SAN FRANCISCO – (January 31, 2011) – Recurrent Energy today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Celestica, a global leader in the delivery of end-to-end product lifecycle solutions, for the supply of solar modules for projects awarded within the renewable energy Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program of the Ontario Power Authority (OPA). Celestica will manufacture solar modules for Recurrent Energy under a multi-year supply agreement at its Toronto operation. Full production is expected to be underway by summer 2011.
The crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, manufactured by Celestica, will be used in the construction of 19 solar power plants that Recurrent Energy was awarded contracts for within the OPA FIT program. The modules represent a significant portion of the domestic content requirements for these contracts. Financial terms are not being disclosed. “This agreement with Celestica is a strategic milestone for our solar power development plans in Canada and in helping Ontario to reach its renewable policy goals,” said Sheldon Kimber, senior vice president, development, Recurrent Energy. “This unique deal also reflects our strategy of pushing procurement upstream into the solar equipment supply chain.”
Overall, Recurrent Energy expects to invest many hundreds of million dollars in the development of the 19 solar power projects, including solar modules; electrical equipment; steel and metal fabrication; and related services such as installation and project management. These investments are expected to generate approximately 2,500 jobs in Ontario directly related to the FIT projects.
“We are excited to be working with Recurrent Energy, a key player in solar power development across Ontario, in support of the province’s Ontario Green Energy Employment Act,” said Mike Andrade, senior vice president, Americas, Celestica. “This agreement reflects the depth of Celestica’s solar strategy and is emblematic of our strong capability to deliver innovative supply chain solutions to the solar market to meet the demand for new energy-generation alternatives in Ontario.”
Monday, January 31, 2011
Hanwha SolarOne to Supply 54 MW of PV Modules to SunEdison Projects in 2011
SHANGHAI, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanwha SolarOne Co., Ltd. (f/k/a Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd., or "Hanwha SolarOne" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: SOLF), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic ("PV") cells and modules in China, today announced that it has signed an agreement with an MEMC Electronic Materials subsidiary to supply 54 MW of PV modules to its SunEdison affiliate in 2011 for use in its solar power plant projects. The agreement also includes an option for an additional 30 MW in 2011.
Dr. Peter Xie, President of Hanwha SolarOne, commented, "We are pleased that MEMC has again selected us as a supplier of PV modules for SunEdison projects. We first started delivering modules to SunEdison in 2010, and this new order marks a significant expansion in our relationship. SunEdison is a leading player in the global market and we are especially excited to be in close collaboration with such an established name on a high volume basis."
Bruce Ludemann, Vice President and General Manager of Hanwha SolarOne, North America, added, "The North American market is key to our long term success and SunEdison has helped us establish a respected presence in the U.S. and Canadian markets. We expect to build on our successes in 2010 and continue to be a key supplier and partner to SunEdison for many years to come. As a result of this project and others in our pipeline, we expect shipments to North America in 2011 to exceed 100 MW, which would double our volume from 2010."
Dr. Peter Xie, President of Hanwha SolarOne, commented, "We are pleased that MEMC has again selected us as a supplier of PV modules for SunEdison projects. We first started delivering modules to SunEdison in 2010, and this new order marks a significant expansion in our relationship. SunEdison is a leading player in the global market and we are especially excited to be in close collaboration with such an established name on a high volume basis."
Bruce Ludemann, Vice President and General Manager of Hanwha SolarOne, North America, added, "The North American market is key to our long term success and SunEdison has helped us establish a respected presence in the U.S. and Canadian markets. We expect to build on our successes in 2010 and continue to be a key supplier and partner to SunEdison for many years to come. As a result of this project and others in our pipeline, we expect shipments to North America in 2011 to exceed 100 MW, which would double our volume from 2010."
Sunvalley Solar and TianWei SolarFilms Sign 1.2 Megawatt Thin-Film Solar Panel Supplying Contract
WALNUT, Calif., Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunvalley Solar, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SSOL), a leading provider of solar power technology and solar integration systems, today announced a 1.2-megawatt solar photovoltaic module supplying contract with TianWei SolarFilms. This contract will secure Sunvalley Solar panel supplying for its signed contractual projects in Palm Desert, California, while it also expands TianWei SolarFilms' presence in USA market.
Dr. James Zhang, President and CEO of Sunvalley Solar Inc, commented, "Sunvalley Solar had a great achievement in supporting farmers in Palm Desert area to reduce their utility cost with solar energy. By now, we've already signed ~$5M contracts with farms in Palm Desert area. It is extremely important that we secured the thin-film solar panels supplying with our strategic partner TianWei SolarFilms, with best price and payment term, plus their full technical support and services."
Lan Tao, Vice President of TianWei SolarFilms, stated, "A key part of TianWei SolarFilms' strategy is to provide high quality solar modules at superior pricing and terms for Sunvalley Solar Inc, our strategic partner in USA, not only for its installation projects covered in this contract, but also for its installer partners through Sunvalley's distribution channels. This contract as well as other agreements under discussion now will serve as the foundation for the strategic relationship between TianWei SolarFilms and Sunvalley Solar Inc."
The strategic relationship between Sunvalley Solar Inc and TianWei SolarFilms will accelerate TianWei SolarFilms' U.S. market goals and Sunvalley Solar's ramping-up in solar system installation and distribution with Thin-Film solar panel.
Dr. James Zhang, President and CEO of Sunvalley Solar Inc, commented, "Sunvalley Solar had a great achievement in supporting farmers in Palm Desert area to reduce their utility cost with solar energy. By now, we've already signed ~$5M contracts with farms in Palm Desert area. It is extremely important that we secured the thin-film solar panels supplying with our strategic partner TianWei SolarFilms, with best price and payment term, plus their full technical support and services."
Lan Tao, Vice President of TianWei SolarFilms, stated, "A key part of TianWei SolarFilms' strategy is to provide high quality solar modules at superior pricing and terms for Sunvalley Solar Inc, our strategic partner in USA, not only for its installation projects covered in this contract, but also for its installer partners through Sunvalley's distribution channels. This contract as well as other agreements under discussion now will serve as the foundation for the strategic relationship between TianWei SolarFilms and Sunvalley Solar Inc."
The strategic relationship between Sunvalley Solar Inc and TianWei SolarFilms will accelerate TianWei SolarFilms' U.S. market goals and Sunvalley Solar's ramping-up in solar system installation and distribution with Thin-Film solar panel.
Second Shift Starts Work at Suntech's Arizona Plant
GOODYEAR, Ariz. and SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest producer of solar panels, has engaged a second production shift at its new solar panel manufacturing facility in Goodyear, Arizona.
The state-of-the-art module manufacturing facility will now run for up to sixteen hours per day with 78 employees, up from eight hours and 40 employees when it commenced operations in October 2010. Suntech plans to ramp the facility to 50MW of annual production capacity by mid-2011, and targets to employ 150 people by the end of 2011.
"We've got a spirited, hard-working team in Goodyear that's eager to ramp up production," said Martin Guo, Suntech's Arizona Plant Manager. "Over the first three months, our new workers have really stepped-up and made a great deal of progress towards our cost and output targets. Now that we've found our stride, we're ready to take on another shift and increase output volumes to meet the great interest we're seeing for Suntech products made in Arizona."
The 117,000 square foot manufacturing facility features highly-automated manufacturing and product testing equipment and currently produces Suntech's 280W solar panels for commercial and utility-scale electricity generation. To meet growing demand throughout the Americas, Suntech plans to further expand its Arizona plant to exceed 100MW of annual production capacity within the next few years.
"Our Arizona manufacturing operations have solidified our market leadership position and put Suntech America on a solid foundation for long-term growth," said Steven Chan, President of Suntech America. "We're excited about increasing production output to meet the growing demands of our customers for Suntech's bankable solar panels."
The state-of-the-art module manufacturing facility will now run for up to sixteen hours per day with 78 employees, up from eight hours and 40 employees when it commenced operations in October 2010. Suntech plans to ramp the facility to 50MW of annual production capacity by mid-2011, and targets to employ 150 people by the end of 2011.
"We've got a spirited, hard-working team in Goodyear that's eager to ramp up production," said Martin Guo, Suntech's Arizona Plant Manager. "Over the first three months, our new workers have really stepped-up and made a great deal of progress towards our cost and output targets. Now that we've found our stride, we're ready to take on another shift and increase output volumes to meet the great interest we're seeing for Suntech products made in Arizona."
The 117,000 square foot manufacturing facility features highly-automated manufacturing and product testing equipment and currently produces Suntech's 280W solar panels for commercial and utility-scale electricity generation. To meet growing demand throughout the Americas, Suntech plans to further expand its Arizona plant to exceed 100MW of annual production capacity within the next few years.
"Our Arizona manufacturing operations have solidified our market leadership position and put Suntech America on a solid foundation for long-term growth," said Steven Chan, President of Suntech America. "We're excited about increasing production output to meet the growing demands of our customers for Suntech's bankable solar panels."
Hanwha SolarOne to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Financial Results on March 17, 2011
SHANGHAI, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanwha SolarOne Co., Ltd. (f/k/a Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd., or "Hanwha SolarOne" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: SOLF), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic ("PV") cells and modules in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2010 before the market opens on March 17, 2011. Management will host a conference call to discuss the results at 8:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time (8:00 PM Shanghai time) on the same day.
Conference Call
Dr. Peter Xie, President, Mr. Gareth Kung, Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Paul Combs, Vice President of Strategic Planning, will discuss the results and take questions following the prepared remarks.
The dial-in details for the live conference call are as follows:
- U.S. Toll Free Number:
+1 866 700 5192
- International dial-in number:
+1 617 213 8833
- China Toll Free Number (North):
+10 800 152 1490
- China Toll Free Number (South):
+10 800 130 0399
- China Toll Free Number (South):
+10 800 852 1490
Passcode: HSOL
A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the investor relations section of the Company's website at: www.hanwha-solarone.com. A replay of the webcast will be available for one month.
A telephone replay of the call will be available for seven days after the conclusion of the conference call. The dial-in details for the replay are as follows:
- U.S. Toll Free Number:
+1 888 286 8010
- International dial-in number:
+1 617 801 6888
Passcode: 64010940
Conference Call
Dr. Peter Xie, President, Mr. Gareth Kung, Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Paul Combs, Vice President of Strategic Planning, will discuss the results and take questions following the prepared remarks.
The dial-in details for the live conference call are as follows:
- U.S. Toll Free Number:
+1 866 700 5192
- International dial-in number:
+1 617 213 8833
- China Toll Free Number (North):
+10 800 152 1490
- China Toll Free Number (South):
+10 800 130 0399
- China Toll Free Number (South):
+10 800 852 1490
Passcode: HSOL
A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the investor relations section of the Company's website at: www.hanwha-solarone.com. A replay of the webcast will be available for one month.
A telephone replay of the call will be available for seven days after the conclusion of the conference call. The dial-in details for the replay are as follows:
- U.S. Toll Free Number:
+1 888 286 8010
- International dial-in number:
+1 617 801 6888
Passcode: 64010940
GoSolarUSA Receives Shipment of Volt Demonstration Models
NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GoSolarUSA (PinkSheets:GSLO) announced today that the company received its first batch of Volt Solar Charger demonstration models.
GSLO received the solar-powered iPhone accessory from Xiamen Solar Electronics (XSE), the Chinese developer of the Volt. Earlier this month, GSLO signed a distribution agreement with XSE that provides GoSolarUSA with the exclusive right to sell and distribute the Volt in North America, the world’s largest market for iPhone accessories.
“XSE delivered these Volt units to our company direct from the manufacturer in Shenzhen, China,” said GSLO President and CEO Tyson Rohde. “The Volt has never before been seen in the U.S., so we are truly looking forward to testing these devices and showing them off to retailers.”
Rohde said that GoSolarUSA will thoroughly test the Volt units to assess manufacturing quality control before demonstrating the device for retail buyers. Having the Volt on hand is the final piece needed to initiate the marketing campaign for the U.S. product launch.
The Volt Solar Charger is an external battery pack that attaches to the iPhone and extends its battery life using a top-of-the-line, built-in solar panel. The Volt is capable of harvesting solar energy to charge all versions of the Apple iPhone with the same device. By capturing free, renewable solar power, the Volt recharges the iPhone’s battery first before charging its own internal battery, nearly doubling the smartphone’s talk time.
Rohde said that GoSolarUSA has been greatly encouraged by recent news of Apple’s success with the iPhone. For the quarter ending in December, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) reported sales of 16.24 million iPhones, helping the electronics giant to rack up $6 billion in profits. Due to the announcement this month that the iPhone 4 will be available on the Verizon (NYSE:VZ) Wireless network for the first time beginning in February, some analysts predict that Apple could reach as many as 19 million iPhone activations this quarter and sell as many as 63 million of the industry-leading smartphones this year.
“There’s no question that a tremendous market has developed for iPhone accessories in North America, and we can’t wait to get this product on the shelves,” Rohde said. “The Volt has the potential to introduce millions of iPhone users to the daily use of solar technology and help to revolutionize smartphone use in the process.”
The Volt includes a larger battery than many competitors and is the only iPhone battery pack known to the company that is compatible with both the iPhone 3 and the iPhone 4. In order to charge the Volt Solar Charger after sunset, a USB cable will also be included with the device. Manufactured in red, black and white, the Volt will soon go on sale bundled with a one-year warranty.
Those interested in purchasing the Volt can currently make a reservation using GSLO’s Volt Waiting List at http://www.gosolarusa.com/technology/volt-reservation.html
GoSolarUSA is dedicated to aggressively acquiring, developing and marketing promising and potentially profitable technology. The Volt Solar Charger is a product of Xiamen Solar Electronics based in Xiamen, China. The iPhone is a product of Apple Inc., which competes in the global mobile electronics market against Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) and Research in Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM).
For more information, please visit www.GoSolarUSA.com/Investors.
GSLO received the solar-powered iPhone accessory from Xiamen Solar Electronics (XSE), the Chinese developer of the Volt. Earlier this month, GSLO signed a distribution agreement with XSE that provides GoSolarUSA with the exclusive right to sell and distribute the Volt in North America, the world’s largest market for iPhone accessories.
“XSE delivered these Volt units to our company direct from the manufacturer in Shenzhen, China,” said GSLO President and CEO Tyson Rohde. “The Volt has never before been seen in the U.S., so we are truly looking forward to testing these devices and showing them off to retailers.”
Rohde said that GoSolarUSA will thoroughly test the Volt units to assess manufacturing quality control before demonstrating the device for retail buyers. Having the Volt on hand is the final piece needed to initiate the marketing campaign for the U.S. product launch.
The Volt Solar Charger is an external battery pack that attaches to the iPhone and extends its battery life using a top-of-the-line, built-in solar panel. The Volt is capable of harvesting solar energy to charge all versions of the Apple iPhone with the same device. By capturing free, renewable solar power, the Volt recharges the iPhone’s battery first before charging its own internal battery, nearly doubling the smartphone’s talk time.
Rohde said that GoSolarUSA has been greatly encouraged by recent news of Apple’s success with the iPhone. For the quarter ending in December, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) reported sales of 16.24 million iPhones, helping the electronics giant to rack up $6 billion in profits. Due to the announcement this month that the iPhone 4 will be available on the Verizon (NYSE:VZ) Wireless network for the first time beginning in February, some analysts predict that Apple could reach as many as 19 million iPhone activations this quarter and sell as many as 63 million of the industry-leading smartphones this year.
“There’s no question that a tremendous market has developed for iPhone accessories in North America, and we can’t wait to get this product on the shelves,” Rohde said. “The Volt has the potential to introduce millions of iPhone users to the daily use of solar technology and help to revolutionize smartphone use in the process.”
The Volt includes a larger battery than many competitors and is the only iPhone battery pack known to the company that is compatible with both the iPhone 3 and the iPhone 4. In order to charge the Volt Solar Charger after sunset, a USB cable will also be included with the device. Manufactured in red, black and white, the Volt will soon go on sale bundled with a one-year warranty.
Those interested in purchasing the Volt can currently make a reservation using GSLO’s Volt Waiting List at http://www.gosolarusa.com/technology/volt-reservation.html
GoSolarUSA is dedicated to aggressively acquiring, developing and marketing promising and potentially profitable technology. The Volt Solar Charger is a product of Xiamen Solar Electronics based in Xiamen, China. The iPhone is a product of Apple Inc., which competes in the global mobile electronics market against Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) and Research in Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM).
For more information, please visit www.GoSolarUSA.com/Investors.
KYOCERA Installs Solar Power at More Than 1,200 Japanese Schools
KYOTO, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) today announced that it has proudly installed more than 1,200 solar power generating systems at public schools in Japan -- ranking Kyocera as the No.1 supplier in this segment of the Japanese market. The use of solar power at schools in Japan has grown exponentially in recent years with the government's "School New Deal" initiative, which aims to broadly enrich the nation's educational facilities.
As part of the economic crisis countermeasures set forth in 2009, the School New Deal initiative advocates for the fundamental reform of facilities to promote schools that have the appropriate educational environment for the 21st Century. Specifically, the initiative plans to promptly pursue higher earthquake-resistant building standards and to utilize solar power generation under the broader concepts of improved environmental impact and enhanced information & communications technology (ICT).
In April 2009, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology set a target of increasing the number of public elementary, middle and high schools with solar power installations to 12,000.
Since the start of the School New Deal initiative, the number of schools Kyocera has supplied to has increased dramatically, with over 1,200 schools in the country now utilizing the power of the sun with Kyocera modules. In the market for school installations in Japan, Kyocera holds the No.1 share with over 40%. Kyocera believes that this market share is a direct result of the company's reputation for supplying highly reliable products and its ability to provide engineering services on a case-by-case basis for rapid implementation.
Use of solar power at schools is part of the larger trend of growth in Japan's public- and industrial-use solar power market, which has expanded by roughly 3.6-times* in the five-year period from FY2005 to FY2010. As solar power installations in this market segment typically require a diverse range of systems to optimize performance depending on the specific site, Kyocera's business model in Japan is able to apply its design and installation technologies which have been cultivated through the company's many years of experience in the solar industry.
Kyocera will continue to strive for the further implementation of clean energy solutions at schools by using the company's strengths which have been developed over its 35-year history in the solar industry.
* Based on data from the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA)
For more information about Kyocera Solar Energy
(http://global.kyocera.com/prdct/solar/)
Learn about solar energy at the "Solar Power Expo" Web site
(http://global.kyocera.com/solarexpo/)
As part of the economic crisis countermeasures set forth in 2009, the School New Deal initiative advocates for the fundamental reform of facilities to promote schools that have the appropriate educational environment for the 21st Century. Specifically, the initiative plans to promptly pursue higher earthquake-resistant building standards and to utilize solar power generation under the broader concepts of improved environmental impact and enhanced information & communications technology (ICT).
In April 2009, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology set a target of increasing the number of public elementary, middle and high schools with solar power installations to 12,000.
Since the start of the School New Deal initiative, the number of schools Kyocera has supplied to has increased dramatically, with over 1,200 schools in the country now utilizing the power of the sun with Kyocera modules. In the market for school installations in Japan, Kyocera holds the No.1 share with over 40%. Kyocera believes that this market share is a direct result of the company's reputation for supplying highly reliable products and its ability to provide engineering services on a case-by-case basis for rapid implementation.
Use of solar power at schools is part of the larger trend of growth in Japan's public- and industrial-use solar power market, which has expanded by roughly 3.6-times* in the five-year period from FY2005 to FY2010. As solar power installations in this market segment typically require a diverse range of systems to optimize performance depending on the specific site, Kyocera's business model in Japan is able to apply its design and installation technologies which have been cultivated through the company's many years of experience in the solar industry.
Kyocera will continue to strive for the further implementation of clean energy solutions at schools by using the company's strengths which have been developed over its 35-year history in the solar industry.
* Based on data from the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA)
For more information about Kyocera Solar Energy
(http://global.kyocera.com/prdct/solar/)
Learn about solar energy at the "Solar Power Expo" Web site
(http://global.kyocera.com/solarexpo/)
Unirac Opens New Subsidiary in Ontario, Canada
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Unirac, North America’s leading provider of infrastructure for solar power systems, today announced the formation of a new subsidiary, Unirac Canada Corporation which opened for business on January 3, 2011 in Mississauga, Ontario.
This new full-service operation tangibly underscores Unirac’s commitment to serving its rapidly growing base of Canadian customers and partners. Managed by Unirac Inc’s CEO, Doug May, the subsidiary will offer innovative Unirac solutions, including SolarMount, ISYS Ground Mount and ISYS Roof Mount. These complete best-in-class solutions enable customers to participate and meet requirements in Ontario’s groundbreaking Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) and microFIT programs.
“While we have been manufacturing in Ontario for almost a year now, establishing this full-service subsidiary ensures Unirac’s ability to support Ontario customers and partners locally,” said Doug May, president and CEO of Unirac. “Unirac Canada’s goal is to continually exceed our Canadian customers’ and partners’ expectations, helping them maximize the return on their investments while creating a cleaner environment.”
Unirac Canada Corporation’s headquarters are located at 2360 Meadowpine Blvd, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 6S2. For information about Unirac Canada’s products and services, please contact Gilles Blouin, director of business development, at 905-813-6754, gillesb@unirac.com.
This new full-service operation tangibly underscores Unirac’s commitment to serving its rapidly growing base of Canadian customers and partners. Managed by Unirac Inc’s CEO, Doug May, the subsidiary will offer innovative Unirac solutions, including SolarMount, ISYS Ground Mount and ISYS Roof Mount. These complete best-in-class solutions enable customers to participate and meet requirements in Ontario’s groundbreaking Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) and microFIT programs.
“While we have been manufacturing in Ontario for almost a year now, establishing this full-service subsidiary ensures Unirac’s ability to support Ontario customers and partners locally,” said Doug May, president and CEO of Unirac. “Unirac Canada’s goal is to continually exceed our Canadian customers’ and partners’ expectations, helping them maximize the return on their investments while creating a cleaner environment.”
Unirac Canada Corporation’s headquarters are located at 2360 Meadowpine Blvd, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 6S2. For information about Unirac Canada’s products and services, please contact Gilles Blouin, director of business development, at 905-813-6754, gillesb@unirac.com.
EGPI Firecreek, Inc. Acquisition Candidate Arctic Solar Engineering, LLC Receives New Purchase Order
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EGPI Firecreek, Inc. (OTCBB: EFIR) is pleased to announce that their latest acquisition candidate Arctic Solar Engineering, LLC. (“ASE”) has received a new purchase order for the Sheet Metal Workers Union based out of St. Louis, Missouri.
ASE is providing a Solar Thermal system for the potable hot water in the building as part of this complete rehabilitation and redevelopment project. Installation of the solar system will be provided by contractors OJ Laughlin Plumbing Company. All components and the complete general oversight will be provided by ASE.
As previously announced, EGPI Firecreek entered into a binding Letter of Intent to acquire St. Louis, MO. based Arctic Solar Engineering, LLC, a privately held supplier and integrator of solar thermal systems and absorption units. The acquisition is slated for completion on February 04, 2011.
Arctic Solar Engineering, LLC, is an integrator of Solar Thermal Energy technology. Solar Thermal Energy (“STE”) is the most efficient and economical method of capturing and using renewable thermal energy created by the sun every day of the year. The solar collectors that are used, based upon a heat pipe design which operates under basic laws of physics, capture all visible and non-visible wave lengths of sun light and covert the light into energy at 90% efficiency. Energy created by ASE’s STE systems store that energy in water (or other similarly inexpensive storage mediums) and then use that energy in its direct form to heat water, heat space and cool spaces. According to the US Department of Energy, this accounts for 70% of all energy used in commercial and residential structures in the United States.
Fred Sussman, CEO of Arctic Solar Engineering, stated, “Arctic Solar Engineering is pleased to be providing the Solar Thermal Energy ("STE") system, a key component of the alternative energy solution for the new offices of the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 36. Arctic Solar's state of the art STE system will immediately provide measurable savings upon its installation with a projected payback of five years. Thereafter, Local 36 will realize savings equal to the amount they would have spent on the energy provided by our system.” He also stated, “This newly rehabilitated green energy building clearly demonstrates that the time is right for Arctic’s STE systems as these solutions can be readily integrated into new and existing structures.”
ASE is providing a Solar Thermal system for the potable hot water in the building as part of this complete rehabilitation and redevelopment project. Installation of the solar system will be provided by contractors OJ Laughlin Plumbing Company. All components and the complete general oversight will be provided by ASE.
As previously announced, EGPI Firecreek entered into a binding Letter of Intent to acquire St. Louis, MO. based Arctic Solar Engineering, LLC, a privately held supplier and integrator of solar thermal systems and absorption units. The acquisition is slated for completion on February 04, 2011.
Arctic Solar Engineering, LLC, is an integrator of Solar Thermal Energy technology. Solar Thermal Energy (“STE”) is the most efficient and economical method of capturing and using renewable thermal energy created by the sun every day of the year. The solar collectors that are used, based upon a heat pipe design which operates under basic laws of physics, capture all visible and non-visible wave lengths of sun light and covert the light into energy at 90% efficiency. Energy created by ASE’s STE systems store that energy in water (or other similarly inexpensive storage mediums) and then use that energy in its direct form to heat water, heat space and cool spaces. According to the US Department of Energy, this accounts for 70% of all energy used in commercial and residential structures in the United States.
Fred Sussman, CEO of Arctic Solar Engineering, stated, “Arctic Solar Engineering is pleased to be providing the Solar Thermal Energy ("STE") system, a key component of the alternative energy solution for the new offices of the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 36. Arctic Solar's state of the art STE system will immediately provide measurable savings upon its installation with a projected payback of five years. Thereafter, Local 36 will realize savings equal to the amount they would have spent on the energy provided by our system.” He also stated, “This newly rehabilitated green energy building clearly demonstrates that the time is right for Arctic’s STE systems as these solutions can be readily integrated into new and existing structures.”
BioSolar Announces Major Milestone in Obtaining UL Certification
SANTA CLARITA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioSolar, Inc. (OTCBB:BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, announced that production samples of its innovative BioBacksheet product have successfully completed all critical Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) initial material property tests and is expected to officially obtain full UL material certification soon.
The initial material property UL certification tests included material identification, partial discharge test, resistance to catching fire, and a long list of other tests that are required before BioBacksheet can be used commercially in solar panels. The last remaining test for BioBacksheet is the measurement of relative thermal index (RTI), which is the temperature below which material will retain its desired electrical and mechanical properties and not be compromised via thermally induced chemical degradation. A provisional RTI value will be assigned to BioBacksheet approximately 90 days into the RTI testing. After that, commercial solar panels using BioBacksheet can be submitted for final panel certification or recertification under UL 1703 prior to sale in the general marketplace.
Dr. David Lee, BioSolar’s CEO, commented, “We are excited to receive positive test results on all of our material properties from UL. We are now in the final stretch before our ‘green’ and lower cost BioBacksheet can be commercially made available to solar panel manufacturers. Based on our internal tests, we do not anticipate any problems in achieving an RTI rating that exceeds the requirements of solar manufacturers.”
“Since beginning our sales and marketing efforts in 2010, we have received tremendous interests from solar manufacturers, large and small, from all over the world. That was a great validation of our vision and our innovation. However, new UL certification requirements delayed our commercial engagements with them. I am excited to report that we are close to being back on track in marketing the world’s first bio-based backsheet for solar panels. The benefits of BioBacksheet include green materials, lower cost, increased panel power output, and higher durability compared to conventional petroleum based counterparts on the market today,” added Dr. Lee.
The initial material property UL certification tests included material identification, partial discharge test, resistance to catching fire, and a long list of other tests that are required before BioBacksheet can be used commercially in solar panels. The last remaining test for BioBacksheet is the measurement of relative thermal index (RTI), which is the temperature below which material will retain its desired electrical and mechanical properties and not be compromised via thermally induced chemical degradation. A provisional RTI value will be assigned to BioBacksheet approximately 90 days into the RTI testing. After that, commercial solar panels using BioBacksheet can be submitted for final panel certification or recertification under UL 1703 prior to sale in the general marketplace.
Dr. David Lee, BioSolar’s CEO, commented, “We are excited to receive positive test results on all of our material properties from UL. We are now in the final stretch before our ‘green’ and lower cost BioBacksheet can be commercially made available to solar panel manufacturers. Based on our internal tests, we do not anticipate any problems in achieving an RTI rating that exceeds the requirements of solar manufacturers.”
“Since beginning our sales and marketing efforts in 2010, we have received tremendous interests from solar manufacturers, large and small, from all over the world. That was a great validation of our vision and our innovation. However, new UL certification requirements delayed our commercial engagements with them. I am excited to report that we are close to being back on track in marketing the world’s first bio-based backsheet for solar panels. The benefits of BioBacksheet include green materials, lower cost, increased panel power output, and higher durability compared to conventional petroleum based counterparts on the market today,” added Dr. Lee.
Yissum and Vaxan to Collaborate for the Development of a Novel Nanoparticle Ink for Printed Electronics
JERUSALEM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yissum Research Development Company Ltd., the Technology Transfer Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Vaxan Steel Co., Ltd., a leading Korean company in the field of innovative printing, signed a licensing and research agreement for the development of silver nanoparticles and silver-coated copper nanoparticles for conductive inks. These inks can be utilized in a variety of printing technologies, including inkjet printing. The novel conductive inks were invented by Professor Shlomo Magdassi, Dr. Alexander Kamyshny and Michael Grouchko from the Institute of Chemistry at the Hebrew University.
According to the terms of the agreement, Yissum grants Vaxan a license to commercialize the technology exclusively in Asia, excluding Israel and former Soviet Union countries, and will receive in return research fees and royalties from future sales.
One of the exciting fields of the present and near future is printed electronics – the ability to print electric circuits on almost any surface, including paper, plastic, silicon and ceramics. Printed electronics are in use, or are considered for use in multiple applications, including displays and thin-film photovoltaics, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, OLED lighting and sensors.
Conducting printing for the electronics industry is traditionally achieved by lithography and screen printing technologies. However, these methods are usually time consuming and expensive. Therefore, during recent years the printing electronics industry trends towards digital printing, with inkjet printing as the most appealing technology. In this printing technology, droplets of ink containing metallic nanoparticles are jetted from a micron size orifice, onto the substrate which can be a plastic sheet, a glass or a silicon wafer.
Silver nanoparticles are particularly appealing for inkjet printing, since silver is the most conductive of the metals, and in contrast to other metals, oxidation does not harm the conductivity of the final film. For this reason, silver was the first material used for inks and conductive printing on a wide scale. Copper, on the other hand, is much cheaper than silver (at about 1/100 the cost of silver), but is readily oxidized by air, thereby becoming non-conductive. Prof. Magdassi and his colleagues invented copper nanoparticles that are covered by a thin layer of silver, thereby producing cheap, conductive, air-stable particles that can be readily used as conductive ink for a variety of applications.
"We are proud that the Hebrew University has had the opportunity to take part in this collaboration, and hope to strengthen our ties with the Korean industry in the future," said Yaacov Michlin, CEO of Yissum. "We are confident that our new partners will help us in introducing this invention to the market."
Mr. Duek Chi Lee, the CEO of VAXAN, said, "The nanotechnology application which we have licensed from Yissum will be applied to semiconductors, IT, LED, and OLED industries. We are certain that this technological innovation will be an international success in electronic markets of the future. Once again, I would like to thank Yissum, Prof. Magdassi and GlobalTech Korea who helped promote this collaboration between Korea and Israel."
Mr. Hyunsung Kim, from GlobalTech Korea, said, "We are very excited with this agreement, which marks the first commercial collaboration between an Israeli university and a Korean company. We at GlobalTech Korea's Tel Aviv office will continue to do our best to advance future R&D collaboration between the two countries."
According to the terms of the agreement, Yissum grants Vaxan a license to commercialize the technology exclusively in Asia, excluding Israel and former Soviet Union countries, and will receive in return research fees and royalties from future sales.
One of the exciting fields of the present and near future is printed electronics – the ability to print electric circuits on almost any surface, including paper, plastic, silicon and ceramics. Printed electronics are in use, or are considered for use in multiple applications, including displays and thin-film photovoltaics, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, OLED lighting and sensors.
Conducting printing for the electronics industry is traditionally achieved by lithography and screen printing technologies. However, these methods are usually time consuming and expensive. Therefore, during recent years the printing electronics industry trends towards digital printing, with inkjet printing as the most appealing technology. In this printing technology, droplets of ink containing metallic nanoparticles are jetted from a micron size orifice, onto the substrate which can be a plastic sheet, a glass or a silicon wafer.
Silver nanoparticles are particularly appealing for inkjet printing, since silver is the most conductive of the metals, and in contrast to other metals, oxidation does not harm the conductivity of the final film. For this reason, silver was the first material used for inks and conductive printing on a wide scale. Copper, on the other hand, is much cheaper than silver (at about 1/100 the cost of silver), but is readily oxidized by air, thereby becoming non-conductive. Prof. Magdassi and his colleagues invented copper nanoparticles that are covered by a thin layer of silver, thereby producing cheap, conductive, air-stable particles that can be readily used as conductive ink for a variety of applications.
"We are proud that the Hebrew University has had the opportunity to take part in this collaboration, and hope to strengthen our ties with the Korean industry in the future," said Yaacov Michlin, CEO of Yissum. "We are confident that our new partners will help us in introducing this invention to the market."
Mr. Duek Chi Lee, the CEO of VAXAN, said, "The nanotechnology application which we have licensed from Yissum will be applied to semiconductors, IT, LED, and OLED industries. We are certain that this technological innovation will be an international success in electronic markets of the future. Once again, I would like to thank Yissum, Prof. Magdassi and GlobalTech Korea who helped promote this collaboration between Korea and Israel."
Mr. Hyunsung Kim, from GlobalTech Korea, said, "We are very excited with this agreement, which marks the first commercial collaboration between an Israeli university and a Korean company. We at GlobalTech Korea's Tel Aviv office will continue to do our best to advance future R&D collaboration between the two countries."
Friday, January 28, 2011
Suntech Power Receives the "Murphy&Spitz Global Leader Award 2011" at the World Economic Forum 2011 in Davos
BONN, Germany, January 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
- The Annual M&S Research Report on Environmental and Sustainability Standards in the Photovoltaic Industry Will be Published Monday
Dr. Zhengrong Shi, founder and CEO of Suntech Power, received the "Murphy&Spitz Global Leader Award 2011" at the World Economic Forum. With the award, Murphy&Spitz honors Dr. Shi's company for its exemplary environmental and sustainability standards. Since 2001, Suntech Power has taken up the challenge of realizing cost-efficient solar energy and achieving breakthroughs in energy technology. Murphy&Spitz regards Suntech as a leader and model of good business practice in Asia.
After preparing the research report on environmental and sustainability standards in the photovoltaic industry, Nicole Vormann, head of sustainability research for Murphy&Spitz, came to the conclusion that Suntech Power was one of the company to be emulated. "We deliberately altered our time schedule at Suntech's plant in Wuxi, China, and asked to see non-scheduled places like the hazardous materials storage and the water treatment facility. The sustainability team of Suntech Power showed exceptional transparency during our visit," said Ms. Vormann.
The investment firm Murphy&Spitz awards the "Murphy&Spitz Global Leader Award" to model companies that qualify for sustainability investments. Besides environmental, occupational, and social standards, the award also reflects economic aspects. "A global leader, in the sense of Murphy&Spitz, can only be a sustainable company. Global leaders are companies presently working on solutions for the most urgent problems of our time," explained Murphy&Spitz managing partner Philipp Spitz.
Suntech Power develops, produces, and sells globally reliable and cost efficient solar energy systems. The company was founded in 2001 by photovoltaics scientiest Dr. Zhengrong Shi and has become the world's biggest manufacturer of silicon-based solar modules. Suntech Power has branches in 13 countries, with regional HQs in San Francisco, Schaffhausen (Switzerland), and Wuxi (PRC). Suntech is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: STP).
Murphy&Spitz was founded in 1999 and is one of the most experienced sustainability investors in the German speaking area. Murphy&Spitz manages four sustainability portfolios, the listed private equity company Murphy&Spitz Green Capital AG (A0KPM6) and the renewable energy independent power producer Murphy&Spitz Green Energy. Murphy&Spitz is one of the few experts in German speaking countries relying on the expertise of an in-house research with a focus on sustainability aspects.
Contact: Murphy&Spitz GmbH, Nicole Vormann, Director Sustainability Research, Riesstrasse 2, D-53113 Bonn, Tel.: +49-228-243-911-0, E-Mail: vormann@murphyandspitz.de ; http://www.murphyandspitz.com
- The Annual M&S Research Report on Environmental and Sustainability Standards in the Photovoltaic Industry Will be Published Monday
Dr. Zhengrong Shi, founder and CEO of Suntech Power, received the "Murphy&Spitz Global Leader Award 2011" at the World Economic Forum. With the award, Murphy&Spitz honors Dr. Shi's company for its exemplary environmental and sustainability standards. Since 2001, Suntech Power has taken up the challenge of realizing cost-efficient solar energy and achieving breakthroughs in energy technology. Murphy&Spitz regards Suntech as a leader and model of good business practice in Asia.
After preparing the research report on environmental and sustainability standards in the photovoltaic industry, Nicole Vormann, head of sustainability research for Murphy&Spitz, came to the conclusion that Suntech Power was one of the company to be emulated. "We deliberately altered our time schedule at Suntech's plant in Wuxi, China, and asked to see non-scheduled places like the hazardous materials storage and the water treatment facility. The sustainability team of Suntech Power showed exceptional transparency during our visit," said Ms. Vormann.
The investment firm Murphy&Spitz awards the "Murphy&Spitz Global Leader Award" to model companies that qualify for sustainability investments. Besides environmental, occupational, and social standards, the award also reflects economic aspects. "A global leader, in the sense of Murphy&Spitz, can only be a sustainable company. Global leaders are companies presently working on solutions for the most urgent problems of our time," explained Murphy&Spitz managing partner Philipp Spitz.
Suntech Power develops, produces, and sells globally reliable and cost efficient solar energy systems. The company was founded in 2001 by photovoltaics scientiest Dr. Zhengrong Shi and has become the world's biggest manufacturer of silicon-based solar modules. Suntech Power has branches in 13 countries, with regional HQs in San Francisco, Schaffhausen (Switzerland), and Wuxi (PRC). Suntech is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: STP).
Murphy&Spitz was founded in 1999 and is one of the most experienced sustainability investors in the German speaking area. Murphy&Spitz manages four sustainability portfolios, the listed private equity company Murphy&Spitz Green Capital AG (A0KPM6) and the renewable energy independent power producer Murphy&Spitz Green Energy. Murphy&Spitz is one of the few experts in German speaking countries relying on the expertise of an in-house research with a focus on sustainability aspects.
Contact: Murphy&Spitz GmbH, Nicole Vormann, Director Sustainability Research, Riesstrasse 2, D-53113 Bonn, Tel.: +49-228-243-911-0, E-Mail: vormann@murphyandspitz.de ; http://www.murphyandspitz.com
Sunvalley Solar Awarded New Solar Installation Contract in Imperial, CA
WALNUT, Calif., Jan. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunvalley Solar, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SSOL), a leading provider of solar power technology and solar integration systems, announced that it has signed a commercial solar installation contract with Crop Production Services in Imperial, California..
The 45.6 Kilowatt solar power system is comprised of 480 solar panels from Tianwei Solarfilms and one 50KW solar inverter from PV Powered. The total contracted value is approximately $209,760. The contract is supported by ~$100K of solar incentive rebates from the local utility company and ~$63K of Federal Tax Cash Grants from the Federal Treasury Department.
The solar system is expected to generate 77,673 Kilowatt hours of electricity annually. During the peak months of May through October the system will generate surplus power and earn credits with Imperial Irrigation District Utility, offsetting the less sunny winter months.
The installation for Crop Production Services Inc. will begin in early 2011.
The 45.6 Kilowatt solar power system is comprised of 480 solar panels from Tianwei Solarfilms and one 50KW solar inverter from PV Powered. The total contracted value is approximately $209,760. The contract is supported by ~$100K of solar incentive rebates from the local utility company and ~$63K of Federal Tax Cash Grants from the Federal Treasury Department.
The solar system is expected to generate 77,673 Kilowatt hours of electricity annually. During the peak months of May through October the system will generate surplus power and earn credits with Imperial Irrigation District Utility, offsetting the less sunny winter months.
The installation for Crop Production Services Inc. will begin in early 2011.
Carmanah Announces Filing of Lawsuit by Lightech in Israel
VICTORIA, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX: CMH) a leader in solar LED lighting and power systems for a range of industrial applications, has learned that Lightech Electronics Ltd. and certain of its shareholders have filed a Statement of Claim in the District Court for Tel-Aviv Yaffo, Israel against Carmanah Technologies Corporation, Carmanah’s single purpose Israeli subsidiary, and certain of Carmanah’s officers claiming damages of USD $6 million. The Statement of Claim, which has not been served on Carmanah or any of the named Defendants, alleges a breach of the terminated Merger Agreement between Lightech and Carmanah, among other things.
“It is disappointing that Lightech has chosen to respond in this way to the proper termination of the Merger Agreement” stated Ted Lattimore, CEO, adding “Carmanah has always acted in good faith and was within its rights to terminate the Merger Agreement. As previously announced, we are seeking return of the Signing Payment that was advanced to Lightech under the Merger Agreement and have filed a claim against Lightech in British Columbia Supreme Court.”
Carmanah will review Lightech’s claim when it is served and, after consulting with legal counsel, Carmanah intends to vigorously defend the claim which Carmanah believes to be entirely without merit.
“It is disappointing that Lightech has chosen to respond in this way to the proper termination of the Merger Agreement” stated Ted Lattimore, CEO, adding “Carmanah has always acted in good faith and was within its rights to terminate the Merger Agreement. As previously announced, we are seeking return of the Signing Payment that was advanced to Lightech under the Merger Agreement and have filed a claim against Lightech in British Columbia Supreme Court.”
Carmanah will review Lightech’s claim when it is served and, after consulting with legal counsel, Carmanah intends to vigorously defend the claim which Carmanah believes to be entirely without merit.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Solar Universe Makes Solar More Affordable With BriteLease™
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Solar Universe announces the availability of BriteLease™, a residential solar lease program backed by Suntech, the world's largest solar panel manufacturer. This lease offering makes solar accessible to homeowners with a small up-front deposit and low monthly lease payments. The solar lease payment in combination with a new lower electricity bill will result in lower monthly electric costs for most homeowners. And, the savings are immediate, giving homeowners the opportunity to use their money on other things or just save it.
In addition to the financial rewards, BriteLease makes going solar hassle-free with system maintenance, repair service and insurance coverage all included for the term of the lease.
"This solar lease allows everyone with $500 to take advantage of the sun's energy and save money at the same time. All you pay is a $500 deposit, that's it! Every other solar company's lease is 20 years, the BriteLease is only 15 years. What's better is, you can sell your house within the 15 years, and the lease is transferrable. Electrical rates are guaranteed to rise every year, why not freeze your power bill now," said Mitch Katz, Solar Universe Franchise Owner for Ventura & Los Angeles Counties.
Founded in 2001, Suntech produces the largest quantity of silicon solar modules in the world. From development and manufacturing to final delivery, Suntech offers the most reliable solar energy solutions to homes, businesses and large-scale solar power plants. With state of the art manufacturing and a constant focus on innovation, Suntech is able to offer the highest quality products to its customers at an affordable price.
Solar Universe is a locally owned and operated solar company and part of a nationwide service network providing solar system design, financing options and installation to residential and commercial customers. Solar Universe strives to find solar solutions for each customer to reduce or eliminate their electricity costs. With the company's many financing options and lease program, BriteLease, homeowners and businesses are given more opportunities than ever before to buy or lease solar.
If you are interested in BriteLease from Solar Universe or any of the services offered by Solar Universe, please call (805) 777-7477 or e-mail MatthewEstes@solaruniverse.com to learn more about BriteLease.
In addition to the financial rewards, BriteLease makes going solar hassle-free with system maintenance, repair service and insurance coverage all included for the term of the lease.
"This solar lease allows everyone with $500 to take advantage of the sun's energy and save money at the same time. All you pay is a $500 deposit, that's it! Every other solar company's lease is 20 years, the BriteLease is only 15 years. What's better is, you can sell your house within the 15 years, and the lease is transferrable. Electrical rates are guaranteed to rise every year, why not freeze your power bill now," said Mitch Katz, Solar Universe Franchise Owner for Ventura & Los Angeles Counties.
Founded in 2001, Suntech produces the largest quantity of silicon solar modules in the world. From development and manufacturing to final delivery, Suntech offers the most reliable solar energy solutions to homes, businesses and large-scale solar power plants. With state of the art manufacturing and a constant focus on innovation, Suntech is able to offer the highest quality products to its customers at an affordable price.
Solar Universe is a locally owned and operated solar company and part of a nationwide service network providing solar system design, financing options and installation to residential and commercial customers. Solar Universe strives to find solar solutions for each customer to reduce or eliminate their electricity costs. With the company's many financing options and lease program, BriteLease, homeowners and businesses are given more opportunities than ever before to buy or lease solar.
If you are interested in BriteLease from Solar Universe or any of the services offered by Solar Universe, please call (805) 777-7477 or e-mail MatthewEstes@solaruniverse.com to learn more about BriteLease.
Solar Electrical Systems Completes Installation of 3 Solar Systems on Assisted Living Facility
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Solar Electrical Systems of Westlake Village, CA, has completed a 288kW solar installation on San Clemente Villas by the Sea, making it the largest PV system on an assisted living facility in the United States.
San Clemente Villas had an ambitious plan to save money and go green. They decided to install not one, not two, but three solar electrical systems. One was installed on the rooftop, one on a solar carport, and one on a steep hillside. Solar Electrical Systems was chosen for the projects because of their long PV history and their reputation with San Clemente Building & Safety for making difficult installations go smoothly. The hillside system posed the biggest challenge because of the steepness of the hillside and lack of freeway access, but SES's years of experience turned the unusable hillside into a solar power plant.
With rebates and tax incentives paying for 87% of the project, the solar electrical system will pay for itself in 4 years, and save the owners over $16 million dollars over the next 30 years. The hillside solar electrical system, visible to thousands of commuters on the 5 freeway, is a powerful illustration of the benefits of solar energy.
Solar Electrical Systems is the most experienced solar electrical design and installation company in Southern California, and has helped customers reduce or eliminate their electric bills since 1978. For more information on commercial or residential solar electricity, contact Solar Electrical Systems in Westlake Village, CA at 805-497-9808 or visit solarelectricalsystems.com.
San Clemente Villas had an ambitious plan to save money and go green. They decided to install not one, not two, but three solar electrical systems. One was installed on the rooftop, one on a solar carport, and one on a steep hillside. Solar Electrical Systems was chosen for the projects because of their long PV history and their reputation with San Clemente Building & Safety for making difficult installations go smoothly. The hillside system posed the biggest challenge because of the steepness of the hillside and lack of freeway access, but SES's years of experience turned the unusable hillside into a solar power plant.
With rebates and tax incentives paying for 87% of the project, the solar electrical system will pay for itself in 4 years, and save the owners over $16 million dollars over the next 30 years. The hillside solar electrical system, visible to thousands of commuters on the 5 freeway, is a powerful illustration of the benefits of solar energy.
Solar Electrical Systems is the most experienced solar electrical design and installation company in Southern California, and has helped customers reduce or eliminate their electric bills since 1978. For more information on commercial or residential solar electricity, contact Solar Electrical Systems in Westlake Village, CA at 805-497-9808 or visit solarelectricalsystems.com.
LDK Solar Announces Pricing of Follow-on Public Offering of 12 Million American Depositary Shares
XINYU CITY, China and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE: LDK) ("LDK Solar"), a leading vertically integrated manufacturer of photovoltaic products and a leading manufacturer of solar wafers in terms of capacity, today priced a follow-on offering of 12,000,000 American depositary shares ("ADSs"), each representing one ordinary share, at a price to the public of $12.40 per ADS. In connection with the follow-on offering, LDK Solar has also granted the underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 1,800,000 ADSs.
All the net proceeds from this offering will go to LDK Solar and are expected to be used for general corporate purposes.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and UBS AG are acting as joint book runners for the offering. LDK Solar's F-3 registration statement and preliminary prospectus supplement are available from the SEC website at: www.sec.gov.
A copy of the final prospectus and prospectus supplement relating to the offering may be obtained by contacting: Citi, Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58th Street, 8th Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11220, United States of America; phone: +1-800-831-9146; Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Attention: Prospectus Department, 100 Plaza One, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311, United States of America; phone: +1-800-503-4611; or UBS Securities LLC, 299 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10171, Attn: Prospectus Department +1-888-827-7275, ext. 3884. This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Any offers of the above securities will be made pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
All the net proceeds from this offering will go to LDK Solar and are expected to be used for general corporate purposes.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and UBS AG are acting as joint book runners for the offering. LDK Solar's F-3 registration statement and preliminary prospectus supplement are available from the SEC website at: www.sec.gov.
A copy of the final prospectus and prospectus supplement relating to the offering may be obtained by contacting: Citi, Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58th Street, 8th Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11220, United States of America; phone: +1-800-831-9146; Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Attention: Prospectus Department, 100 Plaza One, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311, United States of America; phone: +1-800-503-4611; or UBS Securities LLC, 299 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10171, Attn: Prospectus Department +1-888-827-7275, ext. 3884. This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Any offers of the above securities will be made pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
IKEA Selects REC Solar Energy Solution for Locations in Germany and the US
SANDVIKA, Norway, January 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's leading home furnishings retailer IKEA selected REC Systems and REC solar modules for the installation of PV Systems on two of their buildings in Germany.
In competition with more than 200 other solar system providers, REC Systems Germany GmbH was selected to provide systems solution for two installations in Germany. The 14,000 square meter (0.83 acres) installation, producing 449,000 kilowatt-hrs (kWh) on the rooftop of a store in Regensburg, Germany, was connected to the grid at the end of September. The 430kW installation will offset 398 tons of CO2 per year. A second rooftop installation covering 4,300 square meters (0.32 acres) producing 149,000 kWh was installed on a store in Freiburg, Germany and connected to the grid in December. The 150 kilowatt installation will offset 132 tons of CO2 per year. "We will use the solar power produced for our lighting department, and furniture exhibition, as well as for the customer restaurant", says Michael Armin, Head, Expansion, IKEA Germany. Building on the success of earlier joint projects, Goldbeck Solar, a large construction company focusing on industrial rooftop and ground mounted PV installations, partnered with REC as sub-contractor on the German IKEA projects.
"REC is proud that IKEA selected our systems team to provide these installations, in addition to benefitting from our high performing modules with their excellent price performance ratio," said John Andersen Jr, Executive Vice President and Group COO, REC. The REC Systems team manages the development, design, installation and financing for larger scale rooftop and free field projects.
Currently, REC is also providing modules for three projects for IKEA in the U.S: two stores on the East Coast, and a Southern California distribution center that will be the second largest single-roof commercial system in the state. A Colorado site was also recently announced.
IKEA is committed to sustainable building practices that have a limited impact on the environment and is using solar to reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency. TIME magazine listed IKEA as one of the top eight most global eco-conscious companies.
In competition with more than 200 other solar system providers, REC Systems Germany GmbH was selected to provide systems solution for two installations in Germany. The 14,000 square meter (0.83 acres) installation, producing 449,000 kilowatt-hrs (kWh) on the rooftop of a store in Regensburg, Germany, was connected to the grid at the end of September. The 430kW installation will offset 398 tons of CO2 per year. A second rooftop installation covering 4,300 square meters (0.32 acres) producing 149,000 kWh was installed on a store in Freiburg, Germany and connected to the grid in December. The 150 kilowatt installation will offset 132 tons of CO2 per year. "We will use the solar power produced for our lighting department, and furniture exhibition, as well as for the customer restaurant", says Michael Armin, Head, Expansion, IKEA Germany. Building on the success of earlier joint projects, Goldbeck Solar, a large construction company focusing on industrial rooftop and ground mounted PV installations, partnered with REC as sub-contractor on the German IKEA projects.
"REC is proud that IKEA selected our systems team to provide these installations, in addition to benefitting from our high performing modules with their excellent price performance ratio," said John Andersen Jr, Executive Vice President and Group COO, REC. The REC Systems team manages the development, design, installation and financing for larger scale rooftop and free field projects.
Currently, REC is also providing modules for three projects for IKEA in the U.S: two stores on the East Coast, and a Southern California distribution center that will be the second largest single-roof commercial system in the state. A Colorado site was also recently announced.
IKEA is committed to sustainable building practices that have a limited impact on the environment and is using solar to reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency. TIME magazine listed IKEA as one of the top eight most global eco-conscious companies.
Siemens and Suntech Enter Framework Agreement for PV Panels
MUNICH, Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Siemens Energy has signed a framework agreement with Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's largest manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules. The photovoltaic modules to be supplied under this umbrella agreement are for several projects in Europe.
"Siemens is offering EPC solutions for photovoltaic plants," said Martin Schulz, Vice President Photovoltaics Siemens Renewable Energy Division. "With Suntech we have a bankable partner to provide reliable photovoltaic plants to our customers." In the last seven months Siemens has secured orders for photovoltaic plants with a combined capacity of over 80 MW from six different countries. As EPC contractor, the company handles the turnkey construction of solar power plants combining in-house components such as inverters or transformers and independent panel sourcing as well as local sourcing.
Jerry Stokes, President of Suntech Europe, stated: "We are excited to establish a strategic cooperation with a strong partner such as Siemens. We have already started executing on the agreement for projects developed throughout Europe. Siemens' global presence facilitates joint projects in Europe as well as in other parts of the world."
Photovoltaic plants are part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2010, revenue from the Portfolio totaled about EUR28 billion, making Siemens the world's largest supplier of ecofriendly technologies. In the same period, our products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 270 million tons, an amount equal to the total annual CO2 emissions of the megacities Hong Kong, London, New York, Tokyo, Delhi and Singapore.
"Siemens is offering EPC solutions for photovoltaic plants," said Martin Schulz, Vice President Photovoltaics Siemens Renewable Energy Division. "With Suntech we have a bankable partner to provide reliable photovoltaic plants to our customers." In the last seven months Siemens has secured orders for photovoltaic plants with a combined capacity of over 80 MW from six different countries. As EPC contractor, the company handles the turnkey construction of solar power plants combining in-house components such as inverters or transformers and independent panel sourcing as well as local sourcing.
Jerry Stokes, President of Suntech Europe, stated: "We are excited to establish a strategic cooperation with a strong partner such as Siemens. We have already started executing on the agreement for projects developed throughout Europe. Siemens' global presence facilitates joint projects in Europe as well as in other parts of the world."
Photovoltaic plants are part of Siemens' Environmental Portfolio. In fiscal 2010, revenue from the Portfolio totaled about EUR28 billion, making Siemens the world's largest supplier of ecofriendly technologies. In the same period, our products and solutions enabled customers to reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 270 million tons, an amount equal to the total annual CO2 emissions of the megacities Hong Kong, London, New York, Tokyo, Delhi and Singapore.
Evergreen Solar Announces Terms of its Amended Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation and Intention to Adjourn Special Meeting of Stockholders
MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Evergreen Solar, Inc. (NasdaqCM: ESLRD), a manufacturer of String Ribbon® solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology, today announced the extension of and amended terms for its pending exchange offers for its outstanding convertible debt and related consent solicitation and its intention to adjourn its special meeting of stockholders to give stockholders sufficient time to review a proxy supplement describing the terms of the amended exchange offers and consent solicitation.
The Company is offering to exchange (i) an aggregate principal amount of up to $100,000,000 of new 4.0% Convertible Subordinated Additional Cash Notes due 2020, or the new 4% notes, for an aggregate principal amount of up to $200,000,000 of its 4.0% Senior Convertible Notes due 2013, or the existing 4% notes, and (ii) an aggregate principal amount of up to $165,000,000 of new 7.5% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2017, or the new 7.5% notes, for an aggregate principal amount of up to $165,000,000 of its 13.0% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2015, or the existing 13% notes.
Amended Terms of the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation
Under the amended terms of the exchange offer for the existing 4% notes, the initial conversion price of the new 4% notes has been reduced from $6.00 to $4.35 per share.
Under the amended terms of the exchange offer for the existing 13% notes:
* the initial conversion price of the new 7.5% notes will be fixed at $4.00 per share;
* the new 7.5% notes will be secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all of our United States based assets and a pledge of certain interests in foreign subsidiaries;
* the minimum consent condition has been reduced from at least 75% of the aggregate principal amount of existing 13% notes to more than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of existing 13% notes;
* if the Company receives the consent of holders of more than 50% but less than 75% of the outstanding principal amount of the existing 13% notes, the indenture governing the existing 13% notes will be amended to permit the Company to incur the new 7.5% notes, grant a lien in favor of the holders of the new 7.5% notes and for the existing 13% notes and the new 7.5% notes to be ratably secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all of our United States based assets and a pledge of certain interests in foreign subsidiaries;
* if the Company receives the consent of 75% or more of the holders of existing 13% notes, the indenture governing the existing 13% notes will be amended to provide for the security interest and all of the collateral securing the Company’s obligations under the existing 13% notes be released and to terminate the existing collateral documents and eliminate many of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default in the indenture governing the existing 13% notes; and
* the new 7.5% notes will have the benefit of restrictive covenants similar to the restrictive covenants contained in the indenture governing the existing 13% notes.
As a result of the extension, the exchange offers and consent solicitation will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on February 9, 2011, unless further extended. Tendered existing 4% notes and 13% notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration date. Consents may be revoked at any time prior to the expiration date. Consents may be revoked only by withdrawing the related existing 13% notes tendered in the 13% notes exchange offer and the withdrawal of any existing 13% notes will automatically constitute a revocation of the related consents.
The exchange offers and consent solicitation are a key element of the Company’s comprehensive recapitalization plan, which if completed, will substantially reduce the Company’s outstanding indebtedness and annual interest expense, exchange a portion of the Company’s existing debt for new debt with longer maturities and create a capital structure that the Company believes is more likely to cause the holders of the Company’s convertible debt to convert their notes into common stock (which would further accomplish the Company’s long term goal of substantially reducing its outstanding debt).
Lazard Capital Markets LLC will serve as the dealer manager for the exchange offers and consent solicitation. The information agent for the exchange offers and consent solicitation is The Proxy Advisory Group, LLC and the exchange agent for the exchange offers and consent solicitation is U.S. Bank National Association.
Adjournment of Stockholder Meeting
As previously announced, the Company has set January 31, 2011 as the date for the special meeting of stockholders to approve the issuance of the new 4% notes and the new 7.5% notes (and the issuance of common stock issuable upon conversion of the new notes) under the applicable provisions of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635, and to approve an amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation to increase the Company’s authorized common shares to 240,000,000 from 120,000,000. Approval of these proposals is a condition to the exchange offers. The Company plans to commence the meeting on January 31, 2011 and immediately seek stockholder approval to adjourn the meeting until February 9, 2011 to allow sufficient time for stockholders to receive and review the proxy supplement describing the amended terms of the exchange offers and consent solicitation, which will be mailed to stockholders on or about January 28, 2011. As a result of the meeting adjournment, no substantive matters will be discussed on January 31, 2011 and the Company does not expect shareholders to attend the meeting in person on that date.
Where You Can Find Additional Information
Details regarding the terms and conditions of the amended exchange offers and consent solicitation, including descriptions of the new notes and the material differences between the new notes and the existing notes, can be found in the post-effective amendment to the Company’s registration statement that has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) but has not yet become effective and in a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, as amended, that has been filed with the SEC. The securities subject to the registration statement may not be issued and sold prior to the time the post-effective amendment to the registration statement becomes effective. Any investor holding the Company’s existing 4% notes or 13% notes should carefully read the registration statement, the tender offer statement and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC, including the related letter of transmittal and consent, for more complete information about the Company, the exchange offers and the consent solicitation.
In connection with the exchange offers and consent solicitation, Evergreen Solar has filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC and mailed the definitive proxy statement to stockholders on or about January 5, 2011. Evergreen filed a proxy supplement to the definitive proxy and expects to mail the proxy supplement to stockholder on or about January 28, 2011 Stockholders are advised to read the definitive proxy statement because it will contain important information about the proposals to be presented and voted upon.
The registration statement, definitive proxy statement, proxy supplement, the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, as amended, and other related documents can be obtained for free from the SEC’s Electronic Document Gathering and Retrieval System (EDGAR), which may be accessed at www.sec.gov. Documents are also available for free upon written or oral request made to the office of the Corporate Secretary, Evergreen Solar, Inc., 138 Bartlett Street, Marlboro, Massachusetts 01752 (Telephone (508) 357-2221) and from the Company’s website at www.evergreensolar.com, or the information agent, The Proxy Advisory Group, LLC, at (212) 616-2180.
Neither the Company, its officers, its board of directors, the dealer manager, the exchange agent nor the information agent is making any recommendation as to whether holders should tender their existing notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offers or deliver a consent pursuant to the consent solicitation.
Non-Solicitation
This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase, a solicitation of an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. The exchange offers will not be made to, and the Company will not accept tenders for exchange from, holders of its existing 4% notes and existing 13% notes in any jurisdiction in which the exchange offers or the acceptance of such offers would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of that jurisdiction.
The Company and its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the special meeting. Information concerning the interests of these persons, if any, in the matters to be voted upon is set forth in the proxy statement.
The Company is offering to exchange (i) an aggregate principal amount of up to $100,000,000 of new 4.0% Convertible Subordinated Additional Cash Notes due 2020, or the new 4% notes, for an aggregate principal amount of up to $200,000,000 of its 4.0% Senior Convertible Notes due 2013, or the existing 4% notes, and (ii) an aggregate principal amount of up to $165,000,000 of new 7.5% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2017, or the new 7.5% notes, for an aggregate principal amount of up to $165,000,000 of its 13.0% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2015, or the existing 13% notes.
Amended Terms of the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation
Under the amended terms of the exchange offer for the existing 4% notes, the initial conversion price of the new 4% notes has been reduced from $6.00 to $4.35 per share.
Under the amended terms of the exchange offer for the existing 13% notes:
* the initial conversion price of the new 7.5% notes will be fixed at $4.00 per share;
* the new 7.5% notes will be secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all of our United States based assets and a pledge of certain interests in foreign subsidiaries;
* the minimum consent condition has been reduced from at least 75% of the aggregate principal amount of existing 13% notes to more than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of existing 13% notes;
* if the Company receives the consent of holders of more than 50% but less than 75% of the outstanding principal amount of the existing 13% notes, the indenture governing the existing 13% notes will be amended to permit the Company to incur the new 7.5% notes, grant a lien in favor of the holders of the new 7.5% notes and for the existing 13% notes and the new 7.5% notes to be ratably secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all of our United States based assets and a pledge of certain interests in foreign subsidiaries;
* if the Company receives the consent of 75% or more of the holders of existing 13% notes, the indenture governing the existing 13% notes will be amended to provide for the security interest and all of the collateral securing the Company’s obligations under the existing 13% notes be released and to terminate the existing collateral documents and eliminate many of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default in the indenture governing the existing 13% notes; and
* the new 7.5% notes will have the benefit of restrictive covenants similar to the restrictive covenants contained in the indenture governing the existing 13% notes.
As a result of the extension, the exchange offers and consent solicitation will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on February 9, 2011, unless further extended. Tendered existing 4% notes and 13% notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration date. Consents may be revoked at any time prior to the expiration date. Consents may be revoked only by withdrawing the related existing 13% notes tendered in the 13% notes exchange offer and the withdrawal of any existing 13% notes will automatically constitute a revocation of the related consents.
The exchange offers and consent solicitation are a key element of the Company’s comprehensive recapitalization plan, which if completed, will substantially reduce the Company’s outstanding indebtedness and annual interest expense, exchange a portion of the Company’s existing debt for new debt with longer maturities and create a capital structure that the Company believes is more likely to cause the holders of the Company’s convertible debt to convert their notes into common stock (which would further accomplish the Company’s long term goal of substantially reducing its outstanding debt).
Lazard Capital Markets LLC will serve as the dealer manager for the exchange offers and consent solicitation. The information agent for the exchange offers and consent solicitation is The Proxy Advisory Group, LLC and the exchange agent for the exchange offers and consent solicitation is U.S. Bank National Association.
Adjournment of Stockholder Meeting
As previously announced, the Company has set January 31, 2011 as the date for the special meeting of stockholders to approve the issuance of the new 4% notes and the new 7.5% notes (and the issuance of common stock issuable upon conversion of the new notes) under the applicable provisions of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635, and to approve an amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation to increase the Company’s authorized common shares to 240,000,000 from 120,000,000. Approval of these proposals is a condition to the exchange offers. The Company plans to commence the meeting on January 31, 2011 and immediately seek stockholder approval to adjourn the meeting until February 9, 2011 to allow sufficient time for stockholders to receive and review the proxy supplement describing the amended terms of the exchange offers and consent solicitation, which will be mailed to stockholders on or about January 28, 2011. As a result of the meeting adjournment, no substantive matters will be discussed on January 31, 2011 and the Company does not expect shareholders to attend the meeting in person on that date.
Where You Can Find Additional Information
Details regarding the terms and conditions of the amended exchange offers and consent solicitation, including descriptions of the new notes and the material differences between the new notes and the existing notes, can be found in the post-effective amendment to the Company’s registration statement that has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) but has not yet become effective and in a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, as amended, that has been filed with the SEC. The securities subject to the registration statement may not be issued and sold prior to the time the post-effective amendment to the registration statement becomes effective. Any investor holding the Company’s existing 4% notes or 13% notes should carefully read the registration statement, the tender offer statement and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC, including the related letter of transmittal and consent, for more complete information about the Company, the exchange offers and the consent solicitation.
In connection with the exchange offers and consent solicitation, Evergreen Solar has filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC and mailed the definitive proxy statement to stockholders on or about January 5, 2011. Evergreen filed a proxy supplement to the definitive proxy and expects to mail the proxy supplement to stockholder on or about January 28, 2011 Stockholders are advised to read the definitive proxy statement because it will contain important information about the proposals to be presented and voted upon.
The registration statement, definitive proxy statement, proxy supplement, the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, as amended, and other related documents can be obtained for free from the SEC’s Electronic Document Gathering and Retrieval System (EDGAR), which may be accessed at www.sec.gov. Documents are also available for free upon written or oral request made to the office of the Corporate Secretary, Evergreen Solar, Inc., 138 Bartlett Street, Marlboro, Massachusetts 01752 (Telephone (508) 357-2221) and from the Company’s website at www.evergreensolar.com, or the information agent, The Proxy Advisory Group, LLC, at (212) 616-2180.
Neither the Company, its officers, its board of directors, the dealer manager, the exchange agent nor the information agent is making any recommendation as to whether holders should tender their existing notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offers or deliver a consent pursuant to the consent solicitation.
Non-Solicitation
This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase, a solicitation of an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. The exchange offers will not be made to, and the Company will not accept tenders for exchange from, holders of its existing 4% notes and existing 13% notes in any jurisdiction in which the exchange offers or the acceptance of such offers would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of that jurisdiction.
The Company and its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the special meeting. Information concerning the interests of these persons, if any, in the matters to be voted upon is set forth in the proxy statement.
Ascent Solar Signs Distribution Agreement with Green Earth Energy and Technology of Belgium
THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), a developer of flexible thin-film solar modules, announced today that Green Earth Energy and Technology will begin distribution of Ascent Solar's lightweight, flexible, high-power thin-film CIGS modules for building integrated (BIPV), and portable power solutions in Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany. The agreement with Green Earth Energy and Technology gives Ascent Solar access to multiple segments in Europe's solar market including direct integration into building materials for residential and commercial solutions.
Ascent Solar President and CEO Farhad Moghadam stated, "We are pleased to announce our agreement with Green Earth Energy and Technology. This relationship will give us access to new and emerging market opportunities in building applied photovoltaics that could provide significant opportunity in Europe over the coming years. We also expect that other products in our lineup of flexible, lightweight CIGS modules will be marketed through this relationship."
Green Earth Energy and Technology will participate in the Intersolution Solar Energy Expo in Ghent, Belgium, January 27-29, 2011.
Ascent Solar President and CEO Farhad Moghadam stated, "We are pleased to announce our agreement with Green Earth Energy and Technology. This relationship will give us access to new and emerging market opportunities in building applied photovoltaics that could provide significant opportunity in Europe over the coming years. We also expect that other products in our lineup of flexible, lightweight CIGS modules will be marketed through this relationship."
Green Earth Energy and Technology will participate in the Intersolution Solar Energy Expo in Ghent, Belgium, January 27-29, 2011.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Sunvalley Solar Gains Manufacturer Support to Further Patented Technology
WALNUT, Calif., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunvalley Solar, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: SSOL), a leading provider of solar power technology and solar integration systems, announced that PV manufacturers in China will lend their support to further develop and commercialize on Sunvalley's own patented solar technology
In November 2010, Sunvalley Solar filed an application for an SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) grant offered by the Department of Energy (DOE). Sunvalley Solar proposed a "Surface Plasmon PV Concentrator" designed for PV cells. This will be the first PV concentrator based on surface plasmon resonance. This innovative design is based on Sunvalley Solar's patent pending technology. With further development, this technology could be commercialized in panel manufacturing and improve the efficiency of solar cells. The development of this technology continues to attract interest from manufacturers in China, like CEEG under China Sunergy (Nasdaq: CSUN) and Tianwei Solarfilms.
"We are very excited for the potential of this proposal in terms of its technological innovation, and the possibility of it providing high quality but cost effective nanofabrication tools. This new technology will certainly be beneficial to our company's applications," said Sally Fan, Sales Manager from CEEG, China Sunergy.
"As an end user as well as a developer of solar cell modules, Baoding Tianwei is delighted to see that Sunvalley Solar, Inc. is attempting to build such an innovative lithographic technology for the next generation of solar cell modules. Because this technology has a unique potential to accelerate the deployment of next generation thin film solar cell, we fully endorse this proposal. Should the technology be proven feasible, we would like to work with Sunvalley Solar, Inc. to aggressively bring this innovation into the market," said Mickey Liu, Sales Director from Baoding Tianwei Solarfilms Co.
In November 2010, Sunvalley Solar filed an application for an SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) grant offered by the Department of Energy (DOE). Sunvalley Solar proposed a "Surface Plasmon PV Concentrator" designed for PV cells. This will be the first PV concentrator based on surface plasmon resonance. This innovative design is based on Sunvalley Solar's patent pending technology. With further development, this technology could be commercialized in panel manufacturing and improve the efficiency of solar cells. The development of this technology continues to attract interest from manufacturers in China, like CEEG under China Sunergy (Nasdaq: CSUN) and Tianwei Solarfilms.
"We are very excited for the potential of this proposal in terms of its technological innovation, and the possibility of it providing high quality but cost effective nanofabrication tools. This new technology will certainly be beneficial to our company's applications," said Sally Fan, Sales Manager from CEEG, China Sunergy.
"As an end user as well as a developer of solar cell modules, Baoding Tianwei is delighted to see that Sunvalley Solar, Inc. is attempting to build such an innovative lithographic technology for the next generation of solar cell modules. Because this technology has a unique potential to accelerate the deployment of next generation thin film solar cell, we fully endorse this proposal. Should the technology be proven feasible, we would like to work with Sunvalley Solar, Inc. to aggressively bring this innovation into the market," said Mickey Liu, Sales Director from Baoding Tianwei Solarfilms Co.
Duke Energy and SunEdison Announce Completion of 17.2MW Solar Farm
BELTSVILLE, Md., Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy and Sun Edison LLC, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider and subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials (NYSE: WFR), announced today the activation of the final phases of a 17.2 megawatt (MW) solar farm in Davidson County, N.C.
Constructed in five phases and covering over 200 acres of land, the project is comprised of more than 63,000 photovoltaic solar panels and is expected to generate an estimated 28 million kilowatt-hours annually—enough energy to power more than 2,600 homes a year.
"Solar energy continues to increase in its importance to North Carolina customers," said Brett Carter, President, Duke Energy North Carolina. "Partnerships, like the one with SunEdison, have allowed Duke Energy to comply with North Carolina's solar requirements in a cost effective way."
The solar farm was made possible through a solar energy service agreement between SunEdison and Duke Energy where SunEdison designed and deployed the project and will be responsible for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility. Financing was made possible through lease financing provided by MetLife and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The project is rated at 17.2MW as measured in direct current, or 15.5MW as measured in alternating current.
"We are pleased to have provided financing to help complete this signature project while helping provide renewably sourced electricity to Duke Energy customers – many of whom are Bank of America customers, as well," said Todd Karas, President of Banc of America Public Capital Corp. "This project adds to the list of financing we've provided as part of Bank of America's 10-year, $20 billion business initiative focused on addressing climate change."
"SunEdison is proud to be working with Duke Energy in meeting its solar energy goals," stated Robert Reichenberger, U.S. Vice President of Utilities for SunEdison. "By bringing together the right people, technologies and financing solutions, SunEdison is able to make large-scale solar a reality for utilities and their customers across the globe."
Constructed in five phases and covering over 200 acres of land, the project is comprised of more than 63,000 photovoltaic solar panels and is expected to generate an estimated 28 million kilowatt-hours annually—enough energy to power more than 2,600 homes a year.
"Solar energy continues to increase in its importance to North Carolina customers," said Brett Carter, President, Duke Energy North Carolina. "Partnerships, like the one with SunEdison, have allowed Duke Energy to comply with North Carolina's solar requirements in a cost effective way."
The solar farm was made possible through a solar energy service agreement between SunEdison and Duke Energy where SunEdison designed and deployed the project and will be responsible for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the facility. Financing was made possible through lease financing provided by MetLife and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The project is rated at 17.2MW as measured in direct current, or 15.5MW as measured in alternating current.
"We are pleased to have provided financing to help complete this signature project while helping provide renewably sourced electricity to Duke Energy customers – many of whom are Bank of America customers, as well," said Todd Karas, President of Banc of America Public Capital Corp. "This project adds to the list of financing we've provided as part of Bank of America's 10-year, $20 billion business initiative focused on addressing climate change."
"SunEdison is proud to be working with Duke Energy in meeting its solar energy goals," stated Robert Reichenberger, U.S. Vice President of Utilities for SunEdison. "By bringing together the right people, technologies and financing solutions, SunEdison is able to make large-scale solar a reality for utilities and their customers across the globe."
JinkoSolar Announces Strategic Financing Agreement with Bank of China
SHANGHAI, Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE: JKS), a fast-growing vertically integrated solar product manufacturer with low-cost operations based in China, announced today that Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. ("Jiangxi Jinko"), one of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with the Bank of China ("BOC"), one of China's big four state-owned commercial banks, which contemplates potential credit facilities in the aggregate maximum amount of RMB50 billion to be granted to Jiangxi Jinko over a five-year period to support the Company's long-term growth and corporate development plans.
Detailed terms of the credit facilities and related credit agreements are subject to BOC's internal risk management requirements and operational regulations and will need to be negotiated before the relevant credit facilities may be granted.
"We are pleased to have the support of BOC as we look to capitalize on opportunities that will further strengthen our position as a leading solar product manufacturer," said Mr. Longgen Zhang, chief financial officer of JinkoSolar. "Following the successful registration of RMB600 million financing bonds with Industrial Bank, our strategic agreement with BOC reiterates JinkoSolar's successes and strong financial performance and highlights the confidence of Chinese financial institutions in our ability to continue delivering positive results. With the long-term financial support of BOC, we are confident we will deliver excellent results in 2011 as well as meet our long-term growth targets."
Detailed terms of the credit facilities and related credit agreements are subject to BOC's internal risk management requirements and operational regulations and will need to be negotiated before the relevant credit facilities may be granted.
"We are pleased to have the support of BOC as we look to capitalize on opportunities that will further strengthen our position as a leading solar product manufacturer," said Mr. Longgen Zhang, chief financial officer of JinkoSolar. "Following the successful registration of RMB600 million financing bonds with Industrial Bank, our strategic agreement with BOC reiterates JinkoSolar's successes and strong financial performance and highlights the confidence of Chinese financial institutions in our ability to continue delivering positive results. With the long-term financial support of BOC, we are confident we will deliver excellent results in 2011 as well as meet our long-term growth targets."
New Energy Announces Appointment of Solar-PV and Energy Harvesting Experts to Scientific Advisory Board
COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Energy Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: NENE), a developer of next-generation alternative and renewable energy technologies, today announced the appointments of widely-published expert and authority in solar photovoltaics, Dr. Steven Hegedus; and engineering and energy harvesting expert, Mr. Jerry Lynch, PE to the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Steven Hegedus, and Mr. Jerry Lynch, PE to our team,” stated John A. Conklin, President and CEO of New Energy Technologies, Inc. “As we advance SolarWindow™ and MotionPower™ in the clean-tech space, we can significantly benefit from utilizing the expertise these individuals bring to our technology and development, business expansion, and path towards commercialization.”
Today’s appointments follow New Energy’s recent announcements regarding efforts to advance the Company’s novel MotionPower™ and SolarWindow™ technologies towards commercialization.
Earlier this month, New Energy announced that its engineering teams are continuing the development of the Company’s first-of-its-kind MotionPower™ systems for generating electricity by capturing otherwise wasted kinetic energy of decelerating cars and trucks, such as at toll-booths, drive-thrus, stops signs, and truck weigh stations.
Additionally, scientists developing the Company’s novel SolarWindow™ technology, capable of generating electricity on see-thru glass windows, have achieved an important research breakthrough which could lead to improved efficiency, lower production costs and enhanced future commercial manufacturability of SolarWindow™.
Among important next steps in the development of SolarWindow™, is the methodology and techniques of applying the electricity-generating coatings, optimization of power output, and durability. The Company has also validated its power production output model, necessary for providing potential customers with a performance and economic model for calculating cost-savings associated with the application of SolarWindow™ to building facades; Dr. Steven Hegedus recently validated this SolarWindow™ early power production model.
Today, New Energy announced the appointment of Dr. Steven Hegedus and Mr. Jerry Lynch, PE to its Scientific Advisory Board.
Dr. Steven S. Hegedus, Research Scientist, Renowned Photovoltaics Expert
Dr. Hegedus is a Research Scientist at the Institute of Energy Conversion (IEC) at the University of Delaware (UD), the world’s oldest photovoltaic research laboratory.
Dr. Hegedus is credited with more than 90 scientific publications related to thin film solar cell fabrication, characterization, manufacturing methods and reliability studies, and has played an active role in the development of numerous solar cell technologies, which have subsequently been commercialized.
Important to the ongoing development of SolarWindow™, Dr. Hegedus has specific expertise related to optical enhancement, textured transparent conducive oxides (TCO), thin film device analysis and characterization, heterojunctions, and stability under accelerated degradation conditions.
Dr. Hegedus also serves as Principal Investigator of industry-funded programs targeting improved power output of solar cells through chemical processes. Working through commercial partnerships, Dr. Steven S. Hegedus has developed technologies to help characterize the stability of organic photovoltaic modules under varying environmental conditions, an important hurdle in ensuring long-term performance. He is the co-editor of the Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering.
Dr. Hegedus received a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 1977, a Masters in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UD.
Mr. Jerry Lynch, PE, Energy Harvesting and Engineering Expert
Mr. Jerry Lynch, P.E. is the principle engineer at Sigma Design Company located in Springfield New Jersey, and is currently serving as Lead Engineer in the development of New Energy’s MotionPower™-Express technology for generating electricity from the motion of cars and light trucks. Mr. Lynch is credited with developing early prototypes of the MotionPower™ system, and has worked to achieve significant performance and durability milestones.
Mr. Lynch has 25+ years of experience creating innovative designs, implementing process improvement and solving business problems. As a senior level manager, he has been responsible for all phases of new product development. He has significant experience in technology acquisitions and has assisted in launching 6 new manufacturing business ventures. He has been responsible for the design and successful launches of 100’s of innovative technical new products. Mr. Lynch has significant international experience on major projects in Abu Dhabi, UAE, France, The Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Spain. Over the past 7 years he has personally been involved in four pilot projects in the renewable energy sector, specifically in solar and hydrokinetic power generation.
Mr. Lynch is a licensed professional engineer in NY and NJ, and has authored numerous articles on design and industrial manufacturing. Jerry has been certified by NIST as a LEAN Manufacturing Expert and has helped over 20 firms develop smart manufacturing methods and approaches. He holds 4 US patents with two patents pending. He is a member of the American Filtration & Separation Society and served as the AFS National Chairman 2006-2007, other affiliations include Society of Manufacturing Engineers, ASME, and SNAME. Mr. Lynch serves on the Middlesex College Engineering Advisory Board and is on the Technical Advisory Board of “Filtration News”, an industrial trade magazine.
Mr. Lynch has a BS in Engineering from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, a MS in Business Management from Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ.
Mr. Lynch is the Lead Research and Development Engineer of the Company’s MotionPower™-Express system, designed for roadway installations where vehicles are required to decelerate or stop, and in the process, assists vehicles in slowing down. MotionPower™ captures the slowing vehicle’s motion (kinetic) energy before it is lost as brake heat and friction, and creatively converts this energy into ‘clean’, green electricity.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Steven Hegedus, and Mr. Jerry Lynch, PE to our team,” stated John A. Conklin, President and CEO of New Energy Technologies, Inc. “As we advance SolarWindow™ and MotionPower™ in the clean-tech space, we can significantly benefit from utilizing the expertise these individuals bring to our technology and development, business expansion, and path towards commercialization.”
Today’s appointments follow New Energy’s recent announcements regarding efforts to advance the Company’s novel MotionPower™ and SolarWindow™ technologies towards commercialization.
Earlier this month, New Energy announced that its engineering teams are continuing the development of the Company’s first-of-its-kind MotionPower™ systems for generating electricity by capturing otherwise wasted kinetic energy of decelerating cars and trucks, such as at toll-booths, drive-thrus, stops signs, and truck weigh stations.
Additionally, scientists developing the Company’s novel SolarWindow™ technology, capable of generating electricity on see-thru glass windows, have achieved an important research breakthrough which could lead to improved efficiency, lower production costs and enhanced future commercial manufacturability of SolarWindow™.
Among important next steps in the development of SolarWindow™, is the methodology and techniques of applying the electricity-generating coatings, optimization of power output, and durability. The Company has also validated its power production output model, necessary for providing potential customers with a performance and economic model for calculating cost-savings associated with the application of SolarWindow™ to building facades; Dr. Steven Hegedus recently validated this SolarWindow™ early power production model.
Today, New Energy announced the appointment of Dr. Steven Hegedus and Mr. Jerry Lynch, PE to its Scientific Advisory Board.
Dr. Steven S. Hegedus, Research Scientist, Renowned Photovoltaics Expert
Dr. Hegedus is a Research Scientist at the Institute of Energy Conversion (IEC) at the University of Delaware (UD), the world’s oldest photovoltaic research laboratory.
Dr. Hegedus is credited with more than 90 scientific publications related to thin film solar cell fabrication, characterization, manufacturing methods and reliability studies, and has played an active role in the development of numerous solar cell technologies, which have subsequently been commercialized.
Important to the ongoing development of SolarWindow™, Dr. Hegedus has specific expertise related to optical enhancement, textured transparent conducive oxides (TCO), thin film device analysis and characterization, heterojunctions, and stability under accelerated degradation conditions.
Dr. Hegedus also serves as Principal Investigator of industry-funded programs targeting improved power output of solar cells through chemical processes. Working through commercial partnerships, Dr. Steven S. Hegedus has developed technologies to help characterize the stability of organic photovoltaic modules under varying environmental conditions, an important hurdle in ensuring long-term performance. He is the co-editor of the Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering.
Dr. Hegedus received a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 1977, a Masters in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UD.
Mr. Jerry Lynch, PE, Energy Harvesting and Engineering Expert
Mr. Jerry Lynch, P.E. is the principle engineer at Sigma Design Company located in Springfield New Jersey, and is currently serving as Lead Engineer in the development of New Energy’s MotionPower™-Express technology for generating electricity from the motion of cars and light trucks. Mr. Lynch is credited with developing early prototypes of the MotionPower™ system, and has worked to achieve significant performance and durability milestones.
Mr. Lynch has 25+ years of experience creating innovative designs, implementing process improvement and solving business problems. As a senior level manager, he has been responsible for all phases of new product development. He has significant experience in technology acquisitions and has assisted in launching 6 new manufacturing business ventures. He has been responsible for the design and successful launches of 100’s of innovative technical new products. Mr. Lynch has significant international experience on major projects in Abu Dhabi, UAE, France, The Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Spain. Over the past 7 years he has personally been involved in four pilot projects in the renewable energy sector, specifically in solar and hydrokinetic power generation.
Mr. Lynch is a licensed professional engineer in NY and NJ, and has authored numerous articles on design and industrial manufacturing. Jerry has been certified by NIST as a LEAN Manufacturing Expert and has helped over 20 firms develop smart manufacturing methods and approaches. He holds 4 US patents with two patents pending. He is a member of the American Filtration & Separation Society and served as the AFS National Chairman 2006-2007, other affiliations include Society of Manufacturing Engineers, ASME, and SNAME. Mr. Lynch serves on the Middlesex College Engineering Advisory Board and is on the Technical Advisory Board of “Filtration News”, an industrial trade magazine.
Mr. Lynch has a BS in Engineering from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, a MS in Business Management from Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ.
Mr. Lynch is the Lead Research and Development Engineer of the Company’s MotionPower™-Express system, designed for roadway installations where vehicles are required to decelerate or stop, and in the process, assists vehicles in slowing down. MotionPower™ captures the slowing vehicle’s motion (kinetic) energy before it is lost as brake heat and friction, and creatively converts this energy into ‘clean’, green electricity.
Aide Solar Begins Phase 2 Expansion of its Solar Production Factory in China to Include 2GW of Module Capacity Housed in a Single Facility
TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In an ambitious move aimed at increasing its global customer base, Aide Solar (http://www.aidesolar.com/) today announced it has broken ground on the planned Phase 2 expansion of its existing 1 million sq. ft. poly and mono crystalline solar cell and PV module production factory in Xuzhou, China. The expansion calls for the addition of a new 947,225 square foot production facility that will be capable of housing 2GW of module capacity under a single roof when it begins production in the fourth quarter of 2011.
After completion of Phase 2 construction, Aide Solar’s existing facility in Xuzhou will be modified to house solar cell production lines only, allowing for future expansion of cell production. Both the existing facility and the newly planned adjacent solar module facility are located on a 600 acre campus owned by Aide Solar’s parent company, The PANJIT Group.
“We remain dedicated to delivering cost-effective and reliable solar products in a timely manner,” said Jason Fang, Chairman, Aide Solar. “Having 2GW of solar module capacity consolidated into a single facility on our campus will give Aide Solar a distinct competitive advantage in the area of cost and manufacturing efficiency and customer responsiveness.”
In addition to the expansion of its China production factory, Aide Solar established its North America headquarters in Tempe, Ariz., in March 2009 to address the forecasted growth projections in the U.S. market. Global solar photovoltaic demand is forecast to reach 20.4 GW in 2011, according to Solarbuzz®, an international solar energy market research and consulting company. According to the Solarbuzz Quarterly report, 10.6 GW of photovoltaics were installed in the first nine months of 2010, charting a course for a record year. As a result, Solarbuzz has increased its 2010 forecast to 16.3 GW for 2010, an outcome that would represent 117% growth on 2009.
“The expansion and consolidation of our module production capacity will enable us to have a larger impact on the supply of alternative energy options,” said Eddy Fang, director of World Sales and Marketing, Aide Solar. “Having so much module capacity in one single facility will represent a signature milestone in the industry and allow us to respond rapidly to the high volume and continued growth of the solar market that Aide Solar is seeing in the U.S. and around the world.”
After completion of Phase 2 construction, Aide Solar’s existing facility in Xuzhou will be modified to house solar cell production lines only, allowing for future expansion of cell production. Both the existing facility and the newly planned adjacent solar module facility are located on a 600 acre campus owned by Aide Solar’s parent company, The PANJIT Group.
“We remain dedicated to delivering cost-effective and reliable solar products in a timely manner,” said Jason Fang, Chairman, Aide Solar. “Having 2GW of solar module capacity consolidated into a single facility on our campus will give Aide Solar a distinct competitive advantage in the area of cost and manufacturing efficiency and customer responsiveness.”
In addition to the expansion of its China production factory, Aide Solar established its North America headquarters in Tempe, Ariz., in March 2009 to address the forecasted growth projections in the U.S. market. Global solar photovoltaic demand is forecast to reach 20.4 GW in 2011, according to Solarbuzz®, an international solar energy market research and consulting company. According to the Solarbuzz Quarterly report, 10.6 GW of photovoltaics were installed in the first nine months of 2010, charting a course for a record year. As a result, Solarbuzz has increased its 2010 forecast to 16.3 GW for 2010, an outcome that would represent 117% growth on 2009.
“The expansion and consolidation of our module production capacity will enable us to have a larger impact on the supply of alternative energy options,” said Eddy Fang, director of World Sales and Marketing, Aide Solar. “Having so much module capacity in one single facility will represent a signature milestone in the industry and allow us to respond rapidly to the high volume and continued growth of the solar market that Aide Solar is seeing in the U.S. and around the world.”
GSLO Expects Booming iPhone Sales to Drive Demand for Volt
NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GoSolarUSA (PinkSheets:GSLO) President and CEO Tyson Rohde said Tuesday that the company expects booming sales of Apple’s iconic iPhone to generate huge demand for accessories, including the Volt Solar Charger.
For the quarter ending in December, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) reported sales of 16.24 million iPhones, helping the electronics giant to rack up $6 billion in profits. Due to the announcement this month that the iPhone 4 will be available on the Verizon (NYSE:VZ) Wireless network for the first time beginning in February, some analysts predict that Apple could reach as many as 19 million iPhone activations this quarter and sell as many as 63 million of the industry-leading smartphones this year.
“It’s fair to say that Apple blew away expectations for its last quarter, due in large measure to strong sales of the iPhone,” Rohde said. “With the iPhone coming to the Verizon network, we’re quite confident that sales of the device will continue to grow. An unbelievable market is developing for iPhone accessories, and GoSolarUSA is poised to capitalize on it with the Volt Solar Charger.”
The Volt Solar Charger is an external battery pack that attaches to the iPhone and extends its battery life using a top-of-the-line, built-in solar panel. The Volt is capable of harvesting solar energy to charge all versions of the Apple iPhone with the same device. By capturing free, renewable solar power, the Volt recharges the iPhone’s battery first before charging its own internal battery, nearly doubling the smartphone’s talk time.
Earlier this month, GoSolarUSA signed a distribution agreement with Xiamen Solar Electronics (XSE), the Chinese developer of the Volt, giving GSLO exclusive North American distribution rights for the device. North America is the world’s largest market for iPhones and iPhone accessories.
“The average selling price for the iPhone 4 is $625,” Rohde said. “It’s a powerful electronic tool that represents a substantial investment being made by millions across the continent. We believe many of these iPhone users will also jump at the chance to invest in the Volt.”
The Volt includes a larger battery than many competitors and is the only iPhone battery pack known to the company to include a reception corrector. In order to charge the Volt Solar Charger after sunset, a USB cable will also be included with the device. Manufactured in red, black and white, the Volt will soon go on sale bundled with a one-year warranty.
GoSolarUSA is dedicated to aggressively acquiring, developing and marketing promising and potentially profitable technology. The Volt Solar Charger is a product of Xiamen Solar Electronics based in Xiamen, China. The iPhone is a product of Apple Inc. which competes in the global mobile electronics market against Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) and Research in Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM).
For more information, please visit www.GoSolarUSA.com/Investors.
For the quarter ending in December, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) reported sales of 16.24 million iPhones, helping the electronics giant to rack up $6 billion in profits. Due to the announcement this month that the iPhone 4 will be available on the Verizon (NYSE:VZ) Wireless network for the first time beginning in February, some analysts predict that Apple could reach as many as 19 million iPhone activations this quarter and sell as many as 63 million of the industry-leading smartphones this year.
“It’s fair to say that Apple blew away expectations for its last quarter, due in large measure to strong sales of the iPhone,” Rohde said. “With the iPhone coming to the Verizon network, we’re quite confident that sales of the device will continue to grow. An unbelievable market is developing for iPhone accessories, and GoSolarUSA is poised to capitalize on it with the Volt Solar Charger.”
The Volt Solar Charger is an external battery pack that attaches to the iPhone and extends its battery life using a top-of-the-line, built-in solar panel. The Volt is capable of harvesting solar energy to charge all versions of the Apple iPhone with the same device. By capturing free, renewable solar power, the Volt recharges the iPhone’s battery first before charging its own internal battery, nearly doubling the smartphone’s talk time.
Earlier this month, GoSolarUSA signed a distribution agreement with Xiamen Solar Electronics (XSE), the Chinese developer of the Volt, giving GSLO exclusive North American distribution rights for the device. North America is the world’s largest market for iPhones and iPhone accessories.
“The average selling price for the iPhone 4 is $625,” Rohde said. “It’s a powerful electronic tool that represents a substantial investment being made by millions across the continent. We believe many of these iPhone users will also jump at the chance to invest in the Volt.”
The Volt includes a larger battery than many competitors and is the only iPhone battery pack known to the company to include a reception corrector. In order to charge the Volt Solar Charger after sunset, a USB cable will also be included with the device. Manufactured in red, black and white, the Volt will soon go on sale bundled with a one-year warranty.
GoSolarUSA is dedicated to aggressively acquiring, developing and marketing promising and potentially profitable technology. The Volt Solar Charger is a product of Xiamen Solar Electronics based in Xiamen, China. The iPhone is a product of Apple Inc. which competes in the global mobile electronics market against Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) and Research in Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM).
For more information, please visit www.GoSolarUSA.com/Investors.
Envision Solar Enters into Alliance with Gaia Global SA
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Envision Solar International, Inc., (OTCBB:EVSI), a leading sustainable infrastructure designer and developer, announces it has entered into an alliance with GAIA Global SA, a Finnish/Swiss Cleantech and Sustainability Advisory firm with projects worldwide. The partnership will deliver Envision Solar’s LifePort® and LifeVillage™ integrated product, service and technology offerings to companies, international aid governmental agencies, and other organizations.
“Building on our body of advanced technology Solar Integrated Infrastructure and Building Systems (SIIBS), we originally pioneered the LifePort®, a modular, rapidly-deployable solar building system specifically developed to meet the growing demands of homeowners whose rooftops were not suited for photovoltaic arrays,” said Robert Noble, CEO of Envision Solar. “However, it quickly became apparent to us that such a versatile and scalable system, with the addition of battery storage capability, would be extremely useful in developing nations and inaccessible “off-grid” areas. LifeVillages can be deployed to build entire clean energy, self-sufficient communities, worldwide, with the unique possibility of having a significant role in eliminating energy poverty throughout the world.”
Electricity is scarce, unreliable or unavailable in many regions of the world, especially in remote areas. With the locally generated, clean solar energy that each LifeVillage provides the community, refrigeration, lighting, water purification, cell phone and computer charging, WIFI, WIMAX and other valuable “life elements.”
“LifeVillage is a holistic concept designed with existing clean technology. It offers a toolkit to basic human needs in rural, less developed or even by disaster affected regions,” said Swiss-based Gaia Global SA Managing Director Alain Schilli. “The potential is huge: one-fifth of humanity lives still in the dark, 3 billion people will need access to renewable fuels by 2015 and world population growth will put more pressure on energy or natural resources threatening long-term economic development. LifeVillage facilitates a dignified life for the neglected part of humanity which is especially affected by these global challenges.”
“Through our alliance with Envision Solar, we are laying the ground work for global outreach and the realization of LifeVillage’s full potential. We are working together on project concepts for two show case projects, one in an urban region in an advanced country and another in a developing country to be realized in 2011. We will be reviewing various technologies which are compatible with LifeVillage including advanced water purification technologies,” continued Schilli.
For more information about Envision Solar and LifeVillage™ visit www.envisionsolar.com.
“Building on our body of advanced technology Solar Integrated Infrastructure and Building Systems (SIIBS), we originally pioneered the LifePort®, a modular, rapidly-deployable solar building system specifically developed to meet the growing demands of homeowners whose rooftops were not suited for photovoltaic arrays,” said Robert Noble, CEO of Envision Solar. “However, it quickly became apparent to us that such a versatile and scalable system, with the addition of battery storage capability, would be extremely useful in developing nations and inaccessible “off-grid” areas. LifeVillages can be deployed to build entire clean energy, self-sufficient communities, worldwide, with the unique possibility of having a significant role in eliminating energy poverty throughout the world.”
Electricity is scarce, unreliable or unavailable in many regions of the world, especially in remote areas. With the locally generated, clean solar energy that each LifeVillage provides the community, refrigeration, lighting, water purification, cell phone and computer charging, WIFI, WIMAX and other valuable “life elements.”
“LifeVillage is a holistic concept designed with existing clean technology. It offers a toolkit to basic human needs in rural, less developed or even by disaster affected regions,” said Swiss-based Gaia Global SA Managing Director Alain Schilli. “The potential is huge: one-fifth of humanity lives still in the dark, 3 billion people will need access to renewable fuels by 2015 and world population growth will put more pressure on energy or natural resources threatening long-term economic development. LifeVillage facilitates a dignified life for the neglected part of humanity which is especially affected by these global challenges.”
“Through our alliance with Envision Solar, we are laying the ground work for global outreach and the realization of LifeVillage’s full potential. We are working together on project concepts for two show case projects, one in an urban region in an advanced country and another in a developing country to be realized in 2011. We will be reviewing various technologies which are compatible with LifeVillage including advanced water purification technologies,” continued Schilli.
For more information about Envision Solar and LifeVillage™ visit www.envisionsolar.com.
Jeffco Schools’ New 3MW Distributed Solar Array Expected to Reduce C02 Emissions by over 100 Tons
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jeffco Public Schools began producing renewable energy from their anticipated 3MW solar project this month, it was announced today by Jonathan Jaffrey, president of Renewable Social Benefit Funds (RSB Funds). The first six 100kW systems were placed in service on Arvada West High School, Bear Creek High School, Columbine High School, Lakewood High School, Mt. Carbon Elementary School, and the service center of the Education Center. Eventually, the school district will have 30 separate arrays running on facilities around the district.
“We are really pleased to be starting out the New Year 'greener' than the year before. Our schools are educating the next generation and now we are also helping to ensure a healthy environment for them as well,” said Thomas MacDonnell, energy manager of Jeffco Schools.
According to Jaffrey, the school district incurred no out-of-pocket expense and is receiving energy at a discount to its current energy cost. As energy rates rise over time, this fixed price arrangement will provide bigger and bigger benefits to Jeffco.
The solar arrays were financed by RSB Funds. Martifer Solar USA is the general contractor. The arrays were designed by Golden Power Partners, Inc., and roofing company Tecta is putting the systems together on the individual facilities.
“We are really pleased to be starting out the New Year 'greener' than the year before. Our schools are educating the next generation and now we are also helping to ensure a healthy environment for them as well,” said Thomas MacDonnell, energy manager of Jeffco Schools.
According to Jaffrey, the school district incurred no out-of-pocket expense and is receiving energy at a discount to its current energy cost. As energy rates rise over time, this fixed price arrangement will provide bigger and bigger benefits to Jeffco.
The solar arrays were financed by RSB Funds. Martifer Solar USA is the general contractor. The arrays were designed by Golden Power Partners, Inc., and roofing company Tecta is putting the systems together on the individual facilities.
Petra Solar Celebrates Grand Opening of World’s First Network Operations Center for Integrated Solar and Smart Grid Solutions
SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Petra Solar, the New Jersey based company whose SunWave™ systems combine distributed solar energy generation with Smart Grid communications and improved grid reliability features, celebrated today the grand opening of its Network Operations Center (NOC). The NOC will serve as Petra Solar’s command center where the company will use its Smart Grid management software to remotely monitor and control all solar and Smart Grid assets in the field, both in the U.S. and around the world.
With the advent of the NOC, Petra Solar can now offer utilities a highly skilled asset management service with which to monitor and manage their renewable and Smart Grid assets. The Center features an expert team operating state of the art command and control equipment and highly scalable, secure software applications for managing very large distributed deployments of SunWave systems over a wide geographic area. These Smart Grid management software applications offer our utility partners grid reliability and operational benefits that go beyond solar.
“The launch of Petra Solar’s Network Operations Center further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to solar and Smart Grid technology leadership and international expansion. With our state of the art NOC, we have the ability to remotely operate and monitor our SunWave systems and positively impact grid reliability around the world. Petra Solar’s engineers will be managing our systems on a 24/7 basis, continuously collecting critical data to provide premier service to our global utility customers,” said Dr. Shihab Kuran, Petra Solar President and CEO.
In addition to the NOC, Petra Solar has opened a showroom demonstrating SunWave units mounted on wood, concrete and aluminum utility and streetlight poles. Included in the showroom is a demo of Petra Solar’s Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems (SEGIS) technology, developed through a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. Through this innovative SEGIS technology, Petra Solar is creating solutions to enable the preservation of grid stability as the penetration of solar increases. This cutting edge development includes grid support functions achieved through an advanced energy platform with algorithms for dynamic reactive power control and grid stability assistance achieved through automated power control and storage management coordination.
Petra Solar's powerful product, pioneering people and strong business model form an exciting platform for building both environmental and economic sustainability around the globe. Its core solution, the SunWave system, is unique and innovative. With initial efforts focused on utilities, Petra Solar is creating a new category in the solar generation and Smart Grid fields while staying true to its commitment of green job creation.
With the advent of the NOC, Petra Solar can now offer utilities a highly skilled asset management service with which to monitor and manage their renewable and Smart Grid assets. The Center features an expert team operating state of the art command and control equipment and highly scalable, secure software applications for managing very large distributed deployments of SunWave systems over a wide geographic area. These Smart Grid management software applications offer our utility partners grid reliability and operational benefits that go beyond solar.
“The launch of Petra Solar’s Network Operations Center further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to solar and Smart Grid technology leadership and international expansion. With our state of the art NOC, we have the ability to remotely operate and monitor our SunWave systems and positively impact grid reliability around the world. Petra Solar’s engineers will be managing our systems on a 24/7 basis, continuously collecting critical data to provide premier service to our global utility customers,” said Dr. Shihab Kuran, Petra Solar President and CEO.
In addition to the NOC, Petra Solar has opened a showroom demonstrating SunWave units mounted on wood, concrete and aluminum utility and streetlight poles. Included in the showroom is a demo of Petra Solar’s Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems (SEGIS) technology, developed through a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. Through this innovative SEGIS technology, Petra Solar is creating solutions to enable the preservation of grid stability as the penetration of solar increases. This cutting edge development includes grid support functions achieved through an advanced energy platform with algorithms for dynamic reactive power control and grid stability assistance achieved through automated power control and storage management coordination.
Petra Solar's powerful product, pioneering people and strong business model form an exciting platform for building both environmental and economic sustainability around the globe. Its core solution, the SunWave system, is unique and innovative. With initial efforts focused on utilities, Petra Solar is creating a new category in the solar generation and Smart Grid fields while staying true to its commitment of green job creation.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sungevity Launches .org Website to Support Schools & Non-Profits, Help Local Communities Go Solar
OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungevity, the nation's fastest growing provider of residential solar installations, today announced the launch of Sungevity.org as an innovative way to help schools and non-profit organizations raise money while getting more homeowners to put solar on their rooftops.
Organizations can raise $1000 by bringing Sungevity new solar customers. For every customer that a participating non-profit or school sends Sungevity's way, the company donates $500 to the school or non-profit and gives the customer a $500 American Express gift card (or the organization can opt to collect the full $1000).
"Our online solar leasing system is designed to make it simple for homeowners to go solar," said Danny Kennedy, Sungevity Founder. "Like our dot.com site, the .org program now makes it easy for non-profits and schools to raise funds while getting their local communities to go solar. We are continuing to bring sunshine online with Sungevity's innovative, first-of-its-kind partnership that goes well beyond the bake sale."
To kick off Sungevity.org, the company is starting a partnership with the Westside Waldorf School in Pacific Palisades (Los Angeles) where Helen Hunt and Ed Begley, Jr. are hosting an event tonight at the school. Ms. Hunt is a Sungevity customer herself, having recently had a 7kW system installed on her home that is estimated to save her more than $200 per month on her electric bill.
Non-profits and schools can enroll in the Sungevity.org partnership through an easy online process that can be completed in minutes. In addition to the Westside Waldorf School and The Oaks School also in LA, non-profits engaging in the fundraising program include Rainforest Action Network, Green America, Clean Water Action and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. The money raised is typically used for general funds (e.g., supplies, etc.) that are sometimes hard to come by for budget-constrained schools and non-profits that usually rely on only one fundraiser per year.
Organizations can raise $1000 by bringing Sungevity new solar customers. For every customer that a participating non-profit or school sends Sungevity's way, the company donates $500 to the school or non-profit and gives the customer a $500 American Express gift card (or the organization can opt to collect the full $1000).
"Our online solar leasing system is designed to make it simple for homeowners to go solar," said Danny Kennedy, Sungevity Founder. "Like our dot.com site, the .org program now makes it easy for non-profits and schools to raise funds while getting their local communities to go solar. We are continuing to bring sunshine online with Sungevity's innovative, first-of-its-kind partnership that goes well beyond the bake sale."
To kick off Sungevity.org, the company is starting a partnership with the Westside Waldorf School in Pacific Palisades (Los Angeles) where Helen Hunt and Ed Begley, Jr. are hosting an event tonight at the school. Ms. Hunt is a Sungevity customer herself, having recently had a 7kW system installed on her home that is estimated to save her more than $200 per month on her electric bill.
Non-profits and schools can enroll in the Sungevity.org partnership through an easy online process that can be completed in minutes. In addition to the Westside Waldorf School and The Oaks School also in LA, non-profits engaging in the fundraising program include Rainforest Action Network, Green America, Clean Water Action and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. The money raised is typically used for general funds (e.g., supplies, etc.) that are sometimes hard to come by for budget-constrained schools and non-profits that usually rely on only one fundraiser per year.
Sonoma Mountain Village Recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council at the Highest Platinum Level
ROHNERT PARK, Calif., Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonoma Mountain Village earned the highest rating –Platinum–from the prestigious U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Developments (LEED® -ND) for its neighborhood design.
Codding, a real estate developer, contractor and investor in green building products and clean energy companies is planning to build Sonoma Mountain Village as one of the world's greenest neighborhoods. Plans for the 200-acre former factory site in Rohnert Park, California include creating a complete neighborhood with jobs and housing within an easy walk of daily needs, like groceries, daycare and restaurants.
The project has received additional awards, including the California Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for its efforts toward sustainability. In 2010, Sonoma Mountain Village also received top honors from the USGBC for LEED® Commercial Interiors at Comcast's zero-carbon Operations Center. This was one only 6 in the State to achieve this status.
LEED for Neighborhood Development is a certification program developed in collaboration with the Congress for New Urbanism and Natural Resources Defense Council that integrates the principles of smart growth, new urbanism and green building in the first national system for neighborhood design. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a development's location and design meet high standards of environmentally responsible, sustainable development.
"We look forward to working with Sonoma Mountain Village in the future to further our common mission of transforming land development and creating a greener world for future generations," stated S. Richard Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Currently the community has over 600,000 square feet of commercial office, warehouse and industrial space. The Sonoma Mountain Village Event Center is hosting events for the region, including annual public events by the Bike MS 2-day Ride, American Cancer Society and Sustainable Enterprise Conference.
Located at Sonoma Mountain Village and in its third year of independent operations, the Northbay's Innovation Hub (iHub) and Business Incubator currently houses 20 tenants. Business incubation has proven to be extremely effective at local economic development with 85% of companies locating within 5 miles of the incubator facility after graduation from the program. Genesis Steel Frame Solutions, part of the first graduating class of the program, will soon move into larger space within Sonoma Mountain Village to serve expanding demand for their panelized recycled cold-steel products and increased needs in engineering and estimating services. With exclusive Genesis technology rights in the United States, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, the 100% solar powered, zero waste factory at Sonoma Mountain Village has the company well-positioned to build out Sonoma Mountain Village, as well as office, homes, retail stores, laboratories and other buildings in the region.
Sonoma Mountain Village
Sonoma Mountain Village (http://www.somoliving.com) is a 200-acre, mixed-use, solar powered, zero waste community internationally recognized as the first One Planet Community in North America and one of the World's Greenest Neighborhoods.
Codding, a real estate developer, contractor and investor in green building products and clean energy companies is planning to build Sonoma Mountain Village as one of the world's greenest neighborhoods. Plans for the 200-acre former factory site in Rohnert Park, California include creating a complete neighborhood with jobs and housing within an easy walk of daily needs, like groceries, daycare and restaurants.
The project has received additional awards, including the California Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for its efforts toward sustainability. In 2010, Sonoma Mountain Village also received top honors from the USGBC for LEED® Commercial Interiors at Comcast's zero-carbon Operations Center. This was one only 6 in the State to achieve this status.
LEED for Neighborhood Development is a certification program developed in collaboration with the Congress for New Urbanism and Natural Resources Defense Council that integrates the principles of smart growth, new urbanism and green building in the first national system for neighborhood design. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a development's location and design meet high standards of environmentally responsible, sustainable development.
"We look forward to working with Sonoma Mountain Village in the future to further our common mission of transforming land development and creating a greener world for future generations," stated S. Richard Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Currently the community has over 600,000 square feet of commercial office, warehouse and industrial space. The Sonoma Mountain Village Event Center is hosting events for the region, including annual public events by the Bike MS 2-day Ride, American Cancer Society and Sustainable Enterprise Conference.
Located at Sonoma Mountain Village and in its third year of independent operations, the Northbay's Innovation Hub (iHub) and Business Incubator currently houses 20 tenants. Business incubation has proven to be extremely effective at local economic development with 85% of companies locating within 5 miles of the incubator facility after graduation from the program. Genesis Steel Frame Solutions, part of the first graduating class of the program, will soon move into larger space within Sonoma Mountain Village to serve expanding demand for their panelized recycled cold-steel products and increased needs in engineering and estimating services. With exclusive Genesis technology rights in the United States, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, the 100% solar powered, zero waste factory at Sonoma Mountain Village has the company well-positioned to build out Sonoma Mountain Village, as well as office, homes, retail stores, laboratories and other buildings in the region.
Sonoma Mountain Village
Sonoma Mountain Village (http://www.somoliving.com) is a 200-acre, mixed-use, solar powered, zero waste community internationally recognized as the first One Planet Community in North America and one of the World's Greenest Neighborhoods.
EnviroMission Intent for China Solar Tower Development
PHOENIX, Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- EnviroMission Limited (Pink Sheets: EVOMY) to maintain ownership of China Solar Tower development rights.
EnviroMission owns the rights to develop Solar Tower renewable energy power station technology in China and is party to a 20% non-diluting, free carried agreement to develop Solar Towers in China with Shanghai based EnviroMission investor/shareholder, Mr. Guo Xiang Ma, Chairman, Shanghai Xiang Jiang Company Limited.
EnviroMission shareholders did not return Mr. Ma as a non-executive director at the 2010 EnviroMission Annual General Meeting (AGM).
"Mr. Ma had served on the EnviroMission board since 2004; the outcome of the resolution was contrary to the recommendation put to shareholders by the board of EnviroMission.
"Shareholders exercised their right to determine the membership of the EnviroMission board; the outcome shouldn't be confused with EnviroMission's ongoing objectives for Solar Tower development in China.
"Despite speculation put to EnviroMission, there are no plans to sell EnviroMission's Solar Tower development rights for China.
"The recent $60,000,000 valuation of the Australian Solar Tower Intellectual Property, know-how and development rights was not sought to inform a sale of EnviroMission's Solar Tower development rights in China or other markets.
"The valuation of EnviroMission's Solar Tower Intellectual Property, know-how and development rights was sought to provide a value of the technically and commercially enhanced Solar Tower technology soon to be developed in the United States.
"EnviroMission is in the process of delivering the world's first Solar Tower renewable energy power station in Arizona and it's reasonable to expect success in the United States will add to the value of the technology and prospects for the development rights in other markets, particularly in China, where EnviroMission currently owns all development rights and has an active development relationship.
"Success in the United States would naturally impact a global development strategy," Roger Davey, EnviroMission Chief Executive said to clarify EnviroMission's overall development plans.
EnviroMission has a 200MW Power Purchase Agreement to sell electricity from the development of the first Solar Tower in Arizona to the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA); delivery of the Arizona Solar Tower development is EnviroMission's primary strategic intent.
EnviroMission owns the rights to develop Solar Tower renewable energy power station technology in China and is party to a 20% non-diluting, free carried agreement to develop Solar Towers in China with Shanghai based EnviroMission investor/shareholder, Mr. Guo Xiang Ma, Chairman, Shanghai Xiang Jiang Company Limited.
EnviroMission shareholders did not return Mr. Ma as a non-executive director at the 2010 EnviroMission Annual General Meeting (AGM).
"Mr. Ma had served on the EnviroMission board since 2004; the outcome of the resolution was contrary to the recommendation put to shareholders by the board of EnviroMission.
"Shareholders exercised their right to determine the membership of the EnviroMission board; the outcome shouldn't be confused with EnviroMission's ongoing objectives for Solar Tower development in China.
"Despite speculation put to EnviroMission, there are no plans to sell EnviroMission's Solar Tower development rights for China.
"The recent $60,000,000 valuation of the Australian Solar Tower Intellectual Property, know-how and development rights was not sought to inform a sale of EnviroMission's Solar Tower development rights in China or other markets.
"The valuation of EnviroMission's Solar Tower Intellectual Property, know-how and development rights was sought to provide a value of the technically and commercially enhanced Solar Tower technology soon to be developed in the United States.
"EnviroMission is in the process of delivering the world's first Solar Tower renewable energy power station in Arizona and it's reasonable to expect success in the United States will add to the value of the technology and prospects for the development rights in other markets, particularly in China, where EnviroMission currently owns all development rights and has an active development relationship.
"Success in the United States would naturally impact a global development strategy," Roger Davey, EnviroMission Chief Executive said to clarify EnviroMission's overall development plans.
EnviroMission has a 200MW Power Purchase Agreement to sell electricity from the development of the first Solar Tower in Arizona to the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA); delivery of the Arizona Solar Tower development is EnviroMission's primary strategic intent.
Solar Universe Raises $7.0 Million and Grows Team to Continue Expansion Across North America
LIVERMORE, Calif., Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Solar Universe, the nation's leading provider of residential and small business solar installations, today announced its $7.0 million in Series B funding, led by RockPort Capital Partners with returning founding investors. The company also announced that it has added Kevin Daughtery as EVP, Operations, and Laurie Anthony Baggio as Chief Development Officer. Proceeds from the financing will be used to expand Solar Universe's successful business into new geographies and product offerings.
"Solar Universe has proven its business model and has developed an impressive delivery platform without large amounts of capital, and we're excited to be supporting a group of entrepreneurs who have already built a significant business," said Abe Yokell, a Principal of RockPort Capital, who led the investment round and is joining the board. "With solar now a viable option for most homes and businesses, Solar Universe's approach for training and supporting locally owned and operated solar installers will help launch new solar businesses and ensure a high quality customer experience anywhere in North America. We believe its suite of solutions enables local entrepreneurs to perform at the highest levels, and will create explosive growth while creating thousands of green collar jobs."
"We're honored to add RockPort as a new investor. Our growing team will allow us to significantly expand our network of owner-operator solar businesses and to accelerate the roll out of new tools and initiatives," said Joe Bono, Founder and CEO of Solar Universe. "With this new round of financing, we look forward to adding more top entrepreneurs and contractors to our growing network. We currently offer virtually everything needed to build a successful solar franchise anywhere in the country – including lead generation, training, brand recognition, product distribution, customer financing, and software to manage both the front and back office functions."
Before joining Solar Universe, Daugherty was Vice President of Operations for Solar City, managing residential, commercial and government projects across all service areas. He has more than 25 years of management experience at companies such as Flextronics, Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. At Solar Universe, Daugherty is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Company's supply chain, quality control and logistics.
Baggio, a long-standing advisor and investor in Solar Universe, joins from 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, where he served as VP, Franchise Development since 2002 and more recently as COO. At Solar Universe, Baggio assumes responsibility for overseeing continued network growth, market development, channel partnerships and sales support, Solar Universe supports a network of two dozen solar franchises across California and in Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Louisiana.
"With a comprehensive support system and a brand that stands alone, we are able to outperform the competition," said Debbie Puku, an owner of the Livermore, California based franchise of Solar Universe. "The power of the Solar Universe Network allows us to have the backing of a fully equipped corporate office while maintaining a small town presence, and as local business owners, this couldn't be more important."
"Solar Universe has proven its business model and has developed an impressive delivery platform without large amounts of capital, and we're excited to be supporting a group of entrepreneurs who have already built a significant business," said Abe Yokell, a Principal of RockPort Capital, who led the investment round and is joining the board. "With solar now a viable option for most homes and businesses, Solar Universe's approach for training and supporting locally owned and operated solar installers will help launch new solar businesses and ensure a high quality customer experience anywhere in North America. We believe its suite of solutions enables local entrepreneurs to perform at the highest levels, and will create explosive growth while creating thousands of green collar jobs."
"We're honored to add RockPort as a new investor. Our growing team will allow us to significantly expand our network of owner-operator solar businesses and to accelerate the roll out of new tools and initiatives," said Joe Bono, Founder and CEO of Solar Universe. "With this new round of financing, we look forward to adding more top entrepreneurs and contractors to our growing network. We currently offer virtually everything needed to build a successful solar franchise anywhere in the country – including lead generation, training, brand recognition, product distribution, customer financing, and software to manage both the front and back office functions."
Before joining Solar Universe, Daugherty was Vice President of Operations for Solar City, managing residential, commercial and government projects across all service areas. He has more than 25 years of management experience at companies such as Flextronics, Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. At Solar Universe, Daugherty is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Company's supply chain, quality control and logistics.
Baggio, a long-standing advisor and investor in Solar Universe, joins from 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, where he served as VP, Franchise Development since 2002 and more recently as COO. At Solar Universe, Baggio assumes responsibility for overseeing continued network growth, market development, channel partnerships and sales support, Solar Universe supports a network of two dozen solar franchises across California and in Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Louisiana.
"With a comprehensive support system and a brand that stands alone, we are able to outperform the competition," said Debbie Puku, an owner of the Livermore, California based franchise of Solar Universe. "The power of the Solar Universe Network allows us to have the backing of a fully equipped corporate office while maintaining a small town presence, and as local business owners, this couldn't be more important."
ReneSola to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Results on March 1, 2011
JIASHAN, China, Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- ReneSola Ltd ("ReneSola" or the "Company") (NYSE: SOL), a leading global manufacturer of solar wafers and provider of solar modules, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2010 before the U.S. markets open on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.
ReneSola's management will host an earnings conference call on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 8 am U.S. Eastern Time （9 pm Beijing/Hong Kong time）.
Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:
U.S. / International:
+1-617-213-8896
Hong Kong:
+852-3002-1672
Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call. The passcode is "ReneSola Call".
A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following number until March 8, 2011:
International:
+1-617-801-6888
Passcode:
32962394
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of ReneSola's website at http://www.renesola.com.
About ReneSola
ReneSola is a leading global manufacturer of solar wafers and producer of solar power products based in China. Capitalizing on proprietary technologies, economies of scale, low-cost production capabilities and technological innovations and know-how, ReneSola leverages its in-house virgin polysilicon and solar cell and module production capabilities to provide its customers with high-quality, cost-competitive solar wafer products and OEM services. The Company possesses a global network of suppliers and customers that includes some of the leading global manufacturers of solar cells and modules. ReneSola's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SOL).
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
Ms. Feng Qi
ReneSola Ltd
Tel: +86-573-8477-3903
Email: feng.qi@renesola.com
Mr. Derek Mitchell
Ogilvy Financial, Beijing
Tel: +86-8520-6284
Email: derek.mitchell@ogilvy.com
In the United States:
Ms. Jessica Barist Cohen
Ogilvy Financial, New York
Tel: +1-646-460-9989
Email: jessica.cohen@ogilvypr.com
ReneSola's management will host an earnings conference call on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 8 am U.S. Eastern Time （9 pm Beijing/Hong Kong time）.
Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:
U.S. / International:
+1-617-213-8896
Hong Kong:
+852-3002-1672
Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call. The passcode is "ReneSola Call".
A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following number until March 8, 2011:
International:
+1-617-801-6888
Passcode:
32962394
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of ReneSola's website at http://www.renesola.com.
About ReneSola
ReneSola is a leading global manufacturer of solar wafers and producer of solar power products based in China. Capitalizing on proprietary technologies, economies of scale, low-cost production capabilities and technological innovations and know-how, ReneSola leverages its in-house virgin polysilicon and solar cell and module production capabilities to provide its customers with high-quality, cost-competitive solar wafer products and OEM services. The Company possesses a global network of suppliers and customers that includes some of the leading global manufacturers of solar cells and modules. ReneSola's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SOL).
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
Ms. Feng Qi
ReneSola Ltd
Tel: +86-573-8477-3903
Email: feng.qi@renesola.com
Mr. Derek Mitchell
Ogilvy Financial, Beijing
Tel: +86-8520-6284
Email: derek.mitchell@ogilvy.com
In the United States:
Ms. Jessica Barist Cohen
Ogilvy Financial, New York
Tel: +1-646-460-9989
Email: jessica.cohen@ogilvypr.com
eIQ Energy’s Parallel Solar Technology Chosen For 1.8 Megawatt Solar Power Installation in Murrieta, Calif.
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--eIQ Energy’s Parallel Solar technology has been selected for a new 1.8 megawatt solar power installation at a Bee Safe Storage facility in Murrieta, Calif., creating significant up-front cost savings and ongoing energy harvest benefits.
Installation will be completed by EcoOneEnergy of Escondido, Calif., using crystalline solar modules driving multiple inverters.
An array of this size requires thousands of solar modules. Traditionally, they would have been connected in series-wired strings (each typically containing a dozen or two modules), with each string being wired to a combiner box and then routed to an inverter.
By opting instead for the parallel wiring approach enabled by eIQ Energy’s vBoost DC-to-DC voltage optimizer, the need for cabling, combiner boxes, and other hardware is sharply reduced – as is the amount of labor needed during installation. Hardware savings alone on the Bee Safe Storage project will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, more than offsetting the cost of the eIQ Energy vBoost, which are installed on each panel or group of panels.
Over the lifetime of the installation, eIQ Energy’s Parallel Solar technology will also provide distributed MPPT, precision panel-level monitoring of performance, and Web-based access to operational data. The vBoost also eliminates power-sapping interactions between panels on the same string that have different output levels due to shading, soiling, aging, or other issues.
“The Parallel Solar approach was an obvious choice for this installation,” said Eugene Wilkie, CEO of EcoOneEnergy. “It freed up our designers to focus on what would provide the best power output, rather than having to worry about string architecture and voltage management. We’re also saving a substantial amount on combiner boxes, cable and conduit, and the snap-together connection on the vBoost modules are a tremendous time-saver.”
“As we approach the first anniversary of vBoost’s entry into the market, we’re seeing Parallel Solar gaining increasing traction in the marketplace,” noted eIQ Energy CEO Oliver Janssen. “The Bee Safe Storage project is our largest to date, and an indicator of the interest we’re seeing in commercial-scale installations where the cost savings really add up.”
“In addition to generating electricity, the trellis installation at Bee Safe Storage in Murrieta will provide valuable shading for a vehicle storage area located at the storage facility,” stated Mike Delaney, CEO of Bee Safe Storage.
Installation will be completed by EcoOneEnergy of Escondido, Calif., using crystalline solar modules driving multiple inverters.
An array of this size requires thousands of solar modules. Traditionally, they would have been connected in series-wired strings (each typically containing a dozen or two modules), with each string being wired to a combiner box and then routed to an inverter.
By opting instead for the parallel wiring approach enabled by eIQ Energy’s vBoost DC-to-DC voltage optimizer, the need for cabling, combiner boxes, and other hardware is sharply reduced – as is the amount of labor needed during installation. Hardware savings alone on the Bee Safe Storage project will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, more than offsetting the cost of the eIQ Energy vBoost, which are installed on each panel or group of panels.
Over the lifetime of the installation, eIQ Energy’s Parallel Solar technology will also provide distributed MPPT, precision panel-level monitoring of performance, and Web-based access to operational data. The vBoost also eliminates power-sapping interactions between panels on the same string that have different output levels due to shading, soiling, aging, or other issues.
“The Parallel Solar approach was an obvious choice for this installation,” said Eugene Wilkie, CEO of EcoOneEnergy. “It freed up our designers to focus on what would provide the best power output, rather than having to worry about string architecture and voltage management. We’re also saving a substantial amount on combiner boxes, cable and conduit, and the snap-together connection on the vBoost modules are a tremendous time-saver.”
“As we approach the first anniversary of vBoost’s entry into the market, we’re seeing Parallel Solar gaining increasing traction in the marketplace,” noted eIQ Energy CEO Oliver Janssen. “The Bee Safe Storage project is our largest to date, and an indicator of the interest we’re seeing in commercial-scale installations where the cost savings really add up.”
“In addition to generating electricity, the trellis installation at Bee Safe Storage in Murrieta will provide valuable shading for a vehicle storage area located at the storage facility,” stated Mike Delaney, CEO of Bee Safe Storage.
Abound Solar Receives MCS Certification and Enters UK Solar Market
LOVELAND, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Abound Solar, a leading manufacturer of cadmium telluride thin-film photovoltaic solar modules, announced today that it has received UK MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification for its AB1-series of photovoltaic modules. MCS certification enables photovoltaic systems using Abound modules to qualify for UK solar feed-in-tariffs The certification was awarded to Abound Solar following a demanding assessment of the production process and materials , and the rigor of quality controls over the manufacturing operations. Abound Solar’s modules have already received certifications under Underwriters Laboratories 1703, TÜV (IEC 61646, IEC 61730, IEC 61215) and the California Energy Comission (CEC).
“Total installed solar power capacity is growing significantly in the UK,” says Julian Hawkings, Abound Solar Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Abound Solar is very excited to be expanding to the market and expand on new and existing relationships with system integrators and project developers in the region.”
“Total installed solar power capacity is growing significantly in the UK,” says Julian Hawkings, Abound Solar Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Abound Solar is very excited to be expanding to the market and expand on new and existing relationships with system integrators and project developers in the region.”
NREL-Confirmed HelioVolt Monolithic Modules Lead Environmental Performance
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HelioVolt announced today the company’s first commercial modules have completed rigorous accelerated lifetime testing, with results showing degradation rates one to two orders of magnitude lower than typical module performance required to pass UL and IEC certification. The next generation thin film photovoltaics are based on HelioVolt’s proprietary CIGS manufacturing process designed to produce high efficiency modules. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently confirmed the company’s conversion efficiency of 11.8% for its monolithically integrated 1.2 x 0.6 meter module size (current HelioVolt cell efficiencies range between 14 - 15%).
HelioVolt said it has invested considerable resources to provide industry-leading module reliability and field performance. The products demonstrate a new benchmark required to maximize energy generation over the module’s lifetime, providing the lowest possible ¢/kWh energy cost.
“First Solar has shown that thin-film modules can deliver utility scale solar power at a compelling cost,” said Jim Flanary, HelioVolt’s CEO and former First Solar COO. “As the next generation of monolithic thin film products enters the market, we need to continue to build on the high efficiency and low-cost promise of CIGS and drive towards higher field performance and higher reliability standards.”
In addition to the rigorous accelerated lifetime testing that HelioVolt modules undergo, the company has invested in a rooftop test site at its factory in Austin, which serves as a model for in-the-field performance. The outdoor testing facility compares the performance of traditional multi-crystalline silicon modules alongside state-of-the-art thin film modules from a variety of manufacturers. Monitoring module electrical and physical characteristics in step with irradiance, ambient temperatures and humidity, HelioVolt has been tracking its module performance against its competition.
The test site is a demonstration of HelioVolt’s diligence to ensure delivery of reliable, competitive thin film modules. The data is available to the company’s partners for installation and solar project financial planning purposes. Company representatives will be presenting additional company and product updates at SPIE’s Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits XIII Conference Jan. 26-27 and Photon’s Thin Film Conference on Feb. 16th.
HelioVolt said it has invested considerable resources to provide industry-leading module reliability and field performance. The products demonstrate a new benchmark required to maximize energy generation over the module’s lifetime, providing the lowest possible ¢/kWh energy cost.
“First Solar has shown that thin-film modules can deliver utility scale solar power at a compelling cost,” said Jim Flanary, HelioVolt’s CEO and former First Solar COO. “As the next generation of monolithic thin film products enters the market, we need to continue to build on the high efficiency and low-cost promise of CIGS and drive towards higher field performance and higher reliability standards.”
In addition to the rigorous accelerated lifetime testing that HelioVolt modules undergo, the company has invested in a rooftop test site at its factory in Austin, which serves as a model for in-the-field performance. The outdoor testing facility compares the performance of traditional multi-crystalline silicon modules alongside state-of-the-art thin film modules from a variety of manufacturers. Monitoring module electrical and physical characteristics in step with irradiance, ambient temperatures and humidity, HelioVolt has been tracking its module performance against its competition.
The test site is a demonstration of HelioVolt’s diligence to ensure delivery of reliable, competitive thin film modules. The data is available to the company’s partners for installation and solar project financial planning purposes. Company representatives will be presenting additional company and product updates at SPIE’s Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits XIII Conference Jan. 26-27 and Photon’s Thin Film Conference on Feb. 16th.
n Addition to Geothermal, IKEA Plans to Install Solar Panels at Denver-Area Store Set to Open Fall 2011 in Centennial, Colorado
CENTENNIAL, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced solar energy is planned for its Denver-area store under construction in Centennial, CO. Pending governmental permits, installation of solar panels on the store’s roof will begin next month, with completion by grand opening in Fall 2011. REC Solar, one of the largest U.S. solar electric providers with more than 6,000 systems built nationwide including 16MW in the commercial retail sector, will design, build and install this solar energy system.
The 60,000-square-foot solar array will consist of a 498-kW system, built with 2,212 panels, and will produce approximately 740,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent to reducing 586 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) – equal to the emissions of 102 cars or providing electricity for 64 homes yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/ cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html). This effort by IKEA will contribute to the local utility’s renewable portfolio goals and will lower the carbon intensity of the electrical grid.
IKEA U.S. already has solar energy systems in Brooklyn, NY, Pittsburgh, PA and Tempe, AZ, and is installing systems at eight existing locations in California and two stores on the East Coast. Additionally, IKEA Centennial will be the first U.S. IKEA store to integrate a geothermal component as part of its heating/cooling system.
“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with solar panels on the future Centennial store,” said Doug Greenholz, IKEA U.S. real estate manager. “Similar to geothermal, solar energy will reduce greatly the new store’s energy costs and carbon footprint as well as contribute to our vision of creating a better everyday life for the many.”
IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and reflects a business and operating model designed to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates all locations regularly for energy conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works with Global Forest Watch to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material (paper, wood, plastic, etc.); incorporating environmental measures into the construction of buildings in terms of energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water conserving restrooms; and operationally, phasing out the sale of incandescent light bulbs and facilitating recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs.
Under construction on 13.5 acres along the western side of Interstate 25, north of the Park Meadows area, accessible from connections to Dry Creek Road and County Line Road, the 415,000-square-foot IKEA Centennial, with approximately 1,500 parking spaces, will present 10,000 exclusively designed items, three model home interiors, 50 room settings, a supervised children’s play area, a 500-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas throughout the store. Until the 415,000-square-foot IKEA Centennial opens, customers can shop in Draper, UT and Tempe, AZ or at IKEA-USA.com.
There are currently more than 300 IKEA stores in 38 countries, including 37 in the U.S. Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings company, has offered home furnishings and accessories of good design and quality at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. IKEA has been ranked among FORTUNE’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For”, Working Mother’s annual list of “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” and Training’s annual “Top 100” ranking of companies that excel at human capital development. TIME listed IKEA as one of the top eight most global eco-conscious companies. IKEA incorporates sustainable efforts into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, go to IKEA-USA.com.
The 60,000-square-foot solar array will consist of a 498-kW system, built with 2,212 panels, and will produce approximately 740,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent to reducing 586 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) – equal to the emissions of 102 cars or providing electricity for 64 homes yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/ cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html). This effort by IKEA will contribute to the local utility’s renewable portfolio goals and will lower the carbon intensity of the electrical grid.
IKEA U.S. already has solar energy systems in Brooklyn, NY, Pittsburgh, PA and Tempe, AZ, and is installing systems at eight existing locations in California and two stores on the East Coast. Additionally, IKEA Centennial will be the first U.S. IKEA store to integrate a geothermal component as part of its heating/cooling system.
“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with solar panels on the future Centennial store,” said Doug Greenholz, IKEA U.S. real estate manager. “Similar to geothermal, solar energy will reduce greatly the new store’s energy costs and carbon footprint as well as contribute to our vision of creating a better everyday life for the many.”
IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and reflects a business and operating model designed to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates all locations regularly for energy conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works with Global Forest Watch to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material (paper, wood, plastic, etc.); incorporating environmental measures into the construction of buildings in terms of energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water conserving restrooms; and operationally, phasing out the sale of incandescent light bulbs and facilitating recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs.
Under construction on 13.5 acres along the western side of Interstate 25, north of the Park Meadows area, accessible from connections to Dry Creek Road and County Line Road, the 415,000-square-foot IKEA Centennial, with approximately 1,500 parking spaces, will present 10,000 exclusively designed items, three model home interiors, 50 room settings, a supervised children’s play area, a 500-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas throughout the store. Until the 415,000-square-foot IKEA Centennial opens, customers can shop in Draper, UT and Tempe, AZ or at IKEA-USA.com.
There are currently more than 300 IKEA stores in 38 countries, including 37 in the U.S. Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings company, has offered home furnishings and accessories of good design and quality at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. IKEA has been ranked among FORTUNE’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For”, Working Mother’s annual list of “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” and Training’s annual “Top 100” ranking of companies that excel at human capital development. TIME listed IKEA as one of the top eight most global eco-conscious companies. IKEA incorporates sustainable efforts into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, go to IKEA-USA.com.
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