avoid areas of sensitive vegetation. This design also allows for vegetation to co-exist within the solar field.
In order to conserve precious desert water, the Ivanpah project will employ an air-cooling system to convert the steam back into water in a closed-loop cycle. By using air-cooling, the project will use only 100 acre feet of water per year, approximately 95 percent less water than competing solar thermal technologies that use wet-cooling.
“Today we are breaking ground on the largest solar project in the world, right here in California,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The construction of this renewable energy plant is great news for our state, and further proof that it is possible to both protect the environment and grow the economy. Projects like this one are helping us meet our long-term energy and environmental goals, while creating jobs and moving us toward a cleaner, more sustainable future – a future where California leads the nation and the world in a clean energy revolution.”
"Ivanpah is an outstanding example of the progress we are making in building a renewable energy economy," U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said at the groundbreaking. "With private sector initiative and government coordination and encouragement, we are helping to meet the President's goals for stimulating local economies, creating new jobs for American workers, reducing carbon emissions, promoting energy independence and strengthening our national security."
“Today’s groundbreaking of the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System represents a historical moment in our nation’s move to a clean energy economy,” said John Woolard, President and CEO of BrightSource Energy. “At Ivanpah, we’re demonstrating that the U.S. can lead in the clean energy race by building the largest solar plant in the world.”
In addition to the Ivanpah groundbreaking event, BrightSource Energy today announced that power generation company NRG Energy will secure the largest ownership stake in the project by making an investment of up to $300 million. With this equity position, NRG will join BrightSource in the construction, ownership, and operation of Ivanpah.
The Ivanpah Project: Clean Energy, Union Jobs, Environmentally-Responsible Design
Once completed, the 392 megawatt gross (370 megawatts nominal) Ivanpah project will nearly double the amount of solar thermal electricity produced in the United States today. When constructed, the project will:
- produce enough clean energy to power 140,000 homes
- reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 400,000 tons annually, the equivalent of taking more than 70,000 cars off the road
- create more than 1,000 local union jobs at the peak of construction
- provide $650 million in employee wages over its first 30-year life
The approximately 3,500 acre Ivanpah project is located in southeastern California’s San Bernardino County, approximately 50 miles northwest of Needles, California, and about five miles from the California-Nevada border. The project will be built by BrightSource’s engineering and construction partner, Bechtel Corporation, and will consist of three separate solar thermal power plants.
“The innovative technology and size of Ivanpah make this a first-of-its kind project in many ways,” said Ian Copeland, president of Bechtel’s Renewable Power business. “The engineering and construction of Ivanpah will help shape the future development of solar power plants and demonstrate that they are now a utility scale source of clean, renewable energy.”
The Ivanpah project received its federal permits by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management on October 7, 2008, and its state permits from the California Energy Commission on September 22, 2010. In February 2010, BrightSource received a conditional commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy for $1.37 billion in loan guarantees to support the financing of the Ivanpah project.
The power generated at Ivanpah will be sold under separate contracts with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE). PG&E will purchase approximately two-thirds of the power generated at Ivanpah and SCE will purchase approximately one-third. In all, BrightSource has contracted with PG&E and SCE to deliver 2,600 megawatts of electric power.
Ivanpah: Creating Union Jobs
BrightSource and Bechtel, the engineering and construction contractor for the Ivanpah project, estimate that the Ivanpah project will create 1,000 union jobs at the peak of construction. In December 2009, Bechtel signed a project labor agreement with the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California (SBCTC) and the Building & Construction Trades Council of San Bernardino and Riverside counties to ensure that California’s local workforce benefits from the project. The project will also provide $300 million in local and state tax revenues, and produce $650 million in wages, over its first 30-year of operation.
“The first of many expected utility-scale solar projects to break ground, Ivanpah is having a transformative effect on the High Desert Region’s workforce and economy,” said Bob Balgenorth, President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California. “President Obama’s stimulus and Senator Boxer’s tireless efforts helped make this project a reality. It is already starting to employ union labor and putting local people back to work. It will grow to be one of the region’s most impactful projects over the next three years.”
Ivanpah: An Environmentally-Responsible Project
BrightSource’s proprietary LPT technology enables the company to employ a low-impact environmental design. Instead of the extensive land grading and concrete pads used by other competing solar technologies, BrightSource mounts mirrors on individual poles that are placed directly into the ground, allowing the solar field to be built around the natural contours of the land and avoid areas of sensitive vegetation. This design also allows for vegetation to co-exist within the solar field.
In order to conserve precious desert water, the Ivanpah project will employ an air-cooling system to convert the steam back into water in a closed-loop cycle. By using air-cooling, the project will use only 100 acre feet of water per year, approximately 95 percent less water than competing solar thermal technologies that use wet-cooling.
GT Solar To Host Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2011 Conference Call and Webcast on November 8
MERRIMACK, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ:SOLR), a global provider of polysilicon production technology, and sapphire and silicon crystalline growth systems and materials for the solar, LED and other specialty markets, today announced that the company will release its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2011 ending October 2, 2010, after the close of market on NASDAQ on Monday, November 8, 2010.
Management will conduct an investment community conference call at 6:00 pm EST on the same day to discuss quarterly results and the company’s longer-term outlook. The call will be available on a live and archived basis as follows:
Live Conference Call and Webcast
Date & Time: Monday, November 8, 2010 at 6:00 pm EST
Webcast (with slides): Go to http://investor.gtsolar.com/, select “Events” and select webcast.
Dial-in Number: 866.770.7146 (toll-free); 617.213.8068 (international)
Telephone Passcode: SOLR
Archive Replay
Available: November 8, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST through January 7, 2011
Webcast: Go to http://investor.gtsolar.com/, select “Events,” and “Past Events.”
Dial-in Number: 888-286-8010 (toll-free) or 617-801-6888 (international)
Passcode: 27487936
About GT Solar International, Inc.
GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR) is a global provider of polysilicon production technology, and sapphire and silicon crystalline growth systems and materials for the solar, LED and other specialty markets. The company's products and services allow its customers to optimize their manufacturing environments and lower their cost of ownership. For additional information about GT Solar, please visit www.gtsolar.com.
Management will conduct an investment community conference call at 6:00 pm EST on the same day to discuss quarterly results and the company’s longer-term outlook. The call will be available on a live and archived basis as follows:
Live Conference Call and Webcast
Date & Time: Monday, November 8, 2010 at 6:00 pm EST
Webcast (with slides): Go to http://investor.gtsolar.com/, select “Events” and select webcast.
Dial-in Number: 866.770.7146 (toll-free); 617.213.8068 (international)
Telephone Passcode: SOLR
Archive Replay
Available: November 8, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST through January 7, 2011
Webcast: Go to http://investor.gtsolar.com/, select “Events,” and “Past Events.”
Dial-in Number: 888-286-8010 (toll-free) or 617-801-6888 (international)
Passcode: 27487936
About GT Solar International, Inc.
GT Solar International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR) is a global provider of polysilicon production technology, and sapphire and silicon crystalline growth systems and materials for the solar, LED and other specialty markets. The company's products and services allow its customers to optimize their manufacturing environments and lower their cost of ownership. For additional information about GT Solar, please visit www.gtsolar.com.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Norwegian Innotech Solar Breaks Ground at New German Site
BERLIN, October 27, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Innotech Solar (ITS) broke ground and laid the first foundation stone this morning at its new production site in Germany. A further testament to Germany's thriving photovoltaic industry, the company has chosen the Eastern German city of Halle for its new plant. Construction of the factory that will increase the performance of solar cells officially begins today. ITS was assisted in the investment process by Germany Trade & Invest.
The investment will initially create 80 new jobs in the region with plans to further increase the amount of employees in the future. Innotech Solar, headquartered in Narvik, Norway, purchases solar cells and uses industrial production techniques to increase the power output and guarantee the quality of the cells.
Innotech Solar CEO Thor Christian Tuv: "Germany provides us with the ideal conditions to strengthen our business activities. A thriving photovoltaic industry cluster and outstanding infrastructure here are essential for us. We are sure the Halle site gives us a unique competitive advantage that will allow us to continue our company's extraordinary growth."
The decision to invest in Germany is a testament to the country's well-developed PV industry. With the highest concentration of photovoltaic companies, suppliers, and research institutes, Germany's industry posted over EUR 8.6 billion in revenues last year. Manufacturers benefit from the "Made in Germany" reputation for high quality products, a well established industrial infrastructure, large equipment supplier base, and qualified workforce.
Germany is also the world's leading producer of solar energy. With 4.8 GWp of new PV installations so far in 2010, demand for solar systems has grown by over 300 percent compared to the same period last year. This is no easy feat, considering that Germany was already home to nearly half the solar modules in operation worldwide at the end of 2009. According to the latest figures, total accumulated PV capacity in Germany is approximately 14.6 GWp and growing.
The country's infrastructure also played a key role in ITS's decision to invest in the Halle site. Proximity to the Leipzig-Halle airport and direct access to the German Autobahn connect the company to the world's number one infrastructure, according to a 2010 World Bank study.
Innotech Solar (http://www.innotechsolar.com) was assisted in the investment process by Germany Trade & Invest and the Investment and Marketing Corporation (IMG) Saxony-Anhalt.
Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.
The investment will initially create 80 new jobs in the region with plans to further increase the amount of employees in the future. Innotech Solar, headquartered in Narvik, Norway, purchases solar cells and uses industrial production techniques to increase the power output and guarantee the quality of the cells.
Innotech Solar CEO Thor Christian Tuv: "Germany provides us with the ideal conditions to strengthen our business activities. A thriving photovoltaic industry cluster and outstanding infrastructure here are essential for us. We are sure the Halle site gives us a unique competitive advantage that will allow us to continue our company's extraordinary growth."
The decision to invest in Germany is a testament to the country's well-developed PV industry. With the highest concentration of photovoltaic companies, suppliers, and research institutes, Germany's industry posted over EUR 8.6 billion in revenues last year. Manufacturers benefit from the "Made in Germany" reputation for high quality products, a well established industrial infrastructure, large equipment supplier base, and qualified workforce.
Germany is also the world's leading producer of solar energy. With 4.8 GWp of new PV installations so far in 2010, demand for solar systems has grown by over 300 percent compared to the same period last year. This is no easy feat, considering that Germany was already home to nearly half the solar modules in operation worldwide at the end of 2009. According to the latest figures, total accumulated PV capacity in Germany is approximately 14.6 GWp and growing.
The country's infrastructure also played a key role in ITS's decision to invest in the Halle site. Proximity to the Leipzig-Halle airport and direct access to the German Autobahn connect the company to the world's number one infrastructure, according to a 2010 World Bank study.
Innotech Solar (http://www.innotechsolar.com) was assisted in the investment process by Germany Trade & Invest and the Investment and Marketing Corporation (IMG) Saxony-Anhalt.
Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.
Pro-Tech Energy Solutions Serves Up Savings With Solar Installation at the New Shrewsbury Racquet Club
BRANCHBURG, N.J. and TINTON FALLS, N.J., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Through a partnership with Pro-Tech Energy Solutions LLC, a self-funded turnkey energy services company, the New Shrewsbury Racquet Club (NSRC) in Tinton Falls, N.J. was able to install a 281.06kW photovoltaic solar array estimated to generate $49,000 in annual savings.
John Drexinger, Principal, Pro-Tech Energy Solutions commented, "This is a very exciting opportunity for the NSRC to benefit from clean, renewable energy, while leveraging a turnkey partnership with Pro-Tech. This partnership ensures a seamless design and construction process as well as access to Pro-Tech's knowledge about state and federal programs designed to assist individuals and businesses in making facilities more energy efficient."
"This is a great opportunity for the NSRC to take advantage of the large roof of the tennis facility and do our part to reduce the Club's carbon footprint as part of an overall green initiative," said Rich Maizel, Managing Director of New Shrewsbury Racquet Club. "In September, 1,200 solar panels were installed on a new steel roof, making NSRC the first tennis club in N.J. to be a major green energy producer, generating 100 percent of its electric energy from solar. Our only remaining costs are delivery charges at night from the utility company. This really is an exciting project, and we are eager to see the system in operation."
Together with Englert Inc., Pro-Tech's preferred vendor for roofing design and installation, the partners installed a new steel roof to withstand the weight of the solar panels. The combined roofing and solar installation project, took only one month from start to finish.
"Pro-Tech's ability to design, permit and manage the overall project was the reason we selected them," added Maizel.
"An increasing number of recreation facilities are beginning to recognize that cost-efficient and simple energy upgrades and solar installations can offer significant savings in addition to being environmentally-friendly," added Drexinger. "This solar installation only took one month, but will pay for itself in about five to seven years."
John Drexinger, Principal, Pro-Tech Energy Solutions commented, "This is a very exciting opportunity for the NSRC to benefit from clean, renewable energy, while leveraging a turnkey partnership with Pro-Tech. This partnership ensures a seamless design and construction process as well as access to Pro-Tech's knowledge about state and federal programs designed to assist individuals and businesses in making facilities more energy efficient."
"This is a great opportunity for the NSRC to take advantage of the large roof of the tennis facility and do our part to reduce the Club's carbon footprint as part of an overall green initiative," said Rich Maizel, Managing Director of New Shrewsbury Racquet Club. "In September, 1,200 solar panels were installed on a new steel roof, making NSRC the first tennis club in N.J. to be a major green energy producer, generating 100 percent of its electric energy from solar. Our only remaining costs are delivery charges at night from the utility company. This really is an exciting project, and we are eager to see the system in operation."
Together with Englert Inc., Pro-Tech's preferred vendor for roofing design and installation, the partners installed a new steel roof to withstand the weight of the solar panels. The combined roofing and solar installation project, took only one month from start to finish.
"Pro-Tech's ability to design, permit and manage the overall project was the reason we selected them," added Maizel.
"An increasing number of recreation facilities are beginning to recognize that cost-efficient and simple energy upgrades and solar installations can offer significant savings in addition to being environmentally-friendly," added Drexinger. "This solar installation only took one month, but will pay for itself in about five to seven years."
NASDAQ Panel Grants Quantum's Request for Continued Listing
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW) announced today that a NASDAQ Hearings Panel (the "Panel") has granted the Company's request for an extension of time, as permitted under NASDAQ's Listing Rules, to regain compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The NASDAQ Global Market. In accordance with the Panel's decision, the Company must evidence a closing bid price of at least $1.00 for a minimum of ten consecutive trading days on or before March 1, 2011. Under NASDAQ's Listing Rules, March 1, 2011 represents the maximum length of time that a Panel may grant to regain compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price rule.
JinkoSolar Files Registration Statement for Follow-on Public Offering in the United States
SHANGHAI, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE: JKS), a fast-growing vertically integrated solar power product manufacturer with low-cost operations based in China, announced today that it filed a registration statement on Form F-1 (the "F-1 Registration Statement") with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") relating to a follow-on public offering (the "Offering") in the U.S. of 3,500,000 American Depositary Shares ("ADSs"). Each ADS represents four ordinary shares of the Company.
The Company expects to offer 2,000,000 ADSs and certain selling shareholders (the "Selling Shareholders") expect to offer 1,500,000 ADSs in the Offering. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of ADSs by the Selling Shareholders.
The Company's F-1 Registration Statement is available from the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov . The Offering will be made only by means of a prospectus.
This press release is not an offer of securities of JinkoSolar for sale. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the issuer and that will contain detailed information about the issuer and its management, as well as financial statements. JinkoSolar is in the process of registering the Offering in the United States.
The Company expects to offer 2,000,000 ADSs and certain selling shareholders (the "Selling Shareholders") expect to offer 1,500,000 ADSs in the Offering. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of ADSs by the Selling Shareholders.
The Company's F-1 Registration Statement is available from the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov . The Offering will be made only by means of a prospectus.
This press release is not an offer of securities of JinkoSolar for sale. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the issuer and that will contain detailed information about the issuer and its management, as well as financial statements. JinkoSolar is in the process of registering the Offering in the United States.
LDK Solar Announces Arbitration Award
XINYU CITY, China and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- LDK Solar Co., Ltd. ("LDK Solar"; NYSE: LDK), a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers and PV products, today announced that the International Court of Arbitration stated that the wafer supply contract entered into in October 2008 between LDK Solar and the Italy-based Helios Technology S.p.A (Helios) is valid and effective throughout its duration and at terms and conditions related to quantities and prices set forth therein.
The International Court of Arbitration also stated that by virtue of the arbitration proceedings Helios shall pay to LDK Solar an amount of approximately $31 million. To this amount interest of 8% shall be added from the date of the award until the effective payment as well as costs for the arbitration proceedings and lawyers' fees.
"We are pleased with the results of the arbitration proceedings," stated Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO. "LDK Solar looks forward to having a final resolution on this matter."
The International Court of Arbitration also stated that by virtue of the arbitration proceedings Helios shall pay to LDK Solar an amount of approximately $31 million. To this amount interest of 8% shall be added from the date of the award until the effective payment as well as costs for the arbitration proceedings and lawyers' fees.
"We are pleased with the results of the arbitration proceedings," stated Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO. "LDK Solar looks forward to having a final resolution on this matter."
alwitra GmbH Completes Largest Solyndra Installation in Germany
MUNICH, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Solyndra, Inc., a manufacturer of cylindrical photovoltaic (PV) systems for large commercial rooftops, today announced that alwitra GmbH, a has completed a 1.02 MWp solar system, together with their highly reflective Evalon® waterproofing membrane and Solyndra solar panels, on a Parts Europe GmbH warehouse in Konz, Germany. The system is the largest Solyndra system in Germany to date, and the second largest worldwide. Alwitra GmbH is a Platinum Solyndra Solution Partner.
“On a rooftop of this size Parts Europe gets strong benefits from the highly reflective Evalon waterproofing membrane and the power generation of the Solyndra solar system,” said Clemens Jargon, Solyndra’s president of EMEA and managing director, Solyndra GmbH. “alwitra’s extensive knowledge of roof sealing and Solyndra’s PV systems allowed them to complete the entire project in less than 10 weeks.”
“The location and size of Parts Europe’s warehouse is absolutely predestined for the use of solar power generation. The unique design of Solyndra’s cylindrical, non-penetrating and very light panels made them the best solution for this large project,” said Joachim Gussner, President of alwitra. “Using Solyndra with our Evalon waterproofing membrane allows us to offer the building owner the best combination of roof sealing solution and a solar system that actually gets more power as a result of the reflective qualities of the roof.”
Parts Europe is a motorcycle accessories distributor and the rooftop is on a warehouse in Konz, near Trier, Germany. The project covered 13,000 square meters of rooftop with Evalon waterproofing membrane and approximately 10,700 square meters of rooftop with more than 5,400 Solyndra panels. More than 33,000 meters of cable were used in the project, which generates 1.023 MWp, or the equivalent of the annual power needed to supply 250 households.
“On a rooftop of this size Parts Europe gets strong benefits from the highly reflective Evalon waterproofing membrane and the power generation of the Solyndra solar system,” said Clemens Jargon, Solyndra’s president of EMEA and managing director, Solyndra GmbH. “alwitra’s extensive knowledge of roof sealing and Solyndra’s PV systems allowed them to complete the entire project in less than 10 weeks.”
“The location and size of Parts Europe’s warehouse is absolutely predestined for the use of solar power generation. The unique design of Solyndra’s cylindrical, non-penetrating and very light panels made them the best solution for this large project,” said Joachim Gussner, President of alwitra. “Using Solyndra with our Evalon waterproofing membrane allows us to offer the building owner the best combination of roof sealing solution and a solar system that actually gets more power as a result of the reflective qualities of the roof.”
Parts Europe is a motorcycle accessories distributor and the rooftop is on a warehouse in Konz, near Trier, Germany. The project covered 13,000 square meters of rooftop with Evalon waterproofing membrane and approximately 10,700 square meters of rooftop with more than 5,400 Solyndra panels. More than 33,000 meters of cable were used in the project, which generates 1.023 MWp, or the equivalent of the annual power needed to supply 250 households.
Aide Solar Receives Green Pioneer for Solar Award
TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aide Solar (http://www.aidesolar.com), a large-scale producer of photovoltaic (PV) modules, today announced that it has been named a Green Pioneer in the solar industry by the Phoenix Business Journal. The Green Pioneer Award is being presented to Aide Solar in recognition of it being one of the first Chinese solar firms to establish its headquarters in Arizona. Aide Solar’s North American headquarters in Tempe gives its customers a local market focus with real-time support.
The accolade was also given to Aide Solar for its participation in the cooperative effort to install a 2.3 kW solar electric system using the company’s donated 230 watt poly-crystalline black frame solar panels at the Compadre branch of the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley in Chandler, Ariz. This community project also earned Aide Solar a spot as a finalist for the Phoenix Business Journal Heart of Business award in the Most Outstanding Company Project category.
“We are proud of how quickly things have progressed for Aide Solar USA in such a short period of time,” 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. “We have been able to foster some very strategic relationships, and our projections for where the company will finish in 2010 have surpassed our expectations.”
Aide Solar will be honored, among other recipients, at a special Green Pioneer Awards event to be hosted by the Phoenix Business Journal and National Bank of Arizona on November 8, 2010 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Road. The event is intended to highlight green efforts and initiatives within the community, strengthen the network of Valley professionals working to advance environmental sustainability, and inspire others in the business community to do their part. Registration is available online at http://events.bizjournals.com/3084.
The accolade was also given to Aide Solar for its participation in the cooperative effort to install a 2.3 kW solar electric system using the company’s donated 230 watt poly-crystalline black frame solar panels at the Compadre branch of the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley in Chandler, Ariz. This community project also earned Aide Solar a spot as a finalist for the Phoenix Business Journal Heart of Business award in the Most Outstanding Company Project category.
“We are proud of how quickly things have progressed for Aide Solar USA in such a short period of time,” 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. “We have been able to foster some very strategic relationships, and our projections for where the company will finish in 2010 have surpassed our expectations.”
Aide Solar will be honored, among other recipients, at a special Green Pioneer Awards event to be hosted by the Phoenix Business Journal and National Bank of Arizona on November 8, 2010 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Road. The event is intended to highlight green efforts and initiatives within the community, strengthen the network of Valley professionals working to advance environmental sustainability, and inspire others in the business community to do their part. Registration is available online at http://events.bizjournals.com/3084.
SunRun Receives New Round of Financing from U.S. Bancorp to Support 1,900 Residential Solar Installations
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunRun, the nation's leading home solar company, today announced it received an additional commitment of tax equity from an affiliate of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) to develop 1,900 residential solar installations. SunRun’s solar power service allows homeowners to go solar for as little as $0 down. Growing at a rate of 300% year over year, SunRun now installs more than $1 million in solar systems every day and employs over 75 people. In a move to accommodate its rapid growth, SunRun relocated this month to larger offices in the heart of San Francisco’s financial district.
With this additional financing, SunRun will continue to change the way Americans power their homes by delivering solar as a clean, affordable, renewable service. SunRun owns and maintains each homeowner’s solar system for the life of the agreement, while homeowners simply pay monthly for the power they use. Typically, a customer will save 10-15% on total monthly power bills immediately, and the savings increase over time as utility rates increase.
“We are the only home solar company to have enjoyed an uninterrupted source of project financing, and this steady stream of capital speaks directly to our credibility as a reliable and risk-free alternative to the utility,” said SunRun CEO and Co-founder Edward Fenster. “U.S. Bancorp has been a fantastic long-term partner and instrumental in helping SunRun provide affordable and hassle-free solar to thousands of homeowners.”
Since SunRun closed its previous transaction with U.S. Bancorp less than a year ago, the Company completed a project financing fund with PG&E Corporation to support the purchase of approximately 3,500 residential solar facilities, tripled the size of its bank lines, and closed a Series C round of funding for $55 million led by Sequoia Capital. In addition to impressive financial backing, recent SunRun accolades include a 2010 Department of Energy Green Power Leadership Award, as well as inclusion on the Cleantech Group’s Global Cleantech 100 list and the GoingGreen Silicon Valley Top 100 List. Next month, Fenster and SunRun President and Co-founder Lynn Jurich will be honored in Palm Springs as recipients of The Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. In July, SunRun was featured on ABC’s Good Morning America as a top national home solar company.
“Over our multi-year relationship with the Company, SunRun has demonstrated its ability to not only grow quickly, but also manage the significant operational complexities of scaling its business,” said Darren Van’t Hof, Director of Renewable Energy Investments for U.S. Bancorp. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Company.”
With this additional financing, SunRun will continue to change the way Americans power their homes by delivering solar as a clean, affordable, renewable service. SunRun owns and maintains each homeowner’s solar system for the life of the agreement, while homeowners simply pay monthly for the power they use. Typically, a customer will save 10-15% on total monthly power bills immediately, and the savings increase over time as utility rates increase.
“We are the only home solar company to have enjoyed an uninterrupted source of project financing, and this steady stream of capital speaks directly to our credibility as a reliable and risk-free alternative to the utility,” said SunRun CEO and Co-founder Edward Fenster. “U.S. Bancorp has been a fantastic long-term partner and instrumental in helping SunRun provide affordable and hassle-free solar to thousands of homeowners.”
Since SunRun closed its previous transaction with U.S. Bancorp less than a year ago, the Company completed a project financing fund with PG&E Corporation to support the purchase of approximately 3,500 residential solar facilities, tripled the size of its bank lines, and closed a Series C round of funding for $55 million led by Sequoia Capital. In addition to impressive financial backing, recent SunRun accolades include a 2010 Department of Energy Green Power Leadership Award, as well as inclusion on the Cleantech Group’s Global Cleantech 100 list and the GoingGreen Silicon Valley Top 100 List. Next month, Fenster and SunRun President and Co-founder Lynn Jurich will be honored in Palm Springs as recipients of The Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. In July, SunRun was featured on ABC’s Good Morning America as a top national home solar company.
“Over our multi-year relationship with the Company, SunRun has demonstrated its ability to not only grow quickly, but also manage the significant operational complexities of scaling its business,” said Darren Van’t Hof, Director of Renewable Energy Investments for U.S. Bancorp. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Company.”
Standard Solar Brings Solar Energy to Pennsylvania’s Broad Top Township & Coaldale Borough; Expands Mid-Atlantic Operations
ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Standard Solar, Inc., a leader in the full-service development, installation and financing of solar electric systems for commercial, government and residential customers, today announced plans to bring solar energy to Broad Top Township and Coaldale Borough, Pa. with the development of a 69.2 kilowatt solar energy system. With this installation and others, Standard Solar is seeing increased customer demand in Pennsylvania.
Through this contract, funded by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection through a state Conservation Works grant from monies received as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA”), Standard Solar will bring solar energy to Broad Top Township/Coaldale Borough. The company will install 286 panels on the town’s municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Riddlesburg which is expected to produce 80 percent of the power requirement for the plant. The 68.64 kilowatt solar energy system will generate approximately 85.8 megawatt hours of electricity per year – without any greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve a comparable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the Township would need to plant 30 acres of trees.
“As a Pennsylvania native and Penn State grad, I am proud of the leadership role my home state is taking in solar energy. I grew up in a rural township in northeastern Pa., and I know that good ideas and forward thinking often spring from small places,” said Standard Solar CEO Tony Clifford. “Clean, green, domestically-produced solar energy is taking hold in towns and rural areas throughout our country, and Broad Top Township is helping lead the charge.”
The project will create local jobs for subcontractors who will be hired to assist with the installation. All solar panels installed as part of the system are made in the USA, and recycled steel will be used for the racking to comply with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Installation of the system is expected to begin in early November.
Donald Hedge Jr., chairman, Broad Top Township said, “Broad Top Township has been and will continue to be innovative and forward thinking to assure that our residents have reliable services in the most cost effective manner. This project is a prime example of creating partnerships to work together to manage our wastewater operation costs. The generation of electricity via solar power will reduce our electric costs, which in turn will help keep our rates affordable. This would not have been possible except for the cooperation between Federal, State and Local governments working with the private sector. This project will provide safe, reliable, renewable energy for the future and help retain sustainable jobs for our local economy.”
In addition to the environmental benefits of solar energy, an expanded federal tax credit and new solar grants for states in the mid-Atlantic region have made solar energy systems a more affordable - and more popular – way for residents and businesses to power their homes and offices.
Through this contract, funded by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection through a state Conservation Works grant from monies received as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA”), Standard Solar will bring solar energy to Broad Top Township/Coaldale Borough. The company will install 286 panels on the town’s municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Riddlesburg which is expected to produce 80 percent of the power requirement for the plant. The 68.64 kilowatt solar energy system will generate approximately 85.8 megawatt hours of electricity per year – without any greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve a comparable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the Township would need to plant 30 acres of trees.
“As a Pennsylvania native and Penn State grad, I am proud of the leadership role my home state is taking in solar energy. I grew up in a rural township in northeastern Pa., and I know that good ideas and forward thinking often spring from small places,” said Standard Solar CEO Tony Clifford. “Clean, green, domestically-produced solar energy is taking hold in towns and rural areas throughout our country, and Broad Top Township is helping lead the charge.”
The project will create local jobs for subcontractors who will be hired to assist with the installation. All solar panels installed as part of the system are made in the USA, and recycled steel will be used for the racking to comply with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Installation of the system is expected to begin in early November.
Donald Hedge Jr., chairman, Broad Top Township said, “Broad Top Township has been and will continue to be innovative and forward thinking to assure that our residents have reliable services in the most cost effective manner. This project is a prime example of creating partnerships to work together to manage our wastewater operation costs. The generation of electricity via solar power will reduce our electric costs, which in turn will help keep our rates affordable. This would not have been possible except for the cooperation between Federal, State and Local governments working with the private sector. This project will provide safe, reliable, renewable energy for the future and help retain sustainable jobs for our local economy.”
In addition to the environmental benefits of solar energy, an expanded federal tax credit and new solar grants for states in the mid-Atlantic region have made solar energy systems a more affordable - and more popular – way for residents and businesses to power their homes and offices.
Beckerman Client, New Energy Technologies, Featured in CNBC Report on Company’s Highly Anticipated SolarWindow™ Technology
HACKENSACK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Beckerman, one of the industry's largest independent public relations firms with the largest clean technology practice in the nation, announced that the highly anticipated debut of New Energy Technologies’ (OTCBB: NENE) SolarWindow™ was featured on CNBC (http://www.beckermanpr.com/NewsRoom.php), the satellite and cable television business news channel owned and operated by NBC Universal, with a reach of 390 million viewers around the world.
The segment on SolarWindow™, the first-of-its-kind, spray-on technology capable of transforming everyday surfaces, such as windows, into energy-generating devices, aired at 9:50 a.m. EDT on Oct. 20 during “Squawk on the Street,” CNBC’s business show that follows the first 90 minutes of trading on Wall Street in the United States.
Featured as part of the “Race to Fuel the Future” series, the segment notes that the SolarWindow™ has been successfully tested at the University of South Florida. To view the complete segment, please visit: http://www.beckermanpr.com/NewsRoom.php.
“Squawk on the Street” is broadcast live at the New York Stock Exchange and gives viewers all the up-to-the minute news they need from every major market around the world. The show not only reports the headlines of the day, it also puts world-class, top-rated market guests on the air to provide the instant analysis of all the market moving news.
The segment on SolarWindow™, the first-of-its-kind, spray-on technology capable of transforming everyday surfaces, such as windows, into energy-generating devices, aired at 9:50 a.m. EDT on Oct. 20 during “Squawk on the Street,” CNBC’s business show that follows the first 90 minutes of trading on Wall Street in the United States.
Featured as part of the “Race to Fuel the Future” series, the segment notes that the SolarWindow™ has been successfully tested at the University of South Florida. To view the complete segment, please visit: http://www.beckermanpr.com/NewsRoom.php.
“Squawk on the Street” is broadcast live at the New York Stock Exchange and gives viewers all the up-to-the minute news they need from every major market around the world. The show not only reports the headlines of the day, it also puts world-class, top-rated market guests on the air to provide the instant analysis of all the market moving news.
FedEx Inaugurates New Solar-Powered Hub at Cologne Bonn Airport
MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, joined with Cologne Bonn Airport in Germany today to inaugurate the new FedEx Central and Eastern Europe hub.
The Cologne hub is the second FedEx Express hub to be solar-powered and the fifth solar facility in operation within FedEx Corp.
Gerald P. Leary, president, FedEx Express Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, and Michael Garvens, chairman of the Management Board of Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH, officially set the fully automated sorting system in motion.
The hub in Cologne is one of the most modern FedEx hubs in the world. Its fully-automated sorting system can process up to 18,000 packages and documents per hour. The roof features the largest FedEx Express solar power installation worldwide and represents one of the largest rooftop solar installations in North Rhine-Westphalia, with an area of 16,000 square meters, producing about 800,000 kilowatt hours per year.
Including the Cologne hub, the five on-line FedEx solar facilities will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by a projected 3,918 metric tons—the equivalent of more than 440,000 gallons of gasoline never burned or over 100,000 tree seedlings growing for 10 years.1
“This solar-powered facility is the latest example of our commitment to responsibly connect the world for our customers through innovative solutions,” said Mitch Jackson, vice president of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability for FedEx Corp.
FedEx has recently added all-electric delivery vehicles in Paris and Los Angeles, building on its existing all-electric delivery vehicles in London. The integration of all-electric vehicles is part of the FedEx pledge to improve the fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet by 20 percent through its Reduce, Replace and Revolutionize strategy, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its aircraft fleet by 20 percent per available ton mile by 2020.
As a pioneer of the modern hub-and-spoke transportation system for air freight, FedEx Express has built an unsurpassed global network with a highly synchronized system of sorting facilities around the world, allowing it to efficiently process millions of shipments each day and providing customers with access to all major U.S. and international markets.
The Cologne hub is a vital link in this FedEx worldwide network, acting as a central gateway for packages arriving by ground or air from Central and Eastern Europe providing fast connectivity within Europe, to the U.S. or Asia.
It joins the global network of FedEx Express hubs that route shipments to destinations all over the world. Within the U.S., FedEx Express hubs are located at Memphis, Tennessee; Indianapolis, Indiana; Newark, New Jersey; Miami, Florida; Alliance (Dallas-Fort Worth), Texas; Oakland, California and Anchorage, Alaska. In addition to Cologne Bonn, FedEx Express has international hubs in Paris, France and Guangzhou, China.
“The opening of the Cologne hub enhances North Rhine-Westphalia’s standing as a world class logistics facility. It offers companies in the region unparalleled growth opportunities as well as the creation of new jobs within the state,” said Harry K. Voigtsberger, minister for Economic Affairs, Energy, Construction, Housing, and Transport in of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
“Today’s announcement couldn’t have come at a more exciting time. The Cologne hub will play a pivotal role in the FedEx strategy of strengthening and expanding its market position in Europe,” said Gerald P. Leary of FedEx. “Our new hub is testament to FedEx belief in the economic potential of the German marketplace and its ability to catalyze growth in Central and Eastern Europe.”
Cologne Bonn Airport and FedEx Express jointly invested €140 million in the new hub, which commenced operations in June 2010 after relocating from Frankfurt am Main. The FedEx staff count at the Cologne/Bonn site has grown rapidly from approximately 35 to 450 employees. The new hub enables FedEx to expand its operational capacity in Germany and across Europe, as well as increasing the company’s footprint in Eastern Europe. It also ensures that the company continues to offer its customers a seamless and reliable service.
The Cologne hub is the second FedEx Express hub to be solar-powered and the fifth solar facility in operation within FedEx Corp.
Gerald P. Leary, president, FedEx Express Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, and Michael Garvens, chairman of the Management Board of Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH, officially set the fully automated sorting system in motion.
The hub in Cologne is one of the most modern FedEx hubs in the world. Its fully-automated sorting system can process up to 18,000 packages and documents per hour. The roof features the largest FedEx Express solar power installation worldwide and represents one of the largest rooftop solar installations in North Rhine-Westphalia, with an area of 16,000 square meters, producing about 800,000 kilowatt hours per year.
Including the Cologne hub, the five on-line FedEx solar facilities will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by a projected 3,918 metric tons—the equivalent of more than 440,000 gallons of gasoline never burned or over 100,000 tree seedlings growing for 10 years.1
“This solar-powered facility is the latest example of our commitment to responsibly connect the world for our customers through innovative solutions,” said Mitch Jackson, vice president of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability for FedEx Corp.
FedEx has recently added all-electric delivery vehicles in Paris and Los Angeles, building on its existing all-electric delivery vehicles in London. The integration of all-electric vehicles is part of the FedEx pledge to improve the fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet by 20 percent through its Reduce, Replace and Revolutionize strategy, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its aircraft fleet by 20 percent per available ton mile by 2020.
As a pioneer of the modern hub-and-spoke transportation system for air freight, FedEx Express has built an unsurpassed global network with a highly synchronized system of sorting facilities around the world, allowing it to efficiently process millions of shipments each day and providing customers with access to all major U.S. and international markets.
The Cologne hub is a vital link in this FedEx worldwide network, acting as a central gateway for packages arriving by ground or air from Central and Eastern Europe providing fast connectivity within Europe, to the U.S. or Asia.
It joins the global network of FedEx Express hubs that route shipments to destinations all over the world. Within the U.S., FedEx Express hubs are located at Memphis, Tennessee; Indianapolis, Indiana; Newark, New Jersey; Miami, Florida; Alliance (Dallas-Fort Worth), Texas; Oakland, California and Anchorage, Alaska. In addition to Cologne Bonn, FedEx Express has international hubs in Paris, France and Guangzhou, China.
“The opening of the Cologne hub enhances North Rhine-Westphalia’s standing as a world class logistics facility. It offers companies in the region unparalleled growth opportunities as well as the creation of new jobs within the state,” said Harry K. Voigtsberger, minister for Economic Affairs, Energy, Construction, Housing, and Transport in of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
“Today’s announcement couldn’t have come at a more exciting time. The Cologne hub will play a pivotal role in the FedEx strategy of strengthening and expanding its market position in Europe,” said Gerald P. Leary of FedEx. “Our new hub is testament to FedEx belief in the economic potential of the German marketplace and its ability to catalyze growth in Central and Eastern Europe.”
Cologne Bonn Airport and FedEx Express jointly invested €140 million in the new hub, which commenced operations in June 2010 after relocating from Frankfurt am Main. The FedEx staff count at the Cologne/Bonn site has grown rapidly from approximately 35 to 450 employees. The new hub enables FedEx to expand its operational capacity in Germany and across Europe, as well as increasing the company’s footprint in Eastern Europe. It also ensures that the company continues to offer its customers a seamless and reliable service.
NRG Energy and BrightSource Energy Partner on Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System: 392-Megawatt Facility in California Will Be World’s Largest Solar Thermal Facility When Completed
PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG), through its wholly owned subsidiary, NRG Solar, executed a letter of intent to partner with BrightSource Energy to construct, finance, own and operate the largest solar thermal project in the world, the 392-megawatt (MW) Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System in southeastern California’s Mojave Desert. NRG Solar plans to become the lead investor in Ivanpah, investing up to $300 million over the next three years.
Construction has begun on the Ivanpah project and all three phases of the project are expected to be fully operational by mid-2013. The project has received a $1.375 billion conditional commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy for a loan guarantee, and has obtained all permits and approvals from both federal and California state agencies. Electricity from Ivanpah will be sold under multiple power purchase agreements, each of 20-25 years duration with Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Co.—nearly doubling the amount of commercial solar thermal energy now generated in the United States.
“Solar power is a cornerstone of our strategy to produce and deliver clean, zero-emission products and services to America’s growing number of clean energy consumers,” said David Crane, President and CEO of NRG Energy. “The ambition and scale of Ivanpah, capitalizing on California’s natural solar resource and demand for renewable energy, shows how far we have come in scaling up solar generation and in deploying cutting-edge American technology, creating in the process thousands of American jobs.”
“NRG’s experience operating and owning power plants, coupled with its unmatched understanding of the solar power markets makes it an ideal partner for the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System,” said John Woolard, President and CEO of BrightSource Energy. “At Ivanpah, we’re showing that solar thermal power plants built in an environmentally responsible manner will serve as a critical resource in meeting the world’s growing demand for low-cost and reliable solar power.”
Ivanpah is located approximately 50 miles northwest of Needles, California, about five miles from the Nevada border on federal land managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management. Power from the solar field is enough to supply more than 140,000 U.S. homes and avoid nearly 400,000 tons of carbon emissions annually, supporting California’s goal of 33% renewable power generation by 2020. At peak, construction at Ivanpah will employ 1,000 people.
Bechtel will serve as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for Ivanpah, and Bechtel will be an equity investor in the project. Bechtel has signed a project labor agreement with State Building and Construction Trades Council of California and the Building & Construction Trades Council of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
NRG currently owns the largest photovoltaic solar project in California, a 21 MW facility in Blythe. Under a partnership with Eurus Energy America, NRG will co-own three photovoltaic solar facilities in California that, when completed in mid-2011, will generate 45 MW. In June 2010, NRG Solar agreed to purchase a portfolio of nine solar development projects in California and Arizona from US Solar, an affiliate of Arclight Capital Partners, LLC, doubling the Company’s development pipeline to 1,150 MW. Solar projects support NRG’s commitment to increase its portfolio of low- and no-carbon generation assets with diverse technologies, including new nuclear generation, onshore and offshore wind, biomass projects and a commercial-scale carbon capture project.
Construction has begun on the Ivanpah project and all three phases of the project are expected to be fully operational by mid-2013. The project has received a $1.375 billion conditional commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy for a loan guarantee, and has obtained all permits and approvals from both federal and California state agencies. Electricity from Ivanpah will be sold under multiple power purchase agreements, each of 20-25 years duration with Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Co.—nearly doubling the amount of commercial solar thermal energy now generated in the United States.
“Solar power is a cornerstone of our strategy to produce and deliver clean, zero-emission products and services to America’s growing number of clean energy consumers,” said David Crane, President and CEO of NRG Energy. “The ambition and scale of Ivanpah, capitalizing on California’s natural solar resource and demand for renewable energy, shows how far we have come in scaling up solar generation and in deploying cutting-edge American technology, creating in the process thousands of American jobs.”
“NRG’s experience operating and owning power plants, coupled with its unmatched understanding of the solar power markets makes it an ideal partner for the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System,” said John Woolard, President and CEO of BrightSource Energy. “At Ivanpah, we’re showing that solar thermal power plants built in an environmentally responsible manner will serve as a critical resource in meeting the world’s growing demand for low-cost and reliable solar power.”
Ivanpah is located approximately 50 miles northwest of Needles, California, about five miles from the Nevada border on federal land managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management. Power from the solar field is enough to supply more than 140,000 U.S. homes and avoid nearly 400,000 tons of carbon emissions annually, supporting California’s goal of 33% renewable power generation by 2020. At peak, construction at Ivanpah will employ 1,000 people.
Bechtel will serve as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for Ivanpah, and Bechtel will be an equity investor in the project. Bechtel has signed a project labor agreement with State Building and Construction Trades Council of California and the Building & Construction Trades Council of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
NRG currently owns the largest photovoltaic solar project in California, a 21 MW facility in Blythe. Under a partnership with Eurus Energy America, NRG will co-own three photovoltaic solar facilities in California that, when completed in mid-2011, will generate 45 MW. In June 2010, NRG Solar agreed to purchase a portfolio of nine solar development projects in California and Arizona from US Solar, an affiliate of Arclight Capital Partners, LLC, doubling the Company’s development pipeline to 1,150 MW. Solar projects support NRG’s commitment to increase its portfolio of low- and no-carbon generation assets with diverse technologies, including new nuclear generation, onshore and offshore wind, biomass projects and a commercial-scale carbon capture project.
Ascent Solar and The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI), India Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), a developer of flexible thin-film solar modules, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) of New Delhi, India. Under the terms of the MOU, TERI will perform testing and performance evaluation of Ascent Solar high efficiency flexible thin-film CIGS modules and study the feasibility of including Ascent’s modules for TERI’s flagship program “Lighting a Billion Lives” (LaBL) and other projects currently under development at TERI.
Upon successful completion of evaluation of both technical and economical feasibility, TERI and Ascent Solar will mutually discuss and decide on the terms and conditions for the use of Ascent Solar’s modules for the LaBL program and or other projects. TERI and Ascent Solar will also decide on the implementation model to follow once the evaluation phase is complete.
Ms. Akanksha Chaurey, Director Decentralised Electricity Solutions and Lighting a Billion Lives Campaign TERI, said, "Ascent Solar has been one of the forerunners in the development of futuristic technologies in the field of solar photo-voltaic energy. Our collaboration with Ascent Solar will help engage the much needed newer, cutting edge solar photo-voltaic technologies into our ongoing electrification projects for rural applications including solar lighting through our flagship programme Lighting a Billion Lives.”
Ashutosh Misra, SVP of Corporate Development for Ascent Solar, stated, “India is one of the largest off-grid electricity markets in the world and the need for innovative and cost competitive off-grid electricity generation in urban and rural markets in India presents a tremendous opportunity for Ascent Solar. TERI is a premier organization focusing on developing a range of technologies that have created new paradigms of development underlining the sustainable use of natural resources, and are proven for their effectiveness and economic viability. Our joint collaboration to develop various solar energy solutions for TERI’s rural electrification projects including its flagship 'Lighting a Billion Lives' based on solar technology provides us with a unique opportunity to grow our market share in India. Our unique, light-weight, ruggedized, high power density thin-film CIGS modules enable ease of installation, handling and transport that are an ideal solution for LaBL and other programs like it.”
Upon successful completion of evaluation of both technical and economical feasibility, TERI and Ascent Solar will mutually discuss and decide on the terms and conditions for the use of Ascent Solar’s modules for the LaBL program and or other projects. TERI and Ascent Solar will also decide on the implementation model to follow once the evaluation phase is complete.
Ms. Akanksha Chaurey, Director Decentralised Electricity Solutions and Lighting a Billion Lives Campaign TERI, said, "Ascent Solar has been one of the forerunners in the development of futuristic technologies in the field of solar photo-voltaic energy. Our collaboration with Ascent Solar will help engage the much needed newer, cutting edge solar photo-voltaic technologies into our ongoing electrification projects for rural applications including solar lighting through our flagship programme Lighting a Billion Lives.”
Ashutosh Misra, SVP of Corporate Development for Ascent Solar, stated, “India is one of the largest off-grid electricity markets in the world and the need for innovative and cost competitive off-grid electricity generation in urban and rural markets in India presents a tremendous opportunity for Ascent Solar. TERI is a premier organization focusing on developing a range of technologies that have created new paradigms of development underlining the sustainable use of natural resources, and are proven for their effectiveness and economic viability. Our joint collaboration to develop various solar energy solutions for TERI’s rural electrification projects including its flagship 'Lighting a Billion Lives' based on solar technology provides us with a unique opportunity to grow our market share in India. Our unique, light-weight, ruggedized, high power density thin-film CIGS modules enable ease of installation, handling and transport that are an ideal solution for LaBL and other programs like it.”
Sacramento Clean Tech Showcase Highlights Region’s Top Entrepreneurs and Innovators
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than 700 people today attended the 2010 Clean Tech Showcase at Sacramento State, which featured the latest innovations in solar, wind, biofuel, and energy-efficient technologies.
Organized by SARTA’s CleanStart, and presented by SMUD and Sacramento State among other sponsors, the event brought together the region’s most influential leaders in renewable energy and environmental technology. Ninety companies exhibited their products and technologies along with seven of the region’s most innovative startups known as Fresh Faces.
Featured speakers included Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Kim Walesh, Chief Strategist for the City of San José and Mark Miller, CEO of Project Frog.
Also on Tuesday, the California Smart Grid Center at Sacramento State held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its launch. Funded by the California Energy Commission, the Center supports development of smart-grid upgrades to the nation's electric grid.
Green Jobs Jumped 87% between 2000 and 2008
The number of clean technology firms in the Sacramento area has tripled in the last four years from 30 to more than 110, the fastest rate of green-job growth in the country. Green jobs jumped 87% between 2000-2008, resulting in about 13,100 jobs here in manufacturing and support services.
“There is a growing momentum in forming new clean tech companies in Sacramento,” said Gary Simon, CleanStart’s co-chairman. “The region has great assets in world-class research facilities, a growing community of entrepreneurs looking to change the world, and great access to government funding and venture capital.”
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson is spearheading a regional “Greenwise” Initiative to coordinate and energize public and private commitments to green and clean technology, while the Sacramento Metro Chamber has elevated the growth of clean tech companies to the head of its priority list and U.C. Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi is making a Sustainability Initiative the centerpiece of her early priorities for the campus.
The Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance (SARTA) and its CleanStart program help entrepreneurs and start-up companies assemble solid management teams, secure adequate funding and accelerate commercialization of sound product ideas. CleanStart was born out of a needs assessment study jointly funded and managed by the California Energy Commission and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.
Organized by SARTA’s CleanStart, and presented by SMUD and Sacramento State among other sponsors, the event brought together the region’s most influential leaders in renewable energy and environmental technology. Ninety companies exhibited their products and technologies along with seven of the region’s most innovative startups known as Fresh Faces.
Featured speakers included Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Kim Walesh, Chief Strategist for the City of San José and Mark Miller, CEO of Project Frog.
Also on Tuesday, the California Smart Grid Center at Sacramento State held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its launch. Funded by the California Energy Commission, the Center supports development of smart-grid upgrades to the nation's electric grid.
Green Jobs Jumped 87% between 2000 and 2008
The number of clean technology firms in the Sacramento area has tripled in the last four years from 30 to more than 110, the fastest rate of green-job growth in the country. Green jobs jumped 87% between 2000-2008, resulting in about 13,100 jobs here in manufacturing and support services.
“There is a growing momentum in forming new clean tech companies in Sacramento,” said Gary Simon, CleanStart’s co-chairman. “The region has great assets in world-class research facilities, a growing community of entrepreneurs looking to change the world, and great access to government funding and venture capital.”
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson is spearheading a regional “Greenwise” Initiative to coordinate and energize public and private commitments to green and clean technology, while the Sacramento Metro Chamber has elevated the growth of clean tech companies to the head of its priority list and U.C. Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi is making a Sustainability Initiative the centerpiece of her early priorities for the campus.
The Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance (SARTA) and its CleanStart program help entrepreneurs and start-up companies assemble solid management teams, secure adequate funding and accelerate commercialization of sound product ideas. CleanStart was born out of a needs assessment study jointly funded and managed by the California Energy Commission and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.
New High-efficiency Pastes for Silicon Solar Cells from Ferro Electronic Materials
CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ferro Electronic Materials, a leading supplier of materials for fabricating photovoltaic silicon solar cells for more than 25 years, will introduce new front and rear contact pastes at PV Taiwan, held in Taipei, Taiwan 26–28 October, and DIREC2010, held in Greater Noida, Delhi, India 27–29 October. The two new products improve solar cell efficiency and throughput rates, enabling solar energy to become a more cost-competitive energy generation alternative. Both are RoHS-compliant and are lead- and phthalate-free.
Front contact paste
NS 33-512 front contact paste increases electrical efficiency by up to 0.6% and enables fast printing of three bus bar cell designs. It is designed for silicon wafers with 70 ohm/sq emitters, which represents a significant portion of the industry. The product has reduced contact resistance to n-silicon layer passivated silicon nitride, lower series resistance with higher solids, and is capable of printing 70 micron grid lines with 0.25 aspect ratio using conventional screening techniques.
Back side aluminum paste
Aluminum BSF paste AL 53-140 lowers cell costs by reducing paste lay down by as much as 25%. Its reduced organic content enables high throughput drying and firing, and it maintains low bow with <180 micron wafers. The paste improves cell efficiency, offering higher open circuit voltage (Voc) than earlier generation paste, strong BSF over a wide temperature range, and excellent adhesion to silicon.
"These new products address both factors in the equation to make solar energy more cost-competitive—they increase cell efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs," said Todd Williams, business manager for Ferro Electronic Materials. The Company believes the products meet all global environmental regulations.
Front contact paste
NS 33-512 front contact paste increases electrical efficiency by up to 0.6% and enables fast printing of three bus bar cell designs. It is designed for silicon wafers with 70 ohm/sq emitters, which represents a significant portion of the industry. The product has reduced contact resistance to n-silicon layer passivated silicon nitride, lower series resistance with higher solids, and is capable of printing 70 micron grid lines with 0.25 aspect ratio using conventional screening techniques.
Back side aluminum paste
Aluminum BSF paste AL 53-140 lowers cell costs by reducing paste lay down by as much as 25%. Its reduced organic content enables high throughput drying and firing, and it maintains low bow with <180 micron wafers. The paste improves cell efficiency, offering higher open circuit voltage (Voc) than earlier generation paste, strong BSF over a wide temperature range, and excellent adhesion to silicon.
"These new products address both factors in the equation to make solar energy more cost-competitive—they increase cell efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs," said Todd Williams, business manager for Ferro Electronic Materials. The Company believes the products meet all global environmental regulations.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Solar Energy Systems, LLC, Announces Opening of New Office in Denver, Colorado
DENVER, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Solar Energy Systems (SES), LLC, headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, with offices in Westchester, NY, and Newark, NJ, expands with a new office in Denver, Colorado. With more than 8 megawatts of commercial PV installed since its founding in 1998, SES has traditionally concentrated on the tristate market of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. SES has grown rapidly over the past two years and established itself as a market leader in providing commercial turnkey solar PV solutions with a high level of customer service. As a natural extension of the ongoing growth of SES, the decision was made to enter the emerging Colorado PV market.
Solar Today magazine's Deputy Editor Seth Masia states, "Colorado is a leader in the national PV market and has proved to be a healthy environment for new renewable-energy businesses."
David Buckner, President of SES says, "Colorado, particularly the Denver County region, has emerged as a strong solar market. Denver's own Xcel Energy is now ranked the fifth utility in the nation in solar energy capacity and has identified this clean energy source as a large part of its renewable energy portfolio. We are looking forward to contributing to Denver's renewable energy movement."
Gabrial Carter, Head of Business Development for the SES Colorado office says, "The opening of our fourth office in Denver, Colorado, represents a great opportunity for SES. As experienced operators in the complex East Coast states and municipal markets, as experts in large commercial PV systems, and as a modern and flexible company, we are well suited to bring our style of individualized design and management services to the area."
Solar Energy Systems, LLC, will be doing business in Colorado as Solar Energy, LLC.
Solar Today magazine's Deputy Editor Seth Masia states, "Colorado is a leader in the national PV market and has proved to be a healthy environment for new renewable-energy businesses."
David Buckner, President of SES says, "Colorado, particularly the Denver County region, has emerged as a strong solar market. Denver's own Xcel Energy is now ranked the fifth utility in the nation in solar energy capacity and has identified this clean energy source as a large part of its renewable energy portfolio. We are looking forward to contributing to Denver's renewable energy movement."
Gabrial Carter, Head of Business Development for the SES Colorado office says, "The opening of our fourth office in Denver, Colorado, represents a great opportunity for SES. As experienced operators in the complex East Coast states and municipal markets, as experts in large commercial PV systems, and as a modern and flexible company, we are well suited to bring our style of individualized design and management services to the area."
Solar Energy Systems, LLC, will be doing business in Colorado as Solar Energy, LLC.
EnviroMission Power Purchase Agreement Approved by Southern California Public Power Authority
MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA ) has approved a landmark Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EnviroMission Limited (EVM:ASX; Pink Sheets: EVOMY) to purchase green power from EnviroMission's Solar Tower power station development planned for Arizona.
EnviroMission Chief Executive, Roger Davey, said "Finalization of this PPA with SCPPA is an important milestone that will allow project finance to be secured for Solar Tower power station development and the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) necessary to break ground at the earmarked Arizona site to commence."
SCPPA Executive Director, Bill Carnahan said "SCPPA is excited to support a large scale solar technology that when successfully deployed could change the renewable energy landscape. The pricing and load profile of the Solar Tower coupled with its zero water power production cycle makes it a compelling alternative."
Solar Tower technology uses solar radiation to heat air to drive turbines to generate clean green electricity.
Renewable energy to be sold under the PPA will provide SCPPA with a green alternative competitive with fossil fuel generators once the expected cost of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions is also included. A 200MW Solar Tower power station is expected to annually offset more than 1 million tons of greenhouse gases typically produced by fossil fuel generators of the same scale.
The cost and availability of water in electricity generation is a growing area of concern to the energy sector that will be mitigated with Solar Tower zero water use technology that will stand apart from fossil fuel and renewable energy generators that consume billions of gallons of potable water annually in electricity generation.
Solar Tower development appeals to SCPPA participants as energy production that can be delivered into the SCPPA transmission network for steady and predictable supply output to coincide with the SCPPA participants daily load requirements. Solar Tower power station generation characteristics will cost effectively enable SCPPA participants to manage their allocation of power from a Solar Tower power station.
SCPPA approval of this PPA follows rigorous review undertaken by SCPPA as a result of its pursuit of viable renewable energy supplies for its constituents through power purchase agreements with leading energy technology innovations such as the Solar Tower.
SCPPA is a California joint power authority consisting of eleven municipal utilities and one irrigation district. Its members deliver electricity to approximately two million metered accounts over 7,000 square miles to a population of nearly five million people.
"It's electrifying that SCPPA will be the first to purchase power from the world's first Solar Tower power station!" Mr. Davey said.
EnviroMission Chief Executive, Roger Davey, said "Finalization of this PPA with SCPPA is an important milestone that will allow project finance to be secured for Solar Tower power station development and the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) necessary to break ground at the earmarked Arizona site to commence."
SCPPA Executive Director, Bill Carnahan said "SCPPA is excited to support a large scale solar technology that when successfully deployed could change the renewable energy landscape. The pricing and load profile of the Solar Tower coupled with its zero water power production cycle makes it a compelling alternative."
Solar Tower technology uses solar radiation to heat air to drive turbines to generate clean green electricity.
Renewable energy to be sold under the PPA will provide SCPPA with a green alternative competitive with fossil fuel generators once the expected cost of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions is also included. A 200MW Solar Tower power station is expected to annually offset more than 1 million tons of greenhouse gases typically produced by fossil fuel generators of the same scale.
The cost and availability of water in electricity generation is a growing area of concern to the energy sector that will be mitigated with Solar Tower zero water use technology that will stand apart from fossil fuel and renewable energy generators that consume billions of gallons of potable water annually in electricity generation.
Solar Tower development appeals to SCPPA participants as energy production that can be delivered into the SCPPA transmission network for steady and predictable supply output to coincide with the SCPPA participants daily load requirements. Solar Tower power station generation characteristics will cost effectively enable SCPPA participants to manage their allocation of power from a Solar Tower power station.
SCPPA approval of this PPA follows rigorous review undertaken by SCPPA as a result of its pursuit of viable renewable energy supplies for its constituents through power purchase agreements with leading energy technology innovations such as the Solar Tower.
SCPPA is a California joint power authority consisting of eleven municipal utilities and one irrigation district. Its members deliver electricity to approximately two million metered accounts over 7,000 square miles to a population of nearly five million people.
"It's electrifying that SCPPA will be the first to purchase power from the world's first Solar Tower power station!" Mr. Davey said.
STMicroelectronics Leads Way to Higher Solar Power Efficiency
TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader in semiconductor solutions for energy efficiency and a leading proponent of sustainable development, today announced that Giuseppe Izzo, General Manager of Taiwan Operations and Vice President for ST's Greater China and South Asia Region, will deliver a speech at 2010 Taipei Summit – PV Taiwan Forum on the Company's latest semiconductor innovations for next-generation photovoltaic applications.
"Energy efficiency is one of the key areas of focus for ST and we have a long and successful track record in this segment, having developed some of the world's most efficient power-handling technologies," said Giuseppe Izzo, "In photovoltaics, we concentrate on solutions that increase the energy conversion efficiency and maximize the energy harvesting from solar panels, further enlarging the Company's role in addressing the global challenge of energy saving and efficiency."
At the vanguard of the solar power electronics, ST has recently unveiled two key innovations that improve efficiency at both the solar panel and the cell level:
Further expanding its presence in the high-growth solar power market, ST has recently created a joint venture with Sharp and Enel for production of innovative photovoltaic panels. These panels are particularly suited for medium- and large-scale power generation and are able to maintain a very high level of energy conversion efficiency even in very hot climates.
According to Gartner, the global photovoltaic market will reach 15.2 gigawatts this year – a 77% increase over 2009 - and it will continue to grow at a double-digit rate over the next three years.
The 2010 Taipei Summit – PV Taiwan Forum Advanced Technologies Session will take place at Taipei International Convention Center, Room 201, on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, from 09:00 to 17:00.
"Energy efficiency is one of the key areas of focus for ST and we have a long and successful track record in this segment, having developed some of the world's most efficient power-handling technologies," said Giuseppe Izzo, "In photovoltaics, we concentrate on solutions that increase the energy conversion efficiency and maximize the energy harvesting from solar panels, further enlarging the Company's role in addressing the global challenge of energy saving and efficiency."
At the vanguard of the solar power electronics, ST has recently unveiled two key innovations that improve efficiency at both the solar panel and the cell level:
- The Solar Energy Booster - SPV1020 - maximizes the amount of power harvested from a single solar panel, improving the overall efficiency of a photovoltaic system. ST's device employs an innovative distributed approach, with multiple photovoltaic cells hooked up in strings and connected to individual converters that are embedded in the rear side of the panel. The distributed architecture delivers higher efficiency compared to conventional solar-power system topologies, where most of the electronics are centralized in the main converter box.
- ST's intelligent switch - SPV1001- enhances the energy conversion efficiency at the solar cell level. Compared to the use of traditional diodes, the switch minimizes current leakage when the photovoltaic panel is producing energy, by integrating highly efficient power components with logic control circuitry. In addition, the switch operates at a lower temperature, which translates into longer lifetime and higher reliability.
Further expanding its presence in the high-growth solar power market, ST has recently created a joint venture with Sharp and Enel for production of innovative photovoltaic panels. These panels are particularly suited for medium- and large-scale power generation and are able to maintain a very high level of energy conversion efficiency even in very hot climates.
According to Gartner, the global photovoltaic market will reach 15.2 gigawatts this year – a 77% increase over 2009 - and it will continue to grow at a double-digit rate over the next three years.
The 2010 Taipei Summit – PV Taiwan Forum Advanced Technologies Session will take place at Taipei International Convention Center, Room 201, on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, from 09:00 to 17:00.
Cenergy Power Activates 354kW Solar PV System for Del Mar Farms
PATTERSON, Calif., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Del Mar Farms, a fine grower of 20 different commodities for fresh and processed packaging, today announced the completion of its solar photovoltaic system. Cenergy Power, one of California's leading commercial solar developers, designed, engineered and installed the 354 kilowatt PV system. The roof mounted solar system is spread across three buildings and offsets Del Mar's main energy meter by over 90%. The +25-year system will produce over 660,000 kilowatt hours per year and pay for itself in about 4 years.
"We pursue sustainable agricultural practices as much as possible and we have looked into solar for years," said Jon Maring, a principal at Del Mar Farms. "With the recent expansion of our cooling capacity and the attractive solar economics offered by Cenergy Power, we knew this was the right time to go solar."
"We pursue sustainable agricultural practices as much as possible and we have looked into solar for years," said Jon Maring, a principal at Del Mar Farms. "With the recent expansion of our cooling capacity and the attractive solar economics offered by Cenergy Power, we knew this was the right time to go solar."
Evergreen Solar to Host Third Quarter Conference Call on November 2, 2010
MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NasdaqGM: ESLR), a manufacturer of STRING RIBBON® solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer manufacturing technology, announced today that it will release financial results for its third quarter ended October 2, 2010 after the market closes on Monday, November 1, 2010.
Management will conduct a conference call at 8:30 a.m. (ET) the following day, Tuesday, November 2, 2010. The call will be webcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by logging on to the "Investors" section of Evergreen Solar's website, www.evergreensolar.com prior to the event.
The call also can be accessed by dialing (888) 204-4368 or (913) 312-0638 (International) prior to the start of the call and refer to confirmation code 1106064.
For those unable to join the live conference call, a webcast replay will be available on the “Investors” page of the website.
Management will conduct a conference call at 8:30 a.m. (ET) the following day, Tuesday, November 2, 2010. The call will be webcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by logging on to the "Investors" section of Evergreen Solar's website, www.evergreensolar.com prior to the event.
The call also can be accessed by dialing (888) 204-4368 or (913) 312-0638 (International) prior to the start of the call and refer to confirmation code 1106064.
For those unable to join the live conference call, a webcast replay will be available on the “Investors” page of the website.
WMECo Completes 1.8 MW Solar Facility in Pittsfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo) today celebrates the completion of the largest solar energy facility in New England. The 1.8 megawatt (MW) project, at the William Stanley Business Park on Silver Lake Boulevard in Pittsfield, is the first in WMECo’s 6 MW solar program.
“Large scale solar energy today becomes a reality in the Commonwealth,” said Peter Clarke, President and Chief Operating Officer of WMECo. “Silver Lake provides tangible evidence that large scale utility-owned solar makes sense on many levels. We are demonstrating a commitment to development of the region’s renewable energy industry while also revitalizing an environmentally-challenged site,” Clarke said.
"WMECo's Silver Lake solar project is an important contribution to the Commonwealth's pursuit of a clean energy future. Situated in Pittsfield, it also joins a growing solar cluster in the Berkshires that is critical to meeting Governor Patrick's goal to have 250 megawatts of solar power installed by 2017," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles said. "Large projects such as this provide economies of scale that reduce the cost of this clean, renewable energy source. I'm glad to see our utilities going greener and look forward to more of it in the years ahead."
Situated on eight acres of land owned by WMECo and the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA), the facility consists of approximately 6,500 solar panels, producing 1.8 MW of electricity from the sun – enough to power 300 homes. The panels are low-profile and the property is enclosed by a decorative fence. Additionally, the facility will bring approximately $150,000 of annual property tax revenues to the City of Pittsfield.
Joining WMECo and the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA) today in celebration of the milestone will be state and local officials, including Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Philip Giudice, State Senator Benjamin Downing, Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto and Berkshire Economic Development Corporation President David Rooney.
The project employed a variety of local and regional contractors. At the peak of construction, approximately 35 full-time union craft workers contributed their services to the project. Contractors involved in the project include: Weston & Sampson, J. H. Maxymillian, American Capital Energy (ACE), E.S. Boulos and Witch Enterprises.
In August 2009, WMECo became the first utility in New England to receive approval from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to build solar energy facilities in the region. The DPU’s decision authorizes WMECo to build up to 6 MW of solar facilities over the next two years. WMECo’s program focuses on larger-scale solar facilities located on sites with significant usage restrictions, such as capped landfills and brownfield properties.
“Large scale solar energy today becomes a reality in the Commonwealth,” said Peter Clarke, President and Chief Operating Officer of WMECo. “Silver Lake provides tangible evidence that large scale utility-owned solar makes sense on many levels. We are demonstrating a commitment to development of the region’s renewable energy industry while also revitalizing an environmentally-challenged site,” Clarke said.
"WMECo's Silver Lake solar project is an important contribution to the Commonwealth's pursuit of a clean energy future. Situated in Pittsfield, it also joins a growing solar cluster in the Berkshires that is critical to meeting Governor Patrick's goal to have 250 megawatts of solar power installed by 2017," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles said. "Large projects such as this provide economies of scale that reduce the cost of this clean, renewable energy source. I'm glad to see our utilities going greener and look forward to more of it in the years ahead."
Situated on eight acres of land owned by WMECo and the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA), the facility consists of approximately 6,500 solar panels, producing 1.8 MW of electricity from the sun – enough to power 300 homes. The panels are low-profile and the property is enclosed by a decorative fence. Additionally, the facility will bring approximately $150,000 of annual property tax revenues to the City of Pittsfield.
Joining WMECo and the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA) today in celebration of the milestone will be state and local officials, including Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Philip Giudice, State Senator Benjamin Downing, Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto and Berkshire Economic Development Corporation President David Rooney.
The project employed a variety of local and regional contractors. At the peak of construction, approximately 35 full-time union craft workers contributed their services to the project. Contractors involved in the project include: Weston & Sampson, J. H. Maxymillian, American Capital Energy (ACE), E.S. Boulos and Witch Enterprises.
In August 2009, WMECo became the first utility in New England to receive approval from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to build solar energy facilities in the region. The DPU’s decision authorizes WMECo to build up to 6 MW of solar facilities over the next two years. WMECo’s program focuses on larger-scale solar facilities located on sites with significant usage restrictions, such as capped landfills and brownfield properties.
Q-Cells SE Expands Global Footprint to San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Q-Cells SE, a global leader in designing, building and managing financially sustainable solar power generation systems, opens its doors to the North American market. The company, headquartered in Germany with approximately 2,500 employees in offices throughout Europe and Asia, has officially opened its doors and operations in San Francisco’s SOMA district. Q-Cells North America will be led by Marc van Gerven, Q-Cells North America CEO, who sees California, with more than 50 percent of the solar power market in the U.S., as the perfect state to make its debut.
“Q-Cells North America is in the business of giving its customers return on their investments in solar energy by designing, building and managing financially sustainable solar power generation systems for the unique demands of North American solar power markets,” said van Gerven. “It is no surprise that we chose the Bay Area as our strategic base of operation. Here, there is a solid existing network of renewable energy leaders for us to pull from and partner with, which ensures rapid growth for Q-Cells and contributes to overall economic progression.”
The announcement demonstrates the Bay Area’s continued momentum in the clean energy sector. According to a January 2010 report from Next 10, a nonpartisan think tank, the Bay Area has the nation’s largest concentration of cleantech jobs, with more than 7,000 jobs in the renewable energy space alone.
The Mayor’s office welcomes the immediate and long-term benefits Q-Cells brings to San Francisco.
“Internationally, Q-Cells has stood out as a proven leader in the solar power plants market, and their decision to expand their presence to North America by way of San Francisco is uplifting,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom. “It will create jobs, helping to grow our local economy and further confirm the Bay Area as a world-class hub for renewable energy innovation.”
Q-Cells North America brings more than a decade of experience delivering financially sustainable solar solutions, services and best-of-world partnerships in the European market. Now, customers seeking to minimize uncertainty and risk while optimizing their overall return on investment in solar energy can turn to Q-Cells for solar power production solutions everywhere in North America from Southern California to Ontario, Canada.
“Q-Cells North America is in the business of giving its customers return on their investments in solar energy by designing, building and managing financially sustainable solar power generation systems for the unique demands of North American solar power markets,” said van Gerven. “It is no surprise that we chose the Bay Area as our strategic base of operation. Here, there is a solid existing network of renewable energy leaders for us to pull from and partner with, which ensures rapid growth for Q-Cells and contributes to overall economic progression.”
The announcement demonstrates the Bay Area’s continued momentum in the clean energy sector. According to a January 2010 report from Next 10, a nonpartisan think tank, the Bay Area has the nation’s largest concentration of cleantech jobs, with more than 7,000 jobs in the renewable energy space alone.
The Mayor’s office welcomes the immediate and long-term benefits Q-Cells brings to San Francisco.
“Internationally, Q-Cells has stood out as a proven leader in the solar power plants market, and their decision to expand their presence to North America by way of San Francisco is uplifting,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom. “It will create jobs, helping to grow our local economy and further confirm the Bay Area as a world-class hub for renewable energy innovation.”
Q-Cells North America brings more than a decade of experience delivering financially sustainable solar solutions, services and best-of-world partnerships in the European market. Now, customers seeking to minimize uncertainty and risk while optimizing their overall return on investment in solar energy can turn to Q-Cells for solar power production solutions everywhere in North America from Southern California to Ontario, Canada.
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