Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that W Solar Group Inc. will receive up to $28 million in Enterprise Zone tax credits from the Department of Commerce) to establish a manufacturing facility in Wisconsin and locate its corporate headquarters and research and development facilities in Dane County.
The company expects to create about 620 jobs between its headquarters, R&D and manufacturing facilities. The project represents a capital investment of more than $300 million.
The U.S. and international solar markets are expected to grow rapidly in the years ahead. Wisconsin is a national leader in solar installations. Among the companies the Department of Commerce has assisted are Cardinal Glass, 5NPlus, PDM Solar, ZBB Technologies and Helios.
“W Solar Group was attracted to Wisconsin early in our search for a project location,” Chris Hamrin, president and chief executive officer W Solar Group Inc., which will move to Wisconsin from Chatsworth, Calif. “We are impressed with the high quality workforce, extensive supply chain, and the commitment to producing world-class products. Making Wisconsin our home is the right decision, and W Solar’s goal is to be a great addition to the Wisconsin economy. Wisconsin’s role as a leading manufacturing state with hard-working people also contributed to our decision to make the Badger State the place to grow our company.”
The company has made a commitment to purchase materials and services from Wisconsin suppliers in an effort to create or retain additional jobs.
W Solar Group has a highly efficient technology for producing thin film solar panels on a large scale and at a lower cost than its competitors. The projected global market for solar panels will increase more than tenfold over the next decade, and the company anticipates about half of its production will be exported to overseas markets.
“I am really happy to announce the state will provide $28 million in Enterprise Zone tax credits to help W Solar establish a manufacturing facility in Wisconsin and create more than 600 jobs,” Doyle said. “W Solar choosing to locate its manufacturing facility in Wisconsin is a testament to the hard work we’ve done over the past eight years to build a strong sector of our economy around clean energy and high end manufacturing. This investment will create new business opportunities and jobs at suppliers throughout the region.”
Doyle has used the Enterprise Zones credits to help retain and create jobs at Quad/Graphics, Bucyrus
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
New Solar Technology Mimics Plant Life
A prototype solar device has been unveiled which mimics plant life, turning the Sun's energy into fuel.
The machine uses the Sun's rays and a metal oxide called ceria to break down carbon dioxide or water into fuels which can be stored and transported.
Conventional photovoltaic panels must use the electricity they generate in situ, and cannot deliver power at night.
Details are published in the journal Science.
The prototype, which was devised by researchers in the US and Switzerland, uses a quartz window and cavity to concentrate sunlight into a cylinder lined with cerium oxide, also known as ceria.
Ceria has a natural propensity to exhale oxygen as it heats up and inhale it as it cools down.
If as in the prototype, carbon dioxide and/or water are pumped into the vessel, the ceria will rapidly strip the oxygen from them as it cools, creating hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide.
Hydrogen produced could be used to fuel hydrogen fuel cells in cars, for example, while a combination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be used to create "syngas" for fuel.
It is this harnessing of ceria's properties in the solar reactor which represents the major breakthrough, say the inventors of the device. They also say the metal is readily available, being the most abundant of the "rare-earth" metals.
Methane can be produced using the same machine, they say.
Refinements needed
The prototype is grossly inefficient, the fuel created harnessing only between 0.7% and 0.8% of the solar energy taken into the vessel.
Most of the energy is lost through heat loss through the reactor's wall or through the re-radiation of sunlight back through the device's aperture.
But the researchers are confident that efficiency rates of up to 19% can be achieved through better insulation and smaller apertures. Such efficiency rates, they say, could make for a viable commercial device.
"The chemistry of the material is really well suited to this process," says Professor Sossina Haile of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). "This is the first demonstration of doing the full shebang, running it under (light) photons in a reactor."
She says the reactor could be used to create transportation fuels or be adopted in large-scale energy plants, where solar-sourced power could be available throughout the day and night.
However, she admits the fate of this and other devices in development is tied to whether states adopt a low-carbon policy.
"It's very much tied to policy. If we had a carbon policy, something like this would move forward a lot more quickly," she told the BBC.
It has been suggested that the device mimics plants, which also use carbon dioxide, water and sunlight to create energy as part of the process of photosynthesis. But Professor Haile thinks the analogy is over-simplistic.
"Yes, the reactor takes in sunlight, we take in carbon dioxide and water and we produce a chemical compound, so in the most generic sense there are these similarities, but I think that's pretty much where the analogy ends."
The machine uses the Sun's rays and a metal oxide called ceria to break down carbon dioxide or water into fuels which can be stored and transported.
Conventional photovoltaic panels must use the electricity they generate in situ, and cannot deliver power at night.
Details are published in the journal Science.
The prototype, which was devised by researchers in the US and Switzerland, uses a quartz window and cavity to concentrate sunlight into a cylinder lined with cerium oxide, also known as ceria.
Ceria has a natural propensity to exhale oxygen as it heats up and inhale it as it cools down.
If as in the prototype, carbon dioxide and/or water are pumped into the vessel, the ceria will rapidly strip the oxygen from them as it cools, creating hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide.
Hydrogen produced could be used to fuel hydrogen fuel cells in cars, for example, while a combination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be used to create "syngas" for fuel.
It is this harnessing of ceria's properties in the solar reactor which represents the major breakthrough, say the inventors of the device. They also say the metal is readily available, being the most abundant of the "rare-earth" metals.
Methane can be produced using the same machine, they say.
Refinements needed
The prototype is grossly inefficient, the fuel created harnessing only between 0.7% and 0.8% of the solar energy taken into the vessel.
Most of the energy is lost through heat loss through the reactor's wall or through the re-radiation of sunlight back through the device's aperture.
But the researchers are confident that efficiency rates of up to 19% can be achieved through better insulation and smaller apertures. Such efficiency rates, they say, could make for a viable commercial device.
"The chemistry of the material is really well suited to this process," says Professor Sossina Haile of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). "This is the first demonstration of doing the full shebang, running it under (light) photons in a reactor."
She says the reactor could be used to create transportation fuels or be adopted in large-scale energy plants, where solar-sourced power could be available throughout the day and night.
However, she admits the fate of this and other devices in development is tied to whether states adopt a low-carbon policy.
"It's very much tied to policy. If we had a carbon policy, something like this would move forward a lot more quickly," she told the BBC.
It has been suggested that the device mimics plants, which also use carbon dioxide, water and sunlight to create energy as part of the process of photosynthesis. But Professor Haile thinks the analogy is over-simplistic.
"Yes, the reactor takes in sunlight, we take in carbon dioxide and water and we produce a chemical compound, so in the most generic sense there are these similarities, but I think that's pretty much where the analogy ends."
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Arizona Solar Project Gets Fed OK
The first solar power plant in the United States capable of storing its own energy will service around 70,000 consumers in Arizona, the energy secretary said.
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced his department provided solar energy company Abengoa Solar with a $1.45 billion loan guarantee to build what's described as the largest solar power plant of its kind in the world.
"As today's announcement and other recent announcements of completed loan guarantees for wind and solar projects demonstrate, the department's loan program is gaining momentum, creating jobs in communities across the country while putting us on the path to a clean energy future," the secretary said in a statement.
The facility will produce enough energy to meet the demands of 70,000 households, the Department of Energy said.
The project company said the 250-megawatt facility "will include six hours of molten salt thermal energy storage capability, which will allow energy to be dispatched as needed during cloudy periods and after sunset."
Neither the Department of Energy nor Abengoa Solar gave any indication as to when the project would go commercial or when development would start.
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced his department provided solar energy company Abengoa Solar with a $1.45 billion loan guarantee to build what's described as the largest solar power plant of its kind in the world.
"As today's announcement and other recent announcements of completed loan guarantees for wind and solar projects demonstrate, the department's loan program is gaining momentum, creating jobs in communities across the country while putting us on the path to a clean energy future," the secretary said in a statement.
The facility will produce enough energy to meet the demands of 70,000 households, the Department of Energy said.
The project company said the 250-megawatt facility "will include six hours of molten salt thermal energy storage capability, which will allow energy to be dispatched as needed during cloudy periods and after sunset."
Neither the Department of Energy nor Abengoa Solar gave any indication as to when the project would go commercial or when development would start.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Nevada Solar Project Gets OK to Proceed
A solar energy project that will generate enough electricity for 75,000 homes in Nevada has been approved by the federal government.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project in Nye County is the ninth large-scale solar facility approved by the Obama administration in an effort to encourage renewable energy development on public lands in the West.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says construction of the 110-megawatt plant will create up to 500 jobs. Once finished, it will employ 50 in operations and management positions.
The project 13 miles northwest of Tonopah was proposed by Solar Reserve's Tonopah Solar Energy of Santa Monica, Calif.
It will encompass about 2,200 acres on land administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project in Nye County is the ninth large-scale solar facility approved by the Obama administration in an effort to encourage renewable energy development on public lands in the West.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says construction of the 110-megawatt plant will create up to 500 jobs. Once finished, it will employ 50 in operations and management positions.
The project 13 miles northwest of Tonopah was proposed by Solar Reserve's Tonopah Solar Energy of Santa Monica, Calif.
It will encompass about 2,200 acres on land administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Lancaster Baseball Going Solar
Some teams shoot for the moon. The Class A Lancaster JetHawks are targeting the sun.
Based in Lancaster, Cal. a city gunning to become known as the Alternative Energy Capital of the World, the JetHawks broke ground this week on a solar panel project designed to fulfill 98 percent of the energy needs at 14-year-old Clear Channel Stadium and save a projected $48,000 annually.
The JetHawks, an affiliate of the Houston Astros, are installing 1,500 4-by-6-foot solar panels atop a carport that is nearly 700 feet long. The concept is designed to store sunlight for use at night games at the 4,600-seat, city-owned ballpark. The project is expected to be completed this month.
Lancaster, a community of 146,000 in northern Los Angeles County, is planning the installation of solar energy devices at several other municipal facilities, including city and its performing arts center.
Clear Channel Stadium will be the first minor-league baseball stadium in California to go solar.
"Things like this take it out of the fringes and into the mainstream," Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parries told the Los Angeles Daily News. "It becomes an American ideal when the ballpark is operated by solar energy."
But while they're at it, they might want to look at harnessing wind energy as well.
The JetHawks ballpark is most famous for high winds, which routinely blow 40 mph during night games and can add 30 or more feet to the distance of fly balls.
By Seth Livingstone
Based in Lancaster, Cal. a city gunning to become known as the Alternative Energy Capital of the World, the JetHawks broke ground this week on a solar panel project designed to fulfill 98 percent of the energy needs at 14-year-old Clear Channel Stadium and save a projected $48,000 annually.
The JetHawks, an affiliate of the Houston Astros, are installing 1,500 4-by-6-foot solar panels atop a carport that is nearly 700 feet long. The concept is designed to store sunlight for use at night games at the 4,600-seat, city-owned ballpark. The project is expected to be completed this month.
Lancaster, a community of 146,000 in northern Los Angeles County, is planning the installation of solar energy devices at several other municipal facilities, including city and its performing arts center.
Clear Channel Stadium will be the first minor-league baseball stadium in California to go solar.
"Things like this take it out of the fringes and into the mainstream," Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parries told the Los Angeles Daily News. "It becomes an American ideal when the ballpark is operated by solar energy."
But while they're at it, they might want to look at harnessing wind energy as well.
The JetHawks ballpark is most famous for high winds, which routinely blow 40 mph during night games and can add 30 or more feet to the distance of fly balls.
By Seth Livingstone
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Rural School Goes Solar
Even before Town Meeting voted to make Natick a Green Community in the spring, the town has been looking for opportunities to use green technologies around town.
But this year the town has started use the $175,000 boost from the state to lay the groundwork for more green energy projects in Natick.
Natick has opened a relationship with the company Ameresco, which will install, own and operate a photovoltaic solar array on the roof of Kennedy Middle School. The town has agreed to buy the electricity the solar panels generate at between $.03 and $.06 per kilowatt hour, much lower than the current rate of $.18, and saving the town more than $15,000 per year in electricity costs.
In return, Ameresco gets $74,000 from the state Green Communities grant, and rights to trade the state and federal energy tax credits. The solar array will be placed on Kennedy’s roof in the summer of 2011.
Part of Natick’s deal with Ameresco is to explore similar opportunities on the other town-owned buildings according to Bob Bois, the town’s conservation agent.
“Phase two is to evaluate solar and to select solar sites on the other 18 or 19 town buildings, or a solar generation site at the gravel pit,” Bois said.
The Natick Community Organic Farm, which has been using solar greenhouses to grow salad greens through the winters for decades, has had solar panels on the barn roof since 2008. Before the panels were installed, the farm’s electricity costs exceeded $8,000, executive director Lynda Simkins said. This year, the electricity costs at the farm are closer to $2,700, she said.
“It’s been very beneficial for us; it’s very beneficial to put these alternative energy projects on public land, so the community can see them,” Simkins said.
The new Natick High School and the new Senior Center are also being built with energy efficiency as a top priority. The high school is striving for a platinum-level LEED certification - the highest possible designation - and has several energy saving methods planned.
The school will have it’s own solar array, and will feature a “gray water” system that captures an estimated 600,000 gallons of rainwater a year to use for flushing toilets and other non-drinking uses. Rooms in the new school will have smart controls that will shut off lights and regulate temperature, and the building will maximize sunlight for day lighting and heat.
Peter Sanchioni, Natick’s superintendent of schools, said much of the reason the district chose to model the new high school on the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School in Whitman was it’s incredible energy efficiency.
“It’s going to cost us less than the current building, thanks to these systems,” Sanchioni said. “We looked at all the models, and this was one of the most energy efficient buildings out there.”
Bois said the town is also exploring the possibility of having an electric car charging station at the new high school; Boise said Natick is looking at several different locations for a charging station, planning for future needs of electric-only vehicles.
Replacing the current fleet of vehicles is another large opportunity for the town to save on energy costs, Bois said. There are 17 vehicles currently in use that will be replaced by either a hybrid/electric vehicle, or a more fuel efficient model.
The town is also replacing older fixtures with more efficient lighting, upgrading motors in water pumps and finding other opportunities to get more energy efficient.
Bois said the town has reduced its energy use by 8 percent since 2005, and greenhouse gas production by 7 percent.
“We’ve taken on the cause, and pushed the envelope,” Bois said. “Those to projects are an example of walking the walk.”
But this year the town has started use the $175,000 boost from the state to lay the groundwork for more green energy projects in Natick.
Natick has opened a relationship with the company Ameresco, which will install, own and operate a photovoltaic solar array on the roof of Kennedy Middle School. The town has agreed to buy the electricity the solar panels generate at between $.03 and $.06 per kilowatt hour, much lower than the current rate of $.18, and saving the town more than $15,000 per year in electricity costs.
In return, Ameresco gets $74,000 from the state Green Communities grant, and rights to trade the state and federal energy tax credits. The solar array will be placed on Kennedy’s roof in the summer of 2011.
Part of Natick’s deal with Ameresco is to explore similar opportunities on the other town-owned buildings according to Bob Bois, the town’s conservation agent.
“Phase two is to evaluate solar and to select solar sites on the other 18 or 19 town buildings, or a solar generation site at the gravel pit,” Bois said.
The Natick Community Organic Farm, which has been using solar greenhouses to grow salad greens through the winters for decades, has had solar panels on the barn roof since 2008. Before the panels were installed, the farm’s electricity costs exceeded $8,000, executive director Lynda Simkins said. This year, the electricity costs at the farm are closer to $2,700, she said.
“It’s been very beneficial for us; it’s very beneficial to put these alternative energy projects on public land, so the community can see them,” Simkins said.
The new Natick High School and the new Senior Center are also being built with energy efficiency as a top priority. The high school is striving for a platinum-level LEED certification - the highest possible designation - and has several energy saving methods planned.
The school will have it’s own solar array, and will feature a “gray water” system that captures an estimated 600,000 gallons of rainwater a year to use for flushing toilets and other non-drinking uses. Rooms in the new school will have smart controls that will shut off lights and regulate temperature, and the building will maximize sunlight for day lighting and heat.
Peter Sanchioni, Natick’s superintendent of schools, said much of the reason the district chose to model the new high school on the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School in Whitman was it’s incredible energy efficiency.
“It’s going to cost us less than the current building, thanks to these systems,” Sanchioni said. “We looked at all the models, and this was one of the most energy efficient buildings out there.”
Bois said the town is also exploring the possibility of having an electric car charging station at the new high school; Boise said Natick is looking at several different locations for a charging station, planning for future needs of electric-only vehicles.
Replacing the current fleet of vehicles is another large opportunity for the town to save on energy costs, Bois said. There are 17 vehicles currently in use that will be replaced by either a hybrid/electric vehicle, or a more fuel efficient model.
The town is also replacing older fixtures with more efficient lighting, upgrading motors in water pumps and finding other opportunities to get more energy efficient.
Bois said the town has reduced its energy use by 8 percent since 2005, and greenhouse gas production by 7 percent.
“We’ve taken on the cause, and pushed the envelope,” Bois said. “Those to projects are an example of walking the walk.”
Thursday, December 16, 2010
US Approval for Solar Development
The U.S. government gave preliminary approval for solar energy projects at 24 sites on federal land in six states, potentially accelerating the development process.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and the Environmental Protection Agency, announced the "solar energy zones" during a conference call today.
Approving sites before energy companies seek permission to build on them means developers may avoid such expensive and time-consuming steps as evaluating the potential impact upon the environment and identifying the best use of existing transmission lines.
“We are working hard to rapidly and responsibly develop renewable energy on public lands,” Salazar said today on a conference call. The sites could support up to 24,000 megawatts of solar power on 214,000 acres, he said.
Salazar last month began a similar study of optimal areas to place wind turbines off the Atlantic Coast, resolving potential conflicts with state and environmental regulators over shipping lanes, bird migration paths and tourism.
The streamlined process for approving solar parks on federal may help developers such as BrightSource Energy Inc. and NTR Plc’s Tessera Solar, which are building some of the 1,800 megawatts of projects approved by the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management in the past two months.
For solar projects, federal agencies evaluated 675,000 acres for potential development in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.
Environmental groups objected to some of the sites, saying they are too close to national parks or could endanger sensitive wildlife populations. One such area is the 110,000-acre Iron Mountain zone, which is located between the Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave Desert National Preserve.
The Wilderness Society studied the 24 areas initially suggested by the Bureau of Land Management and identified just five zones where it supported solar development.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and the Environmental Protection Agency, announced the "solar energy zones" during a conference call today.
Approving sites before energy companies seek permission to build on them means developers may avoid such expensive and time-consuming steps as evaluating the potential impact upon the environment and identifying the best use of existing transmission lines.
“We are working hard to rapidly and responsibly develop renewable energy on public lands,” Salazar said today on a conference call. The sites could support up to 24,000 megawatts of solar power on 214,000 acres, he said.
Salazar last month began a similar study of optimal areas to place wind turbines off the Atlantic Coast, resolving potential conflicts with state and environmental regulators over shipping lanes, bird migration paths and tourism.
The streamlined process for approving solar parks on federal may help developers such as BrightSource Energy Inc. and NTR Plc’s Tessera Solar, which are building some of the 1,800 megawatts of projects approved by the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management in the past two months.
For solar projects, federal agencies evaluated 675,000 acres for potential development in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.
Environmental groups objected to some of the sites, saying they are too close to national parks or could endanger sensitive wildlife populations. One such area is the 110,000-acre Iron Mountain zone, which is located between the Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave Desert National Preserve.
The Wilderness Society studied the 24 areas initially suggested by the Bureau of Land Management and identified just five zones where it supported solar development.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Malaysia Solar Panels
IPOH: Malaysia is currently fine-tuning a blueprint to attract high-value capital intensive investments in solar energy production.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Government was working on building strong research and development (R&D) to support innovation in the solar production value chain.
Government agencies will provide the necessary support platform to identify research areas, he said before officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony of Twin Creeks Malaysia Sdn Bhd's RM1bil high-power solar cells production plant in the Kanthan Industrial Area here yesterday.
He said the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry had established a solar R&D laboratory to innovate the next generation thin film and crystalline solar technology.
At the same time, the ministry via Sirim is also establishing a shared solar test centre, which will provide product certification required and lowering the individual cost of establishing solar manufacturing operations, he added.
Muhyiddin pointed out that solar had been identified in Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) roadmap as a major growth area for the country.
By 2020, earmarked Entry Point Projects for the solar industry are expected to provide Gross National Income of RM13.9bil and creating 55,000 jobs, he said.
However, it will require about RM28bil in private investments and a further RM2.9bil in public investments, he added.
Muhyiddin said the solar industry has vast potential for growth.
Solar energy is becoming more economically attractive as technology improves and the cost of electricity generated by fossil fuels rises, he said.
It is more economical in the long run to generate solar power even though the starting cost is high, said Muhyiddin.
Muhyiddin said Malaysia had already attracted several companies manufacturing solar panels and providing raw materials to be used in the industry.
Malaysia is an attractive country as we offer good and customised incentives and we also have adequate skilled manpower, he said.
He also noted that Twin Creeks' foray into Perak was another development that has potential and that the state could be the hub to produce solar energy in the future.
Twin Creeks Malaysia is a joint venture (JV) between US-based Twin Creeks Technologies Inc, Perak State Development Corp and a state government subsidiary, The Red Solar (M) Sdn Bhd.
Red Solar executive chairman Datuk Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff said the JV was signed in June this year to manufacture solar cells, using Twin Creeks' patented technology.
Rais Hussin, who is also Twin Creeks Malaysia chairman and director, said Red Solar would be the exclusive distributor for the solar cells and panels produced by Twin Creeks Malaysia for the country and South-East Asia.
Phase one of the plant would begin with a production capacity of 100 MW in 2012, which would be raised to 500 MW in 2014.
The plant will create 1,000 jobs involving 500 semi-skilled workers, 200 in engineering and the rest in management and supervision.
Twin Creeks Malaysia planned to continue with the second phase construction of the plant in 2015 on 15ha stretching to Perak Hi-Tech Park.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Government was working on building strong research and development (R&D) to support innovation in the solar production value chain.
Government agencies will provide the necessary support platform to identify research areas, he said before officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony of Twin Creeks Malaysia Sdn Bhd's RM1bil high-power solar cells production plant in the Kanthan Industrial Area here yesterday.
He said the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry had established a solar R&D laboratory to innovate the next generation thin film and crystalline solar technology.
At the same time, the ministry via Sirim is also establishing a shared solar test centre, which will provide product certification required and lowering the individual cost of establishing solar manufacturing operations, he added.
Muhyiddin pointed out that solar had been identified in Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) roadmap as a major growth area for the country.
By 2020, earmarked Entry Point Projects for the solar industry are expected to provide Gross National Income of RM13.9bil and creating 55,000 jobs, he said.
However, it will require about RM28bil in private investments and a further RM2.9bil in public investments, he added.
Muhyiddin said the solar industry has vast potential for growth.
Solar energy is becoming more economically attractive as technology improves and the cost of electricity generated by fossil fuels rises, he said.
It is more economical in the long run to generate solar power even though the starting cost is high, said Muhyiddin.
Muhyiddin said Malaysia had already attracted several companies manufacturing solar panels and providing raw materials to be used in the industry.
Malaysia is an attractive country as we offer good and customised incentives and we also have adequate skilled manpower, he said.
He also noted that Twin Creeks' foray into Perak was another development that has potential and that the state could be the hub to produce solar energy in the future.
Twin Creeks Malaysia is a joint venture (JV) between US-based Twin Creeks Technologies Inc, Perak State Development Corp and a state government subsidiary, The Red Solar (M) Sdn Bhd.
Red Solar executive chairman Datuk Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff said the JV was signed in June this year to manufacture solar cells, using Twin Creeks' patented technology.
Rais Hussin, who is also Twin Creeks Malaysia chairman and director, said Red Solar would be the exclusive distributor for the solar cells and panels produced by Twin Creeks Malaysia for the country and South-East Asia.
Phase one of the plant would begin with a production capacity of 100 MW in 2012, which would be raised to 500 MW in 2014.
The plant will create 1,000 jobs involving 500 semi-skilled workers, 200 in engineering and the rest in management and supervision.
Twin Creeks Malaysia planned to continue with the second phase construction of the plant in 2015 on 15ha stretching to Perak Hi-Tech Park.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Solar Projects for New Jersey
Solar energy is the cool, new kid in the Lehigh Valley and northwest New Jersey right now.
Roughly 20 solar energy projects have been proposed or finished in the region during the last year."(We) have more projects going on now than we ever have," said Jennifer Beattie, a marketing coordinator for Vanguard Energy Partners, a New Jersey-based company that opened a Bethlehem office in June.
Residents, worried about solar farms' effect on their property values and other issues, are less-excited about the trend.
Read the complete report: Several of region’s solar power projects spurring opposition.
Immobile solar panels serve the purpose, but solar panels that track the sun are more space-efficient and equally effective, according to Leo Day, of Quality Industrial Services.
His company represents MGK Solar, the Brookville, Pa.,-based business.
"Most of the systems that you see out there are fixed systems ... that’s what they’re used to seeing," he said, referring to people who express concerns about the footprint created by a solar farm. "They don’t really know of anything else. What I’m trying to do is offer an option."
Roughly 20 solar energy projects have been proposed or finished in the region during the last year."(We) have more projects going on now than we ever have," said Jennifer Beattie, a marketing coordinator for Vanguard Energy Partners, a New Jersey-based company that opened a Bethlehem office in June.
Residents, worried about solar farms' effect on their property values and other issues, are less-excited about the trend.
Read the complete report: Several of region’s solar power projects spurring opposition.
Immobile solar panels serve the purpose, but solar panels that track the sun are more space-efficient and equally effective, according to Leo Day, of Quality Industrial Services.
His company represents MGK Solar, the Brookville, Pa.,-based business.
"Most of the systems that you see out there are fixed systems ... that’s what they’re used to seeing," he said, referring to people who express concerns about the footprint created by a solar farm. "They don’t really know of anything else. What I’m trying to do is offer an option."
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Solar Tax Credits and Politics
Solar and wind advocates hailed the United States Senate’s move Thursday night to extend for another year a key incentive program for big renewable energy projects. But they warned that another provision of the tax compromise under consideration could devastate the industry.
First the good news for green energy proponents: If the tax bill passes in its present form, developers will be able to receive through 2011 a federal cash grant to cover 30 percent of the cost of solar power plants, wind farms and other large renewable energy projects.
Enacted as part of the 2009 stimulus package, the Treasury cash grant “1603” program was offered as an alternative to a 30 percent investment tax credit that few developers had use for as they typically have no profits to offset. And so-called tax equity investors who would buy those credits from renewable energy developers in exchange for financing their projects largely disappeared as the recession took hold.
The cash grant program is set to expire at midnight on Dec. 31, which led California and federal regulators to green light nearly 3,000 megawatts’ worth of solar power plants over the past three months, with two more projects expected to be approved next week.
But that building boom is likely to go bust unless the cash grant program is extended.
“An extension of the program will keep our U.S. industry growing and help achieve the industry’s goal of installing enough new solar energy to power 2 million new homes each year by 2015,” Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association, a Washington, D.C., trade group, said in a statement Friday. “The program has allowed the solar industry to grow by over 100 percent in 2010, create enough new solar capacity to power 200,000 homes and double domestic solar employment to more than 93,000 Americans.”
Of course, this time next year, the solar and wind industries would find themselves in the same exact position. Congress’ failure in past years to enact a long-term extension of a production tax credit for wind developers, for instance, led to a cycle of boom and bust as the tax credit would expire and then later be revived for another year or two.
The industry views cash grants as a more efficient way to fund renewable energy projects than the complicated tax equity market. But in any event, Resch told me last month that if the cash grant is extended another two years, the tax equity market should have recovered enough to provide sufficient financing for solar power plants and wind farms.
Now the bad news: As part of the tax compromise, the Senate is considering allowing companies to claim 100 percent depreciation on capital equipment purchased for the next two years. So far, no concrete language has been written into the bill but the idea is to goose the economy by spurring big-ticket purchases of machinery that can be written off a company’s taxes in one year rather than, say, a decade.
Entrepreneurs like Lyndon Rive, chief executive of SolarCity, a Silicon Valley solar installer, fear that tax equity investors will lose whatever appetite they had for renewable energy projects if they can buy assets that can be depreciated immediately.
“The solar industry is tiny compared to other capitalized assets corporate America buys,” Rive said in an interview. “They won’t buy them because they won’t need to buy them. It will depress demand for solar assets.”
The wouldn’t be a problem next year if the cash grant is extended but would be devastating in 2012 if 100 percent depreciation is available but the cash grant is not, according to Rive.
“It’s great for corporate America but it will be death for solar – it will be worse than financial crisis,” he said.
First the good news for green energy proponents: If the tax bill passes in its present form, developers will be able to receive through 2011 a federal cash grant to cover 30 percent of the cost of solar power plants, wind farms and other large renewable energy projects.
Enacted as part of the 2009 stimulus package, the Treasury cash grant “1603” program was offered as an alternative to a 30 percent investment tax credit that few developers had use for as they typically have no profits to offset. And so-called tax equity investors who would buy those credits from renewable energy developers in exchange for financing their projects largely disappeared as the recession took hold.
The cash grant program is set to expire at midnight on Dec. 31, which led California and federal regulators to green light nearly 3,000 megawatts’ worth of solar power plants over the past three months, with two more projects expected to be approved next week.
But that building boom is likely to go bust unless the cash grant program is extended.
“An extension of the program will keep our U.S. industry growing and help achieve the industry’s goal of installing enough new solar energy to power 2 million new homes each year by 2015,” Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association, a Washington, D.C., trade group, said in a statement Friday. “The program has allowed the solar industry to grow by over 100 percent in 2010, create enough new solar capacity to power 200,000 homes and double domestic solar employment to more than 93,000 Americans.”
Of course, this time next year, the solar and wind industries would find themselves in the same exact position. Congress’ failure in past years to enact a long-term extension of a production tax credit for wind developers, for instance, led to a cycle of boom and bust as the tax credit would expire and then later be revived for another year or two.
The industry views cash grants as a more efficient way to fund renewable energy projects than the complicated tax equity market. But in any event, Resch told me last month that if the cash grant is extended another two years, the tax equity market should have recovered enough to provide sufficient financing for solar power plants and wind farms.
Now the bad news: As part of the tax compromise, the Senate is considering allowing companies to claim 100 percent depreciation on capital equipment purchased for the next two years. So far, no concrete language has been written into the bill but the idea is to goose the economy by spurring big-ticket purchases of machinery that can be written off a company’s taxes in one year rather than, say, a decade.
Entrepreneurs like Lyndon Rive, chief executive of SolarCity, a Silicon Valley solar installer, fear that tax equity investors will lose whatever appetite they had for renewable energy projects if they can buy assets that can be depreciated immediately.
“The solar industry is tiny compared to other capitalized assets corporate America buys,” Rive said in an interview. “They won’t buy them because they won’t need to buy them. It will depress demand for solar assets.”
The wouldn’t be a problem next year if the cash grant is extended but would be devastating in 2012 if 100 percent depreciation is available but the cash grant is not, according to Rive.
“It’s great for corporate America but it will be death for solar – it will be worse than financial crisis,” he said.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Solar Promotion in Southern California
Acro Energy Technologies Corp. has joined Wells Fargo to help bring solar energy to Southern California homeowners.
Through the end of the year, Acro Energy and Wells Fargo are offering up to $1,000 in incentives to qualified Southern California homeowners who advance funds from a home equity loan or line of credit in the amount of $15,000 or more to finance the installation of a solar power system.
In addition, Acro Energy is extending to these homeowners its "Instant Solar" rebate program, which pays up to an additional $1,000 towards a customer's electric bills between the time he or she signs a residential solar contract and the completion of the solar system installation. Currently, the offer is limited to customers located in Southern California.
"We're excited to have been selected for this program and to be able to offer even more financing options to our customers," said James Tong, vice president of marketing at Acro Energy. "It's also a big win for everyone when Wells Fargo is promoting solar; it helps counter common misconceptions that solar is unproven or prohibitively expensive."
Through the end of the year, Acro Energy and Wells Fargo are offering up to $1,000 in incentives to qualified Southern California homeowners who advance funds from a home equity loan or line of credit in the amount of $15,000 or more to finance the installation of a solar power system.
In addition, Acro Energy is extending to these homeowners its "Instant Solar" rebate program, which pays up to an additional $1,000 towards a customer's electric bills between the time he or she signs a residential solar contract and the completion of the solar system installation. Currently, the offer is limited to customers located in Southern California.
"We're excited to have been selected for this program and to be able to offer even more financing options to our customers," said James Tong, vice president of marketing at Acro Energy. "It's also a big win for everyone when Wells Fargo is promoting solar; it helps counter common misconceptions that solar is unproven or prohibitively expensive."
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sanyo Solar Panels for Europe
TOKYO, Dec. 3, 2010 (Kyodo News International) -- Sanyo Electric Co. (OOTC:SANYY) said Friday it will market its new HIT solar cell panels with enhanced energy conversion efficiency in Europe in February next year.
The cell conversion efficiency of the new product is the world's highest at 21.6 percent, 0.5 point higher than Sanyo's conventional products, according to the Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC) group firm.
The company has decided to sell the HIT -- short for heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer -- panels first in Europe, where there are many schemes in which electric utilities are obliged to buy renewable electricity as well as high demand for efficient products.
The company has not decided on when to market the product in Japan, it said.
On the global market size of solar cells, Sanyo expects power output to grow to 21 gigawatts in fiscal 2015 from 9 gigawatts in fiscal 2009 ended in March this year due to more demand in such emerging markets as India and China.
The cell conversion efficiency of the new product is the world's highest at 21.6 percent, 0.5 point higher than Sanyo's conventional products, according to the Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC) group firm.
The company has decided to sell the HIT -- short for heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer -- panels first in Europe, where there are many schemes in which electric utilities are obliged to buy renewable electricity as well as high demand for efficient products.
The company has not decided on when to market the product in Japan, it said.
On the global market size of solar cells, Sanyo expects power output to grow to 21 gigawatts in fiscal 2015 from 9 gigawatts in fiscal 2009 ended in March this year due to more demand in such emerging markets as India and China.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
New Solar Technology
Glen Allen, Virginia: Industry analyst firm NanoMarkets has just published a new report titled, “Thin-Film Photovoltaics Materials Markets, 2011 and Beyond.” The report is part of NanoMarkets ongoing coverage of thin-film and organic PV markets and includes its latest projections on materials sales for thin-film silicon (TF Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe) and CIGS PV.
The report states that despite the end of the silicon shortage and ongoing economic woes, the TFPV materials markets will generate $5.9 billion ($US) in 2016 compared to $2.1 billion in 2011. Additional details for the report are available at
http://www.nanomarkets.net/market_reports/report/thin-fi ...
About the report:
This report provides the latest in NanoMarkets’ ongoing coverage of the markets for materials for the thin-film photovoltaics (TFPV) space. NanoMarkets is unique in its coverage of the materials used in TFPV and we have been providing insightful analysis in this space for more than four years.
In this report NanoMarkets:
• Offers a clear assessment and quantification as to where the money will be spent on the major materials that go into TFPV in the next eight years.
• Identifies the materials strategies of the key cell and module players in TFPV, as well as the product/market strategies of the key materials firms supplying into this segment.
• Includes eight-year forecasts of volumes and revenues for the materials used by the three main thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) technologies; CIGS, thin-film silicon, and CdTe.
• Provides market analysis of both the absorber and electrode materials, as well the latest materials-related PV developments such as the use of nanocrystalline silicon, PV inks, flexible substrates and advanced antireflection materials and barrier films.
This report analyzes and quantifies the opportunities for materials in the TFPV space. In addition to providing eight-year forecasts of the core absorber materials, it also forecasts electrode, substrates and encapsulant markets.
The report also provides detailed profiles of the major firms influencing this space including: 5N Plus, Air Liquide, American Elements, Apollo Solar Energy, Applied Materials, Dow Corning, DuPont, Evonik, Indium Corporation, Linde, Oerlikon, Praxair, Redlen, Sputtering Materials, Ulvac, Umicore and Voltaix.
The report states that despite the end of the silicon shortage and ongoing economic woes, the TFPV materials markets will generate $5.9 billion ($US) in 2016 compared to $2.1 billion in 2011. Additional details for the report are available at
http://www.nanomarkets.net/market_reports/report/thin-fi ...
About the report:
This report provides the latest in NanoMarkets’ ongoing coverage of the markets for materials for the thin-film photovoltaics (TFPV) space. NanoMarkets is unique in its coverage of the materials used in TFPV and we have been providing insightful analysis in this space for more than four years.
In this report NanoMarkets:
• Offers a clear assessment and quantification as to where the money will be spent on the major materials that go into TFPV in the next eight years.
• Identifies the materials strategies of the key cell and module players in TFPV, as well as the product/market strategies of the key materials firms supplying into this segment.
• Includes eight-year forecasts of volumes and revenues for the materials used by the three main thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) technologies; CIGS, thin-film silicon, and CdTe.
• Provides market analysis of both the absorber and electrode materials, as well the latest materials-related PV developments such as the use of nanocrystalline silicon, PV inks, flexible substrates and advanced antireflection materials and barrier films.
This report analyzes and quantifies the opportunities for materials in the TFPV space. In addition to providing eight-year forecasts of the core absorber materials, it also forecasts electrode, substrates and encapsulant markets.
The report also provides detailed profiles of the major firms influencing this space including: 5N Plus, Air Liquide, American Elements, Apollo Solar Energy, Applied Materials, Dow Corning, DuPont, Evonik, Indium Corporation, Linde, Oerlikon, Praxair, Redlen, Sputtering Materials, Ulvac, Umicore and Voltaix.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Solar Carports
You know those ugly solar panel structures you park your car under? They're kind of a big deal.
Solar carports have been popping up in school parking lots across the state and the Bay Area is leading the way.
They work just like solar panels on rooftops, converting sunlight into electricity. And in addition to providing some shade, they managed to crank out about 20 megawatts of electricity in 2010, the New York Times reports.
The Milpitas Unified School District is one of about 75 elementary, high school and community college campuses in California with solar carports.
The district relies on them for 75 percent of its electricity needs in an entire school year.
Over a 20-year period, Milpitas could save millions of dollars thanks to the carports, a fact that has drawn a lot of interest.
“I’ve gotten calls from Hawaii, from Canada, from all over California,” said John Cimino, director of maintenance, operations and transportation for the district.
Schools are paying for the systems through partnerships with banks and intermediaries like Chevron, which in turn sell the electricity back to the schools, picking up some tax incentives on the way.
Google actually started the solar carport trend back in 2007. The Mountain View-based company put solar panels in its parking lot before it was cool, then the schools caught on.
As word spreads, carports may soon be as common as playgrounds. But California isn't stopping with a few solar parking lots.
The largest solar plant in the world is scheduled to go up in the Mojave Desert soon. The Blythe Solar Power Project is expected to double America's solar output and power 300,000 homes.
Solar carports have been popping up in school parking lots across the state and the Bay Area is leading the way.
They work just like solar panels on rooftops, converting sunlight into electricity. And in addition to providing some shade, they managed to crank out about 20 megawatts of electricity in 2010, the New York Times reports.
The Milpitas Unified School District is one of about 75 elementary, high school and community college campuses in California with solar carports.
The district relies on them for 75 percent of its electricity needs in an entire school year.
Over a 20-year period, Milpitas could save millions of dollars thanks to the carports, a fact that has drawn a lot of interest.
“I’ve gotten calls from Hawaii, from Canada, from all over California,” said John Cimino, director of maintenance, operations and transportation for the district.
Schools are paying for the systems through partnerships with banks and intermediaries like Chevron, which in turn sell the electricity back to the schools, picking up some tax incentives on the way.
Google actually started the solar carport trend back in 2007. The Mountain View-based company put solar panels in its parking lot before it was cool, then the schools caught on.
As word spreads, carports may soon be as common as playgrounds. But California isn't stopping with a few solar parking lots.
The largest solar plant in the world is scheduled to go up in the Mojave Desert soon. The Blythe Solar Power Project is expected to double America's solar output and power 300,000 homes.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Solar Panels for the UK
MARLBORO, Mass., Nov 23, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Evergreen Solar, Inc. (nasdaqgm:ESLR), a manufacturer of String Ribbon(R) solar panels with its proprietary silicon wafer technology, today announced it has received the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate from the United Kingdom's British Board of Agrement, qualifying the company's ES-A series panels for solar projects supported by the Renewables Cash-Back Scheme.
The 'Renewables Cash-Back Scheme' has been active in the UK since April 2010. Homeowners and communities who install low carbon electricity, including solar panels, are paid for the electricity they generate, even if they use it themselves. Solar projects are required to use MCS certified panels installed by MCS accredited installers to be eligible for funding.
In May 2010, Evergreen Solar announced that its ES-A series panels received IEC 61701 salt mist certification making the panels ideal for coastal installations. Given the fact that the UK has more than 31,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) of coastline, Evergreen Solar's ES-A panels are well-suited for UK-based projects.
"The MCS certification is a major step forward in expanding our business in the UK and a testament to the quality and workmanship of Evergreen's solar panels which are known for delivering more electricity with less impact on the environment," said Peter Rusch, Evergreen Solar's Vice President of Sales for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. "And given the fact that many UK solar projects will be installed on or near the coast, our IEC 61701 salt mist certification is likely to make the ES-A series the panel of choice for these projects."
The MCS is an internationally-recognized quality assurance scheme which demonstrates the quality and reliability of products by satisfying rigorous standards. Product certification involves testing of products and an assessment of the manufacturing processes, materials and staff training.
About Evergreen Solar, Inc.
Evergreen Solar, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets String Ribbon(R) solar power products using its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology. The Company's patented wafer manufacturing technology uses significantly less polysilicon than conventional processes. Evergreen Solar's products provide reliable and environmentally clean electric power for residential and commercial applications globally. For more information about the Company, please visit www.evergreensolar.com. Evergreen Solar(R) and String Ribbon(R) are registered trademarks of Evergreen Solar, Inc.
The 'Renewables Cash-Back Scheme' has been active in the UK since April 2010. Homeowners and communities who install low carbon electricity, including solar panels, are paid for the electricity they generate, even if they use it themselves. Solar projects are required to use MCS certified panels installed by MCS accredited installers to be eligible for funding.
In May 2010, Evergreen Solar announced that its ES-A series panels received IEC 61701 salt mist certification making the panels ideal for coastal installations. Given the fact that the UK has more than 31,000 kilometers (19,000 miles) of coastline, Evergreen Solar's ES-A panels are well-suited for UK-based projects.
"The MCS certification is a major step forward in expanding our business in the UK and a testament to the quality and workmanship of Evergreen's solar panels which are known for delivering more electricity with less impact on the environment," said Peter Rusch, Evergreen Solar's Vice President of Sales for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. "And given the fact that many UK solar projects will be installed on or near the coast, our IEC 61701 salt mist certification is likely to make the ES-A series the panel of choice for these projects."
The MCS is an internationally-recognized quality assurance scheme which demonstrates the quality and reliability of products by satisfying rigorous standards. Product certification involves testing of products and an assessment of the manufacturing processes, materials and staff training.
About Evergreen Solar, Inc.
Evergreen Solar, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets String Ribbon(R) solar power products using its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer technology. The Company's patented wafer manufacturing technology uses significantly less polysilicon than conventional processes. Evergreen Solar's products provide reliable and environmentally clean electric power for residential and commercial applications globally. For more information about the Company, please visit www.evergreensolar.com. Evergreen Solar(R) and String Ribbon(R) are registered trademarks of Evergreen Solar, Inc.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Carson City Gets Solar Panel
Officials dedicated on Thursday a row of photovoltaic solar panels that now line the second story of the parking garage behind the state legislative building in Carson City.
The project, supported with part of the $8 million in federal stimulus given to the state for renewable energy improvements, included replacing fluorescent lamps with LED lights in the parking garage, which will save the state about $30,000 a year in energy costs. The solar panels will save $7,000 each year.
The project broke ground in September by contractor Reliant Electric, which is based in Reno.
Jim Groth, the director of the Nevada State Office of Energy, said the stimulus money is being used to retrofit 124 state buildings with renewable energy upgrades statewide.
“Nevada is in the top five states for expending those funds, putting the monies into local contractors here,” Groth said. “And people talk about whether the stimulus is working or not working. It was pretty hard to deny when you come up and you talk to actual contractors working on the job that wonder where else they'd be if they weren't working on the facility. And the outcome will be savings to the state.”
NV Energy also provided a one-time rebate to the state of about $150,000 for the solar panels and about $20,000 for the new lighting, which automatically dim or brighten with motion sensors.
The annual power savings for the lighting and solar projects are estimated to be 300,000 kilowatt hours and 60,000 kilowatt hours respectively.
At the ceremony, Gus Nunez, the manager of the state Public Works Board, held a paper detailing energy usage for the capital from last month. It showed monthly energy usage of about 150,000 kilowatt hours in September had fallen to about 64,000 kilowatt hours in October when the new LED lights were turned on. He said he expected more savings now that the solar panels are up and running, too.
“Here's the real thing,” he said. “It's proof.”
The project, supported with part of the $8 million in federal stimulus given to the state for renewable energy improvements, included replacing fluorescent lamps with LED lights in the parking garage, which will save the state about $30,000 a year in energy costs. The solar panels will save $7,000 each year.
The project broke ground in September by contractor Reliant Electric, which is based in Reno.
Jim Groth, the director of the Nevada State Office of Energy, said the stimulus money is being used to retrofit 124 state buildings with renewable energy upgrades statewide.
“Nevada is in the top five states for expending those funds, putting the monies into local contractors here,” Groth said. “And people talk about whether the stimulus is working or not working. It was pretty hard to deny when you come up and you talk to actual contractors working on the job that wonder where else they'd be if they weren't working on the facility. And the outcome will be savings to the state.”
NV Energy also provided a one-time rebate to the state of about $150,000 for the solar panels and about $20,000 for the new lighting, which automatically dim or brighten with motion sensors.
The annual power savings for the lighting and solar projects are estimated to be 300,000 kilowatt hours and 60,000 kilowatt hours respectively.
At the ceremony, Gus Nunez, the manager of the state Public Works Board, held a paper detailing energy usage for the capital from last month. It showed monthly energy usage of about 150,000 kilowatt hours in September had fallen to about 64,000 kilowatt hours in October when the new LED lights were turned on. He said he expected more savings now that the solar panels are up and running, too.
“Here's the real thing,” he said. “It's proof.”
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Total to Build Solar Panels
French company Total has launched a project to build a photovoltaic panel production and assembly unit at Composite Park in north-eastern region of Moselle, France.
The plant will house two production lines for a total capacity of 50 megawatt peak (MWp) representing about 220,000 photovoltaic panels per year that will have a surface area of 2,800sq m.
The construction is slated to commence in early 2011 and the first line (25MWp) is expected to come on stream towards the end of the year.
Total Gas & Power president Philippe Boisseau said that this project adheres to the company's strategy of positioning itself within the entire photovoltaic solar chain.
"The production unit, situated near our French, German and Northern European customers, allows us to strengthen our market capabilities," Boisseau said.
The company said that the new unit will create around 80 jobs in the region.
The plant will house two production lines for a total capacity of 50 megawatt peak (MWp) representing about 220,000 photovoltaic panels per year that will have a surface area of 2,800sq m.
The construction is slated to commence in early 2011 and the first line (25MWp) is expected to come on stream towards the end of the year.
Total Gas & Power president Philippe Boisseau said that this project adheres to the company's strategy of positioning itself within the entire photovoltaic solar chain.
"The production unit, situated near our French, German and Northern European customers, allows us to strengthen our market capabilities," Boisseau said.
The company said that the new unit will create around 80 jobs in the region.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
New Solar Design
HyperSolar, Inc. (HYSR 0.12, -0.01, -7.69%) , the developer of a breakthrough technology to magnify the power of the Sun to significantly increase the power output of solar cells, today announced that new design models show potential magnification of 300%.
"We are very excited about this breakthrough by our development team," said HyperSolar's CEO, Tim Young. "Considerable work has been done in the solar industry to make solar cells more efficient. However, we believe that a critical advancement will be to actually control the delivery of sunlight onto solar cells. At HyperSolar, we are developing the world's first thin and flat light magnification layer for direct application on top of standard solar cells to increase their power output." Mr. Young continued, "We are encouraged by our recent results. Our plan is to move to the prototype stage early next year and then to a commercial product."
HyperSolar's innovative thin and flat light magnification layer employs thousands of very small light collectors on the surface that funnel light into a proprietary light routing network in the middle that carries light to a smaller output area on the bottom where a solar cell can be attached. Instead of using 3 solar cells to cover an area on a solar panel, only 1 solar cell is needed underneath a 300% HyperSolar layer. This allows solar panel manufacturers to reduce the number of expensive solar cells in their panels, by 66%, and dramatically reduce the cost per watt of their solar panels.
Mr. Young added, "The higher the light magnification in the HyperSolar layer, the higher the power magnification of the attached solar cell. As part of our development plan, we are exploring various designs and microphotonic elements to increase the magnification by as much as 400% in the final product."
About HyperSolar, Inc.
HyperSolar is developing a breakthrough technology to magnify the power of the Sun to significantly increase the power output of solar cells. Based on innovative microphotonics and low cost manufacturing processes, HyperSolar is developing the world's first thin and flat light magnification layer for direct application on top of standard solar cells to increase cell power output by as much as 400%. With HyperSolar as the top layer, manufacturers can use significantly fewer solar cells in the production of solar panels, thereby dramatically reducing the cost per watt of electricity. To learn more about HyperSolar, please visit our website at http://www.HyperSolar.com
SOURCE: HyperSolar, Inc.
"We are very excited about this breakthrough by our development team," said HyperSolar's CEO, Tim Young. "Considerable work has been done in the solar industry to make solar cells more efficient. However, we believe that a critical advancement will be to actually control the delivery of sunlight onto solar cells. At HyperSolar, we are developing the world's first thin and flat light magnification layer for direct application on top of standard solar cells to increase their power output." Mr. Young continued, "We are encouraged by our recent results. Our plan is to move to the prototype stage early next year and then to a commercial product."
HyperSolar's innovative thin and flat light magnification layer employs thousands of very small light collectors on the surface that funnel light into a proprietary light routing network in the middle that carries light to a smaller output area on the bottom where a solar cell can be attached. Instead of using 3 solar cells to cover an area on a solar panel, only 1 solar cell is needed underneath a 300% HyperSolar layer. This allows solar panel manufacturers to reduce the number of expensive solar cells in their panels, by 66%, and dramatically reduce the cost per watt of their solar panels.
Mr. Young added, "The higher the light magnification in the HyperSolar layer, the higher the power magnification of the attached solar cell. As part of our development plan, we are exploring various designs and microphotonic elements to increase the magnification by as much as 400% in the final product."
About HyperSolar, Inc.
HyperSolar is developing a breakthrough technology to magnify the power of the Sun to significantly increase the power output of solar cells. Based on innovative microphotonics and low cost manufacturing processes, HyperSolar is developing the world's first thin and flat light magnification layer for direct application on top of standard solar cells to increase cell power output by as much as 400%. With HyperSolar as the top layer, manufacturers can use significantly fewer solar cells in the production of solar panels, thereby dramatically reducing the cost per watt of electricity. To learn more about HyperSolar, please visit our website at http://www.HyperSolar.com
SOURCE: HyperSolar, Inc.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Solar Panels for Canadian School
Campbell River's Timberline Secondary School was one of 24 schools throughout the province to receive solar panel funding in an announcement from the Environment Ministry Friday. Highland Secondary School in Comox is another.
The solar panels will focus the sun's energy to heat water and improve energy efficiency at 24 schools, nine colleges and universities, and five hospitals across B.C. thanks to $2.8 million in capital funding from the Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement (PSECA) and its partners, Terasen Gas, SolarBC, and Natural Resources Canada.
"In 2010, B.C. will have the first carbon-neutral public sector in North America where every student will enter a carbon-neutral school and every patient will be cared for in a carbon-neutral hospital," said Minister of State for Climate Action John Yap.
"At the same time, these projects are helping to grow B.C.'s emerging solar technology market and create new jobs for British Columbians."
The main focus is on education and supporting growth in the solar technology sector.
The solar panels will focus the sun's energy to heat water and improve energy efficiency at 24 schools, nine colleges and universities, and five hospitals across B.C. thanks to $2.8 million in capital funding from the Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement (PSECA) and its partners, Terasen Gas, SolarBC, and Natural Resources Canada.
"In 2010, B.C. will have the first carbon-neutral public sector in North America where every student will enter a carbon-neutral school and every patient will be cared for in a carbon-neutral hospital," said Minister of State for Climate Action John Yap.
"At the same time, these projects are helping to grow B.C.'s emerging solar technology market and create new jobs for British Columbians."
The main focus is on education and supporting growth in the solar technology sector.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Solar Panels for Grocery Store
LEXINGTON, Ky., Nov 09, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- EnergyOne Technologies, Inc., a provider of renewable energy solutions, announced they have signed a letter of intent with the Canyon Lake Grocery Market, to provide up to 400 megawatts of solar energy and .500 megawatts of energy storage. EnergyOne will lease the market's rooftop and install a .200 megawatt solar system capable of generating up to 1.2 megawatts of power per day which is enough energy to offset the markets daily needs. Excess power generated during the day will be directed into the energy storage units and be available for use at night. EnergyOne will own, operate and maintain the solar panels and energy storage systems, and sell the energy to the market under a 20 year power purchase agreement. EnergyOne will also retrofit the markets lights and appliances with LEED approved energy efficient equipment cutting their electric bill in half.
EnergyOne CEO, Francis Zubrowski, reiterated the company's commitment to work with the grocery market industry to develop innovative solutions that reduce our customer's energy costs and benefit the environment. Zubrowski praised the market owner's creative approach in addressing the markets growing energy needs and their commitment to the environment.
EnergyOne estimated the cost of the project to be approximately $2.5 million. The company would be eligible for up to $2.25 million in tax credits and rebates. Upon completion of the design, application and permitting process, EnergyOne projects it could start construction in spring of 2011. VS Technology will join the project team to provide energy storage oversight. A megawatt is enough power for about 800 U.S. homes, according to the Energy Information Administration.
One of our most important responsibilities is to communicate with shareholders in an open and direct manner. Comments are based on current management expectations, and are considered "forward-looking statements," generally preceded by words such as "plans," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," or "intends." We cannot promise future returns. Our statements reflect our best judgment at the time they are issued, and we disclaim any obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements as the result of new information or future events. All State Properties Holdings, Inc. urges investors to review the risks and uncertainties contained within its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EnergyOne CEO, Francis Zubrowski, reiterated the company's commitment to work with the grocery market industry to develop innovative solutions that reduce our customer's energy costs and benefit the environment. Zubrowski praised the market owner's creative approach in addressing the markets growing energy needs and their commitment to the environment.
EnergyOne estimated the cost of the project to be approximately $2.5 million. The company would be eligible for up to $2.25 million in tax credits and rebates. Upon completion of the design, application and permitting process, EnergyOne projects it could start construction in spring of 2011. VS Technology will join the project team to provide energy storage oversight. A megawatt is enough power for about 800 U.S. homes, according to the Energy Information Administration.
One of our most important responsibilities is to communicate with shareholders in an open and direct manner. Comments are based on current management expectations, and are considered "forward-looking statements," generally preceded by words such as "plans," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," or "intends." We cannot promise future returns. Our statements reflect our best judgment at the time they are issued, and we disclaim any obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements as the result of new information or future events. All State Properties Holdings, Inc. urges investors to review the risks and uncertainties contained within its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Solar Panels in England
Eighty-six glass panes on the roof of the Carriage Museum at Arlington Court, near Barnstaple, have been replaced with photovoltaic panels.
The trust said the panels will reduce electricity bills at the attraction.
It also hopes to generate an income of about £2,270 a year by selling the solar energy produced to electricity suppliers.
Royal carriages
Ana Chylack, Arlington Court's property manager, said: "We have worked hard across the property to reduce our energy consumption and it has already really made a difference to our bills."
The panels will generate up to 6.3 megawatt hours of electricity a year, saving about £600 on electricity bills.
The trust said the panels would also help protect the carriages by reducing the amount of ultraviolet light they are exposed to.
It said ultraviolet light could damage delicate fabric and wood.
The museum currently houses 46 horse-drawn carriages, including former royal ones.
Arlington Court is the 25th National Trust property to embrace green energy.
The organisation said it was hoping to cut its total energy consumption by 20% by 2020 and to switch to using renewable energy.
The trust said the panels will reduce electricity bills at the attraction.
It also hopes to generate an income of about £2,270 a year by selling the solar energy produced to electricity suppliers.
Royal carriages
Ana Chylack, Arlington Court's property manager, said: "We have worked hard across the property to reduce our energy consumption and it has already really made a difference to our bills."
The panels will generate up to 6.3 megawatt hours of electricity a year, saving about £600 on electricity bills.
The trust said the panels would also help protect the carriages by reducing the amount of ultraviolet light they are exposed to.
It said ultraviolet light could damage delicate fabric and wood.
The museum currently houses 46 horse-drawn carriages, including former royal ones.
Arlington Court is the 25th National Trust property to embrace green energy.
The organisation said it was hoping to cut its total energy consumption by 20% by 2020 and to switch to using renewable energy.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Another Solar Energy Advocate
BIG power companies are making massive profits and paying more in dividends to governments than ever before... while consumers suffer with higher power bills in the midst of recession.
The NSW Auditor-General's report on NSW electricity companies released recently shows electricity entities gave over $1.4 billion to the Government in tax and dividends for 2009-10, up $200 million from the year before. It also showed electricity agencies' combined after-tax profit was a whopping $1.2 billion, about 50 per cent up on their $847 million in 2008-09. This is without a huge uptake of solar energy systems or solar power kits.
Pre-tax profits of distributors leapt from $661 million in 2008-09 to $965 million and generators' profit from $307 million to $465 million.
The Auditor-General's report also revealed one of the drivers of peak energy demand forcing up prices was the Labor Government's desalination plant. It said other factors included the federal Government's call to drop the Emissions Trading Scheme.
"Consumers will unfortunately face price rises of up to 42 per cent over the next three years, partly for infrastructure and partly for renewable energy targets." said Aaron Murray, Managing Director of Cleaner Energy, one of the most prominent Residential Solar System specialists on the Gold Coast, Australia.
"By switching to a Cleaner Energy Solar Power Kit, you can not only save money, but actually earn revenue from the power companies. Some of our clients earn upto $600 per year from their excess electricity." said Murray.
Imagine a life without an electricity bill, and opening the mail to receive your electricity check? Wake up! Call Cleaner Energy to discuss the options with a solar expert on 1800751338.
The NSW Auditor-General's report on NSW electricity companies released recently shows electricity entities gave over $1.4 billion to the Government in tax and dividends for 2009-10, up $200 million from the year before. It also showed electricity agencies' combined after-tax profit was a whopping $1.2 billion, about 50 per cent up on their $847 million in 2008-09. This is without a huge uptake of solar energy systems or solar power kits.
Pre-tax profits of distributors leapt from $661 million in 2008-09 to $965 million and generators' profit from $307 million to $465 million.
The Auditor-General's report also revealed one of the drivers of peak energy demand forcing up prices was the Labor Government's desalination plant. It said other factors included the federal Government's call to drop the Emissions Trading Scheme.
"Consumers will unfortunately face price rises of up to 42 per cent over the next three years, partly for infrastructure and partly for renewable energy targets." said Aaron Murray, Managing Director of Cleaner Energy, one of the most prominent Residential Solar System specialists on the Gold Coast, Australia.
"By switching to a Cleaner Energy Solar Power Kit, you can not only save money, but actually earn revenue from the power companies. Some of our clients earn upto $600 per year from their excess electricity." said Murray.
Imagine a life without an electricity bill, and opening the mail to receive your electricity check? Wake up! Call Cleaner Energy to discuss the options with a solar expert on 1800751338.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Solar Energy for Colorado
Colorado Springs Utilities put the project out to bid and heard back from 21 solar power providers, Romero said. Ultimately, the utility and Air Force Academy chose SunPower, the country’s largest manufacturer of traditional crystalline photovoltaic solar panels.
SunPower combines high-efficiency panels, operating at 22 percent efficiency, with a special sun-tracking technology to maximize energy production, SunPower President Jim Pape said.
He told a crowd of Air Force and town dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday that he felt they made the right choice in this very competitive bidding process.
He is confident the SunPower technology will make a big difference in the solar array’s production and that SunPower will outshine the 20 competitors they beat out for the contract. He said that if Colorado Springs Utilities and the Academy had partnered with anyone else, they likely would have been celebrating a four-megawatt system rather than a six-megawatt one.
“The difference is a big one,” Pape told the crowd.
Air Force Academy General Mike Gould congratulated those who brought the project to fruition.
“This is cool,” Gould said. “This is probably the best way I can think of to spend American Recovery and Reinvestment money.”
He said the project will reduce the Academy’s fossil fuel consumption by 11 percent, generate enough energy to power 1,600 four-person homes, make the Academy an example among Air Force bases around the world of how green energy can make a difference and save the base “half a million dollars a year, while we’re at it.”
SunPower combines high-efficiency panels, operating at 22 percent efficiency, with a special sun-tracking technology to maximize energy production, SunPower President Jim Pape said.
He told a crowd of Air Force and town dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday that he felt they made the right choice in this very competitive bidding process.
He is confident the SunPower technology will make a big difference in the solar array’s production and that SunPower will outshine the 20 competitors they beat out for the contract. He said that if Colorado Springs Utilities and the Academy had partnered with anyone else, they likely would have been celebrating a four-megawatt system rather than a six-megawatt one.
“The difference is a big one,” Pape told the crowd.
Air Force Academy General Mike Gould congratulated those who brought the project to fruition.
“This is cool,” Gould said. “This is probably the best way I can think of to spend American Recovery and Reinvestment money.”
He said the project will reduce the Academy’s fossil fuel consumption by 11 percent, generate enough energy to power 1,600 four-person homes, make the Academy an example among Air Force bases around the world of how green energy can make a difference and save the base “half a million dollars a year, while we’re at it.”
Friday, October 29, 2010
Solar Energy Consolidation
RainChief Energy (RainChief) (otcqb:RCFEF) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Vancouver-based JayDoc Capital Corporation (JayDoc).
As a result of the JayDoc acquisition, RainChief has entered into and will now be focused on the financing and development of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy projects in European Union countries. Specifically, the Company will invest in feed-in-tariff (FiT) environments, like Italy, which create long-term, low-risk revenue streams that facilitate high-leverage financing (80/20 debt-to-equity) with non-recourse project loans. Future growth will be driven by the strategic development and/or acquisition of additional solar power facilities under long-term contract in markets with high retail electricity prices and strong solar irradiation, with the ultimate goal of producing low-cost, clean electricity at attractive returns.
To aggressively develop this unique business opportunity, RainChief has established operational partnerships for the assessment, development and management of turn-key PV solar projects. The combined group will bring together highly professional organizations with expertise in all relevant aspects of renewable energy project development. The organizations have extensive experience in this specialized sector and combine technical and financial expertise with on-the-ground knowledge and regulatory awareness. The operational partners also provide RainChief with in-depth knowledge of the incentive framework and the approval process required for official authorized PV projects in Italy and other jurisdictions. Additionally, the group has the professional background to determine authorized sites for potential project development and to source and manage bankable EPC contractors with a proven record of PV project design, engineering and construction.
Terms of the acquisition by RainChief "Purchaser" of JayDoc "Target" include a business combination whereby the Purchaser purchases all of the securities from the Target in exchange for an aggregate of four million (4,000,000) restricted (Rule 144) common shares of the Purchaser (being one Purchase Share for each three issued Target Shares), paid pro rata, and an additional six million (6,000,000) restricted escrowed common shares (Escrow Shares) of the Purchaser (being 0.05 Purchaser Shares for each Target Share) paid pro-rata (the "Acquisition"). The Escrow shares will be subject to a standard form escrow agreement and will have a total of five (5%) percent release pro-rata with each one (1) megawatt of solar capacity brought into commercial delivery to the grid. An additional six (6) million warrants will be issued to Target subject to a five (5%) percent release pro-rata per megawatt exceeding 20 megawatts. The Escrow Shares and warrants will become eligible to vote on an as earned basis and all Escrow Shares not released within ten (10) years will be cancelled. The warrants are exercisable at $0.02 per share of the Purchaser and expire five years from the date of issue.
"This is an exciting move for our company," stated RainChief President Brad Moynes. "It positions us in a new energy sector with partners that bring experience and professional knowledge to the acquisition and development of PV solar projects. We will be announcing a number of partners in the very near future."
Forward-Looking Information:
This press release contains certain "forward-looking information." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future constitute forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the possibility of unanticipated costs and expenses. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com
As a result of the JayDoc acquisition, RainChief has entered into and will now be focused on the financing and development of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy projects in European Union countries. Specifically, the Company will invest in feed-in-tariff (FiT) environments, like Italy, which create long-term, low-risk revenue streams that facilitate high-leverage financing (80/20 debt-to-equity) with non-recourse project loans. Future growth will be driven by the strategic development and/or acquisition of additional solar power facilities under long-term contract in markets with high retail electricity prices and strong solar irradiation, with the ultimate goal of producing low-cost, clean electricity at attractive returns.
To aggressively develop this unique business opportunity, RainChief has established operational partnerships for the assessment, development and management of turn-key PV solar projects. The combined group will bring together highly professional organizations with expertise in all relevant aspects of renewable energy project development. The organizations have extensive experience in this specialized sector and combine technical and financial expertise with on-the-ground knowledge and regulatory awareness. The operational partners also provide RainChief with in-depth knowledge of the incentive framework and the approval process required for official authorized PV projects in Italy and other jurisdictions. Additionally, the group has the professional background to determine authorized sites for potential project development and to source and manage bankable EPC contractors with a proven record of PV project design, engineering and construction.
Terms of the acquisition by RainChief "Purchaser" of JayDoc "Target" include a business combination whereby the Purchaser purchases all of the securities from the Target in exchange for an aggregate of four million (4,000,000) restricted (Rule 144) common shares of the Purchaser (being one Purchase Share for each three issued Target Shares), paid pro rata, and an additional six million (6,000,000) restricted escrowed common shares (Escrow Shares) of the Purchaser (being 0.05 Purchaser Shares for each Target Share) paid pro-rata (the "Acquisition"). The Escrow shares will be subject to a standard form escrow agreement and will have a total of five (5%) percent release pro-rata with each one (1) megawatt of solar capacity brought into commercial delivery to the grid. An additional six (6) million warrants will be issued to Target subject to a five (5%) percent release pro-rata per megawatt exceeding 20 megawatts. The Escrow Shares and warrants will become eligible to vote on an as earned basis and all Escrow Shares not released within ten (10) years will be cancelled. The warrants are exercisable at $0.02 per share of the Purchaser and expire five years from the date of issue.
"This is an exciting move for our company," stated RainChief President Brad Moynes. "It positions us in a new energy sector with partners that bring experience and professional knowledge to the acquisition and development of PV solar projects. We will be announcing a number of partners in the very near future."
Forward-Looking Information:
This press release contains certain "forward-looking information." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future constitute forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the possibility of unanticipated costs and expenses. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Mojave Project Breaks Ground
IVANPAH, Calif. — The first solar energy project on federal land has broken ground in California’s Mojave Desert.
U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other officials joined in Wednesday’s ceremony for the Ivanpah project, located in eastern San Bernardino County about five miles from the Nevada border.
The project, headed by BrightSource Energy, will have three generating plants, built in stages between now and 2013. Its 346,000 billboard-sized mirrors will focus the desert sun on steam turbines, producing enough electricity for 140,000 homes.
U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other officials joined in Wednesday’s ceremony for the Ivanpah project, located in eastern San Bernardino County about five miles from the Nevada border.
The project, headed by BrightSource Energy, will have three generating plants, built in stages between now and 2013. Its 346,000 billboard-sized mirrors will focus the desert sun on steam turbines, producing enough electricity for 140,000 homes.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
$1 Billion Solar Plant Approved
The United States has approved a permit for the largest solar energy project in the world - four massive plants at the cost of one billion US dollars each in southern California.
"The Blythe solar power plant will consist of four 250-megawatt plants, built on public lands in the sun-drenched Mojave desert," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said on Monday.
"When completed the project is expected to generate up to 1000 megawatts of energy. That's enough electricity to power up to 750,000 average American homes and to make Blythe the largest solar power plant facility in the world."
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The total capacity will be roughly equal to the turbine output of a nuclear power plant or a large modern coal-fired power plant, according to Solar Millennium, the company developing the facility.
Solar Millennium plans to begin construction on Blythe this year, the company says on its website. At the height of construction, the project is expected to create more than 1000 jobs.
The Blythe facility is one of a raft of renewable energy projects that have been approved in recent weeks by the Interior Department.
Earlier this month, Salazar approved the first five renewable energy projects on public lands, four in California and one in Nevada, both states that have been hard hit by the economic downturn.
Two weeks ago, Salazar inaugurated the world's largest wind tower manufacturing plant in the working class town of Pueblo, Colorado, which will be run by Danish company Vestas Wind Systems.
One week earlier he signed a lease for the first major offshore wind farm, off the coast of New Jersey.
"The Blythe solar power plant will consist of four 250-megawatt plants, built on public lands in the sun-drenched Mojave desert," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said on Monday.
"When completed the project is expected to generate up to 1000 megawatts of energy. That's enough electricity to power up to 750,000 average American homes and to make Blythe the largest solar power plant facility in the world."
Advertisement: Story continues below
The total capacity will be roughly equal to the turbine output of a nuclear power plant or a large modern coal-fired power plant, according to Solar Millennium, the company developing the facility.
Solar Millennium plans to begin construction on Blythe this year, the company says on its website. At the height of construction, the project is expected to create more than 1000 jobs.
The Blythe facility is one of a raft of renewable energy projects that have been approved in recent weeks by the Interior Department.
Earlier this month, Salazar approved the first five renewable energy projects on public lands, four in California and one in Nevada, both states that have been hard hit by the economic downturn.
Two weeks ago, Salazar inaugurated the world's largest wind tower manufacturing plant in the working class town of Pueblo, Colorado, which will be run by Danish company Vestas Wind Systems.
One week earlier he signed a lease for the first major offshore wind farm, off the coast of New Jersey.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Federal Money for California Energy Project
The U.S. Interior Department has approved a permit for the $6 billion, 1,000 MW Blythe parabolic solar trough project and the 663.5 MW Calico solar power plant on federal lands in the California desert. The Blythe project would be one of the largest solar power plants in the world.
The Blythe project is being developed by Solar Trust of America, a joint venture between Germany's Solar Millennium AG and Ferrostaal AG. The project is one of nine large solar-thermal power plants the California Energy Commission has approved or plans to approve by the end of the year. Others include the Calico project, Imperial Valley and the Chevron Lucerne Valley solar projects, which were also given approval by the Interior Department. The Silver State solar power plant in Nevada was approved in early October.
Blythe Solar will cover 7,025 acres on a site 216 miles east of Los Angeles. The facility will use parabolic mirrors to focus the sun’s energy onto tubes that carry heated oil to a boiler, which sends steam to a turbine. Solar Millennium LLC. agreed to fund conservation measures protecting the desert tortoise and Mojave fringe-toed lizard in return for permission to build the Blythe project on public land.
Federal approval would allow the companies to start work on the plants this year to take advantage of government incentives that would reduce project costs. To receive cash grants in exchange for unused tax credits, companies must break ground on projects or spend 5 percent of construction costs by year's end.
The Blythe project is being developed by Solar Trust of America, a joint venture between Germany's Solar Millennium AG and Ferrostaal AG. The project is one of nine large solar-thermal power plants the California Energy Commission has approved or plans to approve by the end of the year. Others include the Calico project, Imperial Valley and the Chevron Lucerne Valley solar projects, which were also given approval by the Interior Department. The Silver State solar power plant in Nevada was approved in early October.
Blythe Solar will cover 7,025 acres on a site 216 miles east of Los Angeles. The facility will use parabolic mirrors to focus the sun’s energy onto tubes that carry heated oil to a boiler, which sends steam to a turbine. Solar Millennium LLC. agreed to fund conservation measures protecting the desert tortoise and Mojave fringe-toed lizard in return for permission to build the Blythe project on public land.
Federal approval would allow the companies to start work on the plants this year to take advantage of government incentives that would reduce project costs. To receive cash grants in exchange for unused tax credits, companies must break ground on projects or spend 5 percent of construction costs by year's end.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
More Solar Energy in Southern California
Solar services company SunEdison is to provide two megawatts of solar generating capacity at three City properties in Huntington Beach, Southern California.
The deal will involve no upfront costs to the City, with SunEdison financing, constructing, monitoring and maintaining the three carport canopy photovoltaic power plants.
The company, which has its HQ in Beltsville, Maryland, will sell power to the City via 20-year power purchases from the installations at the Huntington Beach Civic Center, Central Library and City Yard.
Construction is expected to begin in spring of 2011, SunEdison said.
Aaron Klemm, Energy Project Manager for Huntington Beach, said: “We evaluated a number of ways to meet our municipal solar capacity goal. The Power Purchase Agreement model made the most sense for us as there are no upfront capital or maintenance requirements from the city, and we receive very competitive power prices.”
DOE
Initial research and consultation on the solar carport canopy developments was funded by the US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.
The three systems are expected to generate more than 63 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean solar energy over 20 years, enough energy to power over 5,900 homes for a year.
“SunEdison makes solar a reality for public sector clients like the City of Huntington Beach,” said Brian Jacolick, General Manager, Americas for SunEdison. “With smart solar programs, proven experience and strong financing capabilities, SunEdison is the clear choice for government solar solutions.”
The deal will involve no upfront costs to the City, with SunEdison financing, constructing, monitoring and maintaining the three carport canopy photovoltaic power plants.
The company, which has its HQ in Beltsville, Maryland, will sell power to the City via 20-year power purchases from the installations at the Huntington Beach Civic Center, Central Library and City Yard.
Construction is expected to begin in spring of 2011, SunEdison said.
Aaron Klemm, Energy Project Manager for Huntington Beach, said: “We evaluated a number of ways to meet our municipal solar capacity goal. The Power Purchase Agreement model made the most sense for us as there are no upfront capital or maintenance requirements from the city, and we receive very competitive power prices.”
DOE
Initial research and consultation on the solar carport canopy developments was funded by the US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.
The three systems are expected to generate more than 63 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean solar energy over 20 years, enough energy to power over 5,900 homes for a year.
“SunEdison makes solar a reality for public sector clients like the City of Huntington Beach,” said Brian Jacolick, General Manager, Americas for SunEdison. “With smart solar programs, proven experience and strong financing capabilities, SunEdison is the clear choice for government solar solutions.”
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Australian Solar Power
AGL Energy has warned Australian consumers that power bills are likely to increase. The higher prices have been driven by the popularity of solar panels. Consumers have embraced the photovoltaic panel technology, which is subject to a generous government subsidy. Federal Climate Change Minister Greg Combet has dismissed criticism that renewable energy policies have created an excessive financial burden. Consumers without solar energy will be left to meet the growing cost of energy.
Publication Date: 21 October 2010
AGL ENERGY LIMITED - ASX AGK
AUSTRALIA. DEPT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ORIGIN ENERGY LIMITED - ASX ORG
ENERGY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
INTEGRAL ENERGY AUSTRALIA
ENERGY USERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
RIO TINTO LIMITED - ASX RIO
BHP BILLITON LIMITED - ASX BHP
ENERGY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA LIMITED
NATIONAL PARTY OF AUSTRALIA
Publication Date: 21 October 2010
AGL ENERGY LIMITED - ASX AGK
AUSTRALIA. DEPT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ORIGIN ENERGY LIMITED - ASX ORG
ENERGY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
INTEGRAL ENERGY AUSTRALIA
ENERGY USERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
RIO TINTO LIMITED - ASX RIO
BHP BILLITON LIMITED - ASX BHP
ENERGY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA LIMITED
NATIONAL PARTY OF AUSTRALIA
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Electric Conference in Texas Nov 7
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct 19, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Electric Power Engineers of Austin is among more than 50 Texas business and government leaders speaking at Texas Renewables 2010 (www.texasrenewables.org), Texas' premier business-to-business meeting for anyone in or wanting to be in the Texas renewable energy industry. The conference takes place November 7-10 in San Antonio and is hosted by CPS Energy.
After returning from Solar Power International (SPI), the largest solar power event in North America, Electric Power Engineers Inc. recognized with renewed conviction the opportunities in Texas. Hala N. Ballouz, president and CEO, Electric Power Engineers Inc. cited the exponential growth in solar project activity among renewable generation developers in the last few months. "Our business is doing nearly as many studies and designs for solar power as for wind projects. Participating in the SPI conference in LA this week certainly emphasized how this industry has exploded. The solar power industry in Texas is ready, the developers are at work and the electric grid is looking to embrace it. To capture this wave and release its energy, we should work together to ensure our legislature passes standards and incentives that are specific to solar generation."
Texas Renewables 2010 provides the venue for forming valuable B2B alliances and keeping industry sectors informed on the latest business developments, regulations, federal and state grants and other renewable energy business opportunities. The conference starts Nov. 7th with the Texas International Business Connections Forum and continues with over 50 speakers, including dozens of industry leaders and these key government officials:
Welcome by San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro Introduction keynote: Texas House Speaker, Joseph Straus (invited) Keynote Luncheon speaker PUC Chairman Barry Smitherman Brian Lloyd, deputy director, budget, planning & policy, Office of the Governor, the State of Texas Dan Woodfin, director of system planning, ERCOT Dub Taylor, director, SECO Jess Totten, director of policy, PUC Doug Ridge, manager, Texas Industry Cluster Initiative, Office of the Governor, the State of Texas Dwain Rogers, deputy commissioner renewable energy, Texas General Land Office
While at SPI Russel Smith, executive director, TREIA and co-organizer of Texas Renewables 2010 noted, "Since the last legislative session, Texas has moved from a tiny blip on the worldwide solar industry's radar screen of business development potential to a flashing signal that can't be ignored. The buzz in the exhibit hall at SPI was that if the Texas Legislature passes a solar incentive program, a significant non-wind portfolio standard, or both, we will see Texas move quickly into the top tier of states for solar development. Interest in Texas Renewables 2010 was high."
Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) www.treia.org, is the oldest renewable energy non-profit trade organization in Texas whose work promoting development of renewable resources and their wise use has spanned a quarter of a century.
SOURCE: Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association
After returning from Solar Power International (SPI), the largest solar power event in North America, Electric Power Engineers Inc. recognized with renewed conviction the opportunities in Texas. Hala N. Ballouz, president and CEO, Electric Power Engineers Inc. cited the exponential growth in solar project activity among renewable generation developers in the last few months. "Our business is doing nearly as many studies and designs for solar power as for wind projects. Participating in the SPI conference in LA this week certainly emphasized how this industry has exploded. The solar power industry in Texas is ready, the developers are at work and the electric grid is looking to embrace it. To capture this wave and release its energy, we should work together to ensure our legislature passes standards and incentives that are specific to solar generation."
Texas Renewables 2010 provides the venue for forming valuable B2B alliances and keeping industry sectors informed on the latest business developments, regulations, federal and state grants and other renewable energy business opportunities. The conference starts Nov. 7th with the Texas International Business Connections Forum and continues with over 50 speakers, including dozens of industry leaders and these key government officials:
Welcome by San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro Introduction keynote: Texas House Speaker, Joseph Straus (invited) Keynote Luncheon speaker PUC Chairman Barry Smitherman Brian Lloyd, deputy director, budget, planning & policy, Office of the Governor, the State of Texas Dan Woodfin, director of system planning, ERCOT Dub Taylor, director, SECO Jess Totten, director of policy, PUC Doug Ridge, manager, Texas Industry Cluster Initiative, Office of the Governor, the State of Texas Dwain Rogers, deputy commissioner renewable energy, Texas General Land Office
While at SPI Russel Smith, executive director, TREIA and co-organizer of Texas Renewables 2010 noted, "Since the last legislative session, Texas has moved from a tiny blip on the worldwide solar industry's radar screen of business development potential to a flashing signal that can't be ignored. The buzz in the exhibit hall at SPI was that if the Texas Legislature passes a solar incentive program, a significant non-wind portfolio standard, or both, we will see Texas move quickly into the top tier of states for solar development. Interest in Texas Renewables 2010 was high."
Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) www.treia.org, is the oldest renewable energy non-profit trade organization in Texas whose work promoting development of renewable resources and their wise use has spanned a quarter of a century.
SOURCE: Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Evolution Selling Solar Panels
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Oct 18, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Evolution Solar Corp. (pinksheets:EVSO) cheered a new report on Thursday that claims new solar power installations in the U.S. this year could double the capacity installed in 2009.
The Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research released the report at Solar Power International, a conference and trade show in Los Angeles. The U.S. Solar Market Insight report compiled data from the first half of 2010, which forecasts that the domestic solar industry could achieve a new milestone this year by installing a gigawatt of new capacity by year's end. That figure would more than double the 441 megawatts added in 2009.
"This report just confirms what we already know: that solar energy is gaining traction in the United States," said EVSO President and CEO Robert Hines. "Now that U.S. public policy has become stable and friendly towards solar, more and more people are taking a serious look at this revolutionary technology."
The domestic solar industry has avoided the malaise plaguing the overall economy thanks in part to an federal investment tax credit for renewable energy that will stay in place through the end of 2016. Unsurprisingly, California led states in solar capacity added in the first six months of 2010, followed by New Jersey, Arizona and Florida.
"Due to ever-improving solar technology, the costs associated with generating electricity using photovoltaic panels are becoming increasingly affordable," Hines said. "We expect that the price gap between solar power and power generated from traditional fuels will continue to narrow. The development of a cleaner, more efficient and renewable energy industry is already creating thousands of jobs across the country."
In Houston, Evolution Solar is partnering with Texas Southern University to install eight AmpleSun thin-film photovoltaic panels on the campus that are intended to serve as a cornerstone of the new TSU Green Technology Center. The project will be Evolution Solar's first array featuring the AmpleSun panels in the U.S. The company also recently completed construction on a solar demonstration project in the City of Brookshire, Texas. These projects should help Evolution Solar acquire new business in a sector that is growing to compete in the energy industry, which includes First Solar (FSLR 145.71, -1.36, -0.93%) , Exxon Mobile Corp. (XOM 66.10, -0.18, -0.27%) Altera Corp. (nasdq:ALTR) and Xilinx, Inc. (XLNX 26.34, -0.14, -0.53%) .
About Evolution Solar Corporation
Evolution Solar Corporation (EVSO) commercializes leading-edge alternative solar energy technologies and related photovoltaic technologies, equipment and next-generation appliances. Evolution Solar is an emerging industry leader capitalizing on its understanding of solar technology and supporting the development of alternative energy plans for large corporations and government organizations. Evolution Solar is also an expert consultant agency to organizations in their strategic and procurement plans for alternative energy contracts with public utilities.
For more information, please visit http://www.evolutionsolar.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements that include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipate" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, description of anyone's past success, either financial or strategic, is no guarantee of future success. This news release speaks as of the date first set forth above and the company assumes no responsibility to update the information included herein for events occurring after the date hereof.
The Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research released the report at Solar Power International, a conference and trade show in Los Angeles. The U.S. Solar Market Insight report compiled data from the first half of 2010, which forecasts that the domestic solar industry could achieve a new milestone this year by installing a gigawatt of new capacity by year's end. That figure would more than double the 441 megawatts added in 2009.
"This report just confirms what we already know: that solar energy is gaining traction in the United States," said EVSO President and CEO Robert Hines. "Now that U.S. public policy has become stable and friendly towards solar, more and more people are taking a serious look at this revolutionary technology."
The domestic solar industry has avoided the malaise plaguing the overall economy thanks in part to an federal investment tax credit for renewable energy that will stay in place through the end of 2016. Unsurprisingly, California led states in solar capacity added in the first six months of 2010, followed by New Jersey, Arizona and Florida.
"Due to ever-improving solar technology, the costs associated with generating electricity using photovoltaic panels are becoming increasingly affordable," Hines said. "We expect that the price gap between solar power and power generated from traditional fuels will continue to narrow. The development of a cleaner, more efficient and renewable energy industry is already creating thousands of jobs across the country."
In Houston, Evolution Solar is partnering with Texas Southern University to install eight AmpleSun thin-film photovoltaic panels on the campus that are intended to serve as a cornerstone of the new TSU Green Technology Center. The project will be Evolution Solar's first array featuring the AmpleSun panels in the U.S. The company also recently completed construction on a solar demonstration project in the City of Brookshire, Texas. These projects should help Evolution Solar acquire new business in a sector that is growing to compete in the energy industry, which includes First Solar (FSLR 145.71, -1.36, -0.93%) , Exxon Mobile Corp. (XOM 66.10, -0.18, -0.27%) Altera Corp. (nasdq:ALTR) and Xilinx, Inc. (XLNX 26.34, -0.14, -0.53%) .
About Evolution Solar Corporation
Evolution Solar Corporation (EVSO) commercializes leading-edge alternative solar energy technologies and related photovoltaic technologies, equipment and next-generation appliances. Evolution Solar is an emerging industry leader capitalizing on its understanding of solar technology and supporting the development of alternative energy plans for large corporations and government organizations. Evolution Solar is also an expert consultant agency to organizations in their strategic and procurement plans for alternative energy contracts with public utilities.
For more information, please visit http://www.evolutionsolar.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements that include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipate" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, description of anyone's past success, either financial or strategic, is no guarantee of future success. This news release speaks as of the date first set forth above and the company assumes no responsibility to update the information included herein for events occurring after the date hereof.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Solar Power for Arizona
Salt River Project and Iberdrola Renewables have signed a 25-year power purchase agreement for 20 megawatts of solar photovoltaic energy from a Pinal County facility. SRP will purchase all of the solar energy produced at the Copper Crossing Solar Ranch, which is expected to be online by June 2011.
The solar energy will be produced using photovoltaic panels and will produce an amount of energy equal to that needed to serve about 3,100 SRP customers’ homes.
“From wind power to solar, our partnership with Iberdrola Renewables has resulted in thousands of SRP customers benefiting from clean, renewable energy,” said SRP General Manager Richard Silverman.
“Iberdrola Renewables is delighted to partner for the third time with SRP, this time for one of the largest utility-scale projects in Arizona,” said Martin Mugica, executive vice president of Iberdrola Renewables. “SRP has been a leader in bringing clean, renewable energy to Arizona, by purchasing the output of the first commercial-scale wind farms in the state and now with this, one of Iberdrola Renewables’ first solar projects.”
SRP has purchased property located between Quail Run Lane and Attaway Road, and between Judd Road and Bella Vista Road, and will lease a portion of the property to Copper Crossing for the development of the solar facility. The property is adjacent to the Abel receiving station.
Iberdrola Renewables’ experience as one of the nation’s leading wind power project developers and operators has prepared the company to develop and deliver a variety of solar technology solutions. The power purchase agreement with SRP, from what is expected to be one of Iberdrola Renewables’ first solar projects in the U.S., signals the company’s expansion into the solar power business for its utility customers, and it does so with a long term contract from a repeat customer.
The new solar plant will be the third large renewable power project in which SRP has partnered with Portland, Oregon-based Iberdrola Renewables – the Dry Lake Wind Farm Phase 1 was dedicated as Arizona’s first commercial-scale, wind power project in October 2009, and Phase 2 is scheduled to be complete by early 2011.
Iberdrola Renewables also announced a 30 MW solar power sale in Colorado yesterday, for another project slated to begin construction this year. The two combined renewable power purchase agreements mark the worldwide renewables leader’s entrance into the U.S. solar power sector. With a proven track record in wind power, the company plans to bring these 50 megawatts of emission-free solar power to commercial operation by the end of next year.
Salt River Project is the third-largest public power utility in the country and serves more than 930,000 electric customers through a variety of resources including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydroelectricity. In 2004, SRP’s Board of Directors voted to require that 15 percent of the energy generated comes from sustainable resources by 2025. Today, SRP’s sustainable portfolio is 6.5 percent of the total power provided to our customers.
Iberdrola Renewables, Inc. is an American company, headquartered in Portland, Ore., with over 850 employees. It is part of the Iberdrola Renovables global group, the world's leading provider of wind power with more than 11,000 MW of renewable energy in operation around the world, and more than 3,800 MW of that wind power located in the U.S., now bringing its expertise into the solar industry. www.iberdrolarenewables.us
The solar energy will be produced using photovoltaic panels and will produce an amount of energy equal to that needed to serve about 3,100 SRP customers’ homes.
“From wind power to solar, our partnership with Iberdrola Renewables has resulted in thousands of SRP customers benefiting from clean, renewable energy,” said SRP General Manager Richard Silverman.
“Iberdrola Renewables is delighted to partner for the third time with SRP, this time for one of the largest utility-scale projects in Arizona,” said Martin Mugica, executive vice president of Iberdrola Renewables. “SRP has been a leader in bringing clean, renewable energy to Arizona, by purchasing the output of the first commercial-scale wind farms in the state and now with this, one of Iberdrola Renewables’ first solar projects.”
SRP has purchased property located between Quail Run Lane and Attaway Road, and between Judd Road and Bella Vista Road, and will lease a portion of the property to Copper Crossing for the development of the solar facility. The property is adjacent to the Abel receiving station.
Iberdrola Renewables’ experience as one of the nation’s leading wind power project developers and operators has prepared the company to develop and deliver a variety of solar technology solutions. The power purchase agreement with SRP, from what is expected to be one of Iberdrola Renewables’ first solar projects in the U.S., signals the company’s expansion into the solar power business for its utility customers, and it does so with a long term contract from a repeat customer.
The new solar plant will be the third large renewable power project in which SRP has partnered with Portland, Oregon-based Iberdrola Renewables – the Dry Lake Wind Farm Phase 1 was dedicated as Arizona’s first commercial-scale, wind power project in October 2009, and Phase 2 is scheduled to be complete by early 2011.
Iberdrola Renewables also announced a 30 MW solar power sale in Colorado yesterday, for another project slated to begin construction this year. The two combined renewable power purchase agreements mark the worldwide renewables leader’s entrance into the U.S. solar power sector. With a proven track record in wind power, the company plans to bring these 50 megawatts of emission-free solar power to commercial operation by the end of next year.
Salt River Project is the third-largest public power utility in the country and serves more than 930,000 electric customers through a variety of resources including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydroelectricity. In 2004, SRP’s Board of Directors voted to require that 15 percent of the energy generated comes from sustainable resources by 2025. Today, SRP’s sustainable portfolio is 6.5 percent of the total power provided to our customers.
Iberdrola Renewables, Inc. is an American company, headquartered in Portland, Ore., with over 850 employees. It is part of the Iberdrola Renovables global group, the world's leading provider of wind power with more than 11,000 MW of renewable energy in operation around the world, and more than 3,800 MW of that wind power located in the U.S., now bringing its expertise into the solar industry. www.iberdrolarenewables.us
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Hawaii Financial Incentive for Solar
Hawaii property owners who install solar power panels on their rooftops will get paid for their excess homegrown electricity under a Wednesday ruling by state regulators.
The decision allows both homeowners and businesses to sell power to the electric utility and get paid nearly as much per kilowatt hour as residents pay to use retail energy.
Those who sign up for the program will get paid 21.8 cents per kilowatt hour of solar power fed into the electric grid, according to the ruling by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. That compares with an average of 25.3 cents per kilowatt hour paid last month by Oahu customers of Hawaiian Electric Co.
"This is an option for people who generate more energy than they use," said Scott Seu, vice president for energy resources at Hawaiian Electric, which serves most of the state's power needs along with its subsidiaries, Maui Electric Co. and Hawaii Electric Light Co. "It's for anybody who has a fair amount of open space that's not being used."
Hawaii, the nation's most fossil-fuel dependent state, is one of the first regions in the country to institute this policy, known as a feed-in tariff. It guarantees renewable energy producers a fixed price for their power for 20 years.
It's part the state's goal of getting 70 percent of its power from clean sources by 2030 - 40 percent from renewables and 30 percent from efficiency improvements.
"You're going to see a lot more renewable energy projects happen a lot quicker," said Darren Kimura, chief executive for Sopogy, a Honolulu-based concentrated solar power company.
Similar feed-in tariff systems have been created in other parts of the country, including Vermont, Oregon, parts of Wisconsin and Gainesville, Fla.
The Hawaii ruling sets rates for small and mid-sized renewable energy producers to sell solar, wind and hydropower. Sign-up for the program starts Oct. 27 on Oahu, and Nov. 24 on the Big Island and Maui.
It allows for electric grids on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island to add up to 5 percent to their current power output - an additional 60 megawatts on Oahu and 10 megawatts on each of the other two islands. The decision doesn't cover Kauai, whose grid is run by Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.
Currently, electric customers statewide may reduce their power bill by providing energy to the grid. But they aren't paid for producing more energy than they use.
Hawaii may see its solar energy production triple from its current level of about 27 megawatts statewide, said Hawaii Energy Administrator Ted Peck.
"It's a gold rush," Peck said. "The intent is to add new systems and new renewables."
The decision caps project size limits at 5 megawatts for the island of Oahu and 2.72 megawatts for Maui and the Big Island.
The decision allows both homeowners and businesses to sell power to the electric utility and get paid nearly as much per kilowatt hour as residents pay to use retail energy.
Those who sign up for the program will get paid 21.8 cents per kilowatt hour of solar power fed into the electric grid, according to the ruling by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. That compares with an average of 25.3 cents per kilowatt hour paid last month by Oahu customers of Hawaiian Electric Co.
"This is an option for people who generate more energy than they use," said Scott Seu, vice president for energy resources at Hawaiian Electric, which serves most of the state's power needs along with its subsidiaries, Maui Electric Co. and Hawaii Electric Light Co. "It's for anybody who has a fair amount of open space that's not being used."
Hawaii, the nation's most fossil-fuel dependent state, is one of the first regions in the country to institute this policy, known as a feed-in tariff. It guarantees renewable energy producers a fixed price for their power for 20 years.
It's part the state's goal of getting 70 percent of its power from clean sources by 2030 - 40 percent from renewables and 30 percent from efficiency improvements.
"You're going to see a lot more renewable energy projects happen a lot quicker," said Darren Kimura, chief executive for Sopogy, a Honolulu-based concentrated solar power company.
Similar feed-in tariff systems have been created in other parts of the country, including Vermont, Oregon, parts of Wisconsin and Gainesville, Fla.
The Hawaii ruling sets rates for small and mid-sized renewable energy producers to sell solar, wind and hydropower. Sign-up for the program starts Oct. 27 on Oahu, and Nov. 24 on the Big Island and Maui.
It allows for electric grids on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island to add up to 5 percent to their current power output - an additional 60 megawatts on Oahu and 10 megawatts on each of the other two islands. The decision doesn't cover Kauai, whose grid is run by Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.
Currently, electric customers statewide may reduce their power bill by providing energy to the grid. But they aren't paid for producing more energy than they use.
Hawaii may see its solar energy production triple from its current level of about 27 megawatts statewide, said Hawaii Energy Administrator Ted Peck.
"It's a gold rush," Peck said. "The intent is to add new systems and new renewables."
The decision caps project size limits at 5 megawatts for the island of Oahu and 2.72 megawatts for Maui and the Big Island.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Solar Rodeways Wins a Contract
It looks like the future may be paved with solar panels after all.
In early August, we told you about an out-of-the-box green tech company, named Solar Roadways, that had the audacious plan to replace America’s asphalt roads with textured, glass solar panels that could collect energy, distribute it and simultaneously serve up LED-powered signs (see video below). According to Solar Roadways’ founder Scott Brusaw, the idea is to install a massive solar panel network laid out end-to-end from California to New York that would dramatically change the energy landscape and the country’s literal landscape.
Sounds like a pipe dream, right?
At least that was my first impression— I wondered how the United States with its shoddy infrastructure (asphalt upkeep is hard enough) and burgeoning deficit could pay the $4.4 million per mile of road (per Bursaw’s calculations) to fulfill Brusaw’s vision. But I guess I was wrong. The collective web spoke and of the 3,500-plus applicants in GE’s Ecomagination Challenge, Solar Roadways won the first Challenge Award and $50,000— the equivalent of 10, 12′x 12′ panels.
Akin to the audience choice award, this Challenge prize was based on the community’s vote— roughly 74,000 submissions.
For those unfamiliar with the GE Ecomagination Challenge, it’s a partnership between GE and venture capital firms, Emerald Technology Ventures, Foundation Capital, KPCB and RockPort Capital, to invest $200 million in green tech technologies and startups. The core of the contest is five Innovation Awards, worth $100,000 each, which will be announced in early November. GE may also offer commercial relationships to the applicants.
Still far from the Innovation Award or a lucrative contract with GE, Solar Roadways hasn’t won the homecoming crown just yet. However, Bursaw told us on Thursday that the buzz around the Ecomagination challenge and their recent win has brought new eyeballs (about a 5x increase) to the website and the startup’s Facebook and Myspace pages. The win also doesn’t hurt the company’s chances in securing future funding. On top of the $50,000, Solar Roadways has already secured $100,000 from the Federal Highway Administration and is currently applying for a $750,000 FHWA contract.
Nine hundred thousand will not get Bursaw anywhere near his end goal— and Bursaw acknowledges that his dream would take several decades to complete, if it’s even possible— but he says there are smaller, pragmatic ways to deploy Roadways’ technology. For instance, the company has talked to national retailers like Wal-Mart about putting their panels in parking lots and powering the adjacent store/restaurant with solar energy. Of course, there are about 1,000 steps to go before Bursaw even gets there, like designing the glass structure and texture, improving traction, testing durability, manufacturing the panels on a large scale, etc.
So for now, I’ll believe it when I drive on it.
In early August, we told you about an out-of-the-box green tech company, named Solar Roadways, that had the audacious plan to replace America’s asphalt roads with textured, glass solar panels that could collect energy, distribute it and simultaneously serve up LED-powered signs (see video below). According to Solar Roadways’ founder Scott Brusaw, the idea is to install a massive solar panel network laid out end-to-end from California to New York that would dramatically change the energy landscape and the country’s literal landscape.
Sounds like a pipe dream, right?
At least that was my first impression— I wondered how the United States with its shoddy infrastructure (asphalt upkeep is hard enough) and burgeoning deficit could pay the $4.4 million per mile of road (per Bursaw’s calculations) to fulfill Brusaw’s vision. But I guess I was wrong. The collective web spoke and of the 3,500-plus applicants in GE’s Ecomagination Challenge, Solar Roadways won the first Challenge Award and $50,000— the equivalent of 10, 12′x 12′ panels.
Akin to the audience choice award, this Challenge prize was based on the community’s vote— roughly 74,000 submissions.
For those unfamiliar with the GE Ecomagination Challenge, it’s a partnership between GE and venture capital firms, Emerald Technology Ventures, Foundation Capital, KPCB and RockPort Capital, to invest $200 million in green tech technologies and startups. The core of the contest is five Innovation Awards, worth $100,000 each, which will be announced in early November. GE may also offer commercial relationships to the applicants.
Still far from the Innovation Award or a lucrative contract with GE, Solar Roadways hasn’t won the homecoming crown just yet. However, Bursaw told us on Thursday that the buzz around the Ecomagination challenge and their recent win has brought new eyeballs (about a 5x increase) to the website and the startup’s Facebook and Myspace pages. The win also doesn’t hurt the company’s chances in securing future funding. On top of the $50,000, Solar Roadways has already secured $100,000 from the Federal Highway Administration and is currently applying for a $750,000 FHWA contract.
Nine hundred thousand will not get Bursaw anywhere near his end goal— and Bursaw acknowledges that his dream would take several decades to complete, if it’s even possible— but he says there are smaller, pragmatic ways to deploy Roadways’ technology. For instance, the company has talked to national retailers like Wal-Mart about putting their panels in parking lots and powering the adjacent store/restaurant with solar energy. Of course, there are about 1,000 steps to go before Bursaw even gets there, like designing the glass structure and texture, improving traction, testing durability, manufacturing the panels on a large scale, etc.
So for now, I’ll believe it when I drive on it.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Duke Energy Financing Solar Projects
Duke Energy says it has formed a partnership with two other companies to build and finance solar projects across the United States.
Duke Energy Generation Services, a nonregulated commercial unit that develops power projects, will join Integrys Energy Services in jointly owning rooftop and smaller ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays. The projects will sell electricity to commercial, government and utility customers under long-term agreements.
Smart Energy Capital, a Mount Kisco, N.Y., firm focused on solar power, will develop and arrange financing for the projects.
The arrangement will allow renewable energy to be delivered close to where it will be used, with reliable financing, the companies said. Over the next two years, Duke and Integrys expect to invest up to $180 million in capital for projects of 500 kilowatts and larger, and will operate the installations.
Duke Energy Generation Services, a nonregulated commercial unit that develops power projects, will join Integrys Energy Services in jointly owning rooftop and smaller ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays. The projects will sell electricity to commercial, government and utility customers under long-term agreements.
Smart Energy Capital, a Mount Kisco, N.Y., firm focused on solar power, will develop and arrange financing for the projects.
The arrangement will allow renewable energy to be delivered close to where it will be used, with reliable financing, the companies said. Over the next two years, Duke and Integrys expect to invest up to $180 million in capital for projects of 500 kilowatts and larger, and will operate the installations.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Solar Innovation Continues
Enphase Energy Inc., the leader in solar microinverter systems, today announced that its microinverter technology will power 4.5MW of solar projects developed and operated by Main Street Power, a national solar developer, and financed by Morgan Stanley, a leading global financial institution.
The projects will be installed across approximately 36 sites, with system sizes ranging from 30kW to more than 300kW. The clean energy generated by the projects will be sold by Main Street to the San Diego Unified School District through a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). Morgan Stanley will provide the financing for the projects, enabling the school district to immediately begin saving on energy costs.
"We included Enphase in our proposal because it offered substantial cost savings in system design, operation and maintenance, while also increasing energy harvest and system reliability," said Eric Hinckley, senior vice president of Main Street Power. "In addition, the Enphase Microinverters eliminated the need for a pad-mounted central inverter and high-voltage DC wiring, which improves safety and security for the schools."
Installing a pad-mounted central inverter in a high-traffic area can expose a solar system to tampering, vandalism and damage. Enphase Microinverters are installed directly under solar modules on the rooftop, so they do not require vulnerable ground-based equipment.
Outside their security benefits, Enphase Microinverters simplify solar system design by eliminating DC components, string design and inverter sizing for the solar system. In addition, Enphase Microinverters improve system performance by maximizing the power production of individual solar modules and increasing overall system availability to greater than 99.8 percent.
"We have been working with Enphase for more than a year, gaining insight into the company's technology, operations and capital structure," said Martin Mobley, vice president of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. "We are impressed with the performance and reliability that Enphase provides commercial solar systems."
"Enphase is quickly proving its value in medium- and large-commercial solar projects," said Jeff Loebbaka, vice president of worldwide sales, Enphase Energy. "Our collaboration with partners like Main Street and Morgan Stanley is helping us to improve our offering and to make microinverters a more attractive product at increasingly large scales."
About Enphase Enphase Energy provides solar energy management systems for residential and commercial markets. The company offers a system that includes high efficiency microinverters, communications and Web-based monitoring and analysis. The systems increase energy harvest, improve system reliability and simplify design, installation and management. Founded in 2006 and based in Northern California, the company is led by veterans from the solar and high-tech industries and backed by industry leaders. For more information about Enphase, please visit www.enphaseenergy.com.
The projects will be installed across approximately 36 sites, with system sizes ranging from 30kW to more than 300kW. The clean energy generated by the projects will be sold by Main Street to the San Diego Unified School District through a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). Morgan Stanley will provide the financing for the projects, enabling the school district to immediately begin saving on energy costs.
"We included Enphase in our proposal because it offered substantial cost savings in system design, operation and maintenance, while also increasing energy harvest and system reliability," said Eric Hinckley, senior vice president of Main Street Power. "In addition, the Enphase Microinverters eliminated the need for a pad-mounted central inverter and high-voltage DC wiring, which improves safety and security for the schools."
Installing a pad-mounted central inverter in a high-traffic area can expose a solar system to tampering, vandalism and damage. Enphase Microinverters are installed directly under solar modules on the rooftop, so they do not require vulnerable ground-based equipment.
Outside their security benefits, Enphase Microinverters simplify solar system design by eliminating DC components, string design and inverter sizing for the solar system. In addition, Enphase Microinverters improve system performance by maximizing the power production of individual solar modules and increasing overall system availability to greater than 99.8 percent.
"We have been working with Enphase for more than a year, gaining insight into the company's technology, operations and capital structure," said Martin Mobley, vice president of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. "We are impressed with the performance and reliability that Enphase provides commercial solar systems."
"Enphase is quickly proving its value in medium- and large-commercial solar projects," said Jeff Loebbaka, vice president of worldwide sales, Enphase Energy. "Our collaboration with partners like Main Street and Morgan Stanley is helping us to improve our offering and to make microinverters a more attractive product at increasingly large scales."
About Enphase Enphase Energy provides solar energy management systems for residential and commercial markets. The company offers a system that includes high efficiency microinverters, communications and Web-based monitoring and analysis. The systems increase energy harvest, improve system reliability and simplify design, installation and management. Founded in 2006 and based in Northern California, the company is led by veterans from the solar and high-tech industries and backed by industry leaders. For more information about Enphase, please visit www.enphaseenergy.com.
Solar Panel Installation Sometimes Not Enough
What if the guy installing your new solar panels could also fix your ducts and fit your home for energy-efficient lights? SolarCity, the largest provider of residential solar power in California, is now also the first provider to offer home energy efficiency improvements. It's a move that should cushion SolarCity's bottom line, as well as that of its customers.
As part of SolarCity's Home TuneUp option, solar lease customers can opt for a detailed home efficiency evaluation and a package of energy-saving home improvements. During the program's rollout period (about two months), SolarCity will offer minor improvements--including duct leakage fixes, programmable thermostats, energy efficient lights--for free. Simple improvements are done on the same day as the solar installation and home efficiency evaluation, but major upgrades (such as a new HVAC system) are done later. SolarCity will charge for parts.
"A lot of these upgrades will have to happen anyway," explains SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive. "We end up replacing things when they break, and it's often a time of severe discomfort. For example, HVAC systems have a certain lifespan, and they break when it's really cold or really hot. We explain this to customers."
The Home TuneUp is currently only available in California, but SolarCity plans to roll it out to other markets in the coming months. "There are solar companies that outsource this kind of thing," Rive says. "We just send more people."
As part of SolarCity's Home TuneUp option, solar lease customers can opt for a detailed home efficiency evaluation and a package of energy-saving home improvements. During the program's rollout period (about two months), SolarCity will offer minor improvements--including duct leakage fixes, programmable thermostats, energy efficient lights--for free. Simple improvements are done on the same day as the solar installation and home efficiency evaluation, but major upgrades (such as a new HVAC system) are done later. SolarCity will charge for parts.
"A lot of these upgrades will have to happen anyway," explains SolarCity CEO Lyndon Rive. "We end up replacing things when they break, and it's often a time of severe discomfort. For example, HVAC systems have a certain lifespan, and they break when it's really cold or really hot. We explain this to customers."
The Home TuneUp is currently only available in California, but SolarCity plans to roll it out to other markets in the coming months. "There are solar companies that outsource this kind of thing," Rive says. "We just send more people."
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Sun State is Solar State
BROOKSVILLE - Lisa and Lauren Daughrity remember a time when they used to hang their clothes to air dry instead of using the dryer and always had to monitor how much they ran the air-conditioning.
Now thanks to Lisa's husband Bill, she and daughter Lauren, 16, can beat the Florida heat with a cool house and enjoy having dry clothes in an hour.
Bill Daughrity, a retired computer programmer and landlord, decided he wanted his family to enjoy luxuries like air-conditioning and dryers while also cutting down on his electric bill, so instead of just turning off lights when leaving a room or keeping the air-conditioning at a constant 78 degrees, Daughrity took it a step further and installed solar panels in his yard.
"It's great. Now I can run the dryer and the AC freely," Lisa Daughrity said.
After spending last summer researching the advantages of solar panels on the Internet, Bill Daughrity bought 44 panels and various supplies to install them, such as grid-tied inverters and steel, from around the country.
Daughrity filed for a permit that allowed him to install the panels himself and spent two months mounting the panels on a 30 degree tilt in order to get the maximum amount of power throughout the year.
Together, the panels generate 4,000 watts, each running at 205 watts, more than enough for Daughrity to power his house.
Energy from the sun goes through the panels to the grid-tied inverters that convert the energy to run the air-conditioning, refrigerator, televisions and other electric appliances. Any excess energy generated goes back through the inverters and back onto the power lines.
On a cloudy day, the panels produce less power, but Daughrity said he uses the excess energy that the panels produce on sunny days.
"Right now I'm producing more than I use," said Daughrity, who lives northeast of Brooksville off Danmar Avenue.
When there is a power outage, the solar panels will still convert energy but the inverters will automatically shutdown out of safety to electricians who may be checking the power lines.
Daughrity installed a switch that will disconnect his inverters from the main power lines so he can still power his house while not running the risk of hurting someone.
"This would be good for power outages if you want to keep running the refrigerator and so on," he said.
Daughrity said the total cost for purchasing and installing the panels himself was about $32,000. However, the federal government gave Daughrity 30 percent back of what he spent on the panels. Also, the state doesn't tax on environmental purchases like solar panels.
So he spent about $22,000 out of pocket.
"There are incentives to go green," he said. "I have a lot of money invested in this. It will pay off in about 12 years."
Daughrity said a bad economy and high electric bills was his incentive to install the solar panels.
During the winter, his electric bill went as high as $250 a month. Now Daughrity has gotten his bill down to as low as $27 a month.
"It saves us a lot of money that can go towards other things," he said.
Although installing solar panels and inverters is costly, Daughrity said even a few panels can make a difference.
"Anything anybody can do to help offset the fuel we burn has got to help," he said.
Daughrity said he bought 24 Kyocera and 20 Evergreen solar panels from Sun Electric in Miami and miscellaneous equipment from Sunny Boy Inverters, Northern Arizona Sun and Wind and Tampa Steel.
For questions about solar energy, Daugrity can be reached at wldinvestment@bellsouth.net.
Now thanks to Lisa's husband Bill, she and daughter Lauren, 16, can beat the Florida heat with a cool house and enjoy having dry clothes in an hour.
Bill Daughrity, a retired computer programmer and landlord, decided he wanted his family to enjoy luxuries like air-conditioning and dryers while also cutting down on his electric bill, so instead of just turning off lights when leaving a room or keeping the air-conditioning at a constant 78 degrees, Daughrity took it a step further and installed solar panels in his yard.
"It's great. Now I can run the dryer and the AC freely," Lisa Daughrity said.
After spending last summer researching the advantages of solar panels on the Internet, Bill Daughrity bought 44 panels and various supplies to install them, such as grid-tied inverters and steel, from around the country.
Daughrity filed for a permit that allowed him to install the panels himself and spent two months mounting the panels on a 30 degree tilt in order to get the maximum amount of power throughout the year.
Together, the panels generate 4,000 watts, each running at 205 watts, more than enough for Daughrity to power his house.
Energy from the sun goes through the panels to the grid-tied inverters that convert the energy to run the air-conditioning, refrigerator, televisions and other electric appliances. Any excess energy generated goes back through the inverters and back onto the power lines.
On a cloudy day, the panels produce less power, but Daughrity said he uses the excess energy that the panels produce on sunny days.
"Right now I'm producing more than I use," said Daughrity, who lives northeast of Brooksville off Danmar Avenue.
When there is a power outage, the solar panels will still convert energy but the inverters will automatically shutdown out of safety to electricians who may be checking the power lines.
Daughrity installed a switch that will disconnect his inverters from the main power lines so he can still power his house while not running the risk of hurting someone.
"This would be good for power outages if you want to keep running the refrigerator and so on," he said.
Daughrity said the total cost for purchasing and installing the panels himself was about $32,000. However, the federal government gave Daughrity 30 percent back of what he spent on the panels. Also, the state doesn't tax on environmental purchases like solar panels.
So he spent about $22,000 out of pocket.
"There are incentives to go green," he said. "I have a lot of money invested in this. It will pay off in about 12 years."
Daughrity said a bad economy and high electric bills was his incentive to install the solar panels.
During the winter, his electric bill went as high as $250 a month. Now Daughrity has gotten his bill down to as low as $27 a month.
"It saves us a lot of money that can go towards other things," he said.
Although installing solar panels and inverters is costly, Daughrity said even a few panels can make a difference.
"Anything anybody can do to help offset the fuel we burn has got to help," he said.
Daughrity said he bought 24 Kyocera and 20 Evergreen solar panels from Sun Electric in Miami and miscellaneous equipment from Sunny Boy Inverters, Northern Arizona Sun and Wind and Tampa Steel.
For questions about solar energy, Daugrity can be reached at wldinvestment@bellsouth.net.
Friday, October 8, 2010
SolarFun Gets Investor Funds
SHANGHAI, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. ("Solarfun") (Nasdaq: SOLF), a vertically integrated manufacturer of silicon ingots, wafers and photovoltaic ("PV") cells and modules in China, announced the closing of Hanwha Chemical Corporation's ("Hanwha Chemical") strategic investment in Solarfun. According to the terms of the agreement, Hanwha Chemical purchased 36,455,089 ordinary shares from Solarfun at a price of RMB14.51 (US$2.144) per ordinary share, which corresponds to a price of US$10.72 per American Depositary Share ("ADS"). The total proceeds to Solarfun amounted to approximately US$78 million, which Solarfun currently expect to use to fund its expansion plans and for general corporate purposes. Hanwha Chemical (009830.KS) is a leading global chemical company headquartered in Korea.
In addition, Hanwha Chemical has completed the acquisitions from Good Energies II LP ("Good Energies") and Yonghua Solar Power Investment Holding Ltd. ("Yonghua") of a total of 120,407,700 Solarfun ordinary shares and 1,281,011 Solarfun ADSs, representing all of the ordinary shares and ADSs held by them. Immediately after the closing of the purchase of ordinary shares and ADSs from the Company, Good Energies and Yonghua, Hanwha Chemical owned approximately a 49.99% interest in Solarfun.
In connection with the transaction, Hanwha Chemical and Solarfun entered into a shareholders agreement that provides for, among other things, certain governance rights for Hanwha Chemical, including board representation, consent rights and registration rights, and certain obligations of Hanwha Chemical, including transfer restrictions and standstill arrangements. As a result, effective September 16, 2010, Mr. Yonghua Lu and Mr. John Breckenridge resigned as directors and Mr. Terry McCarthy and Professor Rongqiang Cui resigned as independent directors of Solarfun. On the same date, three designees from Hanwha Chemical, Mr. Ki-Joon Hong, Mr. Dong Kwan Kim and Mr. Wook Jin Yoon, were appointed as directors of Solarfun.
Ki-Joon Hong is the CEO of Hanwha Chemical Corporation. Prior to his current position, Ki-Joon was the CEO of Hanwha's pharmaceutical and refinery businesses. Under his leadership, Hanwha Chemical entered into solar energy and secondary battery businesses and also actively expanded its overseas operations, forming a joint venture in Saudi Arabia and building a PVC factory in Ningbo, Zhejiang. He received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Seoul National University.
Dong Kwan Kim is the Managing Director, Corporate Strategy of Hanwha Corporation. His responsibilities include formulation and execution of the Hanwha Group's solar strategy across the entire value chain from polysilicon to downstream operations. Dong Kwan brings extensive leadership and strategic development experience to Hanwha with his background as an officer in the Republic of Korea Air Force. He received a B.A. in Government from Harvard University.
Wook Jin Yoon is the Director of the investment management team at the Management & Planning headquarters of Hanwha Group. Before assuming his current responsibility, he was the president of Hanwha Investment & Trust Company. He graduated from Seoul National University with a B.A. in Economics.
About Solarfun
Solarfun Power Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: SOLF) is a leading manufacturer of solar PV cells and modules in China, focusing on delivering high quality and reliable products at competitive prices. Solarfun produces its monocrystalline and polycrystalline products at its internationally certified, vertically-integrated manufacturing facilities. Solarfun partners with third-party distributors, OEM manufacturers, and system integrators to sell its modules into large-scale utility, commercial and governmental, and residential/small commercial markets. Solarfun maintains a strong global presence with local staff throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. Solarfun embraces environmental responsibility and sustainability by taking an active role in the photovoltaic cycle voluntary recycling program. For more information, visit: www.solarfun-power.com. SOLF-G
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from such estimates depending on future events and other changes in business climate and market conditions. Solarfun disclaims any obligation to update or correct any forward-looking statements.
For further information, please contact:
Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
Investor Contact:
Paul Combs
V.P. Strategic Planning
Building 1, 18th Floor
1199 Minsheng Road, Shanghai, PRC 200135
P. R. China
Tel: 86-21-3852 1533 / Mobile: 86 138 1612 2768
E-mail: paul.combs@solarfun-power.com
Christensen
Kathy Li
Tel: +1 480 614 3036
E-mail: kli@ChristensenIR.com
Tip Fleming
Tel: +852 9212 0684
E-mail: tfleming@ChristensenIR.com
In addition, Hanwha Chemical has completed the acquisitions from Good Energies II LP ("Good Energies") and Yonghua Solar Power Investment Holding Ltd. ("Yonghua") of a total of 120,407,700 Solarfun ordinary shares and 1,281,011 Solarfun ADSs, representing all of the ordinary shares and ADSs held by them. Immediately after the closing of the purchase of ordinary shares and ADSs from the Company, Good Energies and Yonghua, Hanwha Chemical owned approximately a 49.99% interest in Solarfun.
In connection with the transaction, Hanwha Chemical and Solarfun entered into a shareholders agreement that provides for, among other things, certain governance rights for Hanwha Chemical, including board representation, consent rights and registration rights, and certain obligations of Hanwha Chemical, including transfer restrictions and standstill arrangements. As a result, effective September 16, 2010, Mr. Yonghua Lu and Mr. John Breckenridge resigned as directors and Mr. Terry McCarthy and Professor Rongqiang Cui resigned as independent directors of Solarfun. On the same date, three designees from Hanwha Chemical, Mr. Ki-Joon Hong, Mr. Dong Kwan Kim and Mr. Wook Jin Yoon, were appointed as directors of Solarfun.
Ki-Joon Hong is the CEO of Hanwha Chemical Corporation. Prior to his current position, Ki-Joon was the CEO of Hanwha's pharmaceutical and refinery businesses. Under his leadership, Hanwha Chemical entered into solar energy and secondary battery businesses and also actively expanded its overseas operations, forming a joint venture in Saudi Arabia and building a PVC factory in Ningbo, Zhejiang. He received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Seoul National University.
Dong Kwan Kim is the Managing Director, Corporate Strategy of Hanwha Corporation. His responsibilities include formulation and execution of the Hanwha Group's solar strategy across the entire value chain from polysilicon to downstream operations. Dong Kwan brings extensive leadership and strategic development experience to Hanwha with his background as an officer in the Republic of Korea Air Force. He received a B.A. in Government from Harvard University.
Wook Jin Yoon is the Director of the investment management team at the Management & Planning headquarters of Hanwha Group. Before assuming his current responsibility, he was the president of Hanwha Investment & Trust Company. He graduated from Seoul National University with a B.A. in Economics.
About Solarfun
Solarfun Power Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: SOLF) is a leading manufacturer of solar PV cells and modules in China, focusing on delivering high quality and reliable products at competitive prices. Solarfun produces its monocrystalline and polycrystalline products at its internationally certified, vertically-integrated manufacturing facilities. Solarfun partners with third-party distributors, OEM manufacturers, and system integrators to sell its modules into large-scale utility, commercial and governmental, and residential/small commercial markets. Solarfun maintains a strong global presence with local staff throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. Solarfun embraces environmental responsibility and sustainability by taking an active role in the photovoltaic cycle voluntary recycling program. For more information, visit: www.solarfun-power.com. SOLF-G
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from such estimates depending on future events and other changes in business climate and market conditions. Solarfun disclaims any obligation to update or correct any forward-looking statements.
For further information, please contact:
Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
Investor Contact:
Paul Combs
V.P. Strategic Planning
Building 1, 18th Floor
1199 Minsheng Road, Shanghai, PRC 200135
P. R. China
Tel: 86-21-3852 1533 / Mobile: 86 138 1612 2768
E-mail: paul.combs@solarfun-power.com
Christensen
Kathy Li
Tel: +1 480 614 3036
E-mail: kli@ChristensenIR.com
Tip Fleming
Tel: +852 9212 0684
E-mail: tfleming@ChristensenIR.com
Solar Project Approved on Federal California Land
BrightSource Energy Inc. won approval from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar for the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System, the first large-scale solar energy project on U.S. public lands to use “power tower” technology.
BrightSource plans to start construction on the 392- megawatt Ivanpah plant in December and complete work in 2012. The project will use pole-mounted mirrors, or heliostats, to reflect the sun’s rays to boilers mounted on top of towers, heating the water inside to more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius). The resulting steam will then be piped to an electricity-generating turbine.
The approval comes two days after Salazar granted leases to Chevron Corp. and Tessera Solar for solar power projects on federal land in California totaling 754 megawatts.
Edison’s Southern California Edison utility in August won permission to buy 117 megawatts from the Ivanpah solar plant being developed in California’s Mojave Desert by closely held BrightSource. PG&E Corp. was approved to buy 275 megawatts from the project. A megawatt is enough power for about 800 typical U.S. homes, according to the Energy Information Administration.
The Ivanpah plant will be located on federal property controlled by the Bureau of Land Management in Ivanpah, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Needles, California, in San Bernardino County.
BrightSource plans to start construction on the 392- megawatt Ivanpah plant in December and complete work in 2012. The project will use pole-mounted mirrors, or heliostats, to reflect the sun’s rays to boilers mounted on top of towers, heating the water inside to more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius). The resulting steam will then be piped to an electricity-generating turbine.
The approval comes two days after Salazar granted leases to Chevron Corp. and Tessera Solar for solar power projects on federal land in California totaling 754 megawatts.
Edison’s Southern California Edison utility in August won permission to buy 117 megawatts from the Ivanpah solar plant being developed in California’s Mojave Desert by closely held BrightSource. PG&E Corp. was approved to buy 275 megawatts from the project. A megawatt is enough power for about 800 typical U.S. homes, according to the Energy Information Administration.
The Ivanpah plant will be located on federal property controlled by the Bureau of Land Management in Ivanpah, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Needles, California, in San Bernardino County.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Standard Solar Applauds White House Decision
Solar power is an efficient and cost-effective way to power a home,” said Tony Clifford, CEO of Standard Solar. “The fact that it will now be used on the home of the President further signals the government’s acknowledgement of that fact, as well as President Obama’s commitment to renewable energy.”
In 2008, Standard Solar installed a solar electric system on the Department of Energy’s Forrestal Building, adjacent to the National Mall, making it the first government agency to adopt a roof-mounted solar array demonstrating the viability of solar energy for tens of thousands of commercial and government building rooftops. The 205-kilowatt system provides up to 8% of the Forrestal Complex’s energy during peak demand hours and generates approximately 215 megawatt hours of clean electricity each year. More information on this project can be found here: http://www.standardsolar.com/Commercial/Case-Studies/CASE-STUDY--U-S--Department-of-Energy-Headquarters.aspx
Government incentives and tax credits have helped make solar energy systems more affordable solutions for homeowners and businesses. The decision to install solar panels and a solar hot water heater on the roof of the White House Residence was announced Tuesday, as October’s National Energy Awareness Month gets underway.
About Standard Solar
Standard Solar, Inc. is a leader in the full-service development, construction, integration, financing and installation of solar electric systems. Dedicated to making solar solutions more accessible to consumers, businesses, institutions and governments, the company is leading the way to energy independence. Since 2004, Standard Solar has been the partner of choice to make solar energy financially accessible, helping customers through financing options, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and navigating expanded federal and state and local tax credits. The company’s Standard Energy Solutions (SES) division provides energy auditing and retrofitting services for energy improvement projects. Ranked the 73rd Fastest Growing Private Company in America in 2010 by Inc. magazine, and the highest ranking renewable energy company on the list, Standard Solar is headquartered in Rockville, MD. For more information, please visit www.standardsolar.com.
In 2008, Standard Solar installed a solar electric system on the Department of Energy’s Forrestal Building, adjacent to the National Mall, making it the first government agency to adopt a roof-mounted solar array demonstrating the viability of solar energy for tens of thousands of commercial and government building rooftops. The 205-kilowatt system provides up to 8% of the Forrestal Complex’s energy during peak demand hours and generates approximately 215 megawatt hours of clean electricity each year. More information on this project can be found here: http://www.standardsolar.com/Commercial/Case-Studies/CASE-STUDY--U-S--Department-of-Energy-Headquarters.aspx
Government incentives and tax credits have helped make solar energy systems more affordable solutions for homeowners and businesses. The decision to install solar panels and a solar hot water heater on the roof of the White House Residence was announced Tuesday, as October’s National Energy Awareness Month gets underway.
About Standard Solar
Standard Solar, Inc. is a leader in the full-service development, construction, integration, financing and installation of solar electric systems. Dedicated to making solar solutions more accessible to consumers, businesses, institutions and governments, the company is leading the way to energy independence. Since 2004, Standard Solar has been the partner of choice to make solar energy financially accessible, helping customers through financing options, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and navigating expanded federal and state and local tax credits. The company’s Standard Energy Solutions (SES) division provides energy auditing and retrofitting services for energy improvement projects. Ranked the 73rd Fastest Growing Private Company in America in 2010 by Inc. magazine, and the highest ranking renewable energy company on the list, Standard Solar is headquartered in Rockville, MD. For more information, please visit www.standardsolar.com.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Georgia on Solar Move
The Solar Purchase Tariff will allow Georgia Power to purchase an additional 1.5 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity from customers at 17 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for generating facilities designed to produce less than 100 kilowatts. Customers who sell solar under the new tariff must agree to share all cost and operational information with Georgia Power so that the company can gain experience in solar electricity generation.
The company will also issue a request for proposals (RFP) for an additional 1 MW of solar capacity with no project size restriction. Georgia Power will consider solar proposals in this RFP with a price of 15 cents per kWh or less.
Georgia Power will use this solar energy to supply the Premium Green Energy product. Customers can purchase 100-kilowatt-hour blocks of Premium Green Energy with a 50 percent solar component for $5 per block or Standard Green Energy, generated from biomass sources, for $3.50 per block.
Since Georgia Power began the Green Energy program in October 2006, nearly 4,200 customers have committed to purchase approximately 3.8 million kilowatt-hours of green energy, or enough electricity to power approximately 3,800 homes using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month.
"Since we began offering customers a 50 percent solar option, we've added almost 1,000 new blocks of the Premium Green Energy product to the program," said Angela Strickland, director of Energy Efficiency. "By increasing our solar capacity in the program to 5.4 MW, we hope to keep pace with the significant growth of solar purchases by our customers both now and in the future."
Georgia Power will continue to offer its Renewable-Non Renewable Resources (RNR) tariff to customers who use their solar facilities to either offset their electricity bill or who sell the power back to Georgia Power at the company's solar avoided cost.
Georgia Power's Solar Purchase Tariff and revised RNR tariff will go into effect Jan. 1, 2011.
Georgia Power customers can sign up to buy Green Energy at http://www.georgiapower.com/greenenergy.
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.3 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.
The company will also issue a request for proposals (RFP) for an additional 1 MW of solar capacity with no project size restriction. Georgia Power will consider solar proposals in this RFP with a price of 15 cents per kWh or less.
Georgia Power will use this solar energy to supply the Premium Green Energy product. Customers can purchase 100-kilowatt-hour blocks of Premium Green Energy with a 50 percent solar component for $5 per block or Standard Green Energy, generated from biomass sources, for $3.50 per block.
Since Georgia Power began the Green Energy program in October 2006, nearly 4,200 customers have committed to purchase approximately 3.8 million kilowatt-hours of green energy, or enough electricity to power approximately 3,800 homes using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month.
"Since we began offering customers a 50 percent solar option, we've added almost 1,000 new blocks of the Premium Green Energy product to the program," said Angela Strickland, director of Energy Efficiency. "By increasing our solar capacity in the program to 5.4 MW, we hope to keep pace with the significant growth of solar purchases by our customers both now and in the future."
Georgia Power will continue to offer its Renewable-Non Renewable Resources (RNR) tariff to customers who use their solar facilities to either offset their electricity bill or who sell the power back to Georgia Power at the company's solar avoided cost.
Georgia Power's Solar Purchase Tariff and revised RNR tariff will go into effect Jan. 1, 2011.
Georgia Power customers can sign up to buy Green Energy at http://www.georgiapower.com/greenenergy.
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.3 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Free Solar Event in Los Angeles October 13, 2010
LOS ANGELES, Oct 04, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Solar Power International 2010, the largest business-to-business solar conference and expo in North America, opens its doors to the public on Oct. 13, from 5:30 -- 8:30 p.m. During this free event at the Los Angeles Convention Center, those attending Public Night can browse solar products from more than 1,100 exhibitors, learn about the latest solar energy technology for their home or business, and attend free educational workshops about everything from home installation to climate change. Attendees can also find out about solar jobs at the Job Centers located in both South and West Halls of the Los Angeles Convention Center.
In previous years, SPI's Public Night has been a popular event, drawing more than 5,000 people interested in learning about the latest solar technology. This is a unique opportunity for southern Californians to learn about the many different ways of capturing and using solar energy, all under one roof. The expo floor is segmented by product category, making the show easy to navigate for individuals or business owners looking to go solar.
"Our annual Public Night is an important part of our show program, since it's one of our biggest opportunities to educate the public about the benefits of solar energy," said Brian Tully, executive director of Solar Energy Trade Shows. "We hope people leave Public Night with ideas about how to get involved, whether it's using solar energy for their home or business, or getting a job in the growing solar industry."
Session topics for SPI's free educational workshops include:
Solar Water Heating 101 for Homeowners: Solar water heating is a well-established option to reduce a home's energy bills and carbon footprint. There are great incentives for solar water heating equipment and a growing number of vendors ready to install home systems. This session presents how solar water heaters work, what options are available, and how to proceed with a residential solar water heating energy project. Presented by: Los Angeles Renewable Energy Society California Solar Initiative Public Forum: California has set a goal to create 3,000 megawatts of new, solar-produced electricity by 2017. The CPUC's California Solar Initiative program provides incentives to existing residential and business customers when installing solar systems. This forum provides an overview of the progress of the program, upcoming changes and a panel discussion. Presented by: California Solar Initiative Solar Electricity 101 for Homeowners: Solar PV is quickly becoming a mainstream option for homeowners. Yet the technology options are many and it is challenging to assess the economic proposition presented by solar installers. Which technology is right for which home? What should homeowners expect once the system is installed? This session presents what the technology is, how it works, what options are available, and how to proceed with a residential-retrofit energy project. Presented by: California Solar Energy Industries Association Climate Presentation, Problems and Solutions Based on "An Inconvenient Truth" and "Our Choice" by Al Gore: The Climate Project's (TCP) mission is to educate the public about the harmful effects of climate change and to work toward solutions at a grassroots level worldwide. Each TCP presenter delivers a version of Gore's slideshow based on his best-selling books and the Academy Award-winning documentary film "An Inconvenient Truth." As part of this select group of 1,200 individuals in the U.S. chosen to become TCP presenters, Jeff completed the TCP training program in 2007. Less time is spent on defending the climate science and more solutions are now presented in the slideshow, since climate change is now more widely understood and accepted. Presented by: Jeff Wolfe, PV division chair of SEIA, The Climate Project- trained presenter
Solar Power International 2010 is the largest and most comprehensive business-to-business solar industry event in North America and the premiere destination for global and local solar companies conducting business in the U.S. On Thursday, Sept. 23, Trade Show Executive named Solar Power International the fastest growing show that exhibitors are flocking to, as well as Show to Watch in the coming years. For the 27,000+ attendees from 90 countries expected to attend, the event features 200 industry speakers, more than 35 break-out sessions, and dozens of half- and full-day educational training workshops. The conference is a must-attend event for solar industry professionals, utility executives, investors, engineers and policymakers.
The event is presented by the Solar Electric Power Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association, nonprofit groups based in Washington, D.C.
Additional information about Public Night, registration, sponsorship, exhibitors and programs can be found at www.solarpowerinternational.com.
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. With more than 700 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.
Solar Energy Industries Association Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA is working to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org
SOURCE: Solar Power International
In previous years, SPI's Public Night has been a popular event, drawing more than 5,000 people interested in learning about the latest solar technology. This is a unique opportunity for southern Californians to learn about the many different ways of capturing and using solar energy, all under one roof. The expo floor is segmented by product category, making the show easy to navigate for individuals or business owners looking to go solar.
"Our annual Public Night is an important part of our show program, since it's one of our biggest opportunities to educate the public about the benefits of solar energy," said Brian Tully, executive director of Solar Energy Trade Shows. "We hope people leave Public Night with ideas about how to get involved, whether it's using solar energy for their home or business, or getting a job in the growing solar industry."
Session topics for SPI's free educational workshops include:
Solar Water Heating 101 for Homeowners: Solar water heating is a well-established option to reduce a home's energy bills and carbon footprint. There are great incentives for solar water heating equipment and a growing number of vendors ready to install home systems. This session presents how solar water heaters work, what options are available, and how to proceed with a residential solar water heating energy project. Presented by: Los Angeles Renewable Energy Society California Solar Initiative Public Forum: California has set a goal to create 3,000 megawatts of new, solar-produced electricity by 2017. The CPUC's California Solar Initiative program provides incentives to existing residential and business customers when installing solar systems. This forum provides an overview of the progress of the program, upcoming changes and a panel discussion. Presented by: California Solar Initiative Solar Electricity 101 for Homeowners: Solar PV is quickly becoming a mainstream option for homeowners. Yet the technology options are many and it is challenging to assess the economic proposition presented by solar installers. Which technology is right for which home? What should homeowners expect once the system is installed? This session presents what the technology is, how it works, what options are available, and how to proceed with a residential-retrofit energy project. Presented by: California Solar Energy Industries Association Climate Presentation, Problems and Solutions Based on "An Inconvenient Truth" and "Our Choice" by Al Gore: The Climate Project's (TCP) mission is to educate the public about the harmful effects of climate change and to work toward solutions at a grassroots level worldwide. Each TCP presenter delivers a version of Gore's slideshow based on his best-selling books and the Academy Award-winning documentary film "An Inconvenient Truth." As part of this select group of 1,200 individuals in the U.S. chosen to become TCP presenters, Jeff completed the TCP training program in 2007. Less time is spent on defending the climate science and more solutions are now presented in the slideshow, since climate change is now more widely understood and accepted. Presented by: Jeff Wolfe, PV division chair of SEIA, The Climate Project- trained presenter
Solar Power International 2010 is the largest and most comprehensive business-to-business solar industry event in North America and the premiere destination for global and local solar companies conducting business in the U.S. On Thursday, Sept. 23, Trade Show Executive named Solar Power International the fastest growing show that exhibitors are flocking to, as well as Show to Watch in the coming years. For the 27,000+ attendees from 90 countries expected to attend, the event features 200 industry speakers, more than 35 break-out sessions, and dozens of half- and full-day educational training workshops. The conference is a must-attend event for solar industry professionals, utility executives, investors, engineers and policymakers.
The event is presented by the Solar Electric Power Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association, nonprofit groups based in Washington, D.C.
Additional information about Public Night, registration, sponsorship, exhibitors and programs can be found at www.solarpowerinternational.com.
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. With more than 700 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.
Solar Energy Industries Association Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA is working to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org
SOURCE: Solar Power International
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